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Tea House
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Hotel & Lodge
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Flight & Private Car
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6,189M
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Fairly Challenging to Strenuous
Overview
Island Peak Climbing is one of the most beautiful trekking and peak climbing centers in the Himalayas. Located in the Everest/Khumbu region of Eastern Nepal, Island Peak Climbing is perfect for you if you are an adventure lover and enthusiast of energetic and challenging treks. The 19 days journey takes you through some of the surreal landscapes of the Everest/Khumbu Region until you conquer the top of magical Island Peak.
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, stands at 6189 meters (20305ft) above sea level. It stands in the picturesque Imja Valley in the Everest region, only a few miles from Mount Everest (8848m). The peak looks like an island from a distance, amidst the icy waters guarded by silver mountains.
Your enthralling journey gets underway with an adventurous flight to Tenzing–Hillary Airport, Lukla, from the capital city. You will enjoy seeing magnificent views from the top before landing amidst the high hills in one of the world’s most extreme airports.
After an enticing flight, you will commence the trek that takes you through some of the beautiful trails. From exploring the gateway of Mount Everest: Namche Bazar to visiting the historical Tengboche monastery, you will get lost in the tranquility of the beautiful nature. Moreover, the expedition presents you the chance to stroll around the Everest Base Camp, from where the dreams of many climbing enthusiasts of conquering the great Mount Everest begins.
The summit of Island Peak gets underway once you reach the Island Peak Base Camp. From there, you will climb towards the High Camp and acclimatize your body properly before the ultimate summit. Our Sherpa guides will involve you in some drills and physical exercises before you begin the most fun part of the expedition.
Ascending the Island Peak is not that challenging; however, you have to face some physical difficulties before reaching the top. Nevertheless, your efforts won’t go in vain as the summit offers you some bone-chilling views of Lhotse (8516m), Mount Pumori (7161m), Mera Peak, Mt. Barunste and other surrounding peaks.
You can climb Island Peak during two seasons on either side of the monsoon, spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). Likewise, it is possible to climb the peak during the winter, but cold temperatures will create additional difficulties.
We are here to make sure that you achieve your quest to conquer the top of Island Peak without any difficulties. We have a team of expert climbers, who have the experience of completing any kind of climbs with minimal or no risks. Besides, they will provide you the necessary assistance even during the grueling scenarios.
This Island Peak Climbing trip offers you an opportunity to explore the Everest/Khumbu region of Nepal from its core.
Short History of Island Peak
Located on top of the Chhukung glacier between Lhotse (8383m) and Ama Dablam (6856m) mountains, the Island Peak was first summitted by the Swiss team in 1956. The team was training and preparing for the Everest Expedition. Since then, a handful of climbers have successfully climbed this peak as it is not too challenging and doesn’t necessarily require any previous climbing experience.
Why You Will Love Island Peak Climbing
- You will enjoy a 19 days-long exploration around the scenic landscapes of the Everest/Khumbu region of Nepal.
- Bone-chilling flight from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Tenzing–Hillary Airport, Lukla — one of the most extreme airports in the world
- You will walk through the amazing forests filled with rhododendron and juniper trees.
- A chance to learn Sherpa culture, values, and traditions
- You will visit the infamous and historical Tengboche Monastery.
- Enjoy the adventurous hike to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.
- Ascending and Descending the snow-capped Island Peak.
- Mouthwatering views of Mount Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8383m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6608m), Mount Cho Oyu (8201m), Mount Pumori (7161m), and other surrounding peaks
Is This Island Peak Climbing Right For You?
- The weather can be inconstant in the higher altitudes as it can also affect your expedition and put it to a halt. You need to make sure that you consider the time of the year you wish to take on this climbing adventure as the scenery and conditions vary between seasons.
- For about a week or more, you will have to walk for 5 to 7 hours, excluding the climbing of the Island Peak itself. So, make sure that you can take the challenge. It will be helpful if you have been practicing some kind of mountaineering exercise prior to the journey.
- Our skillfully planned itinerary gives you even more sightseeing of the youngest mountains in the world, holding an ample amount of time aside for adaptation and acclimatization.
- The tea houses that you will be staying throughout the trekking period are simple with some basic facilities. Access to electricity for charging your electronic devices will cost you extra. Wi-Fi is available at a few locations, but connections could be weak. However, you can get all the advanced facilities when you are staying in the hotel at Kathmandu.
- The most important part of the expedition includes the scaling of Island Peak. The climb is moderately challenging, so keep in check that you have some climbing experience before taking on this expedition.
- The expedition includes several days of camping over 3000 meters, where there is the risk of being struck by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may notice shortness of breath and mild headaches, but your guide will make sure you walk gently to let your body adapt to the thinning air.
Our Sherpa guides are well trained in first-aid. They will be carrying emergency medicines to assist you in the time of difficulty. In extreme cases, we will rescue you using a helicopter. If you are uncertain about your physical ability, you need to inquire about some medical advice before booking this campaign.
Island Peak Climbing – Outline Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival and Pick Up at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and Transfer to the Hotel | 1350m | - |
| 2 | Sightseeing Around Kathmandu Valley and Preparation for the Expedition | 1350m | - |
| 3 | Flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing–Hillary Airport, Lukla and Trek to Phakding | 2840m (Lukla) 2650m (Phakding) | 40 minutes (flight) 4 hours (trek) |
| 4 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3440m | 4 hours |
| 5 | Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar and Khumjung Valley Excursion | 3440m (Namche Bazaar) 3790m (Khumbu Valley) | 3 hours |
| 6 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche | 3850m | 6 hours |
| 7 | Trek from Tengboche to Pherichhe | 4270m | 5 hours |
| 8 | Trek from Pherichhe to Lobuche | 4910m | 4 hours |
| 9 | Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep Hike to Everest Base Camp | 5160m (Gorakshep) 5364m (Everest Base Camp) | 5 hours |
| 10 | Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapatthar to Dingboche | 5554m (Kalapatthar) 4350m (Dingboche) | 6 hours |
| 11 | Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung | 4700m | 3 hours |
| 12 | Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp | 5087m | 5 hours |
| 13 | Trek from Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp | 5500m | 3 hours |
| 14 | Summit of Island Peak and Trek to Chhukung | 6165m (Island Peak) 4700m (Chhukung) | 6 hours |
| 15 | Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche | 3850m | 4 hours |
| 16 | Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar | 3440m | 5 hours |
| 17 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 2840m | 6 hours |
| 18 | Flight from Tenzing–Hillary Airport, Lukla to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner Celebration | 1350m | 40 minutes |
| 19 | Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for Final Departure | 1350m | 0.5 hours |
Important Notes
- You will begin this expedition early in Kathmandu. You will have an extra day other than the arrival day to explore the natural and cultural heritages around the Kathmandu valley. As a result, you will get enough time to prepare and become familiar with the expedition.
- The royalty fee that you need to pay for ascending the Island Peak in the spring season is 250USD. Besides, the charges in autumn and winter/summer seasons are 125USD and 70USD, respectively.
- Your guide may decide to delay or stop the ascent based on your medical conditions and AMS symptoms to ensure your safety and help on the climb.
- You may also be obliged to carry some passport size photographs to complete your expedition permit.
- Please note that you can obtain visas upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
- We suggest allowing a few extra days in Kathmandu at the end of your expedition in case your flight back from Lukla is delayed due to bad weather conditions.
Safety and Precautions During the Expedition
When you are climbing to higher altitudes, there is always a risk of altitude sickness. Although vulnerability varies from person to person, we want to ensure that you all are well informed to prevent any unwanted difficulties. To prevent anything serious from happening while you are in your expedition, we have detailed some of the major symptoms of altitude sickness as well as preventive measures.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Here are some of the common symptoms of altitude sickness:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse
Preventive Measures for Altitude Sickness
Follow these preventive measures to avoid altitude sickness:
- Allow your body to acclimatize properly to the high elevation and air pressure. Do not carry out hard climbs without resting now and then.
- Make sure you take several days when climbing to high altitudes.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the climb. Always carry the purified water to remain safe from any kind of hazards.
- Ensure that you stop to rest every 600 to 800 meters even if you don’t feel the strain.
- Alcohol and smoking tend to worsen altitude sickness, so try to avoid them.
Treating Altitude Sickness
If you experience any of the above symptoms of altitude sickness, we recommend the following:
- Immediately stop your climbing session and take some rest.
- Alert your guide so he can get the first aid kit.
- Garlic and Sichuan peppers are well-known home remedies to prevent altitude sickness.
Itinerary
You will be welcomed and greeted by our representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival at the capital. Our representative will then escort you to your hotel and help you with your check-in. You can take complete rest and let go of the jet lag as you will have one more day to prepare for the ultimate adventure.
Highlights
- Greetings and welcome from our representative at the airport.
- Transfer to the hotel for a much-needed rest.
The second day of your Island Peak Climbing is enjoyable and refreshing. You will have a whole day exploring the valley and enjoying the views of cultural and historical landmarks that the city offers.
Kathmandu, often known as the City of Temples, has a captivating blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Western cultures. The valley houses some of the major heritages listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also run through the busy city streets and explore the tourist hubs around Thamel and Asan.
While exploring the markets, you can buy some of the necessary trekking and climbing gear that play vital importance throughout your expedition. After returning to your hotel, you will get prepared for the important session coming up. We will conduct a short briefing that allows you to get all the valuable information and clear all of your doubts regarding the Island Peak Climbing.
The second day of the expedition ends with you resting in your hotel and gearing up for the long journey.
Highlights
- Adventure around Kathmandu Valley
- Visiting the cultural and natural heritage around the valley
- Buying some necessary climbing and trekking gear from the market
- Attending the expedition briefing
Special Information
We will brief you about all the details regarding the Island Peak Climbing in the meeting. Our team will walk you through all the trekking routes and accommodation facilities that you will come across throughout the journey. Additionally, we will let you through all the permit formalities required to carry out this expedition.
Today is the moving day of the expedition. After a quick breakfast in your hotel, you will drive to the Tribhuvan International Airport for a domestic flight to Tenzing–Hillary Airport, Lukla. You will enjoy the sight of splendid hills, rivers, and mountains during the 40 minutes-long flight to Lukla. The flight is filled with thrills and chills, as Lukla is one of the world’s most extreme airports.
Upon your arrival in Lukla, you will take a rest for a bit before commencing the trekking part of the Island Peak Climbing expedition. You will trek towards Phakding, which is a 4-hour-long walk from Lukla. Your trail will lead you through the Dudh Koshi River settlement and many beautiful waterfalls.
The journey takes you towards the north from the airstrip to Chheplung (2700m). You will cross the crystal clear Thado Koshi on a locally built suspension bridge. Past the bridge, you will witness the view of one of the toughest mountains to conquer— Kusum Kanguru (6367m). The trail then continues towards the Ghat (2590m), and you will cross a ridge marked with painted Mani stones.
The day ends with an overnight tea house accommodation in Phakding.
Highlights
- Scenic flight to Lukla
- 4-hours walk to reach Phakding
- Passing through Dudh Koshi River settlement and beautiful waterfalls.
- Traversing through Chepplung and Thado Koshi.
- A mesmerizing view of Kusum Kanguru.
- Walking towards Ghat and the ridge marked with Mani stones.
On the 4th day of the expedition, you will take a quick brunch and prepare for the trek to Namche Bazaar. The trail leads towards several villages and beautiful pine forests until you reach Jarsalee (2800m). Before that, you will cross the winding Dudh Koshi River 5 times on thrilling suspension bridges.
At Jarsalee, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). You will need to verify your permits to enter. You will be able to catch even more exotic flora and fauna as you enter the protected area.
After climbing slowly up a steep trail from Jarsalee, you will finally land your feet in Namche Bazaar. Namche is the administrative capital of the region and also called a gateway to Mount Everest (8848m). Namche Bazaar welcomes you with the splendid views of Mount Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8383m). Overnight tea house accommodation in Namche Bazaar gives you enough time to rest your tired feet.
Highlights
- Walk past several villages and beautiful pine forests to reach Namche Bazaar
- Crossing the Dudh Koshi River 5 times on the trail
- Entering the Sagarmatha National Park at Jarsalee
- Breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse from Namche Bazaar
Special Information
Historically, Namche Bazaar was the staging point for trading expeditions to Tibet. The Saturday market here remains an important event bringing traders from villages that are a week’s walk away.
An extra day in Namche Bazaar turns out beneficial for both acclimatization and exploration. You will get the chance to discover the Sherpa culture and explore the busy market streets. You can enjoy the hike to the famous Everest View Hotel (3800m), which is about a 3 hour-long trek from the town.
While exploring around Namche, you can catch a breathtaking glimpse of Mount Everest (8848m). Later in the evening, you will explore the Hilary and Sherpa museum at Namche and enjoy the slideshow program. Furthermore, you can also visit the 900-year-old monastery in Namche Bazaar.
Moreover, you will take part in the Khumjung Valley Excursion. The excursion begins leaving the marketplace and following a steep climb for about one hour to Syangboche. From the top of Syangboche, you can enjoy the exhilarating views of Mount Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6608m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8383m).
The trail goes downwards to Khumjung, where you can visit the Sir Edmund Hillary School and hospital. The busy day finally ends with tea house accommodation in Namche Bazaar.
Highlights
- Discovering the Sherpa culture and traditions
- Hike to Everest View Hotel
- Visiting the Hilary and Sherpa museum and enjoying the slide show program
- Sightseeing of Mount Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Thamserku (6608m), Nuptse (7879m), and Lhotse (8383m) from Syangboche
- Visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary School and hospital in Khumjung
Acclimatization
For acclimatization, you can explore several good hike options with the best views of surrounding mountains in the Khumbu region.
After spending a quality acclimatization and exploration day at Namche Bazaar, you will move ahead on the 6th day of your expedition. Today’s trek is to Tengboche, which is around 6 hours walk from Namche Bazaar. While trekking uphill over the ridge where the National Park Museum is, you can enjoy some of the breathtaking sceneries. There on, you will follow a slightly rising trail to Khyangjuma.
The trail takes you to the Mong La Pass at 3975 meters. The pass offers you great views of the mountains like Mount Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Lhotse (8383m).
You will then descend the stone-paved trail along with a beautiful pine forest that takes you to Phunke Tenga. After that, you will climb a switchback through a beautiful pine forest before reaching Tengboche. The village is well-known for its important Buddhist monastery, Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region. The day comes to an end with overnight tea house accommodation in Tengboche.
Highlights
- 6-hour-long trek to reach Tengboche village.
- Passing through the National Park Museum and Khyangjuma.
- Crossing the Mong La Pass.
- Astonishing views of the mountains like Mount Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Lhotse (8383m)
- Walking down the stone-paved trail towards Phunke Tenga.
- Visiting the infamous Tengboche Monastery
Special Information
Located at 3867m (12687ft), the Tengboche Monastery is also known as Dawa Choling Gompa. It was built around 1916 by Lama Gulu with a strong link to its mother monastery called the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. The monastery is the central place for the Mani Rimdu festival, one of the Sherpa people’s most prestigious festivals, conducted during the tenth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar.
After having brunch in Tengboche, you will gear up for the 5-hour-long trek to Pherichhe. From Tengboche, the trail will take you through a suspension bridge. There on, you will ascend towards the Pherichhe and reach the night’s destination in about 5 hours.
While walking, you will pass small villages like Diboche through birches, confiners, and rhododendron forests. In the meantime, you will traverse through Pangboche village before lending your feet to Pherichhe. Before reaching Pangboche, you will cross the Imja Khola. At Pangboche, you can offer your prayers at the Pangboche Monastery. The adventurous day ends with tea house accommodation in Pherichhe.
Highlights
- 5-hours walk to Pherichhe
- Passing through Diboche and Pangboche villages
- Crossing the Imja Khola
- Prayers at Pangboche Monastery
As the sun rises on the 8th day of the adventure, you will prepare for the 4 hours trek to Lobuche. You will pass an easy trail to Dugla that stands at 4620 meters. From there, you will ascend for about 2 hours and then finally reach Lobuche. You will let go of your fatigue with a warm tea house accommodation.
Highlights
- 4-hours trek to reach Lobuche
- Passing through Dugla
All meals included
Overnight in Lobuche at Tea House
Today, you will have an adventurous journey ahead. After having breakfast, you will follow the trail that is relatively flat with some small ascends and descend to Gorakshep. Gorakshep sits below Mount Pumori (7161m) and the sheer west face of Nuptse (7879m).
You will follow the rocky mountain path with spectacular views of glacial ponds and icebergs below the Khumbu glacier. After climbing the last of the rocky moraine dunes, you will move downhill until you arrive at Gorakshep. It takes around 2 hours to reach Gorakshep from Lobuche.
In the afternoon, you will gear up to visit the Everest Base Camp. You will follow the trail that passes through a rocky path and a Khumbu glacier towards EBC. From EBC, you can observe the blue ice and the Khumbu icefall. After spending some time in the Base Camp viewing some of the spectacular landscape around the area, you will retrace your steps back to Gorakshep. Overnight tea house accommodation in Gorakshep will give you enough time to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
Highlights
- Mesmerizing views of glacial ponds and icebergs down the Khumbu region.
- Trek to Gorakshep.
- Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep for the night.
Today is another exciting and adventurous day of the entire expedition. In the early morning, you will gear up for the hike to Kala Patthar. You can enjoy the mouthwatering sunrise view over Mount Everest (8848m), Mount Lhotse (8516m), Mount Makalu (8481m), Mount Cho Oyu (8201m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Mount Pumori (7161m), and other surrounding peaks.
After that, you will walk towards Dingboche, where you will be spending the night. As you reach Dingboche, the sight of green pasture with animals grazing and the rest of the farmland with potato and barley will please your eyes. Overnight tea house accommodation in Dingboche, and you are inching closer to the all-important summit.
Highlights
- Morning hike to Kalapatthar.
- Splendid sunrise view over Mount Everest (8848m), Mount Lhotse (8516m), Mount Makalu (8481m), Mount Cho Oyu (8201m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Mount Pumori (7161m), and other surrounding peaks.
- Trek to Dingboche.
After breakfast on the 11th day, you will tie your trekking boots for an uphill trek to Chukkung. You will take part in an uphill climb for about 3 hours to reach Chhukung. Chukkunbg welcomes you with 360-degree views of beautiful Himalayas. From Chhukung, you can also carry out the trip to Glacier and Imjatse Valley. Overnight stay in Chhukung, and you will be inching closer to the exciting part of the expedition.
Highlights
- 3-hours walk to reach Chhukung.
- 360-degree views of beautiful Himalayas.
From Chhukung, the trail leads a fairly steep way climbing south and then shifting east to the main line of the valley. From there, it winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. You will continue your walk along a streamside leading to what we call Big-rock. You can also catch the route to the Amphu Lapcha that lies to the southeast.
A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines points to a wide valley flanking the South West side of Island Peak. Finally, you will land your feet in Island Peak Base Camp, where you will rest for the day.
Our Sherpa crew will set up a camp near the Base Camp for your overnight stay.
Highlights
- Crossing the Lhotse Glacier.
- Traversing through Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines.
- Camping in Island Peak Base Camp.
After making necessary preparations for the climbing, you climb to the High Camp from where you will start your climb. At first, the path is helpful, but from there, the trail turns green and then boulder-strewn. Along the 3-hour-long way, you can catch the beautiful views of Imja Glacier and the lake. Overnight camping on High Camp and you are now ready to conquer the summit of Island Peak.
Highlights
- Climb towards the High Camp.
- Beautiful views of Imja Glacier and the lake.
You will begin your climb between 1 am to 3 am. This early climb is not that difficult, but there are some short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then moves towards a ridgeline, which leads to an exciting and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier.
You will need to rope up for the glacier as it comprises several crevasses, but it leads without a struggle to a 100m (330ft) snow and ice slope (40-45°) on which your Sherpa guides will fix a rope.
After a long time pushing and pulling, you will finally conquer the Island Peak and enjoy the beautiful views of Lhotse (8516m), Amadablam, and other surrounding peaks. As you admire and enjoy the breathtaking views, you will spend some time on the summit and gear up for the return ahead. You will retrace your steps back to Island Peak Base Camp and then return to Chhukung for an overnight stay.
Highlights
- Summit of Island Peak 6189 meters (20305ft)
- Mesmerizing views of Mount Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Mount Pumori (7161m), and other surrounding peaks
- Descend back to Island Peak Base Camp
- Walk back to Chhukung
Special Information
Before leaving the Island Peak Base Camp, you will take part in the short cleaning session. It is very crucial to keep our mountains free from pollutants. You will collect all the wastes and put them on your garbage bag for the proper disposal.
The next day, you will continue your returning part of the expedition with the 4 hours walk back to Tengboche. The trail makes a gradual descent through scrub juniper trees and around Mani stones as it follows the hillside. Throughout the journey, you will pass many Mani walls in deep rhododendron forests. You will then cross the Imja Khola and walk past Pangboche.
Before leaving Pangboche, you can visit the Pangboche Gompa, the oldest in the Khumbu Region. The day finally comes to a close with you resting your feet in Tengboche with tea house accommodation.
Highlights
- 4-hour walk back to Tengboche
- Passing through scrub juniper trees, Mani stones, and rhododendron forests
- Crossing Imja Khola and a chance to visit Pangboche Gompa in Pangboche
After the sun rises on the 16th day of the expedition, you will start your trek on a leveled path to head back to Namche Bazaar. It takes around 5 hours to reach Namche Bazaar from Tengboche. You will move towards Phunke Tenga and take an uphill trek to reach Kyangjuma. From there, you will enjoy a pleasant walk to the Sherpa capital — Namche Bazaar. You can visit local stores and souvenir shops at Namche in the evening before ending your day with tea house accommodation.
Highlights
- 4-hour walk from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar.
- Passing through Phunke Tenga and Kyangjuma.
- Visiting the local stores at Namche.
Today, you will walk for around 6 hours to reach back to Lukla. This day is the last day of the trek, and it is an exciting one. The trail passes through dense forest filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. Except for a few short uphill climbs, your trek is mostly a pleasant one. You will cross the Bhote Koshi River three times before a final uphill climb to step your feet back in Lukla. Overnight stay in Lukla, and you are ready to fly back to the capital city.
Highlights
- 6-hour walk back to reach Lukla.
- Passing through the dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees.
- Crossing the Bhote Koshi River.
After waking up amidst the scenic beauty of Lukla, you will enjoy your breakfast and glance at the bone-chilling landscapes for one last time. After that, you will get ready for a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. While you prepare for take-off in between the high hills, you will have your heart filled with fear and excitement.
During the 40 minutes-long flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, you can peek from a window and catch a glimpse of high mountains and scenic landscapes. After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our staff will take you to the hotel. You can then have a short rest and stroll around the city for a while.
The day ends with a little surprise from our side. We will organize a farewell celebration dinner to thank you for choosing us and coordinating perfectly throughout the expedition. At the end of the pleasant night, we thank you for your time in the country.
Highlights
- Thrilling and enticing flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
- Strolling around the busy streets of Kathmandu
- Enjoying a farewell dinner from our side
Special Information
The farewell dinner from our side will contain some of the mouthwatering dishes that stay in your memory for a long time. You will get a taste of some local and traditional cuisines of Kathmandu. Plus, you will get to enjoy the cultural performance that we will have at your disposal.
This day is your last day in the country’s capital. After breakfast, you will be dropped to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight home by our representative. On your way back home, you will have enough time to relive the memories of the Island Peak Climbing.
Highlights
- Drive back to Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure.
Includes
- 3-star hotel accommodation for 3 nights in Kathmandu on B/B basis.
- Nepal Government lincined trek trek guide for trekking an mountain support team
- All meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, throughout the trekking and climbing period.
- All climbing equipment, including kitchen tent, storage tent, dining tent, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for Island Peak Base Camp
- Island Peak climbing permit
- Schedule flight tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu to all climbing members, Sherpa guide, and kitchen staff
- Satellite phone carried by a guide for communication and available to clients at the cost of USD3 per minute
- Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpa’s, chefs and kitchen assistants
- First-aid medical kits for the climbing group and the staff
- Emergency oxygen, mask, and regulator provided on the requirement of climbers with appropriate charge
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit
- Private overland transport as described in the itinerary
- Daily weather report services
- Solar panel for light and battery charging
- Everesrt National Park and trek permits (T.I.M.S.) for the trekking region
- Sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary
- EPI cooking gas and stove (above Base Camp) for cooking food and boiling water
- Assistance with buying trek gear or we can loan you for the trek
- Royalties and fees of the Government of Nepal
- Peak climbing certificates issued from the respective body of Nepal Government
- 20kg baggage allowance per person during trekking to base camp--carried by porters/yaks
- Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
- Visa extension procedure services (if required)
Excludes
- Meals other than breakfast when staying in hotels (except welcome and farewell dinner)
- Bottled drinks of any kind plus extra tea and coffee when trekking
- Any packed food or snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, and nutria-bars during the trekking period.
- Items of personal nature, laundry expenses, and tips
- Any extra costs arising out of unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, and changes in government regulations, etc.
- Extra transportation services not mentioned in the itinerary program
- Any additional staff other than the specified ones
- Rescue, repatriation, medicines, medical tests as well as hospitalization expenses
- Medical insurance, travel insurance, and emergency rescue evacuation if necessary
- Walkie-talkies
- Filming permit on Island Peak
- Personal climbing and trekking gear
- Tips and gratuities for the staff
- Expenses incurred towards the usage of landlines, internet expenses, mobiles, walkie-talkies, and satellite phones
- Clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, and camera or video fees
- Personal insurance--if trekking or climbing must include helicopter evacuation
- Airfare of international flights
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance on arrival in Kathmandu)
- Any costs not included above
Higher Success Rates
Nepal Social Trek has garnered higher success rates since the start of our campaign in 2006, thanks to our extremely professional and dedicated guides. Our trained members have always used the conventional tactical approach in every type of expedition that has gifted us with higher success rates over the years.
Our increasing success rate makes us your convenient partner in your quest for exploring Island Peak. For expeditions over 6000 meters, we have a 1:3 guide to climber ratio, which is superior to most of our fellow agencies.
Well Qualified Teams
With Nepal Social Trek, you will have the most hardworking, dedicated, and properly organized team. We have assembled a team of experts who have had years of experience in their respective fields. One of the main reasons for our successful expeditions year after another is our highly qualified guides who operate exceptionally as leaders.
We have a team of guides who have carried out more than 100 expeditions on the Himalayas, including Everest, Manaslu, Himlung, Baruntse, Lhoste, Nuptse, Amadablam, Dhampus peak, and similar other 6000+ peaks over time. Our guides are experts on mountaineering with extensive knowledge on the Himalayas, usually more than 5 years of experience with at least 3 times the summit of Mt. Everest.
All of the guides are trained and assessed by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA) or Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with many years of Mountaineering experience in the world’s highest mountains. With their expertise in mountaineering and summiting the highest peaks in the world, they will be responsible for your successful ascent.
Better Experience
We are transparent about our service, and we don’t make any fake promises. Likewise, we are also highly concerned about offering all the things mentioned in the package. With us, you will get better climbing and expedition experience. We do not risk any aspect of support or safety and offer everything as specified.
Our primary goal is to provide ever more creative and exciting expedition packages for people to savor and enjoy. It offers us much pleasure when our guests speak highly of us.
Advanced Technology
We make use of the most advanced technology for carrying out weather forecasting and communications throughout the expedition. As the campaign involves spending most of your time at higher altitudes, you need to be aware of the challenges you need to tackle weatherwise. The accuracy of the weather forecast is undoubted with a dedicated team of veterans supporting meteorologists.
Communication becomes vital between different camps once the journey starts, and we make sure there is no breach. The satellite phone service will be made available for unhindered communication.
Excellent Food and Accommodation Facilities
We always keep your health and well-being at the highest priority list and ensure you are no short of proper fooding throughout the adventure. Our Sherpa friends at the base camp will make you feel like home with their delicious cooking. When you ascend Island Peak, we make sure there are dedicated cooks and healthy ready-to-cook food for your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though Island peak climbing is not technically challenging, it is physically demanding and is graded as Alpine PD+. This strenuous plus expedition rises to an altitude of 6189m / 20,305 feet and walks through steep and narrow trails and glacial moraines. While you will be provided with acclimatization days, one needs to be physically fit to take on this trek.
Island Peak is a strenuous plus trek which involves trekking as well as climbing with all the expedition equipment’s. Previous climbing experience certainly helps, but no prior experience is required for Island Peak climbing. Moreover, at Island Peak base camp, our climbing Sherpa will organize a special session on climbing skills and the use of climbing equipment’s. Some cardio and regular walks will certainly help prior to your arrival in Kathmandu. However, anyone with pre-medical history needs to seek medical consent before considering the expedition.
We strongly suggest you to have an all-inclusive travel insurance policy covering all the aspects of your adventure. However, we ensure you that there would be hardly any evacuations or any health catastrophe as your leader is medically trained and has ample knowledge to deal with any life threatening situation. But it’s always wise to have insurance as your back up.
As for Island Peak climbing, you would need special Island Peak climbing permit along with (Everest) Sagarmatha National Park permits, and TIMS card (trekking information management system). We obtain these entire permit and travel documents for you.
Acute mountain sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude caused by your body’s reaction to a shortage of oxygen. The amount of oxygen present at sea level is double of that contained at 5,000m above the sea-level. Your body needs sufficient time to adjust your breathing to the higher altitude. Above 2,800m, the effect of high altitude is experienced.
Symptoms of AMS are headache, nausea, loss of appetite, coughing, and fatigue. If you’re feeling any of these while trip, rest and discontinue your trip for that day. If your health is getting worse while resting, return back to lower altitude. You should rest until you feel okay. Then, you can continue your trip. You can always abandon your trip if you’re not able to complete it. Let your guide know if you are having troubles during the trip and act on his advice.
To get Nepal visa, you need to have the following documents with you:
Two Passport-sized photos with a light background
Cash in USD to get the visa fee.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
Well, you should know that the security of our clients is paramount for us. We have a carefully chosen group of guides and support crew. They hold licenses issued by the Government of Nepal. They are honest and reliable to have on your journey.
However, we advise you to take care of your personal belongings. When you are camping, don’t leave your bags unattended at any time for your safety. Place your bags and belongings inside the tent once you reach the campsite. When you are sleeping in a local tea house, keep your room locked when you head out.
We suggest that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers all the aspects of your adventure. However, we assure you that there will be hardly any evacuations or any health catastrophe throughout the expedition. Your leader is medically trained and has ample knowledge to deal with any type of life-threatening situation. Nevertheless, it is always helpful to have insurance as your back up.
Acute mountain sickness is a severe health effect of high altitude caused by your body’s reaction to a shortage of oxygen. The amount of oxygen available at sea level is double that contained at 5000m above the sea level. Your body needs enough time to adjust your breathing to a higher altitude. You normally experience the effect of the high altitude above 2800 meters.
To prevent AMS, you should acclimatize your body when trekking to higher altitudes. Moreover, you should drink enough fluids and take rest immediately when you feel tired and dizzy.
The major symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, cough, and fatigue. If you feel any of these symptoms during the expedition, take rest and halt your adventure for that day.
If your health deteriorates even while resting, return to a lower altitude. You should take proper rest until you feel okay. You can always abandon your expedition if you are not feeling well to complete it. Let your guides know if you are having issues during the expedition and act on their advice.
At Nepal Social Treks, we provide you some of the experienced local guides. Our expert guides have been to the relevant areas many times. All the guides are flexible, experienced, and authorized by the Government of Nepal.
Our guides are professionals on mountaineering with extensive knowledge on the Himalayas, more than 5 years of experience with at least 3 times summit of Mount Everest and are trained and assessed by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA) or Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with many years of Mountaineering experience in the world’s highest mountains.
When you are staying in Kathmandu, your accommodation will be in 3-star hotels packed with all the major facilities. On the other hand, when you are trekking, the accommodation will depend on the trek style. If you are camping, you will be sleeping in tents.
Besides, when you are on the go, there are plenty of tea houses, particularly in the smaller villages, to provide you comfortable accommodation. Although simple, the teahouses are run by local families and provide shelter and warmth.
Your health and well-being are our priority, so only safe water is made available for drinking throughout the expedition. You can purchase bottled water from the hotels and lodges where we stay. Nevertheless, it is no harm in carrying the water purifier with you for proper purification. Other than that, you can pack some water-purifying tablets from Kathmandu for the road.
Island Peak is a safe and easy mountain to ascend, which can be achieved by ordinary mountaineers. Yearly there are numerous climbers successfully summiting the Island peak. Being itself a typical peak for climbing, it holds a very low death rate, which seldom spots only by the climber’s negligence.
The following are some of the essential trekking gear lists for island Peak Climbing:
Bags:
Daypack
Duffel Bag
Rucksacks
Waterproof Stuff Sacks (large and small)
Clothing:
Trekking Shirt – Pack 4 to 5 breathable trekking shirts, balancing both half and full sleeves
Thermal Layer – At least one pair of a thermal layer
Fleece Jacket – Pack a lightweight fleece jacket for the lower region
Trekking Shorts – Pack a couple of trekking shorts for lower reaches of the trek
Lightweight, long underpants – pack 2-3 pairs
Down pants
Trekking Trousers – Minimum 2 water and wind-resistant trekking pants
Mid-weight long underpants – pack 2-3 pairs
Down Jacket – Carry a high-quality down jacket to keep you warm from the extreme weather at the trek’s upper reaches
Waterproof Shell Jacket – One waterproof jacket to stay protected in the wet weather
Breathable Underwear – Carry at least 4 to 5 pairs of breathable and comfortable underwear
Footwears:
Trekking shoes
Sandals/Trainers
Hiking Socks
Thermal Socks
Gaiter (For Winter)
Head Wears:
Warm Beanie
Sun Protection Hat
Balaclava
Fleece Hat
Neck Gaiter
Hand Wear:
A Pair of Inner Gloves
A Pair of Outer Gloves
Heavy gloves (mitten)
Sleeping Bags:
Sleeping Bag for Base Camp
Down Sleeping Bag – 20 to -40 degree celsius for extreme conditions
Thermarest Mattress (Cell Foam and Inflatable)
Medical:
First-Aid Kit
Bandages
Antibiotic
Ibuprofens
Diamox
Paracetamol
Handy Plaster
Tincture Iodine
Other Accessories:
Trekking Poles
UV Protection Sunglasses
Water Bottle
Water Purification Tablets
Toiletries
Wet Tissues
Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Shampoo
Garbage Bag
Headlamp with Spare Batteries
Hand Sanitizers
Sunscreen/Lip Balm
Trekking Towels
Camera
Portable Chargers
Pocket Knife
Umbrella/Raincoat
Here is the necessary climbing gear for Island Peak Climbing:
Climbing Boots
Summit Gloves
Climbing Helmet
Down jacket
Crampons
Ice Axe
Ice Tools
Belay Device
Harness
Ascender
Lock Carabiner
Unlock Carabiner
Tape Slings
Prusik Loops
Snow Goggle
Head Light
Satellite Phone
Hand Warmer
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