Island Peak Climbing

A Himalaya Heart Treks representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel where we will go over your tour in more detail and answer any questions you may have.The rest of the day is free to explore. We can help you with directions etc.

A cultural exploration day is planned in Kathmandu today. A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. We visit many of the historic and cultural sites during the day where you will learn something about the life in the capital city. The tour today mixes culture, history and spirituality together to give you an exceptional city touring experience.

We begin our journey with a thrilling Himalayan flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla lush green hills and snow capped peaks on the way as we fly deep into Sherpa heartland.Today is an easy introduction to trekking in the Himalayas. We set off through blooming rhododendrons, magnolia trees and pine forest with distant views of Mt Nupla (5885m), Kusum Kanguru (6367m) and the Kwongde Range. Upon reaching Phakding, you can visit the local monastery and relax up, well rested ready for the challenges ahead!

The trail today follows up the Dudh Koshi Valley, hiking through some beautiful pine forest, and crossing the river twice over small suspension bridges before reaching the village of Monjo. Monjo is the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park. After entering the park there is a slight climb to Jhorsalle, the trail passes waterfalls with a lot of bio diversity on the way. We are soon rewarded with our first glimpse of Kusum Kanguru (6369m), Thamserku (6608m), Everest (8848m) and Nuptse (7879 m). A steep climb up to the beautiful large settlement of Namche Bazaar (3440m) a busy and colourful place and the district headquarters where many tradespeople come to haggle and sell their wares.
 

We spend a day here allowing our systems to get used to the higher altitude. Set in a beautiful natural amphitheater, Namche Bazaar stands out as one of the best settlements in the Khumbu region. We take the opportunity to make short acclimatization hikes up to Khumjung, a lovely Sherpa village situated above Namche. The Everest View Hotel is another good destination where there are wonderful panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, and Kwangde. Then back to soak up the atmosphere Namche provides.

Today the real hard stuff begins although the start today is deceptive with a pleasant walk through the forest with some magnificent views of the mountains. We follow a path that traverses around the hillside high above the Dudh Kosi River. After around an hour we reach Phungithanga. The trail climbs past some water-powered prayer wheels and continues with a sustained climb through a forest of tall, Mature Rhododendrons that act as cover for musk deer and Himalayan tahr among the trees. Tengboche (3870m), is scattered across a wide, grassy saddle below a crescent-shaped ridge covered by scrub pines and firs. From the top of the hill, the mountains reveal themselves for what they truly are, the magical peaks of Amadablam (6856m) Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Lhotse (8501m) in all their glory are both inspiring and humbling. We have time to visit the renowned Buddhist Monastery at Tengboche, the largest in the Khumbu region.

The early morning vista of mountains behind monasteries is breathtaking from Tengboche. We need to move on heading north to cross the Dudh Kosi River via a small suspension bridge which crosses the river valley. On reaching Orsho we take the lower path along the west bank of the Imja Khola. Beautiful forest of birches conifers and Rhododendrons as we go. Continuing up the river we pass several chortens and mani walls (stone prayer wall) strewn between small villages before reaching Dingboche which is set among an array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat, and potatoes that are grown here.

We spend an additional day and night here to aid the acclimatization process. There are optional hikes, a short hike of around 400 m to Nangkartshang Gompa on the ridge north of Dingboche is a good one. There are good views of Makalu (8463 m) from here. There is also the possibility for a day trek to Chhukung (4,730m) approx. 4 / 5 hours.To the north of Dingboche, there are spectacular views of Lhotse’s huge South Face.

Today the landscape completely changes becoming a lot more barren .We begin with a descent to Pheriche village. It joins the trail below Thungla. There are some beautiful views of Cholatse across the valley. We have another steep descent over the terminal moraine of Khumbu glacier. Today we are rewarded with with some breathtaking views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam and to the north-Pokalde (5741m), Kongma-Tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. We carry on through a grassy valley, rugged beauty at its best before reaching Lobuche. The settlement is a windswept collection of huts tucked in a narrow meadow between the glacier and the Lobuche peak. Tawoche and Nuptse are particularly strong from Lobuche towering just above.

From Lobuche we follow the narrow gap between the glacial moraine and the mountain walls, we can make a detour to the edge of moraine to look over the Khumbu glacier. Wonderful views of Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, and other magnificent peaks on the way to reach Gorakshep which is the original location of the Everest Base Camp.The new camp is situated further up the valley. After lunch we continue to Everest Base Camp 3.5 km from Gorakshep. The trail passes over rocky moraine and several small streams. At Base Camp we have the opportunity to experience the freezing and harsh conditions that mountaineers brave to summit this famous mountain. It is a place for climbers to gather to make the final preparations. We explore base camp and its surrounding glacier before our return back to Gorakshep.

We are up early for a very special day and hoping for the normal sparkling and clear weather as we set off early to climb Kalapathar around 2 km from Gorakshep. It is now we fully appreciate what this journey is all about. We are rewarded by an almost surreal experience, 360-degree dramatic panoramic view of Mt Everest and the surrounding mountains of Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren, Mt. Khumbetse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku along with many other peaks in the range. After taking in the experience and with some time to gather our thoughts before we head down for the easy walk to Lobuche overnight.

After breakfast, we trek via the Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m). The ascent of the Kongma La pass is the most difficult part of our trek today.We descend gradually down to Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung our mountain Sherpa will check our equipment to make sure all is in order and we are ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.

Note: If we do not want to undertake the Kongma La pass, we can follow another route via Dingboche,
 

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Labtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

We begin our pre-climb training today after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gear such as the ice Axe, Climbing Boots and Crampons, Harness etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb. Overnight at the Base Camp.

One extra day is needed here in case of any delay on the climbing because of the weather condition and other circumstances.

After the adventure of climbing the Island Peak, you will trek back to Pangboche today. Although it is a short day of walk and you can make it even further, you will take it easy after an extraordinarily beautiful Climbing Adventure. You will relax and wander around Pangboche Village once we reach there.

The walk today takes you back to Namche Bazar for the overnight stay.

Check out at the National Park check post and start the trek towards Lukla as the destination. This is the final day of the trek and you traverse the same trail back to Lukla. You will enjoy the time after finishing the trek at Lukla. Reflecting upon the whole trekking adventure to the base camp and back will give you a beautiful and satisfying feeling. Take a leisurely time to wander around Lukla and stay overnight there.

You will fly back to Kathmandu today. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will have free time to relax and wander around.

After a wonderful trekking adventure to the Everest Base Camp and the Island Peak in the Himalayas, It is time to say good bye for this time. We really hope that you had a nice time in Nepal. We will drive you to airport for the departure flight as per the schedule.