Featured Activities

Best of Everest

A magnificent circuit of the Everest region with a challenging ascent of Island Peak

This high altitude alpine trek explores the heart of the Sherpa homeland, visiting Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Gokyo Valley before ascending the stunning KalaPathar above Everest BC. The adventure involves crossing of two difficult passes before finally culminating with an ascent of Island Peak and the tremendous views to be had from the top. This climb is for capable outdoor enthusiasts in great shape! Technical skill is helpful but not a pre-requisite.

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu
 Day 2 In Kathmandu, sightseeing Kathmandu Valley
 Day 3 Fly to Lukla (2,840m), commence trek through Sherpa villages
 Day 4/5 Follow the Dudh Kosi Valley and ascend to the Sherpa heartland at Namche Bazaar (3,440m); rest and acclimatise
Day 6/8 Slowly ascend through villages and yak pastures to the serene Gokyo Lakes (4,790m)
Day 9 Ascend Gokyo Ri (5,360m) to view Everest (8,850m/29,035ft), Lhotse (8,501m/ 27,890ft), Makalu (8,481m/ 27,824ft) and Cho Oyu (8,201m/ 26,905ft)
Day 10/12 Cross Cho La (5,330m) to enter the main Khumbu Valley and climb Kala Pathar (5,545m) for classic views of Everest; optional walk to Everest BC (5,364m)
Day 13/14 Cross Kongma La (5,535m) to Imja Valley and Chukung;
Day 15 To Island Peak BC (4,970m)
Day 16 Summit Island Peak (6,189m)
Day 17/20 Return trek via Tengboche Monastery (3,860m) to Lukla
Day 21 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 22/23 At leisure in Kathmandu
Day 24 Trip concludes

Trip profile
24 Day Trip
19 days point-to-point trek
1 spare day
5 nights Kathmandu
Accommodation 5 nights Hotels, Guesthouses
Trek accommodation 18 nights Teahouses, Camping
Transport Private bus, plane
Type TeaHouse and Camping (as required)
Style Expeditionary
When to Visit Oct to Nov, Mar to May
Altitude Max 6,189m/ 20,300ft (Island Peak)
Altitude Avg 3,900m/ 12,795ft
Grade E/ ALPINE
-Involves trekking and climbing of up to 6-7 hours a day at a steady pace at  altitude
-Some may find sleeping at altitude difficult
-May encounter snow higher up on the trek
-Permanent snow and ice on the glaciated pass of ChoLa, fresh snow makes  the crossing treacherous
-Have to make our own route if there is fresh snow on the seldom-walked  Kongma Pass
-Have to negotiate a few crevasses (but safe!) on the way to Island Peak
-Risk of altitude problems and exposure

Highlights
-Kathmandu's ancient temples and markets
-Spectacular Lukla mountain flights with great views,  and the Lukla landing
-Sherpa villages, monasteries and culture
-Character-filled teahouses
-Sherpa Tea and Sherpa Stew
-Namche Bazaar and its market
-Khumjung Monastery and the yeti scalp
-Hillary Schools
-Serene Gokyo Lakes
-Ascend GokyoRi for superb panorama of some of  world's highest mountains
-Ascent of ChoLa and KongmaLa, two of the highest  navigable passes
-Everest BC and walking on the famous Khumbu  glacier
-Kala Pathar and the close-up views of Everest and  Lhotse
-Morning ascent of Island Peak and the stunning views  from the top
-Tengboche Monastery and the 360º mountain views
-One final party at Lukla

 
Inclusions
-All meals except main meals in Kathmandu;
-All ground transport, including airport transfers, and  flights as mentioned;
-All accommodations;
-Sightseeing in Kathmandu;
-All applicable permits and entrance fees;
-Full trek staff arrangements including a Trek Leader  and Sherpa guides;
-Porters or pack animals to carry personal and group  equipments;
-Use of Trek Pack;
-Group medical kit;
-All major group equipments, etc.

Comments
-This route has some of the best teahouses in Nepal,  and we use these facilities wherever available; we  camp as required
-We take alternative route from Gokyo to Lobuche in  case there is snow at ChoLa
-We bypass KongmaLa and take the usual route, if the  route becomes impassable
-It is important to have 2 spare days in Kathmandu as  cushion for any flight delays or cancellation at the  remote mountain airstrip of Lukla
-It is possible to leave out the Gokyo part and just do the  EBC and Island Peak