Island Peak Day to Day Itinerary

Days 1-3: USA-Bangkok-Kathmandu. Upon arrival we check into the renowned Yak and Yeti Hotel, a cornerstone of the Kathmandu scene, and attend a welcome dinner with other trekkers and climbers. (Most team members use Thai airways via Bangkok /Kathmandu).

Day 4: Kathmandu. From the centrally located Yak and Yeti Hotel we begin our exploration of Kathmandu. While modern by Nepalese standards, Kathmandu is a sacred city to both Hindus and Buddhists. Our tour is an important introduction to understanding the cultures which lay ahead. Kathmandu is prominently featured in both Buddhist scriptures and Hindu texts such as the Ramayana. Our tour includes the 3000 year old Swamayabhu (monkey temple), the great Stupa of Bodnath and the chaotic Hindu temple complex of Pashupatineth. This temple is home to many Hindu ascetics or Sadhus.

Day 5: After final administration requirements, we fly via Twin Otter STOL or Russian M-17 Helicopter to the landing strip in Lukla. Weather permitting, this flight offers outstanding views of the eastern Himalayas. In Lukla, we meet and join our Sherpa staff, load the yaks and begin the ascent to base camp. Our first day is an easy walk to the lush environs of Phakding, located on the Dudh Kosi river.

Day 6: We follow the Dudh Kosi, ascending 2,300’ through Himalayan pine and Doedar cedar forests, to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar (11,300’). The village of Namche is an historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat, gold and textiles. Besides being a superb place to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu, attracting Himalayan and lowland merchants. Our group spends two days in Namche affording us the opportunity to acclimate, visit local markets and spend time with friends in town. Our camp is perched above the city and we make our way to nearby high points to capture glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks.

Day 7: Visit sights in Namche Bazaar including the Sherpa museum and local marketplace.

Day 8: Perhaps one of the most fascinating days of the trek, we travel to the village of Thame (12,464'). We have the unique opportunity of visiting the home of Lhakpa Rita Sherpa, our sirdar (lead Sherpa). His family has been a mainstay of this small community, raising yaks and farming. This gives us an intimate view of Sherpa culture while visiting a traditional home. Interestingly enough a number of famous climbing Sherpa have come from Thame. The ‘Thame’ experience is one rarely afforded to trekkers.

Day 9: Waking early we climb to the Thame monastery and further explore local Buddhism. We tour this 400 year-old gompa and learn about its inner workings and the lives of its monks. As we tour the monastery we discuss the wall paintings and artifacts that are central to Buddhist practice. Before departure we will hopefully have the opportunity to meet and receive a blessing from the Thame Rinpoche (head priest). From Thame we walk to the beautiful village of Khunde, one of the largest villages in the Khumbu. The day’s walk is moderate and rather pretty, winding through thick cedar forest. This is also the home of Sir Edmund Hillary’s hospital and school.

Day 10: We continue on and climb to the village of Tengboche (12,683’), the cultural and religious center of the Khumbu. At the monastery we attend Buddhist ceremonies and rituals performed by local monks. Vistas from Tengboche are spectacular. The jagged peaks of Thamserku and Kangtega stand to our south as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam are visible to the north. The Monastery at Tengboche is one of the most well-known in the world as the Rinpoche is revered throughout the Buddhist community and has authored a number of books and essays. In the past our groups have had an audience with the Rinpoche and received his blessing. Views from this locale include: Kwangde 20,293’ , Tawachee 21,457’, Nuptse 25,843’, Lhotse 27,883’, Everest 29,035’, Ama Dablam 22,487’, Kangtega 22,235’, and Thamserku 21,674’). We lodge in the village of Deboche.

Days 11-12: We climb to the village of Pheriche (13,907’) which is not far from Dingboche (a village en route to Island Peak). Pheriche has become famous for its high altitude research center. The center attracts world renown physicians who acquire data to analyze the effects of high altitude on human physiology. During our stay we visit the research center and have time to chat with staff physicians. We will also spend an additional day further acclimatizing and hiking.

Day 13: From Pheriche we continue through this high alpine region to the settlement of Lobuje (16,174’), where we spend one night. This trail passes through a famous Sherpa memorial. Lobuje is located on the flank of an old lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier.

Day 14: The trail winds through the high tundra and glacial moraine to Gorak Shep (16,924’), the last inhabited area in the upper Khumbu. While our Sherpa are setting up camp we make an ascent of Kala Pattar (18,300’), a small peak with excellent views of Everest, Nuptse and nearby Pumori. Many Everest photos are taken from the summit of Kala Pattar. Gorak Shep presents a rougher environment and gives the trekker the true flavor of the nighttime rigors of mountaineering. This will be our high point of acclimatization before heading to Island peak.

Day 15: We leave Gorak Shep and cross the moraine of the great Khumbu glacier to reach Everest Base Camp, which lies beneath the sweeping ridges of Everest and Nuptse. Everest Base Camp at 17,300’ is a sprawling tent city set amidst glacial debris. Here the climbers begin final preparations for their ascent of Mt. Everest. We spend a few hours at base getting a sense of the community and meeting climbers before returning to Gorak Shep. During our visit to camp we venture to the edge of the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall. From here, we see climbers en route as they negotiate this complex maze of ice.

Day 16: Feeling refreshed by the lower altitude, we descend to the village of Dingboche. Dingboche is a stunning village of stone huts known as the summer village for local herders. The mountain views are outstanding from this valley as Makalu stands in the distance.

Days 17-19: During these days trekkers will descend back through Tengboche and Namche to Lukla with a flight back to Kathmandu on day 20.

After moving from Dingboche with a night in Chhukung, climbers head to Island Peak Base Camp (16,690ft) which will be the starting point for our ascent the next day. The climb begins with a two hour scramble to the Imja Tse glacier. After donning crampons we cross the glacier and ascend to the picturesque south-west ridge. As we follow this narrow ridge, Makalu begins to rise in front of us over the holy peak of Cho Polu and the stunning South Face of Lhotse stands 8,000ft above us to the left. From the 20,305ft summit of Island Peak the views of the Imja Valley and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. After relaxing and enjoying this vista, we descend to Base Camp and prepare for our return to Lukla.

Days 20-23: After the climb we return to Lukla, via Dingboche, Tengboche and Namche. Arrive Lukla Day 24.

Day 24: Early morning flight to KTM (weather permitting) and we spend much of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the deluxe services of the Yak and Yeti hotel.

Day 25: Walking tour of the city including the temples and sites of Durbar Square and the Thamel section. Here we assist trekkers with their final shopping needs followed by a farewell dinner.

Days 26-27: Early morning departure for Bangkok. Return USA.

 Return to Top of Page