Island Peak Climbing

On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport our guide and staff will meet you with traditional welcome. After knowing the staff of Himalayan Forever Treks, a short drive to your hotels. Located in the heart of a city within an exciting Thamel area, an interesting place where most good hotels and restaurants situated. Reaching at the hotel, check your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed join in for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offers useful and important information of the treks, climbs, hotels and local lodge. 

Includes details of the local culture with do’s and don’ts, evening a group welcome dinner in a nice Nepali Restaurants.

Morning after breakfast, our city and cultural guide meets the group at the hotel for exciting tour. The drive leads in the heart of Kathmandu city, where interesting historical Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard located. The right spot to observe Nepalese cultures. Tour of ancient monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, next tour takes you to old Swyambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years history.  A Buddhist monument situated on a hillock west of Kathmandu city outskirt, the famous landmark of the country.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Square, stands as a testament to the city's royal history. Surrounded by ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encapsulates centuries of Nepalese architecture. The square served as the royal palace for the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Hanuman Dhoka Palace, a complex adorned with intricately carved wooden windows and doors. The Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari, adds an air of mystique to the square. The Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju, occasionally makes appearances at her window, captivating onlookers.

Exploring the narrow alleys surrounding the square reveals hidden courtyards, shrines, and vendors selling traditional artifacts. The combination of historical charm and vibrant street life makes Kathmandu Durbar Square an unforgettable destination.

Pashupati Nath:

A short journey eastward leads to the sacred grounds of Pashupati Nath, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Nestled on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupati Nath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws pilgrims from across the globe.

The main temple, adorned with intricate wood carvings and golden spires, stands as the focal point of the complex. Only Hindus are allowed into the inner sanctum, but visitors can witness the rituals and ceremonies from the eastern bank of the river. The atmosphere is infused with spirituality as devotees perform rituals, sadhus (holy men) meditate, and the scent of incense wafts through the air.

Pashupati Nath is not only a religious site but also a reflection of Nepal's rich architectural heritage. The surrounding area, with its ancient statues, shrines, and ghats, provides a serene backdrop to this spiritual haven.

Boudha:

Heading northeast from Pashupati Nath, the journey culminates at the iconic Boudha Stupa, a symbol of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colossal white dome, adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha, dominates the landscape, creating a serene and contemplative ambiance.

The Boudha Stupa is encircled by a bustling market, where locals and tourists alike peruse a plethora of shops offering Tibetan artifacts, prayer flags, and traditional handicrafts. The rhythmic prayer chants, the spinning of prayer wheels, and the fluttering of colorful flags create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The stupa itself is a marvel of symmetry and symbolism. Pilgrims circumambulate the structure, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers, while monks in nearby monasteries engage in their daily rituals. As the sun sets, the stupa is illuminated, casting a tranquil glow that adds to the spiritual aura. From here back to hotel for lunch, and the get ready for exciting scenic drive to Manthali town at Ramechap district for overnight halt. The next morning taking a short flight to Lukla.

Morning transfer to Manthali town small airport for panoramic flight to Lukla, board in a small aircraft. The flight heads east with stunning views of Himalayan peaks facing Mt. Everest, as the plane makes a smooth exciting landing at Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport.

A moderate town, where walk starts heading down to Dudh Koshi River valley through several Sherpa villages. Festooned with prayer flags, Buddhist monument and prayer wall then reaching our first overnight stop at Phakding village.

A long today’s walk to Namche Bazaar, morning after breakfast the trail follows on moderate path. Walking short down and ups crossing a long bridge to reach a nice village of Monjo. The enter Sagarmatha National Park; (Sagarmatha a name for Everest in Nepal, while the native Sherpa calls as Chomolungma of Tibetan origin language). From the park entrance cross another bridge over the same river Dudh Koshi to Jorsalle, the last settlement before Namche Bazaar. Stopping for lunch, afternoon walk on river bed amidst lovely forest, then starts the climb on crossing a high bridge. A steep winding for few hours reaches Namche Bazaar for two overnight halt in the comfort of nice lodge.

An ideal spot Namche Bazaar for rest day to support acclimatization and short hike to view-points. Morning having breakfast facing views of Kwangde and Thamersarkhu peaks, while at Namche there are several side hikes.

Suggested scenic places for hikes around Namche and beyond:Visit the park museum on top of Namche Bazaar, offers interesting information of the Khumbu Sherpa’s cultures. Along with panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamersarkhu and Kantega with Kwangde peaks. 

Hike to Everest View Hotel at above 3,880 m high a refreshing spot for views of Mt. Everest, while having warm cup of hot drinks. For energetic people can enjoy longer hike to Khumjung and Khunde villages, located on a glacial valley.

Rest of the day enjoy leisure afternoon browsing the streets of Namche Bazaar full of shops, stores, restaurants and fresh bakeries. 

Then down to Imjatse River for lunch in a small settlement Phunki-Tenga, amidst beautiful rhododendron and pine forest.

Afternoon two hours climb to beautiful Tengboche and the monastery, a picturesque ridge and a small plateau. Enjoy grand panorama of Everest and surrounding giant snow peaks with time to visit the monastery interior of great religious and cultural interest. Overnight at Tengboche or little further down to Deboche in a quiet surrounding in the midst of woods.  

After a pleasant time at Tengboche or lower at Deboche, amidst glorious views of Mt. Everest and majestic Ama Dablam. Walk down to Imjatse River and cross a bridge from here tree lines stops for short alpine bush and shrubs. 

From the bridge, a gradual climb to Pangboche village, which is the last permanent village on route Everest base camp. From Pangboche heads up to Somare for possible lunch break, a small settlement with few nice simple lodges and restaurants. Enjoy close views of Mt. Ama Dablam, after lunch a few hour walk to Pheriche valley. Heading with slow, easy climb to a point where trail diverts of Pheriche and Dingboche routes. A short uphill to a ridge and then down to a river, and up reaching a wide valley of Pheriche. A scenic settlement with number of good lodges, and guesthouses for overnight halt.

Overlooking grand views of Taboche, Cholatse and Ama Dablam North Face with series of peaks. Enjoy the cozy comfort of nice lodge at Pheriche having time to explore around, where HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) post located.

Another free day in Pheriche, a lovely place for short morning hike to Nakarjung hill above Pheriche and Dingboche. The top offers grand vista of surrounding snow mountain range with views of Island Peak and Mt. Makalu. Afternoon at leisure to explore around Pheriche, afternoon can be very windy at Pheriche. 

An exciting day to Everest Base Camp, morning starts for the long day with fresh cool morning. The trail follows up and then walk on a rocky moraine, above Khumbu glaciers. After few hour of steady hike reaching Gorakshep, a small settlement located on a valley below high Kalapathar hill. Facing close views of Mt. Pumori, enjoy a short refreshing break and then continue walk over rocks and boulders. Then reaching Everest base camp, enjoy the dramatic scenery of arctic landscapes. The base camp, can be busy and active during mountaineering expedition season of late spring. Standing within remorseless fields of ice, snow and glaciers with massif Khumbu Ice Fall. The views of Mt. Everest is not visible, blocked by Lhotse and Nuptse peaks. Achieving our first highlight of the adventure, return to Gorakshep for overnight stop, after a long exciting day. 

Start the morning, early as possible a big climb to Kalapathar a rocky hill top. After a strenuous uphill, and then reach the highest point of the trek before the climb of Island Peak. Kalapathar is a famous, popular scenic ridge among trekkers and adventurers. For breathtaking panorama of giant peaks that surrounds Kalapathar high hill top, with close views of Mt. Everest. After completing the first part of the adventure, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. From here towards Chukung for Island Peak climb, walk downhill to Lobuche and Thugla.After Thugla our route diverts to Imjatse Valley at Dingboche, as walk continues towards Dingboche for possible lunch stop. Afternoon walk leads further east facing close views of Island peak, a pleasant walk but quite windy and cold.

Walking for few hours to reach Chukung, a small settlement having good lodges within close to giant peaks of Lhotse and Nuptse. At Chukung transfer in a nice small simple lodge for last overnight in a lodge before the climb of Island Peak.

Morning from Chukung, walk towards our main highlight of the adventure for Island Peak climb. The walk leads away from main trail, climb up and down on rocky dunes of moraine. 

After few hours of good walk reach Parsya Gyab, which is near Island Peak Base Camp. Our camping staff will set the camp close to a snout of Imja glacier, and dry pond in-between Lhotse and Imja glaciers. Rest of the afternoon check the climbing gear required for the climb, enjoy relaxing afternoon amidst stunning scenery of giant peaks.

Full rest day at base camp for acclimatization, preparation for the climb to Island Peak. Morning our expert guide will provide information of the climb and technical sections to encounter. Knowing the use of climbing gears, as well with practice exercise, on ice and rocky ledges near base camp.

Afternoon relax save the energy for next tough days, collecting information from our expert guide.

Walk further from the base camp to establish a high camp to make the climb shorter and accessible. Normally most climbers makes to the summit from the base camp. But Himalayan Forever Treks adding extra high camp to make the climb easier, safe and accessible to reach the summit. 

Leaving base camp, carrying only necessary gears required for the climb, then head for over rocks and ice. Crossing icy streams, reaching a small flat areas beneath the Island Peak. The high camp is set for the final summit bid, rest of the afternoon preparation, as well checking the route of the climb.

Start as early as possible before break of dawn, having light breakfast and follow our lead guide. The route leads to cross over a glacier, heeding slowly with care avoiding crevasses. As actual climb continues heading over snow filled scree of smaller rocks in-between a glacier towards a high ridge.

Climb leads across a technical sections over rocks and icefall of steep deep snow and ice ramp. The climb will be supported by a main / fixed ropes for the last steep climb above 100 meters to reach the summit. Finally all the hard effort turns into a joyful triumph on stepping on top of Island Peak.

Catch your breath and enjoy the stunning views of giant towering peaks that surrounds the summit of Island Peak.

Overlooking close views of Everest, Lhotse with Nuptse and Lhotse Shar towards north. Includes stunning views of Makalu in the east with Baruntse Himal, Amphu Labtsa and Ama Dablam peaks.

After a jaw-dropping views, return with slow and safe descent using the same route to base camp. At the camp enjoy a refreshing rest and warm drinks with last overnight in tented camp. 

At the base camp collect the garbage and carry to proper disposal site, leaving the camp clean and pristine as it was. From the base camp few hours walk to Chukung having lunch along with grand views walk past Dingboche. The trail leads down to a river and then short climb, as walk leads downhill to Pangboche for overnight stop with close view of Mt. Ama Dablam. 

From Pangboche walk is much easier as altitude drops every hour, head down to a river to cross a bridge. A long climb through forest then reaching Tengboche for short stop. Walk continues downhill to cross another bridge with short climb up to Sanasa village. Which is the junction of Namche, Khumjung and Gokyo route, from here a lovely walk of few hours to Namche Bazaar for overnight halt. 

Last day trek of the adventure, morning leads to long descent to Dudh Koshi River, and then few short down and ups to Monjo. Cross the long suspension bridge to Phakding for lunch. Afternoon walk from Phakding retracing the same route with last final climb to Lukla for last overnight stop.

Having early breakfast, a short walk to Lukla’s Tenzing & Hillary airport as plane arrives from Ramechap or Kathmandu. Board on a small aircraft for swift short flight to land at Manthali small airstrip. After a pleasant and exciting flight, taking a scenic interesting drive back at Kathmandu. Rest of the day at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs of Nepal. 

Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. Himalayan Forever Trek guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Bidding farewell to the guide and staff as you depart for homeward bound flight, after a wonderful experience and great adventure on Island Peak Climb.