Island Peak Aggressive Climb - 15 Days - 15 Days

At 6189m, Island Peak is one of the smaller but challenging trekking peaks that lie in the Everest region in Nepal. The reward for all this exertion is an unparalleled view of Ama Dablam and the south face of Lhotse. The peak sits at the end of Chhukung Valley, accessible from Dingboche taking a short route without proper acclimatization days. So the Island Peak Aggressive Climb itinerary is designed for those who have good physical fitness with prior mountaineering experience but have a limited time frame. You will be given a practical rock climbing course in Kathmandu before taking an exciting mountain flight to Lukla and trek up the Dudh Kosi Valley through series of Sherpa villages from Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche to reach finally Chhukung which we use as our base for making a challenge to the peak. After a day of walking from Chhukung along the Lhotse Glacier, passing the bloated waters of Imja Tsho, we reach the Base Camp to prepare for the challenge. It may take an additional day or two to scale the peak depending on weather conditions. We endeavor the summit (6189m/20306ft) after one night at the High Camp perched on the South West Ridge where magnificent vistas of the Khumbu can be seen from the top.

Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative who will help you check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city and we will have a welcome dinner in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Dinner

Rock climbing course or sightseeing
An expedition trip to Nepal involves more preparation than average trips abroad. We take care that you are not ill-equipped, exhausted, and unable to cope with climbing all the way. So, today we’ll take you to Balaju, a nearby natural rock climbing spot where you will be given a climbing course to provide you opportunities to practice and learn to use rope, harness, ice ax, crampons, etc.
Or you can opt for sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley if you feel you don’t need the course. Overnight at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast

Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2610m)
Early morning flight from Kathmandu International Airport to Lukla Airport and trek to Phakding. Descending above farmlands we pass through Sherpa villages Chheplung, Ghat, and Sano and Thulo Gumela and shrines and monasteries of Drangdrak Gompa and Pema Choling Gompa with breathtaking views of sacred mountain Kumbila and sister summits Kusum Kanguru peaks. Overnight at guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek to NAMCHE (3420m/11221ft)
Heading for the Namche Bazar, we cross through the hamlet of Zamphute and Tok Tok to see dazzling Thamserku glistening in the sun. Passing through the scenic Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, we reach Utche Choling Gompa on a bluff abutting the Dudhkoshi river and further we make our way between the bluff to the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Crossing through the last village of Jorsale, a steep stepped path leads us to an amazing high bridge over the Dudhkoshi River gorge. Beginning the final steps uphill slowly we reach the heights of Namche from where we can have a first look at Mount Everest, peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, and finally, after about 1.5km we reach Namche Bazar. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Trek to Tengboche (3870m)
From Namche, we take the easy level trail that cuts around the ridge from Chhorkung to reach the end of a bluff which is a viewpoint over a grand panorama of peaks, from Thamserku to Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest. From here we reach Kyangjuma (3550m) and a short walk from there takes us to an important trail junction at Sanasa (3600m) from where we take the trail to Tengboche that runs gently downhill towards the river. This trail drops gradually to Lawichasa and on our descending way, the thumb-like peak of Ama Dablam soars into view above the trail. From Lawichasa a narrow trail branches north to reach Tashinga (3380m) and now the trail drops down on steep stone steps to Phunki Thenga (3250m) and then to a bridge. From the bridge, the trail climbs past some water-powered prayer wheels and begins a sustained climb through a forest of tall, mature rhododendrons. We might see musk deer and Himalayan tahr among the trees to eventually follow the path that reaches a Kani and a pair of chortens marking the start of Tengboche village which is scattered across a wide, grassy saddle below a crescent-shaped ridge covered by scrub pines and rhododendrons. The focal point of Tengboche is the famous Tengboche monastery. Overnight at guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Trek to Dingboche (4360m)
From Tengboche we follow the trail through a forest of conifers and rhododendrons, keeping an eye out for monal pheasants and musk deer. Reaching Debuche village we visit Debuche Gompa and a small Buddhist nunnery on the east hillside. The trail continues through dense forest to reach Milinggo and then drops steeply to a suspension bridge over Imja Khola. We cross the bridge and climb the hillside opposite to a white stupa with Buddhist eyes and after a hundred yards we see a stupa that crowns an exposed bluff, mirroring the soaring tower of Ama Dablam at the end of the valley. East of the stupa is a footprint of Khumbu’s patron Saint Lama Sange Dorje. We soon reach Pangboche village that has the oldest monastery in Khumbu, Pangobche Gompa founded by Lama Sange Dorje. Following the Imja Khola the trial climbs towards the village of Shomare and crossing the treeline beyond this village we are walking up rolling arid stretch, an alpine terrain with patches of scrub and isolated pastures and fields and the yak grazing. Crossing through the yak pasture and herdsmen’s stone huts at Orsho and Tsuro Wog, we turn right where the trail descends to a point near the confluence of Imja Khola and Khumbu Khola. Finally climbing a low ridge we reach the sprawling settlement of Dingboche. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Trek to Chhukung (4730m)
Today we follow an epic trail along the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a small summer settlement nestling among ridges of the moraine. Mountains and glaciers surround Chhukung from all sides. It is here where we do any final preparations for the challenge. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Climb to Island Peak Base Camp (4970m)
The path from Chhukung is fairly steep, climbing south then turning east to the mainline of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Continue a short pleasant walk along a stream that leads to what we call Big-rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak. Stay overnight in Island Peak Base Camp in a tented camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner.

Climb to Island Peak High Camp (5600m)
The path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel. Stay overnight in Island Peak High Camp in a tented camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Climb to Summit Base Camp (6189m) back to Chhukung
We start the climb to rocky gully early in the morning. It is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. It leads without difficulty to a 100m snow and ice slope on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. After enjoying the summit views we descend all the way to Chhukung for the night stay. Overnight at guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek to Tengboche (3870m)
The trail makes a gradual descent through scrub junipers and around mani stones as it follows the hillside. The trail passes many mani walls in deep rhododendron forests where crossing after the Imja Khola, the trail climbs many carved mani stones to Pangboche. Pangboche Gompa is the oldest in Khumbu; a visit will be well worth it. Walk down to the valley from where the trail is shallower through alpine meadows. This followed by a climb gradually up to Tengboche where the biggest monastery lies in the whole of Khumbu. Overnight at guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek back to Namche Bazar
From Tengboche, we move towards Phunki Tenga and now descend to Sanasa and Kyangjuma and then finally to Namche Bazar. Overnight at guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek back to Lukla
Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla retracing the way we came up. Overnight at guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Fly back to Kathmandu
We fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu and check-in to a hotel. This is a leisure day that can be used for buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family or exploring the city. In the evening, you will be invited to join a farewell dinner where we can review our great photos and share experiences of the trip. Overnight at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Fly back to home or extend your holidays
If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drives in national parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India or Bhutan tours, etc. Otherwise, farewell!
Meals: Breakfast

Cost Include

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Teahouse accommodation during the trek
Tented accommodation during the climb
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek and climb
Welcome and farewell dinners
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
English speaking, trained, and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader), and assistant guides
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation
Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion)
Alpine Club of Himalaya’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map are yours to take
All necessary paperwork; trekking permits and Island Peak climbing permit
Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
Group mountaineering (climbing) equipment
Medical kit (carried by your guide)
All government and local taxes

Cost Exclude

Nepalese visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Personal climbing equipment
Personal climbing guide if requested
Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
Tips for guides and porters
Services not listed in the ‘What Is Included’ section