Island Peak Climbing – 18 Days

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Kabru Adventure Holidays will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You’ll have the rest of the day to rest after your flight or take a short walk around the Thamel area. In the evening, a briefing will be held to introduce you to your trek and climbing itinerary. This is a great opportunity to ask any final questions and get acquainted with your guide and team members.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred site for Hindus, and the massive Boudhanath Stupa, a pilgrimage hub for Buddhists. Afterward, you’ll have free time to relax, prepare your gear, or shop for any last-minute supplies in Thamel. This is also the day for a final check of your trekking equipment.

Take an exciting scenic flight to Lukla early in the morning. The 35-minute flight offers awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas, with the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and others in the distance. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your local Sherpa crew, and the trek to Phakding begins. The route follows the Dudh Koshi River through lush forests. The walk is relatively easy to help you start acclimatizing to the altitude.

This is a longer day as you ascend into the Khumbu Valley. After crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge, you’ll trek through forests of pine and rhododendron before reaching the bustling town of Namche Bazaar. This town is a perfect spot for acclimatization and exploration. Namche offers views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, making it one of the best places to take in the Himalayan grandeur.

Acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Today, you’ll take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel, located at 3,880m, offering incredible panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This is also the perfect day to explore Namche Bazaar, where you can visit the Sherpa Museum, check out the local market, and enjoy the town’s cafes and bakeries.

Today, the trek takes you to Tengboche, passing through scenic forests and small Sherpa villages. The main highlight of this day is reaching Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the Khumbu region. It’s a serene place with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse.

On this day, you’ll leave behind the forests and head into the open, alpine terrain as you trek towards Dingboche. The village offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and marks the beginning of the high-altitude trekking. Along the way, you’ll pass through the village of Pangboche, which has one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

Today’s trek is short but helps with acclimatization as you ascend to Chhukung, a small settlement nestled beneath Island Peak. The area offers stunning views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding peaks. Once at Chhukung, you’ll have time to relax, explore the area, and prepare for the higher altitudes and the climb ahead.

You’ll continue your ascent to Island Peak Base Camp, located at 5,087m. This day’s trek involves crossing rocky and glacial terrain, with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. Upon reaching Base Camp, you’ll undergo a final gear check and receive a climbing briefing from your expert climbing guide.

This is the big day! You’ll start early and climb to the summit of Island Peak. The ascent involves crossing glaciers, ice walls, and rocky terrain, utilizing ropes, crampons, and ice axes. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Baruntse peaks. Afterward, descend back to Base Camp to rest and recover from your summit climb.

After your successful climb, it’s time to trek back to Chhukung. The descent is easier, and the journey back gives you a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Imja Valley. At Chhukung, you’ll have time to relax and celebrate your success with fellow trekkers.

You’ll retrace your steps from Chhukung to Tengboche, passing through scenic villages and dense forests. The journey offers a good mix of downhill trekking and high-altitude views, with several opportunities to spot Himalayan wildlife along the way.

Today, you’ll descend through forests and valleys to Namche Bazaar. You’ll have more time to explore the town and purchase souvenirs. Take in the stunning views of the Khumbu Mountains as you rest for the night.

Today, you’ll descend back towards Phakding, retracing the scenic trail you followed earlier in the trek. You’ll cross suspension bridges, trek along the Dudh Koshi River, and enjoy the beauty of the Khumbu region.

The final day of trekking brings you back to Lukla. The short and easy trek gives you time to reflect on the success of your climb. Once back in Lukla, you’ll celebrate with your trekking crew and fellow trekkers, marking the end of your trekking adventure.

After a morning flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax, shop for souvenirs, or visit other cultural sites. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner with a cultural performance, where you can celebrate the successful completion of your trek.

On this free day, you can visit additional sights in Kathmandu, such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or Bhaktapur. Alternatively, enjoy some last-minute shopping in the vibrant Thamel area. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences with fellow trekkers.

On the final day, we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. We hope you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of your Island Peak Climbing adventure with Kabru Adventure Holidays!