Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek- 16 Days

Hello and Namaste to the city of the beautiful culture and traditions of Kathmandu. You will be arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport which is named after the late King Mahendra. Upon reaching, get prepared for the immigration process. If you have the visa that you brought from your country that’s great or else you can get Visa on arrival as well.

Reach to the immigration desk get your visa on arrival and get your suitcase you can exit from the arrival gate where we will be waiting with our team and private vehicle to welcome you and drive you to the hotel. The drive from the Airport to the hotel is just 30 minutes and upon reaching you can relax in the evening we will be meeting for the welcome dinner and have a brief about the trek.

After enjoying our delicious breakfast, we will rent and buy the essential trekking gear equipment so that we don’t need to struggle during the climb and trek. You can check our packing list for Island Peak and buy or rent according to it. After getting all the lists we will be driving to the airport from where you arrived in Nepal. After that, we will take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which will be scenic as you will be flying over the mountains for 25 mins. Upon reaching Lukla, we will start our trek to Phakding which is a beautiful village located in the heart of the Himalayas of Everest region.

Early in the morning, after enjoying our local breakfast, we will head towards our next destination Namche Bazar the center hub of the Everest region. We will be passing via the pine forests and the Sherpa villages like Toktok and Monjo where we will be officially entering the Sagarmatha National Park. Along the trek, we will be crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge which is one of the highest and most iconic bridges in the region.

As we cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge we will witness the steep ascent leading us through the dense lush green forests.  If the weather is clear we might witness the stunning views of Mt. Everest. Upon reaching Namche we will be staying in the lodge. Check in to the lodge and relax, in the evening, we will have dinner and enjoy ourselves by playing games, singing, and then resting for the day.

Today is our acclimatization day in Namche which means we will be not trekking today. We will have our breakfast and hike around the Namche villages exploring and interacting with the locals. We will visit the Everest View Hotel which is famous for the Beautiful views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and surrounding peaks and it is also one of the highest luxury hotels in the world. After that, we will go to Khumjung Village & Khunde, and in the Khumjung village, we will visit the Khumjung Monastery which is believed to have the scalp of the Yeti the mythological character that is big like a human and bear mixture.

After that, we will be visiting Syangboche Airstrip which is one of the highest airstrips in the world for helicopters and STOL aircraft. Also, we will be visiting the Sherpa Culture Museum and in the evening we will be at Namche Market where you can explore places like Namche Bakery or Himalayan Java Café. You can also rent the gear which might be missed in the city. You can visit internet cafes and many more. In the we will have a warm dinner and relax.

Today we will be trekking to the Tengboche the trekking route to the famous Everest region trekking routes like Everest three-pass trek, Jiri Base Camp trek, and others. We will be trekking through the deep jungles of Rhodendron and Pine. Along the way, you will see the waterfalls and river streams following you throughout the trek. We will be passing through the small villages like Kyangjuma and Sanas from where we will descend to the Phunki Tenga which is mainly used by trekkers to take a tea break as the place lies on the bank of the Dudh Koshi River which gives the soothing sound for the ear.

We will be crossing the Dudh Koshi River and ascending uphill through pine and Juniper forests. Along the way we will be crossing the mani walls, prayer flags fluttering in the sky. Upon reaching the Tengboche we will relax and in the evening we will visit the Tengboche monastery which is the famous and largest monastery in the region and gives the perfect sense of peace and serenity.

Early in the morning, we will start our trek to Dingboche where our island peak is seen as the real island and it was named island from the Dingboche only. We will hear our trek brief and start the trek. We will be gradually ascending towards the Dingboche. We will start our trek from our tea house to the sacred Tengboche monastery and then to Dinbgboche to get blessings and pray for our successful climb. We will be passing via the Rhodendron forests and crossing the Imja Khola via a suspension bridge. We will be passing via the small settlements like Pangboche. On the way, we will also visit the Pangboche monastery which gives the perfect glimpse of ancient culture and traditions. After reaching Dingcohe we will relax for the day.

Today our trek will be the final trek before reaching the Everest base camp as Lobuche is the last resting trekking destination before trekking to the foothills of the giant mountains. We will be ascending gradually as our trek is above 5000 meters we will need to acclimate properly and do the trek. Our trek starts by climbing the ridge above the Dingboche which offers panoramic views of the Taboche, Cholatse, and the mighty Lhotse. As we trek we will witness that the land is becoming barren with high alpine meadows their paths are rocky and in the background, mighty Himalayas are waiting and giving the perfect views of the region.

We will be passing via the small villages like Dughla (Thukla), which is the final stop before crossing the Thukla pass in the Khumbu region. On the way, we will be witnessing the beautiful Himalayas and the landscapes. If you are suffering from high altitude sickness then you can return to the Dingboche or else we will prepare for our last stretch before EBC.

Early in the morning, before sunrise, we begin our highly anticipated trek to Everest Base Camp. After warming up with a hot bowl of soup and packing our breakfast, we set off from Lobuche under the soft morning light. The trail follows the rugged moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, gradually leading us to Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Base Camp. After a short rest and dropping off our heavy packs, we continue the final stretch toward Everest Base Camp, navigating through rocky paths and glacial terrain with stunning views of Pumori, the Khumbu Icefall, and the surrounding peaks. Reaching Base Camp is a surreal and emotional moment, where colorful prayer flags flutter proudly, and trekkers worldwide share in the joy of standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain.

After spending some time soaking in the experience and taking photographs, we retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay, filled with pride and the unforgettable memory of reaching Everest Base Camp.

Before dawn, we begin our steep hike to Kala Patthar, one of the best vantage points in the Everest region. Climbing in the cold morning air, we’re rewarded with the magical sight of the first golden rays of sunlight hitting the summit of Mount Everest and the surrounding giants like Nuptse, Pumori, and Lhotse. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan range that leaves a lasting imprint on every trekker's heart. After spending some time capturing the moment and absorbing the stunning scenery, we carefully make our way back down to Gorak Shep for breakfast.

From there, we begin our descent toward Dingboche, retracing familiar paths but with a lighter heart and clearer air as we drop in elevation. The downhill walk feels more relaxed, and by the time we arrive in Dingboche, nestled in its wide and peaceful valley, we’re ready to rest, reflect, and celebrate one of the most iconic days of the journey.
 

Today’s trek from Dingboche to Chhukung is a relatively short but rewarding journey that takes you deeper into the Imja Valley. The trail gradually ascends through open alpine terrain, offering stunning views of towering peaks like Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam from new angles. The path is gentle and pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the pristine beauty of the Khumbu without the strain of steep climbs. Along the way, you’ll pass through small yak herder shelters and glacial streams, with the landscape growing increasingly wild and remote.
As you approach Chhukung, the valley opens up to reveal this small but scenic settlement nestled beneath massive snow-capped mountains. Chhukung serves as the gateway for trekkers heading toward Island Peak or the Kongma La Pass, and it’s also a great place for acclimatization.

Once settled, you can explore the surroundings or simply relax while taking in the dramatic views of the eastern Himalayas. The peaceful environment and proximity to the giants of the region make Chhukung a memorable stop on the trail

The trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp marks the beginning of the climbing phase of the adventure. The trail heads southeast, weaving through rocky paths and glacial moraines in a rugged, high-altitude landscape. Though the distance isn’t too long, the gain in elevation and the thinning air make the walk more physically demanding. As you ascend, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with towering peaks like Lhotse and Island Peak dominating the skyline and glacial streams carving through the desolate terrain.

Upon reaching Island Peak Base Camp, set at around 5200 meters, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking views and a powerful sense of solitude in the Himalayas. The camp is set up on a flat, rocky area beside the Imja Glacier, where climbers prepare mentally and physically for the summit push. After arriving, you’ll rest, hydrate, and receive a pre-climb briefing from the guide, including basic training on using climbing equipment like crampons, harnesses, and ropes. This is a critical day for acclimatization and preparation before the big climb ahead.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the entire journey the summit of Island Peak. We start very early, often around 1 to 2 AM, under the stars with our headlamps lighting the way. The initial climb follows a steep rocky path, gradually leading to the glacier. Once we reach the crampon point, we gear up with harnesses, ropes, helmets, and crampons, and begin navigating the icy slopes and crevasses of the Imja Glacier. The final section involves a steep climb up a snow wall and a thrilling ridge walk to the summit. Reaching the top of Island Peak at 6189 meters is an unforgettable experience with panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and countless other Himalayan giants surrounding you. It’s a moment of pure triumph and awe.

After taking in the views and capturing the memories, we carefully descend back down, retracing our steps through the glacier and rocky terrain. The return to Chhukung is long and tiring, but descending to lower altitudes brings a sense of relief and accomplishment. Back in Chhukung, you can finally rest and celebrate conquering one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking peaks.

After the high-altitude adventures of Island Peak, today’s trek takes you on a long but scenic descent from Chhukung back to the bustling heart of the Khumbu Namche Bazaar. The journey retraces your steps through Dingboche and Pangboche, offering new perspectives of the majestic peaks you passed earlier. As you descend, the air gets thicker and the terrain greener, gradually bringing back the warmth and vitality of the lower elevations. You'll pass through charming Sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and walk beneath the shadows of towering peaks like Ama Dablam and Thamserku.

Though the distance is long, the downhill route makes it more manageable, and the familiar sights bring a comforting sense of return. By the time you arrive in Namche Bazaar, the vibrant energy of the town feels like a welcome reward. With cozy teahouses, bakeries, and internet access, Namche is the perfect place to relax, reflect on your summit success, and enjoy a warm meal surrounded by fellow trekkers.

Today marks the final day of trekking as we make our way from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla. The trail descends steeply through pine forests and across high suspension bridges, retracing the familiar Dudh Koshi River valley. Though it’s mostly downhill, the trail includes a few short uphill climbs and rocky sections that still require careful footing, especially after days of trekking. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages like Monjo and Phakding, where prayer flags flutter and locals offer warm smiles.

After an unforgettable trekking journey, today you’ll take a short but scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The morning flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the towering Himalayan peaks, deep valleys, and winding rivers you’ve just explored on foot. Flying over snow-capped mountains like Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam is a spectacular way to bid farewell to the high mountains

Today marks the end of your incredible Nepal adventure. After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to do any last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or simply relax before your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. As you say goodbye to Kathmandu, you carry with you unforgettable memories of the Himalayas, the warm friendships, and the spirit of Nepal. Safe travels and may your journey inspire many more adventures ahead!