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18-Day Island Peak Climb & Everest Base Camp

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Overview

This 18-day itinerary will have you seeing an authentic side of Nepal and hiking amongst its most spectacular nature!

Island Peak is one of the most popular climbing peaks in the Himalayas and was named because from the town of Dingboche it resembles an island in the sea.

Climbing Island Peak is a popular choice because of the breathtaking view of the Himalayas seen from its summit and is recognised as the best trip in Nepal among beginner mountaineers. Trekking to Kalapatthar and Everest Base Camp is the best way to acclimatise, both of which are included in this trip.
Hiking & Trekking
Culture & Arts
Adventure
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Kathmandu

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Arrive at Kathmandu

You will arrive at Kathmandu airport where you will be transferred by private car to your hotel for check in. Attend a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in the afternoon and then you are free to explore the city for the rest of the day. There is a variety of interesting markets and museums to visit in Thamel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Moonlight Kathmandu3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time In Thamel, Kathmandu

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tribhuvan International Airport to Hotel Moonlight

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kathmandu

  • notes icon
    Notes

    You will have a pre-trip meeting at your hotel where your guide will provide any necessary information regarding the trip. Feel free to ask questions regarding the trip if you have any.

Day 2

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

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Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

Today you will check out of the hotel and will be transferred to the domestic airport to catch a flight to Lukla. Begin your first 3-hour trek to Phakding where you will enjoy a delicious local Nepali lunch. Check in to your tea house in the afternoon and you will have some free time to explore the village before dinner in the evening. Have an early night to prepare for an adventurous trek in the morning.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Phakding Tea House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lukla to Phakding

    Free Time in Phakding

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Moonlight to Tribhuvan International Airport

    Plane from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA)

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kathmandu

    Phakding

    Khumjung

Day 3

Phakding to Namche Bazar

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Phakding to Namche Bazar

Today you will have your breakfast at 7 am and check out of the tea house after. Enjoy a 6-hour trek to Namche Bazaar. Stop at Jorshalle for lunch, where you will enjoy a local Nepali meal before continuing your trek. You will have a magnificent view of Mt. Everest from Top Danda. In the afternoon check in to your tea house where you can rest or explore Namche Bazaar before dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Namche Bazaar Teahouse

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Phakding to Namche Bazaar, Khumjung

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Khumjung

    Namche

Day 4

Acclimatisation Hike to Syangboche

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Acclimatisation Hike to Syangboche

Today is an acclimatisation day, and you will be hiking to the Everest viewpoint at Syangboche (3,880 metres) after breakfast. You will experience the panoramic views of the Everest Himalayan range including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Tawche, Thamserku and more. After, head back to Namche Bazaar to have lunch at the same tea house. You may take a rest or explore around Namche Bazaar in the afternoon.

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    Accommodation

    Namche Bazaar Teahouse

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Acclimatisation Hike Syangboche

    Free Time in Namche Bazaar

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Namche

    Khumjung

    Sagarmatha

Day 5

Namche Bazar to Tengboche

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Namche Bazar to Tengboche

Enjoy breakfast at 7 am and check out of the tea house for hiking today. You will embark on a 6-hour trek to Tengboche where you can see the Buddhist monastery and the daily puja ceremony held here. You will have lunch in Phunki Tenga before continuing upward to Tengboche. Check in to a tea house and explore the village before dinner. Go to bed early tonight to prepare for your challenging trek in the morning.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tengboche Accommodation-Tea house

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Namche Bazaar to Tengboche at 3867 Metres

    Tengboche Monastery

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Namche

    Khumjung

Day 6

Tengboche to Dingboche

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Tengboche to Dingboche

Wake up early in the morning, check out of your house after breakfast and begin your trek today. The start of the trek will lead you downhill with a gradual ascent after crossing a bridge. Arrive at Pangboche where you will stop for a tea break and continue to Somare for lunch. Continue your climb to Dingboche, where along the way you will enjoy a magnificent view of mountains. Arrive at the next tea house and take a rest or explore Dingboche village before dinner in the evening.

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    Accommodation

    Dingboche Tea House - Khumjung

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche at 4,345 Metres

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Khumjung

    Dingboche

Day 7

Acclimatisation Hike to Nangkartshang Peak

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Acclimatisation Hike to Nangkartshang Peak

Today you are hiking to Nangakarsanga Peak (5,100 metres) for acclimatisation. Take a 5-hour challenging hike to Nangakarsanga Peak, which is all uphill. You will enjoy your first sight of Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest mountain in the world and 360-degree views of the Himalayas. After, make your descent down to Dingboche, have lunch and relax in the afternoon before dinner.

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    Accommodation

    Dingboche Tea House - Khumjung

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hike to Nangkartshang Peak

    Free Time in DingbocheOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dingboche

    Khumjung

Day 8

Dingboche to Lobuche

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Dingboche to Lobuche

Leave Dingboche after breakfast. You will begin your day with a steep climb up to the ridge above Dingboche, which has incredible views. The climb becomes gradual until reaching Thukla where you will stop for lunch. Then, have an hour-long steep climb to the memorial ridge called Thukla Pass and finally make your way to Lobuche. Check into the local tea house and rest for an hour. In the afternoon you can go on acclimatisation hike if you wish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lobuche Tea House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dingboche to Lobuche at 4,940 Metres

    Acclimatisation Hike in Lobuche

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dingboche

    Khumjung

Day 9

Lobuche to Gorakshep and Trek to Everest Base Camp

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Lobuche to Gorakshep and Trek to Everest Base Camp

Today is your main goal of this trek, so leave Lobuche early in the morning after breakfast and walk along the left side of the Khumbu glacier to arrive at Gorakshep, where you will enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Everest on the way. After lunch, take a trip to Everest Base Camp where you will spend around 30 minutes exploring and enjoying the incredible panoramic view of Khumbu icefall before returning to Gorakshep.

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    Accommodation

    Gorak Shep Tea House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lobuche to Gorakshep

    Trek to Everest Base Camp

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Khumjung

Day 10

Hike to Kalapattha and to Dingboche

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Hike to Kalapattha and to Dingboche

Take a challenging hike to Kalapatthar early in the morning for a sunrise view, where can enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Everest. This trek takes 3 hours and reaches 5,555 metres. Return to Gorakshep and pack your bags, have your breakfast and continue your 5-hour trek to Dingboche. Stop at Thukla for lunch and continue towards Dingboche via the Thukla Pass. Arrive at Dingboche and check into a local tea house. Today you have walked far, so you can spend the evening relaxing and recovering.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Dingboche Tea House - Khumjung

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hike to Kalapatthar

    Gorakhsep to Dingboche

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Khumjung

    Eastern Region

    Dingboche

Day 11

Dingboche to Chukung

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Dingboche to Chukung

Check out of your tea house after breakfast and trek for 3 hours up to Chukung, where you will be treated to the magnificent view of Island Peak and other mountains along the way. The trek today will reach 4,4410 metres. Arrive at Chhukung and have lunch. In the afternoon, you will hike to Chhukung Ri mountain for acclimatisation before returning back to the accommodation.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Chhukung Tea House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dingboche to Chhukung

    Climb Chhukung Ri Summit

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dingboche

    Khumjung

Day 12

Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp

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Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp

Check your equipment with your climbing guide before leaving Chhukung, as this is the last place where you can hire or buy equipment. Enjoy 3 hours of scenic trekking in Imja valley and have lunch upon arrival at the base camp. After eating, you will undergo a pre-climb training organised by your climbing guide. This will help you to prepare for your upcoming trek.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Island Peak Base Camp

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp

    Pre-Climb Training

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Khumjung

Day 13

Acclimatisation at Imja Lake

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Acclimatisation at Imja Lake

Today, you will have acclimatisation day around Imja Lake (Island Peak Lake) to help your body get used to the thinning air and to prepare you for the summit you will do tomorrow. After spending the day at Imja Lake you will return to camp and have lunch. In the afternoon you will make all of the preparations for your upcoming trek. Get an early night's rest as you will start hiking at midnight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Island Peak Base Camp

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Acclimatisation Day at Imja Lake

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Khumjung

  • notes icon
    Notes

    In preparation for your trip tomorrow, you'll need to make all of the necessary trip preparations as you will start climbing at midnight. Your guide will assist you in the best methods of preparation. It's highly recommended you get an early night.

Day 14

Summit Island Peak and Back to Dingboche

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Summit Island Peak and Back to Dingboche

Today is the main goal of this trip, so you will wake up early and have a quick breakfast before climbing Island Peak. You will start hiking at midnight and climb for seven hours above 6,000 metres. You will enjoy the spectacular sunrise and mountain view from the summit of Island Peak (6,189 metres). After, return back to base camp, have a tea or coffee and rest for a while before lunch. After eating, you will trek for four hours to Dingboche.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Dingboche Tea House - Khumjung

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Climbing and Summit Island Peak

    Island Peak Base Camp to Dingboche

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Khumjung

    Dingboche

Day 15

Dingboche to Namche

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Dingboche to Namche

You will have your breakfast and check out of the tea house. Trek back seven hours to Namche Bazaar, the same route you took ascending, pass Pangboche and Somare village and stop at Tengboche for a tea break. You will continue your trek downward to Phungi Tenga where you will have your lunch. After eating, climb up to Kyangjuma to approach Namche Bazar. Check into the local tea house and take a shower or explore Namche Bazaar in the afternoon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Namche Bazaar Teahouse

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Dingboche to Namche Bazar

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Dingboche

    Namche

Day 16

Namche Bazar to Lukla

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Namche Bazar to Lukla

This morning you will leave Namche Bazaar after breakfast. The trail at the beginning is downhill until the high bridge at Dudhkoshi river. Enjoy the last view of Mt. Everest from Top Danda before having a tea break at Jorsalle. After, you will continue to Phakding passing Monjo and Benkar villages. Stop at Phakding for lunch and continue your trek to approach Lukla. Upon arrival, you will check into the tea house and explore Lukla before dinner.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Lukla Tea House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Namche Bazaar to Lukla

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Namche

    Chaurikharka

Day 17

Fly to Kathmandu

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Fly to Kathmandu

Wake up early today and leave your tea house after breakfast. Walk 10 minutes and check into the airport where you will catch a 30-minute flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you will have some free time during the day to explore Kathmandu or to relax at your hotel. For your last evening, you will be invited to join a farewell dinner with a Nepali family.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Moonlight Kathmandu3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Walk to Lukla Airport

    Free Time in ThamelOptional Activity

    Garden of DreamsOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Farewell Dinner with a Local Family

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Lukla to Kathmandu

    Private Driver from Kathmandu to Hotel Moonlight

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chaurikharka

    Kathmandu

Day 18

Departure From Nepal

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Departure From Nepal

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time to do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and gifts before you leave. After gathering your belongings, you will be transferred to the airport by private car in time to catch your flight home.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time In Thamel, Kathmandu

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kathmandu to Tribhuvan International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kathmandu

Included in Price

  • 17 nights accommodation
  • 25 activities
  • 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 16 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Trekking permits

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
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