Island peak expedition
2 073,00 €
By flight, we reach the gate of Khumbu, the Everest region. 45 minutes of spectacular flight above the Himalayan giants to arrive at Lukla, where we slowly begin our hike. We reach Namche Bazar, a trading town between Tibet and the Sherpa country, located at an altitude of 3440 m. Then we go up the Dudh-Koshi to the Gokyo lakes, turquoise and of rare beauty, at the foot of the glaciers and Cho-oyu. The view in the evening from the famous Gokyo Ri remains the most beautiful in the entire Everest region, with a day of acclimatisation at 4900: from up there, a 360° view is offered to us over the entire Himalayan chain, images that will remain in your memories. We continue with a passage as close as possible to the summits, and reach the Cho La pass, then the Everest camp at more than 5340 m base to spend two days there. After a good period of adaptation, we cross the last pass of Kongma La and go to the base camp of the Island Peak ultimate objective of the trek is 6149m.
During the trek, we will see superb dry stone villages, many manis and stupas, and perched monasteries mark our route. We evolve under the benevolent gaze of the highest peaks in the world: Everest (8848 m), Makalu (8475 m), Lhotse (8383 m), Nuptse (7879 m), Pumori (7145 m), AmaDablam (6856 m) and many others.
- Nepal Country
- Trekking and expeditions Thématique
- Very difficult Difficulté
- 22 days Duration
- 16 days Hiking days
- 6 189 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- Hôtel, Lodge Hébergement
- Kathmandu → Drive Kathmandu Departure / Arrival
- Lukla (RT) Domestic flights
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel Holy Himalaya or a similar hotel on a BB basis
Meeting with the guide.
The early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla offers a panoramic view of the eastern part of the Himalayas: Langtang, Gauri, Shanker, Numbur, Manglungtse, and finally Everest appear during this 45-minute flight. At Lukla (2700 m), the Sherpas are waiting for us with the equipment. The trek begins with a short descent to the Dudh-Koshi Valley. From the village of Chaurikarka (2621 m), the path heads north through the Sherpa villages where wheat, potatoes, and corn are crops… We cross the Dudh-Koshi on a wooden bridge suspended.
7 km walk
This day begins with a walk along the Dudh-Kosi. The path climbs gently. We cross the river several times and pass the village of Jorsale (2805 m). Steep climb to Namche Bazaar, and 30 minutes later a reward awaits us: a breathtaking view of the city. Arrived in Namche early enough to discover this famous Sherpa village and its inhabitants. A few Tibetan shops and merchants sell jewelry and handicrafts from Tibet. Every week an important market is held in Namche where the surrounding farmers sell their crops of wheat, corn, millet, etc.
10km walk
We climb above Namche Bazaar along a gently sloping mountainside path to the Mong La pass, with views of Ama Dablam and Kangtega, two of Nepal’s most spectacular peaks. We then descend to Phortse Tenga at 3,600 m on the banks of the milky river (Dudh Koshi). First view of Everest after a steep early-morning ascent.
Walking distance: 8.5 km
We climb above Namche Bazaar along a gently sloping mountainside path to the Mong La pass, with views of Ama Dablam and Kangtega, two of Nepal’s most spectacular peaks. We then descend to Phortse Tenga at 3,600 m on the banks of the milky river (Dudh Koshi). First view of Everest after a steep early-morning ascent.
Walking distance: 8.5 km
We climb steeply through rhododendrons, junipers, and then conifers. We pass through the alpine villages of Tongba (3,960 m), Gyele (3,960 m), and Lhabarma (4,220 m). The views of Khumbila and Tawoche are magnificent throughout the day.
Walking distance: 8 km
Gradual ascent to a stunning view of Cho Oyu, which rises to 8,135 m, a fortress of snow and ice. We pass Pangka at 4,390 m, then begin the descent toward the river before climbing the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We reach the first turquoise lake at 4,720 m. A few minutes later, we discover a second lake at 4,690 m, and then arrive at Gokyo Lake at 4,750 m, impressive for its beauty (photo on the front page).
Walking distance: 7–8 km
Rest day at Gokyo and altitude acclimatization, or, depending on your condition, a climb to the junction of the Cho Oyu Glacier, offering one of the most beautiful panoramas in the region.
Walking distance: 15 km
This morning, we once again enjoy the most beautiful panorama of the entire Everest region from Gokyo Ri. From the summit (5,360 m), the view is unforgettable, with the highest peaks on Earth: Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cholatse, and Tawachee. We then descend to Thagnak (4,700 m).
Walking distance: 10 km
Early in the morning, we set out to ascend Cho La, the most challenging day of the trek. But the reward at the top of the pass is worth all the effort: the view is breathtaking! We then descend to Dzonghla.
Walking distance: 9 km
Kalapattar (5,545 m) in the evening with sunset over the 8,000 m peaks
Walking distance: 10.5 km
Walking day around Gorakshep, and for those who wish, a visit to the historic Everest Base Camp along the Khumbu Glacier, then descent to Lobuche
Longest walking day of the trek.
Following the moraine and the glacial lakes Chokarma Tso and Imja Tso, we gradually climb to the Island Peak Base Camp, where we set up tents. Preparation for the ascent.
Early morning ascent of Island Peak and return to Chukhung
Full day depending on conditions and snow cover
We descend via Pangboche, home to one of the oldest gompas in Nepal. We return to the forest and villages and continue down to Tengboche, the spiritual heart of the Khumbu. Visit the famous monastery, a magnificent site overlooked by Ama Dablam.
Afternoon descent to Monjo, where we spend the night.
Walking distance: 6 km
We pass through several Sherpa villages along the river, which we follow down to Cheplung, from where we begin a short climb up to Lukla.
Morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap, then drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Free day in Kathmandu, kept in reserve in case of delayed Lukla flights. Explore Thamel or the city at your own pace; meals at your own expense.
Transfer to airport
Practical Info
Note in case of cancellation of domestic flights When this occurs, generally due to weather conditions, an alternative by helicopter or by road will be necessary. We will do our best to arrange a helicopter, but we cannot guarantee either its availability or its price due to aircraft shortages and the law of supply and demand (agencies owning helicopters being given priority). You should allow one and a half days of driving (with an overnight stay in Salleri/Phaplu en route) to reach Surke/Kathmandu, as well as a half-day walk from/to Surke to/from Phakding or Lukla. The contingency day will be used to partially make up for this lost time; however, the itinerary may be modified due to this unforeseen event, and we wish to inform you in advance about this long journey on an uncomfortable dirt road. If such a modification occurs beyond our control, the flights will then be fully refunded and used to pay for the private jeeps that we would have to change several times depending on road conditions (the difference may result in a refund or a supplement, depending on the number of participants in your group). Difficulty: Alpine Grade: PD (not very difficult – slope less than 40°) Snow climb without major technical difficulties – requires knowledge and experience of roped walking, with crampons and ice axe. The best time for the ascent is in autumn, specifically from October to November.
What is included
- 2 airport transfers by private car, round trip to Ramechhap
- French-speaking mountain climbing guide for the entire trek/expedition and his flights (RT)
- Sagarmatha National Park permit, Khumbu Village Community Tax
- Group climbing equipment
- Full board in lodge and camp as per the itinerary
- Porter & Sherpa: Carrying of personal belongings (13 kg per participant) and personal climbing equipment
- 4 nights at Holy Himalaya or similar in Kathmandu, B&B
- Mountain guide & Sherpa climbing bonus (US$350/staff) and Kongma La bonus
- Guide & Sherpa insurance (US$290/trekking peak/staff)
What is not included
- Domestic flights.
- Meals in Kathmandu (excluding breakfast)
- Helicopter supplement in case of flight cancellation to Lukla (approximately US$350 extra) per person one way
- Personal climbing equipment (see below)
- Cargo for excess baggage: 13 kg (including 10 kg checked baggage) per person on domestic flights (payable locally at approximately 1$/kg)
- Nepal visa and International flight
- Mandatory repatriation, rescue, and search insurance
- Tips, personal expenses, sleeping bag, etc.
- Spring Royalties: US$350/participant
- Autumn Royalties: US$175/participant
- Mandatory Supplement: Flight Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu or alternative via Ramechhap: US$432
- Single Room in Kathmandu: US$120
FAQ
Throughout the Island Peak trek, the high-mountain atmosphere is ever-present. Crossing the Cho La and Kongma La passes, surrounded by peaks over 7,000 metres, offers total immersion in the Himalayan world. It is a unique experience combining technique, stunning scenery and emotional intensity, even before reaching Island Peak base camp.
From Namche Bazaar to Khumjung via Tengboche, the Island Peak trekking route passes through many Sherpa villages. These stages reveal a living culture shaped by Buddhist monasteries and colourful stupas. Encounters with local people add a precious human dimension to this high-altitude journey.
Before the Island Peak climb, the route leads to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, at over 5,300 m. These iconic stages offer breathtaking views of the Everest pyramid and the surrounding glaciers. A must for anyone passionate about mountaineering and wide-open spaces.
With their turquoise reflections, the Gokyo lakes are among the most beautiful landscapes in Nepal. From the summit of Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), a 360° view unfolds over the Himalayan giants: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. These unforgettable panoramas add a uniquely contemplative dimension to the Island Peak trek.
The highlight of the journey, the Island Peak ascent lets you cross the symbolic 6,000-metre threshold. At 6,165 m, this accessible yet demanding summit offers an unforgettable first Himalayan experience. Led by experienced guides, the Island Peak climb rewards your effort with a stunning view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse. A true gateway to Himalayan mountaineering.
