Island Peak

Welcome to Nepal! Your expedition begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where the snow-capped dreams of the Himalayas come face-to-face with Nepal’s colorful chaos and ancient charm.

Upon arrival, our team will receive you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Thamel, the buzzing backpacker quarter of the city. Thamel is where the trail starts — a vibrant maze of trekking shops, temples, momo stalls, and warm hospitality. The air here buzzes with energy, hope, and stories of past summiters.

Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or head out for your first taste of Kathmandu. Visit historic sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, or the sacred Pashupatinath Temple — or simply stroll through Thamel’s markets filled with prayer flags, yak wool scarves, and mountaineering gear.

In the evening, we gather for a group briefing and gear check. You’ll meet your expedition leader and fellow climbers, walk through the route in detail, and ensure all your gear is prepped for the trail ahead. This is your moment to ask questions, settle your nerves, and align your mind for the climb.

Altitude: 1,400 m
Distance: 6–8 km (airport to hotel)
Activity: Arrival, rest, and expedition briefing

The real adventure begins — a dramatic mountain flight to the iconic airstrip at Lukla, followed by your first day on foot in the Everest region.

We take an early morning flight to Lukla (2,860 m) — a gateway nestled into the hillside that sets the tone for the expedition ahead. If traveling during peak trekking months (April–May or October–November), the flight may operate from Ramechhap, requiring a 4–5 hour pre-dawn drive from Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Lukla, we meet our porters and begin trekking through pine forests and picturesque Sherpa villages. The trail descends gradually to Phakding, a riverside settlement along the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll cross your first suspension bridges today and soak in the freshness of Himalayan air, with dramatic views of Kusum Kanguru along the way.

We stay overnight in a cozy teahouse at Phakding, resting well before the climb to Namche.

Flight Altitude: 1,400 m → 2,860 m
Trek Altitude: 2,860 m → 2,610 m
Distance: ~8–9 km
Duration: 35 min flight + 3–4 hrs trek

Today’s trail is one of the most iconic in the Khumbu region. We follow the Dudh Koshi upstream, crossing several high-suspension bridges — including the famous Hillary Bridge — and pass through rhododendron and pine forests, charming villages like Monjo, and the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint where permits are verified.

After lunch in Jorsalle or Monjo, we begin the steep, switchback climb to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and main trading hub of the Everest region. As the air thins and the trail ascends sharply, you’ll get your first glimpse of Mount Everest (weather permitting) peeking between the ridgelines.

Namche is vibrant and well-equipped — with bakeries, cafes, gear shops, and stunning views of Kongde Ri and Thamserku. It’s the perfect place to rest and acclimatize before heading higher.

Altitude Gain: ~830 m
Distance: ~10–11 km
Duration: 6–7 hrs

A crucial day for your body to adapt to altitude, today is all about active rest. We’ll head out after breakfast for an acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) — one of the highest placed hotels in the world offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

On the way down, we’ll stop at Sagarmatha Next, a unique interactive center promoting sustainable tourism, offering insights into Sherpa culture and conservation. You can also visit the Namche Monastery or check out local bakeries and cafés for apple pie and espresso with a view.

Return to your lodge in the afternoon and relax. Hydration and a good night’s sleep are key.

Altitude Gain (for hike): ~440 m
Distance: ~4–5 km (roundtrip)
Duration: 3–4 hrs hike + free time in Namche

Leaving Namche behind, the trail contours along the mountainside with spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, and the iconic Ama Dablam. This section is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire route — gentle ups and downs through a mix of pine and juniper forest, with glimpses of icy peaks around every bend.

We descend to Phungi Thenga, a peaceful riverside lunch spot nestled in a rhododendron grove. From here, the climb begins — a sustained ascent through fir and birch trees, accompanied by the sound of bells from passing yaks and fluttering prayer flags.

As we reach the hilltop, the grand Tengboche Monastery comes into view — the spiritual heart of the Khumbu. After a short break and optional monastery visit, we descend for another 20 minutes into the forest to reach Deboche, a quiet and serene hamlet tucked beneath the pines.

Here, surrounded by trees and mountain silence, you’ll spend the night resting just below the sacred ridge — close to the energy of Tengboche, but away from the crowds.

Altitude Gain: ~380 m
Distance: ~10–11 km
Duration: 5–6 hrs

As we leave Deboche, the trail gently climbs through forest and open meadows, offering expansive views of Ama Dablam towering behind us. We pass through Pangboche, the highest permanent Sherpa village in the region, where the landscape begins to change — trees thin out and the raw alpine terrain takes over.

Crossing the Imja Khola, the path leads into windswept valleys where yaks graze and prayer stones mark the way. With every step, the air gets thinner and the sense of adventure deepens. The views are breathtaking — with the Lhotse-Nuptse wall dominating the skyline and the towering pyramid of Island Peak far ahead.

Reaching Dingboche, a charming high-altitude village set in a wide valley, we settle in for the night. This is a critical acclimatization stop — rest well, hydrate, and take in the sweeping mountain views.

Altitude Gain: ~590 m
Distance: ~9–10 km
Duration: 5–6 hrs

Today’s walk is shorter but strikingly beautiful. The trail from Dingboche to Chhukung ascends gently through glacial moraines and alpine tundra. Surrounded by mighty peaks — Lhotse, Makalu, and Island Peak — we move deeper into the Imja Valley.

This route is less crowded and filled with a quiet power. Every footstep feels more purposeful as we approach our climb. We pass stone-walled pastures and icy brooks as the winds whisper through the barren landscape. It’s a surreal world — high, wild, and immensely humbling.

Chhukung is a small outpost with a handful of lodges, nestled right below the southern face of Lhotse and near the base of Island Peak. We’ll spend the afternoon resting, checking gear, and preparing mentally and physically for the climb ahead.

Altitude Gain: ~320 m
Distance: ~6 km
Duration: 3–4 hrs

With spirits high, we trek towards Island Peak Base Camp — the gateway to our summit attempt. The trail winds across glacial moraines and rugged ridges, getting us closer to the looming presence of the mountain.

Upon arrival, we set up camp in a stark, rocky basin surrounded by towering walls of ice. The rest of the day is dedicated to technical training and active acclimatization at Base Camp. Under the guidance of your expedition leader, you’ll practice using crampons, ice axe, jumar, carabiners, and ropes — crucial tools for the summit day.

Training includes ascending and descending fixed ropes, glacier travel safety, and maneuvering with a harness on steep ice. Even if you’ve used this gear before, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with it in this specific terrain.

The goal is to build confidence and competence, so you feel ready for the big climb tomorrow. Early dinner and an early night — summit push begins before dawn.

Altitude Gain: ~370 m
Distance: ~4–5 km
Duration: 3–4 hrs

We begin our summit push well before dawn, headlamps dancing through the dark as we climb steadily toward our goal. The route takes us across a glaciated valley, up steep snow slopes, and onto the final headwall where fixed ropes guide the way.

As the sun rises, the icy flanks of Lhotse and Makalu glow gold — a surreal moment that energizes tired legs. Reaching the summit is nothing short of exhilarating — 6,160 meters above sea level, standing on a Himalayan throne with the world below.

After taking in the views and capturing the moment, we carefully descend the same route and retrace our steps to Chhukung, where warm food and rest await.

This is a day you’ll never forget — a true test of grit, courage, and mountain spirit.

Altitude Gain: ~1,060 m
Distance: ~12–13 km (round trip)
Duration: 10–12 hrs

After the high of summiting Island Peak, we begin our descent back into the heart of the Khumbu. The trail leads us through familiar terrain — past Chhukung and Dingboche, into greener valleys and lower oxygen levels.

As we drop in altitude, energy returns to the body and the soul begins to reflect. Every step feels lighter, the scenery softer, the mind clearer.

Passing Pangboche and Tengboche once again, we descend into the quiet forest haven of Deboche. The contrast is stark — from ice and wind to pine and calm. This evening, beneath a canopy of stars and the shelter of trees, you'll rest easy, holding the mountain close in your memory.

Altitude Loss: ~910 m
Distance: ~17–18 km
Duration: 6–7 hrs

We climb a short stretch to Tengboche and may pause again for tea or a final look at the monastery perched against Ama Dablam’s dramatic backdrop. From there, we descend into the forested section of the trail — filled with rhododendrons (in bloom during spring), flowing streams, and swinging bridges.

Lunch is usually taken around Phunki Tenga or Sanasa. The final stretch into Namche feels long but rewarding. As you step back into Namche, the hum of human activity returns — shops, bakeries, and people from all corners of the world.

This night is yours to rest, reconnect, and maybe splurge on that real coffee, a slice of cake, or a hot shower.

Altitude Loss: ~380 m
Distance: ~10–11 km
Duration: 5–6 hrs

The final walk of your expedition — a journey of closure.

We retrace the classic trail down through Monjo, Benkar, Phakding, and finally back to Lukla. Every suspension bridge crossed, every prayer wheel spun, and every familiar bend in the trail is now imprinted with memories.

The walk is long, but the mood is celebratory. You’ll share stories with teammates, thank your guides and porters, and relive the journey one last time.

In Lukla, we check into our lodge and gather for a celebratory dinner. This is where the trek ends, but not the story. Expect laughter, shared gratitude, and reflections that will last long after the trip ends.

Altitude Loss: ~580 m
Distance: ~18–20 km
Duration: 7–8 hrs

With a heart full of mountains and a camera full of memories, we board our flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

It’s a bittersweet morning. After saying goodbye to your Sherpa crew and porters, you take off from one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. If the skies are clear, the view is once again incredible — a bird’s eye recap of what you just conquered.

Back in Kathmandu, we check in to our hotel and enjoy the comforts of the city. The rest of the day is free — explore Thamel, pick up souvenirs, visit temples, or just take it easy. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner with your guide and team. You’re no longer just a trekker — you’re a Himalayan summiteer.

Altitude Loss: ~1,460 m
Duration: 35 min flight + leisure time in city

This extra day isn’t just a buffer — it’s a critical part of our expedition strategy. At high altitude, especially above 6,000 meters, things don’t always go as planned. Weather can turn in an instant, snowfall can delay progress, and sometimes, the body simply needs more time to acclimatize or recover. That’s where this contingency day comes in — giving us the flexibility to keep the summit dream alive without unnecessary pressure.

If weather or conditions push your summit attempt to a second day, we’ll use this time for that final push. If you're delayed at Base Camp or Chhukung due to snow or strong winds, this day provides the breathing room. If a flight out of Lukla is held back due to weather — as is often the case — this day has you covered.

And if everything goes perfectly to plan? You’ll enjoy a free day in Kathmandu, already included in your package cost. Treat yourself to a celebratory meal, visit a local temple, stroll the colorful streets of Thamel, or simply rest and reflect on the epic journey you’ve just completed.

Whether it’s used for a second summit attempt, extra rest, or logistical delays, this day ensures your expedition remains smooth, safe, and unhurried — exactly as it should be.

Activity: Contingency day — used flexibly for weather, second summit attempt, Lukla flight delays, or a free day in Kathmandu
Cost: Already included in your package

It’s time to say goodbye — for now.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final Nepali breakfast, sip on masala tea, or take a last wander through Thamel’s alleys. Our team will assist with your airport drop.

You leave with stories, summit glory, and a deep connection to the mountains that few ever get to experience.

Activity: International departure
Duration: Airport transfer as per flight timing