Island Peak Climbing – 15 Days

Manthali to Lukla Flight
The airport in Manthali, Ramechhap is about 4 to 5 hours away from Kathmandu. Wake up at 2:30 am and take an escorted shuttle to Manthali airport on a shared tourist vehicle. Board a 25-minute flight to Lukla. Manthali to Lukla flight is relevant during peak trekking months.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight
Wake up at 5/6 am. Our staff will escort you to the airport’s domestic terminal in Kathmandu. Board a 35-minute flight to Lukla. Kathmandu to Lukla flight is relevant during the off-season of trekking.

Prepare your luggage for the trek the day before the flight. You will be arriving at the Tenzing Hillary Airport early in the morning. Breakfast in Lukla. Porters will meet group in Lukla and are assigned to carry luggage. For every two clients, one porter is assigned.

Today we trek to Phakding. The trail is straightforward. We head out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River with a downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail, just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m). Continuing, we come across the small village of Ghat. After a brisk hike, we arrive at Phakding.

We begin the 5 hours trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views.

Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, a money exchange, internet cafes, and a bakery. Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail.

A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people.

We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Hotel Everest View. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.

The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. After 5 hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen.

Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed.

From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues for six hours, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.

On this leg of our island peak climbing journey, we have a four-hour walk ahead to Chhukung. Acclimatizing to the high altitude is crucial for the impending Island Peak climb.

During this stretch, our guide will furnish essential insights about the island peak climbing process and outline the schedule for the following day’s endeavors.

Today is another short trek of 4 hours to the Island Peak base camp. Starting from today, accommodations will be in tented camps for the next two days, with food prepared by our professional chef.

We will spend a day here in adjusting to the thinning of the air. We’ll also make a short trek around the Island Peak base camp to prepare us for the 6,000 m adventure tomorrow morning.

Today is our main adventure day. Weather permitting, we’ll start early in the morning for a climb up the Island Peak (6,187 m/20,299 ft).

After Camp 1, we ascend through a gully and traverse to the right. After making our way up a wide stone field, we cross the ridge to the glacier and crevasses. After a safe trip to the top, we make our way back down the same day and return to Chhukung.

Today we follow the same route back down to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft). Passing through Dingboche, Pangboche, and Diboche, the day’s trek will take six hours.

Leaving the mountains behind, our descent takes us from Tengboche Monastery to the town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). We arrive back at Namche Bazaar in the afternoon, a 5 hours walk. We’ll enjoy an evening of talking with fellow trekkers over a nice meal.

Finally, we make the 5 hours return to Lukla (2,840 m), where the trek began. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and on the personal achievements of all who took part.

Flight to Manthali
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is 25 minutes flight. After that, it is about a 4 to 6-hour drive to Kathmandu. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the peak trekking season from March to November.

Flight to Kathmandu
The flight to Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the months outside peak trekking months.

If you would like to spend more time in Nepal, we offer trips to the popular destinations in Nepal. Pokhara tour, Chitwan National Park, Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tours, etc., are some of our popular Nepal trips. In addition, we also provide outbound tours to Tibet, India, or Bhutan.

You will be served a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant.

Today we conclude our trip. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home. We bid you farewell and hope you’ll travel to Nepal again.