Island Peak

This morning we will enjoy a half-day tour of Kathmandu, visiting some wonderful cultural sights in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.

Climb the many steps to Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), with its commanding views of Kathmandu (at 1420 m), its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism.

We then move on to the striking Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa that attracts pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. In the midst of traditional gompas, and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, Boudhanath attracts Sherpas, Tibetans and tourists alike for daily circumambulations of the stupa.

We then visit the Hindu Pashupatinath and its sacred temple complex on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing saddhus draped in burnt-orange and saffron sit serenely meditating – when they’re not posing for photos-for-rupees.

In the afternoon, we will do a gear check to ensure that you have all the necessary items for the trek. You will have the opportunity to do some last minute shopping in Thamel should you need to replace or augment any gear.

Overnight: Hotel

We fly on a twin-engine Otter to the Himalayan foothills where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic vistas of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants.

After landing in the village of Lukla (2800m), we meet the rest of our staff and porters and trek for about three hours to Phakding.

Trekking Time: 3 hours

Overnight: Local lodge

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.

Namche Bazaar is a colourful panoply of lodges, houses and restaurants and is nestled in a u-shaped bowl amphitheatre surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides and opening out to the Bhote Khosi on the other. Namche Bazaar is a prosperous trading town and many Tibetans cross the nearby border via the Nangpa La to trade their wares.

Trekking Time: 5 hours

Overnight: Kalapathar Lodge.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.

Optional activities include an early hike above town, before the clouds move in, rewarding trekkers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the beautiful Ama Dablam.

Visit the Sherpa Museum with all kinds of information regarding the history of the Himalayas, its geography, culture, mountaineering history and information of flora and fauna of this region.

Acclimatization is important before proceeding higher and taking a day hike to Khunde or Khumjung will be beneficial in this regard. Explore the wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, or indulge in the delights of the local bakeries.

Overnight: Kalapathar Lodge.

The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We pass through Sanasa, which is inhabited primarily by Tibetans, after which the trail drops to Phunki Thanga (3250m).

It’s a 2-hour climb from here to Tengboche, through forests and around mani stones up to the saddle where the monastery sits, in a clearing surrounded by dwarf firs and rhododendrons. Views from here of the Himalayan giants are deemed to be the most magnificent in the world.

Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 6m sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. If our group is fortunate, we will see the resident Lama perform a ceremony and hear the mystical Buddhist chanting and music.

Trekking Time: 6 hours

Overnight: Rivendell Lodge

It is a short, steep and muddy descent through a forest of birches, conifers and rhododendrons to Debuche. Look out for Nepal’s national bird, the impeyan pheasant. After crossing the Imja Khola on a swaying suspension bridge high above a spot where the river rushes through a narrow cleft, the trail climbs past some magnificently carved mani stones to Pangboche at 3860m.

Beyond Pangboche, the route enters alpine meadows above the tree line. The vegetation is predominantly scrub juniper and tundra. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam (“Mother’s Charm Box”).

Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals.

Trekking Time: 6 hours

Overnight: Everest Resort

Today is an important acclimatization day, prior to venturing into the upper reaches of the Khumbu valley. The day can be spent visiting the monastery in Dingboche, famous for its Yeti scalp and hand, and exploring the Imja Khola. There are also some breathtaking views of the north face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak.

Today’s walk is short allowing for an opportunity to relax in the afternoon and either do some laundry, reading, writing, photography etc. or just laze in the sun.

Overnight: Everest Resort.

From Dingboche, the trail traverses through farmlands and meadows before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the small village of Duglha (4620m), before climbing up to a viewpoint with stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. The trail drops a bit and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse, seen from Lobuche, is a memorable sight.

Trekking Time: 6 hours

Overnight: Local lodge

The trail initially follows the western side of the broad Khumbu Valley and ascends gently through meadows beside the glacial moraine. The ascent becomes steeper and rougher and the trail is constantly changing.

En-route to Gorak Shep, the conical peak of Pumori comes into view – on its lower slopes, a ridge extending to the south terminates in a small peak. This peak is called Kala Pattar (meaning ‘black rock’) and at 5545m high provides the best vantage point for viewing Mt Everest.

The trail makes a short descent onto the sandy, flat expanse of Gorak Shep.

Trekking Time: 3 hours

After enjoying something to eat and hydrating well, we set off on our ascent of Kala Pattar. A slow, steady pace is the best approach – avoid rushing! It’s a tough climb, but the views from the summit surpass the wildest imagination.

The Icefall, the South Col, the entire Everest south face and the North Ridge are visible, as well as the Lho La (the pass between Nepal and Tibet). You are also rewarded with magnificent views of Changtse, Nuptse, Tawache, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Pumori.

These are poignant moments that will be cherished for the rest of your life.

We then descend for a well-earned rest at Gorak Shep.

Climbing Time: 3 hours

Overnight: Local lodge.

In the event of bad weather on Day 10, we have the opportunity for a second chance to climb Kala Pattar.

Today we also continue our trek to Everest Base Camp, located at the foot of the Khumbu icefall. The route follows the Khumbu Glacier, sometimes on the moraine and sometimes on the glacier itself.

Base Camp is spread over a wide area and resembles a tented town when expeditions from all over the world settle there during the climbing season. We will visit, before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.

Trekking Time: 4 hours

Overnight: Local lodge.

After breakfast at our lodge, we trek to Chukung, over the Kongma La Pass (5550m). This trek aids our acclimatization and it is a very beautiful trek. In Chukung, we organize our gear and prepare to leave the lodge, so that we can set up camp at the Island Peak Base Camp.

Trekking Time: 8 hours

Overnight: Local lodge.

We leave the lodge and trek to the Island Peak Base Camp, where we set up camp, review some technical climbing skills and then have an early dinner in preparation for an early start to the summit.

Trekking Time: 4 hours

Overnight: Tents

Today is our big day, where we aim to summit Island Peak. We will get up around midnight, have a hot drink and snacks and then set off in the early hours, climbing up the ridgeline and then onto the glacier. Once we are on the glacier, we will rope up and ascend to the prominent ridgeline where we will utilize fixed ropes to negotiate the final slopes to the summit. We enjoy the breathtaking views, take photographs and then descend back to our Base Camp.

Here, we will have a short rest, pack up and then continue down to our teahouse in Chukung, where we will be greeted with a hearty and well-deserved meal.

Climbing and Trekking Time: 12 hours

Overnight: Local lodge.

We have built in a spare day, in case of bad weather.

After a leisurely breakfast, we trek down to Pangboche.

Trekking Time: 4 hours

Overnight: Local lodge.

Today is another easy day, as we make our way down to the bustling little village of Namche Bazaar, where we will greet old friends that we met on our

way up. We check into the Kalapathar Lodge and enjoy walking around the streets of this quaint little village, perhaps doing some last minute shopping.

Trekking Time: 4 hours

Overnight: Kalapathar Lodge.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

Trekking Time: 7.5 hours

Overnight: Khumbu Resort.

If the weather is clear, the morning flight back to Kathmandu will be a scenic and smooth farewell to the mountains.

Overnight: Hotel

A free day catching up on any sights we missed during our first few days in Kathmandu, shopping, lounging at the pool, strolling to Durbar Square or perhaps a trip to the medieval city of Patan.

Tonight we will enjoy a final Celebration Dinner!

Overnight: Hotel

Sadly, we leave the kingdom of Nepal behind, as we make our way home after a life-changing experience.