Island Peak Climb: 15-day Himalaya Cilmbing Itinerary from KathmanduMulti-day Tours & Adventures
Alpine Club of Himalaya
Island Peak Climb: 15-day Himalaya Cilmbing Itinerary from Kathmandu Multi-day Tours & Adventures
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- €2,032.00 / person
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About this experience
✔ Private group✔ English speaking guide and a porter per group of two
✔ Full Board during the trek
✔ Flexible starting date after booking
DURATION: 15 Days (11 days trekking/climbing)
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 6,189m (20,306ft) at Island Peak
OPENING SEASON: September to November and March to May
WHO CAN COME: Island Peak climb is suitable for beginners. However, they need to be well trained and fit and have experience in using climbing gear and equipment.
Overview
At 6189m, Island Peak is one of the smaller but challenging trekking peaks that lie in the Everest region in Nepal. The reward for all this exertion is an unparalleled view of Ama Dablam and the south face of Lhotse. Island peak sits at the end of Chhukung Valley, accessible from Dingboche taking a short route without the need for extensive acclimatization days.
This Island Peak Climb itinerary is designed for those who are in good physical condition with prior mountaineering experience but have a limited time frame. You will be given a practical rock climbing course in Kathmandu before taking an exciting mountain flight to Lukla and trek up the Dudh Kosi Valley through a series of Sherpa villages from Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche to reach finally Chhukung which you will use as your base for making a challenge to the peak.
After a day of walking from Chhukung along the Lhotse Glacier, passing the bloated waters of Imja Tsho, you will reach the Base Camp to prepare for the challenge. It may take an additional day or two to scale the Island Peak depending on weather conditions. You will attempt the summit (6189m/20306ft) after one night at the High Camp perched on the South West Ridge where magnificent vistas of the Khumbu can be seen from the top.
24/7 Available Support
For this Island Peak climb, there is 24/7 support. Are you interested but not sure about payment or other safety and logistics issues? Please contact us at support@gofreedly.comHighlights
◾ Summit one of the peaks in the Everest region and enjoy magnificent views of glorious mountains surrounding you◾ Discover the Sagarmatha National Park and experience the culture and lifestyle of the famous Sherpa civilization
◾ Experience a great adventure in the Himalayas, yet comparatively easy climbing experience suitable for beginners
About this Experience
✔ Private group✔ English speaking guide and a porter per group of two
✔ Full Board during the trek
✔ Flexible starting date after booking
DURATION: 15 Days (11 days trekking/climbing)
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 6,189m (20,306ft) at Island Peak
OPENING SEASON: September to November and March to May
WHO CAN COME: Island Peak climb is suitable for beginners. However, they need to be well trained and fit and have experience in using climbing gear and equipment.
Description - What to expect
Island Peak Climb Itinerary◾Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by your host who will help you check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city and you will have a welcome dinner in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Dinner
◾ Day 2: Rock climbing course or sightseeing
An expedition trip to Nepal involves more preparation than average trips abroad. We take care that you are not ill-equipped, exhausted, and unable to cope with climbing all the way. So, today we’ll take you to Balaju, a nearby natural rock climbing spot where you will be given a climbing course with opportunities to practice and learn to use rope, harness, ice ax, crampons, etc. Alternatively, you can opt for sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley if you feel you don’t need the course.
Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast
◾ Day 3: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2610m)
Early morning flight from Kathmandu International Airport to Lukla Airport and trek to Phakding. Descending above farmlands pass through Sherpa villages Chheplung, Ghat, Sano and Thulo Gumela, shrines and monasteries of Drangdrak Gompa and Pema Choling Gompa, with breathtaking views of sacred mountain Kumbila and sister summits Kusum Kanguru peaks.
Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 4: Trek to Namche (3420m/11221ft)
Heading for the Namche Bazar, cross through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok to see dazzling Thamserku glistening in the sun. Passing through the scenic Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, reach Utche Choling Gompa on a bluff abutting the Dudhkoshi river, and further make your way between the bluff to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Crossing through the last village of Jorsale, a steep stepped path leads to an amazing high bridge over the Dudhkoshi River gorge. Beginning the final steps uphill slowly reach the heights of Namche from where you can have a first look at Mount Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, and finally, after about 1.5km reach Namche Bazar.
Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3870m)
From Namche, take the easy level trail that cuts around the ridge from Chhorkung to reach the end of a bluff which is a viewpoint over a grand panorama of peaks, from Thamserku to Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest. From here reach Kyangjuma (3550m) and a short walk from there takes you to an important trail junction at Sanasa (3600m) from where you take the trail to Tengboche that runs gently downhill towards the river. This trail drops gradually to Lawichasa and on your descending way, the thumb-like peak of Ama Dablam soars into view above the trail.
From Lawichasa a narrow trail branches north to reach Tashinga (3380m) and now the trail drops down on steep stone steps to Phunki Thenga (3250m) and then to a bridge. From the bridge, the trail climbs past some water-powered prayer wheels and begins a sustained climb through a forest of tall, mature rhododendrons. You might see musk deer and Himalayan tahr among the trees to eventually follow the path that reaches a Kani and a pair of chortens marking the start of Tengboche village which is scattered across a wide, grassy saddle below a crescent-shaped ridge covered by scrub pines and rhododendrons. The focal point of Tengboche is the famous Tengboche monastery.
Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4360m)
From Tengboche follow the trail through a forest of conifers and rhododendrons, keeping an eye out for monal pheasants and musk deer. Reaching Debuche village visit Debuche Gompa and a small Buddhist nunnery on the east hillside. The trail continues through dense forest to reach Milinggo and then drops steeply to a suspension bridge over Imja Khola. Cross the bridge and climb the hillside opposite to a white stupa with Buddhist eyes and after a hundred yards see a stupa that crowns an exposed bluff, mirroring the soaring tower of Ama Dablam at the end of the valley. East of the stupa is a footprint of Khumbu’s patron Saint Lama Sange Dorje.
Soon after reach Pangboche village that has the oldest monastery in Khumbu, Pangobche Gompa founded by Lama Sange Dorje. Following the Imja Khola the trail climbs towards the village of Shomare and crossing the treeline beyond this village we are walking up rolling arid stretch, an alpine terrain with patches of scrub and isolated pastures and fields and the yak grazing. Crossing through the yak pasture and herdsmen’s stone huts at Orsho and Tsuro Wog, turn right where the trail descends to a point near the confluence of Imja Khola and Khumbu Khola. Finally climbing a low ridge you reach the sprawling settlement of Dingboche.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 7: Trek to Chhukung (4730m)
Today you follow an epic trail along the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a small summer settlement nestling among ridges of the moraine. Mountains and glaciers surround Chhukung from all sides. It is here where we do the final preparations for the challenge.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 8: Climb to Island Peak Base Camp (4970m)
The path from Chhukung is fairly steep, climbing south then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Continue a short pleasant walk along a stream that leads to what we call Big-rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak.
Stay overnight in Island Peak Base Camp in a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner.
◾ Day 9: Climb to Island Peak High Camp (5600m)
The path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder-strewn. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel.
Stay overnight in Island Peak High Camp in a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 10: Climb to Summit Base Camp (6189m) back to Chhukung
Start the climb to the rocky gully early in the morning. It is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. you need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. It leads without difficulty to a 100m snow and ice slope on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. After enjoying the summit views descend all the way to Chhukung for the night stay.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
◾ Day 11: Trek to Tengboche (3870m)
The trail makes a gradual descent through scrub junipers and around mani stones as it follows the hillside. Then passes many mani walls in deep rhododendron forests where crossing after the Imja Khola, the trail climbs many carved mani stones to Pangboche. Walk down to the valley from where the trail is shallower through alpine meadows. This is followed by a climb gradually up to Tengboche where the biggest monastery lies in the whole of Khumbu.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 12: Trek back to Namche Bazar
From Tengboche, move towards Phunki Tenga, then descend to Sanasa and Kyangjuma and finally to Namche Bazar.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 13: Trek back to Lukla
Your final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla retracing the way you came up. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu
Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu and check-in at your hotel. This is a leisure day that can be used for buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family or exploring the city. In the evening, you will be invited to join a farewell dinner where you can review your great photos and share your experiences of the trip.
Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast & lunch
◾ Day 15: Fly back home or extend your holidays
What's included, what's not
✔ Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle✔ 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✔ Teahouse accommodation during the trek
✔ Tented accommodation during the climb
✔ All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek and climb
✔ Welcome and farewell dinners
✔ All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
✔ Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
✔ English speaking, trained, and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader), and assistant guides
✔ Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
✔ Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation
✔ Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion)
✔ Trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map are yours to take
✔ All necessary paperwork, trekking permits and Island Peak climbing permit
✔ Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
✔ Group mountaineering (climbing) equipment
✔ Medical kit (carried by your guide)
✔ All government and local taxes
✖ Nepalese visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
✖ International airfare to and from Kathmandu
✖ Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
✖ Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
✖ Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
✖ Travel and rescue insurance
✖ Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
✖ Personal climbing equipment
✖ Personal climbing guide if requested
✖ Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
✖ Tips for guides and porters
Free Cancellation
◾ If you cancel your Island Peak climb up to 15 days before departure you forfeit your deposit only◾ If you cancel your tour between 15 and 7 days before departure you forfeit 50% of the tour cost
◾ If you cancel your tour within 7 days from the start of your experience you forfeit 100% of your tour cost
◾ You can reschedule the starting time of your experience up to 15 days prior to the original starting time for free. If your want to reschedule your starting time within 15 days prior to departure extra fees might apply
◾ No refunds are made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip starts
◾ No refunds will be made for accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals, or any services not used
Bring with you
For this Island Peak climb, we recommend carefully considering all essentials for the adventure. (an extensive list can be provided on request) The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own.Accommodation offer
You will be accommodated in Alpine Hotel and Apartments or similar hotels in Kathmandu and standard tea houses during trekking. All accommodations in Kathmandu and tea houses are on a twin-shared basis.Good to know - practical information
◾ How Difficult is the Island Peak expedition?Compared to the other peak climbs in Everest, Island Peak is considered a relatively easier climb. However, be cautious, at some point the climb becomes technical, making it difficult. So you need to be fit and have a good understanding of the use of climbing gear and equipment. There will be professional guides helping you get through the technical parts but it can still be difficult for beginners.
◾ Altitude Sickness
Reaching a breathtaking altitude of 6189 meters at the summit of the Island Peak, there are chances of you getting altitude sickness. There are two acclimatization days in this 15 days itinerary, so the chances of altitude sickness are reduced. However, due to the gain in altitude and climb in a single day, there are still chances of you getting sick due to the altitude change.
◾ When is the best time for the climb?
The best time for Island Peak Climb is during the Autumn and Spring seasons. During the months of September to November and March to May, the weather is mostly clear with no rainfall ruining your trekking and climbing routes. Also, with the clear weather, you get the best views. The temperature of the region during this time is also favorable for mountain climbing and trekking. The sun is not too strong and the wind is not as cold.
Health and safety
Nepal is open to fully vaccinated people. Provider complies with local legislation and applicable health recommendations with regard to Covid-19 prevention measuresDescription - What to expect
Island Peak Climb Itinerary◾Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by your host who will help you check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city and you will have a welcome dinner in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Dinner
◾ Day 2: Rock climbing course or sightseeing
An expedition trip to Nepal involves more preparation than average trips abroad. We take care that you are not ill-equipped, exhausted, and unable to cope with climbing all the way. So, today we’ll take you to Balaju, a nearby natural rock climbing spot where you will be given a climbing course with opportunities to practice and learn to use rope, harness, ice ax, crampons, etc. Alternatively, you can opt for sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley if you feel you don’t need the course.
Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast
◾ Day 3: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2610m)
Early morning flight from Kathmandu International Airport to Lukla Airport and trek to Phakding. Descending above farmlands pass through Sherpa villages Chheplung, Ghat, Sano and Thulo Gumela, shrines and monasteries of Drangdrak Gompa and Pema Choling Gompa, with breathtaking views of sacred mountain Kumbila and sister summits Kusum Kanguru peaks.
Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 4: Trek to Namche (3420m/11221ft)
Heading for the Namche Bazar, cross through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok to see dazzling Thamserku glistening in the sun. Passing through the scenic Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, reach Utche Choling Gompa on a bluff abutting the Dudhkoshi river, and further make your way between the bluff to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Crossing through the last village of Jorsale, a steep stepped path leads to an amazing high bridge over the Dudhkoshi River gorge. Beginning the final steps uphill slowly reach the heights of Namche from where you can have a first look at Mount Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, and finally, after about 1.5km reach Namche Bazar.
Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3870m)
From Namche, take the easy level trail that cuts around the ridge from Chhorkung to reach the end of a bluff which is a viewpoint over a grand panorama of peaks, from Thamserku to Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest. From here reach Kyangjuma (3550m) and a short walk from there takes you to an important trail junction at Sanasa (3600m) from where you take the trail to Tengboche that runs gently downhill towards the river. This trail drops gradually to Lawichasa and on your descending way, the thumb-like peak of Ama Dablam soars into view above the trail.
From Lawichasa a narrow trail branches north to reach Tashinga (3380m) and now the trail drops down on steep stone steps to Phunki Thenga (3250m) and then to a bridge. From the bridge, the trail climbs past some water-powered prayer wheels and begins a sustained climb through a forest of tall, mature rhododendrons. You might see musk deer and Himalayan tahr among the trees to eventually follow the path that reaches a Kani and a pair of chortens marking the start of Tengboche village which is scattered across a wide, grassy saddle below a crescent-shaped ridge covered by scrub pines and rhododendrons. The focal point of Tengboche is the famous Tengboche monastery.
Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4360m)
From Tengboche follow the trail through a forest of conifers and rhododendrons, keeping an eye out for monal pheasants and musk deer. Reaching Debuche village visit Debuche Gompa and a small Buddhist nunnery on the east hillside. The trail continues through dense forest to reach Milinggo and then drops steeply to a suspension bridge over Imja Khola. Cross the bridge and climb the hillside opposite to a white stupa with Buddhist eyes and after a hundred yards see a stupa that crowns an exposed bluff, mirroring the soaring tower of Ama Dablam at the end of the valley. East of the stupa is a footprint of Khumbu’s patron Saint Lama Sange Dorje.
Soon after reach Pangboche village that has the oldest monastery in Khumbu, Pangobche Gompa founded by Lama Sange Dorje. Following the Imja Khola the trail climbs towards the village of Shomare and crossing the treeline beyond this village we are walking up rolling arid stretch, an alpine terrain with patches of scrub and isolated pastures and fields and the yak grazing. Crossing through the yak pasture and herdsmen’s stone huts at Orsho and Tsuro Wog, turn right where the trail descends to a point near the confluence of Imja Khola and Khumbu Khola. Finally climbing a low ridge you reach the sprawling settlement of Dingboche.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 7: Trek to Chhukung (4730m)
Today you follow an epic trail along the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a small summer settlement nestling among ridges of the moraine. Mountains and glaciers surround Chhukung from all sides. It is here where we do the final preparations for the challenge.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
◾ Day 8: Climb to Island Peak Base Camp (4970m)
The path from Chhukung is fairly steep, climbing south then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Continue a short pleasant walk along a stream that leads to what we call Big-rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak.
Stay overnight in Island Peak Base Camp in a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner.
◾ Day 9: Climb to Island Peak High Camp (5600m)
The path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder-strewn. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel.
Stay overnight in Island Peak High Camp in a tented camp. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 10: Climb to Summit Base Camp (6189m) back to Chhukung
Start the climb to the rocky gully early in the morning. It is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. you need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. It leads without difficulty to a 100m snow and ice slope on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. After enjoying the summit views descend all the way to Chhukung for the night stay.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
◾ Day 11: Trek to Tengboche (3870m)
The trail makes a gradual descent through scrub junipers and around mani stones as it follows the hillside. Then passes many mani walls in deep rhododendron forests where crossing after the Imja Khola, the trail climbs many carved mani stones to Pangboche. Walk down to the valley from where the trail is shallower through alpine meadows. This is followed by a climb gradually up to Tengboche where the biggest monastery lies in the whole of Khumbu.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 12: Trek back to Namche Bazar
From Tengboche, move towards Phunki Tenga, then descend to Sanasa and Kyangjuma and finally to Namche Bazar.
Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 13: Trek back to Lukla
Your final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla retracing the way you came up. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
◾ Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu
Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu and check-in at your hotel. This is a leisure day that can be used for buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family or exploring the city. In the evening, you will be invited to join a farewell dinner where you can review your great photos and share your experiences of the trip.
Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast & lunch
◾ Day 15: Fly back home or extend your holidays
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