Island Peak
Overview
Trip Facts
 |
17 Days Duration |
 |
Kathmandu Trek Start Point |
 |
Kathmandu Trek Finish Point |
 |
6187m/20299ft Highest Point |
 |
Challenging Difficulty Level |
Summary
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse at 6187m is one of the most popular and busy trekking peak in Nepal. It lies in the Khumbu Himalayan range. Climbing Island Peaks gives the best satisfaction every amateur and serious climber can dream of. This peak is recommended for those who wish to widen their experience towards peak climbing expedition beyond trekking in Nepal. Our professionally designed itinerary offers you a couple of extra days at the same town to get acclimatized.We head for Island Peak Climbing after the essential climbing practice course which is briefed and instructed by our Sherpa Climbers. Your historical effort to summit the peak will be rewarded with probably one of the best panoramic views in the world as you feel the massifs of Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Ama Dablam and Makalu almost touching the tip of your nose. Descending with a sense of achievement, our route takes us to many cultural sites, such as Pangboche, a traditional Sherpa village; Tangboche, famous for its ornately decorated Tibetan monasteries and Khumjung which is famous for the Hillary school known for its beautiful location, and the mysterious Yeti scalp.Highlights
|
City tour in Kathmandu. |
|
|
Scenic flight to and from Lukla. |
|
|
Step inside and experience life as the “mountain people” live, in the heart of Himalaya. |
|
|
Visiting Tengboche Monastery. |
|
|
Remarkable views of Khumbu Ice fall. |
|
|
Summit to Island peak at elevation of 6187 meters. |
Best Months
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Itinerary
Upon our arrival in Nepal the capital city Kathmandu, which is one of the historical places where you will find lots of cultural heritage which also comes under the world heritage site. Our Freedom Adventures’ staff will receive you from the airport to drop you by hotel. After some rest and fresh up enjoy Thamel Street at night which is the best tourist hub in the town with the view of live music bars, local market and reputed restaurants. There will be briefing in the evening about our trip by Freedom Adventures and also acknowledgement of any question we ask regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight at Kathmandu.
At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trek. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.nnAfter the pre-trip meeting and a hearty breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at around 9:45am. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. We visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks praying in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhanath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We will also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.nn nnThe rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near by your hotel. Later, you will be supplied with our Trek Pack and departure information for the next day. Overnight at a hotel.
An early morning start takes us to Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu for the 35 minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla. Upon arrival at the airport, a guide will meet us and introduce the porters before we begin the three hour trek to Phakding.nnAfter landing there will be time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. We then begin our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), Phakding is just a short walk. Overnight at Phakding.
We begin the five hour trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail. Overnight at Namche.
A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Overnight at Namche.
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. We trek to an altitude of 3860 meters today. After five hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed. Overnight at Tengboche.
From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues for six hours, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. We’ll set a leisurely pace to adjust to the altitude. Overnight at Dingboche.
From here we have four hours of walking to Chukung, as it is very important to adjust to the high altitude in order to climb Island Peak. Our guide will give provide important information about climbing Island Peak and the next day’s activities. Overnight at Chukung.
Today is another short trek of four hours to the Island Peak base camp. Beginning today, accommodations will be tented camps for the next two days, with food prepared by our professional chef. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
We will spend a day here in adjusting to the thinning of the air. We’ll also make a short trek around the base camp to prepare us for the 6000 meter adventure tomorrow morning. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
Today is our main adventure day. Weather permitting, we’ll start early in the morning for the climb up Island Peak (6187m). After Camp 1, we ascend through a gully and traverse to the right. After making our way up a wide stone field, we cross the ridge to the glacier and crevasses. After a safe trip to the top, we make our way back down the same day back and return to Chukung. Overnight at Chukung.
Today we follow the same route back down to Tengboche (3860m). Passing through Dingboche, Pangboche and Diboche, the day’s trek will take six hours. Overnight at Tengboche.
Leaving the mountains behind, our descent takes us from Tengboche Monastery to the town of Namche Bazaar (3440m). We arrive back at Namche Bazaar in the afternoon, a five hour walk. We’ll enjoy an evening of talking with follow trekkers over a nice meal. Overnight at Namche.
Finally we make the five hour return to Lukla, where the trek began. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and on the personal achievements of all who took part. Overnight at Lukla.
On the scenic thirty-five minute flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll enjoy a last glimpse of the mountains you have recently climbed. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will return to the hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
There’s much to see and do in Kathmandu and the surrounding areas, including Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Kathmandu Shopping Tour or Scenic Everest Flight. This is also a spare day in the event of bad weather in Lukla.
The above itinerary is not a fixed program but is intended to give an indication of the likely events during the expedition. Please note that in climbing, it will be necessary to have a flexible plan in order to take the best advantage of situations as they present themselves. Any changes to the itinerary will be made with the view of maximizing the benefit of team members and of ensuring their eventual success on the climb.nnTypically climbers will change their departure flights from Kathmandu once they know exactly when the expedition will end. We plan to remain at the base camp as long as it takes to complete a successful climb.nnTeam members should take out private insurance if they wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons. This is called “trip cancellation insurance” and can be obtained from any travel agent.
Customized Trip
The itinerary(s) for each tour MAY CHANGE depending on prevailing local weather and environmental conditions. In such cases our guide(s) or our staff will arrange the best alternative activities to match your original program. The completion date of your tour will always coincide with the original itinerary.
Prices
| Group Size | Price per person |
| 2 - 5 | USD 3190 |
| 6 - 12 | USD 2995 |
Includes
|
Accommodation
|
|
Transportation
|
|
Crew
|
|
Food
|
|
Permits
|
|
Misc
|
Excludes
- Visa fees
- Insurance which cover peak climbing
- International airport tax
- Extra weight on domestic flight
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal expedition equipment
- Meals in Kathmandu valley
- Optional activities
- Late check out on hotels
- Tips and gratuities
