Island Peak Climbing

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Nepal Spirit Adventure will greet you. You will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city. There are no scheduled programs for today, allowing you free time to explore the old Kathmandu city, Thamel, and the local markets. Your activities for the day will depend on your arrival time in Kathmandu.

We have set aside a day for you to recover from jet lag and explore Kathmandu at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will begin our discussion about the Island Peak climbing expedition. Our team will assist you in reviewing your climbing and trekking equipment and help facilitate an introduction to our trek leader and climbing guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey. 

As an option, we can arrange a city tour of the Kathmandu Valley, which includes visits to Swoyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. This optional tour program can be discussed in detail with our manager upon arrival in Kathmandu. Please note that this tour is not included in the Island Peak Climbing Package.

Available Kathmandu City Tour:

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square

2. Swayambhunath

3. Boudhanath

4. Pashupaninath

In the early morning, we will transfer to Kathmandu's domestic airport for a short, scenic 35-minute flight to Lukla, which offers panoramic views of the mountains. Upon arriving at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, known for its unique airstrip, we will begin our trek to Phakding. The trail takes us through traditional Sherpa farm villages, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks along the way. After a 3-4 hour hike, we will reach Phakding, where we will stay overnight in a comfortable lodge by the bank of the Dudh Kosi River.

Lukla Flight from Ramechhap in Peak Season:

During the main trekking and climbing seasons, which run from March to May and September to November, flights to Lukla will operate from Ramechhap, located 130 km from Kathmandu. A shared tourist vehicle for the overland journey is included with the Island Peak Climbing package. If you prefer, private transportation from Kathmandu to Ramechhap-Manthali is also available for an additional cost.

We start the day walking through charming Sherpa villages, where we can enjoy stunning views of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. Along the trail, the scenery includes. Rhododendron forests, as well as Magnolia and giant fir trees. This segment of the trail is particularly breathtaking during early autumn and late spring when the flowers are in bloom, making it an unforgettable experience.

 As we traverse multiple suspension bridges over the river, the journey continues to Monjo, which serves as the southern entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. This gate is the primary access point to the park, and our guide will handle the necessary paperwork, including the Sagarmatha National Park permits and T.I.M.S. cards. 

Next, we will make our way to Jorsale, the last village before reaching Namche Bazaar. It is advisable to take a lunch break here to rejuvenate for the challenging ascent ahead. The trek involves crossing a high suspension bridge that spans the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. The steep climb out of the valley leads you to the ridge that provides the first magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.

Finally, we will arrive at the vibrant village of Namche Bazaar, which acts as the main gateway to the Solukhumbu region. An overnight stay is planned at the guesthouse, allowing you to rest and prepare for the next phase of our adventure.

Namche is an ideal location for rest and acclimatization before venturing into the higher elevations. We can enjoy a relaxing day and an optional short hike to the Everest View Hotel, which typically takes us around two hours. Alternatively, a trek to the top of Namche, Syanboche offers stunning panoramic views of iconic peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, and other nearby mountains. Additionally, travelers can explore fascinating museums in the area, which provide insights into the local cultures and heritage.

Starting from Namche Bazaar, the morning walk begins with a gradual ascent, offering a stunning aerial view of the surrounding towering peaks. The path leads downhill to the Imjatse River at Phunge-Tenga, where we take a break for lunch. Afterward, the trek continues uphill through a serene environment filled with cool rhododendrons, pines, and fir trees, all while enjoying remarkable mountain vistas. The journey culminates at the Thyanboche Monastery, which offers breathtaking views of iconic peaks including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtenga, Thamserku, Kwande, and the majestic peak of Amadablam. We will have the opportunity to explore the monastery and observe the monastery and observe young monks and priests engaging in the ceremonial prayers, making for a culturally enriching experience. 

After our breakfast, the morning trek descends through a stunning forest of birch, rhododendron, and pines, providing a pleasant walking experience. The route crosses a bridge over the Imja Khola river, after which we ascend to the Pangboche village. As we leave the tree line behind, we start encountering short rhododendron and juniper bushes. The trail then takes a more exposed path, offering spectacular views of Mt.Amadablam, which stands at 6,856meters. After a rewarding day of walking, we will arrive at Dingboche, an overnight stop located in the picturesque Imjatse Valley. This area features several good lodges and historically served as a Yak summer grazing ground before becoming popular with the trekkers and mountaineers.

Dingboche serves as a key waypoint on the trekking routes in the Everest region. From here, the trail branches off in different directions; trekkers can choose to head towards Periche and Lobuche, which are popular stops on the classic Everest Base Camp, or take the path to Chhukung, the gateway to the Island Peak and the Chukhung Ri summit.

A leisurely morning with a short walk today at the end of Imjatse valley to Chukung, the last settlement around the remote Khumbu area, from Dingboche head further east towards Island Peak or Imjatse Peak with an overnight stop at Chukung. Afternoon hike to Chukung Ri at above 5,550 m, offering a grand vista of the surrounding giant peaks beneath towering Lhotse and Nuptse mountains.

Today is dedicated to complete rest and thorough preparation for our upcoming climb. Our experienced climbing guide will provide detailed instructions on how to use and properly secure the equipment needed for the Island Peak expedition. We will conduct a comprehensive check of the gear we have on hand to ensure everything is in optimal condition. For those wishing to enhance their climbing experience, we have the option to hire any additional Island Peak gear at the Chhukung overnight lodges, nestled in the picturesque village of Chhukung. This ensures that we are fully equipped and ready for the challenges ahead.

Following the trek from Chukung, the journey to Island Peak Base Camp unfolds along a steep and rugged terrain, where the path meanders through a stunning landscape of moraine alongside the left bank of the Lhotse Glacier. As we navigate the rocky trails, glacial streams trickle by, their cool waters shimmering under the sun. The route leads us to the snout of the Imja Glacier, where we'll encounter a unique dry lake formed between the towering glacial giants of Lhotse and Imja.

Once we reach the base camp near Pareshaya Gyab, the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks will take our breath away. The afternoon is ours to unwind and acclimatize, allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude.  

Take this time to soak in the stunning environment, perhaps enjoying a warm drink ( Ginger lemon honey, to be precise), in this serene high-altitude heaven. This crucial period of rest will prepare us for the adventures that lie ahead.

Today marks our big day as we rise early in the morning, ready to chase our dreams. We set off from base camp to high camp around 4:30 AM, filled with anticipation and purpose. From high camp, we tackle a left-hand ridge, embracing the challenge as we scramble across a broad open gully to reach the right-hand ridge. This exhilarating route leads us easily onto the snow-covered glacier above. With determination, we navigate leftwards, skillfully avoiding the seracs and crevasses that test our resolve before turning back northwards over snow-covered scree. Each step brings us closer to the summit, even as we cross a gully where stone and ice fall beckon us to remain vigilant. A steep snow and ice ramp ascends nearly 100 meters (300 feet) to the summit ridge, where we face the final moves that may prove daunting. 

Standing atop the peak, we are greeted by the breathtaking close-up view of Lhotse's South Face, towering at 8,501 meters, while the vastness of the world stretches out before us. The dramatic beauty of the mountains like Ama Dablam (6,856 meters), Chamlang, and Baruntse fills us with awe.

After celebrating our achievement, we begin our descent along the same route to base camp, eventually making our way to Chukung. There, we find comfort in a cozy lodge, reflecting on the journey we've undertaken and the heights we've conquered.

After completing the successful ascent of Island Peak, the return journey to Lukla begins with a trek through Dingboche village. The morning walk features a few uphill sections over moraine, offering striking views of the surrounding mountains. Following a brief stop in Dingboche, the trail continues with an easy downhill walk that includes some short ascents to Pangboche village. From there, the route retraces back to Tengboche, navigating through beautiful forests while enjoying picturesque views of the peaks along the way. Overnight stay at Debuche.

The return journey becomes more manageable as one descends in altitude every few hours, primarily walking downhill with only a few brief ascents for about an hour to reach Sanasa. From here, the path continues gradually downhill towards Namche Bazaar, where a short rest can be taken. After a refreshing break, the route descends further to the Dudh Kosi River, leading to Monjo, where an overnight stop is planned near the entrance to the National Park.

In the morning, we start by enjoying a pleasant walk to Phakding. After our visit, we retraced our steps back to Lukla, which included a final hour of ascent. Upon reaching Lukla, we can celebrate our last night with dinner alongside fellow trekkers and our staff crews.

From Lukla, you will take a scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the mountains as you land at the airport. Our staff will transfer you back to your hotel in the Thamel area, where you will have the rest of the day free to relax at your leisure. In the evening, we invite you to join us for a farewell dinner. You will spend the night at the hotel.

Peak Trekking/Climbing Season: Lukla Flight will be through Ramechhap

During the main trekking and climbing season, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla will be organized from Ramechhap. In this case, we will provide bus transportation from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and back. Alternatively, you can arrange for a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu at a special rate through the NSA transportation manager.

After a remarkable experience on the Island Peak Climb, assisted by the Nepal Spirit Adventure, we will coordinate your transfer to the International terminal in alignment with your flight schedule to ensure a smooth transition for your departure to your home country or to your next destination. If you're going to stay longer, you can share the experience information with our travel Manager about an extra night stay in Kathmandu, a visit to Chitwan wildlife safari, travel to Pokhara, trek to Annapurna, a visit to Bhutan/Tibet.