IMJA TSE PEAK (ISLAND PEAK)

Days Max Elevation Trekking Styles 
26 days Imja Tse Peak 6160 meters. Fully Organized Trek 

Everest Region

The region we visit is the Mt. Everest Region, home of the Sherpas, who are familiar with the mountains and climbing has become a part of their life. Their rich culture and heritage is being preserved by them even though there is noticeable development in the region influenced by the visiting tourists. It is in the Sagarmatha National Park that we find the tallest and most elegant mountain peaks of the world, Mt. Everest (8848 meters) or Sagarmatha in Nepalese, Cho-Oyu, Lhotse, Ama Dablang, etc., There are wild goats, musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan cock in the higher places. You will be trekking the colorful grandeur of the high mountain valleys via sub-tropical pine and rhododendron forests. You will be visit local monasteries, and you will witness Sherpa culture and hospitality. The camps are normally set up in or nearby villages so you will have better opportunity to dwell with the locals. Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) is the hometown of the Sherpas and is the gateway of all expeditions in the region. Here there is a weekly Saturday market, and people from neighboring villages come for their weekly shopping. This is a strenuous trek in the Everest Region, crossing the Chola Pass, and ascending Kalapathar lets you acclimatize fully before you attempt the final summit of the Island Peak (Imja Tse). It is normally a non-technical snow climb, except one steep ice or snow climb of about 100 Meters and then to the final ascent of the Peak. Your baggage will be carried either by porters or yaks, so you will be left with your backpack carrying your camera, gloves, wind jacket, water bottle, etc. 

Day to Day Itinerary 

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu 
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet our  staff, and you will be transferred to your hotel. 

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing 
We will pick you up at around 9 AM, and you will be taken to a half day of sight seeing in the Kathmandu Valley. You will visit: the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Monkey Temple, and Patan. These architectural monuments bear the legacy of Kathmandu. 

Day 03: Kathmandu to Lukla (2,827 meters) by flight, trek to Phakding (2,652 meters) 
We will transfer you to Tribhuvan Airport for a Helicopter/Twin Otter flight to STOL airstrip in Lukla that takes about 35 to 40 minutes. Our trekking crew at Lukla will receive you. After final preparations, the trekking starts passing Chaurikharka village, and makes a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530 meters). The trail follows the right bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding is reached. This first day is short for acclimatization reasons. Lunch will be served in Lukla or on the way. Walking distance is approximately 4 hours. 

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) 
You will have breakfast around 7, and you will trek along the river crossing it at different points by means of wooden bridges at Benkar (2,713 meters), Jorsale (2,804 meters) and two Hillary bridges at the confluence off the Bhotekosi and Dudhkosi Rivers. You will stop for lunch near the confluence. After lunch, it is an uphill climb of over 304 meters towards Namche Bazaar. Here your Park fees will be checked by the Park Check Post. There are shops, a health clinic, banks, and telephone services. Walking distance is approximately 6 to 7 hours. 

Day 05: REST Day
You can relax and take a look around the shops and Sherpa houses, observe their culture and life style in this beautiful valley surrounded by high hills and majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. A hike to the Everest view hotel in Syangboche will be a good option. The rest day is intended for acclimatization purpose. HIKE HIGH, SLEEP LOW. 

Day 06: Trek to Dole (4,040 meters) 
From Namche Bazaar, you will continue gradually gaining altitude. You will walk through a small airstrip at Syangboche. A gradual climb goes through a small hill, and then down to the village of Khumjung and Khunde. Sir Edmund Hillary has built a school here. Khumjung is another big village. There is the first bakery of the Khumbu valley built recently, and adjoining is the village of Khunde, where there is a hospital run by voluntary western doctors. From here, we walk down a little further, and turn left to climb stairs and then walk through the forest of birch and junipers. We will reach Phortse Tenga, a tiny village with only few teahouses. Look across the valley for the village of Phortse, and it is beautifully settled on a plateau with some farmlands. Rest here for a while and walk further along to the village of Dole where your camp awaits you. 

Day 07: Trek to Machermo (4,465 meters) 
From Dole, the trail climbs to Labharma and Luza. The trail is steep in most places as it climbs through scrub junipers. There are yak pastures wherever there is a flat spot, but there is not the slightest hint of water. However, Luza is situated on the large riverbank and has no water problem. The trail continues to climb along side of the valley high above the river and then crosses the sandy slopes finally reaching the village of Machermo. This is the village where it is believed that a Yeti killed several yaks and attacked Sherpa women. 

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4,791 meters) 
From Machermo, it is a steep climb up the moraine and alongside the stream coming to a small lake. It is here where the wood ducks live. Now the valley widens as the trail passes through the Fangka settlement, which then descends to the riverbank before beginning the climb on to the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa glaciers. The trail almost levels off as it follows the valley past the second lake and finally up the jumble of rocks and boulders and reaches isolated Gokyo Lake. 

Day 09: Day hike to Gokyo Ri (5,483 meters) 
You can have this once in a life time opportunity to enjoy the beautiful isolated Himalayan scenes by exploring around or climbing Gokyo Ri. 

Day 10: Trek to Nimagawa (4,700 meters) 
The narrow trail continues climbing steeply through pine forests where we will reach the little Sherpa settlement of Nimagawa consisting of few teahouses. Walking takes approximately about 6 hours. 

Day 11: Trek across Cho La Pass to Dzonglha (4,850 meters) 
Walking continues across the moraine, the trail makes a steep ascent to the top of the snow covered Chola Pass (5,420 meters). Walking takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. From the top, you can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Mt. Everest. From the pass, the trail descends steeply towards the Dzonglha passing through pine forests. Walking takes about 7 hours. 

Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4,930 meters) 
From Dzonglha, the trail levels and then makes a gradual climb up and down to the small Sherpa settlement of Lobuche. This is a small village situated nearby the stream. The sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. 

Day 13: Day hike to Kalapathar, camp Gorakshep (5,000 meters) 
The trail becomes rougher as you cross several side moraines to Gorakshep, a tiny settlement with two or three teahouses. From here, you will climb up to the top of Kalapathar. Route finding techniques here include looking for stone cairns (heap of stones and rocks) as markers a sure sign of the correct trail. After rounding a bend in the trail then finally reach to the base of this small peak, Kala Pathar, which is 5,545 meters high. It may take you about 3 to 4 hours to make to the summit. The top provides the best vantage point for viewing Mt. Everest. Afterwards, you go back to Lobuche. 

Day 14: Day hike to Everest Base Camp (5,400 meters), Camp at Lobuche 
This is an optional hike to the Everest Base Camp. You can go there to probably see some expedition climbers. Or you can just go back to Lobuche with other our staff and rest. 

Day 15: Trek to Dingboche 4343 mt. 
From Lobuche, retrace your steps back down to Thuklha. Go straight up the hill from the bridge to reach an upper trail, staying high above the valley floor past the yak pastures at Dusa to a chorten at the head of the Imja valley. From here, the views of Island Peak are great and Makalu is in the distance. The trail continues descending lower into the valley through little stone huts leading to the village of Dingboche. There are a few houses and lodges in Dingboche. The mountain scenery is outstanding. Campsite is on the open spot in the village. Walking takes about 7 hours to reach here. 

Day 16: Dingboche to Chukung 'Island Peak Base Camp
A gradual walk up the Imja Khola valley to Chukung a small summer settlement. You'll probably arrive by lunch time. The site of Island Peak base camp is reached about 3 hours after leaving Chukung. The trail climbs beside the lateral moraine of Lhotse and Imja glaciers. Base camp is situated at the foot of the mountain's south ridge on flat ground between Island Peak and Imja khola.

Day 17: Base Camp to High Camp 
The morning may be spent sorting out your equipment and relaxing around camp. From base camp it is a short walk up the valley before climbing initially on moraine slopes to the site of high camp, reached in about 3 hours. Porters will carry food, tents, and equipment up to the high camp and return to the base camp. 

Day 18: Summit Imja Tse Peak 6160 mt. 
An early start for summit attempt. First climb out of a shallow gully, which involves some rock scrambling to get onto a glacial basin on the East Face. Put on your crampons and rope up to cross a highly crevassed area, which takes you to the foot of a mixed rock and ice wall leading to the summit top. This is perhaps the most difficult section of the route. Your hard work is rewarded with superb views including the impressive South face of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Lhotse Shar. Depending on the time/weather/fitness of members, descent will be either back to base camp or down to Dingboche village. 

Day 19: Dingboche to Tengboche (3,867 meters) 
The trail makes a gradual descent through scrub junipers and around mani stones as it follows the side of a hill. The trail passes many mani walls in deep rhododendron forests. After crossing the Imja khola on a steel suspension bridge, the trail climbs past many magnificently carved mani stones to Pangboche. Pangboche Gompa is the oldest in Khumbu; a visit will be well worth it. Walk down the valley to a very high suspension bridge. From here the trail is more shallow through alpine meadows. Most of the vegetation is scrub junipers including the wild flowers. Then climb gradually up to Tengboche. It has the biggest monastery in the whole of Khumbu. 

Day 20: Trek to Monjo 
Walk down from the rear of monastery and continue down until you reach Phunki Tenga. Climb up gradually through a forest. Once you are out of the forest, you will be walking along a ridge from where you can see down on your left some of the deepest gorges of Nepal. In spring, the rhododendrons will be in superb colors making the valley even more beautiful. Reach Namche Bazaar in about 5 hours and trek further down about 1 hour to reach Monjo. 

Day 21: Trek to Lukla 
A detour back to Lukla takes about 5-6 hours. This will be the last night for you to get together with all of your fellow trekkers. It will be a good idea that all of the group members go for a farewell dinner party. You can have a good time with two local alcoholic beverages 'Chang' or 'Rakshi.' Feel free to dance with your crewmembers in the Sherpa way. 

Day 22: Flight to Kathmandu 
After the breakfast, your trekking crews will help you carry your duffel bags to the airport and bid adieu for the last time. Our representative in Lukla will make all the arrangements for your flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. 

Day 23: Free Day in Kathmandu 
This is an extra day in case of flight delay due to weather. The rest of the day is for you to explore the streets of inner Kathmandu. Enjoy our cultural programs in the evenings and dine at one of its excellent restaurants. 

Day 24: Depart Kathmandu 
You will be transferred to the airport for your final departure from Kathmandu. 

Note 
Fight: The flights to and from Lukla are reliable, but weather conditions sometimes delay flight for a day or two. So it is advisable to have at least one extra day at the end of your trek. Itinerary: We try our best to go by the itinerary, but it can change sometimes by matters beyond our control. 

The trek cost covers: 
Includes: All ground transfers. Fully organized trek (Sirdar, cook, guide, kitchen boy, Porters, two-person dome tents, dining tent, toilet tent, foam mattresses, camping stools and tables). Three meals a day, tea/coffee, peak fee if any, and National Park fees). All air transfers within Nepal if applicable. Three Star Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on Bed and Breakfast twin share basis. Tourist Class Hotel accommodation on the same basis in others cities if applicable. 

What it does not covers: Sleeping Bag, personal clothing, and equipment International flights, visas, meals in cities, airport taxes, excess baggage charges, personal laundry, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Travel insurance and medical insurance. Tips to tour leader and other staff members. Emergency rescue by helicopter, medication and hospitalization in case of illness and trip delays.