Overview
Imagine standing on top of a Himalayan peak, amongst the most beautiful mountain giants, with mountains and snow capped peaks as far as the eye can see. Does it sound like a dream come true? To stand at 6187m Island peak with snow under your feet, looking out over the Himalayas, is a remarkable accomplishment leaving you with unforgettable memories and stories to tell for years to come.
We start the trip following the infamous Everest Base Camp trek, passing through the colorful hillside town of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and gateway to the high Himalaya. It then heads up to Tyangboche, the home of an ornate monastery amidst the most spectacular mountain backdrop. Panoramic views form here are enough to leave you speechless, the sunset casts an array of colors over the mountains and it almost feels like they are dancing as the light draws in.
The route goes deep into the heart of the Khumbu region, following sacred rivers and through forests thick with rhododendron, bamboo, pine and fir trees. You will pass through charming Sherpa villages, steeped in tradition where people follow time-honored customs for an uncomplicated life and who offer the warmest of welcomes. We reach Everest Base Camp and can marvel at the icy sanctuary that surrounds us before we climb Kala Patthar for arguably the best views of Everest on the planet. We then leave the other trekkers behind to tackle the summit of Island Peak, a challenging feat but believe us, all will be worth it when you reach the top and feast your eyes on the views on offer. Not many places on earth offer such magical views of the worlds highest and most beautiful mountains. Outstanding, memerizing sights of Thamserku, Makalu, (8485m) Ama Dablam, (6828m) Baruntac, (7168m) Lhotse, (8501m) Lhotse Shar, (8386m) Peak 38, (7590m) Kusum Kanguru, (6367m) and the Dudh Kosi Valley are all yours for the taking when you reach the top of Island Peak.
So come and join us on this epic journey above the clouds, and challenge yourself to summit a Himalayan peak.
Itinerary
Activities: We will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel, just relax for the rest of the day to recover from your long journey.
Highlights: Bustling Thamel, an array of restaurants, bars and shops.
Accommodation: Kathmandu 3 star hotel.
Highlights: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swaymbhunath and Patan Durbar
Accommodation: Kathmandu 3 star hotel.
Hours of walking: 3.
Difficulty: Easy.
Elevation reached: 2840m in Lukla and 2610me in Phakding.
Terrain: Flat and downhill, well developed paths, stone steps.
Views on offer: Amazing Himalayan views on approach to Lukla.
Highlights: The breathtaking flight between the mountains.
What’s to see?: The traditional Sherpa people and Buddhist shrines.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 6.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 3440m.
Terrain: Rocky and dirt tracks, stone steps, mostly uphill, gradual with some steep inclines.
Views on offer: Spectacular approaching views of Namche Bazaar, snow capped peaks and the river valley.
Highlights: The colourful Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar – the gateway to the high Himalaya and crossing some impressive suspension bridges over the river valley.
What’s to see?: The milky waters of the Dudh Kosi River, thick rhododendron, magnolia and fir tree forests, herds of yaks carrying supplies.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours walking: 4.
Difficulty: Easy – moderate.
Elevation reached: 3962m at Mountain View Hotel, 3790m at Khumkung.
Terrain: Hilly, grassy trails, some steep inclines and flat tracks.
Views on offer: Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Taboche Peak and Ama Dablam.
Highlights: Your first sight of Everest!
What’s to see?: Khumjung Edmund Hillary School, Sherpa museum, shops and markets around Namche Bazaar.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 5
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 3860m.
Terrain: River bank path, some steep inclines, some flat and some short descents.
Views on offer: Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtega, Ama Dablam and Everest.
Highlights: Tyangboche monastery, magnificent panoramic views from Tyangboche.
What’s to see?: The Lamas and Monks in the stunning Tyangboche Monastery, ornate wall hangings and a 20 foot statue of Lord Buddha.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 5.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 4280m.
Terrain: Forest paths, riverbank trails, some gentle ascents and descents.
Views on offer: Lhotse, Island Peak, Ama Dablam.
Highlights: The meeting of the Imja and Khumbu rivers, walking along side the river listening to the gushing waters in this tranquil environment.
What’s to see?: A Yeti scalp in the Pangboche Gompa, the fast flowing waters of the Imja Khola, sacred mani stone walls and chortens inscribed with Tibetan texts.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 5.
Difficulty: moderate to difficult.
Elevation reached: 4940m.
Terrain: Some steep inclines and rocky tracks where you will need to scramble for a short time.
Views on offer: The Khumbu Icefall and Pumori amongst other beautiful Himalayan mountains.
Highlights: Reaching the top of a steep incline (the Thukla Pass) for breathtaking panoramic views amongst Buddhist chortens.
What’s to see?: Memorial sight for people who sadly lost their lives attempting to summit Everest, traditional Sherpa houses, Italian weather station and resource centre nearby our teahouse.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 8.
Difficulty: Difficult/strenuous.
Elevation reached: 5300m at Base Camp and 5170m at Gorak Shep.
Terrain: Uneven, ridge tracks, rocky, uphill and flat trails.
Views on offer: Too many to mention! You will be surrounded by an icy wonderland, get your cameras at the ready!
Highlights: Congratulations, you made it! You reached the base camp to the highest mountain in the world.
What’s to see?: You may see a group of mountaineers preparing to attempt an Everest summit. Sunset views from your Gorak Shep teahouse.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 7.
Difficulty: Difficult/Strenuous.
Elevation reached: 5545m at Kala Patthar, 4360m at Dingboche.
Terrain: Steep, rocky climb to Kala Patthar and a gentle descent over rocky and some well defined paths to Dingboche.
Views on offer: Everest and the surrounding Himalayas.
Highlights: The most spectacular, panoramic views from the top of Kala Patthar.
What’s to see?: Sunrise from 5545m amidst a mountain wonderland, simply amazing.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 2.5.
Difficulty: Easy.
Elevation reached: 4750.
Terrain: Flat and downhill trails, rocky but well defined paths.
Views on offer: Chhukung Ri.
Highlights: Climbing Chukung Ri for magnificent views or exploring the Imja and Lhotse Shar glaciers.
What’s to see?: It all depends which optional hike you decide to do. The views from Chhukung Ri and the glaciers are worth a visit.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of Walking: 5.
Difficulty: moderate to difficult.
Elevation reached: 5090m.
Terrain: Steep ascents, lots of “up and down” on uneven tracks.
Views on offer: Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Imja Peak, Baruntac, Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
Highlights: Walking across the Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and Imja glaciers.
What’s to see?: Mountains, mountains and more beautiful mountains! You will also be introduced to your climbing equipment and given training to use it correctly.
Accommodation: Camping in a tent.
Difficulty: Difficult/strenuous.
Elevation reached: 6173m.
Terrain: Rocks, snow and ice.
Views on offer: Makalu, (8485m) Ama Dablam, (6828m) Baruntac, (7168m) Lhotse, (8501m) Lhotse Shar, (8386m) Peak 38 (7590) and the long Imja Valley and Glacier.
Highlights: The achievement of conquering a Himalayan peak! Congratulations!
What’s to see: What’s not to see! The mighty Himalayas in all their glory.
Accommodation: Camping in a tent.
Hours of walking: 7.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Elevation reached: 3770m.
Terrain: Riverbank trails, well defined rocky paths.
Views on offer: The Imja River and surrounding mountains and peaks.
Highlights: Returning to lower altitudes!
What’s to see: The villages of Chukkung, Dingboche, Shomare and Pangboche
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of Walking: 5.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Elevation reached: 3440m.
Terrain: Steep descents, stone steps, rocky trails and grassland
Views on offer: The River Valley and snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Highlights: Returning to this vibrant Sherpa town.
What’s to see?: Check out the local markets, bars and restaurants.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Hours of walking: 7.
Difficulty: moderate.
Elevation reached: 2840m.
Terrain: By the banks of the river, stone steps and some steep descents and last ascents up to Lukla.
Views on offer: The glistening river amidst a mountain backdrop.
Highlights: Last day of walking in the Khumbu region. Well done, you completed your trip!
What’s to see: Thick forests, an array of birds and some final views of the mountains.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse.
Highlights: Another breathtaking airplane ride on a twin-engine otter amidst the mighty Himalayas.
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu.
Highlights: Time to shop, relax, get a massage.
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Kathmandu.
Goodbye and farewell from Nepal!
The Cost Include(s)
- Required transfers by private vehicle
- Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (twin/double bed sharing room)
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle with entrance fees
- All required permit
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight ticket
- Standard meals (Brekfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climbing
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Camping accommodation during climbing
- English speaking guide, and required number of porters (includes their wages, accommodation, food and insurance)
- General climbing equipment like ice screw, snow bar, rope etc
- All tax and official expenses
The Cost Exclude(s)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance (mandatory), international flight fare, Nepal visa
- All beverages, bar bills, laundry, personal expenditure
- Personal trekking and climbing gears
- Any cost that occurred due to unforeseen circumstances
Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base CampHad an awesome tripAkbar Hasan Khan10th October, 2012
Had an awesome trip. Mosaic arranged everything - Madhav was helpful at the office in ktm. Our guide Krishna was excellent. It seemed that he truly cared about our experience and safety. Have used multiple out fitters ang guides around the world and these guys are one of the best. Reasonable prices especially when compared to western companies. Climbing island peak was definitely the highlight.
