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Island peak via Gokyo-Chola-EBC

Trip Overview

Island Peak Climbing via Gokyo - Chola – EBC gives the entire range of experience trekking through blue Gokyo Lake, gorgeous Gokyo valley, ascending Gokyo Ri at 5357 m/17575 ft, adventurous Chola Pass with an elevation of 5420m/17782ft, then to Everest Base Camp to Kalapatthar at 5545m/18192ft, and finally to the summit of Island Peak. Island Peak is an enticing peak located on the top of the Chukung glacier between the peaks of Ama Dablam and Lhotse offering what is widely regarded as the best view of the Khumbu Himalaya in Nepal.

This climbing fulfills the goal of every climber who seeks adventure and thrill when traveling to the summits of the world's highest peaks. The beauty of the wild and frigid mountains that open right before our eyes is a reward for all of our hardships as we ascended the ropes during this journey.

Itenerary

Upon arrival our airport representative will be waiting for you at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be transferred to the hotel, where our personnel will assist you until the check-in process is completed. You will have some rest at the hotel and go for a short walking tour around Thamel where you will some good restaurants, Atm’s, money exchanges, Supermarket, gear shops, and others. After the short exploration, you will be taken to our office for trip briefing meeting. Overnight at hotel.

If any delay, the meeting session will be done next day.

After breakfast, we will be going for the tour around Kathmandu which includes Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa.

Pashupatinath Temple is the one of the biggest Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Shiva which lies at the bank of Bagmati River, and it is enlisted as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the tour around the temple, you will get to explore the cremation procedure of Hindu dead people at the bank of Bagmati.

Bouddhanath Stupa is another UNESCO’s World Heritage Site which is one of the biggest stupa in the world in term of height and expansion. Here you will get the peace feeling and the stupa have four pairs of eyes directed towards all four directions.

After the tour, we will return to hotel and today we will finalize our trip's documentation and permission, as well as perform a final inspection of your climbing gear. If you require more hiking equipment, you will have the opportunity to purchase it today. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport early in the morning for the flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The airfield is in excellent condition, with a difference of only 60 meters between the two ends of the runway.  We then trek to Phakding for a breathtaking glimpse of Kusum Kangraru and a striking green environment. When we reach Phakding, we will check into the lopdge and overnight at local lodge.

From Phakding, we follow the Dudh Koshi and making ascents through the cool pine and cedar forests. The route towards Sagarmatha National Park offers an amazing view of Thamserku (6608 m/21679 ft). We then pass a magnificent suspension bridge that crosses a deep gorge at the junction of the Dudh and Bhote Koshi rivers. It's a long way to Namche from here. The trail climbs further through the pine forest. There's a viewpoint point about halfway up there that gives us our first glimpse of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge.

Once we reach the Namche Bazaar, we will check into our lodge and overnight at the lodge.

This day has been set aside for acclimatization. We'll hike to Syangboche Airport (3700 m/12139 ft), the world's highest airport, and then continue to Everest View Hotel for spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache, and other peaks. We stop by the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery on our way back to Namche and overnight at local lodge.

Today, as we hike, Ama Dablam, one of the world's most beautiful peaks, will give us a view from afar. The trail follows the Khumbila mountainside and eventually reaches Mon La, our first pass, from which the trail drops steeply to Phortse Drangka hamlet. We detour from the Everest trail and follow the Gokyo Valley along the treeline until we reach Dole, a little alpine village. Overnight at local lodge.

We will leave after breakfast for Machhermo, which is on the way to Gokyo Valley. In comparison to the previous day, the trek to Machhermo is very easy. We'll arrive at Machhermo at about lunchtime and spend the night there at local lodge.

As soon as we leave Machhermo and climb a short steep stretch to the Chorten located atop, the view of mountain peaks are magnificent. Every second of our hard trek will prove worth it given the scenic pleasure you get to witness. We then make our way to Pangka – a place where rather sad incident of avalanche killed more than 40 people in 1995. After we reach the riverbed, we pass Ngozumba glacier on our right then climb up and reach the first lake of Gokyo lake system. Taking an inspiration and walking further will take us to the mesmerizing third lake of Gokyo passing second lake on our way. We spend the night at valley of Gokyo in a local lodge.

We climb up to Gokyo Peak for around two hours in the morning. This is a simple yet steep ascent that is extremely exhausting due to the altitude. It will, however, be worthwhile because this is one of the best panoramic overlooks in the Khumbu region.

Four peaks over 8000 meters can be viewed from the rocky summit like Everest(8848 m/29028 ft), Cho Oyo(8153 m/26748 ft), Lhotse(8511 m/27923 ft), and Makalu(8481 m/27824 ft).

We trek for two hours on glacial scree through the Ngozumpa glacier, a sequence of ups and downs, following the lateral moraines. We arrive at Thagnag's yak herders' homes and tea houses after crossing the glacier. Overnight at local lodge.

This will be a difficult day than before. We must begin really early in the morning. We have a difficult climb up to yak pastures that we name the Cho La High Camp, though there are no homes there, only Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind for the first two hours. The summit offers a spectacular perspective of Dzongla Valley and its lake, as well as Jobo Lhaptshan's 6300m North Face. The Cho La glacier's descent to Dzongla is an endurance test. Overnight at local lodge at Dzongla.

Today we will walk for a short period of time. We walk observing all the sights and mountains and lakes visible and redeem our energy which was lost the day before from tiresome walk. Our walk to the yak pasture of Lobuche is filled with views of panoramas. The views of mountains will never get tiring, once we reach Lobuche we rest for the day and spend our night at the local lodge.

After breakfast your another big day begins. You set for the Everest Base Camp ! The beginning of the trail is beautiful in gentle slope with view of the mountains at 3600m/11811ft. You walk in the moraines parallel to Khumbu Glacier which is visible from near to Gorakshep – small town where you are sleeping for tonight – on the right side. Once you reach Gorakshep, eat some meal and get ready for the Base Camp. The trail is winding in the glacial moraines and on the rocks. It takes about 3 hrs of hiking to reach the base camp from where you take a closer look of Khumbu glacier and can even walk crossing it. View of Mt. Everest from Base Camp is not much clear though. This Base Camp located in the southern face is used by the expeditions. If you reach here in March -May, you will see hundreds of colorful tents by climbers. You will then return to Gorakhshep after spending some time at the Base Camp. Stay at the lodge in Gorakhshep for the night.

We will go for an early morning hike up to the stunning viewpoint of Kalapatthar, which provides excellent panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks right in front of us. We get to enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Later, we descend to Gorakshep and have our breakfast. We proceed on the trek for the day on the way back down to Dingboche. Overnight at local lodge.

We start early morning after breakfast. It’s a short walking day. Traversing the scenic trail overlooking the enigmatic Island peak, we eventually reach Chhukung for the lunch.  At Chhukung, we get ourselves ready double checking our equipment for our Island summit day. We can go around for some exploration to acclimatize in the altitude. Overnight at local lodge.

The walk to the base camp of Island Peak today takes us along the Lhotse glacial moraine. Although a short walk of about four hours today, we go through such a diverse range of terrains with beautiful scenic views along the glacial moraine and river valley. After mapping the beautiful winding trail, we eventually reach the base of Island Peak to spend our night there. After reaching the base camp, we have our lunch and pre-climbing training. We will talk about all the climbing techniques and the use of climbing equipment. As a group adventure, we will feel motivated by the expectation of each other in the group, their skills, and determination for the adventure. Stay overnight at Tent.

We'll start climbing early in the morning. From the base camp, we'll travel to the High Camp today and we'll come across rock steps that go to the ridge, which gives us a clear perspective of the top. Because cliffs are a huge issue here, the guides will rope us in. With the support and guidance of the Sherpas and the crew, we will make our way to the summit ridge. When we reach the summit, we will be able to take in the amazing perspective of the world below, as if we have arrived at the very edge of it. From the top we will be able to get the awesome view of Mt. Lhotse (8,516m/27940ft), Mt. Nuptse (7,861m/25791ft), Mt. Lhotse Shar (8,383m/27503ft), Mt. Makalu (8,481m/26247ft) and Mt. Amadablam (6,812m/22349ft) among other mountains. We will spend some time at the top enjoying the view and then we will return to Chhukung. Overnight at local lodge.

We've added an extra day to the program because we can't guarantee good weather on the scheduled summit day. It is advantageous to have an extra day if we are unable to climb the Island Peak on the scheduled day due to severe weather or other circumstances.

We will start our day descending towards Tengboche following the trial down to Dingboche and then to Pangboche. We will continue to follow the trial  and leave the mountain behind us untill we reach Tengboche. Upon our arrival at Tengboche, we will check into our lodge and overnight at the lodge.

Today we will start our trek towards Monjo. We will follow the route which will takes us steeply down along the Dudh Koshi river. We will cross the river few times to reach Monjo and overnight at local lodge in Monjo.

On this trip, today is the last day of walking. We'll take a retrace the route back to Lukla, but this time it'll be filled with memories from a previous trek.

After breakfast, we will take a flight to Kathmandu. The flight will be an adventure and thrill in itself given the landscape. Heading towards Kathmandu valley will bring changes in air and leave mountain fresh air back, but you get to rest your body after a long trek. You will get good food after weeks of meal in the Himalayas.

We transfer you to hotel and leave you for the day to explore nearest market and relax. You will spend the night at hotel.

Kathmandu city is full of century long history of markets, trading spots, various arts, and buildings with architectural and cultural affluence. On the last day, you will be exploring the local market of Ason, Indrachowk and Newroad, only to discover the historic and cultural identity of this beautiful city. You will also explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square; centre to accumulate Kathmandu’s architectural prominence. Here, you will experience an unique culture of “living goddess”, visiting her temple could make your trip informative and exhilarating given the cultural differences. After this eventful day, you will spend your night at hotel and prepare for the departure next day.

We will drop you to the airport and bid our farewell. You will be taken to the airport 3 hrs before the scheduled flight.

Videos

What is Included?

    • Airport picks up & Drop off
    • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
    • Best Available accommodation during the trek and climbing period
    • All meals (breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek 
    • Hot drinks (Tea, coffee) during the trek
    • All transportation required
    • Sagarmatha National Park entry & local entry permits 
    • Kathmandu - Lukla – Kathmandu Flight fare
    • Trekking permit
    • All temples Entry Permit in Kathmandu
    • All food, drinks, accommodation, salary, Insurance, Medical, Equipment, all camping gear, transport, etc. for the staffs
    • Guide, cook, Kitchen staff, Sherpa, porters, and other necessary staff.
    • Welcome/farewell dinner
    • All government taxes 

What is Excluded?

    • International Airfares and airport taxes
    • Nepal Visa Fees
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses like phone bills, bar bills, laundry, etc.
    • Meals (lunch & dinner) in Kathmandu
    • Extra accommodation
    • Any others not mentioned in the cost includes 

Equipment Checklist

Climbing Gears (Personal)

  1. Ice axe
  2. Crampons
  3. Harness
  4. Tape Slings (2)
  5. Screw gate Karabiners (2 locks, 2 unlock)
  6. Abseil Device
  7. Plastic Mountaineering Boots
  8. Ascender
  9. Helmet (optional)

Climbing Gears (Group)

  1. Snow bar*
  2. Rope*
  3. Ice Hammer*
  4. Ice Screw*

Clothing (Head)

  1. Sun hat or scarf
  2. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  3. Sunglasses with UV protection

Upper Body

  1. T-shirts
  2. Light and expedition-weight thermal tops
  3. Fleece jacket or pullover
  4. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  5. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  6. Down vest and/or jacket *

Hands

  1. Lightweight gloves
  2. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
     

Clothing (Lower Body)

  1. Under Garments
  2. Hiking shorts
  3. Lightweight cotton long pants
  4. Light and expedition-weight thermal bottoms
  5. Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
  6. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet

  1. Thin, lightweight inner socks
  2. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  3. Hiking boots with spare laces
  4. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
  5. Gaiters

Accessories

  1. Sleeping bag rated to -30 degrees centigrade and below (depends on season)*
  2. Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
  3. Trekking Bags/Duffel bag *
  4. Basic First Aid Kit
  5. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
  6. Trekking Poles
  7. Water bottle (2) or camel bag
  8. Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet paper, etc.)
  9. Ear Plug (who knows some people in group are snoring)

Toiletries

  1. 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
  2. Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  3. Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  4. Deodorants
  5. Nail clippers
  6. Face and body moisturizer
  7. Feminine hygiene products
  8. Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

  1. Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  2. Tissue /toilet roll
  3. Anti-bacterial hands wash

Extras/Luxuries

  1. Binoculars
  2. Reading book
  3. Trail Map/Guidebook
  4. Journal & Pen
  5. Walkman
  6. Pencils and small notebooks

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