Island Peak With Everest 3 Passes Trek – 18 Days

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 30 minutes (2840m.|9316ft.), trek to Phakding (2610m.|8563ft. 3-4 hrs) Embark on your Everest Base Camp journey with an exciting flight to Lukla or Manthali. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and lush hills. Spend the night in Phakding (2,610m) for acclimatization. The trail passes through Chauri Kharka, descends to Dudh Koshi river, and leads to Phakding with a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m.|11286ft. 6-7 hrs) From Phakding, cross the Dudh Koshi river via a suspension bridge to reach Monjo, passing through a pine forest. Navigate several suspension bridges and ascend through Sagarmatha National Park. Follow the Dudh Koshi river to Jorsale for a lunch break, then trek through dense forests to reach the iconic Namche Bazaar. Get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest today.

Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3 to 5 hours a day hiking) Today, acclimate in Namche Bazaar by exploring, interacting with locals. Embark on a short hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m) for stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, and Kongde Peak. Enjoy the scenery and return to Namche Bazaar for the night, ensuring a gradual adjustment to high altitude.

Namche to Thame (3800m.|12470ft, 4–5 hrs) Today, we're leaving the busy Everest Base Camp path and heading west along the Bhote Koshi Valley. Along the way, we'll be treated to stunning views of the Himalayas, including Khumbila, Kongde Ri, and Kusum Kangaru. Our first stop is the Phortse village, where we might visit a nursery supported by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Foundation. The walking path takes us through a dense rhododendron forest until we reach Thamu village. After ascending a steep slope and crossing a suspension bridge above the river, we'll finally reach Thame village.

Thame to Lumde (4380m.|14370ft, 6-7 hrs) After a filling breakfast, we'll leave the charming Thame village and head towards Lumde. Our journey will take us through Taranga, where we'll appreciate the stone homes and traverse the barren landscape. Next, we'll visit Marlung Village on the east bank of the Bhote Koshi River. Continuing our walk, we'll eventually reach Lumde, passing through a small valley covered with stones. The stunning view of Kongde Peak will welcome us in Lumde.

Lumde - Renjo La(1st High Pass, 5360m.|17580ft.) - Gokyo (4800m.|15744ft., 7-8 hrs) Today's journey involves crossing Renjo La, the first of the three passes. While the ascent is challenging, reaching the summit offers a breathtaking view. From there, we can enjoy the beauty of Gokyo Lakes and the impressive sights of Ngozumpa Glacier, Mount Everest, Lhotse, and other nearby Himalayan peaks. Eventually, we'll descend to the picturesque alpine valley of Gokyo, where the third Gokyo Lake proudly stands on the eastern bank at the base of Gokyo Ri.

Gokyo - Hike to Gokyo Ri (5357m.|17570ft.) - Thaknak (4750m.|15580 ft.,7-8hrs) For high-altitude adventures like the Everest Three Passes Trek and the climb of Island Peak, acclimatization is crucial. On another exciting day, we'll climb to Gokyo Ri to soak in the stunning view of over 8000 snow-covered glaciers, peaks, and lakes. After a fantastic time at Gokyo Ri, we'll descend to the Gokyo Valley. Since we'll be crossing the Ngozumpa glacier, it's essential to start early due to the trail becoming slippery later in the day. After exploring the glacier, we'll trek towards Thagnag, also known as Dragnag.

Thaknak - Cho-la Pass (2nd High Pass, 5420m.|17782ft.) to Dzongla - Lobuche (4940m.|16207ft., 8-9 hrs) Today, we face the challenge of crossing the second pass on the Everest Three Pass journey, Cho La Pass, making it a relatively tough and long day of trekking. After a hearty breakfast in Thagnag, we'll begin our hike early in the morning. The route involves a gradual ascent up a slope near the Cho La Pass, and we need to be cautious as this part may be slippery. Upon reaching the pass, the breathtaking views of the majestic Cholatse peak, Ama Dablam, and Cho-La Glacier will be truly mesmerizing. Descending while soaking in the stunning views, we'll encounter colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the vast, open Valley will be a pleasant surprise. As we make our way through the ice route and across a few glacier sections, we'll reach Dzongla. From there, it's a short downhill stroll to Lobuche, a well-known rest station for hikers heading to Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching Lobuche, we'll be treated to the impressive sight of the vast Khumbu Glacier.

Lobuche - Gorakshep - EBC (5364m.|17594 ft., 8– 9 hrs) An early start is essential as we embark on a trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, getting closer to Everest Base Camp. With anticipation in our hearts, we'll journey towards the foot of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. The trail to Gorak Shep follows the glacier, navigating unforgiving terrain with ups and downs. Along the way, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Pumori, Mount Nuptse, and other nearby peaks. Taking a short break in Gorak Shep, we'll then proceed to our ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp. Depending on the season, we might encounter frozen boulders, slippery streams, and glacial moraines on our way to the base camp. Upon reaching the base camp, we'll witness the exhilarating sights of the Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, and Khumbutse.

Morning Hike to Kala Patthar, then trek back to Lobuche (4940m.|16207ft., 6-7 hrs) Get ready for the trek to Kala Patthar, undeniably one of the best spots to get an up-close view of Mount Everest. We'll ascend slowly along a challenging zigzag path to reach Kala Patthar. The journey to the summit usually takes about two to three hours. Once we reach the top, we'll be astonished by the 360-degree panorama of massive snow-covered peaks, with Mount Everest taking the spotlight. After soaking in the breathtaking views, we'll trek back to Lobuche. During our descent through the rocky terrain on the way to Lobuche, we can continue to enjoy beautiful views, including areas with patches of snow.

Lobuche to Kongma La (3rd High Pass, 5535m.|18159ft.) We need to cross Kongma-La Pass, one of the highest in the Everest region, to reach Chukkung. Start early to make the snowy journey easier. The path goes through glacial meadows with amazing mountain views. As we go up, we'll reach Kongma La Pass, where we can enjoy stunning snowy mountain views. After taking it all in, we'll gently walk down to Chukkung village.

Acclimatization Day: Hike Chukkung Ri (5550m.|18208ft.) - Climbing preparations day 2-3 hours On this day, we focus on acclimatization. In the morning, we'll climb up to Chhukung Ri (5540m), facing challenging and steep ascents. From this peak, you'll get magnificent views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and more. After enjoying the snowy peaks, we'll descend to Chhukung. Following lunch, our climbing instructor will guide us in peak climbing, teaching us how to properly use climbing equipment like ropes, knots, boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, etc. Climbing Island Peak doesn't require prior training, but such sessions boost confidence, enhance climbing skills, and increase chances of success.

Chukkung to Island peak Base camp (4970m.|16305ft., 3-4 hrs) Get ready to head to Island Peak Base Camp, the main starting point for climbing Island Peak. Today's trek is quite challenging. After going up to the south, we'll turn east, following the main valley line. Then, we'll navigate the winding route beneath the southern flank of the Lhotse Glacier. As we walk along a streambank, we'll spot the Amphu Lapcha path to the southeast. Zigzagging through the moraines of the Imja and Lhotse glaciers, we'll eventually reach Island Peak Base Camp.

Island peak Summit (6189m)and back to Chhukung (4730m.| 15518ft., 9-11 hrs) Today, we'll achieve our goal of summiting one of the stunning peaks in the Everest region, so get ready for an exciting day. Around three in the morning, we'll begin the trail, climbing over rocks to reach a rugged, narrow ridge that ascends to the glacier. With the help of a rope and crampons, we'll traverse the glacier. The breathtaking sight of the sunrise illuminating the mountains will be awe-inspiring. The actual peak climbing adventure starts from this point. While not overly challenging or technical, we need to be cautious as the trail may include some rock steps. Eventually, we'll reach the summit. The view from the top of Island Peak is one of the most beautiful vistas in the Everest region. After all, the most challenging climb offers the best photograph. After enjoying a spectacular time at the summit, we'll descend to Island Peak Base Camp. Following a short rest, or based on our health and the health of other team members, we'll continue our trek to Chukkung.

Trek back to Pangboche Village (3930m.|12890ft., 4-5 hrs) As we descend to lower elevations, today's hike will be considerably easier. We'll follow the same path, passing through the charming Sherpa villages of Orsho and Shomare as we journey along the wide Khumbu Khola valley. We have the option to take the standard route to Pangboche or an alternative route to visit the Upper Pangboche Gompa, considered the origin of the Khumbu region. Pangboche is a picturesque settlement surrounded by Everest to the north, Kangtaiga to the east, Ama Dablam, the Kongde range in the south, Thamserku, and the Imja Tse River flowing through the expansive fertile valley.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m.| 11286ft., 5-6 hrs) Following our route from Pangboche, we descend towards the Imja Khola and then ascend through the forest to Tengboche. If we wish, we can also visit the monks at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch in Tengboche, we traverse a slope covered with juniper and rhododendron trees. The path takes us through the Dudh Koshi canyon, quickly descending through pine trees after crossing the Dudh Koshi River bridge, before reaching Sansa. While trekking through the forest, we keep an eye out for animals such as snow leopards, mountain goats, and colorful pheasants. After crossing a chorten, we reach the army barracks at Namche Bazaar.

Hike down to Lukla (2840m.|9317ft., 6-7 hrs) Take your time to enjoy breakfast before setting out on the path. The hike today is relatively easy, as most of the trail goes through a valley, and the remaining part is downhill. Continue your trek along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you'll come across several lush meadows. The beautiful sight of hills and mountains will accompany us until we reach the settlement of Lukla. No need to rush; enjoy the journey.

Fly back to Kathmandu Today, we'll take a flight back from Lukla to Kathmandu, providing us with an opportunity to relax and reflect on our incredible hiking and climbing adventures. Once in Kathmandu, we can choose to unwind at our hotel or explore Thamel to purchase souvenirs.

Departure from Kathmandu We will drop you at the airport or assist you in your further planning of the trek in Nepal.