Everest Base Camp and Island Peak: 2-Week Thrilling Adventure

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be warmly greeted by our representative, who will be holding a placard with your name. You’ll then be escorted to your hotel. Once you arrive at your hotel, our representative will assist you with the check-in process. At the same time, there will be a trip briefing, and you’ll get ready for a big adventure.

The adventure begins with an early morning flight to Lukla. The scenic flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas before landing on the short and thrilling runway at Lukla. Upon arrival at Lukla, have some hot drinks. Repack your duffle and hand-carry bag, then begin your trek to Phakding. The trek descends gently through picturesque Sherpa villages, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. After approximately 3-4 hours of trekking covering an 8km distance, you’ll reach the quaint village of Phakding, situated at around 2,610 meters.

The trek from Phakding begins along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. It crosses multiple suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes. The trail passes through Monjo, the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, where permits are checked, and continues the trek to Jorsale.

After Jorsale, the trail follows the river before a steep 600-meter ascent to Namche Bazaar, with a vantage point halfway up providing the first views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Upon reaching Namche Bazaar, after a 6-7-hour walk covering a 12 km distance, trekkers find themselves in the heart of the Sherpa community, with various amenities and serving as a vital acclimatization stop for those heading further into the Everest region.

After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, the trail ascends steeply through pine forests, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Twenty minutes of the hike, you’ll reach a viewpoint with panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. After the viewpoint, continue the hike to the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels in the world, where you can take a break and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while soaking in the breathtaking views.

And then, retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar, appreciating the stunning mountain scenery at a more relaxed pace. Spend the afternoon exploring Namche Bazaar, enjoying its cafes and bakeries. This acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel is essential for adjusting to higher altitudes. It provides stunning views and insights into Sherpa culture, preparing you for your journey towards Everest Base Camp.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Namche Bazaar, which follows a relatively flat trail with stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. After about two hours, you’ll reach Kyangjuma, where the path forks towards either Gokyo Valley or Everest Base Camp. Continue towards Everest Base Camp, passing through pine forests and rhododendron bushes, descending to Phunki Tenga (3,250 meters / 10,663 feet) to cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River.

A steep uphill climb from here leads to Tengboche, home to a renowned monastery worth visiting. The trail then gently descends through birch, juniper, and rhododendron forests to Debuche, a quieter spot with a few lodges and a nunnery, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The trek from Namche to Debuche covers a distance of approximately 13 km and typically takes 5-6 hours to complete.

The trek begins through rhododendrons and pine forests, crossing the Imja Khola River via a suspension bridge and passing through the charming village of Pangboche, the oldest in the Khumbu region. The trail continues uphill, offering magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other Himalayan peaks as you pass Mani walls and Chortens before reaching Shomare, a small settlement with a few teahouses.

The path gradually ascends through open alpine meadows and yak pastures, becoming more rugged as you climb higher. Before reaching Dingboche, the trail crosses the Khumbu Khola bridge and ascends through stone-walled pastures. As you approach Dingboche, the landscape becomes more barren, but the views of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking. The trek from Debuche to Dingboche covers approximately 9 km and typically takes 5-6 hours.

Acclimatization is crucial for a successful trek in the high altitudes of the Everest region. Dingboche, at 4,410 meters, offers an excellent opportunity for this before ascending further. Begin your hike from Dingboche after breakfast, starting with a steep ascent that rewards you with increasingly impressive panoramic views of the Imja Valley and peaks like Ama Dablam.

Maintain a slow and steady pace, taking short breaks and hydrating frequently to avoid altitude sickness. The trail becomes steeper as you rise, so listen to your body and ascend gradually. Spend time at the peak, enjoying the views and capturing photographs, then descend back to Dingboche with caution on the steeper sections. Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the next leg of your trek.

Starting from Dingboche, nestled in stunning mountain vistas, the trail gradually ascends towards Thukla, passing through yak pastures and stone-walled fields. As you continue, you’ll cross the treacherous Khumbu Glacier terminal moraine, marked by memorials to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. The trail then climbs steeply to Lobuche, offering breathtaking views of peaks like Ama Dablam and Tawoche. Upon reaching Lobuche, trekkers can rest and soak in the serene atmosphere before continuing their adventure towards Everest Base Camp or Gorak Shep the following day.

The trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp is an exhilarating journey that typically takes about 6-7 hours. Trekkers from Lobuche follow a trail that gradually ascends through rocky terrain and moraines, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. As you approach Gorak Shep, the landscape becomes more rugged, with barren terrain and scattered boulders. Gorak Shep serves as the last stop for accommodation before reaching Everest Base Camp.

After a short rest in Gorak Shep, trekkers continue their journey to Everest Base Camp, trekking over the Khumbu Glacier moraine. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Everest itself. After soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery and capturing memories, trekkers return to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay.

The trek from Gorakshep to Dingboche is a scenic journey that typically takes 6 to 7 hours and covers a distance of approximately 12 to 14 kilometers. From Gorakshep, descend back down to Lobuche and continue trekking to Imja Valley. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Dingboche, situated at an altitude of around 4,410 meters, is a popular stopover for trekkers on their way to the island peak.

The trek from Dingboche to Chhukung spans 6 kilometers and can typically be completed in 2 to 3 hours. This scenic route showcases panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and follows the picturesque Imja River, winding through yak pastures, quaint villages, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. It’s a rewarding journey that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Everest region, offering a chance to marvel at stunning mountain scenery along the way.

The trek from Chukung to Island Peak Base Camp combines breathtaking Himalayan scenery with the exhilaration of high-altitude hiking. Beginning in Chukung, trekkers follow a picturesque path that winds through challenging terrain, crossing glacial moraines and rocky trails.

As the trail ascends, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys unfold, while encounters with yak herders and Sherpa communities offer insights into mountain life. The journey ends at Island Peak Base Camp, nestled at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) beneath the towering peak of Island Peak (Imja Tse). Trekkers prepare for the ascent, soaking in the tranquil ambiance. The trek typically spans 7 kilometers and averages 3 to 4 hours.

The ascent from Island Peak Base Camp to the summit usually spans 8 to 10 hours round trip, depending on weather and individual fitness. Negotiating steep terrain and encountering icy patches along with technical climbing segments, climbers must equip themselves with essential gear like crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and ropes, and it’s advisable to have an experienced guide.

Upon reaching the summit (6,189m), one is greeted with awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam, among others, offering a moment of reflection and accomplishment before the descent. While typically faster, the return journey demands caution, particularly on steep and icy stretches. Upon returning to Island Peak Base Camp, rest, eat some hot food, and trek back to Chukung, retracing steps through the scenic landscape.

Retracing the trek from Chukung, trekkers follow the familiar trail back towards Dingboche, passing through scenic valleys and glacial rivers. From Dingboche, the route continues towards Tengboche, where the famous Tengboche Monastery offers a peaceful retreat and panoramic views of Everest and its neighboring peaks. Continuing downwards, the trail passes through lush forests and charming Sherpa. After 7-8 hours of trekking, the journey ends in Namche Bazaar, where exhausted trekkers can relax, shop for souvenirs, and reflect on their memorable adventures in the Himalayas.

Retracing the trek from Namche Bazaar, trekkers initially descend through rhododendron forests and Sherpa villages, passing by familiar landmarks like the Hillary Suspension Bridge and Sagarmatha National Park entrance. Continuing the descent, the trail leads through picturesque valleys, with occasional glimpses of towering peaks. As the journey progresses, trekkers gradually retrace their steps along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and encountering charming settlements like Phakding and Ghat. Eventually, the familiar sights of Lukla come into view, marking the end of the trek.

The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu marks the end of the island peak expedition. Upon landing in Kathmandu, trekkers return to the vibrant capital city, where they can celebrate their achievements, unwind, and explore the city’s cultural and historical attractions before departing for home or embarking on further adventures in Nepal.

A free day in Kathmandu allows you to explore its rich culture and historical aspects. Start with a leisurely breakfast, then explore iconic landmarks like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath Stupa, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indulge in the vibrant street food scene, sampling momos, chaats, and sel roti. Whether immersing in culture, spirituality, or city energy, Kathmandu’s free day offers unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.

3 hours before your flight, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey or departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure in Nepal.