Island Peak expedition (6189m) in Everest region is among very famous mountaineering expeditions in Nepal. Although Nepal is home to 8 out of 14 highest peaks in world going over 8,000 meters, numerous other mountains in the Himalayan region draw a large number of climbers every year because climbing them is equally demanding, and equally adventurous. Just like the legendary 8 thousanders, these lesser mountains give a good test to the skills and acumen of the mountaineers. Island Peak is definitely one of them, and this peak climb is also done for the practice of mountaineering skills and acclimatization as a prelude to the Everest expedition.
Our itinerary for Island Peak expedition not just takes you to the top of this mountain from where you will enjoy a heavenly panorama of Himalayan peaks and other sceneries; it also helps you collect the intimate experience of the Sherpas, their culture and lifestyle. Khumbu region, also called Everest region, is the original settlement of Sherpas in Nepal, who have now earned a worldwide repute as the most hospitable people and the most reliable climbing guides. Our 19-day itinerary comes with the combined riches of climbing and trekking; and you also get to know about Everest Sherpa lifestyle.
We will start with a short flight through a very charming aerial mountain route to Lukla and then head towards Island Peak in the route towards Everest as far as Everest Base Camp. We have also set aside days for acclimatization. Once we reach the Island Peak Base Camp, it is possible to stand atop the summit in about 2 days. While some set up a high camp and proceed towards the summit, others spend two nights at the base camp and reach the summit in a single attempt. Depending on weather condition and other factors, your guide will choose the best alternative for you.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival/Transfer
Day 2: Trek Preparation
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) and trek to Phakding (2610m)
Day 4: Phakding – Namche (3440m)
Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Namche – Thyangboche (Tengboche) (3680m)
Day 7: Thyangboche – Pheriche (4240 m)
Day 8: Pheriche – Lobuche (4950m)
Day 9: Lobuche – Gorekshep (5160m) to Everest Basecamp (5364m) then back to Gorakshep
Day 10: Gorekshep to Kalapatthar (5550m) to Chhukung (4730m)
Day 11: Chhukung - Island Peak Base Camp (5200m)
Day 12: Island Base Camp - High Camp (5600m)
Day 13: Acclimatization
Day 14: High Camp – Summit (6189m) & back to Base Camp
Day 15: Base Camp – Pangboche (3940m)
Day 16 :Pangboche – Namche
Day 17: Namche – Lukla
Day 18: Fly Lukla – Kathmandu