01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)| Welcome Dinner
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. With the activities of the day over you are free to take a look around the city before a lovely welcome dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trip Preparation
Today, 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. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m) then trek to Phakding (2,652m): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek
The day begins early after a lovely breakfast and we get on board four our lovely 40-minute flight to Lukla. 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). Overnight stay at Phakding.
04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 5-6 hours
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). Overnight stay at Namche.
05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): Acclimatization Day
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. Overnight stay at Namche.
06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m) (5- 6 hours)
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. Overnight stay at Tengboche.
07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m) (3-4 hours)
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. Overnight stay at Dingboche.
08: Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m) (2 hours)
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. Overnight stay at Chhukung.
09: Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m): 3-4 hours
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. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.
10: Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6,189m), back to base camp: 10-12 hours
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. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.
11: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m) 5-6 hours
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. Overnight stay at Pangboche.
12: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m): 4-5 hours
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. Overnight stay at Namche.
13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m): 6-7 hours
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. Overnight stay at Lukla.
14: Fly to Kathmandu (40 minutes)
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. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
15: Reserve Day
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.
16: Departure
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.