Island Peak
Code: NPL-PC-IP
Description
More than a peak climbing journey, more than just trekking, the Island Peak Climbing is nothing short of an adventure filled with cultural awakening and jubilation amid the vibrant nature. Even exploring the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass (5420m), the peak climbing trip continues along the zigzag routes in the Sagarmatha National Park. The thrill never seems to stop while on the trip as the ascent of the Island Peak (6189m) finally brings you to the finale of the adventure.
Beginning with a customary flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, the airplane journey lands at one of the most dangerous airports in the world. From Lukla, the journey heads north along the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding. Passing Jorsalle, you enter the Sagarmatha National Park and head to Namche. From here, the trek before climbing the Island Peak leads to Dhole. Crossing Machhermo on the way, the meandering paths make way to the freshwater lakes of Gokyo. On spending a day at Gokyo, you hike to the summit of the Gokyo Ri (5360m) which offers glorious views of the Gokyo Lakes and numerous mountains in the Everest region. After exploration of the village, you pass Dzongla and make an ascent to cross the Cho La Pass (5420m). Chhukung, the next stop on the peak climbing journey, offers to be the final human settlement before making the climb to the summit. From Chhukung, it is a short walk to Island Peak Base Camp where you will be spending a day to train and practice to make the climb. A toiling climb this, the summit of the peak allows you to relish in the views of the Himalayan panorama including the Mt. Everest (8848m) along with numerous others in the Everest region. You then descend all the way to Chhukung and head to Pangboche. Crossing Tengboche and Phunki Tenga on the way, you reach Namche Bazaar. Continuing ahead, you bid farewell to the region and fly back to Kathmandu. Island Peak although of 6189 meters is still greater then Mt Kilimanjaro and requires various technical equipments for the climb. Additionally with the Island Peak Climbing, journey to Everest Base Camp can also be accommodated as per the preference of the climbers.
We are adequately prepared and driven to provide you with ample support to make the peak climbing a memorable experience for you. With adept Sherpa guides and porters, we ensure you that the journey is sure to be a success and will certainly explore the tiniest bits of the Everest region as well.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | TIA Kathmandu |
| DIFFICULTY LEVEL | Hard |
| HIGHEST ALTITUDE | 6189 m |
| COST INCLUDES |
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| COST EXCLUDES |
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Important Note: Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Epic Adventures. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
The land of mountains welcomes you as you land in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. After completion of your legal procedures at the airport, we will pick you up and escort you to the hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek
Today will be dedicated to exploring the ancient temples, stupas, and Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley which are listed under the UNESCO world heritage sites. You will spend the day visiting places like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Later, you will meet your climbing team and prepare for the trek. Overnight at hotel.
3
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek
You will experience the adrenaline rise as you fly above the high hills and mountains on your 40-minute flight to Lukla. After reaching Lukla, you will trek for about four hours till you reach Phakding. The trek to Phakding provides green landscape contrasted with the snowy peak of Kusum Kangaru (6367m) on the backdrop, giving you a glimpse of what the next few weeks are going to be like. Overnight at the teahouse.
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Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours
Moving on from Phakding, you will head to Namche Bazaar, also known as the Hub of Everest Region. In order to reach Namche Bazaar, you will pass through rhododendron and magnolia forests while walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River. You will also be passing through different waterfalls and breathtaking suspension bridges along the way. Upon reaching Namche, you will be greeted by the gorgeous view of Everest (8848m) and the adjacent peaks. Overnight in Namche.
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Day 5: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day
Today you will explore the beautiful Sherpa town of Namche and get acquainted with the Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle. You can visit the Sherpa Museum where the traditional way of living of the Sherpas can be observed or you can spend your time exploring the bustling market of Namche and interacting with the locals. Alternatively, you can hike up to Hotel Everest View (3962m) for a stunning panorama of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Cho Oyu (8188m), and many others. Overnight in Namche.
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Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Dole (4,110m/ 13,152ft): 5-6 hours
As you head to Dhole from Namche Bazaar, you will pass through beautiful forests of rhododendron and pine. You will ascend on a winding trail from Namche through many villages and Mani walls. After reaching Phortse Thanga, you will make a steep ascent alongside the gorge of Dudh Koshi River to reach Dhole. Overnight in Dhole.
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Day 7: Dole to Machhermo (4,470m/ 14,663ft): 4-5 hours
Continuing on the uphill trail alongside Dudh Koshi River, you will leave Dhole to reach Machhermo. In order to reach Machhermo, you will follow steep trails ascending through sparsely vegetated and sparsely populated areas. Different pastures with many kinds of grass and bushes of junipers can be seen on the trail to Machhermo. Overnight in Machhermo.
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Day 8: Machhermo to Gokyo (4800 m/15,744 ft): 4-5 hours
Trekking for about 4 hours leads you to the stunning valley of Gokyo. In order to get to the excellent valley of Gokyo and relish the beauty of its deep blue lakes, you will need to climb over the ridges until you reach the end point of Ngozumpa Glacier Finally, you will climb on the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa Glacier, and be passing by two Gokyo lakes, you will arrive at the third lake and reach Gokyo village. Overnight in Gokyo.
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Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Gokyo Valley: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,330 m/17,483 ft)
For a better view of the Gokyo valley and its tranquil lakes, you will climb up to Gokyo Ri (5360m). From the top of Gokyo Ri, you will get an unreal view of the high Himalayas, including Cho Oyu (8188m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), and many others along with a view of the massive Ngozumpa Glacier. Later, you will hike back to Gokyo village and explore the quaint village or may be spending some time around the turquoise Gokyo Lake. Overnight in Gokyo.
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Day 10: Gokyo to Thaknak (4750 m/15,580 ft): 5-6 hours
Leaving the enchanting Gokyo valley behind, you will head towards Thangnak today. The trek can be a little challenging as you will need to walk through Ngozumpa Glacier to until you reach Dragnag. Climb down the glacier slowly and carefully. From Dragnag, ascend on the dry and rocky terrain to reach Thangnak. Enjoy the amazing 360 degree view of the mountains from Thangnak. Overnight in Thangnak.
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Day 11: Thaknak to Cho La pass to Dingboche (4410 m/15,207 ft): 8-10 hours
You will be required to be very precise and patience today as you head towards Cho La Pass (5420m), one of the three high passes of the Everest Region. To climb to the top of Cho La, you will ascend on a slippery path covered in snow and ice, but the 360 degree view of the Everest Himalayas seen from the top of the pass proves to be worth the effort. You will need to be clear while descending the pass as well. Later, you will make a steep descent to Dingboche via Dzongla and Dughla. Overnight in Dingboche.
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Day 12: Dingboche Rest day.(4410m)
You will rest for a day here in Dingboche. You can hike up to Nangkartshang Gompa or just relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Ama Dablam (6856m), Lhotse (8414m), Everest (8848m), and many other peaks from the village of Dingboche itself. You can walk around the village and interact with the local Sherpas there. Overnight in Dingboche.
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Day 13: Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft): 3-4 hours
Today you will head towards Chhukhung on a stony path through the rocky and barren hills. You will fllow Imja Khola throughout the way, and be relishing the encompassing views of the gorgeous mountain peaks, you will reach Chhukhung. You will get the amazing view of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Nuptse (7861m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Imja Tse (6189m), and so on. Overnight in Chhukhung.
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Day 14: Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3-4 hours
You will start your day early today as you have a tough journey ahead. From Chhukhung to Island Peak Base Camp, the trail ascends on the moraines of various glaciers situated on either side of Imja Khola. The trail is mostly frozen and slippery, so it is recommended to walk slowly and carefully. Before arriving at Island Peak Base Camp, you will reach the glacial lake of Imja Tsho and rest for a bit as you relish the view of the high mountains like Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Makalu (8463m), and many others. Overnight at the base camp.
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Day 15: Pre-Climb Training on Island Peak Base Camp
As you prepare yourself mentally to summit Island Peak (6189m), you will practice your climbing skills for a successful summit tomorrow. You will be trained by your climbing guide on how to use the various gears bought with you and also on how you can avoid any kind of accidents from happening. Pay attention to everything that the climbing guide is saying and follow it diligently for a successful result. Overnight at base camp.
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Day 16: Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp (5,600m/18,372ft) 10-12 hours
Continuous ascending from Island Peak Base Camp in early dawn will take you to the High Camp. After you reach High Camp, you will head to the summit. You will climb through the snow-covered ridges and walk carefully on crevasses until you reach the summit of Island Peak (6189m). A glorious vista of the highest mountains in the world surrounds you as you stand proudly on top of Island Peak (6189m). Afterward, you will descend all the way back to the base camp for the overnight stay.
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Day 17: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft) 5-6 hours
Leaving behind the mighty Island Peak (6189m) from its base camp, first you will directly head towards Chhukhung, and afterward, you will move along the trails of Imja Khola that take you to the monastery of Dingboche. Finally, after visiting the ancient monastery of Dingboche, you will head for the beautiful settlement of Pangboche. Overnight in Pangboche.
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Day 18: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours
Passing through the village of Deboche and Tengboche, you will reach Tengboche Monastery. The monastery holds sacred cultural value to the Sherpas in the Everest region and is very ancient. Leaving Tengboche behind and walking with the distant yet beautiful view of Mt. Ama Dablam (6856m), you will reach to Namche. Overnight in Namche.
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Day 19: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours
For the last day of your trek, you will retrace your way from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. You will trek through the forest of rhododendron and pass many villages, monasteries, Mani walls, waterfalls, and streams as you descend to Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla, you can stroll around the village and get to know the people better. Overnight in Lukla.
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Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu
Heading back to Kathmandu from Lukla might be a little sad as you would need to bid goodbye to the Himalayas, but remembering the successful summit of Island Peak (6189m) and all the other aspects of trekking as well as peak climbing, you board the flight back to Kathmandu. The 40-minute flight takes you above the mountains one more time, and upon your arrival in the capital, you can rest for the day at your hotel.
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Day 21 : Departure
You will be escorted back to the international airport for your further departures.
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