Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Preparation day in Kathmandu

Day 03:  Drive to Ramechaap, Fly to Lukla (2880m) & Trek to Phakding (2652m)

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Day 05: Rest and Acclimatization at Namche (3440m)

Day 06: Trek Namche to Tangboche (3863m)

Day 07: Trek Tangboche to Dingboche (4410m)

Day 08: Rest and acclimatization at Dingboche

Day 09: Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4931m)

 Day 10: Trek to Ghorakshep (5180m) & hike to Everest Base Camp (5360m)

Day 11: Trek to Kalapatthar (5545m/18,192ft.) and back to Lobuche (4940m)

Day 12: Trek to Kongma La (5,535m) and to Chhukung (4,730 m)

Day 13: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m)

Day 14: Pre-climb training on Island Peak Base Camp

Day 15: Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6,189m)

Day 16: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m)

Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)

Day 18: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2840 m)

Day 19: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1340m)

Day 20: Departure flights to the Native Countries

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal!

Kathmandu – surrounded by four hills – Fulchowki, Chandragiri, Shivapuri and Nagarjuna. Kathmandu valley has three major cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Situated at the altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level, Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Our representative will receive you from the airport and transfer you to the respective Hotels. Later, short briefing about further plans in Kathmandu and trekking will be held.

Day 02: Preparation day in Kathmandu

We visit HST Adventures office in the afternoon, meet our climbing guide and other staffs. Your guide will check your set of equipment in order to make sure that they are in perfect condition for the trip. You can rest in the hotel room after the preparation or else go out to explore the Kathmandu valley.

Day 03: Drive to Ramechhap, fly to Lukla (2880 m) and trek to Phakding (2652 m)

Early in the morning, we will drive to Ramechhap and fly to Lukla (2880 m). It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla Airport, which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights and the scariest airports in the world. Upon arrival, meet porters and while they reassemble and pack the bags, the guests are welcomed to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street. 

The trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. There are suspension bridges to connect the main trail and the villages along the way.

Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

Leave the main village and follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as you pass through the agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. We cross the Dudh Koshi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) and Mt. Thamserku (6623­ m). We stop by for lunch after a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive in Monjo. After lunch we trek up to the check post to check the permits and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park.

This is a busy trail with plenty of human interest as good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Kangru (6369 m). We follow the Dudh Koshi River crossing over a suspension bridge and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near to a half way point at the top danda and enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848 m), Nuptse (7879 m) and Lhotse (8383 m) known as the big three. The climb is nearly of 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarefied air.

Upon the arrival in Namche Bazaar (3447m) check in to the lodge. This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6648m) and KongdeRi (6624m) loom along the east and west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbi Yul (5707m) dominates the skyline along the west.

Day 05: Rest and acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

After a leisurely breakfast excursion to Hotel Everest View starts from the main square in Namche bazaar with a flight of cobbled stone steps all the way to Shyangboche airstrip (3790 m), which was built to serve Hotel Everest View. Hotel Everest View have the amphitheatre views of the giants of the Himalayas such as; Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,855 m), Mt. Tawoche (6,542 m), Mt. Cholatse (6,440 m), Mt.  Amadablam (6,814 m), Mt. Kangtega (6,783 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,618 m) and Mt. Kusum Khangaru (5,808 m).

Day 06: Trek from Namche to Tangboche (3860 m)

After the breakfast a steep climb for about 20 minutes and pass a bank and reach a big prayer stone. From there the path is steady with magnificent views of the Himalayas especially of the Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Kangtega.

The Tangboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Khumbu Region and in the late afternoon can be spent visiting this ancient Monastery. It is a traditional place where all Everest Expeditions receive their blessings as they walk in towards the base camp. And after visiting the monastery rest of the day is leisure.

Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 m)

After breakfast we set out on the trail with a short, steep and muddy descend through a forest of birch, conifer and rhododendron. We continue on a level trail through forests to arrive at a newly constructed bridge high above the fast flowing Dudh Koshi River with fine views of Mt. Amadablam. After crossing the bridge and climb for another 10 minutes to arrive at a resting place and climb a pass and then there is a gentler walk to the village of Pangboche (3985m), which also has a monastery. At the monastery is housed the Scalp of the Yeti which travelled the world in the 60's. From Pangboche the trail gradually ascends towards Shomare following the Imja River where we stop for lunch.

After the afternoon lunch our route ascends gradually, high above the Imja Khola passing through the teahouses at Orsho before crossing the Imja Khola and old glacial moraines to our lodge in the settlement of Dingboche. We are almost reach above the tree line. On a favourable weather conditions look out for spectacular sunsets in Amadablam. Today’s walk is quite tiring due to the altitude, so it is important to take notice of leader’s advice and recommendations regarding rest and fluid intake.

Day 08: Rest and acclimatization in Dingboche (4410 m)

As per the study on high altitude sickness, it is found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000ft. Thus, it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent.

Day 09: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4931 m)

After breakfast take left hand trail and start to ascend towards the top of the hill, which has number of Chorten. From the Chorten, Mt. Tawache and Mt. Cholatse (6440 m) make for a striking scene as they seem to lean forward from across the valley in the west. To the north, Lobuche Peak (6119 m) and the snowfields of Cho La dominate the skyline. The walking is now generally fairly flat on wide-open fields. After the arrival at the ridge descend for about ten minutes cross a bridge and arrive at Thugla for an early lunch.

After lunch there is a steep ascent for about an hour to the ridge where there is a Sherpa memorial in remembrance to those brave mountaineers who died during expeditions. Further, on the trail leads to the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with views of Pumori or Widow’s Peak in the foreground. The stark and the rugged beauty create almost a moonscape. The campsite at Lobuche is reached after another hour of steady trekking through the moraine and is situated in a windswept valley with the enchanting views of the Tawatse (6501 m) and Nuptse (7855 m).

Day 10: Trek to Ghorakshep (5180 m) & hike to Everest Base Camp (5360 m)

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through once vast Gorakshep Lake. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colours against the monotony of grey surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains can be viewed from the base camp. We get back to Gorakshep for a good night's rest. Overnight stay in Gorakshep.

This was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest expedition. In 1953 the British Everest expedition called this “lake camp’. Ghorakshep or "graveyard of the crows” has a small lake that is usually frozen and several monuments to climbers who died during various Everest expeditions. Hike 3 hours towards the Khumbu Glacier reaching your ultimate goal to Mount Everest base camp (5,364m). At the final ascent to the Everest Base Camp the views are out of this world. After visiting EBC we return back to Ghorakshep for the overnight stay.

Day 11: Trek to Kala Patthar (5545 m) and back to Lobuche (4940 m)

We prepare for an early morning departure in pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But it is upon reaching Kalapatthar that we see 360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night's rest.

Day 12: Trek to Kongma La (5535 m) and to Chhukung (4730 m)

After breakfast we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5000 m). The ascent to Kongma La Pass is the most difficult part of our trek today. In the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags to mark the pass. Then we descend gradually to Imja Khola valley followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung we also check our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb.

Note: If we do not want to undertake the Kongma La Pass we can follow another route via Dingboche to Chhukung instead.

Day 13: Trek to Island Peak base camp (5200 m)

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp on a fairly steep trail. Initially, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley Then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier and continue walking on a pleasant trail along a stream side. 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 stay at Island Peak Base Camp.

Day 14: Pre-climb training on 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 gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training also includes 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 and enjoy the moment. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb.

Day 15: Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6189 m)

We wake up early today and have breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important to summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially, sandy the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enter a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully and is difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridge line, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge which is fixed with rope and man rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fixed rope after successfully climbing on a rock. The length of the rope will usually be 350 m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3-4 meters long. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views and taking pictures we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us.

Day 16: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3985 m)

Today’s walk will be much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages, Orsho and Shomare. We have the alternative of a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse river flowing through the wide fertile valley.

Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colourful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.

Day 18: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2840 m)

It is interesting to watch others starting enthusiastically trek ahead of us as we head down to the village of Phakding. Today we re-trace our steps along the Dudh Koshi, crossing to the western bank at Benkar. It is a beautiful and easy walk through blue pine and rhododendron forest, back-dropped with views of Kusum Kangaru. An early lunch will be taken in Phakding and in the afternoon we ascend out of the river valley back to the airstrip and our lodge accommodation at Lukla. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla. In the evening a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions.

Day 19: Fly Lukla to Ramechhap (1340 m)

After a hearty breakfast, walk up to the airport, fly back to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu.

Day 20: Departure flights to the Native Countries

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative from HST Adventures will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Himalayas.

Permit: Island Peak Climbing Permit, National Park Conservational Permit, A Camp and Local Permit

Transportation:  Airport-Hotel-Airport and necessaries ground transportation. And all necessaries ground transportation as mention in itinerary.

Kathmandu Hotel: 2 night Kathmandu Hotel Accommodation (3* B/B service)

Guide:  A Professional, certified and experienced Trekking Guide

Porter: 20 kg bag is allowance during trekking period

Accommodation & Logistics: Accommodation, two night Kathmandu Hotel and during trekking period Meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Tea, Coffee and Hot Water)

Other: Trekking Guide & Porter Insurance and Local expenditures

Question: Which season and month is best for  Island Peak Climbing?

Answer: Autumn and Spring are the best season for Island Peak Climbing. Specially September and October is popular.

Question: How you make this Trip Successful?

Answer: We have really extraordinary professional trekking guide who are friendly, helpful and experienced in this field. Good Team work always gives positive result.