20-day Climbing to Island Peak, Near Mount Everest

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and after completing all customs and immigration formalities, a representative from Himalayan Climbing and Expeditions Ltd. will meet you at the arrival gate and transfer you to your designated hotel. You may spend the remainder of the day relaxing at the hotel or take a walk through the lively streets of Thamel. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted at a renowned Nepali restaurant, where you will enjoy traditional Nepalese cuisine accompanied by a cultural performance. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Welcome Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we may explore the surrounding areas and do some last-minute shopping in preparation for the adventure ahead. In the afternoon, we will visit the HGT office for a pre-trip briefing, where you will meet your trekking guide and fellow participants. During this session, detailed information will be provided regarding the expedition, required equipment, and team arrangement. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel for a restful night. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will transfer to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla. Enjoying spectacular views of lush green hills and snow-capped peaks, we land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla—one of the most scenic air routes in the world, famous for its dramatic hillside landing amid towering mountains. Upon arrival, we meet the remaining members of our climbing team and begin our trek through the vibrant village of Lukla toward Phakding.

To support proper acclimatization, today’s walk is relatively short. For those interested, there is an optional side excursion to a nearby monastery. Overnight stay in Phakding.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we trek through scenic pine forests and follow the course of the Dudh Koshi River, gradually making our way to Namche Bazaar. Along the trail, we are rewarded with views of the shimmering Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) rising to our right, while the path winds through peaceful forests of pine, fir, and juniper. On clear days, there is also a chance to glimpse Mt. Everest appearing above the Lhotse–Nuptse ridge.

The walk continues to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park before reaching Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and the main trading hub of the region. Throughout the day, we cross five suspension bridges, including the highest one, famously known as the Hillary Bridge. From there, the trail ascends steadily uphill to Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is reserved for acclimatization. Health experts advise staying lightly active rather than remaining completely at rest, even on acclimatization days. Several options are available to make the most of the day. We may explore the charming streets of Namche Bazaar, interact with the Sherpa community, and learn about their rich culture, or hike up to the Everest View Hotel for a closer look at the majestic Mt. Everest.

While in Namche Bazaar or after returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers can also visit the local museum, which features exhibits on the region’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Everest area.

For those wishing for a longer walk, an optional hike to Khumjung village (approximately 5–6 hours) is available. In Khumjung, we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and the Khumjung Monastery, famously known for housing what is believed to be the head of a Yeti. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we begin our trek toward Tengboche. The walk from Namche to Phunki is relatively easy, after which the trail ascends toward Tengboche, home to the renowned Tengboche Monastery—the largest monastery in the Everest region. Situated within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of outstanding universal value, the village offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

The monastery opens at 3:00 pm, and we plan to arrive by that time. With a bit of luck, we may have the opportunity to observe a traditional religious ceremony. Overnight stay in Tengboche.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We visit the beautiful Tengboche Monastery in the morning and take pictures of the amazing landscape surrounding it. Then we begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. (We can either walk in the upper or lower Pangboche trails). We are most likely to choose the upper Pangboche trail as it provides a more pristine view of the Himalayas. We also visit the Pangboche monastery. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

We begin the day with a gradual ascent to Duglha, located at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, the trail becomes steep as we climb to Chupki Lhara, where we encounter memorials adorned with prayer flags honoring Scott Fischer, the American mountaineer, and Babu Chiri Sherpa, a renowned Nepali guide and ten-time Everest summiteer, both of whom lost their lives during Everest expeditions.

Continuing onward, we traverse the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, where we are greeted by impressive views of several towering peaks, including Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and the Mahalangur Himal range. The trail gradually levels out as we follow the valley toward Lobuche. Overnight stay in Lobuche.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Lobuche, we trek toward Lobuche Base Camp. After walking for some time on relatively flat terrain, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged as we approach the base camp. We proceed along the Lobuche Glacier, enjoying impressive views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega, and other surrounding Himalayan peaks.

From the base camp, we continue along a rocky moraine trail to reach the High Camp. Upon arrival, we set up camp, have lunch, and rest in preparation for the climb. During the ascent, we generally climb on rocky terrain up to approximately 5,770 meters. Beyond this point, the route transitions onto ice, where ropes are used as required. The use and length of fixed or man ropes depend on seasonal conditions and the presence of crevasses. Fixed ropes are commonly used, while man ropes are employed when necessary, as determined by the climbing leaders. Overnight stay at Lobuche East High Camp.

Pre-Climb Training: Our experienced guides will conduct pre-climb training covering essential peak climbing techniques and the proper use of climbing equipment, including ice axes, climbing boots and crampons, harnesses, ascenders, and other necessary gear. The training will also include rope techniques for ascending and descending. We strongly believe this training enhances confidence and technical skills, increasing the chances of a successful summit while ensuring a safer and more enjoyable climbing experience.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We wake up early, around 12:00–1:00 am, and have breakfast before starting our ascent. Reaching the summit before noon is crucial, as strong high-altitude winds often develop in the afternoon and can hinder a successful climb. The route generally involves climbing on rocky terrain up to approximately 5,700 meters, after which the ascent continues on ice. Both fixed ropes and man ropes are used as instructed by the climbing leader, with rope length and techniques varying depending on seasonal conditions and the presence of crevasses.

Lobuche East is known for offering some of the most spectacular panoramic mountain views among trekking peaks. From the summit, we are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many other surrounding peaks. After spending some time on the summit celebrating and taking photographs, we descend back to the High Camp for an overnight stay.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we retrace our route back to Duglha and then re-enter the Imja Khola Valley at the scenic village of Dingboche. From here, we continue trekking for several hours until reaching Chhukung, the final settlement in the valley. Along the way, we notice small clusters of nomadic huts strategically positioned at the base of the Imja Glacier.

Chhukung also serves as the starting point for the Island Peak Base Camp trek and offers impressive views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Overnight stay in Chhukung.

Note: For those interested in crossing the high Kongma La Pass, an alternative route is available via the Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After completing our Lobuche East expedition, we will likely be too fatigued to begin the Island Peak climb immediately. Therefore, this day is designated as a rest day to allow adequate recovery before starting the next expedition to Island Peak. However, for those who wish to remain active, short visits to nearby areas can also be arranged. Overnight stay in Chhukung.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp follows a fairly steep trail. We begin by climbing southward before turning east into the main valley. The route then winds below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier, followed by a pleasant walk along a stream. The trail toward Amphu Labtsa branches off to the southeast.

Continuing onward, we cross the moraines of the Imja and Lhotse glaciers along a crisscrossing path that leads into a broad valley on the southwest side of Island Peak. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We wake up early, around 1:00–2:00 am, and have breakfast before beginning our ascent. Reaching the summit before noon is essential, as strong high-altitude winds often develop in the afternoon and can jeopardize a successful climb. The route ascends several hundred meters beyond base camp before turning onto a steep hillside. Initially sandy, the trail soon transitions to grassy terrain and later becomes covered with boulders.

As we continue climbing, the slope narrows and the path enters a steep rock channel. We ascend this rock gully, which is not technically difficult but includes several short rock steps before emerging on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridge, leading to an exciting and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. Due to the presence of multiple crevasses, we rope up for the glacier section, with guides fixing ropes wherever required.

A steep snow slope takes us onto the summit ridge, where two newly formed crevasses must be crossed using ladders. After reaching the summit, we spend time enjoying the panoramic views and taking photographs before descending all the way back to Island Peak Base Camp, where part of our crew awaits us. We celebrate the successful ascent of Island Peak.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is reserved as a contingency within the program in case adverse weather conditions delay our scheduled summit attempts or if unforeseen circumstances prevent us from continuing the trek as planned. Favorable weather in the high mountains cannot be guaranteed; therefore, this buffer day is included to accommodate any delays related to weather or other unexpected factors that may affect our ability to summit Lobuche East or Island Peak.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s walk is considerably easier as we descend to lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the broad Khumbu Khola Valley, we pass through the picturesque Sherpa villages of Orsho and Shomare. There is also the option to take an alternate trail to visit the gompa in Upper Pangboche, believed to be the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region, or to follow the regular trail directly to Pangboche.

Pangboche is a scenic village set in a wide, fertile valley, bordered by Mt. Everest to the north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega to the east, the Kongde range to the south, and the Imja Tse River flowing through the valley.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Pangboche, we retrace our route down to the Imja Khola and then ascend through forested trails toward Tengboche. For those interested, there is an opportunity to visit the nuns at Tengboche Monastery. After lunch in Tengboche, we continue along a hillside covered with rhododendron and juniper trees.

After crossing a bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge, descending steeply through pine forests until reaching Sansa. Along the way, we remain alert for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, and colorful pheasants. Passing a chorten, we eventually arrive at the army camp before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail descends steeply, requiring careful footing as tired legs navigate the rocky terrain. After crossing several suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River and its tributaries, the path gradually becomes more level and easier to follow. Upon reaching Lukla, we take time to stretch our sore muscles and reflect on the experiences of the past few weeks. Overnight stay in Lukla.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu after our extended journey in the mountains. Upon arrival, there is time to rest or browse for souvenirs. Those who wish to further explore Kathmandu may do so, with our guides available to assist with sightseeing or shopping arrangements. In the evening, a farewell dinner will be hosted to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today. It is time to exchange contact details with your fellow travelers and organize the memories and photographs from the journey. A representative from High Himalayan Climbing and Expeditions will transfer you to the airport approximately three hours prior to your scheduled departure. As you head home, you will have plenty of time to reflect on the experience and begin planning your next adventure in the remarkable country of Nepal.

Included meals: Breakfast