17-Day Island Peak Expedition With Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu
Highlights
Achieve a personal mountaineering feat with expert training and guidance
Immerse yourself in the stunning Himalayan landscape on the iconic Everest Base Camp route
Discover the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Sherpa people in the Tsukung Valley
Take in breathtaking views of four 8000m+ peaks, including Everest, from the summit
Get closer to Everest with a trek to this vantage point for an iconic view
Hike on one of the world's highest glaciers and reach Everest Base Camp
Experience the diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park
Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar
mountaineering, trekking, camping
Group Tour
17 Days
Easy
English
Description
Embark on a trek to Island Peak, a challenging 6000m Himalayan peak that offers stunning views and a historic climb used by Edmund Hillary. Conquer the challenging Everest Base Camp, a 5364m bucket list trek, attracts thousands with its breathtaking scenery, cultural encounters, and physical challenge. Witnessing the mighty Everest up close is unforgettable.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival At Kathmandu
- Arrival before 3 PM is preferable. Have an orientation in the evening and activities to interact with your fellow trekkers. This day is dedicated to exploring the vibrant capital city of Nepal.
- See Durbar Square, with its temples, markets, and busy atmosphere, making it a must-visit.
- It is also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath - the 'Monkey Temple'.
- Explore the network of street markets, alley bazaars, and Pashupatinath. The neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are well worth a visit.
- Find many monasteries, temples and places to visit in Kathmandu.
- Visit Hanuman Dhoka, which is considered to be one of the must-visit places in Kathmandu. To soothe your spiritual senses, you can also visit Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, the Golden temple untouched by an earthquake and founded in the 12th century.
- Behold a spectacular view of the first Stupa at Boudhanath, which draws the attention of a lot of tourists.
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Day 2: Fly To Lukla/Ramechapp, Trek To Phakding (2,652m. /4-5 Hours Trekking/ 8km Approx.)
- Leaving Kathmandu, get on an early morning flight to Lukla - a small aircraft where the engine roars for 40 minutes and the wind lightly wobbles you in the air, a roller coaster ride through the mountains.
- Fly through small hills amidst high turbulence weather conditions until you touch down on the famous short, steep and precarious mountain-side runway. The base camp trek begins the moment you land there. Lukla, also called the Tenzing Norgay Airport, is also considered the 2nd most dangerous airport in the world. Lukla is pretty and charming. Little shops are stocked with colourful Beanies, Silk scarves, and shawls made from Yak Wool.
- Set off on the trail to Phakding with your Nepali trekking guide, which is mostly descending. After a small forest trail, in the beginning, you will walk through Nepalese villages surrounded by much vegetation.
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Day 3: Phakding To Namche Bazaar (3,440m. /5-6 Hours Trekking)
- Start early; it involves climbing steep steps through stunning forests and crossing rivers via vertiginous and swaying Swiss Suspension Bridges over rivers. Be awed by the Sherpas, who carry bundled backpacks. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the Rhododendron flowers are bright in bloom.
- Cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar and look way above 6,000 metres to see the peaks of snow-capped Kusum Kanguru (6369 M) and Thamserku (6623 M).
- Stop at Monjo village, which is the mid-point of today’s trek.
- Highlights of the day include entering the Sagarmatha National Park, spotting the Kongderei and Thamserku peaks, and getting your first Everest viewpoint.
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Day 4: Rest At Namche Bazaar
- Namche is the first place on the trek that is above the altitude sickness threshold. It is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre.
- Hike to Everest View Hotel, 3800 m, the highest point during the trek past the Himalayan airstrip at Shyangbonche. Built by the Japanese, this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break.
- If you are full of energy, walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital.
- Visit the twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung that are set below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. Great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants dominate the route.
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Day 5: Namche Bazaar To Tengboche (3870m./5-6 Hours Trekking/ 10km Approx.)
- Visit the famous Tengboche monastery. The sunset and sunrise from the mountains are not to be missed - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam provide a wonderful backdrop to your teahouse.
- Look out for Himalayan Tahr in the forest surrounding the monastery.
- If you are hiking in the month of spring, February to May, you will come across the famous Rhododendrons along the routes.
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Day 6: Tengboche To Dingboche (4360m./5-6 Hours Trekking/ 8km Approx.)
- Climb steadily up the trail and enter Pangboche, 3,900m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley.
- Ascending the valley, have lunch at Shomare.
- Leave the trees behind and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Khola.
- Do a short steep climb that will bring you to Dingboche at 4,530m, a summer settlement above the tree line where great peaks above 7000 m surround you.
- Ama Dablam is the highlight of this place. It will always keep you in awe and marvel.
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Day 7: Acclimatization At Dingboche
- Spend a day at Dingboche to continue our acclimatization.
- Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5,100 M for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche and Ama Dablam.
- Acclimatization days aim to prepare the body for the elevation gains to come (AKA to decrease the risk of acquiring some altitude–induced ailment that could kill you).
- Hike up to as high an altitude as you can manage before descending to sleep at (or around) the altitude the day began.
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Day 8: Dingboche To Lobuche (4940m./ 5-6 Hours Trekking/ 7km Approx.)
- Today’s trek to Lobuche would be like a stroll in the park. As compared to the rest of the day’s treks, the distance between Dingboche and Dughla is the shortest.
- The flat trail to Dhugla will offer you some stunning views of this trekking expedition. On your right, you can see the magnificent view of Mount Pumori and a glacial lake.
- Cross the Dhudkoshi River. Conventionally, the source of rivers is situated far away, but interestingly, Dhudkoshi’s source is just a kilometre away. The wall of the Khumbu glacier is also evident from this place.
- Start your trek towards Lobuche. There is a steep hike from Dughla as we cross the infamous Dughla Pass/ Thukla Pass. This would bring us to an interesting spot on our entire trek.
- Here, you will see memorials of many famous mountaineers who lost their lives in different expeditions.
- We enjoy the quietude of the pass and then head on to Lobuche. The trail following the Dughla /Thukla Pass is almost flat. We will do an overnight stay in the tea houses in Lobuche.
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Day 9: Lobuche To Gorakshep (5170m.), Everest Base Camp(5364m.) And Trek Back To Gorak Shep
- Leave early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,184m). The trail undulates up and down the moraine with some short, steep sections.
- Start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself.
- Follow the trail as it winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring, you might see in the distance some of the expedition teams as they prepare to climb the mountain.
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Day 10: Gorak Shep To Kala Patthar(5545m)To Dingboche (4280m./ 6-7 Hours Trek/ 15km Trekking)
- The hike to Kala Patthar is a steep hike of 2 hrs. The rest day is a descent.
- Witness one of the best views and sunsets of your life from this place. Though it will be a long trek this day, you will walk through windy yet one of the most beautiful valleys to reach Dingboche. This climb offers a magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and above all a close-up view of the world’s highest mountain.
- Return to Gorak Shep and retrace our steps to Lobuje for lunch.
- Continue on down the valley to the lower altitude of Dingboche for the night.
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Day 11: Trek To Chukhung (4730m/ 3-4 Hours Trekking)
- From Dingboche to Chukhung, the trek will be about 2 hours long and easy.
- Chukhung is a beautiful valley nestled between mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Imja Tse, etc. You will appreciate a really good and close view of these mountains and their glaciers.
- The river Imja Khola runs past the Chukhung village where we will be lodging.
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Day 12: Hike To Island Base Camp (5200m/4-5 Hrs Trekking) And Do Ice Climbing Training
- After breakfast, we will trek towards the south, turn east and enter the main valley.
- We will walk along the stream and pass Imja and Lhotse glacier moraine before reaching the valley, where we will camp in tents.
- From the camp, you will see the southwestern face of the Imja Tse (Island Peak).
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Day 13: Summit Island Peak(6187m) And Back To Chukhung ((4730m.) 10-12 Hours)
- We will walk toward the summit around 01:00 to 02:00 am. It will take about 2 hours to reach the High camp, then we will climb the rock gully.
- We will follow a ridge line to the summit glacier and climb up a steep snow slope to reach the summit. There, you will get an excellent view of the mountains.
- After spending some time there, we will go back to high camp to base camp and all the way back to Chukhung.
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Day 14: Chukhung To Namche Bazaar (3440m/ 6-7 Hours Trekking)
- Hike west on a good trail for an hour down to Dingboche, which enjoys a fantastic close-up view of Ama Dablam, and then carry on west/south-west through a series of smaller villages to Pangboche.
- Climb up to reach the world-famous Tengboche monastery. Take one final look at the upper Khumbu and descend to a deep, tree-filled gorge.
- Make one final climb up to the well-known landmark Tashi's lodge at Kyangjuma and then follow the long descending path leading to Namche.
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Day 15: Namche Bazaar To Lukla (2880m/ 6 Hours Trekking)
- A steep descent initially, followed by some ascent to reach Lukla.
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Day 16: Fly From Lukla To Kathmandu
- The next two days are for exploring the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. These days also act as buffer days to get your body to acclimatize to lower altitudes again.
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Day 17: Departure From Kathmandu
- This is the departure day as you say 'Namaste' to the crew and fellow trekkers and take back with you memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today, and you are free to check out of the hotel at any time. Check-out time from the hotel is usually at 12 noon or as per hotel rules. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
What's Included
Airport pick up and drop off by a private vehicle and Assistance at the international airport while arriving and departing in Kathmandu
2 nights' hotel in Kathmandu at a 3-star category hotel with breakfast on a twin/double sharing basis
Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu domestic airline tickets, including all airline taxes, fuel surcharges and departure taxes for all climbing members, Sherpa guides, liaison officers and kitchen staff
Accommodation in tea houses/lodges along the trek as per the itinerary
Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both domestic and international flights as per itinerary
All the permits needed for the peak climbing and trek, Climbing route permits, Nepal Royalty Fees
Everest National Park Entry Permit for all members
Trek Information Management System[TIMS] registration card
An experienced climbing and high-altitude trekking guide with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
One porter per two trekkers and all his expenses
Meals (16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 15 dinners) at the tea lodge during the trekking
3 fresh meals a day: Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at the advanced base camp
All trekking and mountaineering equipment like Kitchen tent, storage tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for advanced base camp and camp II
All food and fuel for base camp and higher camps during the expedition for clients and staff
Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bar etc.)
Services of chef and kitchen assistant at base camp
First Aid Medical Kit
Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
Necessary paper works, all government and local permissions
Luggage Charges for keeping Luggage when you are on the trail
Daily weather report services from a Seattle, Washington-based company
All wages, equipment, medical and accidental insurance for all involved staff during trekking and expedition periods
Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpas, chefs, kitchen assistants
Equipment allowances and wages for the government liaison officer
Appropriate food for high altitude and at base camp and above as required
Required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period
Solar panel for light and battery charging
Sherpa tents, food for climbing, and insurance for staff
Helicopter rescue insurance for high-altitude climbing Sherpa guide, chef and staff
Transportation of food supply from base camp from Kathmandu (Cargo to Lukla and then by Porter/Yaks to base camp)
Our service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal
Complete pre-departure information
Visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a domestic culture show in Kathmandu
A t-shirt/pashmina, brochure
What's Excluded
5% GST
Meals for all days for all times, except breakfast in Kathmandu
Travel fare to Nepal and Back
Personal expenses like bar bills, shopping, sim cards, mobile charging, Wifi, Hot Water, Hot shower, etc.
Optional Add-on - Porter available, Tips to Guide/ Porter
Costs arising from natural calamities, mishaps or anything beyond our control (Costs are not refundable and transferable by any means if you leave the trek voluntarily and want to return from the trek)
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Know Before You Go
ATMs/Money Changers/Bank
ATMs: There are several ATM booths at the airport and inside Thamel where you can withdraw the cash. The maximum you can withdraw at once is NPR. 35,000 (US$ 350 approx.) will be charged NPR.500 per transaction. And in the trekking, there is an ATM point up to Namche Bazar.
Money Changers: Money changers are easily available inside the airport and Thamel. During the trekking, if you have US dollars, then you can exchange it.
Banks: There are several banks in Kathmandu. And you can find a bank up to Namche Bazar.
Buffer Days - If the flights from KTM or Lukla get rescheduled due to bad weather, the guest will have to bear the cost of accommodation in Nepal.
Currency - We urge our guests to carry more than INR 25,000 for food on the trail and other expenses like charging mobile, shopping, laundry and bar bills. You can carry Indian currency in denominations of ₹100 or smaller in Nepal. Please check with the trek consultant about the currency for travellers from any other country.
Trek Insurance - In the unfortunate event of injuries/ illness on the trek that needs medical help/evacuation, the insurer will bear the cost. Hence, it is advised to have insurance that covers medical aid/ evacuation by helicopter. We don’t provide insurance but can assist you to get one. Also, make sure that the insurance covers emergency evacuations up to 5500 meters, as helicopters/Yaks/Horses are the only means of transportation.
Difficulty Level - The Island Peak and EBC Trek, just like any other Himalayan Trek, is moderately demanding on the body. The participants need to have a base level of fitness.
IMPORTANT NOTES & THINGS TO FOLLOW IN HIMALAYAS/MOUNTAINS
1. Flight delays and cancellation cases:
Due to the bad weather condition(s) flight delays or cancellation can happen in case of Kathmandu-Lukla or Lukla Kathmandu. (Flight delays may happen for hours whereas there is a chance of cancellation for the flying date as well).
Sometimes, due to the heavy air traffic at Kathmandu airport, the flight time may get disturbed as well.
2. Lukla Kathmandu Flight reconfirmation process:
Despite being booked in advance, we need to reconfirm the flight once you are back in Lukla again. This thing will be taken care of by your guide(s) or our team member(s) in Kathmandu to coordinate the respective airlines.
3. Alternative solution for flight cancellation(s):
Helicopter can be taken from Kathmandu or Lukla to Kathmandu in case of flight cancellation(s). The cost will be an extra US$ 500 per head, and 5 persons can fly at a time.
4. Bottle water/Hot water/hot shower/WIFI/Electricity to charge gadgets are all extra, and cost are as follows:
Bottled water- NPR 150 to NPR 400 per litre
Hot water: NPR 200 to NPR 600 per litre
Hot shower: NPR 500 to NPR 700 per shower
WIFI: NPR 500 per day or Everest link 1 GB = NPR 600 or 10 GB = NPR 2000 and works at all the hotels in Everest.
Electricity to charge gadget(s): NPR 300 to NPR 1000 per gadget
5. Food and accommodation rules in Khumbu region:
You have to have your food at the places where you are staying itself. Khumbu region has these sorts of rule for every traveller (s), and you have to respect or follow the system.
6. Accommodation for the traveler(s) during the trek:
Room(s) with attached bathroom for the premium package holder(s) will be provided (wherever available/possible). And for the standard package- it will be sharing a bathroom(s).
Extra night(s) or unused accommodation in mountain/Kathmandu.
Basically, we are providing 2-night hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast. And 11 nights’ accommodation in Khumbu/trekking. Just in case you are not able to use 11 nights of accommodation in the trek- there will be no compensation in Kathmandu for that.
7. Tipping to guide(s) and porter(s):
Tipping is a part of the culture in Everest trekking. The normal trend of tipping is the 10% amount of the total amount you have paid for the trip.
8. Anything extra(s) apart from services in inclusion section(s)-(like teahouse(s), guide(s), porter(s), rental(s), transport(s):
Basically, if the given services exceed the inclusion(s), you have to bear it from your side. The company will not be taking care of those things.
What To Bring
PACKING CHECKLIST
Following is a list of things we suggest you carry with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However, we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences that may be equally suitable until it serves the purpose.
An experienced trekker would advise you to travel light. Try to carry a minimum of luggage as it will be convenient for you. Carry only what is required, and if you miss out on something (except enthusiasm and motivation), everything is available in the markets of Kathmandu. You can carry any other gear you feel would be of help to you.
Bag to Hold it All - Weight limit for bag while walking - 8 (ideal)-12 kg (max)
Backpack (40-60 litres) - Mandatory to have a good back-support system
Daypack (15-20 litres) - Mandatory if you offload your main backpack
Clothes and Footwear:
1. To cover head, face, neck
A woollen cap/ balaclava/monkey cap/ muffler - during cold/ snowy/ windy days (must cover head and ears)
A simple cotton suncap/ hat - on sunny/ warm/ hot days
2. To cover the upper body
First layer - 2-3 Full sleeves quick dry/ climate fit Tee shirts (high/turtle neck preferred in case you are not carrying muffler/ balaclava to cover neck)
Second layer - Atleast 1 Inner thermal/ warmer (chest) (when it gets really cold)
Third Layer - 1 Full sleeves Fleece/ Sweater
Fourth Layer - 1 Full sleeve thick Windstopper jacket/ Down-jacket
Rain cover - Poncho/ alternatively, set of waterproof down jacket with thick waterproof pants (an intelligent purchase of the last layer can act as a wind-stopper and raincoat)
3. To cover the lower body
First Layer - 1- 2 quick dry pants
Second Layer (optional)- Inner thermal/ warmer (legs) (when it is very cold)
Third Layer - 1 Thick Windstopper pant
4. Footwear and accessories
At least 2 pairs of woollen socks
At least 2 pairs of cotton socks
At least 4 sets of Undergarments
Good trek shoes - Snow/Ice Grip and ankle support is a must
Light slippers/sandals/ crocs - during rest time at camps
Sunglasses -become important (when it snows a lot,)
2 layered hand gloves - 1 inner woollen/ warm layer and 1 waterproof layer
Gears (recommended) (refer to tips on purchase to economize following items by opting to rent)
At least 1 Trek Pole
Sleeping Bag
Headlamp/ torch
2-3 Sipping bags/ Water bottles/ Thermos - total combined capacity should be
1-2 lt
Solar power bank (Not compulsory, but good to be carried as gives basic power on the go and saves battery charging costs)
We can also help arrange rentals of down-jackets and backpacks. In case the rented item/s is/are damaged/ misplaced by the participant, he/she will have to bear the cost and pay to the shop.
Toiletries (Carry as per personal preferences and in sachets)
Tooth care - Brush/ paste/ Listerine
Skin care - Sunscreen (SPF40+), small soap/ face wash, lip balm, toilet paper/ wet tissues, hand sanitiser.
Medicines (one can choose to carry 1 such kit amongst a group of 4-6 people)
Diamox at least 12 tablets per person
Aquatabs/water Purification Tablets (1 Tablet per 1 ltr)
5 ORS packet (Electral tastes better)
Strepsil
Crocin/ Paracetamol
Digene
Relispray/ Moov/ Volini
Domstal
Other personal medicines in the first aid kit
Carry Food (optional)
Energy bars- Minimum 4 or 5 are always good
1 or more packets of mountain man/granola bars
100-200 gram dry fruits
Documents
At least 2 passport size photographs
Original and 2 photocopies of government photo identity card/ Passport
Filled and signed medical certificate - by doctor and also participant (shall be mailed separately)
Self-declaration form (shall be mailed separately) (can be scanned and reverted on the mail or given at Kathmandu to the Base Camp Manager)
Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards)
Anything extra like iPods, kindle, iPads, books, binoculars, trail maps, guidebooks, journals, pens, etc, is your personal choice, keeping in mind the luggage limit.
P.S. - There is always a PS, isn’t it? But it’s because we care for you.
There can be unseasonal snowfall on any trek. You may want to bring a pair of Yaktrax (mini-crampons) or similar if you have a pair. If your leader thinks there may be snowfall, he will recommend carrying a pair for safety. It is possible to buy them in Kathmandu or Namche for 800-1500. There are many equipment shops in Kathmandu where you can buy much of the above clothing/ accessories. The quality does vary and cannot be guaranteed, so you should choose carefully. We recommend you buy from quality shops in India if you intend to continue trekking in future. Sturdy and quality guaranteed gears are always a good investment idea for the sincere trekker.
Whatever we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal is meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, hence there is plenty of choice to purchase/ rent there and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33 lbs/15kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel’s storage room.
Please note that many Nepalese are still traditional in the way they dress. We therefore recommend that you dress wisely in order to avoid unintentionally offending any local sentiments.
We strongly believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts wherever possible, thus as trekkers it should be our duty to keep the Great Himalayas as clean as possible and not litter!
There is a weight restriction on the flight to and from Lukla of 20 kg checked baggage. It is not a problem for you to check in 1-2kg more than this as long as you are happy to pay an excess luggage charge (approx. 100 rupees per kg). Each porter carries two kitbags or where animals are used, they carry four kitbags each, therefore please respectfully limit your kitbag. Remember, there is always a locker room available at Kathmandu.
Meeting Point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Cancellation Policy
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No refund in case of any cancellation.
Price
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| 1 to 6 | /person |
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This is a group tour |
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/person