17-Day Island Peak and Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu

17 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a challenging trek to Island Peak, a 6000 m Himalayan peak that offers stunning views and a historic climb once used by Edmund Hillary. This journey a...

Duration: 17 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Everest Base Camp-South, Patan, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Island Peak, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Sagarmatha National Park, Chukhung · Languages: English

Know before you go: ATMs: There are several ATM booths at the airport and inside Thamel where you can withdraw cash. The maximum you can withdraw at once is NPR 35,000 (approximately US$ 350), and NPR 500 will be charged per transaction. During the trek, there is an ATM point up to Namche Bazar.; Money Changers: Money changers are easily available inside the airport and in Thamel. During the trek, if you have US dollars, you can exchange them.; Banks: There are several banks in Kathmandu, and you can find a bank up to Namche Bazar.; Buffer Days: If the flights from Kathmandu or Lukla get rescheduled due to bad weather, the guest will have to bear the cost of accommodation in Nepal.; Currency: We urge our guests to carry more than INR 25,000 for food on the trail and other expenses like charging mobile phones, shopping, laundry, and bar bills. You can carry Indian currency in denominations of Rs100 or smaller in Nepal. Please check with the trek consultant about the currency for travellers from any other country.; Trek Insurance: In the unfortunate event of injury or illness on the trek that requires medical help or evacuation, the insurer will bear the cost. Hence, it is advised to have insurance that covers medical aid and helicopter evacuation. We do not provide insurance but can assist you in getting one. Also, make sure that the insurance covers emergency evacuations up to 5500 meters, as helicopters, yaks, and horses are the only means of transportation.; Difficulty Level: The Island Peak and EBC Trek, just like any other Himalayan trek, is moderately demanding on the body. Participants need to have a base level of fitness.; Due to bad weather conditions, flight delays or cancellations can happen on the Kathmandu-Lukla or Lukla-Kathmandu sectors. Flight delays may last for hours, and there is also a chance of cancellation for the flying date itself.; Sometimes, due to heavy air traffic at Kathmandu airport, the flight time may get disturbed as well.; Despite being booked in advance, we need to reconfirm the flight once you are back in Lukla. This will be taken care of by your guide or our team members in Kathmandu in coordination with the respective airlines.; A helicopter can be taken from Kathmandu or Lukla to Kathmandu in case of flight cancellations. The cost will be an extra US$ 500 per head, and 5 persons can fly at a time.; Bottled water: NPR 150 to NPR 400 per litre; Hot water: NPR 200 to NPR 600 per litre; Hot shower: NPR 500 to NPR 700 per shower; WIFI: NPR 500 per day, or Everest Link 1 GB = NPR 600 or 10 GB = NPR 2000, and it works at all the hotels in Everest.; Electricity to charge gadgets: NPR 300 to NPR 1000 per gadget; You have to have your food at the places where you are staying. The Khumbu region has this kind of rule for every traveller, and you have to respect and follow the system.; Rooms with attached bathrooms for premium package holders will be provided wherever available and possible. For the standard package, bathrooms will be shared.; Extra nights or unused accommodation in the mountains or Kathmandu are not compensated.; Basically, we provide 2 nights in hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast and 11 nights' accommodation in Khumbu during trekking. If you are not able to use all 11 nights of accommodation on the trek, there will be no compensation in Kathmandu for that.; Tipping is a part of the culture in Everest trekking. The normal trend is to tip 10% of the total amount you have paid for the trip.; Basically, if the services used exceed the inclusions, you have to bear the cost from your side. The company will not take care of those things.

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What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle, with assistance at the international airport while arriving and departing in Kathmandu
2 nights' hotel in Kathmandu at a 3-star category hotel with breakfast on a twin/double-sharing basis
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu domestic airline tickets, including all airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure taxes for all climbing members, Sherpa guides, liaison officers, and kitchen staff
Accommodation in tea houses/lodges along the trek as per the itinerary
Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both domestic and international flights as per the itinerary
All permits needed for the peak climbing and trek, including climbing route permits and Nepal royalty fees
Everest National Park entry permit for all members
Trek Information Management System (TIMS) registration card
An experienced climbing and high-altitude trekking guide with meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance
One porter per two trekkers and all porter expenses
Meals (16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners) at the tea lodge during the trek
3 fresh meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - served at the advanced base camp
All trekking and mountaineering equipment like kitchen tent, storage tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for advanced base camp and Camp II
All food and fuel for base camp and higher camps during the expedition for clients and staff
Common climbing equipment, including necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bars, etc.
Services of chef and kitchen assistant at base camp
First aid medical kit
Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
Necessary paperwork, and all government and local permissions
Luggage charges for keeping luggage while you are on the trail
Daily weather report services from a Seattle, Washington-based company
All wages, equipment, medical, and accidental insurance for all involved staff during trekking and expedition periods
Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpas, chefs, and kitchen assistants
Equipment allowances and wages for the government liaison officer
Appropriate food for high altitude and at base camp and above, as required
Required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period
Solar panel for light and battery charging
Sherpa tents, climbing food, and insurance for staff
Helicopter rescue insurance for high-altitude climbing Sherpa guide, chef, and staff
Transportation of food supply to base camp from Kathmandu (cargo to Lukla and then by porter/yaks to base camp)
Our service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal
Complete pre-departure information
Visa extension procedure services, if necessary
Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a domestic culture show in Kathmandu
A T-shirt/pashmina and brochure

Not Included

5% GST
Meals for all days and all times, except breakfast in Kathmandu
Travel fare to Nepal and back
Personal expenses like bar bills, shopping, SIM cards, mobile charging, WIFI, hot water, hot shower, etc.
Optional add-on - porter available; tips to guide/porter
Costs arising from natural calamities, mishaps, or anything beyond our control (costs are not refundable or transferable by any means if you leave the trek voluntarily and want to return from the trek)
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and City Exploration

Arrival before 3 PM is preferable. Have an orientation in the evening and activities to interact with your fellow trekkers. This day is dedicated to exploring the vibrant capital city of Nepal. See Durbar Square, with its temples, markets, and busy atmosphere, making it a must-visit. It is also worth the climb to visit Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple". Explore the network of street markets, alley bazaars, and Pashupatinath. The neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are well worth a visit. Find many monasteries, temples, and places to visit in Kathmandu. Visit Hanuman Dhoka, which is considered one of the must-visit places in Kathmandu. To soothe your spiritual senses, you can also visit Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, the Golden Temple untouched by an earthquake and founded in the 12th century. Behold a spectacular view of the first stupa at Boudhanath, which draws the attention of many tourists.
2

Day 02

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

Leaving Kathmandu, get on an early morning flight to Lukla in a small aircraft where the engine roars for 40 minutes and the wind lightly wobbles you in the air, like a roller-coaster ride through the mountains. Fly through small hills amid turbulent weather conditions until you touch down on the famous short, steep, and precarious mountainside runway. The base camp trek begins the moment you land there. Lukla, also called Tenzing Norgay Airport, is considered the 2nd most dangerous airport in the world. Lukla is pretty and charming, with little shops stocked with colourful beanies, silk scarves, and shawls made from yak wool. Set off on the trail to Phakding with your Nepali trekking guide. The route is mostly descending, and after a short forest trail at the beginning, you will walk through Nepalese villages surrounded by lush vegetation.
3

Day 03

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Start early, as the day involves climbing steep steps through stunning forests and crossing rivers via vertiginous and swaying Swiss suspension bridges. Be awed by the Sherpas carrying bundled backpacks. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are in bright bloom. Cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar and look far above 6,000 metres to see the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) and Thamserku (6623 m). Stop at Monjo village, which is the mid-point of today's trek. Highlights of the day include entering Sagarmatha National Park, spotting the Kongderei and Thamserku peaks, and getting your first Everest viewpoint.
4

Day 04

Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

Namche is the first place on the trek that is above the altitude sickness threshold. It is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre. Hike to Everest View Hotel at 3800 m, the highest point during the trek, passing the Himalayan airstrip at Shyangbonche. Built by the Japanese, this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break. If you are full of energy, walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital. Visit the twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung, set below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. Great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants dominate the route.
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Day 05

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. The sunset and sunrise over the mountains are not to be missed - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam provide a wonderful backdrop to your teahouse. Look out for Himalayan tahr in the forest surrounding the monastery. If you are hiking in spring, from February to May, you will come across the famous rhododendrons along the route.
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Day 06

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

Climb steadily up the trail and enter Pangboche at 3,900 m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley. Ascending the valley, have lunch at Shomare. Leave the trees behind and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Khola. Take a short, steep climb that brings you to Dingboche at 4,530 m, a summer settlement above the tree line where great peaks above 7000 m surround you. Ama Dablam is the highlight of this place and will always keep you in awe and marvel.
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Day 07

Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

Spend a day at Dingboche to continue acclimatization. Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5,100 m for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche, and Ama Dablam. Acclimatization days aim to prepare the body for the elevation gains to come and decrease the risk of altitude-induced illness. Hike up to as high an altitude as you can manage before descending to sleep at, or around, the altitude where the day began.
8

Day 08

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

Today's trek to Lobuche feels like a stroll in the park. Compared to the rest of the trek, the distance between Dingboche and Dughla is the shortest. The flat trail to Dhugla offers some stunning views of this trekking expedition. On your right, you can see the magnificent view of Mount Pumori and a glacial lake. Cross the Dhudkoshi River. Conventionally, the source of rivers is situated far away, but interestingly, Dhudkoshi's source is just a kilometre away. The wall of the Khumbu Glacier is also evident from this place. Start your trek towards Lobuche. There is a steep hike from Dughla as you cross the infamous Dughla Pass/Thukla Pass. This brings you to one of the most interesting spots on the entire trek. Here, you will see memorials to many famous mountaineers who lost their lives in different expeditions. Enjoy the quietude of the pass and then head on to Lobuche. The trail following Dughla/Thukla Pass is almost flat. Overnight stay will be in the teahouses of Lobuche.
9

Day 09

Trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp

Leave early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,184 m). The trail undulates up and down the moraine with some short, steep sections. Start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. Follow the trail as it winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring you might see some of the expedition teams in the distance as they prepare to climb the mountain.
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Day 10

Kala Patthar Sunrise Hike and Return to Dingboche

The hike to Kala Patthar is a steep climb of about 2 hours. The rest of the day is spent descending. Witness one of the best views and sunsets of your life from this place. Though it will be a long trekking day, you will walk through windy yet one of the most beautiful valleys to reach Dingboche. This climb offers a magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and, above all, a close-up view of the world's highest mountain. Return to Gorak Shep and retrace your steps to Lobuje for lunch. Continue down the valley to the lower altitude of Dingboche for the night.
11

Day 11

Trek to Chukhung

From Dingboche to Chukhung, the trek is about 2 hours long and easy. Chukhung is a beautiful valley nestled between mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Imja Tse, and others. You will appreciate a really good and close view of these mountains and their glaciers. The Imja Khola runs past Chukhung village, where you will be lodging.
12

Day 12

Hike to Island Peak Base Camp and Ice Climbing Training

After breakfast, trek towards the south, turn east, and enter the main valley. Walk along the stream and pass the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraine before reaching the valley, where you will camp in tents. From the camp, you will see the southwestern face of Imja Tse (Island Peak).
13

Day 13

Summit Island Peak and Return to Chukhung

Walk toward the summit around 01:00 to 02:00 am. It takes about 2 hours to reach high camp, after which you will climb the rock gully. Follow a ridgeline to the summit glacier and climb a steep snow slope to reach the summit. There, you will get an excellent view of the mountains. After spending some time there, descend back to high camp, then to base camp, and all the way back to Chukhung.
14

Day 14

Trek from Chukhung to Namche Bazaar

Hike west on a good trail for an hour down to Dingboche, which enjoys a fantastic close-up view of Ama Dablam, and then carry on west/south-west through a series of smaller villages to Pangboche. Climb up to reach the world-famous Tengboche Monastery. Take one final look at the upper Khumbu and descend to a deep, tree-filled gorge. Make one final climb up to the well-known landmark Tashi's Lodge at Kyangjuma and then follow the long descending path leading to Namche.
15

Day 15

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

A steep descent initially is followed by some ascent to reach Lukla.
16

Day 16

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

The next two days are for exploring the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. These days also act as buffer days to help your body acclimatize to lower altitudes again.
17

Day 17

Departure from Kathmandu

This is the departure day as you say "Namaste" to the crew and fellow trekkers and take back memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today, and you are free to check out of the hotel at any time. Check-out time from the hotel is usually at 12 noon or as per hotel rules. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.