Featured Activities

Island Peak

The classic southern approach to the world's highest peak and an ascent of Island Peak

Reaching the summit of a 6,189m/ 20,300ft Himalayan peak is a truly inspiring experience! This high altitude trek offers the experience of a lifetime for those who are very fit and looking for a greater challenge in the Himalaya. The ascent of Island Peak (6,189m) is optional and those who wish to remain at the Base Camp can still feel satisfied that they have completed one of the Himalaya's most challenging and spectacular treks.

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (1,330m)
 Day 2 In Kathmandu, sightseeing Kathmandu Valley
Day 3 Fly to Lukla (2,840m), commence trek through Sherpa villages
Day 4 Follow the Dudh Kosi Valley and ascend to the Sherpa heartland at Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 5 Make a side trip on a quiet route to Thame (3,820m) for acclimatisation
Day 6/9 Walk to Pheriche via Khumjung (3,790m) and visit the monastery at Tyangboche (3,860m); rest and acclimatisation walk to Nangkartshang Peak affording great views of Makalu and Island Peak
Day 10/11 Continue up the main Khumbu Valley and ascend KalaPathar (5,545m) to gain unobstructed views of Everest; optional walk to Everest BC (5,364m)
Day 12/13 Descend to Dingboche (4,410m) and enter Imja Valley to Island Peak BC (4,970m)
Day 14/15 Establish High Camp (5,400m); Summit Island Peak (6,189m)
 Day 16/19 Retrace our steps to Namche and walk to Lukla
Day 20 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 21/22 At leisure in Kathmandu
Day 23 Trip concludes

Trip profile
23 Day Trip
17 days point-to-point trek
1 spare day
5 nights Kathmandu
Accommodation5 nights Hotels, Guesthouses
Trek accommodation17 nights Teahouses, Camping
TransportPrivate bus, plane
Type TeaHouse and Camping (as required)
Style Expeditionary
When to VisitOct to Nov, Mar to May
Altitude Max6,189m/ 20,300ft (Island Peak)
Altitude Avg3,700m/ 12,140ft
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
-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
-Tengboche Monastery and the 360º mountain views
-Everest BC and walking on the famous Khumbu  glacier
-Kala Pathar and the close-up views of Everest, Lhotse  and Nuptse
-Morning ascent of Island Peak and the stunning views  from the top

 
Inclusions
-All meals except main meals in Kathmandu;
-All ground transport, including airport transfers, and  flights as mentioned;
-All accommodations;
-Sightseeing in Kathmandu;
-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 wherever available; we camp as  required
-It is important to have 2 days leeway in Kathmandu for  any flight delays or cancellation at the remote mountain  airstrip of Lukla
-It is possible to add Gokyo part on this itinerary