Island Peak Climbing- 18 Days

After arriving at the airport we will be welcomed by a representative of Ama adventure. Furthermore, check-in at the hotel, and if time permits, you can explore the surroundings. In the evening, we will have a meeting and briefing.

After breakfast, you will head towards Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this ancient stupa is one of the most iconic landmarks of Nepal. Believed to have been self-created, it holds deep spiritual significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley, surrounded by prayer flags, shrines, and playful monkeys that give the site its nickname.

Early in the morning, we will fly to Lukla, which takes around 35 minutes. We start trekking to Phakding through some settlements, settlements, farmland, and Buddhist chortens. The trek also crosses few suspension bridges and stunning views as it follows the Dudh Koshi River.

Today we trek to Namche Bazaar on the Bank of the Dudhkoshi river. We pass the pine forest that goes north up the Benkar village. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudhkoshi river, we reach the Monjo village, which is the entrance point of the Sagarmatha National Park. We then pass several villages like Benker, Chumoa, Manjo, Jorasalle along with suspension bridges. After lunch the trail gets steeper but  it offers the first look of Everest and amazing river valley views and virtues of faunas.

Namche Bazaar is the primary administrative town for the Khumbu region with all facilities located west of the Dudh Koshi River. For Acclimatization, we Hike up to Sagarmatha National park to enjoy the spectacular view of (Chomolumba) Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kongde, and many more. For gain, more altitude, and rest before the next ascent you can spend your day hiking to Everest viewpoint, an optional two-hour hike with an amazing view. Lunch will be in Khumjung, After Lunch a short visit around the village and back to Namche Bazar.

After breakfast, we start climbing near Sagarmatha National Park, then continue along a wider trail with an amazing backdrop of Mt. Everest and other snowy peaks. We pass stunning rhododendron and pine forests to Tengboche. After Kyanjuma, we continue ascending to Upper Phunki Tenga for lunch. After lunch, we climb to Phortse. The Phortse village and monastery is one of the oldest monasteries. The Khumbu region offers panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. Upon arrival, we visit the monastery to observe religious chanting. After an amazing day, overnight at a teahouse.

Today, we start trekking through an incredible cliffside trail, a forest that looks amazing during spring when it blooms. We cross the suspension bridge above the Dudh Koshi River and continue to Pangboche. Then we trek to Somare, our lunch spot. After lunch, the trail crosses the Lobuche River and then turns right into the Imja River valley. Dingboche is a small, beautiful village with farms of barley, potato, and buckwheat, along with animals grazing by the Imja Khola. Finally, we reach Dingboche for overnight.

The trek to Chhukung begins along the bank of Imja Khola River valley through high-altitude yak pastureland with stone-walled fields. Along the way, we pass yak shelters offering stunning mountain and glacier views. The trek to Chhukung offers amazing views of Ama Dablam, Amphu peaks, and the mysterious Imja Khola valley. We walk on an ice stream for about an hour before reaching our destination. After lunch, we hike up to Chhukung Ri for acclimatization.

After breakfast, we hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546 m/18,190 ft). The viewpoint offers mesmerizing views of the world’s highest peaks, including Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. It is great to witness the sun’s rays across the Imja Valley over the Himalayas. After an amazing hike, we return to the lodge. After lunch, we conduct a short training session on Island Peak climbing techniques.

We will head to Island Peak Base Camp, which is on the bank of Imja Lake. Before reaching base camp, there are two routes: one goes via Amphu Labsta Pass, and the other directly to Island Base Camp. We climb the moraine where the trail turns north to Imja Glacier moraine and continue to Island Base Camp for an overnight stay in a tent camp.

Early this morning, we climb Island Peak with climbing gear. This sacred region offers panoramic views from the summit. After spending an amazing time at the top, we return to Island Base Camp and continue back to Chhukung for overnight.

Today is an extra day reserved for weather challenges because sometimes we cannot summit as planned. In these situations, we attempt the summit on this day.

Today, we have a late breakfast, then start trekking around 10 AM. We trek to Pangboche via Dingboche and overnight at Pangboche.

The trek to Namche Bazaar continues the descent to Tengboche and Phunki Tenga, leading through the Khumbu Valley, Bhote Koshi River, and beautiful forests. The return to Namche Bazaar is easier, passing through rhododendron forests and climbing for an hour to the village of Changsha. The walk to Namche Bazaar is very scenic on a long, winding path.

Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Lukla is the last day of your trek. It starts with a steep descent and moderate traffic where you are always safe. The trek passes through beautiful small villages such as Jorsalle, Monjo, and Phakding, with short ascents and continues down the handrails of the Bhotekoshi River, crossing it three times. Before reaching Lukla, you ascend a gentle slope for 45 minutes to the final destination. After a long day, rest overnight at Lukla.

After breakfast, we hope to get an early flight back to Kathmandu. The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu takes 35 minutes. Then, we drive back to the Kathmandu hotel, which normally takes about an hour, and check in to rest.

Today is the second last day in Nepal before departure. If you need to buy gifts for family and friends, today is the day.

Today is the final day of our trip. The Ama Adventure representative will drop you at the airport, wish you a safe journey, and hope to see you on your next adventure.