ISLAND PEAK CLIMB
ISLAND PEAK CLIMB
Info
“Adventure on top striking and classic Island Peak with walk to Gokyo and Everest base camp Visiting both scenic sides of Khumbu with beautiful Gokyo Lake and crossing high Cho-la pass Walk into Gokyo valley within pristine glacial lakes with climb to Gokyo-Ri with amazing views Enjoy panorama of worlds four highest mountains from Gokyo-Ri and Island peak summit Scenic, sweeping flights to and from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu with super mountain views Walking into lovely cultural Sherpa villages adorned with prayer walls and spinning bells Daily views of high snow capped peaks on walks to scenic Gokyo Valley and Ngozumba Glacier. Explore Sherpa village enriched with Buddhist religions and its interesting monasteries From green alpine woodland to arctic zone of ice and glaciers at Everest base camp On top scenic Kalapathar facing stunning views of high peaks of Everest at close distance”
Trip Profile:
Trip Mode: On Hotels and Lodge on treks with camping on climb.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.
Climbing Grade: PD + as per French and Swiss alpine climbing classification systems
Areas of Trek: Nepal North Mid-East within high Khumbu and Everest area.
Trek and Climb: 17 Nights and 18 Days (Lukla to Lukla)
Total Trip: 19 Nights and 20 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Best Seasons: March to May when wild-flowers are in season with clear morning
for walks and views, and from Mid-September to December months.
Introduction:
Island Peak Climb, an adventure on top 6,160 m and 20,328 ft high with sweeping panorama of world’s highest mountains and feeling high in great spirits on reaching the summit of Island Peak.
Island Peak also called Imjatse Himal, as it is located within the beautiful valley of Imjatse where in NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) listed as Imjatse, a peak of great beauty and grace which is a broken ridges of Lhotse and Nuptse mountains separating as an individual lesser mountains.
Island Peak Climb graded as PD + ‘Per Difficule’ comes from widely used French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification Systems, which means a straight-forward climb with ice and rocks to tackle, where all climbers should be fully equipped with proper gear to face this challenging and wonderful climb on top Island Peak or Imjatse Himal.
Island Peak Climb, an adventure with great combination visiting both sides of scenic Khumbu valley with beautiful Gokyo valley and classic Everest base camp crossing high Cho-la pass, which supports much exercise and acclimatization before the climb on top Island peak summit.
Walk begins from Lukla town after a short scenic flight from Kathmandu, and then heading towards Dudh-Kosi River valley past many nice Sherpa farm villages and within Sagarmatha National Park.
As journey continues reaching at high Namche Bazaar with rest days to explore around scenic view points and for acclimatization, where walk follows away from main trekking route of Everest base camp heading towards beautiful valley at Gokyo and its emerald colored lakes.
At Gokyo with refreshing and enjoyable time including climb to scenic high view point Gokyo-Ri for super panorama of world’s four highest mountains Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho-Oyu and then adventure continues crossing high Cho-la pass to reach at classic Everest base camp right beneath world’s number one Mt. Everest.
From high areas of Everest base camp with climb on top Kalapathar above 5,545 m facing glorious panorama of peaks with Everest at close distance, and then after being on high altitude areas with enough walking exercise and acclimatization ready for the climb to the summit of Island peak.
Island peak climb leads you from a small settlement of Chhukung to reach at base camp of Island Peak, where our actual adventure begins encountering strenuous climb over moraine-glaciers, rocks, ice and snow to reach its high summit overlooking mind-blowing panorama of whole Khumbu Himal range.
After a glorious climb and adventure heading to Lukla for scenic flight back to Kathmandu with outmost adventure and memorable experience on Island Peak Climb.
Some Glimpse Photo of Trips
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotels.
On reaching Kathmandu International Airport received by our guide and staff and then transfer to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city. First check into your hotel rooms after getting refreshed from the flight, then join with other members of Island Peak Climb, for group briefing, where our expert guides will inform regarding hotels, trekking, local lodge and overland drives with do’s and don’ts information, includes welcome group dinner in authentic Nepalese restaurants followed with Folk cultural programs as entertain during dinner.
Day 02 Fly to Lukla 2,820m (35 min) and trek to Phakding 2,610 m – 03 hrs.
Morning depart from the hotel to Kathmandu domestic airport for exciting and scenic flight of 35 minutes to land at Lukla, a Sherpa town where all treks and adventure starts and ends around Everest and high Khumbu region. From Lukla a gradual walks to begin with short downs and ups and then on winding trail past nice farm villages of Sherpa enriched with Buddhism religion and culture as you encounter rows of Mani (prayer)monuments and large spinning bells. Slowly our pleasant first day walks completes reaching at Phakding a moderate size village with many good lodges for overnight stay nearby glacial Dudh Kosi River.
Day 03 Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m – 06 hrs.
Today walk leads to famous Namche Bazaar where altitude gains as walk progress, morning walk starts following the river and crossing several times to reach at Monjo village near Sagarmatha National Park entrance, from here walking on river valley and gorge covered within nice woodland of tall rhododendron-pines and fir trees.
After crossing a high last bridge with few hours climb to Namche Bazaar with stunning views of Everest-Lhotse and Kongde peaks. Namche Bazaar at 4,440 m high an ideal place for rest day to acclimatize, the main town / village of Khumbu where colorful and exciting Saturday market takes place once a week.
Day 04 Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion.
Rest day for acclimatization before heading higher terrain, morning after breakfast with options for hike to Everest View Hotel or walk on top of Namche, where you can catch super landscapes scenery with Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam with series of high peaks, here enjoy visiting National Park Museum provides you with much information of Khumbu region, Sherpa history-culture-flora and fauna including detail on mountaineering.
Day 05 Trek to Dole 4,110 m – 06 hrs.
From Namche Bazaar walk leads on gradual scenic path with uphill to reach at Mong Hill with few houses serving as Tea-House and Lodge with fantastic views of peaks, from here downhill to Phortse Tenga near Dudh Kosi within forested area. With possible lunch stop, afternoon walk leads to a climb into rhododendron, pines, fir forest with grand views of snowcapped peaks. After few hours climb reaching at Dole at 4,110 m high a moderate size settlement with good lodges to stay.
Day 06 Trek to Machherma 4,470m – 04 hrs.
After Dole, walk on high trail for an hour to Lhabarma Kharka at 4,325 m and Luza at 4,390m; then skirting around a ridge with views of Machherma, situated below on a small valley, walk downhill to Machherma for lunch and overnight stop.
Here after lunch rest of the afternoon free for acclimatization and short hike with views of Mt. Cho Oyo 8,210m and other mountains flanking above Ngozumba Glacier.
Day 07 Trek to Gokyo 4,800m -04 hrs.
Morning walk leads to Gokyo Lake following a scenic trail to Pangka 4,545m, then climb on rocky path into ablation valley passing first lake and then second lakes, to reach a third lake called Dudh Pokhari or Gokyo Lake. This beautiful area within Gokyo at 4,790 meters high, after lunch short walk around lake with views of Mt. Cho Oyo world’s 06th highest and Gyachung Kang that reflects on emerald Gokyo Lake.
Day 08 At Gokyo for hike to Gokyo-Ri 5,357 m – 04 hrs.
Free day at scenic Gokyo valley and its beautiful glacial lakes, where morning climb of few hours leads you to the highest point of the adventure on top Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m high, offering tremendous panorama from Mt. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse and of Mt. Makalu covering four world highest mountains at one glance with series of smaller peaks.
Enjoying views of grand peaks with massive Ngozumba Glacier and then down to Gokyo for lunch with rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 09 Trek to Thaknag 4,750m – 04 hrs at the base of Cho-la pass.
Morning at leisure marvel breathtaking views of high snow capped peaks with Cho-Oyu that straddles the border with Tibet and Nepal. After breakfast slowly walk towards Cho-la pass base at Thaknag, a short day as walk heads back to second and first lake close to Ngozumba Glacier moraine, as journey continues to the bottom of Cho-La Pass also called as Tsho-la a small settlement with few lodges.
Day 10 Cross Cho-la Pass 5,330 m to Dzongla 4,830m – 07 hrs.
Starting early morning before crack of dawn heading for a long steep climb to reach at the top of Cho-la pass (pronounced as Tsho-la), over rocky moraine in snow condition this will be tough to find the right path in snow and ice, walking on rubble of moraine reaching at the top enclosed by Cholatse, Nirekha and Taboche peaks, after a hard climb to the top, descend with care to a small valley at Dzong-la for overnight halt where few lodges available overlooking close Cholatse and Taboche peaks.
Day 11 Trek to Lobuche 4,910m -05 hrs.
After pleasant overnight at Dzongla, morning walks leads to a short uphill climb and then on gradual path above Thugla (Dugla), located on the midway of Pheriche and Dingboche on route Everest Base Camp and Lobuche. From here a slow good walk to Lobuche for overnight stop.
Day 12 Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 and back at Gorakshep 5,170 m – 06 hrs.
From Lobuche walk heads closer towards Everest Base Camp, where morning leads to gentle uphill with short steep climb in between glacier and moraine reaching at Gorakshep. Gorakshep located beneath Mt. Pumori and Kalapathar view point hill, after a brief refreshing stop at Gorakshep, this was an early Everest base camp till mid 1980’. From here walk continues towards east at Everest Base Camp, where route leads over moraine and glaciers then finally reaching on the foot of Everest at base camp.
Enjoy glorious views of massive Khumbu Ice Fall and glaciers, after completing an adventure of a lifetime experience walk back to Gorakshep for overnight halt.
Day 13 Morning hike to Kalapatthar 5,545 m and trek to Chhukung 4,745 m – 06 hrs.
Morning climb on top Kalapatthar at 5,545 m, highest spot on treks offers panorama of mountains with Everest at stone throw distance.
With amazing time on top head back to Gorakshep for breakfast and continue trek downhill past Lobuche and Thugla, where walk leads on good scenic trail towards Imjatse valley to reach at Chhukung a small settlement with few good lodges for overnight stop before Island Peak climb.
Day 14 Trek to Island Peak Base Camp 4,970m – 04 hrs.
Morning from Chukung an early start to reach at high Imjatse valley where route leads to Parsya Gyab close to Island Peak, after a steep climb heading south over moraine and left of Lhotse glacier, following glacial streams to the snout of Imjatse glacier crossing a dry lake between Lhotse and Imja glaciers to reach at island Peak base camp, afternoon free to relax and preparation for the climb.
Day 15 Climb on top Island Peak and return at base camp and to Chhukung – 10 hrs.
From base camp, heading further high up towards Island peak on our final day as well the highlight of the adventure, with final preparations heading for the climb before crack of dawn to reach across a broad and open gully, and then follow snow-covered glacier above, avoiding serac and crevasses climbing northwards over snow covered scree in the margin in between a glacier and base of the main top ridge.
Then climb leads to cross a gully with some stone and icefall danger, a steep snow and ice ramp leads upwards for nearly 100 meters (300ft) to the top of the summit, on reaching the topwith high spirit and triumph overlooking panorama of world’s highest mountains Mt. Everest 8,848 m, Lhotse 8,501 m, Mt. Amadablam 6,856 m, Mt. Makalu 8, 463 m, Chamlang and Baruntse peaks in the far distance, after an experience of a life time descend on the same route towards base camp.
Day 16 Reserve and contingency day as per weather condition for the climb.
We have taken extra care for this classic climb, where Himalayan bad weather might obstructs with our programs and schedule itinerary days. To be safe an extra contingency or reserve day to accommodate the safe climb if weather is a problem. Where with extra day will help and support to achieve successful climb on top Island Peak.
If all goes well this spare day to be used with easy walk on route to Namche and Lukla with more day in between making the day walks a short.
Day 17 Trek to Namche Bazaar -06 hrs.
After wonderful adventure of a lifetime experience on Island Peak Climb walk leads down with short climb and then a long descend to reach at Dingboche and then towards Pangboche village with unique views of Amadablam at close distance.
From Pangboche walk downhill to cross a bridge over Imjatse Rive and then an hour climb to Thyangboche Monastery within green vegetation and tree lines, with time here to relax and enjoy the scenic views, and then head downhill to Phunki Tenga with climb for an hour to reach a small place at Kyanjinma route Namche, a pleasant peaceful spot facing views of Everest-Ama Dablam and Tharmasarku with other range of peaks.
Here chances of spotting some wild-life like musk deer, herd of Himalayan Thar and pheasant Danfe (national bird of Nepal). After a refreshing stop with super views of Everest and adjoining peaks, a nice walk leads you at Namche for overnight stop.
Day 18 Trek to Lukla – 06 hrs with afternoon at leisure.
Our last day walk of the adventure where trek follows on the same trail back to Lukla past Monjo, Phakding and Ghat villages crossing few times over Dudh Kosi, with last final climb to reach Lukla town for last overnight stop around high scenic Khumbu and Everest region.
Day 19 Fly to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels.
Morning transfer to Lukla Tenzing and Hillary airport for sweeping short flight to Kathmandu facing scenic views of mountains, green scenery of hills and farm fields with nice villages and towns as flight lands at Kathmandu airport and then back to your hotel, with free afternoon to relax of great memorable adventure on top Island Peak Climb with Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp.
Day 20 Depart for international flight home ward bound or to respective countries.
Last day in Nepal, after a wonderful experience and adventure on Island Peak Climb with Gokyo Valley and Everest Base Camp trek including great service of Lasso Adventure, and as per your international flight then transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.
- All airport/hotel transfers
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Normal Nice Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight and departure taxes
- Food and Accommodation during trekking / climbing session (full board service – breakfast, lunch
and dinner + hot water) - An experienced English-speaking trekking & climbing guide and Sherpa porters to carry luggage including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
- All necessary paper works (Trekking permit, National Park Fee and Island Peak climbing permit)
- All group equipment required for base camp and climbing
- Guide the Himalaya Trekking duffel bag, climbing map
- Sleeping bag (must return to Peak Promotion after the trek)
- International Air Ticket
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Personal trekking and climbing gear
- Meals in Kathmandu except breakfast
- Alcohol and Beverages during the trek and climbing season
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower etc.)
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Tips for guides and porters
- Insurance not Included
- Anything not mentioned in Inclusion.
