Everest Base Camp with Island Peak - Corporate Adventure Treks
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Everest Base Camp with Island Peak-17 Day/s

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak-17 Day/s

  • (9 Reviews)

Trip Facts

  • Grade: Strenuous

Accomodation

  • kathmandu: 3 star base hotel
  • Mountain: Lodge/ Tea house
  • Climbing: Tent camp

Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Duration

17

Days

Trip Introduction

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak is a more fantastic experience that combines the wonders of the Everest Base Camp with the dramatic climb of Island Peak. Beyond the climb, you also get to witness the Sherpa culture, lifestyle, and beauty of the Himalayan region. The mystical region encompassing the most captivating of the natural landmark in the world- the Mt. Everest (8848m); its base camp is also en route to the Island Peak Climbing journey while also making sure the panoramic views atop the Kalapatthar viewpoint are also checked off the list of travel mongers.

The trip begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. After a short stay in the valley, you take the picturesque flight to Lukla. From Lukla, you start trekking to the Everest Base Camp through the Sherpa villages of Phakding,Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche.You take a couple of days for acclimatization at Namche and Dingboche respectively during which you can explore the Sherpa villages and get an insight into their daily life. You spend some time at the Everest Base Camp to enjoy the marvelous Khumbu Icefall. One of the main highlights of this trek is the hike to Kalapatthar, an excellent viewpoint to witness the panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains. From the viewpoint, you can see the views of Mt.Everest (8,848m), Mt. Nuptse (7861m),AmaDablam (6,856m),and many other mountain peaks. The ascent of the Island Peak is the toughest part of this trek as it requires ice axe and crampons to navigate the ice headwalls and glaciers during the climb. After the ascent, you follow the long way down and retrace your steps back to Lukla. Although Island Peak is not a technical peak to climb, you still need to be physically and mentally prepared for the climb. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for this trek.

Corporate Adventure treks have been arranging trekking and climbing expeditions in the Khumbu with expert trek guides who speak the local language and offer great guidance for the climb. Our climbing leaders are well trained to handle any difficult situation and will ensure a successful climb to the summit.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the thrilling landing and take-off at Lukla airport
  • Explore the Sherpa villages and Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries like Tengboche
  • Enjoy the trek along the Sagarmatha National Park with the presence of stunning bio-diversity
  • Trek to the foot of the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest (8848m)
  • Relish the grand Himalayan panorama of the Himalayas in Everest and other ranges
  • Enthralling climb up the Island Peak and rejoice in the scenery of mountain vistas

Is This Trip Suitable For You?

  • This is for experienced trekkers with high level of physical fitness and endurance level. If you have done some high altitude trekking and feel confident about scaling your first mountain, then this is the trip for you.
  • No previous climbing experience needed. First-time climbers can easily make the ascent. Basic mountaineering skills would be an added advantage. Pre-climb training at Island Peak Base Camp.
  • Walk 5 to 6 hours daily on the trail. 12 to 14 hours of climbing on Summit Day.
  • Challenging traverse through glaciers, river valleys and mountain pass above 5000m
  • If you have weak knees, heart or lungs you need to consult your physician before you book this trip.

Day To Day Itinerary

Day 1

The trip starts with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Our company representative will welcome you at the airport then you will be taken to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 2

Today, you take an early morning flight to Lukla. Flying over the gleaming mountains, you arrive at Lukla and experience the thrilling landing at the airport, considered one of the most dangerous in the world. You meet the porters and rest of the crew at the airport then start the trek to Phakding. The trail takes you through the Dudh Koshi valley crossing a few local style suspension bridges before reaching Phakding. Overnight stay at Phakding.

Day 3

You follow Dudh Koshi River and ascend through the pine and cedar forests to reach Namche Bazaar. You also officially enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsalle. Namche is known as the gateway to Everest and is an important trading hub of the Khumbu region. You can spend some time checking out the handicrafts, local shops, and stupas in Namche. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Day 4

As you have gained high altitude in a short period of time, you take this day for resting and acclimatization. Today, you hike to Syangboche airport and continue climbing to Everest View Hotel which offers a grand view of the Mt. Everest (8848m). Descending back to Namche, you can also explore the Khunde and Khumjung villages. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Day 5

The trek continues along the glacial waters of Dudh Koshi with scenic views of the snowcapped mountains. You follow the Imja River and pass Phunki Tenga on the way to Tengboche. Upon arrival, you take some time to explore the Tengboche monastery which is the largest in the Khumbu region and hosts scenic views of the Everest range. Overnight stay at Tengboche.

Day 6

From Tengboche, the tail drops down below to Debuche and crosses Imja Khola on a suspension bridge. You then climb to Pangboche and continue to follow the trail until you reach Dingboche. From Dingboche, you can see the views of Mt. Lobuche (6,119 m), Pumori (7,165 m), and Nuptse (7,861 m).Overnight stay at Dingboche.

Day 7

Today is another day for resting and acclimatization. You can use this day for exploring Dingboche and the surrounding valleys of Imja and Chhukung.  The short hikes around Dingboche will not only help you acclimatize quickly but also reward you with magnificent views of the mountain peaks. The Sherpa culture and practices prevalent in the villages allow you to revel in their unique traits. Overnight stay at Dingboche.

Day 8

You climb steeply out of Dingboche and gradually ascend to Dughla at the end of the terminal moraine of Khumbu glacier.From here, you make a short, steep climb to Thokla Pass (4830m) where you see numerous memorials for climbers who have died on Everest. The trail then eases off as you follow the valley to Lobuche.

Day 9

Your day kicks off with a relatively easy from Lobuche to Gorakshep. The later trail to Everest Base Camp is much harder as it involves rocky dunes and glacial moraines. From the base camp, you can see the famous Khumbu glacier and icefall on the slopes of Everest (8848m). After reaching the camp, you can take out your cameras to capture the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. Following the exploration of the base camp, you head back to Gorakshep.Overnight stay at Gorakshep.

Day 10

The trek to Kalapatthar begins early in the morning and is equally rewarding as well.The climb is a long steep and rocky terrain with the cold challenging while ascending. However, after reaching Kalapatthar you get to witness the finest panoramic views of the Himalayas.After spending some time at the top, you make walk back all the way to Dingboche.Overnight stay at Dingboche.

Day 11

From Dingboche, you trek to Chhukung village. The trail ascends and passes Bibre to reach Chhukung which lies at the foot of Lhotse Nup and Nuptse glaciers.You follow the gradually ascending trail all the way to Island Peak Base Camp. Upon arrival, the climbing leaders will provide you a short training about mountain climbing.Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.

Day 12

You wake up early in the morning and start the climb. The weather and winds at the peaks can worsen so it is wise to begin the ascent early. The path is steep and icy that is why you need to be careful during the climb. The Sherpas will guide you throughout the climb and help you in any difficult situation. The top of the peak offers views of the Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Lhotse (8414m) among others.You spend some time at the summit then retrace your steps back to Chhukung.Overnight stay at Chhukung.

Day 13

The trail comes down from Chhukung and leads to Pangboche. You take a small break in Pangboche and then head down towards the Imja River. After crossing the river, you take an hour walk up through the forested trail and arrive at Tengboche. You can explore the village and enjoy the hospitality of the warm-hearted Sherpas there. Overnight stay at Tengboche

Day 14

Leaving Tengboche, the trail heads to Phunki Tenga and then you trek down till Dudh Koshi and make a steep climb till Sanasa village. The trail descends gradually along the rhododendron and oak forests with the constant company of the mighty Himalayas. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Day 15

Today’s trail is quite long walking down on zigzag trails. You pass through the traditional Sherpa villages and cross numerous suspension bridges before reaching Lukla. Exiting the Sagarmatha National Park, you pass Bengkar and Chheplung to reach Lukla.In the evening, you can celebrate the completion of the trek with Chayang (Local Spirit).Overnight stay at Lukla.

Day 16

You pack up early and take the morning flight back to Kathmandu. The flight marks the final glances at the majestic Himalayas. You will have plenty of time spare in Kathmandu where you can go out and do some souvenir shopping. In the evening, you join the group for a farewell dinner hosted by the company. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 17

The 17-days trip comes to an end today. After a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, our company representative will accompany you to the airport from where you take the flight back home.

What's Included

  • All ground transports in private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
  • Island peak climbing permit fee
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek and tented accommodation during the climbing
  • English speaking trekking guide and highly experienced (2-3 times Everest Submitter ) climbing guide for Island peak including their foods, accommodations, salary, insurance etc.
  • Require porters (two clients: 1 porter) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance
  • Round trip flight Kathmandu – Lukla and Lukla – Kathmandu including departure taxes
  • Comprehensive first aid medical kit
  • Boiled water will be provided during the climb
  • All require permits including TIMS, Sagarmatha NP, Island Peak climbing etc.
  • General climbing equipment such as rope, ice screw, snow bar etc.
  • All taxes and service charge

What's Not Included

  • Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Drink including – water, coke, Fanta, alcoholic beverage, snacks and other personal expenses
  • Hot shower during the trek except Lukla, Phakding and Namche
  • Personal trekking equipments
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

Lukla Flights From Kathmandu and weather

The easiest way to reach Lukla (2,840m), the starting point of your climbing adventure, is via a flight. One of the highest and most extreme airports in the world, flying to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla has its own challenges. The chief among them is the weather.

The airport is built on a narrow plateau, over a cliff. Navigating the plane along the short and narrow runway is difficult when strong winds whip across the mountains. Surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, the weather here is unpredictable and changes frequently. It would be clear and sunny one minute, and the next moment the clouds will appear, and everything will turn hazy. Flights operate only when the weather is stable and visibility clear.

The chances of your Lukla flight getting canceled cannot be ruled out. If this happens, your expedition may get extended by a day or two. A contingency day is included in your itinerary, but we recommend you keep additional buffer days so that you may not miss your international flight.

If there is a long delay due to bad weather, we will secure a space for you on a helicopter flight. The heli flight cost is not included in the trip price and should be borne by you.

Due to congestion at the Kathmandu airport during the high season (spring and autumn), flights to and from Lukla now operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The airport lies 132km (4hrs 30mins drive) from Kathmandu.

However, airline companies operate their first and last flights directly from Kathmandu and Lukla (KTM-LUKLA-KTM). If you book your trip early, we can try to secure a place for you on the direct flight to or from Lukla. It will be easier and more comfortable to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa, instead of making that additional journey to Ramechhap.

Helicopter Flights to Everest Region will operate from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

Best Time To Climb Island Peak

Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons for climbing Island Peak. The weather stays dry and stable during these times, which makes it ideal for climbing.

Spring is the most popular climbing season in Nepal. During this season, the weather is warm, and there is less snow on the mountain, making climbing easier. You trek through the foothills before reaching the base of Everest basecamp to Island Peak, from where you make your ascent to the mountain. During spring, the verdant hillsides are covered with wildflowers, including rhododendron blooms. The second season preferred for climbing is Autumn. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, one can enjoy crystal clear views during this season.

Timing this expedition during the monsoon or late winter season is not recommended as the precipitation and snow make climbing risky.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

Island Peak lies at an altitude of 6,119  meters. It is surrounded by 8,000 and 7000-meter peaks and is higher than the tallest peaks in Africa, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica. The views are stunning, but the environment, harsh and unforgivable. The thin mountain air is a thin and treacherous trail that will test your endurance and will-power at every step. One should be extra cautious as one small mistake can turn fatal.
The main concern of this climbing adventure is altitude sickness. As you go higher, the oxygen level in the air decreases, and it gets difficult to breathe. To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2,000 meters. Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.
There are clinics at Lukla, Namche, and Pheriche which offer basic care for minor ailments. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.
For this adventure, acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before reaching a higher elevation level. Our experts have included an extra at Chhukung  in the itinerary for acclimatization and a contingency day for summit delay or emergencies.

Drinking Water

It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluids daily.
We dissuade you from buying bottled water as it adds up to the thrashing problem in the mountains. Moreover, like everything else, bottled water is also expensive in the mountains.
We highly recommend you carry a reusable water bottle with you, which can hold hot water.
You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.
You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled drinking water at an additional cost. It can cost anywhere between 1 USD to 4 USD. The price increases gradually as you climb higher.
While climbing, drinking water will be treated and boiled by the kitchen staff.

Packing Checklist For Island Peak Climbing

The list below is a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you for your Island Peak climbing adventure:
A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support
Rucksack or daypack (30 liters) with a waterproof cover
Trekking pants and waterproof trousers
Hard Shell Trousers
T-shirts or shirts
Down jacket
Wind/ waterproof light jacket
Fleece jumper or jacket
Inner Thermal (top and trouser)
Socks and underwear
Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava
Inner and outer gloves
Summit Mittens (warm insulated gloves with safety straps)
Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries
Sun protection cream, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries
Water bottle and water purification tablets
Gaiters
5 Season Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Pee Bottle
Climbing Equipment:
Climbing Boots(insulated stiff-soled, ideal for high altitude)
Crampons that fits your climbing boots
Climbing Helmet
Ice Axe
Carabiners (lockable and non-lockable)
Prussiks
Harness
Jumar or ascending device
Descending or belay device
Tape Sling
These are only some of the essential items. Check a more detailed packing list for climbing. We will provide group mountaineering equipment. But please do note climbing boots of large size (size 12 and above) is not available at the rental outlet from where we rent our gear and equipment. If your shoe size is 12 and above, you will have to arrange it on your own.
If you want to use your own personal climbing gear, you can bring it from home.
Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.

Internet Connectivity

Despite being the world’s highest inhabited region, internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Everest Region.
You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses. You will have to pay extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot.
It will be cheaper and easier to get a sim card (preferably Ncell) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data that could last you for your entire trip. Ncell offers 4G connectivity up to Ramilo danda.
Everest Link, another local internet provider, also offers paid internet access on the trail. You can purchase the username and password at any of the teahouses or shops along the trail.
For emergencies, our climbing guide carries a satellite phone. Even if there is no network, our guides will contact us if there is an emergency.