Island peak climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek

Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.

1. Day 1

   Arrival day (1,300m/4,264 ft)

   Day details

   Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with Amigo Treks & Expedition. Therefore, we send one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will further escort you to a tourist standard hotel. If possible, we also schedule a meeting at our office for the briefing regarding the trek followed by an introduction session with other team members (especially Sherpas and guides). Today, we also arrange a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can also enjoy the ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and the dinner can be scheduled for the following day. Meals included: Dinner (Highlights of the day: Nepali food, Cultural music and Ethnic dance.)

2. Day 2

   Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trip preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

   Day details

   The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is a big storehouse of exclusive natural, cultural and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few hour tours to the major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your clothing and trekking gears (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bags etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square (a historical structure offering architectural wonders), the Pashupatinath temple (a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- lord possessing the power of destruction), Swyambhunath and Boudhanath (a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha- Light of Asia. Optional site:Another World Heritage site ‘Patan Durbar Square’ along with other historical masterpieces like Mahabouddha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and Kumbeshwor Temple.)

3. Day 3

   Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft)

   Day details

   Phakding is the destination set for the day. One of our company representatives will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the Tribhuvan Internation Airport to board an early morning flight to Lukla. After about 30-35 min scenic flight the plane will land at the Tenzing Hillary Airport located in Lukla. On reaching Lukla, you will be introduced to the other crew members awaiting your arrival at Lukla. While being introduced to the other members of your group the luggage will also be prepared for the porters. Once everything is ready, the walk begins towards Phakding leaving the beautiful village of Lukla behind. After about 4 hours of downhill and flat trail walk, we reach the settlement of Phakding. After reaching Phakding, you can freshen up and after a short rest the remaining day can be spent exploring the Phakding village. The night will be spent at a lodge in Phakding. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                 (Highlights of the day: A scenic flight to Lukla, a thrilling landing experience on one of the most dangerous airports in the world at Lukla, the trail accompanied by various small Sherpa settlements, ancient monasteries, Chortens, Mani Walls, prayer wheels, the spectacular view of Kusum Khangkaru from Thado Koshigaon, the very first view of Kongde RI  from Phakding, the company of roaring Bhote Koshi River and the beautiful village of Phakding, where you can visit a 500 year old monastery.)

4. Day 4

   Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,283ft)

   Day details

   The destination set for today is Namche Bazaar. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we leave the village of Phakding behind and head towards Namche Bazaar. Following the trail along the Dudh Koshi River; enjoying the view of the forest of Rhododendron and Magnolia. After crossing three suspension bridges over the river, we walk up to Monjo, which is also known as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. Your team leader will take care of the necessary formalities required to enter the national park. The trail from Monjo descends to Larja Dobhan, which is the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and the Dudh Koshi River. A short hike after crossing the bridge will present us the first view of the Mount Everest. From here the upward hike continues till we reach Namche Bazaar. The remaining day can be spent exploring Namche Bazaar. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Small settlements like Zam Fute, Toktok, Bengkar, Chhamuwa, Gumela, the company of various ancient monasteries, Chortens, the view of Rhododendron and Magnolia forest, roaring Dudh Koshi River along the trail, and the first view of Mt. Everest after crossing Larja Dobhan.)

5. Day 5

   Acclimatize day at Namche

   Day details

   Reaching Namche Bazaar means we are already above the altitude of 3000m. Therefore, acclimatization before ascending further height is a must. In order to acclimatize, we remain active throughout the day either by exploring the nearby villages like Khunde and Khumjung or hiking up to the old Sherpa village of Thame. We will also have enough time to visit the museum, National Park Headquarter. Or, the remaining day can simply be spent enjoying the internet services and the bakeries and cafes. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: An insight of the lifestyle of the Sherpa people in the villages of Khunde, Namche, Khumjung or even Thame, beauty and mystery offered by Khumjung, Laudo, Thame  and various other monasteries and a number of Chortens, view of Mt. Everest, Shyangboche panorama and the view of the longest Mani wall in the Khumbu Region. Museum, the National Park Headquarter and the facility of internet cafes are the additional attractions of the day.)

6. Day 6

   Trek to Tengboche (3,867m/12684ft)

   Day details

   Our destination for today is Tengboche. A short upward hike will guide us towards the ridge after passing the Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa. Now an easy walk from the ridge will take us to Kyangjuma. Then the trail descends passing the longest Mani Wall and Sanasa, through the forest of Rhododendron, till the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga. Then a steep climb will take us to the Tengboche Monastery. The remaining day can be utilized to explore the monastery area. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tengboche. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa, the very first view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega and Thamserku, a pleasant walk through the Rhododendron forest, a view of water-driven prayer wheels from Phunki Tenga, Tengboche monastery, its structure, architecture and the panoramic view of peaks like Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku from Tengboche.)

7. Day 7

   Trek to Pheriche (4,240m/13,910ft)

   Day details

   Today we need to walk up to the village of Pheriche. Initially following the stone steps we first hike down through the forest, enjoying the scents of the fresh vegetation to cross the bridge over the Imja River at Chaturje. A big chorten awaits our arrival on the other side of the bridge at Somare. Walking on a flat trail, we now head toward another bridge, through the alpine meadows and yak herds following the west bank of the Imja River. Before reaching the bridge we come across a trail junction where the Everest three pass trail meets the base camp trail. Leaving the Everest three passes, trail, we now continue on a regular Everest base camp trail and hike up to the Pheriche pass. Then a gentle hike down the pass past the bridge and stone walls will take us to the settlement of Pheriche. In the evening, we stroll around the village of Pheriche. The night will be spent at a lodge in Pheriche. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Forest of Rhododendron, Juniper and Fir, staggering views of Mt. Ama Dablam on the north and the view of Tengboche monastery down the hill, Mani walls, monasteries and Chortens around the settlements like Deboche, Chaturje, Pangboche and Pheriche, an insight on the lifestyle and culture of people living in these little Sherpa settlements and the view of yak pastures and potato fields.)

8. Day 8

   Acclimatize Day

   Day details

   This day is an acclimatization day in Pheriche. For this, we go for a short 60 minute hike to the top of the ridge behind Pheriche to enjoy the stunning views of some of the towering peaks of the world as well as to adapt to the thinning air. Later during the day, we can also visit the Tokyo Medical University Clinic and attend an  hour altitude class by the western doctors. The remaining days can be spent relaxing and preparing your muscles for the tough climb ahead. The night will be spent at a lodge in Pheriche. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Splendid views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse Shar and the Island Peak from the ridge, a one hour class on altitude, by the doctors of the Tokyo Medical University Clinic at Pheriche and the lifestyle of people in Pheriche.)

9. Day 9

   Trek to Lobuche (4,928m/16164 ft)

   Day details

   Lobuche is the destination set for the day. Leaving Pheriche, we follow the valley trail, which around the end turns slightly right taking us to the bridge at Dughla. From Dughla, we head uphill on a tough rocky moraine path, until we reach a small pass and the plateau, which marks the end of the Khumbu Glacier. The place also exhibits the memorials of Sherpas who dies on Everest. We then walk down the path and continue along the west bank of the Khumbu Glacier until we reach Lobuche, where you can see a collection of lodges for tourists. After resting for some time if you are interested, we also take you to visit the Italian Pyramid Research Center. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lobuche. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Rough, rocky moraine path, memorials of Sherpas who lost their lives on Everest, view of the Khumbu Glacier, Italian Pyramid Research Center and the unbelievable panorama of Lobuche east, Pumori, lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, Mehra Peak, Pokalde Thamserku, Tabuche and Cholatse .)

10. Day 10

    Trek to Gorekshep and Visit Everest Base camp (5,364m/17,598ft)

    Day details

    Today we reach one out of the two destinations of the trek, that is, the Everest Base Camp. Following the trail along the Khumbu Glacier, the walk continues towards Gorakshep past Lobuche glacier, pyramid, Lobuche pass and the confluence of Changri Nup, Changri Shar and Khumbu glacier. From Gorakshep, the walk continues on a moraine route through the glacial and rocky trail, passing the Khumbu Icefall to finally reach the Everest Base Camp. We spend some time taking photos and then walk back to Gorakshep for overnight stay. The night will be spent at a lodge in Gorakshep.   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Wonderful view of Kala Patthar, Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, and Nuptse, the view of Changri Nup, Changri Shar, Khumbu Glacier, north ridge of Mt. Everest, ice fall and the base camp of Mt. Everest.)

11. Day 11

    Hike to Kalapatthar and Trek to Dingboche (4,358m/14,295 ft)

    Day details

    Mount Everest is best visible from the summit of Kala Patthar. Therefore, we start our day early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise view from Kala Patthar. After about 2 hours hike, we reach Kala Patthar that greet us with prayer flags and the mind blowing views of the surrounding peaks including the best view of Mt. Everest. After spending some time taking photographs, we hike down to Gorakshep, have breakfast and head all the way down to Dingboche in the Chhukhung Valley; passing Lobuche, Dughla and Dusha. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dingboche. Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: The mind blowing views of Mt. Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks, distant, yet a beautiful view of the Khumbu Glacier and ice fall for Kala Patthar, internet cafes with satellite connection and world highest billiard parlors and the view of kilometers of stone walls built using the stones of different sizes covering the entire valley of the Imja at Dingboche.)

12. Day 12

    Trek Chhukung( 4,730m/15,518ft)- 3 to 4 hrs

    Day details

    Chhukung is the destination set for the day. Leaving the settlement of Dingboche, and initially following the trail along the Imja River we walk up to Bibre. We then head more towards the east of Chhukung Valley, on a rocky trail to get to Chhukhung, located around the end of Lhotse and Lhotse Nup Glacier. We check into the lodge and then meet our climbing guide as per the schedule. The climbing guide will brief us regarding the next day’s climb, after which we check and prepare all the essential equipment sand gears required for the next day’s climb. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukhung. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Stone walled fields, Imja Khola Valley, Chhukung Valley, rocky trail and the magnificent view of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.)

13. Day 13

    Trek to Island Peak Base camp (5,200m/17,060ft), 3-4 hours

    Day details

    It's time to get closer to the second destination of the trek, the Island Peak. Therefore, Island Peak base camp is the destination set for the day. We first walk towards the south and then towards the main valley in the east. Initially the trail is pleasant along the stream that heads toward a huge rock. The rocky trail becomes glacial as we cross Lhotse and Imja glacier moraine. We then reach the base camp of the Island peak. Today, one hour training is also scheduled to practice following day’s climb, especially for amateurs. The night will be spent in a tented camp at the base camp of the Island Peak. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Experience of rocky and glacial trail, glacier moraines created by Imja and Lhotse, view of Imja Tsho and southwestern face of the Island Peak and a night in a tented camp.)

14. Day 14

    Island Peak High Camp (5,600m/18,372ft), 2-3 hours

    Day details

    The Island Peak High Camp is the destination of the day. A 2-3 hour walk through the narrow slopes and rigid path will take us to the destination. On reaching the high camp, the tents will be set, the gears and equipments will be re-checked, your boots will be fitted with crampons and you will be provided with the last minute helpful techniques for the next day’s climb. If possible, we also take you for ice/rock climbing nearby high camp. Today we call for an early night as we need to wake up early in the morning. The night will be spent in a tented camp at the high camp of the Island Peak. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Narrow, rigid trail, view of mountains and glacier surrounding the Island Peak, and another night in a tented camp.)

15. Day 15

    Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,305ft) & return back to Chhukung, 8-10 hours

    Day details

    Today we reached the main destination of the trek that is the summit of the Island Peak. We start as early as possible. Using the techniques taught by the climbing leader earlier, we make our way through short rock steps, crevasses, seracs, 40-45 degree slopes, out of summit glacier and finally up to the summit. We spend some time here taking photos, making memories that will last a lifetime and walk all the way down hill to the high camp. We collect our belongings and remaining gears and walk all the way down to Chhukung. It is probably the longest walk in the entire trail. Therefore, in the evening, you can relax your tired muscles in the lodge. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukhung. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: The altitude of the Island peak 6,189m, experience of seracs, crevasses, icy slopes 40-45 degree according to the angle measurement, and the stunning view of surrounding peaks like Lhotse, Lhotse Middle, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse in the north, Makalu in the east and Baruntse and Ama Dablam in the south from the summit. )

16. Day 16

    Trek to Khumjung or Pangboche (3,780m/12,402ft)

    Day details

    Khumjung is the destination set for the day. Leaving the Chhukung Valley, we walk all the way down to Khumjung past other major settlements like Dingboche, Pangboche and Tengboche; through the forest of Rhododendron  and pine. On reaching Khumjung, we check into the lodge, where you can finally enjoy a hot shower to relax your tired muscles. The night will be spent at a lodge in Khumjung. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Vertical descent, the lifestyle of people living in the villages like Dingboche, Pangboche, and Tengboche, view of various monasteries, chortens and Mani walls decorated with colorful prayer flags and the lifestyle of the Sherpa people living in the Khumbu region of Nepal.)

17. Day 17

    Trek to Namche (3,440m/11,283ft), 4-5 hrs

    Day details

    Namche Bazaar is the destination set for the day. Leaving the beautiful village set under the steep rock of Khumbui Yul Lha with a number of beautiful houses and the views of Kangtega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam the walk continues through the ridge towards the fairly easier trail that takes us to the village of Namche. The remaining day can be spent visiting different attractions of Namche Bazaar or simply enjoying coffee and internet cafes. You can also rest in the lodge. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Beautiful settlement of Khumjung and the stunning views of Kangtega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam for the village, and some quality time at Namche Bazaar.)

18. Day 18

    Trek to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft)

    Day details

    Lukla is the destination set for the day. After a quick breakfast, we drop down to cross a bridge across the Dudh Koshi River near the confluence of Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A gentle ascent from here will take us to Monjo, where the team leader takes care of the national park check out formalities. After crossing two suspension bridges, one over the Monjo River and the other one over the Bhote Koshi River, the trail descends to Phakding, crossing Bengkar and other small settlements. Following the trail along the Dudh Koshi River we walk up to the Thado Koshi Gaon. From here, the trail and the river start to diverse. Then crossing few small settlements enjoying the lifestyle of people the upward hike will finally take us to the village of Lukla. The evening can be spent enjoying time with the crew members or it can simply be spent alone recollecting the memories made during the past few days. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lukla. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner             (Highlights of the day: Last view of Mt. Everest and Kongde RI, views of other peaks, Rhododendron and Magnolia forest, roaring Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers, a dozen of Sherpa settlements and an insight on their lifestyle, view of a number of monasteries, Chortens, Mani walls and prayer flags.)

19. Day 19

    Fly to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

    Day details

    Today is the last day in the Khumbu region, which means Kathmandu is the destination set for the day. The flights are scheduled early in the morning. Our Sherpas will carry your luggage to the airport, while other formalities will be taken care by your team leader. Once the plane lands at the airport, we will directly board the plane and fly back to Kathmandu; enjoying the scenic view for about 35 minutes. A comfortable private vehicle awaiting your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport will escort you to the hotel booked in Kathmandu. The day can either be spent resting at the hotel or exploring the cities of Kathmandu. In the evening, we meet for some time to discuss your trek, get feedback and the farewell dinner. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner (Highlights of the day: 35 min scenic flight, farewell dinner and  a comfortable tourist standard hotel.)

20. Day 20

    Final departure.

    Day details

    Today is the last day of your trip in Nepal with Amigo Treks and Expedition. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu. However, if you are planning to spend some extra days in Nepal, Amigo Treks and Expedition can also make the arrangements for some other top adventurous activities that you can attend while you are in Nepal. (The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30am. On special days like sunrise viewing days, your guides will come to wake you up earlier than usual. A western breakfast like porridge, oats, toasts, etc. will be served at around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu at about 12-1pm. However, the lunch time can also be postponed on request. The dinner will be served at around 8:30-9:00pm.  Both breakfast and dinner will be provided at your accommodation. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge, where we stop for overnight. However, two nights will be spent in a tented camp. While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to bed your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.)