Everest Base Camp and Island Peak

Degree of Difficulty

• A very demanding challenge, the Everest Base Camp and Island Peak adventure involves extensive trekking at high altitude. 
• Experience in high altitude trekking, and mountaineering using fixed ropes and crampons is greatly beneficial, though training is provided. 
• Participants should be prepared for over two weeks of hiking on consecutive days, at altitude, for up to a maximum of 13 hours per day. 

Eating and drinking

• Meals are not included in the cost of the challenge, Lodges along the route offer a wide choice of menus, from traditional Dhal Bhat to more sophisticated and western orientated choices. 
• Budget around £20 to £25 per day for meals and drinks. 

Himalayan accommodation

• Accommodation is taken in tea houses and lodges along the route. These offer hostel style accommodation, with running water, indoor toilets and electricity commonly available.
• Where available, internet access and hot showers are available at an extra cost. 
• The more remote accommodation offers a more rustic style of accommodation, with showers not always available. Personal sleeping kit will be needed in the more remote areas. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Tribhuvan International Airport
Ring Rd
काठमाडौँ
Kathmandu
44600
Nepal

Getting to Kathmandu

• Fly to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. a number of airlines fly to Kathmandu from the UK, with connections in the Middle East, including Qatar, Gulf Air and Emirates. 
• Layovers in the Middle East can be lengthy, Qatar Airlines usually offer the best options in terms of these connections. 
• It's also possible to make a connection through New Delhi, with BA, Air India and Jet Airways offering flights, where connecting flights to Kathmandu are offered by Air India, IndiGo and Vistara.

island Peak Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu

  Fly to Kathmandu, taking a private transfer to the hotel. Meet with representatives for a full pre-trek briefing. 

• Day 2 | Trek to Phakding

  Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, a superb experience with incredible views over the Everest region. Meet with the crew upon arrival, starting the trek with a hike to Phakding.

• Day 3 | Trek to Namche Bazaar

  Making multiple river crossings on the trail leading to Monjo, enter the Sagarmatha National Park, and weather permitting, the first glimpse of Mount Everest, en route to Namche Bazaar. 

• Day 4 | Acclimatisation in Namche

  A day to explore Namche Bazaar, with a great selection of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops. A great opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude, with a short trek to the Everest View Hotel.

• Day 5 | Trek to Tengboche

  Follow valley trails, high above the Dudh Koshi. Enjoy incredible views of the surrounding peaks, passing through numerous villages and tea shops. Descend to Phunki Tenga to take lunch, before climbing to Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu.

• Day 6 | Trek to Pheriche

  Descend from Tengboche, through a forest, crossing the Imja Khola, before climbing steadily to the village of Pangboche. Directly opposite Ama Dablam (6856m) the views of the towering peaks are superb. Continue from Pangboche for a further two hours trekking to reach Pheriche. 

• Day 7 | Acclimatisation in Pheriche

  An acclimatisation day, with an opportunity to wander up the valley to the Tshola Tsho lake, and the imposing faces of Cholatse and Tawache. A climb to the ridge overlooking Dingboche, to enjoy superb views of the Imja valley and the south face of Lhotse (8516m). 

• Day 8 | Trek to Lobuche

  Continue trekking in the shadow of the peaks of Cholatse and Tawache, climbing to the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. Take lunch at a tea house at Duglha, before following the trail that weaves through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine, en route to Lobuche. 

• Day 9 | Everest Base Camp

  Follow the trail up the Khumbu Glacier, stopping for lunch at Gorak Shep, before continuing to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5364m along a route which negotiates ice pinnacles and crevasses along the way. Return to Gorak Shep to overnight. 

• Day 10 | Trek to Dingboche

  An early start to climb Kala Pattar at 5554m, an awe inspiring viewpoint with superb views of Mount Everest. Afternoon descent to Dingboche.

• Day 11 | Trek to Chukhung

  An easy day of trekking, a two hour hike which climbs to the settlement of Chukhung.

• Day 12 | Trek to Island Peak Base Camp

  Trek along the valley for three hours, in the shadow of Lhotse, climbing up to Base Camp, by the side of the Imja glacier.

• Day 13 | Trek to High Camp

  Climb higher to High Camp, to make preparations for the summit bid tomorrow. 

• Day 14 | Ascent of Island Peak

  Crossing the gully above the camp, climbing to a narrow ridge which leads to the glacier, where crampons are required, and the use of ropes begins. Cross the glacier, before climbing a steep snow slope leading to the summit ridge. Follow this ridge to the summit, standing 6173m above sea level, with superb views of Lhotse. Descend via the same route to Base Camp.

• Day 15 | Contingency Day

  A day set aside to allow a summit bid, if the original plan is thwarted by adverse weather. 

• Day 16 | Trek to Pangboche

  Descend to the settlement of Chukhung, continuing to Dingboche for lunch, before a further descent to Pangboche, to overnight. 

• Day 17 | Trek to Namche

  Continuing the descent, follow the trail which falls away to the valley floor, walking alongside the river for a short while, before climbing through birch and rhododendron forests, crossing the Dudh Koshi, before arriving in Namche. 

• Day 18 | Trek to Lukla

  The final day of trekking follows the Dudh Koshi, as the trail descends to Lukla. In Lukla, enjoy a farewell party with the porters and guides, with the chance to sample Nepalese Chang.

• Day 19 | Fly to Kathmandu

  After breakfast, take a flight to Kathmandu.

• Day 20 | Kathmandu

  A day to explore the engaging city of Kathmandu, explore the Monkey Temple at Swayambhunath, the Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath and the Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath, or simply enjoy the immersive experience of wandering the city streets. 

• Day 21 | Departure

  Take a transfer to the airport to begin the journey home. 

Included

• Hotel stay for one night before and two nights after the trek
• All airport transfers
• Return flight between Kathmandu and Lukla
• National Park entry, TIMS fees & climbing permit
• A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
• All drinking water on the trek
• Teahouse accommodation on a room only basis
• High quality sleeping tents
• All meals when camping on the climb
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit

Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for guides and porters
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (must be insured specifically for treks up to 6500m, using fixed ropes)
• Personal trekking and climbing gear
• Personal medicines or prescriptions
• Meals and drinks on the trek (except when camping)
• Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (breakfast is included)

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

From the first time I emailed them to when I was dropped off at the airport on the way home. They were brilliant. My guide for the climb was Dawa who has summited Everest twice and as a novice to climbing I felt in really safe hands. Standing on top of Island Peak was unbelievable.
Will be back to do more next year. Thanks to everyone | Frank