| Duration: | 20 Days | Trip Code: | CO-402 |
| Trip Grade | strenuous | Max-Altitude: | 6,189m/20,305ft |
| Meals: | All meals during trek & climbing | Accommodation: | Lodges during trek and hotel in Kathmandu |
| Group size: | Minimum 2 | Transportation: | Private vehicle/flight |
| Trip Start: | Kathmandu | Trip End: | Kathmandu |
| Primary Activity: | Trekking, Sightseeing & Hiking | Best Season | March to May, Mid September to Mid December. |
Not everyone gets to see the magnificent view of world tallest peaks from a close proximity as we do. Mountains are the pride of Nepal and are open to be explored by the trekkers and climbers from all around the world and Everest Base camp trek is one of the most preferred and searched trekking destination.
Island Peak is best for trekker who is physically fit and an enthusiast with less or no mountaineering experience. Every year numerous climbers climb the Island Peak which is considered among the tallest trekking peak in Nepal. Besides, you will be also exploring the Everest base camp and Kalapatthar via Gokyo in this 20 days package for the closer view of Mt. Everest and other surrounding Peaks. Our itinerary is designed in such a way that it gives you ample time to acclimatize at suitable intervals. Our well-experienced guides will accompany you throughout the trekking and climbing.
We ensure you a guaranteed departure on your chosen date. However, at times due to adverse weather conditions the flight might be delayed or cancelled for a day affecting the schedule. We always recommend you to add one night (three nights to the most) in Kathmandu after your trek if possible). We can arrange helicopters as per needed in case of flight cancellation as per you need and request. You can get special discounts on groups.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel. (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft)
Day 02: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2610 m/8612 ft). Flight: 30 minutes 3/4 hrs
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazar (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft. Trek: 5/6 hrs)
Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft)
Day 05: Trek to Dole (Altitude: 4200 m/13860 ft. Trek 5-6 hrs)
Day 06: Trek to Machhermo (Altitude: 4,470 m/14750 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs)
Day 07: Trek to Gokyo (Altitude: 4,800 m/15840 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs)
Day 08: Rest day for acclimatization
Day 09: Hike to Gokyo Ri5483m/18094 ft, Trek to Thagnak 4700 m/15510 ft. Trek: 4/5 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Cho La pass 5330 m/17589 ft to Dzongla 4830 m/15939 ft 7 - 8 hours
Day 11: Trek to Gorekshep(5140 m/16960 ft) and to Kalapatthar(5550 m/18315 ft) and back to Gorekshep 6/7 hrs
Day 12: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5357m/17678) ft and back to Lobuche (4910 m/16203 ft) 5/6 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Chhukung (4750 m/15675 ft)via Kongma-la pass (5535 m/18265 ft) 6/7 hrs
Day 14: Island Peak base camp (Altitude: 5,200m/17,060ft) 3/4 hrs
Day 15: Climbing training course and preparation (5,200m/17,060ft)
Day 16: Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20305ft) back to Chhukung (Altitude: 6,189m/20305ft) 8/9 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Namche (Altitude; 3440 m/11352 ft) 5/6 hrs. Meal
Day 18: Trek to Lukla (Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft) 4/5 hrs
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft) Flight: 30 minutes
Day 20: Final Departure
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our airport representative will receive and transfer you to the respective hotel in a private vehicle comfortably. Your prior trip meeting will be scheduled on the very day at the hotel before dinner. However our airport representative will give you a brief idea about the second day’s schedule on your way to the hotel. During the meeting we will introduce you to your leader/guide. You will have to make payment if any. Please do not hesitate to ask questions about your trek or anything that is related to your trip. To make you feel comfortable, we host a welcome dinner for you in a popular restaurant in the city where you can enjoy authentic Nepali meal along with cultural programs including ethnic dance and songs. You will be spending this night in the hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) (30-35 minute flight)
Total duration:4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
You will be escorted to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport by our staff early in the morning to board the flight to Lukla. After a 30-35 minutes flight you will land to Tenzing- Hillary Airport, Lukla from where your trek begins. You can enjoy the majestic view on your way to Lukla from Kathmandu if the weather is clear. There will be a short briefing session regarding the trekking and you will also be introduced to the other trekkers during your breakfast. You will get some time to go see the village and local people while porters sort out and load the trekking equipments. This walk is considered to be a short hike that will help you to acclimatize. After almost four hours of walk you will reach Phading. There are many beautiful monasteries to visit, beautiful Lukla village and a breathtaking terrain to view. There are many resting places and lodges in Phakding and you will be staying in one of these lodges tonight.
Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)
Total duration:4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Our journey will begin today shortly after the breakfast along the forested trail of Dudhkoshi river. This uphill trail crosses the suspension bridge with prayer flags and will lead us to Monju, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. There are ample number of teahouses, and resting places for refreshment. After clearing the entrance formalities to enter the National Park, the steep stony trail downward will lead to another amazing suspension bridge across the Dudhkoshi River. An hour of uphill walk through the pine forest from here will lead us to Namche Bazaar-Gateway to Mt. Everest. We will find many good restaurants, hotels, tea houses lodges shops, money exchange, bakeries and teahouses as Namche is the biggest village along the whole Everest trail. Major attractions of this day are view of Mt. Kusum, Lhotse, Nuptse and a first Glimpse of Mt. Everest. You will stay in a guesthouse tonight.
Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization (3440 m/11352 ft)
Total duration:2-3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The entire day will be spent in Namche for us to adjust with the air and the environment. Namche is an important acclimatizing spot.It is alwayswise to be active instead of sitting ideal during the day. We will be going for a short trek to Thame, an old Sherpa village to celebrate and watce Sherpa Tradition or we can visit the peripheral villages offering a lot more to see and cherish. We will have time to visit the National Parks headquarter, monasteries or the museum. We can get glimpses of the beautiful panorama of different peaks Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kantega, Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam among others from the site. This night will also be spent in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Trek to Dole (Altitude: 4200 m/13860 ft. Trek 5-6 hrs)
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today we will trek uphill and above 4000m to reach the top from where we can view Mt. Everest and Lhotse. After continuous walk following the trail passing through the villages, the traders are seen selling Tibetan handicrafts. The trail above Dudhkoshi river branches, one of which leads to Everest base Camp. We will follow the other trail that ascend to Mon La Pass and then to Phortse. Phortse is a beautiful village where we can see preserved culture of Sherpa in a local monastery, local powerhouse or even trek to Luri Peak. From here hike will follow a steepe climb passing through the forest and beautiful settlement of Tonga and Gyele to reach Dole. We can view Khumbila and Tawache. We can spend our evening exploring the village and staying overnight at Dole.
Day 06: Trek to Machhermo (4,470 m/14750 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs)
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today after breakfast, our hike will begin with a gradual uphill climb alongside the valley. We might find it difficult in breathing because of the increased altitude. A lush of alpine forest is seen replacing the temperate forest and many. We will pass by numerous pasture lands throughout the trail. Peaks like Choyu, Kantega and Thamserku are clearly visible from this point. We will arrive to Machhermo during the daytime. After having lunch we can explore the valley and nearby places. This night will be spent at Machhermo.
Day 07: Trek to Gokyo (4,800 m/15840 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs)
Total duration:6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Right after breakfast, today we will climb over the ridge to see the majestic view of Khatanga gorge along with the closest view of Mt. Cho you right in front of us. From here our hike continuous along the edge until we reach Pangram and now our trail will descend down to the riverbank. We will reach the Ngozumpa glacier after a gradual uphill climb. It is vertical scale on the moraine, afterwards the path heights out as it follows the valley past second lake. After few hours of walk we will reach Gokyo valley where we will stay overnight.
Day 08: Rest day for acclimatization
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today is an important day of Gokyo valley trek. While exploring the area we can hike to the fifth lake and then return to Gokyo valley to stay overnight.
Day 09: Hike to Gokyo Ri 5483m/18094 ft, Trek to Thagnak 4700 m/15510 ft
Total duration: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We will start a little early today to climb Gokyo RI (5,463m) right after breakfast. This is the point from where the alluring view of Mt. Everest, Choyu, Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu can be seen. Our trek will continue towards Tragnag which is a very beautiful highland Sherpa hamlet that is situated at the base of Cho La pass. We will stay at Tragnag tonight.
Day 10: Trek to Cho La pass 5330 m/17589 ft to Dzongla 4830 m/15939 ft
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Since we will have to walk for longer hours, we will start our walk a little early. We will be trekking to Cho La Pass which is attainable but a much steeped one. We will see the glacier on the eastern side. After reaching Cho La Pass we will walk on the other side of the pass through steeper trail to reach Dragnak village. Our trek will continue to the top where few small frozen lakes can be seen. After a short downhill trek followed by a steep downhill walk crossing rocky stones will take us to Dzongla. We will stay at Dzongla.
Day 11: Trek to Gorekshep (5140 m/16960 ft) and to Kalapatthar (5550 m/18315 ft), back to Gorekshep
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We will be starting a litter early to chase the classic Everest Base Camp trail that leads to Gorekshep. Gorekshep is a highland village that offers facilities including food, accommodation, and communication for the trekkers. This is the place which leads to Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar. We will hike to Kalapatthar from where the first-hand view of Mt. Everest is visible. After spending some time at Kalapatthar we will return to Gorekshep to stay overnight.
Day 12: Trek from Gorak Shep-Everest Base Camp- and back to Lobuche (4910 m/16203 ft) 5/6 hrs
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, the trek is going to be a bit difficult one as we will be trekking along the Khumbu Glacier to reach the Everest Base Camp. We will first trek to Gorak Shep and after having lunch, the accent for Everest base camp begins; the point from where you can see Mt. Everest at close proximity without any mountaineering equipments. After walking through the rocky trail we will reach to the Everest Base Camp (5,357m/17,575ft). We can see the splendid view of Khumbu valley from this point. We will return to Lobuche for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 13: Trek from Lobuche (4,930m/16,170 ft) to Kongma La (5,535/18,159ft) to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft)
Total duration: 6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
The destination for today is set for Chhukung via Kongma La pass. So shortly after breakfast, we will head towards Kongma La walking along the Khumbu Glacier. Today is going to be the tough and tiring day. We will witness an amazing view of the peaks upon reaching Kongma La. From here we will descend to Imja Khola valley and continue to descend until we reach Chhukung. Chhukung is a small settlement where we will be staying overnight.
Day 14: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft)
Total duration: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
We will be heading to Island Peak base camp. The trails for today are reasonable and are easier compared to the previous day’s trails. It will take not more than 4 hours to reach the base camp. We will have to climb the southern part and then to the east to reach the main line of the valley. From here the path are windy along the Lothse Glacier but the trails get easier as we continue to walk along the streamside. We will walk on the crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier to reach the Island base camp. This is a wide valley situated on the south-west side of the Island Peak. We will stay overnight at the base camp.
Day 15: Island Peak High Camp (Altitude: 5,600m/18,372ft)
Total Duration: 3/4 hrs
Meals Includes: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Get ready with your camping stuff and kick off toward to the High camp from where you will start climb. As, you climb the hill, you can encounter the narrow slopes entering to a steep rock channel nearby, Sherpa will set a camp. Here, our guide will fix crampons on your climbing boots and re-check the entire climbing group and personal equipment once again for better safety. If required, you may learn last minute climbing technique with our climbing Sherpa at this stage. If possible, you will be also taken for the ice/rock climbing nearby but subject to the availability. Overnight at High Camp.
Day 16: Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20,305ft) and trek to Chhukung.
Total duration: 08-09hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Climbing a summit in the Himalayas means it is always a midnight start. To avoid strong Himalaya wind in the summits late afternoon, climbers do so. The ascend to Island Peak summit stretches gradually uphill for several 100 meters until it reaches the steep section. From sandy trails to grassy, the trails to the summit of Island peak also leads through rock strewn snowy section. The trail gets narrower and you will cross pass the rocky gully and then tread along the snowy ridgeline before using the ropes to get over the tricky final snout that leads to the summit. Enjoy the moments there, which are truly magical. Witness the world’s highest peaks including Everest so close and so raw, take some pictures and follow the retracing trail back to Chhukung. It will be the longest walk in your entire trail. On arriving at lodge in Chhukung, you can get relax your tired muscles.
Day 17: Chhukung to Namche Bazaar (3,400m/11,283ft)
Total duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today we will walk down to Tengboche passing through Imja Khola. We will continue to walk through the dense rhododendron and juniper forest .after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudhkoshi river, we will take the trails that follow the gorges of Dudhkoshi River that’s descend through the pine forest before reaching Sansa. We might witness many different Himalayan fauna on our way like pheasant, mountain goats, and musk deer. After walking for sometimes we will reach Namche Bazar. We will stay overnight at Namche Bazar.
Day 18: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft)
Total duration: 7-8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today is the final day of this trek, so shortly after the breakfast we will head towards Lukla from where your trek began. The trail drops down to Dudhkoshi and then we reach Monjo. We will have our lunch at Phakding and then continue to trek till we reach Lukla. You can spend your time with your team members roaming around market or can have some quality time with yourself enjoying your achievement that you made during past few days. You will spend this night at Lukla.
Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner
Flight to and from Lukla are normally during the early hours as the weather might go unpredictably adverse during the later hours. After your breakfast, you will be taken to the airport by our guide and you luggage will be taken care of by the porters and local Sherpas. You will reach to Kathmandu after a 30 min of flying. You will be escorted to the respective hotel by our staff from the airport. You will have time to rest. Since today is your last day in Kathmandu, we host a farewell dinner where you can give your feedback regarding the services that we provided during the entire trip. We will stay at Kathmandu tonight.
Day 20: Final Departure
Meals included: Breakfast
This is the last day of your trip with us. You can extend you trip for one or two days to visit other interesting places in and out of Kathmandu which is completely optional. If not then one of our staff will escort you to the airport as per your scheduled departure. You can roam around the city and buy souvenirs’ and do shopping to take along with you if your flight is scheduled during late hours.