Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak (6189m.) is the extension of Lhotse range, one of the very popular routes for climbing in Nepal. Climbing adventure in this region is crossing through Everest Base Camp. Through Gokyo Valley, the trail leads to the Island Peak. Island Peak is named as Imja Tse but is popular with its name of Island Peak. The name of the peak is Island because it seems like an island from Dingboche.
Island Peak climbing is very challenging to the high mountain climbers. The trail includes Climbing Gokyo Ri for the close-up view of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyo and many other peaks. We have to access Chola Pass before reaching Dingboche, which is the starting point for Island Peak Climbing. Being located on the top of Chhukung Glacier, the peak is very challenging for climbing. The difficult geographical landscape between Mt. Amadablam and Lhotse makes it challenging to reach the summit for mountaineers. Rocky ascend with narrow ice gorges makes the conquering of summit very difficult. Island Peak climbing includes the trekking of the region that continues through the bank of Dudh Koshi River from Lukla. Exploring the villages along the route of trek like Namche and Tengboche, trekkers walk to Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp. From Everest Base Camp, the trail heads up to Imja Khola valley which lies on the foothill of the mountain.
Island Peak Trekking is one of the challenging adventures which take you to the Everest Base Camp above 5000m. Altitude. The danger of sickness of high altitude remains for anyone who is not experienced in high mountain treks. Climbing to this peak requires enough acclimatization. Climber should be physically fit and healthy. It needs experience in mountaineering to climb Island Peak. Island Peak Climbing is challenging and exciting adventure which includes Kala Pattar hiking, Everest Base Camp hiking, Khumbu Icefall and other magnificent views of snow-capped mountains.
Day –to-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1310m.)
You are welcome in Nepal. After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the representative of Motherland Hiking Team greets with warm welcome and takes you to the hotel which is already booked. The hotel staffs will be engaged for your accommodation after the check in hotel. In the evening, we arrange special welcome dinner in the hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for trekking
In the morning after breakfast, there will be a guided tour to the famous cultural and historical sites of Kathmandu. Among them, the UNESCO enlisted world heritage will be the primary focus such as Pashupatinath (sacred Hindu temple), Boudhanath (Buddhist Shrine), Swayambhunath (Monkey temple), Bhaktapur Durbar Squire, Patan Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, Dharahara ( Bhimsen Tower) etc. In the afternoon, you should involve pre- trip discussion with your guide for well preparation of the trip. Guide of Motherland Hiking Team will give brief information about Island Peak Climbing. You will have dinner in the hotel in the evening. You can experience night life of Kathmandu too.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Lukla flight and trekking to Phakding (2652m.)
With having breakfast in Kathmandu, your flight is set to Lukla. It’s a short scenic flight of half-an hour. Panoramic view of the Himalayan region while you are in the air gives pleasant impression of the beauty of nature. From Lukla, the trek starts to Phakding for about 5 hours. There you may get the world famous hospitality of Sherpas. We stay Overnight in a lodge in Phakding.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3466m.)
After Breakfast in Phakding, the trail continues to the foot of Everest region i.e. Namche Bazaar. It is one of the greatest scenes of the earth around there. Everest region is full of picturesque view of the natural beauty. The trek follows a lot of ups and downs with crossing and re-crossing of Dudh Koshi River to reach Namche bazaar from Phakding. In Namche, we spend a night in a lodge.
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
It is acclimatization day in Namche so you have enough time to explore the life style of locals. Short hiking can be utilization of the time. High altitude can be harmful if we ignore resting. It is necessary to adjust your body with high elevation. You’d better to visit Khumjung and Thame to take advantage of the day. There, you can view the world’s amazing panoramic scenes of the earth and get chance to observe uniquely different Sherpa Culture.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche (3867m.)
After breakfast in Namche, we begin today trek. The trekking trail leads to Tengboche (also called Tengboche). The wonderful view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Aba Dablam is breath stopping for you. These giant mountains seem to be so near from there. If you are lucky, Mani Rimdu festival in the monastery gives everlasting experience of the dancing of monks wearing masks. The festival is very important of the region. Stay overnight in a lodge in Tengboche.
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4400m.)
On this day, we reach to Dingboche with enjoying beautiful scenarios of mountains and landscape. The panoramic views of snow capped mountains and varied landscape gives pleasant experience while walking through the route. The pasture lands and some huts can be seen though the region is mostly abandoned except some settlements along the way. Stay in a lodge to spend nigh.
Day 08: Trek to Chhukung Village (4700m.)
On this day, we follow the trail to Chhukung village, crossing the valley and natural vegetations with some ascend and descend. The trek is full of enjoyment as the scenario along the way is beautiful with experiencing a fresh air in remote area. After reaching in the village, you can explore the locality to gain knowledge if you like. We stay in a lodge there in Chhukung
Day 09: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5200m.)
On this day, we trek to the base camp of Island Peak. Gigantic views of mountains and glaciers around you give a sense of heaven to the observers. The air becomes thinner as we walk to the high elevation above 5000m. We set camp and explore the surrounding of the peak. We stay overnight in a camp.
Day 10: Trek to High Camp of Island Peak (5500m.)
On this day, we climb a little height to set high camp. It is not good to walk a very high because of the danger of high altitude sickness. We set camp at the elevation of 5500m. and enjoy the views of the mountains and glaciated area. The views are superbly fantastic as the snow glows in the evening sun-set. We spend the night there in high camp.
Day 11: Island Peak summit (6189m.)
On this day, the team reaches to the top of Island Peak. The astonishing views of mountains and snow- covered area give a unique experience from the top of the peak. The pleasure of successful access to the summit of peak while you are on the head of mountain cannot be expressed in words! We return back to the Base Camp and overnight stay there in tent.
Day 12: Retrieve back to Dingboche (4300m.)
On this day, the team returns back to Dingboche following the trail previously walked. The pleasant views of natural scenes and landscapes does not lesson while descending down. The experience of mountaineering to one of the adventurous peaks is refreshed while the views of giant mountains stand still and calm. Stay in a lodge in Dingboche.
Day 13: Retrieve back to Tengboche
On this day, we return back to Tengboche from Dingboche following same trail. The trek offers the same pleasant views of natural landscape and forests with better attachments of excitements. The trek team reaches to Tengboche where you can explore the surrounding along with monasteries and Gompas. We stay overnight in a lodge.
Day 14: Trek to Monjo Valley
On this day, we reach Monjo through Tengboche. The valley has a lot of things to explore. It offers some settlements of indigenous people. Some pastureland and shepherds huts are found in the valley. The valley is beautiful in its landscape. You can use the opportunity to explore the surroundings. We spend a night in a lodge in Monjo.
Day 15: Trek to Lukla
On this day, we trek to Lukla from Monjo. The trail follows a sandy path with strenuous walk. The trail is full of picturesque view of landscape and some mountain scenarios. You can explore Lukla Bazaar and shop local items there. We stay overnight in Lukla.
Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu
You board a plane and fly to Kathmandu. This short and scenic flight possibly makes you feel nostalgic because of the glimpses of snowy mountains from your plane. You will be transferred to hotel where you either have leisure time or you may catch the last moments exploring the sights of Kathmandu valley. Shopping in market is also a good idea to your specially loved ones. In the evening, we have a celebration dinner together.
Day 17: Farewell Day
On the last day, we bid goodbye to the guest as visit in Nepal comes to the end for this time. If you have time enough, you can have sightseeing and purchasing the token of love from Nepal. Before 3 hours of scheduled flight, you will be driven to the TIA. On your way home, we hope you make plan for visiting Nepal for other exciting adventures.