Island Peak Expedition 15 Days

We head to Tribhuvan International Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla. After a scenic 40 minutes flight, you will land at the Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla. Our trek begins from the prosperous village of Lukla and reaches Phakding. Today's trek will be short and enjoyable as you will also be acclimatizing. With spare time on your hands, you can visit the local monasteries around Phakding and prepare yourself for the long trek the next day.

We begin the six-hour trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing several tributaries of this majestic river many times on thrilling suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply, providing you with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to several quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, internet cafes, shops, and a bakery. Namche (3441m) is one of the biggest towns along the Everest trail.

We will spend a day at Namche to adjust to the high altitude. You should not miss visiting the Sherpa museum celebrating Sherpa traditional customs. Further, we will hike to the Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel. From Everest View Hotel, you can see rewarding views of the Himalayas (including Everest) with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.

After our early morning breakfast, we will begin our trek to Tengboche. On the way, we will enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Island peak. The trail leads us up and down as it becomes challenging, but you’ll enjoy great views of the Himalayas. You may also spot wildlife on the way, such as musk deer, pheasant, and Himalayan tahr. We will further trek down to cross the Dudh Koshi River. After passing through dense alpine forests, you will reach a small settlement called Phunki Thenga. As you trek ahead from Phunki Thenga, you will eventually get to Tengboche after a steep climb through a pine forest. In Tengboche, you will see the biggest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu Region - Tengboche Monastery.

We continue trekking uphill to Pangboche, past many chortens, mani walls, and small villages. You can see spectacular views of the Mt. Island peak from the trails. You will be entering the Imja Valley following the Lobuche River and trek on a steeply ascending trail to Dingboche. From Dingboche, we can see the Island peak (6,812m) and Mt. Lhotse (8,516m).

Lobuche is the most technically difficult summit in the Everest area. The hike to Lobuche East Peak takes 5-6 hours, and the day of the summit takes 8-10 hours. The path from Lobuche hamlet to Lobuche Base Camp is steep, rocky, and exhausting. Leaving Pheriche the trail heads up the drainage of the Khumbu across a fairly level wind swept outwash plain. After about an hour it starts to climb steeply up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Halfway up the moraine is Dughla a small tea collection of guest houses where you can break for coffee or tea. Continuing on past Dughla the trail continue to climb steeply to the top of the morraine where a memorial has been placed for climbers who died on Everest. The trail now continues on fairly level on the west side of the lateral moraine before reaching Lobuche.

At Thangma Riju, one can experience the 360-degree panoramic view of snowcapped mountains. Unfortunately, we cannot see Mount Everest from here. However, We can view Mount Nuptse, Mount Nuptse, and Mount Pumori. Below Mount Pumori, we see a grey grassy land of Kalopaththar after climbing up the steep terrain of Changri glacier.

We start early today to witness a glimpse of Mount Everest when the dusk turns to a bright morning with the light of the day. Peaks like Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse, are viewed on the way. Next, we suggest that during the ascent to Kalapththar, which takes hours, one pauses and catches one breath while snapping the photos at times. Then, finally, we descend back to Dinboche , where we stay overnight.

Adding on Chukhung (also spelled Chhukhung) to your itinerary, will give you the chance to experience an area that most do not get to see. Not only will you have the chance to head over the Kongma La Pass to Lobuche, but you also can head on hikes to Island Peak Base Camp as well as a hike up Chukhung Ri. During my trip taking part of the entire Three Passes Trek, I headed to Chukhung on day 7, checked into my teahouse, and then did the round trip hike to Island Peak Base Camp that afternoon.

Starting from the Chhukung valley, we will head towards the Base Camp today. From an altitude of 4750 meters, we shall head towards an altitude of 5200 meters at the Island Peak Base Camp. he trekking trails from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp are steep and rocky. On your way to the Island Peak Base Camp, you can see the beautiful glaciers. Passing through the Imja River to the Lhotse Glacier, you can explore the magnificent and mesmerizing views of the neighboring mountains along with the beautiful glaciers. Take your time with short breaks in between and mind your step as the rocky steps may be slippery in some parts. You will be spending the night at the base camp in tented camps. You will be provided with a kitchen crew and nutritious food.

We begin our pre-climb training today after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb

You get your stuff and head out in pitch darkness following your guide. You carry in your daypack packed lunch, water, camera, any memento you want to leave at the summit, and some snacks you can nibble. It is important to make an early start as you need to be on the summit before the afternoon wind blows and brings in the clouds. As the day progresses it gets very windy and foggy on the mountain. You hold on to the fixed rope and walk along the ridgeline enjoying the views till you reach the summit. After spending some time at the summit savoring your victory and taking pictures you descend the same route. It is a long and exhausting descent to the base camp. Keep your eyes wide and be careful as most of the accidents occur while descending. Upon reaching Base Camp celebrate your victory and have refreshments. Later bid goodbye to the crew and head to Chukkung.

We can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.

Right when you leave Namche Bazaar, you will begin to lose elevation relatively quickly. After that initial rapid descent, the elevation loss rate will be begin to slow down for the next 10 km / 6 miles or so. But the last portion of trail will actually be an uphill climb as you make your way back to Lukla and finish up the Everest Base Camp route.

After the trek take a mesmerizing flight to Kathmandu.