This is a group tour with a local Nepali tour leader. In 2024, departures are in March and October. We confirm trips with a minimum of 2 participants.
Island Peak (6186m) is one of the most popular trekking summits in Nepal. The tour is not only a fantastic climb to the summit. It also offers some of the most beautiful views in the Himalayas. On this expedition we will handle all the praktical elements of the journey, so that you are free to focus on the fun stuff - the trek and finally the Summit of Island Peak. That is why the price includes all meals during the trek.
As you walk you will encounter a lot of nice people, experience many different cultures and at the end you will stand with your arms over your head on the very summit of Island Peak. A fantastic experience which you will never ever forget.
Our team in Nepal who will lead you to the summit are experts and have done the tour many times before. They speak good english and they are trained to guide and support you during the tour. They are also trained to spot possible altitude sickness. You could not be in better hands.
Trekking around Gokyo Valley and chola pass, offers magnificent views of the mountain peaks and the Ngozumpa Glacier- the largest in the Nepal Himalayas. The image of this region is associated with the soaring views of the most popular mountains in Nepal, at an altitude of 8000m such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu which are clearly visible from Gokyo Ri above Gokyo Lake. One of the most remarkable features is the view of the tremendous ice ridge between Cho 0yu and Gyachung located in Khumbu region.
Island peak is one of the popular Climbing peak in Nepal. From Dingbuche the mountain is seen as an island in the deep of ice. The summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. The mountain itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar separated by a small col. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak. The extension of this ridge descending southwest is the part of the normal route of ascent and leads to the South Summit. Imja this is not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the most spectacular scenery of Himalayas in the Khumbu region. Seen from the summit the giant mountains, Lhotse(8,501m), Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m) and Lhotse Shar> (8,383m) make a semi circle in the north. The views of Makalu (8475m) in the east, Amadablam and Baruntse in the south add more charm for climbing Island Peak.
On this trek you will be staying in hotels, lodges, and teahouses. In Kathmandu it will be hotels and once you reach the mountains it will be lodges and teahouses. We have included some photos of common accommodations in the mountains. It is not given that you will stay in the same places.
See more pictures »Meet our local alpine team in Nepal right here
This group of lovely people is an exceptional composition of dedicated and experienced personalities.
Our trekking guides: Baburam Rijal, Deepak Nepal, Purna Poudel, Bhim Gurung, Shiva Timalsina, Raj Kumar Bhatta, and Sharan Pokhrel, all possess in-depth knowledge and extensive experience from Nepal's trekking areas.
Our climb/expedition guides: Mingur Sherpa and Geli Sherpa, have served as inspiring and hardworking guides for many years. Their vast experience forms a solid foundation for many guests' successful experiences on Nepalese mountain peaks.
All guides are educated mountain guides from the University of Kathmandu. These experienced guides share common skills, including good communication, comprehensive knowledge of trekking areas, and the ability to handle challenges with calmness, skill, and experience.
The team also includes experienced tour guides such as Badri Nepal, Jayaram Ghimire, and Kapil Banjara, who enrich guests' experiences with important historical and cultural insights from Kathmandu.
Our chefs and assistants, including Bhes Bahadur Gurung, Bhabanath Kharel, and Lakpa Sherpa, collaborate to deliver culinary experiences that make trekking and tent experiences memorable.
Additionally, there are always assistant guides building their portfolio of experience. They join trips where relevant, or where training would be particularly beneficial for them.
Together, this local team in Nepal forms a strong combination of experienced and dedicated professionals, all with extensive life experience in the alpine environment. They are always on the lookout for new strong guide profiles, so you may meet others than those mentioned. Their common goal is to create unforgettable experiences and contribute to our guests' safety and success in the Himalayas.
Note: We have ensured that all local staff receive a salary above average, and that all employees on a trip are fully insured.
See more pictures »Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and transported to your hotel. The hotel is located in the area Thamel and after you have rested, you can take a walk around the area. If we have enough time today you will be briefed about the trek and if not it will be done on day two.
Today will be an eventful day. You will be taken to the famous Hindu temple, Pasupatinath, and the famous Buddhist temple, Buddhanath.
The Pashupatinath Temple: Situated east of Kathmandu City, the Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style, has jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River; Pashupatinath is the center of the annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri, which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds. Temple is famous for its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors.
The Boudhanath Stupa: This Stupa, east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. King Man Deva built this Buddhist Stupa at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests. It is especially colorful on Saturdays, when Tibetan refugees flock here to pray. The chhorten embraces the authentic philosophy of Mahayan the faith of which is known as Lamaism in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet.
After the sightseeing tour, you are taken to our offices where we brief you and check your equipment to make sure that everything is ready for the trek.
Sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
The day starts at 1 in the morning with a transfer to Ramechhap Airport, where an early morning flight to Lukla awaits you. From there, you will embark on a short but incredibly scenic flight to Lukla, situated at an elevation of 2804 meters. Upon arrival, there is time to explore the village while your guides load the trekking equipment. Then, your trek begins by descending to the Dudh Kosi River, where you will join the trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). It's an easy walk, and after passing the small village of Ghat (2550m), it's only a short distance to Phakding.
Drive: approximately 4 hours
Flight time: Approximately 20-30 minutes
Trekking time: approximately 3.5 hours
You continue the trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi River, crossing the river multiple times using exciting suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. As you enter Sagarmatha National Park, the trails become steeper, offering breathtaking views. Before reaching Namche Bazaar, weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest! Namche Bazaar is best known as "The Gateway To Everest," and here you will find many excellent restaurants, lodges, shops, currency exchange services, internet cafes, and bakeries. Namche Bazaar is one of the largest villages along the Everest route.
You spend the entire day in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. However, the day is not just for relaxation, and you take a short trip to the local museum, celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. From the museum, you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest on the horizon. Another option is to walk up to the old Syangboche airport near Everest View Hotel. From here, you will experience an incredibly beautiful view of the Himalayan mountains and stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Khumbu peaks.
A great way to use the acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar is to hike up to the Khunde Hospital, a route established by Sir Edmund Hillary himself (the first to summit Mt. Everest, achieved alongside Sherpa Tenzing Norgay). Another excellent idea is to trek up to Tengboche (3800m), where Everest View Hotel offers a fantastic view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kusum Kangaru.
The trek from Namche Bazaar leads to the picturesque village of Khumjung, the largest Sherpa village in the Khumbu region. The village boasts notable attractions such as the Khumjung Monastery, situated atop a hill and housing a preserved skull believed by locals to belong to a Yeti. Additionally, there is the Hillary School, inaugurated in 1961, which has played a crucial role in providing education to the children in the area. It is part of the Hillary Himalaya Foundation, which continues to support education and health projects in the region. The school is seen as a symbol of the positive impact that mountaineers have had on the local communities in the Himalayas.
You will reach Khumjung in time for lunch, allowing you ample time to explore the village.
After breakfast, you will carefully trek uphill to the beautiful location of Mong La, providing breathtaking views of the mountains. Following that, the descent begins towards Phortse Thanga. The path down to Tenga is scenic, taking you through a rhododendron forest that blooms in spring. This area is home to various wildlife, including Himalayan Thar (mountain goat), deer, Himalayan Monal (pheasant), and other fauna. From Phortse Thanga, you gradually ascend until you reach Dole, where you will spend the night.
Today, you will trek to Machermo, which takes approximately 4.5 hours. From Dole, the trail ascends along the valley, and as you gain elevation, the small thorny bushes give way to juniper shrubs. The route passes through several small communities, offering views of the mountains Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku. This is a relatively short day, and you will arrive in Machermo in time for lunch in the town.
Today, you will embark on the journey towards the lakes of Gokyo via the scenic route to Pangka. From there, you will descend towards the rivers of meltwater flowing from the Ngozumpa Glacier. You will climb down a steep rocky slope into the valley beside the glacier and reach the first of the sacred lakes. Moving swiftly, you will approach another sacred lake and then join the trail to Lobuche. The third lake you will come across is called Dudh Pokhari, and on its shores lies the town of Gokyo, one of the most beautiful places of the trek.
Another truly beautiful day awaits. You will start early in the morning to experience the sunrise. You will follow the narrow trail to Gokyo Ri (a mountain peak). As you ascend, the peaks of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu gradually come into view. The journey to Gokyo Ri is well worth it, and the view of the Gokyo Valley, Ngozumpa Glacier, and the Khumbu region of the Himalayas is breathtaking. Afterward, you will trek to Thangnak, where you will spend the night.
This is yet another significant day. You will start early with a trek that begins before dawn, considering the weather, before commencing the day's trekking. The journey takes you up to the base of Cho La Pass, and the ascent is gradual along a gentle slope. From the foot of the pass, you will tackle the steepest part of the route on this trek to cross the Cho La Pass. It is a physically demanding day, and the journey is far from over at the summit. Afterward, you will proceed along the long rocky path to Dzongla, where you will spend the night. Just before Dzongla, you will have a good view of Cholaste, Ama Dablam, and Lobuche.
After the challenging stages of the previous days, this day, in turn, offers a shorter trek. You walk and observe the beautiful landscape of mountains and lakes. As you pass the yak grazing area at Lobuche, there is again a panoramic view, a mountain vista that never gets old. When you reach Lobuche, you rest for the remainder of the day.
A long and challenging trek awaits you today along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of nearly 5400 meters. It is the closest you can get to Mount Everest without climbing gear. There is likely to be a climbing team at the camp, preparing for an ascent to the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is breathtaking! After enjoying the scenery and the experience, you will return to Gorak Shep, where you will spend the night.
Before breakfast, you will climb to the top of Kala Patthar. The distance is not long, but you do it at a slow pace to counteract the altitude. It is challenging to reach the summit (5545m), but the view from the top surpasses all your wildest fantasies. Everywhere you look, there are vast glaciers, mountains, and the only thing disturbing the silence is the creaking of the glaciers. The mountains you can see from here include Pumori (7,145m), Lingtren (6,697m), and Khumbutse (6,623m). You can even see all the way to Tibet from here. After descending to Gorak Shep, you have breakfast before walking down to Lobuche, where you will spend the night.
Today's pace is leisurely. You will trek to Dingboche and continue to the Chhukung Valley along the Imja River. Here, another fantastic view of the massive mountains awaits you. It is especially spectacular to see the towering south face of Lhotse and the beautiful mountain Ama Dablam, situated on opposite sides of Island Peak. You will arrive in Chukung in time for lunch, and after lunch, the focus is on preparing climbing gear and taking in the surroundings.
The trail from Chukkung ascends very steeply to the south and then turns east, aligning with the valley. The path then winds its way until you reach the "Big Rock." From there, you traverse glaciers until you reach the southwest side of Island Peak. Here, you spend the rest of the day on climbing training in preparation for the ascent.
You will begin the ascent early in the morning, around 1-2 AM. From Base Camp, you will head towards High Camp, encountering rock steps leading to a mountain ridge. From here, there is a clear view of the summit. As the rocks pose a significant challenge, guides will secure you with ropes. With support and guidance from the Sherpas and the entire team, you will make your way up to the top of Island Peak. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to take in the fantastic views below, feeling as though you are standing on the edge of the world. After capturing some photos, both physically and mentally, and savoring the exhilaration of being at the peak, the descent begins. You will pass by Base Camp and trek all the way down to Chhukung.
If you had to spend an additional night in the tent camp at Base Camp yesterday due to the weather, there is another opportunity today to reach the summit.
If the journey went as planned yesterday, then this day will be used to continue the descent towards Lukla, thereby shortening some of the upcoming trekking days.
The trail gradually descends through juniper bushes and Mani stones to Pangboche. The monastery in Pangboche is the oldest in Khumbu and is certainly worth a visit. You descend into the valley, where the path becomes narrower, leading you through alpine meadows and eventually to Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu region.
TYou depart from Tengboche from the back of the monastery, continuing downhill until you reach Phunki Tenga. From there, the trail ascends through a forest, and upon exiting, you walk along a ridge with views down into deep ravines. You conclude the day's trek with a steep climb up to Namche Bazaar, passing through a narrow gorge, and finally a short ascent to the village of Monjo.
You trek back to Lukla along the same route you took when you started your trek. It may be the same path, but it never looks quite the same when you walk it in the opposite direction. Upon arrival in Lukla, you have time to relax and celebrate the completion of the long trek. It is also where you bid farewell to your skilled guides, porters, and assistants.
Arrive on a morning flight to Ramechhap. Remember to enjoy the majestic mountains from the air during the short journey. From Ramechhap, there is a transfer to Kathmandu where you can relax for the rest of the day.
Flight time: approx. 20-30 min.
Drive: approx. 4 hours.
(This is a backup day for unforeseen weather problems/cancellations with flights from Lukla.) If the trek has followed the plan, this day will be used for a guided tour of Kathmandu. During this tour, you will explore the local market Ason, the bead market Indrachowk, the oldest supermarket - New Road, and the hidden Stupa. After discovering these small gems in Kathmandu, you will head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, known for its unique historical, cultural, and religious traditions. There is also a special experience in store with a visit to the temple of the living goddess "Kumari."
The Durbar Square walk will be a perfect blend of culture, history, art, architecture, and traditional values prevalent in the Kathmandu Valley. After the tour, you will have free time to shop for the last souvenirs or simply enjoy the city's atmosphere. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Duration of guided tour: 4-5 hours
Today is the last day in Nepal. You are transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight home.
This is an international group tour with a local team of guides, porters, and drivers.
The price is based on a group of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 people.
Participants will share a double room with another participant on the tour.
The tour does not include the flight, which can be purchased only after securing a spot on the tour.
Please note that day 1 in the itinerary is the day you should arrive in Kathmandu, which typically means the flight departs from overseas one day earlier.
Dates:
This tour is scheduled as an international group tour with English as the common language in 2024, offering two possible start dates:
It is also possible to request an offer for the tour for a private group of a minimum of 2 people on any chosen start date. The spring tour can start from March to early May, while the autumn tour can start on any day in October.
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The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
The flights to/from Kathmandu are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: This is a group tour which requires a minimum number of participants. We urge you to wait with booking your flight until you have recieved the final confirmation from us. We will confirm two months before depature at the latest.
And when booking fligts remember to check you distance to Kathmandu. You need to arrive Kathmandu on day 1 in the program, that might mean that you need to depart the day before from you country of residence.
Airport transfers
When you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu, you will be picked up and brought to the first hotel. It does not matter what time of day you arrive.
It works like this:
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If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
In Kathmandu you will stay in a tourist class hotel in Thamel. On the trek you stay in teahouses which are guesthouses operated and owned by local families. The quality of the teahouses vary, and we try to book the best possible, but be prepared for primitive conditions. The teahouses often have a common room, which is heated with a stove. You will mostly stay in double rooms and occasionally in multiple-bed rooms with 4-6 beds in each room. The rooms are not heated. You will need a good sleeping bag with a comfort temperature down to -15 degrees Celcius.
At some teahouses it is possible to buy a bath, but be sure to ask whether the water is heated by solar energy, so that we can help to protect the vulnerable forest growth.
On summit days, we will be camping overnight since there are no teahouses at such high altitudes. There are typically two persons per tent.
In Kathmandu, breakfast is included, but you will need to purchase other meals on your own. During the trek, you will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, you will have hot drinks three times a day. It is customary to eat at the teahouse where you are staying. Lunch is taken along the trek when convenient. The teahouses serve substantial meals, and the menus are generally similar at all teahouses. You can buy bottled water, as well as hot tea, coffee, cocoa, beer, and soft drinks at all teahouses.
On summit days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included and prepared under primitive conditions at our tented camp.
In the hotels in Kathmandu you will find a bathroom with clean toilet facilities and hot shower. You should not expect particularly good toilet facilities during the trek.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will get a big duffle bag for your luggage during the trek.
A typical trekking day begins with a wake-up call between 6:00 - 6:30 am. After getting dressed and having breakfast, you pack your bags in the equipment bags and start walking around 8:00 am. It's important to go at your own pace and take the breaks you need. In the middle of the day, you take a good, long lunch break before continuing the afternoon trek. You arrive at the accommodation in the late afternoon, and after being assigned your rooms, there is plenty of time to relax, explore the village, talk to the locals or your fellow travelers, or read a good book. Dinner is served between 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Most people choose to go to bed early.
On summit days, you start exceptionally early (around 1-2 am) and have a long day of trekking ahead of you.
This trek until Island Peak Base Camp tour has difficulty grade 5.
The climb to the summit of Island Peak is difficulty grade 6.
Grade 5
Longer treks of several weeks, involving sleeping in tents and with daily walks of 6-8 hour in demanding terrain. There can be longer climbs over high passes in altitude around 5.000 meter/17.000 feet. Requires good fitness and endurance ability. Previous trekking experience is recommendable. Requires good hiking boots and regular "outdoor" clothing. There will be major fluctuations in temperatures.
Grade 6
Demanding trekking in difficult terrain. These treks or expeditions often involves crossing glaciers or climbing a peak. You have to be in great shape, and previous experience in demanding mountain terrain is recommendable. These expeditions will take you to high altitude and there can be passages that require the use of ropes and crampons. These treks and climbs challenge your physical limits and the experience of the expeditions can be depending on weather. These demanding treks or expeditions often require equipment like harness, climbing boots and crampons.
Read more about our Grading System
The local currency is the rupee (NPR). In Kathmandu, there are many ATMs where you can withdraw money, and exchange offices where you can exchange cash in dollars and euros. We recommend that you withdraw/exchange a suitable amount for the trekking trip before leaving Kathmandu. However, it is also possible to withdraw in Namche Bazaar. Most teahouses do not accept currencies other than the rupee. Check online for current exchange rates.
It is customary to give tips in Nepal. In restaurants, it is common to round up the bill by about 10%. There is also a tradition of giving tips to guides and porters, and you should budget approximately 140-170 US dollars in tips per person. A good rule of thumb is for every 10 USD the guide receives, the porters receive 6 USD.
When booking the trek, you will receive our practical information and packing list for the trek.
We have listed the personal climbing equipment you will need for the ascent. It is possible to rent all items listed here, and this rental is included in the price of the trip. If you have some of the equipment yourself, please bring it along. It is safe to use your own gear. When borrowing climbing boots/mountaineering boots (plastic), it is important to understand that we cannot guarantee all sizes but will find the best possible boots for you. If there is one thing from the list you want to buy yourself, it should be this. The equipment will be reviewed with the local guide upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Visa for Nepal can be arranged in advance at the nearest Nepalese embassy or issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport. Please check the roules of entry for your specific nationality before booking the tour.
Remember to bring 4 passport photos for the visa and trekking permits.
We refer you to check with your local doctors office about any recommed vaccinations.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accidents, repatriation, lost vacation, baggage, and liability. As a customer, you are personally responsible for obtaining necessary travel insurance covering these costs.
The best season for trekking in the Everest region are spring and autumn. March, April, May, October, November and December are great for trekking. It is usually clear weather and bright sunshine in the morning. During the afternoon the evaporation of snow in the mountains forms some clouds, but it usually clear up at sunset. It is also possible to trek in the winter months of January and February, but it can be very cold I high altitude. The summer season from June to the end of September is characterized by the Indian monsoon with a lot rain.
Traveling to Nepal always involves an adventurous spirit, and you should be prepared for changes along the way. Bering Travel and our excellent partners always strive to execute the trips according to the itinerary, but there may be local conditions and situations where adjustments are necessary. This could be due to political or natural conditions prompting the guide to modify the program. It might also be influenced by participants' physical fitness, unfavorable climbing weather, or delayed flights, leading to program alterations. An extra day is included for summit attempts to provide the best chances for success. The decision on whether it is safe to proceed with a summit attempt will always be made by the head guide. We and our partners always do our best to fulfill the promised program, but we cannot control the weather, so if there are changes along the way, consider it part of the adventure.
We are members of the Travel Guarantee Fund (nr. 2529) and have all available insurances. This covers you regardless of your nationality. Read more about that here.
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