2008-2009 price: $3250 USD per person (discounts available for more than 1 person) Best Months March, April & May September, October & November For Services Provided, Please Click Here Equipment

Island Peak
Trip Profile: 18 Days
Hotel: 2+2 Nights in Kathmandu
Trekking Days: 14 Days
Maximum Elevation: 6189 m



 

Island Peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the Kumbu.  It is ideal for those wishing to receive an introduction to Himalayan climbing, venturing above 20,000 ft to gain spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Lhotse (27,890 ft), Makalu (27,805 ft), Ama Dablam (22,493 ft) and Baruntse (25,328 ft).

Our highly trained, skilled and experienced guide will lead you throughout the trekking period. We will spend ample time acclimatizing to new altitudes for increased safety and comfort. High Altitude Dreams is proud of our experienced guides.

Day 1: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
Arrive in Kathmandu, where our representative will receive you. You will then check into a classic four-star hotel located in the popular Thamel district.

Day 2: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
While we wrap up last minute paperwork with the Nepali government, you have a casual day for shopping and sightseeing, visiting such palaces as, Durbar Square, Hindu temples and shrines, and Buddhist stupas - or you may choose to just relax at the hotel. A favorite destination is the Buddhist Monkey Temple, situated on a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city. Or, join the thousands of Hindus who venture to the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal and the most famous Shiva temple in Asia.

Day 3: PHAKDING • 8,700 feet
We fly on a twin-engine Otter to the Himalayan foothills where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic views of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After landing in the village of Lukla (9,350 feet) we'll meet the rest of our staff and porters and trek for about two and a half hours to Phakding.

Day 4: NAMCHE BAZAAR • 11,300 feet
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar the gateway to the Khumbu region.

Day 5: NAMCHE BAZAAR • 11,300 feet
Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town, before the clouds move in, rewards climbers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the beautiful Ama Dablam. On the way down, we can visit the Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist. One room highlights the Sherpa traditions and in another, Sherpa high altitude climbers are presented.

Day 6: THYANGBOCHE • 12,887 feet
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We spend the night next to the Thyangboche monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. If our group is lucky, we will see the Lama perform a ceremony and hear the mystical chanting and music.

Day 7: DINGBOCHE • 14,250 feet
From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.

Day 8: DINGBOCHE • 14,250 feet
Rest day. There is the option of taking a light acclimatization hike up a nearby peak for a better view of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Day 9: CHUKKUNG • 15,000 feet
Today we hike to 18,231’ Chukkung Ri, a beautiful hike with a stunning location below the Lhotse/Nuptse Wall. This is the largest rock wall in the Himalaya. From here we get great views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Makalu.

Day 10: ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP • 15,520 feet
After we enjoy breakfast we will continue to Island Peak base camp at 15,520 feet and prepare for summit attempt.

Day 11: SUMMIT ISLAND PEAK (IMJA TSE) • 20,305 feet
Using an early morning start, we continue up a rocky gully before traversing to the right. We gain elevation up the rocky ridge before coming to the base of the glacier. Here we rope up and continue up the glacier until the South ridge is reached. We follow this superb and classic ridge to the summit where outstanding views of Lhotse (27,890 feet), Makalu (27,805 feet), Ama Dablam (22,493 feet) and Baruntse (25,328 feet) are revealed. We then continue down to base camp for the evening.

Day 12: REST/WEATHER DAY • 14,250 feet
In case of bad weather, we built in an extra day for the summit. The next day we rise early, disassemble camp and continue back down the valley to the village of Chukkung. We arrive in Chukkung by lunchtime, and relax and relish from our summit success.

Day 13: DINGBOCHE • 14,250 feet
Descend back down the Khumbu Valley to Dingboche or Tengboche.

Day 14: NAMCHE BAZAAR • 11,300 feet
The downhill trek along the river allows for breathtaking photos of Ama Dablam that towers ominously above us, and the Southwest ridge comes into clear view. At Pangbouche, we say goodbye to the Ama Dablam climbers and wish them good luck. We then descend to Namche. If we are lucky, it will be market time in Namche. Regardless, there is always fabulous food to be found, including real espresso, yak steaks and chocolate cake with frosting! This market is where lowland porters bearing supplies meet the highland Sherpa and Tibetan people who have journeyed over high passes from many miles away to trade food and supplies for their home or village.

Day 15: Lukla • 9,000 feet
Our last day on the trail, we hike from Namche to Lukla, crossing eleven suspension bridges and reentering the fertile valleys of the lower Dudh Kosi. We overnight in Lukla.

Day 16: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
The scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu gives us one last chance to say farewell to the mountains.

Day 17: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
The morning is open and provides a chance to get out early and watch the people of Kathmandu rise in prayer at Pashupatinath along the banks of the holy river Bagmati with burning ghats similar to the Ganges in India. You may wish to visit the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath or explore the temples in the city of Patan just south of Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 18: Depart from Kathmandu.
In this day, our representative will come to pick up from Hotel and drop you off to the Tribhuvan Internationla Airport for your final departure.