Island Peak Climbing via EBC – 20 Days

The journey to the foot of Mount Everest starts with an exciting airplane ride from Kathmandu to Lukla, after which a beautiful hike to the village of Phakding follows. This day saw the official beginning of the hike and will be the first actual presentation of the Khumbu region's beautiful sceneries and Sherpa culture. The flight to Lukla is classified as the number one most beautiful and also dangerous flight in the world. It flies you above green hills, deep valleys, and the eternal Himalayan pinnacles.The plane models typically used for the route are small Twin Otter or Dornier, which are built for short takeoffs and landings. The best time to fly in the morning is when the weather is still unpredictable to make everything more visible and for smoother takeoff and landing.Lukla's airport is perched on a 527m(1,729ft) runaway which is as short as any other runway in the world.Landing certainly is a thrilling experience as a result of an uphill gradient of 11.7%.After their arrival, trekkers leave the airport to witness one of the liveliest towns of Lukla, offering various teahouses, trekking shops, and a taste of Sherpa life. After reaching the Lukla, we will take a break for a while and headout towards the Phakding. The walk gets underway with an easy downhill trail from Lukla, on which hikers walk on narrow stone-paved paths.You will learn to appreciate the rich culture of the Sherpa when you walk through small villages and past mani walls (stone inscriptions with Buddhist prayers) and vibrant chortens (stupas).Your first couple of suspension bridges will be crossed along the Dudh Koshi River.With clear skies, you might be able to spot Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6,367m), a technically challenging peak.The trail goes on along the banks of the river. On the way, you will pass by cute teahouses and farmland.After arriving at Phakding, trekkers go into teahouses for a temporary break and rest. The Phakding offers you Rooms which are basic and plain, however you will have a comfortable stay with twin beds and a shared bathroom.The main menu consists of Nepalese dish Dal Bhat, soups, noodles, momos, and some Western food items as well. The transportation day is the foremost day out of all the activities you can do in your trek where initially it is a bit of a calm day that assists the trekkers to set their minds and bodies for the long trip as they get an opportunity to have a look at the wonderful mountains of the Himalayas. In the coming hours, the hike moves forward to Namche Bazaar, the place where the trekkers are now, which is the place from where they set out to ascend Mount Everest.

The name of the slidy place Phakding to Namche Bazaar is the one of the challenging places to be covered in the Everest Base Camp trail and it will definitely be fun when hiking during this day, you would cross marvelous rivers, pine forest full of life and also the very first major ascent into the heart of the Khumbu region. The largest Sherpa town in Namche Bazaar also hosts the most important stop for getting used to the high altitudes and a very busy marketplace with lively people and the longest and the largest. The trail runs along the Dudh Koshi River, and you walk across it several times over suspension bridges decked with Buddhist prayer flags.You will find the little surrounding towns of Toktok (2,760m) or Benkar (2,700m)with waterfall and cliffs, as you move on.Magnificent background of Thamserku (6,623m) is in front of you as you go to Monjo.Going through the national park entry, the hiking path is quite undulating.Jorsalle is the last village called Namche Bazaar and it's a perfect spot for a short stop.It is after the pass to the Dudh Koshi River that the trail starts by going up for a long time.The trek carries on beside the river and provides an opportunity to cross more suspension bridges.The best of all is the Hillary Suspension Bridge, which is the highest and farthest away of all, 125 meters above the river.When you've crossed the bridge, the trail will start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar.The hardest time of the day, which is an uphill climb without stopping, proves to be quite a challenge.The trial is designed with twisting stones steps and switchbacks that are meant to guide you all the way through a thick pine forest.From a certain point (about 3,200m), you will soon see Mt. Everest (8,848m) for the first time (weather permitting).You eventually come to Namche Bazaar, a place full of life and a trading center for Sherpas.

An Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), before moving further up to the Everest Base Camp is particularly important and mandatory for your body to adjust to altitude and make it ready for continually going up. Namche is recognized as the “Gateway to Everest” and is the last major market on the trail.Namche Bazaar is a perfect place to acclimatize so we do not have an increased chance of altitude sickness. Our way out of the city would lead us to the best places where we would hike up and then down for a good sleep. Furthermore, the colorful community gives opportunities for experiencing local culture, enjoying commercial modernity, and seeing how locals live. There are many places to sleep and eat in Namche, from the most simple to luxurious and from the cheapest to the most expensive options.It has got a very busy and popular market where you all can buy the required trekking gear, souvenirs, and local handicrafts.Walk the area and experience the Sherpa Museum and Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center to be well-informed about Sherpa culture and mountaineering history.A short but steep multitude of steps that lasted for about a week is defined as acclimation.Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) with stunning panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and other peaks. Unplug and withdraw to your room to take rest, erase, have a glass of warm drink, and enter into a realm of bliss.Namche is a juncture that climbers and the local people visit which provides perfect conditions to share thrilling stories and get new friends. Some lodges are scheduled to present documentaries on Everest’s past and the mountaineers who dared to climb up the highest peak.

The exciting trek from the serene Namche Bazaar (3,440m) to the enchanting Tengboche (3,860m) is one of the most scenic and spiritually significant portions of the Everest Base Camp trail. It brings to light the stunning mountain scenes, strong Sherpa culture, and the option to travel to the Tengboche Monastery, which is the most significant Buddhist temple in the district. Initially, the route is not so steep that you can walk to Namche Bazaar, after which it climbs gradually up and branches off to open ridges where you can see panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam.On the way you will go through the Tenzing Norgay Memorial Stupa, which is a beautiful tradition to the first climber of the Everest.The trail is broad enough and also properly marked, which meanders through the pine trees and rhododendrons' natural beauty.Kyangjuma is a small and comfortable place with tearooms and a great view of Ama Dablam.Below you will descend in the scattered woods through pine, rhododendron, and juniper. You are going to walk through the Steel bridge above the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga, that small village with tea houses where most trekkers have lunch. At this part, the elevation is at its lowest point before the steep climb up to Tengboche.The trail begins a 600m hard ascent, which takes a serpentine way through thick forest.The higher you get, the throws of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku are more grand.The final part of the trail to Tengboche is a vast meadow followed by a walk to Tengboche Monastery. The largest Buddhist monastery in the Everest region is quite an attraction thanks to the daily prayer ceremonies that are held there and the view of the peak of Ama Dablam. It is worth planning a visit to the Tengboche Monastery to take part in its daily ceremonies on the peak of Ama Dablam with the daily prayer ceremonies and the incredible backdrop of Ama Dablam.

The hike from Tengboche (3,860m) to Dingboche (4,410m) brings you deeper into the Everest region, you get to see mind-blowing mountain landscapes, various types of landscapes, and lush forests to stiff rocky ground. With the increase in altitude, the atmosphere becomes less dense and the plants change, marking a huge achievement in the acclimatization of the process.the highest point in the climbing route, at 4,410mClimate: There is more wind and lower temperatures, and thus it is colder at this height than at others of Kala Patthar. Supervised places that have warm in-door restaurants and simple beds. A wide range including, but not limited. The track goes on through a great wilderness of rhododendron to Alham Dubjam in the southeast.Deboche also has a low density of houses nesting buildings in the woods and relaxation environment.After Deboche, you cross a wooden bridge over the Imja Khola River, followed by a gentle ascent course.The way passes through mani walls (stone walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers) and the brink of the pond.Pangboche is the highest permanent Sherpa village, the village, of course, is home to the oldest monastery in the region, which is believed to have a Yeti scalp. The village is about (4000m) above the sea level.The track gently moves up and the landscape becomes drier and more barren, with fewer trees.Somare is a small resting spot with a few teahouses, ideal for a lunch break before continuing the ascent.The path indeed separates from the main line of the Mount Everest Base Camp route, leaving for Dingboche.First, you go across a little wooden bridge over the Lobuche River, and then you start the climb.Getting closer to Dingboche. Overall, the terrain is barren rough and is alpine forested, for yaks biting on the open meadows. The next day is usually a climatization day in Dingboche when trekkers walk up the trail to Nangkartshang Peak (5083m) (height) for better adjustment before going on to Lobuche (4,910m).

Stopping at Dingboche (4,410m) on our way to Lobuche (4,910m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is a crucial part of the acclimatizing process to persevere in the areas with thinner air. In the mountains, where oxygen content is much lower than at sea level, the body needs time to adapt; therefore, an acclimatization hike and rest are recommended, so the altitude sickness can be avoided as well as the obstacle of enjoying the beautiful scenery. At the height of 4,410m the oxygen level is only 60% of that at the sea level, so the acclimatization is very important.It helps the body get used to lower levels of oxygen thus the probability of getting Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) reduces.On bricks or complete rest a "climb high, sleep low" technique may be implemented, implying that hikers walk to higher elevations during the day and the returning to Dingboche at night. Dingboche is a picturesque location that is isolated from the civilized part of the world and is surrounded by boulders that separate from the beautiful stunning green hills which appear on one side and valleys on the other. One thing I often wonder about is the following. On the one hand we encourage people to become more self-aware through self-reflective practice. It is a pity that so much of our self-knowledge comes only through mistakes and failures. Somebody needs to tell us what they see from an outside perspective. During the interview, I received feedback about the skills that I did not realize I possessed along with those that I thought had to be worked out. An employee can be upset by a lack of synchronization regime. Just an awe-inspiring moment you can witness the entire Khumbu Valley, experiencing being close to Nangkartshang.Peak Assist in the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness.

The hike from Dingboche (4,410m) to Lobuche (4,910m) goes higher into the altitude-bounded trails of the Everest region, giving trekkers an entirely distinct sensation. This part of the trek is distinguished by stunning glacial valleys, imposing mountain sceneries, and a rising altitude, thus, making it a hard day this way. The path cunningly rises from Dingboche, going beside yak pastures and stone-walled fields.You are on the Khumbu Glacier valley trail now, enjoying the amazing views of Taboche (6,495m) and Cholatse (6,440m).The further path is less populated as it goes through Dughla (Thukla, 4,620m).The tea houses, there are the only places where you can take a rest and have your lunch. It is a very small settlement and is situated at an altitude of 4,620 meters. The Dughla (Thukla, 4,620m) trail is almost completely devoid of vegetation. A steep climb would be a start point for Thukla Pass where one can welcome the cool air over the tree line.Services provided by this group are exerting, especially because of the low oxygen and gravel road.At the peak, travelers see the Everest Memorial, which is a set of stone chortens built to honor the climbers who were killed while climbing up Everest.There are also memories of Scott Fischer, Rob Hall (from the 1996 Everest disaster).

This is one of the most exciting and rewarding days of the trek, as you finally reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), the iconic destination at the foot of the world's highest mountain, The journey takes you through the glacial moraines, rocky terrain, and high-altitude landscapes, each of which provides you with impressive views of the world's highest mountains. A footpath runs the Khumbu Glacier during which you will have to grow across the steep terrain with rocks and boulders scattered here and there.The first bit of the section provides gentle inclines with some ascents on the steep slopes preferred by some of the travelers because of the breathless air and altitude consequently.Coming closer closer to Gorak Shep, a vast sandy strip, that used to be an ancient lakebed, appears from the hillside.Gorak Shep which stands before Base Camp is the remaining settlement at this spot and there are lay-over points.The trail to Everest Base Camp is a difficult yet extremely pleasant walk along the Khumbu Glacier.On your way, you come across icefalls, crevasses, and rock-covered glacial formations.The height of the trek can be intensely hard and fatiguing but the scenic beaty of Nuptse (7,861m), Pumori (7,161m), and Khumbu Icefall keeps you going. After acclimatizing at EBC, trekkers return to Gorak Shep along an identical path.Actually, the given path down the trail is quite easy, however, the altitude of the area compares just as tough as if it were a hill.The journey ends at Gorak Shep, where hikers an hour of sleep, rehydration, and readiness for an abrupt daybreak hike to Kala Patthar the second day.

This day is a physically demanding one yet is very satisfying since it starts with an early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m)—the most magnificent spot to see Mount Everest—and then, it goes down to the Chhukung Valley (4,730m). Along the way, the path changes from the Everest Base Camp route to the Island Peak climbing trail with the help of marvelous nature, different sceneries, and less altitude for easier adjustment. Before the sun comes up, an early start is the beginning of the journey, and we use our headlights to get through the tough and cliffs path.The air up here is so thin and very cold, and hence it is a tiring and slow climb.The very first sunshine lights up the mountains such as Mount Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Nuptse (7,861m) as you go up and up.The highest point of Kala Patthar (5,545m) gives an unparalleled, 360° view of Everest, to start with, so, not to mention that, Base Camp was devoid of such privilege.After the Lobuche and Thukla Pass descent, you will be greeted by the Everest Memorial.When you descend, it will be easier to breathe and the scenery will change from rocky moraines to meadows.The route the trail follows is different from the one to the eastThis part of the track is deserted and offers some splendid panoramic views of Ama Dablam (6,812m), Island Peak (6,189m), and Lhotse (8,516m)Chhukung is a tiny and remote municipality and this place is also the starting point on your trek to Island Peak,the later being a part of Kongma La Passand as you are climbing up the headwall to get to the first lake which is 402 meters high.Kongma La Pass is 5,535 meters above sea level. Convenient tea houses arranged for adventurers and alpinists. It's freezing, and breezy, with beautiful views of the sun rising across the valley.utilized the day well.

The last leg from Chhukung (4,730m) to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m) is a short yet challenging trek that introduces trekkers to the high-altitude wilderness of the Imja Valley. This part is a bridge between trekking to mountaineering as Island Peak (6,189m) is one of the preferred climbing peaks in Nepal. The trail provides lots of glacier views, the eye-catching mountain peaks alongside an off-the-beaten track setting while heading to the top. The path passes through a less crowded valley as the height is slowly gained while viewing the iconic peaks of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak.The area is desolate with large rocks everywhere and the streams that flow down from the Imja Glacier are glacial.As you rise, the air is getting very thin even though you are going slow but steady.The arduous trek ends with hiking the moraines of glaciers where you have to move with extreme care.Strawberry Adventures welcomes hikers on thrilling routes that feature a comfortable progression uphill and imparts a nice vacation in solitary camp down at 5,200m.Experience enchanting Island Peak Base Camp nestled in a mesmerizing amphitheater of mountains. There are no teahouses for climbers so they stay in tents put up by expedition teams. The climbers will first practice with climbing gear (crampons, ropes, harnesses) before summiting. After arriving at Island Peak Base Camp, climbers should relax, drink water, and arrange their gear overnight and reach the early morning summit push.

Island Peak (Imja Tse) is a sought-after peak for trekking in the Everest area, located at an altitude of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet). It is an excellent choice for climbers looking for an introduction to Himalayan mountaineering, offering a thrilling but achievable ascent with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. The push to the peak starts early, which usually is in between 2:00 and 3:00 AM as favorable climatic conditions persist.The first climb is a steep trek across the crags and scree which lead to the glacier.Climbers will have to tie (belay) each other up and wear crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes to maneuver the crevasses and ice walls.The final part, before the summit, is a 40-50° steep snow slope and protection by a fixed rope and jumar to make it a safe passage.After having ascended to the summit, climbers are indulged by unlimited 360-degree views of Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), Baruntse (7,129m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m). The downward spiral is exactly the same all the way through, through the glacier and rocks areas, paying close attention to each step.High Camp is followed by a short break and then the climbers continue descent down to Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m).In fact, the whole trip down should not take more than 4-6 hours, taking into account the weather and the participant's strength.

After conquering Island Peak, the journey then descends to Pangboche, a picturesque Sherpa village famous for the age-old monastery and the breathtaking perspectives of Ama Dablam (6,812m).The trek starts by slowly descending through the rocky moraines and the glacial ground.Later, The path meets up with the main Everest Base Camp trekking route around Chhukung after about 2-3 hours.Apart from climbing, Chhukung can be a great place for resting, where you can find lodges and teahouses offering warm meals and refresh. A mid-grade trek meandering through yak pastures and alpine meadows providing pretty scenic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak soaring above you.Almost one and a half to two hours later, you enter Dingboche which is a well-recognized spot for acclimatization for Everest climbers.It is a home to a peaceful village positioned between steep mountain walls and cultivated areas with neatly-planted trees. The trip goes down and then the dusty road takes you to the small mountain villages inhabited with the teahouses like Pangboche, Orsho and Somare.The way is getting smoother with the lessening of the elevation and on the way to the more verdant landscape, which enters your vision.1.5-2 hours later, another option is coming after the break to go there by walking which is to Pangboche.

The slope of the way to the destination is a Beautiful passage, which through forests, river valleys, and Sherpa villages, is a part of the previously mentioned Everest Base Camp (EBC) trail. There are many things to see along the way, including pictures of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and also the small summit of Mount Everest, as well as find monasteries and gates which are characteristic of the Sherpas. At first, you will be going downhill through rhododendron and juniper woods with stunning mountain views.Then, after walking for about an hour, we'll reach Deboche (3,820m), where we can find a couple of tea houses.Then there is a brief climb to Tengboche, which is also known as the Tengboche Monastery, which is one of the significant monasteries of the Khumbu region.A very fast process going down and one can really experience this journey through Phunki Tenga which is along the Dudh Kosi River.This is a lovely spot to take a short break as near the river there are some tea houses.The few hours trip to Sanasa (3,600m) is through the forests and goes up, through the forest leading to Sanasa (3,600m), a crossroad where the Gokyo and EBC pathways are divided.The path thereafter descends quietly below the pastureland to Kyangjuma, a charming place offering superb view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega mountains.A slow decline on a kept up trail brings you back to Namche Bazaar.You may see the lively village re-establishing life, with stores, bakeries, and restaurants greeting trekkers as they climber higher.The Party's On, And then the first shower and the nice warm food that we get to have after the mountain trip is finally over.

The journey's last phase to Lukla follows the renowned Everest Base Camp (EBC) route, by passing through villages the voyager had already known, crossing the woods and crossing the suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River. Even so, the descent is usually seen to be the less difficult part of a trip that is still quite physically demanding, so it contains some steep uphill parts and one day is not enough time to cover a great distance. The journey starts with the downhill trek from Namche Hill, the place where you can see the spectacular dawn over Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.Then, it goes along the winding path towards the Hillary Suspension Bridge which crosses over the Dudh Kosi River.After the bridge is crossed, the road moves through a more forested area where rhododendron and pine trees grow, leading to the first village of Jorsalle, and then Monjo.The gradual decrease of the Dudh Kosi River which flows through small Sherpa villages such as Benkar and Toktok is the best part of the trek.After an approximately 1.5-hour walk, you get to the town of Phakding, which is familiar to you since the start of the trek.The section ends with a combination of some gradual uphill and downhill sections, traversing Ghat and Chheplung villages.In the last 45 minutes to 1 hour one has got to do a moderate uphill climb to get to Lukla.Lukla Airport,This moment signals the close of the excursion. Almost all the walkers treat themselves to a shower, a fine meal, and a few drinks at a nearby teahouse.

Most of the time, the trip from Lukla to Kathmandu precedes the sun and goes between 6:00 am and 11:00 am and is planned to exploit the clear skies and the stable weather.Travelers ought to reach Lukla Airport at least one hour earlier than their departure time so that they can check in. Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is famed as one of the most pulse-pounding airports in the world thanks to its short, steep runway (527m long) and its lofty perching at a high altitude.The runway goes downhill setting off planes to gather speed for takeoff over the Dudh Koshi river.Lukla Airport in Nepal is one of the world's best airports in the world. It is a short one with a sloped runway of 527 meters, it is the highest airport in the world.The runway is constructed in such a way that it goes down from the center of the airport allowing the planes to gather more accelerated speed for taking off from the deep Dudh Kosi Valley.The half-hour getaway is a fabulous time to view from above the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, virgin forests, rivers, and small rectangular plots of land. The plane will arrive at the domestic terminal of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu.Due to unpredictable weather in Lukla, flight delays and cancellations are common, so it’s recommended to schedule extra buffer days in Kathmandu before international departure.

After your trek, an extra day in Kathmandu can offer you an opportunity to be calm, explore, and prepare yourself for your trip back home which will be very helpful for you as the intermediate flights in the middle of your journey from Lukla might be delayed due to weather conditions. You can roam around and do some shopping and buy souvenirs like accessories, pashmina shawls, Tibetan singing bowls, and trekking gear. Traditional Open markets for different kinds of spices, brassware, and regional items. Enjoy your stay as much as you can.

Your stay in Nepal on the brink as you get ready for your worldwide exit from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Be aware of the chance of flights changing their departure time, so it is paramount to ensure you confirm your flight departure time with the airline.Check that you have the passport, visa, boarding pass, and (if required) COVID-related documents.The shopping places here in Kathmandu may be quite impressive, thus try to keep the weight of your baggage on the check-in scale in the allowed limit. Last-minute shopping – Ideally, do something enjoyable like a nice meal or grab mementos in the airport terminal garage if you have lots of time.