Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) Climbing – 20 Days

Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1300m)

  Your journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft), the vibrant capital city and main international gateway to Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Sherpa Himalaya, who will greet you with a traditional flower garland and a brief introduction to your upcoming adventure. Afterward, you will be comfortably transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, freshen up, and recover from jet lag, preparing yourself for the exciting Himalayan journey ahead.

  Overnight at KTM Hotel

• Day 02: Trek Preparation day in Kathmandu

  Trek Preparation Day in Kathmandu is dedicated to finalizing your Himalayan adventure. On this day, we will meet to briefly review the full trekking itinerary and provide important information about the journey ahead.

  Our team will also assist you in checking your clothing and trekking equipment to ensure you are fully prepared for the conditions in the mountains. If any essential gear is missing, you will be guided to trusted shops in Kathmandu where you can purchase or rent necessary items.

  This preparation day ensures everything is well-organized and ready for a smooth and comfortable trekking experience. You will spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu, relaxing and getting ready for the adventure ahead.

  Note: During peak trekking seasons, flights between Kathmandu and Lukla Airport may be operated from Ramechhap due to air traffic regulations. In such cases, you will take late afternoon drive of 4–5 hours from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, stay overnight there, and catch your Lukla flight the following morning.

  Overnight at KTM Hotel or at Ramechhap

• Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla ( 2,800m/9184ft ) and Trek to Phakdhing 2,652m/8,698ft

  Your day begins with an early morning transfer from Kathmandu to the airport, followed by a scenic flight to Lukla Airport (2,800 m / 9,186 ft). This short flight offers stunning aerial views of hills, villages, and the Himalayan range.

  After a short rest in Lukla, your trek begins toward Phakding (2,610 m / 8,562 ft), taking around 2–3 hours. The trail is easy with gentle ups and downs along the Dudh Koshi River.

  Along the way, you can enjoy your first view of Kusum Kanguru (6,369 m). Overnight stay will be at Phakding.

  Overnight at Phakdhing

• Day 04: Trek from Phakdhing to Namche Bazaar( 3,440m/11,283ft)

  The trek from Phakding (2,610 m / 8,562 ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) takes approximately 5–6 hours and is one of the most scenic and rewarding sections of the Everest Base Camp route.

  The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, before entering the gateway of Sagarmatha National Park. As you ascend steadily through pine forests and traditional Sherpa villages, the landscape becomes more dramatic with stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru.

  The final ascent to Namche Bazaar is a  uphill climb and  it rewards trekkers with breathtaking Himalayan scenery and the vibrant atmosphere of the famous Sherpa town. Namche Bazaar is the main trading hub of the Khumbu region and a key acclimatization stop on the Everest Base Camp Trek

  Overnight at Namche Bazaar

• Day 05: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar 3,440m/11,283ft

  Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar is an essential part of the Everest Base Camp Trek, designed to help your body adjust to higher altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness while staying at the same overnight location.

  During this day, you will hike to the famous Everest View Hotel (3,880 m / 12,729 ft), one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region and part of the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park experience. The hike offers a gradual ascent that helps with proper acclimatization while rewarding you with stunning Himalayan scenery.

  From the viewpoint, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of iconic peaks such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Thamserku, Kangtega, and Kongde. After enjoying the views, you will descend back to Namche Bazaar for lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant Sherpa town at your own pace.

  Overnight at Namche Bazaar

• Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche ( 3,870m/12,684ft) (5-6 hours)

  The trek from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) to Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664 ft) takes around 5–6 hours and is one of the most beautiful sections of the Everest Base Camp Trek.

  The trail offers breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Thamserku while passing through pine, suspension bridges, and peaceful Sherpa villages. The route gradually descends to the Dudh Koshi River before climbing steadily toward Tengboche.

  Tengboche is famous for the historic Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. This peaceful village offers an unforgettable combination of mountain views, spirituality, and natural beauty.

  Overnight at Tengboche

• Day 07: Trek from Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664 ft) to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft) (5-6 hours)

  The trek from Tengboche (3,860 m / 12,664 ft) to Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft) takes approximately 5–6 hours and offers some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the Everest region. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak, and other Himalayan giants.

  As the landscape becomes more open and alpine, you will pass traditional Sherpa settlements, stone walls, and yak pastures surrounded by breathtaking mountain panoramas. Dingboche is a peaceful high-altitude village and an important acclimatization stop on the Everest Base Camp Trek

  Overnight at Dingboche

• Day 08: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft)

  The acclimatization day in Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft) is an important part of the Everest Base Camp Trek, helping your body adjust to the increasing altitude and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

  On this day, you will take a short hike to nearby viewpoints or surrounding hills for better acclimatization while enjoying breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Island Peak, and the Imja Valley. The hike follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low,” which is essential for safe trekking in the Himalayas.

  After the hike, you will return to Dingboche and have free time to relax, explore the village, and enjoy the peaceful alpine surroundings before continuing higher toward Everest Base Camp.

  Overnight at Dingboche

• Day 09: Trek from Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft) to Lobuche (4,940 m / 16,207 ft)(5-6 hours)

  The trek from Dingboche (4,410 m / 14,468 ft) to Lobuche (4,940 m / 16,207 ft) takes approximately 5–6 hours and offers dramatic high-altitude Himalayan scenery.

  The trail gradually ascends through alpine landscapes and yak pastures before reaching Thukla Pass, where memorials dedicated to climbers and Sherpas create a powerful and emotional atmosphere. From here, the route continues along the Khumbu Glacier with breathtaking views of peaks such as Pumori, Nuptse, Lobuche Peak, and Ama Dablam.

  As you approach Lobuche, the landscape becomes more rugged and glacial, giving trekkers a true sense of being deep in the heart of the Himalayas. Lobuche serves as an important overnight stop before reaching Everest Base Camp.

  Overnight at Lobuche

• Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5170 m/16,961ft) and Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,594ft)

  It is the highlight of the Everest Base Camp Trek. This unforgettable journey takes around 7–8 hours round trip and offers breathtaking views of glaciers, icefalls, and towering Himalayan peaks.

  The trail follows the rugged moraine of the Khumbu Glacier with spectacular scenery of Nuptse, Pumori, Khumbutse, and other snow-covered mountains. After reaching Gorak Shep, trekkers continue toward Everest Base Camp, passing through dramatic glacial landscapes and rocky terrain.

  Standing at Everest Base Camp is a lifetime achievement and an emotional moment for every trekker. Surrounded by the world’s highest mountains and the famous Khumbu Icefall, the experience is both inspiring and unforgettable. After spending time at Base Camp, you will return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

  Overnight at Gorakshep

• Day 11: Trek from Gorakshep to Kalapathar (5545m/18,192ft) and Dingboche

  The day begins with an early morning hike from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft), one of the most famous viewpoints in the Everest region. The ascent rewards trekkers with breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After spending time enjoying the spectacular panorama and capturing unforgettable photographs, descend back to Gorakshep for breakfast. From there, retrace the trail through Lobuche and Thukla before continuing downhill to the picturesque village of Dingboche. Surrounded by towering mountains and beautiful alpine landscapes, Dingboche offers a comfortable place to rest after an exciting day of trekking and sightseeing in the heart of the Khumbu region.

  Overnight at Dingboche

• Day 12: Trek from Dingboche (4,410m/14,469ft) to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) (3-4 hours)

  The trek from Dingboche (4,410m/14,469ft) to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) takes approximately 3–4 hours. The trail follows a gradual ascent through the upper Imja Valley, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. Along the way, trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and other towering peaks that dominate the Everest region.

  The journey ends at the small settlement of Chhukung, a popular acclimatization stop and the gateway to Island Peak Climbing, offering magnificent mountain panoramas and a true high-altitude Himalayan experience.

  Overnight at Chhukung,

   

• Day 13: Trek from Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) to Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m/16,732ft)(3-4 hours)

  he trek from Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) to Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m/16,732ft) takes approximately 3–4 hours. The trail ascends steadily through rocky glacial terrain and alpine landscapes, offering spectacular views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

  As you gain elevation, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic, with glaciers and towering mountains dominating the landscape. The day ends at Island Peak Base Camp, where trekkers prepare for the summit climb while enjoying breathtaking views of the Everest region’s high-altitude wilderness.

• Day 14: Island Peak Summit push (6,189m/20,305ft) and back to Chhukung

  Begin the summit push from Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m/16,732ft) in the early hours of the morning. After a challenging climb over rocky trails, glacier terrain, and a steep snow slope, reach the summit of Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft), where breathtaking panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and numerous Himalayan peaks await.

  After celebrating the achievement and taking in the spectacular scenery, descend carefully back to Base Camp and continue trekking down to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft). This demanding day takes approximately 10–12 hours and is the highlight of the Island Peak Climbing adventure.

  Overnight at Chhukung.

• Day 15: Trek from Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) to Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft) (6-7 hours)

  The trek from Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) to Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft) takes approximately 6–7 hours. The trail descends through the scenic Imja Valley, passing through Dingboche, Pangboche, and traditional Sherpa settlements. Along the way, trekkers enjoy spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

  The journey ends at Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most important Buddhist monastery in the Everest region, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

  Overnight at Tengboche

• Day 16: Trek from Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) (5-6 hours)

  The trek from Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) takes approximately 5–6 hours. The trail descends through lush rhododendron and pine forests, passing villages like Debuche and Phunki Tenga along the Dudh Koshi River before a final uphill climb to Namche.

  Along the way, trekkers enjoy beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other surrounding peaks. The journey ends at Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa capital of the Everest region, known for its markets, cafés, and mountain culture.

  Overnight at Namche Bazar

• Day 17: Trek back from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) to Lukla (2,800 m / 9,186 ft)(6 – 7 hours)

  The trek back from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m / 11,286 ft) to Lukla Airport (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) takes approximately 6–7 hours and marks the final walking day of the Everest Base Camp Trek.

  The trail descends through beautiful pine forests, traditional Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy the last views of the Himalayan peaks while passing through familiar settlements such as Phakding and Monjo.

  Returning to Lukla brings a strong sense of achievement and reflection after completing one of the world’s most iconic trekking journeys. The evening is usually spent celebrating the successful trek with guides, porters, and fellow trekkers before the flight back to Kathmandu.

  Overnight at Lukla

• Day 18: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

  The return flight from Lukla Airport (2,800 m / 9,186 ft) to Kathmandu is a short yet unforgettable journey that takes approximately 25–30 minutes.

  This scenic flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, rolling hills, deep valleys, and traditional villages of Nepal. As you leave the mountains behind, you get one last glimpse of the Everest region, making it a memorable conclusion to your trekking adventure.

  Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your Everest Base Camp journey officially comes to an end, leaving you with lifelong memories of the Himalayas.

  Note: During peak seasons, flights from Lukla Airport may be rerouted to Ramechhap due to air traffic management. In such cases, you will take a short flight from Lukla to Ramechhap, followed by a 4–5 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for a comfortable and peaceful overnight stay.

  Overnight at KTM

• Day 19: Free Day in Kathmandu

  A free day in Kathmandu is an important buffer day in the itinerary, mainly to accommodate possible flight delays or cancellations due to weather conditions in the Himalayas.

  If flights operate on time, this day offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the cultural and historical highlights of Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant markets, and local neighborhoods. It is also a great time for last-minute shopping and collecting souvenirs for family and friends.

  Most importantly, this relaxed day allows you to reflect on your incredible trekking journey in Nepal and fully absorb the unforgettable experiences of the Himalayas.

  Overnight at KTM

• Day 20: Final Departure

  On your final day in Kathmandu, a Sherpa Himalaya representative will meet you at your hotel for a warm farewell before your departure. You will be comfortably transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free exit from Nepal.

  Before saying goodbye, the team will express their gratitude for sharing this incredible Himalayan journey with you. As a token of appreciation, you will be presented with a traditional Buddhist scarf (Kha-tak), symbolizing peace, prosperity, long life, and harmony, along with a certificate marking your successful completion of Island Peak Climbing. With heartfelt thanks and a warm Namaste, the team bids you farewell, hoping to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Nepal