Nepal Travel Trek

Imja Tse (Island) was first climbed in 1953 by a British Expedition team as training for climbing Mount Everest. Imja Tse was first of all and now also, famous as Island Peak. Eric Shipton's party named island in 1953, as the peak look like an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. Later in 1983, the peak was renamed as Imja Tse. The peak is a part of the south ridge of Lhotse Shar and the main lands forms a semicircle of cliffs that rise to the north of the summits of Nuptse, Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar.

The attractions: Island Peak (Ima Tse 6189 m/20305 ft) is taken as the mostly climbed Peak. It can be climb in both the spring and autumn season. It is located in the upper Imja Valley of the Khumbu, surrounded by Himalaya. Observing from above Dingboche the mountain has really the same appearance as an island in a sea of ice. Peak offers very beautiful outlook in the Khumbu (Everest area). Island peak was named by Eric Shipton in 1952 and the first ascent was made by members of the 1953 British Everest team as a training climb. The climbing is challenging for the beginning alpine climber and the summit ridge provides one of the most dramatic view in the mornings that a Himalayan climber could dream of. The summit of Island Peak stands nearby to the South Face of Lhotse, one of the world’s largest ice walls, and offers stunning views of beautiful Ama Dablam and Makalu.

Best season to Climbing: In the spring (March to May) and also in post-monsoon (August to October) when the weather is temperate and the skies are clear.
Trek Grade: Introductory level climbs (moderate, non-technical): This trip is aimed at first time trekkers and non-climbers. It is an advantage to have done some over-night camping trips before but it is not required. A strong spirit of adventure and a willingness to have a go are what you'll need, in addition to a good level of fitness

Maximum altitude: 6189m at Island summit.

Length of trek: The trek and climb including the preparation in Kathmandu can be completed in a minimum of fifteen days, starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Kathmandu via Lukla. If a few extra days are allowed for it is then possible to deal with the bad weather and acclimatization.  It is advisable to spend 18 – 19 Days along this route to fully experience the full scenic, cultural splendor and get more chances of summit.

Accommodations: Camping Arrangement in 2-person tent.

Starting from: Lukla

Ending at: Lukla

Accommodation: Lodge / Tented camp

Key destination: Old Tengboche monastery, exploring Namche Bazaar, Khumjung village and Pangboche village.

Himalayan Sights: Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku


Group Size: 01+

Length: 19 Days

Legal Preparation:  Permit fee for the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is needed. The fee structure is as below:

1. 4 Pax  - US$ 350
2. 4 + 1 pax = 5 – US$ 350 +40 = US$ 390
3. 4 + 2 Pax = 6  - US$ 350 +80 = US$ 430
4. 4 + 3 Pax = 7 – US$ 350 + 120 = US$ 470
5. 4 + 4 Pax = 8 - US$ 350 + 160 = US$ 510
6. 8 + 1 Pax = 9 – US$ 510 + 25 = US$ 535
7. 8 + 2 pax = 10 – US$ 510 + 50 = US$ 560
8. 8 + 3 Pax = 11 – Us$ 510 + 75 = US$ 585
9. 8 + 4 Pax = 12  - US$ 510 + 100 = US$ 610

An amount of US$ 250 should be deposited to NMA as Garbage deposit to get permit to Mera Peak. The refund shall be made as per the provisions made by NMA.

Additional Information: The Summit of Island can be dangerous at times, especially during unexpected snowfall and Altitudes sickness so potential climbers must make sure that they are well prepared and equipped for all eventualities.  Our experienced Climbing Sherpa /guides will help you to avoid potentially unsafe situations. Summit day will require an extra-special effort – a big day 10+ hours will be needed as we set off early in the morning for the summit and return all the way to base camp. You will have to be quite strong for this, but building on your good pre-trip fitness, the trekking during the previous weeks should tune your body.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01	Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) and Phakding (2610m): Fly to Lukla (35 minutes), trek.
Day 02	Phakding to Namche (3446m): Trek.
Day 03	Rest at Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization.
Day 04	Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m): Trek
Day 05	Tengboche to Pheriche (4243m): Trek
Day 06	Acclimatization at Pheriche: Rest
Day 07	Pheriche to Lobuche (4930m): Trek
Day 08	Lobuche to Dingboche (4410m): Trek
Day 09	Dingbuche to Chhukung (4730m): Trek
Day 10	Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp: Trek
Day 11	Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak High Camp (5600m): Climb
Day 12	Island Peak High Camp to Island Peak Summit (6189m) to Base Camp: Climb and descent
Day 13	Island Base Camp to Tengboche: Trek
Day 14	Tengboche to Namche Bazar: Trek
Day 15	Namche Bazar to Lukla: Trek
Day 16	Lukla to Kathmandu

 

Price – US$ per person
Price Includes: -

1. Transport from the international airport to your hotel at your arrival/Departure/ Domestic airport Arrival/Departure.
2. Tea house arrangements , Camping 2 night and Tent,
3.  Trekking cum climbing guide (Our climbing Sherpa will take you from Kathmandu as your guide cum Porters and he will be the Climbing Guide/Sherpa for the climbi
4. Garbage Deposit.
5. Climbing rope for Island Peak.
6. All ground Transportation and flight for Nepali staff ( US$ 95), Trekking and Climbing insurance,  daily wage and Climbing Fee , Climbing Equipment cost.   Meals and accommodation 
7. Flight Fare (Kathmandu / Lukla / Kathmandu – Per Person US$ 202)

Price Excludes:

1. You will be responsible for soft drinks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, tips to staff (Highly Recommended), Your insurance coverage and your climbing gear. You can rent crampons, ice axe, sleeping bags, down/fleece jackets etc in KTM to equip yourself for the trek.
2. Any others not mentioned in ” Price include”

 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) and Phakding (2610m): Fly to Lukla (35 minutes), trek.
An early departure from the Kathmandu domestic airport will see us landing in Lukla a mere 45 minutes later, at the start of our journey to the Mount Everest Base Camp.
Following lunch, our trek will commence with a moderate walk to the junction of the Jiri trail at Chablung and from here we shall follow the Dudh Koshi river through the village of Ghat, and eventually to Phakding (2800), three hours to the north.

Day 02: Phakding to Namche (3446m): Trek.
Leaving Phakding, the path leads us north through the Dudh Koshi valley and sits 100m above the river along the west bank. After reaching Jorsalle (2810m), we enter Sagarmatha National Park where our trekking permits will be submitted to the local authorities for inspection. As the trail becomes significantly steeper en route to the spectacular Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (3440m), we will cross the suspension bridge perched high above the Bhote and Dudh Koshi rivers. Shortly thereafter we catch our first glimpse of the mighty Mount Everest, away to the northeast. Situated high on the hillside, we will rest amongst the splendor of the Himalayas and in the protection of the stout Mount Kwangde (6011m).

Day 03: Rest at Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization.
The dreaminess of Namche will provide an ideal spot for a little rest and relaxation as we acclimatize to the lower pressure and thinner air at high altitude. You may wander the streets of Namche browsing the local shops, visiting the local museum with exhibits of the flora, fauna, and history of the Everest region, or simply sit back and enjoy the view. Another option is to hike to some of the nearby Sherpa villages such as Kunde and Khumjung, or, take a more strenuous walk to Thame.

 

Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867m): Trek.
Departing to the northeast, our ensuing trail will see us on a direct line to Everest high above the Dudh Koshi. From this path a stunningly beautiful mountain that many people who visit the area will consider the best in the region emerges – Ama Dablam (6812m). For several days, Ama Dablam will dominate the eastern sky for anyone trekking to Mount Everest. After passing through Sanasa we will descend to the Dudh Koshi and the small village of Phunki Thanga. From here it is an extended climb up the hill where to the Tengboche monastery (3870m), and perhaps the most breathtaking mountain panorama in the world.

Day 05: Tengboche to Pheriche (4252m): Trek.
Moving forward, the trail gravitates down and across the Imja Khola and on to the village of Pangboche (3,900m). Here we may have the unique opportunity to visit the monastery that is said to house the scalp and fingers, from a Yeti.

Day 06: Rest day at Pheriche: Acclimatization.
The second of our acclimatization days will be held in Pheriche and will again allow the group to adjust to the altitude. You may enjoy the surrounding area with a side trip to Chhukung (4730m), or a climb to the ridge above Dingboche.

Day 07: Pheriche to Lobuche (4910m): Trek.
Ascending up the small ridge above Dingboche, we continue northwards and contour around the base of the Khumbu Glacier, where we take a steep ascent to the terminal moraine of the glacier. Proceeding higher up on the moraine towards a leveled area, we encounter commemorative shrines to the mountaineers who have lost their lives in the Khumbu region. The peaks consisting of part of the Everest cordillera, and those that form the border with Tibet, will salute us from the head of the Khumbu Valley proper. The trail is cut from the western side of the valley and ultimately reaches Lobuche (4930m). The massive peak of Nuptse (7879m) arrogantly announces itself from a distance, foolishly convinced that she dominates the Himalayan skyline.

Day 08: Lobuche to Dingboche: Trek.
A short descent from Lobuche to Thukla followed by a manageable hike down to Dingboche, the highest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu region.

Day 09: Dingboche to Chhukung: Trek
Leisurely walk to a village called Chhukung. From here, we can see some beautiful mountains: Nuptse, Lhotse, Peak 38, Mountain with No Name, Island Peak and of course, Ama Dablam. Chhukung sits at an elevation of 4730m so no wonder its cold! Overnight stay at Chhukung.

 Day 10: Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp: Trek.
If we are feeling particularly fit, we can climb Chhkung Ri  (18,240ft / 5860 m) in the morning for further acclimatization and spectacular views of Makalu before we do the half day walk from the village to Island Peak Base Camp.

Day 11: Island Peak Base Camp to Island High Camp (5600m): Climb
By using a high camp we will not only shorten our summit day, we will have the rewarding experience of a high Himalayan bivouac. The route to High Camp involves easy scrambling over rock ledges and walking up steep grassy slopes. By ascending the first 2000 feet of our route to attain High Camp we will make our summit push more enjoyable.

Day 12: Island Peak High Camp to Peak Summit (6189m) to Base Camp: Climb and descent
From High Camp we will leave in the early morning and begin ascending low angle rock to the glacier above. After crossing short section of flat glacier we ascend a steep 100 meter section of snow. This leads to the spectacular summit ridge. Easy, but exposed, climbing leads us up and over several high points or false summits before we finally climb a steep face directly onto the summit of Island Peak. If we are lucky enough to have clear weather the views on this route will be equal to any mountaineering route in the world.

Day 13: Island Base Camp to Tengboche: Trek.
A short descent from Lobuche to Thukla followed by a manageable hike down to Dingboche, the highest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu region.

Day 14: Tengboche to Namche Bazaar: Trek.
Led back via a steep descent through the lush countryside, a plethora of bird species will serenade our parade back to Namche Bazaar.

Day 15: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: Trek.
The final day of trekking is bittersweet as the familiarity of the path already trodden unfolds, heralding the end of our sojourn in the Himalayas. Until, that is, the siren call of Everest and her subjects beckons once again.

Day 16: Lukla to Kathmandu: Fly to Kathmandu (45 minutes).
The flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla will be a short and serene 45 minutes. Upon arrival you may be greeted and transferred to your hotel where you may commit to memory, once and for all, the experiences of the last few weeks.

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