Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek- 19 days

As you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted warmly by your trekking guide and transferred to your hotel at Thamel. After the hotel check-in, relax, and comfort yourself with the surrounding local conditions. Depending on the time available, stroll along the streets of Thamel filled with shops, cafes, and local handicrafts. Evening Welcome Dinner & Orientation with your guide. The orientation briefing will cover Island Peak Climbing itinerary, safety measures, equipment to be utilized, and an insight into Nepalese culture. The day is kept free for relaxation and acclimatization for the coming high-altitude journey.

Today you will spend the day exploring Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the world's holiest Hindu temples, observing sacred ceremonies on the Bagmati River. Then go to Boudhanath Stupa, a huge Buddhist monument ringed with monasteries and prayer wheels. On to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) atop a hill overlooking Kathmandu valley, and last, walk around Patan Durbar Square, famous for beautiful Newari architecture and artisan workshops. Upon sightseeing, head back to your hotel for an extensive briefing on treks. Your guides will help you check gear, pack, and provide tips on acclimatization.

The day begins with an early morning flight to Lukla to start your Himalayan adventure. The flight gives a breathtaking panorama of snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, and glacial streams. Upon arrival at Lukla Airport, trek downhill along the Dudh Koshi River through pine and rhododendron forests, Sherpa villages, and charming suspension bridges. Taste high-altitude trekking for the first time as you reach Phakding, a serene village with stone houses. Enjoy your first teahouse night and relish a warm meal amidst Himalayan landscape views.

Hike deeper into Sagarmatha National Park, a World Heritage Site. Negotiate suspension bridges above raging rivers, including the legendary Hillary Bridge, and hike along steep trails through forested terrain and agricultural land. Look out for local Sherpa villages and prayer flags billowing in the wind. Ascend gradually to Namche Bazaar, Sherpa capital, famous for its lively bazaar, cafes, and striking views of Thamserku (6,623 m) and Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m). Namche is an acclimatization base, with trips possible into surrounding shops, monasteries, and viewpoints offering your initial close-up glimpse of Mount Everest. Overnight in a teahouse.

Enjoy a relaxed walk to adjacent Khumjung or Syangboche, appreciating stunning views of Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and Ama Dablam (6,812 m). Visit surrounding monasteries, mix with Sherpa families, and observe customary village life. Optional are short trips to Everest View Hotel for famous photographs. This day acclimatizes your body to the altitude and introduces you to Sherpa living and culture. Overnight at Namche Bazaar.

Depart Namche Bazaar and walk on forested paths and river gorges. Walk over a few suspension bridges and through Phunki Thenga with stunning views of Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The path slowly ascends, showing glimpses of yak pastures and hillside terracing. Reach Debuche Village, a peaceful and scenic alpine hamlet. Taste local hospitality in teahouses with warm food, comfortable rooms, and stunning mountain vistas.

Ascend through alpine terrain exposed to the elements with stone walls and grazing yaks. Pass by the old Pangboche Monastery, a sacred place of centuries of Buddhist devotion. Walk among incredible views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Dingboche is located in a broad valley, covered by great mountains and glaciers, and is an ideal acclimatization and resting place. Overnight in a lodge with nutritious food for tomorrow's ascent.

The trek becomes more alpine as forests are interspersed by rock slopes and glacial moraines. Walk through Chhukung and continue on the Imja Khola, enjoying the ever-changing views from green valleys to stark high-altitude terrain. Arrive at Lobuche, a tiny village near the Khumbu Glacier, the beginning of the Everest Base Camp trek. Take in the sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, including Pumori (7,161 m) and Nuptse (7,861 m), and acclimatize for the high-altitude EBC section.

Trek from Lobuche along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep, the final village prior to arriving at Everest Base Camp. The trail passes through moraine fields, glacial streams, and rocky ridges with constant expansive views of Pumori, Nuptsé, and Everest (8,848 m). Upon arrival, drop your heavy pack off at the teahouse and trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) for a brief stretch. Witness sunset on the surrounding mountains and experience a real Himalayan adventure. 

Wake up early in the morning to climb Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint that serves breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, best seen in the morning light. Enjoy breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Himalayas and memorable photographs. Back to Gorakshep for breakfast, and then trekking further down to Dingboche, using the same route over alpine grasslands, stone fields, and yaks grazing pastures.  Stay at Dingboche for further acclimatization before heading towards the Island Peak climb.

The trek from Dingboche takes an easy climb in the direction of Chhukung, a scenic Sherpa village beneath Island Peak and accompanying ridges. Cross the Imja Khola river and glacial moraine as the landscape transitions to a more open, high-altitude terrain. Chhukung is also known as the accommodation hub for Island Peak climbs, with teahouses and lodges serving as base for climbing operations. Spend some time exploring the village, unwinding, and viewing the spectacular vistas of Island Peak (6,189 m) and Amphu Laptsa peaks. Overnight stay at Chhukung.

The hike to Island Peak Base Camp is a gradual rise along the lateral moraine of the Imja Glacier, passing over icefalls, boulder fields, and glacial streams. Base Camp offers beautiful proximity to Island Peak with gigantic Himalayan titans towering above. Climbers organize gear, survey the line of ascent, and acclimatize for the next technical ascent. Overnight at tents or teahouse accommodations at Base Camp with awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding peaks.

A whole day of mountain climbing training. Under guidance by professionally certified climbing guides, climbers are taught how to use crampons, ice axes, ropes, and climbing techniques. Glacier travel, crevasse rescue techniques, and fixed rope climbing are acquired. Good to acclimatize for the safety and confidence of attempting Island Peak summit the next day. Relax in the camp in the evening, rehydrate, and rest for the challenging climb ahead.

Start an early morning climb to the Island Peak summit. Climb snow slopes, travel over crevassed glaciers, and make your way along fixed ropes to the summit at 6,189 m. Take in stunning panoramic vistas of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and the Everest Massif. Celebrate the summit and then descend carefully to Base Camp and on back to Chhukung for overnights. This day is the culmination of your Himalayan expedition and a real test of endurance, skill, and determination.
 

Step back along high-altitude terrain, alpine grasslands, and rock fields to reach Dingboche. Enjoy the changing perspective of the summits you conquered, and allow yourself time to relax and reminisce over the climb. The descent gives the body time to recover following the strenuous effort to reach the top. Overnight accommodation in Dingboche, where warm teahouses protect and nourish you.

Begin the long descent down through the Khumbu Valley, alpine forest, yak pasture, and Sherpa villages. Cross suspension bridges and enjoy the green valleys, the delight of lower altitude. Arrive at Namche Bazaar, where you can celebrate your success in Sherpa style. Overnight in Namche Bazaar, and enjoy mountain culture.

Proceed with the trek along pine and rhododendron woods, crossing streams and small villages along the Dudh Koshi Valley. Recall the vistas of early trek days, now savored with a sense of achievement. Arrive in Lukla in the evening, prepared for your return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at a lodge.

Relish a panoramic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, taking in the last aerial glimpses of the Himalayas and valleys. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest. The rest of the day is at leisure for shopping in Thamel or exploring sights. In the night, a farewell dinner commends the successful ascension of Island Peak and Everest Base Camp trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Fly Nepal out with lasting memories of your Island Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp trek, having seen Himalayan grandeur, Sherpa tradition, and the thrill of high-altitude climbing.