Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek to Phakding.
We will take a flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding.

We walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey.

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest.

We trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region.

We begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche.

Again, we take a day to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.  As mentioned, it is best to be active these days, so we recommend visiting Nangkar Tshang Peak, where there are great views of Makalu.  This hike will take 3.5 to 5 hours, there and back.

We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa who perished on a mission to climb Everest.

Today we head to the last settlement before Everest Base Camp, where we will stay overnight.  After lunch, we leave Gorakshep and hike to Kala Pattar.  This is the nearest we can get to Mt Everest without climbing it.

At 5,545m  with stunning views, it is no wonder Kala Pattar is often called Everest View Point.  After taking in the fabulous scenery and clicking dozens of photos, we return to Gorakshep for the night.

Today we retrace our steps to Lobuche, where we stop again for the night. And again, take in the wonderful views from this simple settlement.

Today there is another day for acclimatization to the high altitude.  Sitting above Chhunkung village is Chhukung Ri peak.  By climbing this peak, our bodies become acclimatized.  Some scrambling is required near the peak’s summit, but the views are amazing, and we can see Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa peaks. Climbing back down, we retrace our steps to Chhukung, where we spend the night.

Following the glacial moraine from Chukung, then hiking down to the runoff from Imja Lake, the trails go between some hills before coming out on a sandy plain right at Island Peak and Lhotse.  From here, walk to Island Peak Base Camp which views the Imja Valley.

The afternoon is spent preparing for the climb!

We will summit Island Peak today with the correct weather conditions (6,189m/ 20,305ft).  It’s an early start – 2 am and a long hard climb. There is a rocky scree and steep rocks to scramble over.  When we reach around 5,700m, experience has told us that the high altitude slows the progress considerably.

Finally, we reach a narrow ridge, the start of the glacier, put on crampons and harnesses, and get ice axes and ropes ready to climb across the glacier.  There may be ladders to cross and steep climbing sections to go up and down.

This point can take around 1 to 2 hours before we reach the base of the Headwall.   At the Headwall, it’s possible to take a break while the team fixes climbing ropes.  Finally, climbing up the Headwall, you will reach the summit of Island Peak.  Views are astounding – this is what you have been working towards.

Still roped in because the summit is very small, we abseil down the Headwall, then at the foot, rope together again, and retrace the trail through the glacier.  At High Camp, there is time for a short rest.  The gear will be packed up, and we will trek down to Island Peak Base Camp, where we will stay for the night.  Job well done!

Following the same route through the valley of Khumbu Khola, today is a much easier day on the body as the altitude gets lower.

We pass Orsho and Shomare villages – both Sherpa settlements.  Depending on the group’s interest, we can visit the gompa in upper Panchoche or take a different trail to reach Pangboche.

Pangboche is a lovely village surrounded by mountains: Everest in the north, Ama Dablam, Kangtaiga, and Thamserku in the east, and to the south, the Kongde range.  We can also see the Imja Tse River flowing through a fertile valley.

We retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa.

The trail descends steeply downward, so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural.

We’ll catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Kathmandu where you can unwind and rejuvenate. Afterwards, take the opportunity to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or visit any nearby attractions you might have missed at the start of your journey.

Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some leisure time to further explore Kathmandu after breakfast. One of our team members will then accompany you to the airport a few hours before your departure time, carrying with you unforgettable memories from your Island Peak Climbing. As your reliable travel partner, Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday (www.nepalroyaltreks.com), we’re thankful for the opportunity to have shared this extraordinary journey with you. Until we meet again, travel safely!