Island Peak Climbing - 16 days

  • Duration:16 Days
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Difficulty
  • Max. Altitude: 6189 meters
  • Starts at: Kathmandu
  • Ends at: Kathmandu
  • Best Time: March-May , Oct- Early December
Highlights
  • Traverse through the Sagarmatha National Park and explore its riches
  • Witness the glorious mountain panorama as seen from the top of Imja Tse (6,189m)
  • Experience the authentic culture of the Sherpas
  • Visit ancient monasteries in the Everest region including Tengboche Monastery

Located at an altitude of 6,189m the snowy summit of Island Peak Climbing has been often used as an introduction to mountaineering by those seeking to conquer the 8,000 m peaks. This peak climbing journey entails a walk through the gleaming Sherpa villages and Tibetan-Buddhist culture to culminate in a climb to the top of the peak adrift in the sea of ice, Island Peak (6119m). Surrounded by illustrious glaciers, the journey takes on the majestic Himalayas reached through enchanting hilly landscapes and captivating Sagarmatha National Park.

Our Himalayan journey of Island Peak begins from the valley touring the premium destinations spread throughout the region. Before making our way to Lukla via one of the most thrilling airstrips. Beginning our trek, we head to the hamlet of Phakding. Hereon, the trail leads towards Namche Bazaar crossing the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle. With the lush green forests giving occasional views of the Himalayas the trail spins in and out of the Himalayan hamlets. Namche Bazaar offers a courteous display of Sherpa culture and practices in and around the villages of Khunde and Khumjung. Ahead, the Everest Base Camp Trek heads to the villages of Tengboche and Dingboche adorned with monasteries and Chortens.

Especially, the Tengboche Monastery is revered to hold breathtaking panoramas of the mountains like Mt.  Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and numerous others in the Everest region. From Chhukung, we begin our Himalayan ascent heading to Island Peak Base Camp and summiting the Himalayas the next day. Enjoy the stunning Himalayan panorama.  As seen from the snowy summit of Island Peak (6,189m) the trail winds down to the lush green forests.  Leading towards Pangboche and then onto Namche Bazaar. The final stretch of our journey takes us back towards Namche Bazaar from where we head back to Kathmandu ending the journey.

We, at Tour Trekking Company, present the Island Peak Climbing journey to you. Although the peak comes off as a routine practice climb for the adventurers' nothing can be far from the truth. We offer brilliant guides and trip leaders to offer you the utmost safety and expertise in the climb. Another peak is Mera Peak Climbing belongs to Sagarmatha National Park. Contact us for more details.

Itinerary

At Tribhuvan International Airport our representatives will be on standby awaiting your arrival from where you will be driven directly to the hotel. After freshening up from the day's travel, you will be introduced to the guides and other members of the staff who will brief you on the trip. In evening explore International market thamel!

  • Max. Altitude:1, 300m.
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Ace Vision Treks always hearing about your personal interest. If you wish to City Sightseeing let us know! 

 we not only journey to the tourist attractions located around the valley but also take some time to prepare for the trip including the management of permits, gathering equipment, and making sure everything is ready for the Himalayan adventure. We will also visit the UNESCO world heritage sites of Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath adorned with religious heritage, and Kathmandu Durbar Square which boasts a rich cultural history. The day ends in the tranquil environment surrounding Boudhanath before we head back to the hotel. 

  • Max. Altitude:1, 300m.
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

The day begins early after a lovely breakfast and we get on board four our lovely 40-minute flight to Lukla (2,800m). With the sight of the majestic Himalayas on the horizon, the journey lands at one of the most thrilling airstrips. Taking a brief stop at Lukla, we begin our trek journeying towards Phakding. Located on the banks of Dudh Koshi River the hamlet offers great views of Kusum Khangkaru (6,367m).

  • Max. Altitude:2, 652m
  • Time:3-4 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Heading out of Phakding, we come across several suspension bridges to come our way including the well-known Hillary suspension bridge. Through the hamlets of Monjo, Chhamuwa, and Bengkar, the trail reaches Jorsalle where we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. Enjoying the views of the Himalayas on the horizon, the trail takes us towards Namche adorned with the snowy summits of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Lhotse (8,414m).

  • Max. Altitude:3, 440m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the first and only acclimatization day allocated for this trip today, we stay at the village of Namche taking time to explore the local area and enjoy the local culture. The hamlets of Khumjung and Khunde are lovely places to be adorned with Himalayan views and enchanting local Sherpa culture. The hamlet of Khumjung is well known for the Yeti-Skull monastery which is believed to house the skull of a real-life yeti. Later, we descend back to Namche Bazaar.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 440m.
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

With the mesmerizing views of Ama Dablam (6,856m) guiding the forested trail, we head out of Namche Bazaar ascending towards the hilly hamlet of Tengboche. The lush green forests filled with pine, oak, and rhododendron trees envelop us as we continue the gradual ascent guided by the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. The hamlet of Tengboche is well known for hosting the famous Mani Rimdu Festival and also for the Tengboche Monastery. 

  • Max. Altitude:3, 860m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breaking to an altitude of 4,000m, today, we make our journey ascending to the hamlet of Dingboche. Leaving the pleasant hilly trail behind, we take on the rugged Himalayan trail snaking through the thinning forests. Accompanying us is the familiar summit of Ama Dablam (6,856m) and several clusters of settlements as the journey take a steeper route for the final ascend reaching Dingboche.

  • Max. Altitude:4, 410m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The journey is a short one as we continue through the familiar Himalayan trails stretching towards the Himalayas. Continuing the ascent, the skyline gives way to the snowy summit of Island Peak (6,189m) accompanied by the countless Himalayas. The rising altitude is reflected as the lush green forests give way to rocky hills as the trail ends at Chhukung.

  • Max. Altitude:4, 730m.
  • Time:2-3 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The day is a lovely one as we make our way exiting the valley through the southern end before turning back east and heading up through the Himalayan trail. The trek through the thrilling moraines of Lhotse Glacier the trail once again turns towards the south accompanying the glistening Lhotse and Imja glaciers eventually heading towards the base camp at an altitude of 5,200m.

  • Max. Altitude:5, 200m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Camping
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The day begins early as we make our way towards the summit of Island peak at 6,189m gradually ascending through the rugged Himalayan trail covered with snow and ice. The trail continues through the glacial moraines onto the ridges from where we take the support of ropes for maneuvering. The view from the summit is as rewarding as the climb sporting mesmerizing views of the Himalayas including Makalu (8,463m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Lhotse (8,414m), Cho-Oyu (8,188m), and Mt. Everest (8848m). Enjoying the enchanting Himalayan panorama, we begin our downwards descent reaching the base camp.

  • Max. Altitude:5, 200m.
  • Time:10-12 hours
  • Accommodation:Camping
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

With the majestic Himalayas to our back, we begin our descent heading towards Pangboche for the night. Once again, the decreasing altitude invites the lush green forests filled with pine, oak, and rhododendron trees. Enjoying the refreshing natural landscapes, we overlap with the trail spanning across the Everest Base Camp Trek to make our way towards Pangboche.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 985m.
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Through the seas of prayer flags and Mani walls, we begin our journey crossing the Imja Khola and heading back to Namche Bazaar. The trail back is a lovely one as we gradually descend towards the hamlet of Phunki continuing on to the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Through the several clusters of settlements, the trail continues towards Namche.

  • Max. Altitude:3, 440m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On our final day of the trek and we descend back to Lukla for the night. Heading out of Namche through the lush green forests, we descend to the confluence of Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi Rivers. Crossing the vibrant hamlet of Chheplung, we continue our forested run reaching Lukla where our trek comes to a close.

  • Max. Altitude:2, 840m.
  • Time:6-7 hours
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The day begins early as we make our way towards Kathmandu once again taking on the thrilling airstrip heading out of Lukla. Enjoying the aerial views of the Himalayas for a final time, we land at Kathmandu heading directly to the hotel. With the activities of the day over you are free to head to the local market in the hunt for souvenirs back home or hang back at the hotel enjoying the amenities. 

  • Max. Altitude:1, 300m.
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

Today is kept as a reserve day to make sure that we will be able to fulfill our objectives which can sometimes be hampered by unforeseen circumstances. Cases like bad weather during the mountain climb or altitude sickness due to poor acclimatization can be a problem in the Himalayas for which the reserve day can be used any time during the trip.

    On the final day of the trip, Ace Vision Treks & Tours representatives will once again drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport just in time for your next flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.

      Cost Details
      What is Included
      • Airport pick-up and drop by a private vehicle
      • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan
      • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
      • Tented accommodation during the climb
      • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek and climbing
      • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
      • Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
      • English-speaking, trained, and experienced trekking guide(leader), and climbing guide (leader).
      • Porter service (2 trekkers =1 porter)
      • Staff costs include their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation.
      • All necessary paperwork; trekking permits and Island Peak climbing permits
      • Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
      • Group mountaineering (climbing) equipment Medical kit (carried by your guide)
      • All government and local taxes
      What is not Included
      • Your Nepal visa.
      • You will require 2 passport size photos
      • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
      • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Mountain
      • Personal trekking Equipment
      • Tips for trekking and Climbing crews
      • Your travel insurance (compulsory)
      • Sightseeing and Monuments fees
      • Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the price include sections

      Client Reviews

      • Everest Base Camp Trek and Ascent of Island Peak

        We had a wonderful trip with Ace Vision. They were perfectly adaptable to our time frame for when we wished to start the trek and end the trek with a couple of modifications for an accelerated descent. First we had a nice reception at the airport. Our initial guide Ganesh was not able to meet us due to inclement weather prohibiting his flight,  Our first hotel was clean and restful and the food and evening event were welcomed after a long plane flight from the USA. We had an issue with obtaining a plane flight to Lukla from KTM the next day. They switched our tickets from plane to helicopter and we very much enjoyed the experience; staying on target for our trek. The trip started directly after landing in Lukla. We slowly acclimatized our way up to the Everest Base Camp with our superb guides over several days. We had two excellent porters, Mingma and Nabin, who allowed us to enjoy the trek with just moderately light backpacks, as we had brought our mountaineering gear for Island Peak. The guides Bikash and Pemba were absolutely superb. I cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism and constant vigilance of our safety, acclimatization, and enjoyment. They made the trip outstanding by including local knowledge and bringing in regional culture such as attending the street celebration of the light festival Diwali. They showed us the Sherpa Culture Museum, the Sagarmatha National Park Museum, and two Buddhist temples including the one maintaining ostensible Yeti remains. Bikash and Pemba ensured we had everything we needed including hot tea three times per day at minimum and orders for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Tea Houses were stayed at and passed by on our journey. Be sure to try the Chicken Chili as it is not Traditional USA Chili but Chili Pepper sauteed chicken, that really hits the spot on this sort of trek. We were able to do two short side hikes on our acclimatization days which added to the experience. Pemba took us down to the Glacier run at Everest Base camp (EBC) for pictures and to intimate the Khumbu experience. After visiting EBC we went back down and around to prepare for ascent of Island Peak. Island Peak was a great side trip to add on for those who like such things. Pemba being an official mountaineering guide, who has ascended Mount Everest several times, ensured we were properly trained/reviewed on ascenders, rope technique, and harness checks. He checked all our equipment thoroughly and provided us with Ice axes and ascenders. The package included gear, though we wanted to bring our own gear that we were thoroughly comfortable with. Island peak is a formidable task to climb to over 20,000 feet and do it quickly with gear on. You need to be as fit as you possibly can and specifically train for vertical in heavy boots. After Island Peak we made our descent back to Lukla. Our flight out of Lukla was canceled along with several hundred other trekkers, which meant we would miss our international flight that evening. You should probably try to get a buffer day or two in your schedule to make sure you get out of Lukla to KTM in time for your international flight. Ace Vision worked with us to get a helicopter from Lukla to KTM that afternoon, which was a great relief. We were again met at the airport and taken to a nice hotel for hot showers and hot savory comfort food. That was well received so that we could truly relax on our international flights out of Nepal being sparkly clean and satiated. Suggestions and Last Thoughts: I can say you will not get hungry on the trip and they make sure you are always well fed. We were pleasantly surprised at the selection choices on the menus for the Tea Houses, which are almost identical for each establishment. You don't need to bring food. They even have snickers bars if you want - pretty much everywhere. There is plenty of opportunity for specialty coffee as well. Consider taking diamox to assist with acclimatization and help prevent developing headaches. You may wish to arrange paying a bit more and reserve helicopter rides as plane travel can be frequently shut down early in the day due to bad weather. Remember that though the temperatures in this region are not brutally cold the tea houses are not heated and so you will be breathing in cold air all day and all night - below zero Celsius air at night. Many people we saw including ourselves caught the Khumbu cough coupled with an upper respiratory tract infection that was going around. This can be devastating and we saw numerous helicopter rescues for people who became sick. Some had to curtail their adventures including about 50% not making Island Peak. You may consider having a back up plan for taking a helicopter down the mountain from one of the villages that allows pick up and absolutely everyone should have travel medical insurance. We saw very healthy young trekkers who were fit succumb to the Khumbu cough to the point they had to cut their trek short. Also, hot showers are almost non-existent so be prepared for Military style super quick showers if possible and using a rag with hot water in a bowl. Lastly I cannot speak highly enough about Bikash and Pemba and our wonderful porters Mingma and Nabin. Ace Vision did a great job selecting these guides and porters and I suggest you ask for them specifically, should you choose to use Ace Vision. Again we really appreciated the flexibility Ace Vision executed to ensure we could switch the plane flights to helicopter and stay on our tight time table. They really want to please their clients and they work to do so. Prosperous regards and please consider enjoy a trip of a lifetime to Nepal and EBC, its a trip guaranteed you will never forget!

        C
        Christopher HUnited States,May, 2019
        TripAdvisor
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