Island Peak Climbing

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) 4 hours walk

   Day details

   Today is the first day of the trek. We will be escorted in a private vehicle to the Tribhuvan International Airport to board an early morning flight to Lukla. After 30-35 mins the plane will finally land at the Lukla Airport (Tenzing Hillary Airport). On reaching the airport, we will be introduced to other crew members awaiting our arrival. At the same time luggage will also be prepared for the porters. Once everything is ready, the ultimate trek finally begins towards the destination of the day, Phakding, leaving Lukla behind. After four hours of downhill and flat trail experience, we finally reach Phakding. You can freshen up and rest for some time. Then the team leader you will take you for a short walk in the village of Phakding or even a hike to nearby Gompas for acclimatization purpose. The night will be spent at a lodge in Phakding.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, colorful Lukla village, ‘Mani’ prayer rocks, Phakding village and ‘Gompas’ monasteries, downhill and flat trail)

4. Day 4

   Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,283ft) 5-6 hours walk

   Day details

   Today is the second day of the trek. Without wasting a single minute we leave Phakding and move towards Monju walking through across few suspension bridges and small settlements. Monju is popularly recognized as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. On reaching Sagarmatha National Park, your team leaders will take care of the necessary national park formalities at entrance while you enjoy small tea houses and shops. We then enter the national park from where a vertical drop down the hill will bring you across few suspension bridges. On crossing these bridges the trail leads you uphill towards Namche Bazaar that offers the first view of Mt. Everest along with other peaks. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: small settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, Sagarmatha National Park, small tea houses and shops, suspension bridges, steep trail, Namche Bazaar and the very first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangru.)

5. Day 5

   Acclimatize day at Namche

   Day details

   Today, the third day of the trek, we get involved in the activities that help us to adapt to the change in altitude and thinning air. Remaining active is the best way to acclimatize. Therefore, instead of resting, we hike to Thame. Thame is an old Sherpa village. We also have an option to visit to Khumjung, Khongde or Khunde which further aids in acclimatization. Namche bazaar offers varieties of options to spend the day. Hence, remaining days can either be spent visiting the National Park Head office, Museum and other nearby monasteries. Or, you can also spend some quality time at cafes and bakeries or talking to your family making internet calls. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Thame-an old Sherpa village, Khumjung/Khunde/Khongde, National Park Head office, Museum, monasteries, cafes, bakeries, shops, restaurants, post office, hospital, government health post, 24 hour electricity and water supply and high speed internet access)

6. Day 6

   Trek to Tengboche (3,867m/12684ft) 5 hours walk

   Day details

   Today is the fourth day of the trek. We first walk along the glacial water of Dudh Khoshi. Enjoying the views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse and Ama Dablam, we continue towards the Rhododendron forest walk through the forest and finally reach Sanasa – a major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. From here, we take a steep ascent that will eventually take us to Tengboche monastery. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tengboche monastery.  Meals inlcluded: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: The Dudh Khoshi River, spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Themserku, Rhododendron forest, animals and birds like musk deer, multi-colored pheasant and Thar, and Tengboche – the largest Gompa in the Khumbu region.)

7. Day 7

   Trek to Dingboche (4,358m/14,295 ft) 5-6 hours walk

   Day details

   Today is the fifth day of the trek. For the first half an hour we walk downhill towards the river and then continue the walk through green forest, cross the river and ascend up to Pangboche. From Pangboche we again climb up to Pheriche. From Pheriche the walk is moderate and the trail will lead you to the Imja Valley. From here, we climb the last vertical climb of the day that will finally take us to Dingboche. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dingboche. Meals include: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Lush forest, steep climbs, and magnificent Chortens and Mani walls.)

8. Day 8

   Acclimatized day

   Day details

   Today is the sixth day of the trek. It is highly recommended to first adapt to the change in altitude and thinning air, before conquering the peak. Therefore, this is the second acclimatization day before heading towards the Island peak. We climb the ridge on the north behind the Dingboche village to observe the view of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and other peaks. You can also enjoy the internet café or spend some time in the billiard parlor. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dingboche.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Dingboche-summer settlement, view of Mt. Lhotse and Mt Amadablam and Imja River from the ridge on the north of the village, Kilometers of stone walls covering the Imja valley, internet cafes and world’s highest Billiard parlor.)

9. Day 9

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

   Day details

   Today is the seventh day of the trek and our destination is Chhukung valley. We make our way from the Imja Khola valley towards the east of Chhukung Valley. We walk along the rocky trail to get to the valley. On reaching Chhukung, we check into the lodge and meet our climbing guide as per the schedule. After a round of briefing regarding the next day’s climb, we will also check all the essential equipments and gears that will be required for the next day’s climb. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukung.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Stoned walled fields, Imja Khola valley, Chhukung valley, rocky trail, view of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.)

10. Day 10

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

    Day details

    Today is the eighth day of the trek and our destination is the base camp of Island peak. We will first walk towards south and then towards the main valley in the east. After walking on a pleasant trail along the stream the trail directs towards a huge rock. From here this rocky trail becomes glacial as we cross Lhotse and Imja glacier moraine. After crossing these glacier moraines we finally reach the destination set for the day. Today, one hour training is also scheduled to practice following day’s climb especially for amateurs. The night is spent in a tent at the base camp of Island peak.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Rocky and glacial trail, glacier moraines (Imja and Lhotse), a night in a tented camp, and southwestern face of Island peak.)

11. Day 11

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

    Day details

    Today is the ninth day of the trek and Island peak High camp is the destination set for today. A 2-3 hours walk through the narrow slopes and rigid path will finally take you the destination. On reaching the high tent will be set, the gears and equipment will be rechecked, your boots will be fitted with crampons and you will be provided with the last minute helpful technique for tomorrow’s climb. The night is spent inside the tent at the High Camp of Island Peak.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Narrow, rigid trail, view of mountains and glacier surrounding the Island Peak, tented camp experience.)

12. Day 12

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

    Day details

    Today is the tenth day of the trek and the day that takes you to the actual destination of the entire trek – the summit of Island Peak. It is the most awaited day of this trek. Therefore, 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, snout of summit glacier and finally to the summit. We spend some time here taking photos, making memories that will last a lifetime and walk all the way downhill to the high camp. We collect our belongings and remaining gears and walk all the way to Chhukung valley. Today’s walk is probably the longest walk in the entire trail. Therefore, you can relax your tired muscle in the lodge. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukung.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Island peak summit, experience of seracs, crevasses, icy slopes 40-45 degree according to the angle measurement, view of surrounding peaks like Lhotse, Lhotse Middle, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse in the north, Makalu in the east, and Baruntse and Amadablam in the south.)

13. Day 13

    Trek to Khumjung (3,780m/12,401ft) 5-6 hours walk

    Day details

    Today is the eleventh day of the trek and our destination for the day is Khumjung. We walk down towards Khumjung leaving Pangboche and Tengboche behind making our way through the Rhododendron and pine forest and suspension bridges. 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, village of Pangboche and Tengboche, suspension bridges and Rhododendron and pine forest.)

14. Day 14

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

    Day details

    Today is the twelfth day of the trek and our destination for the day is Namche Bazaar. We first walk through the ridge from here the fairly easier trail will finally take us to Namche Bazaar. The remaining days can be spent visiting different attractions of Namche Bazaar or simply enjoying coffee and some food at the café. You can also rest in the lodge itself, if you don’t wish to walk any longer. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: National Park Head office, Museum, monasteries, cafes, bakeries, shops, restaurants, post office, hospital, government health post, 24 hour electricity and water supply and high speed internet access.)

15. Day 15

    Trek to Lukla (2,652m/8,700ft) 5-6 hours walk

    Day details

    This is the last day of the trek and our destination is Lukla. Starting from Namche Bazaar, a 7-8 hour walk will finally take us to Lukla. The trail continues downhill towards the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River close to the junction of Dudhkoshi and Bhote Koshi River. On crossing this we bridge we walk towards Monjo, fulfill the exit formalities at the check post of Sagarmatha National Park and continue the walk that leads us to Phakding. After a short lunch break, we continue the trail that finally leads us to Lukla. Today, after reaching Lukla, you can either spend your time with the crew members or opt for some alone time to recollect the memories. The night will be spent at a lodge in Lukla.  Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Colorful Lukla village, ‘Mani’ prayer rocks, Phakding village and ‘Gompas’ monasteries, flat trail small settlements like Zapute, Toktok, Benkar, Chumoa and Monju, Sagarmatha National Park, small tea houses and shops, suspension bridges, steep trail, Namche Bazaar and the very first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Kusum Khangru.)

16. Day 16

    Fly to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft) 35 minutes scenic flight Dinner

    Day details

    Today, the second last day of the trek is your last day in the Khumbu region of Nepal. 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 early in the morning enjoying the scenic view once again from the sky. A comfortable private vehicle will be awaiting our arrival in Kathmandu Airport, which will safely escort you to the hotel. In the evening we meet for some time to discuss your trek and get feedback. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.  Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner (Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, tourist standard hotel)

17. Day 17

    Departure day

    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. In case of special days, our guides will wake you up early in the morning at around 5:00am.  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. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge, in a tented camp (two days) or also in a tourist standard hotel (subject to availability) where we stop for overnight.