Kala Pattar Island Peak Climbing -24 days

You will be met by us at Kathmandu airport upon your arrival to Nepal and transferred to hotel. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the afternoon.

This morning final gear checks will be held and afterwards we will depart for Thamel where any necessary items will be hired or purchased. A group sightseeing tour has been arranged, taking in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. If time does not permit, the tour can be taken after the expedition when there is a full day at leisure in Kathmandu.

It is a memorable flight with marvelous views of the Eastern Himalaya to Kathmandu. Meet our trekking porters after a light breakfast or lunch. We start trek towards Phakding that takes 3/4 hours trekking. It is however almost impossible to avoid the crowds during the first few days of trekking

The steep slopes and streams we traverse around, run down from Kwangde peak (6187m) and Nupla (5885m), and are less suited to farming resulting in fewer inhabitants. We enjoy the thick forests of chir pine and views eastward to Kusum Kanguru Himal as we follow the valley toward Namche.

After passing through the Sagarmatha Park entrance, the trail passes along the river. You will cross two bridges before beginning the steep ascent to Namche, which can take up to three hours to complete. Be aware that there are no tea houses or lodges on this path, so ensure that you have ample water to get you to the top. In addition, you are now heading into a high altitude area, so take it easy. Even the fittest people are prone to altitude sickness. Jorsalle to Namche takes 3 to 4 hours, almost all uphill treks.

It is recommended to take an altitude acclimatization rest day in Namche. Although no more than a village, the Sherpa capital has museums, several internet cafes, money changer and cafes so there is much to keep you occupied during your stay here. During your acclimatization rest day, you might like to visit neighboring villages. Khumjung (3790m) is over the hill directly behind Namche, and takes about one and a half to two hours to reach.

Trek to Deboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days. The views of the Everest massif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding. After a rest and visit to the monastery we head downhill to Deboche. Trekking takes 5/6 hours walk.

The early morning mountain views from the monastery are outstanding. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Tawatse on one side, and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360-degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde RI which encircle us from across the valley. The views of Ama Dablam are spectacular. Continuing on trekking passes pangboche village; we cross the river again and trek up to Dingboche, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam.

An important acclimatization day hikes high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chhukung Village. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189 m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley.

We are gaining altitude and it is important that trekking slowly on steady pace so it takes 5/6 hours trekking. The slopes are quite barren now as we have moved above the tree line. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before us in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. We move up the Dhugla Ridge and onto moraine towards Khumbu Glacier. Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the area, including Everest. The temperatures drop here. We enjoy spectacular views all day today of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse.

Trek 4/5 hours alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers of the world highest peaks. Following our arrival at Gorak Shep we have an early lunch before ascending Kala Pattar. Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to black rock. From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky buttresses immediately before us. Many of the famous ascent routes are quite clear. Below us the Khumbu Glacier snakes towards the icefall. We can see the area where expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorak Shep. Take a look in every direction and soak it in. The view south and our route out, is particularly beautiful. The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can be stunning.

Get an early start and the extra day of acclimatization we have had by staying here will be invaluable on the walk to Base Camp Everest. Although it has undoubtedly been a cold night we have time to comfortably ascend to the historic site and enjoy it to the fullest. Return to Gorak Shep takes 6/7 hours long hiking.

We make our way down valley to Chukkung where we spend a well earned rest day before continuing to our base camp on Island Peak. This is a good time to catch up on some washing and preparations for our climb. If you are still feeling energetic the hills behind Chukkung offers a nice ascent and the views of the glaciers on the opposite side are just reward.

Moving up the Imja valley, between Ama Dablam, Lhotse and a panorama of other peaks, we ascend onto lateral moraine to a camp in an ablation valley above the normal base camp for the climb. Island Peak is also known as Imja Tse, meaning Island Peak in Sherpa)

An alpine start sees us climbing steeply up the lower flanks of the south-east face. The track is well used as this is a popular peak. At times there is a bit of rock scrambling and the rocky spur takes us to a snow ramp that leads to the upper snow fields. The peaks of Makalu and Lhotse come into view as we climb higher. Upon crossing the upper nave, it is necessary to fix ropes up a short but steep ice face that leads on to the summit ridge. The summit ridge is a classic alpine ridge and quite exposed, and traverses our way to the summit. Although Island Peak appears dwarfed by the seven and eight thousanders surrounding it, it provides a magnificent vantage point to all the peaks south of the stupendous Lhotse face. After some exhilarating moments on the summit we descend by the same route to our base. We also have a contingency day factored in case of inclement weather conditions.

We are fit and acclimatized with the added benefit of much of the trek being downhill. We can now enjoy the bustling trail and many sights, with great photographic opportunities along the way. We descend the valley from Base camp, trekking adjacent to a large glacial lake to our left and passing under the rocky trekking peak of Pokhalde to our right. There can often be a wind blowing, so it good to have your jacket handy. There are yak pastures and several huts which are used seasonally by the local people, but little else until we reach the settlement of Chukhung and retrace our steps onto Namche.

After a night in Namche we continue down through the forest to the valley floor to follow the Dudh Kosi downhill and out of the national park to the small settlement of Phakding. We walk nearly 4/5 hours trek.

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla that takes 3/4 hours trekking. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here.

This morning we fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Kathmandu sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu that visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath stupa and Kathmandu durbar - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.

After breakfast tour will be finished unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures