Island Peak Expedition with Everest Base Camp!!!

Overview

Island Peak - Locally known as Imja Tse, Island Peak is a spectacular peak amid the giants of the Himalaya. Tucked away up the Chukkung valley this beautiful mountain does indeed look like an island which is dwarfed on both sides by the stupendous Lhotse/Nuptse South Wall to the north and Baruntse to the south. The views from the top of this mountain are truly wonderful, and all the more memorable for a spectacular airy ridge climb to the top.

For experienced trekkers who want to try their hand at mountain climbing, or less-experienced climbers looking for a good challenge, Island Peak (6,189 m / 20,305 feet) is the perfect option in the Himalaya. The climb is challenging but not too technical. The spectacular trek to Island Peak follows much of the classic Everest Base Camp trek, and the panoramic views from the peak of the highest mountains in the world are unforgettable.

If you have dreamed of climbing a technical 6000 metre Himalayan summit then this famous mountain may answer your wishes. It was actually a training peak used by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing in 1953 and the route they discovered is the same one that is used today. In fact Island Peak is still a popular training peak for clients attempting Mount Everest because a lot of the skills required - crossing crevasses with ladders, using jumars on a fixed line - are the same.

During the trip, you will learn and use many skills in safe travel on mountains at high altitude including glacier travel, scrambling and moving on mixed snow and ice terrain. Good alpine skills are a requirement for this trip and if not possible to learn these before you join us them you will have plenty of time to learn and practice them before reaching Island Peak. The summit day on Island Peak does involve crossing a crevassed glacier using a climbing rope, negotiating some ladders across crevasses, using a jumar to ascend a fixed line and then a descender to come back down again (there is no top rope on the abseil) and negotiating a narrow exposed ridge to the summit.

Terrain on the Island Peak - The ascent of Island Peak is mostly non-technical, and there will be time at base camp to refresh or learn new skills. Some prior snow climbing skills are needed. The summit attempt will be early in the morning. It is a challenging climb, and the altitude keeps the pace slow. But the views of Everest, Nuptse (7,879 m), Lhotse (8,501 m), Makalu (8,475 m), Baruntse (7,129 m), Amadablam (6,812 m) and other peaks make it a worthwhile and memorable expedition.

While the challenge of climbing any peak shouldn’t be taken lightly, Island Peak doesn’t require advanced climbing skills. Therefore, it’s an ideal first climb for experienced trekkers and novice mountain climbers.

The walk in initially follows the main Everest Base Camp trek and is on a well-trodden path all the way though this can be rocky and uneven in parts. Once on the mountain itself there will be scrambling on quite loose rock to 'crampon point' at the snow line. This is done in the dark from a 4am start on the ascent and often requires the use of hands to assist. There are some steep drops and the path follows a circuitous route through the scree and bottom rock formations.

Everest Base Camp - Everest Base Camp is on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast. Each year, Everest Base Camp at the height of 5365 meters is trekked by more than 35,000 people. The trek has become an achievable goal for people from all walks of life and is an amalgamation of spectacular scenery, cultural interaction and physical challenges. The personal sense of achievement makes this trek one of the most unforgettable experiences.

Everest trek goes through the adventure villages in the Everest region which is popularly known as the Khumbu region. Taking part in a trekking holiday allows you access to remote areas and villages, to the mountains and to a culture so different to our own, one that has changed little over the years and whose customs have been passed down through generations. Trekkers can experience their friendliness at first hand and have the opportunity to see and try to understand a little of this culture so different to our own.

The trek is conducted at a reasonably relaxed pace along rough but well laid trails taking into account the altitude, allowing ample time to photograph the magnificent scenery and observe the wildlife and to meet the people. Rest days are included to assist our acclimatization as we climb higher into the mountains.

On this trip you will take on the challenge of reaching the mountaineer's base camp and gain an insight into the world-famous Sherpa culture. You will cross glaciers and broad plains, traverse valleys and climb high passes to reach the picturesque Everest Base Camp.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1334m.) and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 : Scenic flight to Lukla (45 minutes) and trek to Phakding (2,652m. /4-5 hours trekking/ 8km approx.).

Day 3 : Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,440m. /5-6 hours trekking/ 10km approx.).

Day 4 : Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.

Day 5 : Trek to Tengboche (3870m./5-6 hours trekking/ 10km approx.).

Day 6 : Trek to Dingboche (4360m./5-6 hours trekking/ 8km approx.).

Day 7 : Acclimatization at Dingboche.

Day 8 : Trek to Lobuche (4940m./ 5-6 hours trekking/ 7km approx.).

Day 9 : Lobuche to Gorakshep (5170m.)- Everest Base Camp (5364m.) and trek back to Gorakshep (7-8 hours trekking. / 15km approx.).

Day 10 : Gorakshep to Kalapathar (5545m.) and trek to Dingboche (4280m./ 6-7 hours trek/ 15km trekking).

Day 11 : Trek back to Chukhung (4730m./ 3-4 hours trekking).

Day 12 : Hike to Island Base Camp (5200m./ 4-5 hours trekking) and do ice climbing training.

Day 13 : Summit Island (6187m.) and back to Chukhung (4730m./10-12 hours)

Day 14 : Dingboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m./ 6-7 hours trekking)

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2880m./ 6 hours Trekking)

Day 16: Fly from Lukla/ Ramechapp, drive to Kathmandu.

Day 17 : Departure from Kathmandu