Ultimate Island Peak and Everest Base Camp Expedition

Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with EverTrek. Therefore, we send one of our company reps to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will transfer you to the hotel in Thamel. If possible, and depending on what time your flight arrives, we sometimes schedule a catch up at our office to chat about the trek and for you to get to meet the rest of your team and your Sherpa or guide. Today is all about relaxing and getting to see some of Kathmandu. We will also have our welcome dinner at one of our favourite Nepalese restaurants with some traditional dance and music. You can join in too if you like! If your flight arrives a little late, we can adjust this plan for the next day.

Meals included: Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Welcome to Kathmandu! Local food and dance at out favourite Nepalese restaurant.

The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is an amazing place with it’s natural, cultural and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few hours touring the city and major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours to finalize your equipment & gear (down jacket, trekking boots, sleeping bag, ice axe, crampons etc.) required during the trek. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals included: Breakfast

(Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square ,Pashupatinath temple, Swyambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa.

*Something to note*

Due to ongoing development and important maintenance at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, your flight to Lukla may be rerouted to Ramechhap Airport. This is because the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) ruled that flights to and from Lukla during the 2019 post-monsoon season would operate through Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. This action has been prolonged longer than expected and the CAAN is looking at permanently moving all flights that go to Lukla from Ramechhap. While some flights will certainly still go from Kathmandu, they are not always guaranteed, even when booked in advance and can be subject to unplanned and prolonged delays.

If flying to Lukla from Ramechhap Airport, the journey to Ramechhap will start on day two of your itinerary. After a part-day tour of Kathmandu, you will drive for approx. four to five hours to the town of Mulkot where EverTrek will provide accommodation and your evening meal. As with all Nepalese roads, the journey will be a bumpy one, but it’s necessary to ensure your dream of Base Camp becomes a reality! It will be an early start on day three, as you wake up at 3:30/4:30 am and take a short 30-minute drive to the airport. The flight to Lukla is shorter from Ramechhap than from Kathmandu which means we can monitor the weather windows with greater accuracy. EverTrek will get you on one of the first flights to Lukla where you can have a hearty breakfast and celebrate the start of your trek!

On the return journey, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then take the long bumpy adventurous drive back to Kathmandu. The traffic going into Kathmandu can be severe, so this may take approximately six to seven hours (with breaks for food and a stretch).

Although this has been an enforced change for everyone from CAAN, our ultimate aim is to get you on the trek safely and to make it to Everest Case Camp so we have made plans to make sure there will be as minimal disruption as possible. We will provide all the additional staff and accommodation for the diversion, absolutely no cost will be passed onto you, our awesome EverTrekkers, but we do ask for your patience with the potential change with the itinerary.

You can find more information in our Knowledge Centre article, here.

Phakding is the destination for the day. One of our company reps will pick you and the group up at the hotel and transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport to board an early morning flight to Lukla. After about 30-35 min scenic flight the plane will land at the Tenzing Hillary Airport located in Lukla.

*note* See day 2 notes on Ramechhap or read more information here.

You will meet the other members of your team, the porters who will organise your baggage for you. Once everything is ready, the trek finally begins. It all starts here!

We descend towards Phakding leaving the beautiful village of Lukla behind. After about 3 hours or so, we reach the settlement of Phakding where we can freshen up and explore the village of of Phakding. The night will be spent at a lodge in Phakding.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: A scenic flight to Lukla, a thrilling landing experience at one of the most dangerous airports in the world at Lukla. The trail accompanied by various small Sherpa settlements, ancient monasteries, Chortens, Mani Walls, prayer wheels, the spectacular view of Kusum Khangkaru, the very first view of Kongde RI and the beautiful village of Phakding, where you can visit a 500 year old monastery.)

The destination for today is Namche Bazaar. We cross the river over the Dudh Koshi River where we say farewell to the beautiful village of Phakding and head towards Namche Bazaar.

Following the trail along the Dudh Koshi River, take in the views and soak up the energy of the Khumbu region. We cross 3 suspension bridges over the river and hike up to the village of Monjo, which is also known as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. Your team leader or guide will take care of the necessary formalities required to enter the national park. The trail from Monjo descends to Larja Dobhan, which is at the confluence of the Bhote Koshi and the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the Hilary bridge over the river 150 feet below, you will hopefully get your first view of the majestic Mt Everest. This is always a powerful moment. We then continue on for a tough couple of hours hiking until we reach Namche Bazaar. The remaining day can be spent exploring Namche Bazaar. The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Small settlements like Zam Fute, Toktok, Bengkar, Chhamuwa, Gumela, the views of various ancient monasteries, Chortens, the view of Rhododendron and Magnolia forests, the roaring Dudh Koshi River along the trail, and the first view of Mt. Everest.)

Reaching Namche Bazaar means we are already above 3000m which is great for acclimatisation. Although this is a day to stick around this height, there is no rest. In order to acclimatise, we will take a challenging hike to the nearby villages like Khunde and Khumjung or hike up to the old Sherpa village of Thame. We will also have enough time to visit the museum and National Park Headquarters. Once we are back after our hike, you can spend the remainder of the day exploring the amazing streets of Namche. Grab a coffee or visit the German Bakery. You will spend the night at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: An insight into the lifestyle of the Sherpa people in the villages of Khunde, Namche, Khumjung or even Thame. Enjoy the surrounding views of Mt. Everest, Shyangboche panorama and the view of the longest Mani wall in the Khumbu Region. Museum, the National Park Headquarters.)

Today our destination is Dole. Leaving Namche Bazaar behind, an easy walk will take us to Kyangjuma that offers one of the best views of towering peaks around. The walk continues through the rhododendron forests until we reach Sanasa, which is a major trail junction of the Gokyo Valley and the Everest Base Camp trek. Leaving the Everest Base Camp trail, we follow the stone steps trail that lies on our left hand side and walk towards Mong. From Mong, a slight descent will take us to the bank of the Dudh Koshi River as we cross Phortse Thanga. We hike up till Tenga, following the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. From here, leaving the bank of the river, we further hike up to Dhole through birch and rhododendron forest. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dhole.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Splendid views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Khumbila (a sacred mountain of the patron god of the Khumbu region, first view of Ama Dablam, Lhotse Shar, Taboche, Kangtega & Thamserku, longest Mani wall (prayer stone) in the Khumbu region. Local Fauna like musk deer, Himalayan thar, pheasants)

Today our destination is Machhermo, leaving Dole our trail is scenic and pretty straight forward as we slowly gain our altitude on a long gentle climb.

The scenery is really breathtaking and and gets better and better as you continue with snow packed peaks all around you piercing the clear blue sky. You will also catch sight of Cho Oyo the 5th highest mountain on earth. We will continue to follow our trail and arrive at Machhermo in the early afternoon and rest in this quaint little sherpa village.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Amazing Gokyo valley, the turquoise coloured lakes and amazing views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Thamserku, Gokyo Village)

Today the trek will take us to one of the most scenic places on the entire trip, the amazing Gokyo Valley.

We first climb up the valley ridge and hike for a couple of hours before we then climb to the base of the first lake after crossing another bridge. The first Gokyo lake (Lonspunga Tso) has an amazing backdrop so we will stop for a rest and some photos. We continue towards the second Gokyo lake (Taujung Tsho). Following the west bank of the glacier, we walk up to the third Gokyo lake (Gokyo Tsho). On reaching the lake the walk continues till the east bank of the lake where lodges are located. The remaining day will be spent exploring the lakes and glacier. The night will be spent at a lodge in Gokyo.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Amazing Gokyo valley, the turquoise coloured lakes and amazing views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Thamserku, Gokyo Village)

Today will be spent exploring the valley for more acclimatisation and climbing the Gokyo RI Pass (5,630m) above the village on the northern edge of the lake. We spend some time relishing the views of the magnificent mountains around at this significant height which again helps with our ’Hike high, sleep low’ plan. We then descend and hike back down to the village where we relax and enjoy some lunch on the glacier. Depending on how the group are doing, we can choose to hike further up the valley to see Cho Oyu and the additional Gokyo lake at the top of the valley.

The night will be spent at a lodge in Gokyo Valley.

Today our destination is Dragnag. Leaving the Third Lake behind, we start the hike super early as we need to walk across the Ngozumba glacier.

We cross the glacier before the sun gets stronger, as during the sunny days the ice melts making the trail a little bit challenging and difficult to walk. After crossing the glacier, following the east bank of the glacier, we slightly descend to Dragnag. The rest of the day can also be spent hiking nearby hills, which helps to acclimatise. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dragnag.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Classic trail across Ngozumba glacier, view of small ice lakes formed by the glacier)

Today our destination is Dzongla via Chola pass. Today we reach the second destination of the trek, Chola Pass (5,420m). Initially, we walk a vertical uphill trail along a small stream crossing Chola Phedi. Then, the trail drops down to the bottom of the Chola pass. The trail here is icy, slippery and difficult to cross. From the base, a steep rocky ascent will take us to the top of the Chola Pass. The top greets you with flapping prayer flag and a wonderful view of Gokyo Valley. After spending some time here, a steep descend following icy (use of crampons recommended) and rocky trail will first take us to the valley, from where Dzongla is fairly an easy walk. The night will be spent at a lodge in Dzongla.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Magnificent view of Ama Dablam & Cholatse and the Gokyo Valley from Cho La pass, flapping prayer flags on top of Chola pass, experience of difficult, icy, slippery and rocky up and downhill trail, and a grand view of Cholatse North face from Dzongla.)

Today we reach the majestic Everest Base Camp. Following the trail along the Khumbu Glacier, the hike continues towards Gorakshep past Lobuche glacier, pyramid, Lobuche pass and the confluence of Changri Nup, Changri Shar and Khumbu glacier. As we depart Gorakshep, the walk continues on some difficult glacial moraine. This route does change year on year so we will find the safest route through this area. We will eventually reach the historic Everest base camp and also hike up to the Khumbu Icefall which is the start of the Everest summit route. We will spend some time here taking it all in and taking photos and then walk back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay. The night will be spent at a lodge in Gorakshep.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful view of Kala Patthar, Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, and Nuptse, the view of Changri Nup, Changri Shar, Khumbu Glacier, north ridge of Mt. Everest, ice fall and the base camp of Mt. Everest.)

We get up super early to climb Kala Patthar to see the sunrise over Mt Everest and experience the best view of Mountain Everest you can ever get. Have you cameras with you as this is going to be one of the highlights of the entire trip.

What a view!

We then descend to Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep, we follow the icy trail over Khumbu Glacier, and follow the valley all the way to Lobuche reaching Lobuche in the late morning or early afternoon. The rest of the day can be spent enjoying coffee and cake at the cafe or even taking a gentle walk to the top of the glacier to get some amazing photos. In the evening as the sun sets head outside and have a camera read as Nuptse Peak will light up with the setting sun and give you a stunning display.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Sunrise over Everest on Kala Patthar. Climbing Kongma La, magnificent views of Island peak and rough ridge of Amphu Lapcha, glaciers like Nuptse, Lhotse Nup, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.)

From Lobuche, on crossing the icy trail over the Khumbu Glacier, we head towards Kongma La at 5,535m its the highest of the three high passes. It’s a tough climb to the top of the Kongma La pass as the trail is icy and slippery. Also, the area lacks water resources and tea houses. Therefore, we make sure we carry enough water to last us and after a rest and time spent enjoying the view, a steep downward trail will lead us to Lhangbo. Leaving the main trail, we follow the Island Peak trek trail and a short ascent will finally take us to Chhukhung. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukhung.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Sunrise over Everest on Kala Patthar. Climbing Kongma La, magnificent views of Island peak and rough ridge of Amphu Lapcha, glaciers like Nuptse, Lhotse Nup, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.)

It’s time to get closer to the big one, Island Peak. Therefore, Island Peak base camp is the destination for us for today. We first walk towards the south and then towards the main valley in the east. Initially the trail is quite easy along the stream that heads towards the mountain. It then turns rocky trail and becomes glacial as we cross Lhotse glacier and Imja glacial moraine. We then reach the base camp Island peak.

We also include some training for the summit attempt if you havn’t used Ice Axe or crampons previously. The night will be spent in a tented camp at the base camp Island Peak.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Experience of rocky and glacial trail, glacial moraines created by Imja and Lhotse, view of Imja Tsho and southwestern face of the Island Peak and a night in a tented camp.)

Today we reach the main destination of the trek that is the summit of Island Peak. We start as early as possible to get a head start. Using the techniques taught by the climbing leader over the last couple of days, we make our way through short rock steps, crevasses, seracs, 40-45 degree slopes, out of the summit glacier and finally up to the summit.

We spend some time here taking photos and taking it all in. The views from the summit of Island Peak Everest and the entire Everest region are amazing, feel free at this point to shed a tear and punch the air, YOU DID IT, you climbed a 6000m peak!

Now its time for other half of the climb so stay strong and get ready descend and hike all the way down to Base Camp. We collect our belongings and remaining gear and walk all the way down to Chhukung. It is the longest hike of the entire trip so you will need the sleep tonight. Therefore, in the evening, you can relax the tired muscles and have a beer in the lodge. The night will be spent at a lodge in Chhukhung.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Summit Island peak 6,189m, experience of seracs, crevasses, icy slopes 40-45 degree, the stunning views of surrounding peaks like Lhotse, Lhotse Middle, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse in the north, Makalu in the east and Baruntse and Ama Dablam in the south from the summit. )

Today is a back up day to account any delays on our summit attempt.

Leaving the Chhukung Valley, we walk all the way down to Pangboche past other major settlements like Dingboche and Tengboche; through the forest of Rhododendron and pine. On reaching Pangboche, we check into the lodge, where you can finally enjoy a hot shower to relax your tired muscles. .

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: View the local Sherpa culture in villages like Dingboche, Pangboche, and Tengboche, view of various monasteries, chortens and Mani walls decorated with colorful prayer flags )

Namche Bazaar is the destination for the day. Leaving the beautiful village under the steep rock of Khumbui Yul Lha with a number of beautiful houses and the views of Kangtega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam the walk continues through the ridge towards the fairly easier trail that takes us to the village of Namche. The remaining day can be spent exploring Namche. There is plenty to see and do. There is even a great Irish Pub here, Why not!

The night will be spent at a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Beautiful settlement of Khumjung and the stunning views of Kangtega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam for the village, and some quality time at Namche Bazaar.)

Lukla is the destination for the day. After a quick breakfast, we drop down to cross the Hilary bridge as we bid farewell to Everest as here is the final view of the trip.

Take in the return trek through Monjo and Phakding where we passed on the way up and remember what you have achieved. We will spend the evening celebrating in the lodge in Lukla before we head to bed for our final night in the mountains.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(Highlights of the day: Last view of Mt. Everest and Kongde RI, views of other peaks, Rhododendron and Magnolia forest, roaring Bhote Koshi and Dudh Koshi rivers, a dozen of Sherpa settlements and an insight on their lifestyle, view of a number of monasteries, Chortens, Mani walls and prayer flags.)

Today is your last day in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Our porters will carry your luggage to the airport where we have our final farewell. Once the plane lands at the airport, we will directly board the plane and fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning, enjoying the scenic view once again from the sky. A comfortable private vehicle will be awaiting our arrival in Kathmandu Airport, which will safely escort you to the hotel. In the evening, we meet for some time to discuss your trek and get feedback. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.

*Important to note*

As with your first flight to Lukla, this journey may also be via Ramechhap Airport rather than Kathmandu. Once your short flight lands at Ramechhap, the journey then to Kathmandu will be the long and bumpy drive back to Hotel Aloft, stopping for breaks along the way. This drive, dependent on traffic, will likely be between 5-7 hours.

You can read more information about flying to and from Lukla via Ramechhap, here.

Meals included: Breakfast

(Highlights of the day: Wonderful aerial view of the terrain from the plane, hotel in Kathmandu)

Today is the last day of your trip in Nepal with EverTrek. If your flight is scheduled early morning, then one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport as per your flight departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu.

Want to extend your adventure?

Once your trek is finished, why not relax and explore a rarely visited part of Nepal on our 3 Night tour of Chitwan national park.

Read more about this incredible extension - View the full itinerary here!