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17 days
Daily Tour
2-12 people
Imja Tse peak or also popularly known as Island Peak stands tall with a modest height of 6,189m. English Mountaineer Eric Shipton named it as an Island Peak in 1953. He thought it resembles an island in a sea of ice seeing it from Dingboche. In 1983, Island Peak again got its new name as Imja Tse. Island peak climbing is done along with the Everest Base Camp Trek. With very little technical aspects, it offers itself even to the beginner climber with competitive endurance. Hence, it is one of the most popular choices among the 6000m. Island Peak welcomes hundreds of climber groups each year luring them to its peak.
The expedition not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the most spectacular scenery of the Himalayas in the Khumbu region. After climbing the 300-meter headwall and ascending the exposed summit ridge, the view from the top brings the thrill of Himalayan mountaineering because of the spectacular 360-degree panorama of many of the highest mountains in the world. Seen from the summit, the giant peaks of Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) make a semi-circle to the north. The views of Makalu (8475m) in the east, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam in the south add to the 360 panoramas.
Island Peak trek spans of around 16 days. The trip begins after landing at Lukla airport. Spending a couple of nights in Namche Bazaar the climbers acquaint gradually before actually climbing the Island Peak. It takes four to five days to reach the Base camp of Island Peak. Here in the base camp climbers have to familiarize themself with the climatic condition before actually pushing themself to the summit. The ascent to the top starts off with along a ridge where climbers use foot traction device popularly known as crampons along with a rope to elevate upwards. The way across the glacier is easy with occasional fractures in them. After reaching the top, exquisite view of Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse and Ama Dablam is seen. This peak was first ascended by Tenzing Norgay who was a part of the British Team preparing for the Everest Triumph.
Transfer to hotel close to the famous, bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu (H,B)
A spectacular short internal flight takes us to this tiny airstrip town and the gateway to the Sherpa Kingdom. After lunch, we can do the short walk along the typically stony path that descends from the forested terraces of Lukla. This takes us right into the Dudh Kosi valley and the brightly painted lodges of Phakding. From here there are stunning views of Kusum Kanguru’s North Face (6367m). (T,B,L,D)
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m). We trek into the Sherpa capital and heart of the Khumbu. You will now be becoming familiar with the local protocol for passing chortens, mani stones, yaks, spinning prayer wheels, etc and enjoying the hustle and bustle of trekking and everyday life that exists on the ‘Everest Trail’. At Monjo, we enter Sagarmatha National Park and can visit the small visitor center there. Four hours duration. (T,B,L,D)
It is important to have a couple of nights and a rest day in Namche before proceeding any higher. You can spend the day taking short walks up to Thami or Khumjung, visiting the Everest, Ama Dablam, and Pumori viewpoints or just relaxing and exploring the narrow streets of this busy Sherpa capital. (T,B,L,D)
Heading northeast up the side of the Dudh Kosi, we climb steeply out of Namche, turn the corner and we are immediately presented with superb views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Tengboche and its stunning monastery are located on the obvious spur below Thamseku but it requires a steep descent to the river and a long steady pull back up. Five hours duration. (T,B,L,D)
A good day walking through beautiful rhododendron trees that gradually takes us back to the river and into Pangboche, a great viewpoint for Ama Dablam. On leaving the village we turn up the Imja valley to reach the lovely and picturesque village of Dingboche. Seven hours duration. (T,B,L,D)
An acclimatization day spent absorbing the views around camp and relaxing. Optional short trek to Pheriche and its hospital run by the Himalayan Rescue Association. They run regular and informative talks on acclimatization and high altitude medicine. (T,B,L,D)
Today is dominated by the view of Island Peak at the head of the valley and by the ever-changing vista of Ama Dablam’s northern aspect to your right. The ascent of Chukung Ri. The small village of Chukung is hidden in the moraine of the Lhotse & Nuptse glaciers until just before you arrive. (T,B,L,D)
Another easy day brings you to the narrow base camp below the south ridge of Island Peak. (C,B,L,D)
An early start from Base Camp (or high camp) should see us scrambling up onto the glacier as the sun rises. An obvious route weaves its way through the crevasses until a steep climb on fixed lines leads to the awe-inspiring summit ridge with it’s views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and Baruntse. (C,B,L,D). Descend to Chhukhang or Pangboche.
Back to the comforts of our hotel in Thamel and the enjoyable hustle and bustle. This is a good time to buy souvenirs and try your hand at haggling with the local shopkeepers. Time to celebrate. (H,B). Possible evening flight.
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