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virginnepaltrekandexpedition@gmail.comBus,Jeep,Plane
Everest
Challenging
16 Days
Adevnture
Hotel/Trekking guest houses/Tent
2 - 15 People
March-May/Sep-Nov
6189 meters
Island peak climbing – Trekking peaks in Nepal
There is no doubt that Himalayan peaks have drawn adventurers, climbers and cultural enthusiast for many decades. Among 33 officially opened trekking peaks in Nepal, Island peak climbing is the most popular as it offers to all novice climbers and trekkers an exhilarating climbing experience beyond simply trekking in Nepal.
By climbing the Island peak, you will stand on a summit of wonderful mountain at 6189 meters and have almost the same unforgettable sense of achievement as you would on Everest – the climb is physically demanding but not technically challenging. Any fit and acclimatized person having a strong inclination towards adventure can join the Island peak climbing trip that is graded as Alpine PD+
Island peak is also known as Imja Tse peak is an extension of the Himalayan ridge that comes down from the south end of the Lhotse shar, situated at less than 10 kilometer away from the Mt. Everest in Himalayas. This peak was first ascended in 1953 by a British expedition team as preparation for the Everest expeditions and even today Island peak climb is often the first step for most of the climbers before any summit attempt of giant peaks in the Himalaya. After checking all the gear and exploring the sights and sounds of bustling Kathmandu, we take an exciting flight to the STOL airport of Lukla to begin our journey to Island peak expedition and Everest base camp hiking trip.
We climb the less trodden trail to the Everest base camp and Kalapathar for proper acclimatization before scaling the Island peak top. We customize a special climbing training session for you at the Island peak base camp where you will receive instructions from our experienced climbing guides to ensure that all of you have required the necessary climbing skills to scale the summit safely and successfully.
There will be medical trained and experienced group leader with required safety back up in dealing with any problems that may arise in Island peak climbing expedition. We have responsible trekking policy of one porter to each trekkers so you can have own pace and porter hiking high on Himalayas on light weight including the Island peak climbing trip.
The Island peak climbing summit day starts early in the morning with an interesting scramble along a rock ridge to a glacier and above this there is a steep snow head wall leading to the summit, off course this is a physically challenging but fabulous day.
Virgin Nepal Trek and Expedition climbing guides fix new ropes to ensure safe ascent with jumar and harness for the strenuous and challenging section that climbs up a 60 – 70 degree face about 100 meters to the summit ridge. From the top of Island peak, the giant mountains, you can see a breathtaking panorama of gigantic mountains – Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) which form a semi circle in the north and the stunning views of Makalu (8475m), Baruntse (7129m) in the east and famous expedition peak of Amadablam (6812m) in the south – a never to be forgotten Island peak climbing trip with Everest base camp experience in Himalayas.
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner.
After breakfast, we will meet to check your clothing and trekking equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking boots). This evening will be spent in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu –Manthali Lukla - Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 3- 4 hours trek (Trekking times only) Early morning drive to Manthali take pack breakfast from hotel, we will be escorted to the domestic terminal of (Ramechhap) Manthali Airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 30 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. Upon arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight at Phakding. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
Namche Bazaar: Rest a day This is the first of the two days set aside for "acclimatization". Health experts recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day's hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides take us to the Tourist Visitor Center near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. (B,L,D)
Rest a day Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft) DAY 04: Rest a day Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280 ft) This is the first of the two days set aside for "acclimatization". Health experts recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day's hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colourful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize. Our guides take us to the Tourist Visitor Centre near the headquarter of the Sagarmatha National Park where we can observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. (B,L,D)
Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5 - 6 hrs Upon breakfast in Namche, we set out towards Tengboche, enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek follows more or less smooth trail with few ups and downs which will not bother us as the magnificent view of the Himalayas keeps our company all through the journey. Along the way, we can spot wildlife musk deer, a herd of Himalayan Thar and multicolored pheasants. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa, which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp. The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga, we gear up for a slightly tougher climb through the pine forests before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Nuptse, and Mt Everest, and it has the biggest Buddhist Monastery of the Khumbu region. We pay our visit to the monastery the same day at around 3 pm to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. Overnight stay at a lodge at Tengboche. (B,L,D)
Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300ft):5 - 6 hrs With mountains at its backdrop, the monastery at Tengboche looks more spectacular in the morning. At this juncture, we can take pictures of the monastery and the scenery around and as usual start the day journey. We choose the upper trail for better views on the way to Pangboche village. We pass through several Chortens and Mani walls and small villages. The place where we stop for lunch not only serves delicious food but also allows a fantastic close-up view of Mt Ama Dablam. In the afternoon, we walk north to Pheriche or take the eastward trail beneath the towering north face of Mt Ama Dablam. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the last and steepest climb of the day up to Dingboche. On arrival at Dingboche, we will see beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche. (B,L,D)
Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m/15,518ft) 3hrs. From Lobuche we take a slightly different route down to Dingboche. Then we slightly ascend into the Chukkung Valley.Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Chhukung – Island Peak Base Camp Walking Duration: 3.5 Hrs. The walk today to the base camp of Island Peak takes us along the Lhotse glacial moraine. We go through a diverse range of terrains with beautiful scenic views along the moraine and river valley. After traversing the beautiful winding trail, we eventually reach the base of Island Peak to spend our night there. After reaching the base camp, we have our lunch and pre-climbing training. We will talk about the climbing techniques and use of climbing equipment. On this group adventure, we will feel motivated by each other's expectations, skills, and determination. Overnight in tented camp.
Base Camp – Summit (6189 m) – Chhukung: Walking Duration: 9 Hrs. The day for us starts really early today, shortly after midnight. The big day to climb Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, has come. We are going to set our feet on the path that a Swiss climbing team successfully climbed in the year 1953. We begin our climb along a sandy trail, then proceed ahead on a grassy trail before we meet the trail filled with boulders. We tirelessly keep our spirits high and effort up to go higher towards the stunning summit. As we move higher ahead, we feel the narrowing of the mountain trail before it turns completely into a snowy ridgeline, then leads us to the summit glacier. The glacier is the trickiest part of the climb as it has several crevasses. We need to be roped up to walk along the glacier towards the summit. We begin our walk on the final section towards the summit. We celebrate the achievement of reaching the peak, enjoy some quality time at the peak, and take pictures before making our way down towards the base camp. Trek back to Chhukung overnight. Overnight in a local lodge.
Contingency Day: This is our extra day for the trip, a contingency day. In case of bad weather or any other unfavorable circumstance, we may need this day to get the situation in our favor. You may be tired and need a day to rest and relax. Whether or not to use this day depends on how much the circumstances favor us on this adventure. Overnight in a local lodge.
Today we will trek to Phortse village via dazzling Dingboche. We start the trek early from Chhukung village, leaving the massive Island Peak behind us and walk past Dingboche and cross Imja Khola before heading towards today's destination, Phortse. Phortse is a typical Sherpa village in the Khumbu region, a little less explored as it lies off the main base camp trail. Almost 6 hours of trekking journey brings us incredible views and amazing cultural experience. Overnight in a local lodge.
Phortse – Monjo (2835 m): Walking Duration: 6 Hrs. We walk down to Monjo today after breakfast. The first section of the trek goes downhill towards Dudh Koshi River.. The trail goes uphill from here to Monjo where some incredible views are awaiting us before we start descending towards Namche Bazaar. About six hours of incredible trekking journey brings us back to Namche Bazaar. After having lunch and spending some relaxing time at Namche Bazaar, we head out on our descent towards Monjo. Overnight in a local lodge.
Monjo – Lukla (2840 m): Walking Duration: 3.5 Hrs. We are going to complete the round trip to Lukla today. Traversing the trail down towards the Dudh Koshi River and walking alongside it, we eventually reach Lukla, trekking past Phakding and several other beautiful places. Once we reach Lukla, we say thank you and goodbye to our amazing crew members who made a wonderfully successful trip possible. Whatever we do is not enough to express our gratitude towards them but we are highly thankful to them. Overnight at Lukla.Overnight in a local lodge.
Lukla –Manthali- Kathmandu Today, we fly back to Manthali after our long mountain journey. We fly early morning flight to Manthali as possible as ,drive to Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. If we get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, we can visit to some nearby shops or venture out at Thamel for typical Nepalese goods. This short excursion either can be assisted by trekking guides or we can do it ourselves too. If we want to explore any other areas in Kathmandu, we have managed time for this today as well! At the evening we will be at a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing our trek to Everest Base Camp hosted by Virgin Nepal Trek and Expedition! Overnight at Kathmandu.
Breakfast Today you will depart Kathmandu.
Airport drop and pickup
One WAll food (Break fast, Lunch, Dinner )
Accommodation
All transportation
All necessary paper works, office Service charge and all Government Taxes
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Government license holder English speaking experienced trekking guide (trained in Wilderness First Aid& altitude sickness) and porters (1 porter for between 2 trekkers basis) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance, clothing, and medicine
Everest National Park fee and all necessary procedure
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
Lunch & dinner in during the stay in Kathmandu
Summit Bonus for climbing guide and tips for crew
Climbing Gears (Personal)
1. Ice axe
2. Crampons
3. Harness
4. Tape Slings (2)
5. Screwgate Karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
6. Descender/Abseil Device
7. Plastic Mountaineering Boots
8. Ascender
9. Helmet (optional)
Climbing Gears (Group)
1. Snow bar*
2. Rope*
3. Ice Hammer*
4. Ice Screw*
Clothings (Head)
1. Sun hat or scarf
2. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
3. Sunglasses with UV protection
Clothing (Lower Body)
1. Under Garments
2. Hiking shorts
3. Lightweight cotton long pants
4. Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
5. Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
6. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet
1. Thin, lightweight inner socks
2. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
3. Hiking boots with spare laces
4. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
5. Gaiters
Upper Body
1. T-shirts
2. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
3. Fleece jacket or pullover
4. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
5. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
6. Down vest and/or jacket *
Hands
1. Lightweight gloves
2. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
Accessories
1. Sleeping bag rated to -30 degree centigrade and below (depends on season)*
2. Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
3. Trekking Bags/Duffel bag *
4. Basic First Aid Kit
5. Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry insidetrekbag
6. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
7. Trekking Poles
8. Water bottle (2) or camel bag
9. Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)
10. Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring)
Toiletries
1. 1 medium sized quick drying towel
2. Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
3. Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
4. Deodorants
5. Nail clippers
6. Face and body moisturizer
7. Feminine hygiene products
8. Small mirror
Personal Hygiene
1. Wet wipes (baby wipes)
2. Tissue /toilet roll
3. Anti bacterial hands wash
Extras/Luxuries
1. Binoculars
2. Reading book
3. Trail Map/Guide book
4. Journal & Pen
5. Walkman
6. Pencils and small notebooks
7. Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
8. Swimming customs (for Kathmandu)
Arrangements may be cancelled at any time but the cancellation should be communicated to us in writing. Since cancellation incurs administrative costs, we will retain any deposit paid and in addition will apply cancellation charges as follows.
Period before departure within which written cancellation is received, and sum of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of the package price:
Bus,Jeep,Plane
Everest
Challenging
16 Days
Adevnture
Hotel/Trekking guest houses/Tent
2 - 15 People
March-May/Sep-Nov
6189 meters