Island Peak- 20,305 ft
TREK AT A GLANCE
Trip Profile: 19 Days
Hotel: 2+2 Nights in Kathmandu
Trekking Days: 15 Days
Maximum Elevation: 6189 m / 20,305 ft
price: $ 3,250 USD per person
(discounts available for more than one person)
Best Months
March, April & May
September, October & November
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 trekking
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.
Itinerary:
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 moving to high camp.
Day 11: ISLAND PEAK HIGH CAMP • 17,323 feet
Today we take a 2-3 hour hike to high camp. We ascend grass and scree slopes to
where we find a tent platform at 17,323 feet. After establishing camp, we relax
while taking in the magnificent amphitheater of mountains.
Day 12: 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 13: 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 14: DINGBOCHE • 14,250 feet
Descend back down the Khumbu Valley to Dingboche or Pangboche. If we climb
Island Peak the first summit day we will have the opportunity to visit Ama
Dablam base camp.
Day 15: 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 16: 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 17: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
The scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu gives us one last chance to say
farewell to the mountains.
Day 18: 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 19: 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.
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