Island Peak Climbing 19 days itinerary undoubtedly provides an outstanding adventurous destination to Nepal. Exploring the valleys, lifestyle, cultures and ultimately climbing Island peak is a mandatory activity for any adventurer.
This island peak climbing 19 days itinerary surely will revive your tired mind and you will get to spend an amazing time in the midst of nature, glaring at the giant peaks.
Island Peak Climbing in Nepal, gives you an incredible opportunity to marvel its overwhelming natural beauty in the shade of high giant mountains. Such as Mt. Everest 8,848 m, 4th highest Mt. Lhotse 8,516 m 5th highest Mt. Makalu, 8,463 m and 6th highest Mt. Cho-Oyu at 8,201 m.
The arrays of other high peaks including Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Kwangde, Thamserku, Kusum Kanguru, and several peaks also multiplies the beauty of this trekking.
The adventure to an unforgettable journey to the peak starts from Kathmandu to Lukla town with a scenic flight. Lukla is the gateway to the Everest area. From here, you will be trekking through beautiful villages encountering various terrains, traditional Sherpa villages, woodlands of rhododendrons, pines, birch, and oaks tree lines visiting famed villages of Namche and Thyangboche.
Then you will eventually ascend towards the Everest Base Camp 5,364 meters, overlooking tall peaks.
Highlights of Island Peak Climbing 19 Days itinerary
- A panoramic flight to Lukla, enjoying the dramatic view of the landscapes.
- Exceptional vistas of mountain peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho-Oyu.
- Beautiful trail that takes you through dynamic landscapes and jaw-dropping backgrounds.
- Rich flora and fauna; home to endangered animals like the snow leopard.
- Come across Sherpa inspired lifestyles, cultures and house structures.
- Stunning views of the glaciers from the top of the peak.
- Exhilarating views of Mount Everest from Kalapatthar.
- Tengboche and Pangboche Monasteries that are centuries old.
- Exploring cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles Khumbu region.
Outline Itinerary for 19 Day’s Island Peak Climbing
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and hike to Phakding.
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 04: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Trek From Namche Bazaar to Tengboche.
Day 06: Trek From Tengboche to Dingboche.
Day 07: Acclimatization at Dingboche
Day 08: Dingboche/Lobuche
Day 09: Lobuche/ Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp /Gorakshep
Day 10: Gorak Shep/Kala Patthar to lobuche
Day 11: Lobuche to Chhukung.
Day 12: Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp.
Day 13: Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit to Island Peak Base Camp
Day 14: Reserve day
Day 15: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche.
Day 16: Pangboche/Namche Bazaar
Day 17: Namche Bazaar/Lukla
Day 18: Lukla/Kathmandu
Day 19: Departure for your onward flight
Detailed Itinerary Of Island Peak Climbing:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu.
Welcome to Nepal!
Elevation: 1345m/4412ft
Highlights: Thamel bazaar, restaurants and bar
Activities: Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our tour operator will receive you and transfer you to the hotel you’ll be staying in.
There you will be briefly explained about the trekking that will start from tomorrow. Explore the city for the rest of the day and prepare for your trek.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Lukla (2850m) Flight and hike to Phadking (2660m)
Elevation: 2840m/9318ft in Lukla and 2610m/8563ft in Phakding
Walking hours: 3.5 hrs
Difficulty: Easy. Flats and downhill, a well-developed path
Activities: You will be served breakfast at the hotel. Thenceforth, a private vehicle will receive and drop you off at the airport from where you’ll take a 45-minute flight to Lukla.
Enjoy the dramatic scenes and breathtaking Himalayan view throughout your flight. After reaching Lukla, we will start our hiking towards Phakding.
The way follows thick rhododendron, magnolia trees, and pine forests. You can also visit a local monastery. Overnight at Phakding.
Accommodation: Basic Sherpa lodge
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/dinner
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3435m)
Elevation: 3440m/11286ft
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate. Flats, downhill and uphill, a well-developed path
Activities: Breakfast at the Lodge and we will leave for Namche Bazaar which is the main trading center of Khumbu region and the gateway to Mt. Everest.
Passing through the banks of DudhKoshiriver and beautiful pine forests, we will cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge. Overnight at Namche.
Accommodation: Basic Sherpa lodge
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 04: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar (3435m)
Elevation: 3932m/12998ft
Walking hours: 4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate, flat and uphill
Activities: Breakfast at the lodge as usual and we will hike towards Everest’s viewpoint. This is the first day of acclimatization. So, adjust your body to the altitude.
Take a day trip to Namche Bazaar climbing 300m to Khumjung village where you can see Hillary School, Sherpa museum, Buddhist monastery and back to Namche for sleep.
Accommodation: Basic Sherpa lodge
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 05: Trek From Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3890m)
Elevation: 3860m/12664ft
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate. Flat, downhill and uphill
Activities: On our fifth day, our trekking will be continued after having breakfast at the Lodge. Tengboche is our destination for today. We will pass through the stone staircases and reach Mongola pass from where the trial will begin.
You will witness spectacular views of Mt. AmaDablam, Mt. Thamserku and Mt. Khumbila along the journey. Take plenty of pictures of the panoramic views of the mountains and capture your moments.
After reaching Tengboche, you can visit the largest monastery in the Khumbu region and take blessings for your safety and success for the journey.
Accommodation: Basic Sherpa lodge
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 06: Trek From Tengboche to Dingboche (4400m)
Elevation: 4400m
Walking distance: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate. Gentle river bank trail and rocky uphill.
Activities: We will set off for Dingboche after having breakfast at the lodge and prepare for today’s trek. The trail follows stone steps and riverbanks as the previous day.
Observe the lifestyle of the local people in a small village. Trekking is bit tough compared to the previous day but the breathtaking views of the mountains will keep you motivated to move further.
Once we reach Dingboche, you will notice changes in the landscapes. Dingboche is the only place in a region where barley is grown.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 07: Acclimatization at Dingboche
Elevation: 4400m+
Walking distance: …hrs
Difficulty: Moderate. Gentle river bank trail and rocky uphill.
Activities: This is the second day of acclimatization. Trekking through steep and rocky trails, you will allow yourself to acclimatize.
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas at every turn with colorful prayer Flags at the viewpoint and take pictures. Then we will return back to Dingboche and have our dinner at the lodge where we’ll be spending the night.
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8 – Dingboche/Lobuche
Elevation: 4940m
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Hard. Uphill
Activities: Breakfast at the lodge and preparation for trek to Lobuche. The steps are hard compared to previous days. It is always difficult to walk in the mountains but your dream to get into Everest base camp helps to increase your passion and strength.
The way, Everest base camp trek, follows uphill and Khumbu Icefall, Pumori, and surrounding mountains are today’s highlights.
Accommodation: Basic tea house
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9 – Lobuche/ Gorak Shep (5164 m) to Everest Base Camp (5364 m)/Gorakshep
Elevation: 5364m
Walking hours: 8 hrs
Difficulty: Hard/strenuous. Rocky uphill and flat
Activities: After preparing for the day’s trek we will set off from our lodge. As we continue our trekking, we will cross rocky uphill till Gorak Shep with a surrounding view of the Khumbu icefall, magnificent view of Pumori and beautiful mountains.
The further way follows slightly up till Everest base camp and finally, we will reach Everest base camp. Take lots of pictures to capture this moment with the spectacular background of Mt. Everest.
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10 – Gorak Shep/Kala Patthar (5545 m) t0 Lobuche
Elevation: 5545m
Walking hours: 7 hrs
Difficulty: Hard/moderate. Uphill and Downhill
Activities: Today is a very special day. We will wake up at 4:00 a.m in the morning and leave for Kala Patthar to watch an amazing view of the sunrise from between the mountains.
This is also one of the major places from where you can see a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Cho-yu, Ama Dablam, Pumori, etc. After that we’ll return to our lodge, have breakfast and move towards Lobuche.
Accommodation: Basic tea House
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11 – Lobuche to Chhukung (4750 m)
Elevation: 4750 m
Walking Hours: 6 Hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: After breakfast, we will descend to Chhukung. The views you behold way today are similar to what is mentioned above.
Gear up and brief your upcoming Island Climbing with us. The remaining time explores to the lifestyle of the local people living in this region and its beauty. Overnight at Chhukung.
Accommodation: Basic tea House
Food: Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Day 12 – Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5200 m)
Elevation: 5200m
Walking Hours: 2 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: Breakfast at the lodge and we will begin our Peak Climbing to the base camp. Once we’re out of the village we will enter the main trail to Chhukung Valley.
The way is steeply ascending to the south turn east. We will continue a short pleasant walking along a streamside that leads to the Big –rock.
After a long walk, we will reach a wide valley flanking Island peak where we will set up our base camp. There we will spend our overnight at tented camp.
Accommodation: Tent
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13 – Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit ((6189 m)) to Island Peak Base Camp
Elevation: 6189m
Walking Hours: 8-10 Hrs
Difficulty: Difficult
Activities: This morning we pack our equipment and head towards the High camp very early in the morning. It is a 10-12 hours long journey. The slope narrows and the path enters a steep rock channel nearby as you climb up the hill.
Our guides will fix crampons on your climbing boots and re-check the entire climbing group and personal equipment once again for better safety. You may also learn the last-minute climbing technique with our climbing Sherpa at this stage.
Rope up for the glacier. Reaching 100m/330ft snow and ice slope (40-45 degree) the guides will fix a rope from where 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge you will reach to the top.
Enjoy the success of climbing the summit and take some pictures, savoring the scenic view. Then we will return to our base camp safely.
Accommodation: Tent
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 14- Reserve day
Activities: In case the weather becomes unfavorable and we’re unable to climb the summit on our 13th day of the trek, we will continue to climb the peak on this very day. If the summit attempt on the previous day was successful, we will proceed downwards back on our journey to Lukla.
Accommodation: Tent
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 15 – Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3985 m)
Elevation: 3985m
Walking Hours: 5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Activities: We will leave the Base camp once we have our breakfast and return back to Pangboche. We will follow the easy trials from where we will be able to see Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Lhotse etc which we had seen while moving upwards the Island peak base camp.
You will see the scenic view of the village of Pangboche and various Sherpa villages over the course of 5 hours. After we reach Pangboche, we will have our dinner and spend the night there.
Accommodation: Basic tea House
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 16 – Pangboche/Namche Bazaar
Elevation: 3440m
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate.
Activities: Have your breakfast at the lodge and get ready to move down to Namche, a beautiful Colorful Sherpa village in the Everest region.
You can see those mountains which you had seen in previous days like Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Lhotse, etc. Glancing at the majestic views of the mountains and beauty of the local people, we will reach Namche Bazaar where we will have our dinner and spend the night.
Accommodation: Basic tea house
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 17 – Namche Bazaar/Lukla
Elevation: 2840m
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate.
Activities: Breakfast at the lodge. After that, we will return back to Lukla from Namche bazaar with amazing memories and pictures captured in our hearts and in photographs, to catch our flight to Kathmandu. It will be downward trekking to Phakding/Lukla.
Accommodation: Basic tea house
Food: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 18 – Lukla/Kathmandu
Elevation: 1345m
Difficulty: Moderate.
Activities: Enjoy the 45-minute scenic flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla, with exquisite views throughout. We will be glad to hear about your experience of climbing the highest peak in the world. You will be attending a cultural program organized by us at a restaurant, enjoying our traditional dinner.
Accommodation: Holy Himalaya or Similar Category
Food: Breakfast/ Farewell dinner
Day 19: Departure for your onward flight
This is your last day in Nepal. Have your breakfast at the hotel and our private vehicle will drop you off at the airport 3 hours prior to catching your flight. Make sure you have not left anything.
Our tour operator will bid you goodbye in a traditional way. We are glad that you chose MFN to share your exciting journey with. We hope you are leaving with great memories. Safe flight!
Best season for this Peak Climbing
The best and most favorable trekking and tourism seasons in the country are Autumn and Spring.
During Autumn, the weather is perfect for any adventure. Thus it is considered as the best season for trekking. Autumn in Nepal falls on the month from September till November. The trees loses its leaves after turning yellow, red or brown and created fantastic picturesque landscape views as you walk along the route.
The weather remains calm while the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. Also, the skies remain clear mostly, and you can see the best views of the Himalayas.
Spring is also a fantastic season for Trekking. You see flowers and greenery everywhere. The climate also remains mild, and the views are equally stunning. The major highlights of trekking in nepal during spring are the beautiful blooming flowers and greenery, exciting festivals, and stable weather.
Trekking Permits for the Island Peak
Personal Climbing Gears Lists:
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Harness
- Tape slings (2)
- Screwgate karabiners (2 locks, 2 unlock)
- Descender/eight-figure
- Plastic mountaineering boots
- Ascender/Jhumar
- Helmet
Group Climbing Gears:
- Snow bar*
- Rope*
- Ice hammer*
- Ice screw*
Head
- Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
- Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
- 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves
- 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- 1 pair of mittens; consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner
Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
- 1 pair of hiking shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
- 1 pair of fleece or wool trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Feet
- 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, “broken-in”)
- 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Cotton socks
- Gaiters
- Sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag -30 degree centigrade
- Fleece sleeping bag liner
- Rucksack and Travel Bags
- 1 medium rucksack or 1 large duffel bag *
- Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
- Small padlocks for duffle-kit bags
- 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- 1 skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache pills
- Cough and/or cold medicine
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants!
- Water purification tablets or the water filter
- 1 set of earplugs
- Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
- Practical Items
- 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
- 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
- 1 compass or GPS(optional)
- 1 alarm clock/watch
- 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
- Large Ziplocs
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 small folding knife
- Binoculars (optional)
- 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
- Toiletries
- 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Female hygiene products
- Small mirror
- Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial handwash
- Extras/Luxuries
- Reading book
- Trail map/guide book
- Journal and pen
- iPod
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
- 1 modest swim suit
- Binoculars (optional)
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
- Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
- Lightweight pillow case (in case your tea houses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow
Important documents and items
- Carry a valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, and airline tickets.
- Separate the photocopies of passport, visa form proof of insurance. They are easily obtained at Kathmandu airport.
- Carry Dollars in cash in order to purchase a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
- Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines It is suggested to bring a photocopy of your cards.
Tips for Island peak
- Walk at your normal and steady pace. Avoid hurrying or even taking too many breaks as is not considered a great idea.
- Buy comfortable and high-quality boots and clothing.
- If you’re traveling during low season, pack raincoats or umbrellas.
- Use a water purifying tablets if you’re thinking of drinking the local tap water.
- Trek with experienced and licensed guides. Hiring porter is also a good idea if you want to travel light.
- Drink enough water ( over 3 liters) a day to keep your body hydrated and avoid acclimatization.
- Carrying enough Nepali cash is suggested as the local tea houses do not accept foreign cash.
- Do not intake any alcohol or cigarettes throughout the trek as it dehydrates your body.
- Carry a hand-held torch with you. If you need to use the toilets at night, you will need some source of light.
- You can rent trekking gears in Kathmandu and return them after use.
- It’s better to learn some basic Nepali phrases or sentences to help communicate better with the locals.
- Carry extra batteries and power bank to charge your phones, cameras, and torchlight
Conclusion
Island peak is an outstanding destination for keen adventurers. It is a fantastic experience in the Himalayas of Nepal. Trekkers having little experience or no experience at all can also undertake this challenge if they are energetic and physically fit.
Island peak climbing has proper and progressive acclimatization at suitable intervals. The journey begins from and comes to a conclusion at one of the most famous airstrips in the world i.e. the Lukla Airport in the Everest Region.
The journey takes us into the heartland of the Khumbu Valley and Sherpa culture. Before scaling the peak, we will also possibly visit the most popular trekking destination in the world. They are Everest Base Camp (5,357m/17,575ft) and Kala Patthar. You get rewarded with the up-close views of Mt. Everest and other high mountains.
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