Island Peak Trek

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: (1300m/4265ft):  
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Trek briefing in the morning and sightseeing tour of world heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2610m/8560ft), 3-4 hrs:
Take the morning flight a thrilling experience to the dramatic airfield at Lukla (2,860m) where we are immediately in amongst the peaks. The sudden change in altitude can leave some of us quite breathless, but we descend to Chaplung (2680m) before lunch to let ourselves adapt more gradually. The afternoon is an easy introduction to the trek up the beautiful Dudh Koshi river valley, passing huge carved mane stones and prayer wheel shrines, to our night lodge at Phakding. The lodges on the first half of the trek are good: twin rooms with comfortable mattresses and nice glazed dining rooms with stoves for cold weather days.  The menus include all sorts of wholesome favorites: pasta, noodle and rice dishes with remarkably fresh vegetables, puddings and every variety of hot drinks. The lodges have the same pattern all the way up, but understandably they become a bit more simple right at the top of the trek - though still remarkably good for the location. We always select the best of the standard lodges in each night stop. O/N at Lodge in Phakding (EP)

Day 04: Trek to Namche (3440m/11283ft), 5-6 hrs:
Through blue pine and Rhododendron forests we continue gradually upriver to reach Monzo at the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Just beyond, after crossing the river on one of the excellent new pedestrian suspension bridges, we take lunch at one of the tea houses that line the banks at Jorsale (2775m). So far our gain in height has been barely perceptible, but the afternoon sets us a fairly tough challenge, exaggerated by the early stage of our acclimatization. Rising first to cross a marvelous bridge high above the Imja Khola, we then gradually ascend the ridge opposite. And halfway up, we should be able to look out for our first view of Everest ahead. We must also look out for pack-yaks which we will see from now on; generally good natured, we should still keep up-side of these huge beasts - avoiding a playful nudge! We arrive at Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu district capital, built within a natural amphitheatre setting surrounded by peaks, and now a thriving lodge town. O/N at Lodge in Namche (EP)

Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche:
The first of our carefully planned days to allow us to adapt naturally to gain in altitude. There is plenty to do and explore around Namche, including the Sherpa museum above the village, hike up to Thyangboche etc. O/N at Lodge in Namche (EP)

Day 06: Trek to Deboche (3820m/12529ft), 6 hrs:
A lovely morning making our way down through the forested hillside to the Imja Khola (3245m), with Thamserku peak straight across the valley and the beautiful form of Ama Dablam ahead. It is worth taking a good break at the tea houses of Phungitanga over the bridge, as it is a continuous climb up from here to lunch. There is some wonderful water driven prayer-wheels here. On the winding way up through the rich forest we are very likely to encounter groups of Himalayan Tahr grazing on inaccessible slopes above our heads. We reach the famous monastery of Thyangboche (3930m) for lunch. As well as giving us our next view of the summit of Everest above Nuptse ridge, this is the most important Gompa in the Sherpa region, and its second rebuilding this century is now nearly complete, after burning down in 1989. There is an increasing importance to comfortably integrate its religious role with the demands of western visitors, so that the sanctity of this wonderful site is maintained. Some lodges have been built here, under some pressure, fine to eat in and base our afternoon visit to the monastery itself, but they can get uncomfortably crowded at night. So, after plenty of time to absorb the tranquility and atmosphere of the whole setting, we head on a bit, a 20 minute gentle descent to our peaceful, comfortable lodge at Deboche in a garden set amongst these beautiful forests. O/N at Lodge in Deboche (EP)

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4410m/14465ft), 6 hrs:

This is a short easy morning, first continuing down to re cross the Imja Khola at a dramatic bridged gorge, before continuing the short way to Pangboche (3900m), where there is plenty of time before lunch to climb to the Gompa above the village. This dates from the original settlement of the area by the Sherpas from their origins in Tibet, and is a more private and intimate Gompa than Thyangboche; respect should be shown to not be obtrusive with cameras or dress. After lunch we continue up through beautiful mossy forests as the landscape starts to feel distinctly more elevated. The dramatic towers of Ama Dablam dominate overhead as the valley splits, the Imja to the right and the Khumbu to the left. We will be heading up the Khumbu to Everest, but now we have reached the right altitude to take another acclimatization day. Of the two villages that head the valleys, Dingboche on the Imja Khola is far the nicer, out of the wind down from the north that can make Pheriche, where the Himalayan Rescue Association post is located. O/N at Lodge in Dingboche (EP)

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Dingboche:
Today you will have your second acclimatization day at Dingboche. Acclimatization at Dingboche is vital considering the high altitudes you’re now reaching. The best way to acclimatize is to hike the nearby Nagarjun Hill or Chukung Village which both boast panoramic views of Ama Dablam and Makalu. O/N at Lodge in Dingboche (EP)

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche (4910m/16105ft), 6 hrs:
Today we start our final approach to the base camp area. It’s easy enough to start with, as we round the ridge above Dingboche by a single chorten, and contours along wide grassy slopes all the way to Thugla (4595m) our lunch stop. Then we climb steeply up the terminal moraine at the snout of the Khumbu glacier, until we come out alongside it at a ridge lined by hundreds of cairns dedicated to the many Sherpas who have lost their lives in attempts on Everest and other peaks. We continue alongside the glacier finally crossing what is now no more than a stream to Lobuche our lodge stop. There are limited individual rooms available here and in peak season we sometimes have to fall back on sleeping in the still very comfortable dormitory of the best lodge. O/N at Lodge in Lobuche (EP)

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep – EBC (5364m/17594ft) - Gorakshep: 5140m/16859ft, 8 hrs:
We make an early start to cover the few hours alongside the Khumbu glacier up to Gorakshep, after breakfast, we  continue hike to Everest Base Camp. The trails over here can be misleading, follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the momentum of the glacier, the walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and less oxygen. The walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the Base Camp. Crossing open unexpected sand flat we start to climb on a good well-trodden path. It’s pretty breathless walking, but we adopt a deliberately slow, steady rhythm taking plenty of short breaks to watch the view gradually unfold as we go up. The final slopes become rocky as we approach the top (5555m), decked in colored prayer flags. A stunning 360 degree panorama awaits us. The dramatic free-standing form of Pumori directly in front of us, Changtse in Tibet, and across the wide space of the Khumbu glacier, the vast black pyramid of Everest itself, down as far as the South Col which joins it to Lhotse. This is the ideal time to be here, early enough to be most sure of clear views, but late enough to allow the sun to swing southward and light the peaks directly - too early and all you see is a silhouette! The dramatic end of the Nuptse ridge dominates the foreground, and so many lesser peaks spread away southward. We look down on base camp on the edge of the glacier. It is obvious why so many people go to this effort to stand here. It is a base camp for the climbers to set up their camps & acclimatize before heading for Summit of Mt Everest. If we get here at the time of climbing season we can explore with lively expedition groups. Taking as long as we want at the top. Our guide will organize a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for the entire member, later we descend to Gorakshep.
Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.
If weather is clear, we should take our chance and go up to Kalapathar for excellent 360 degree closed up view of Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse. Sunset on Everest from here is pure magic, gold to pink catching the tips of the peaks, subtly fading with the light - worth every effort. It turns very cold after losing the sun - wrap up in everything you brought, down jacket and all. Don't forget your head-torch for the descent. O/N at Lodge in Gorakshep (EP)

Day 11: Trek to Dingboche: (4410m/14465ft), 5-6 hrs:
After breakfast trek down to Thugla then go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail. Staying high above the valley floor, we pass the yak pasture at Dusa to a chorten at the head of the Imja valley. Dingboche is the only place in Khumbu where barley is grown, enjoy the scenery. O/N at Lodge in Dingboche (EP)

Day 12: Trek to Chukung (4750m/15580ft), 3 – 4 hrs;
From Dingboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among thousands of Mani stones. Then it keep continue gradually up toward left hill to reach shomare. After this, we take a short gradual walk to reach Chukung. O/N at Lodge in Chukung (EP)

Day 13: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (4970m/16302ft), 3 – 4 hrs:
The path from Chukung leads fairly steep way climbing south then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Continue short pleasant walking along a streamside leads to what we call Big -rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak. O/N at Camping in Island Peak Base Camp (AP)

Day 14: Trek to High Camp (5600m/18372ft), 4 – 5 hrs:
We will move to Island Peak high camp, from where you will climb the Mt. Island peak. The path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel. O/N at Camping in Island Peak High Camp (AP)

Day 15: Island Peak Summit (6189m/20300ft) and back to Base Camp (4970m/16302ft), 4 – 5 hrs:
Island Peak ascent from early in the morning will have to climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m(330ft) snow and ice slope (40-45º) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. We will stay our Overnight in Base Camp. O/N at Camping in Island Peak Base Camp (AP)

Day 16: Extra summit day:
There is no such thing as a guarantee of good climbing conditions in the Himalayas, so an extra day maximizes our odds in this normally fair-weather season. If we've done the deed already, we'll decide whether to rest up or move on down. O/N lodge

Day 17: Trek down to Dingboche: (4410m/14465ft), 6 – 7 hrs:
After breakfast trek down to Dhugla then go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail. Staying high above the valley floor, we pass the yak pasture at Dusa to a chorten at the head of the Imja valley. Dingboche is the only place in Khumbu where barley is grown; enjoy the scenery and overnight stop at hotel in Dingboche. O/N at Lodge in Dingboche (EP)

Day 18: Trek to Kyangjuma (3550m/11644ft), 6-7 hrs:
The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Dingboche the walk is pleasant all the way to Kyangjuma. After the bridge our route descends following the stream towards Pangboche village, and further down to Kyangjuma is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalaya. O/N at Lodge in Kyangjuma (EP)

Day 19: Trek to Phakding: (2610m/8560ft), 6 hrs:
Trek down to Phungitanga a small settlement with couple of teahouses. The trail leads downhill through the forested path of silver fir, blue Pines, Rhododendron and some few Magnolia and Birch trees. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, trek onwards to the Sanasa and trek further down to Phakding. O/N at Lodge in Phakding (EP)

Day 20: Trek to Lukla: (2840m/9315ft), 3 hrs:
We trek back enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. Arrival in Lukla and you'll have time to stroll around the areas and Guide will re-confirm your flight ticket. This will be our last night with trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N at Lodge in Lukla (EP)

Day 21: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu, 30 minutes flight:
The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our command. Anyway we will fly back to Kathmandu. we will be met by representative of Basanta Adventure and transferred to hotel. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, any hire gears will be collected. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 22: Day at leisure:
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore Kathmandu city, shopping etc. Kathmandu offers varieties of Restaurants and Fast-Foods for food lovers. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 23: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer  to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes