General

Everest Basecamp and Island Peak (2024-25)

Everest Basecamp and Island Peak, Combine the ultimate Everest Base Camp hike with the thrilling ascent of Island Peak for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure. On this thrilling adventure under the shadow of the world’s tallest peak, you’ll see stunning scenery, overcome obstacles, and reach new heights.

 

Dates & Cost – Everest Basecamp and Island Peak

Summers are ideal for the Everest Basecamp and Island Peak. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Nepal. The months mentioned below are ideal for trekking in the Himalayas region of Nepal. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate until October. Our dates and costs are noticeable below.

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Itinerary – Everest Basecamp and Island Peak

The itinerary for Everest Basecamp and Island Peak is noticeable below.

On this Day

After an early breakfast, we board a bus to Kathmandu Airport's domestic terminal (or travel to Ramechhap) and check in for our short flight to Lukla (2840m). Landing on the small, sloping runway in the center of the Himalayas is an incredible way to get to the Khumbu. Here, we meet our trekking crew and begin the first step of our journey to Everest Basecamp. Today's walk is extremely nice, taking us down to the river and then north through many towns to our lodge in Phakding (2610m).

On this Day

A beautiful stroll along the river through the pine forest leads to a short ascent to avoid a small canyon part. We pass the entry to the Khumbu National Park, where our permits are recorded, and then descend to the river, which we cross over a suspension bridge. We continue up the forested valley on a decent track, crossing the river twice before arriving at a confluence of rivers, one flowing from Thame and the other from Khumbu. We make our final crossing here on a stunning high suspension bridge before beginning an hour-and-a-half ascent to Namche Bazaar (3440m) over a broad switchback route. This is the sting in the tail of today's otherwise moderate rise, and it is one of the steepest on the trail. We get our first look at Everest just over halfway up the last slope to Namche. When we arrive in the Sherpa capital, we check into one of the several lodges. Namche has evolved dramatically since hiking first gained popularity in Nepal. The Sherpa people are quite good at determining what guests require. Many of the Sherpas who run lodges, cafés, and stores in town have traveled to places in the United States and Europe, bringing back a variety of notions. Today, Namche is home to German bakeries, Italian coffee shops, British pubs, pool halls, and hot springs.

On this Day

Namche Bazaar is hidden away between two hills among the Khumbu's enormous peaks. Namche, an old market center where commodities from as far away as Tibet were and continue to be exchanged, now has many hotels, cafés, pubs, and tourist stores. It's an excellent site to spend an acclimatization day before climbing higher. The guide will be eager to take everyone on an acclimatization walk, whether traveling as high as the settlement of Khumjung (3780m) above Namche or simply to the Everest View Hotel. Both alternatives offer stunning views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. We spend another night at our accommodation in Namche Bazaar.

On this Day

A very simple day of trekking, however, the uphill portion to Thyangboche at the end of the day will be challenging at this altitude. The landscape along the trail today is beautiful. The main path out of Namche leads northwest, ascending steeply out of town to a ridge crest with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Our track now follows a contour high above the river, with occasional small rises as we pass through a succession of ridges. At the end of this contour route lies the little village of Kangjuma, where different objects of local art and craft, jewelry, and even yak bells are displayed to attract passing trekkers to purchase a remembrance of their visit. The trail descends from Kangjuma to Phunki, where it crosses the Imja River by a bridge. Beyond the river, we ascend a lengthy slope to Thyangboche (3860m), the site of one of Nepal's best monasteries. We get the opportunity to explore the monastery and the visitor center. This is a popular overnight destination since it not only provides a good perspective of the Everest/Lhotse mountain, but it is also the traditional viewpoint of Ama Dablam. However, water is rare here, and the lodges are frequently full, so we may decide to continue for another 20 minutes, descending to a lodge along the river at Deboche.

On this Day

After breakfast at the lodge, we travel for a few hours to Pangboche, home to the Khumbu's oldest monastery. An hour beyond Pangboche, there is an excellent lunch halt at the little Sherpa village of Shomare, followed by a three-hour hike to Dingboche (4410m), at the entrance to the Khumbu Valley. We spend the night in one of the peaceful lodges in this small and scenic Sherpa community.

On this Day

Following our well-planned acclimatization schedule, we will spend two nights at this altitude before continuing up the Khumbu Valley. We take a day climb to the spectacular viewpoint of Nangkartshang Peak (5083m). This will be a difficult climb at this point of our acclimatization, but it will be well worth it for the breathtaking views of Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lobuche Peak, and Taboche. For the most part, this is a walk-up mountain with some little climbing to the rocky top.

On this Day

Today's hike follows the Khumbu Valley and climbs to the little village of Dugla, where we may choose to stop for a leisurely lunch. Shortly later, we arrive at the memorial to the Sherpas who perished on Mount Everest. The route begins to level off, following the lateral moraine on the west side of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche (4910m), facing the towering pyramids of Nuptse and Lhotse.

On this Day

Making an early start, we follow a track across the ablation valley along the side of the Khumbu Glacier, gradually gaining elevation. The glacier is still concealed from us by the moraine at this point, but as we rise to pass the debris of a subsidiary glacier, we can see the vast Khumbu Glacier sweeping down the valley and up towards the base camp location. Beyond this stream, we reach an island of scanty grasses beneath the famed Kala Pattar hill. Gorak Shep was formerly a summer yak herding meadow in the middle of nowhere, but it is now home to some of Nepal's highest resorts. The lodges here are pretty rudimentary, as one would anticipate at this altitude and in such a remote location, but they do have heated dining rooms and provide some comfort. After resting here, we continue along the moraine crest for another hour or two before descending to the glacier's churned debris, and our last approach to the climbers' base camp is on the ice itself. Outside of the major Spring climbing season, we are unlikely to see any tents here, although the location itself is rather inspiring, sitting just under the magnificent Khumbu Icefall. Afterwards, we return to Gorak Shep. It is feasible to return to Lobuche in one long day, but spending a night at these high lodges will help us acclimate to Island Peak.

On this Day

This morning, we have the option to ascend Kala Patar in around two hours. At roughly 5500 meters, this is one of the best views of Everest and the Khumbu Valley. Depending on the weather and the condition of the group at this time, we can switch these two trips (Kala Patar and Everest Basecamp) so that we visit the Basecamp today. We return to Gorak Shep for refreshments before retracing our ways back to Lobuche.

On this Day

From Lobuche, we cross the Khumbu Glacier. At this point, the glacier moves slowly, and is covered in rubble and moraine debris, and there is typically a decent route across. We then ascend to Kongma La (5535m). The journey to the pass is difficult, beginning with a route on a grassy hillside and progressing to a decent path that zigzags its way to the summit of a scree slope. The peak is visible from the top of the screen, but we still have 45 minutes of flat climbing over stones and scree to reach the prayer flags that span from cairn to cairn. It will take around 3 hours to go from the glacier to the peak of the pass, but the sights make up for the effort. In addition to the summit of Everest and the amazing 8-mile-long Lhotse-Nuptse wall, the view encompasses Gauri Shankar, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and Tibet's remote peaks. This readily accessible Khumbu pass is a little-known treasure. A few distance below the top, we pass a normally frozen lake and descend steeply into the valley, where we join a gradually improved track via yak pastures that leads us to Chukung in the Imja Valley. This high Yal herders' village, now home to many lodges, has a breathtaking perspective of Lhotse's towering south face. From here, we can also see our destination, Island Peak.

On this Day

A pretty straightforward day's hike to Island Peak Basecamp. The route crosses the river near the last tea store and follows a gorgeous ablation valley for two hours. Basecamp is located at 5040 meters near the Imja Glacier, below the steep grassy slopes that begin the ascent to Island Peak. We may opt to attack the summit from here, or we may choose to begin at a higher camp, depending on the overall circumstances and availability of water higher up. The afternoon is spent arranging gear for the ascent or preparing to relocate to high camp the next day. If any group members don't want to climb Island Peak, there is also the option of trekking to the head of the Imja Valley.

On this Day

This is a day for more acclimatization before our climb of Island Peak. We'll use this time to practice some abilities before taking a well-deserved break and preparing for the climb tomorrow. Your tour leaders will determine how to effectively utilize this day.

On this Day

A very early start is necessary from the base camp, just after midnight. Climbing by the light of our headlamps takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the location of 'High Camp', after which we continue rising over scree and rocks for another hour to reach a narrow, rocky ridge leading to the glacier. The glacier crossing is where the most intriguing portion of the climb begins, so rope up and put on crampons here. The scenery is breathtaking, with the mountains of Ama Dablam, Chamlang, and Baruntse bathed in morning light. We weave our way across the relatively level glacier to the foot of a snow gully that leads to the summit ridge. Here, the guides secure a rope, and jumars are used to protect this part. The climbing is more fascinating than challenging, but it can get steep at times, reaching over 50 degrees. After around 200 meters, we reach the summit ridge and are confronted with Lhotse's massive South Face. The guides will put fixed lines on several portions of this undulating and occasionally corniced mountain. A last steep slope leads us to the real top (6189m), which has enough room for everyone to sit down and take in the majesty of the surrounding landscape. Island Peak is an island in an ice sea, surrounded by the Lhotse and Imja glaciers as well as a multitude of gigantic peaks. The descent follows the same route, and we expect to return to the base camp by early afternoon. Depending on the group's health and available time, we may want to continue our descent to Chukung's tea houses, which are another hour and a half down the valley.

On this Day

We leave our base camp (or Chukung) and head back to Namche Bazaar and Lukla via the Imja Valley. After leaving Dingboche, we return to our outward path and descend past Pangboche to Deboche, located beneath the Tyangboche peak.

On this Day

After an early breakfast, we trek through the trees to Tyangboche Gompa, where we have a fantastic view of the Everest/Lhotse range and Island Peak. If we were unable to see the spectacular gompa on the outward walk, we would have another chance. Leaving Tyangboche, we descend the steep trail to Phunki, cross the Dudh Kosi, and begin the difficult ascent to Kangjuma's lodges. Following the contouring route around the slope, we suddenly emerge at the top of the bowl where Namche Bazaar is nestled. A last, steep drop-down stone stairs lead to the main market. After having a break here (or lunch if we've made excellent time), we continue our journey, falling steeply down to a towering suspension bridge. We follow the Dudh Kosi downstream, with forested valley sides rising sharply above us. We cross the river again and ascend stone steps to the entrance of Sagamartha National Park. We must present our permits here before carrying on to Monjo, where we will spend the night.

On this Day

From Monjo, the route descends the valley, becoming more confined as we pass the settlements of Phakding and Chopling on our way to Chaumrikharka. We begin the trip's final climb, the sting in the tail, with a 45-minute steady rise to the airfield at Lukla. Arriving at the busy town, we settle into a lodge and will undoubtedly celebrate the end of a fantastic adventure tonight.

On this Day

It's time for sightseeing and relaxation After saying farewell to our Sherpa team, we catch the aircraft back to Kathmandu (or to Ramechhap, from whence we move by car). The remainder of the day is free for touring or shopping in the streets and bazaars of Nepal's capital. This evening, we'll have a celebration feast and reflect on our Island Peak journey.

On this Day

This is a crucial backup day in case of delays on flights from Lukla. If there have been no delays, there is another opportunity for personnel to explore Kathmandu's vibrant streets and temples.

On this Day

Your vacation ends. Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings.

 

 

Why Register Now?

1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost us less than peak-season. 

2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. We have restricted one group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

3. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.

4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: We appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.

5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change according to the late deposit schedule above. The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.

Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals

The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 100,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable.

Refund Policy for All

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable in all cases too.

Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.

Currency

All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).

Single Supplement

Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.

 

 

As Featured In:

 

Photo Gallery – Everest Basecamp and Island Peak

 

Overview – Everest Basecamp and Island Peak

High in the Khumbu, near Everest and even closer to Lhotse’s steep south face, the aptly called Island Peak (6189m) looms above a tangled knot of glacial valleys. With its spectacular position and graceful summit ridge, this mountain has been a favorite of KE clientele for two decades. A week of walking along the ‘Everest Trail’ takes us from Namche Bazaar and Thyangboche to Lobuche, near the Khumbu Glacier.

From here, we climb up to Everest Basecamp and ascend the iconic viewpoint of Kala Patar, where we can enjoy some of the best views of the world’s tallest mountain. After acclimatization, we cross the Khumbu Glacier, ascend to the Kongma La (5535m), and descend to the summer grazing village of Chhukung in the Imja Khola valley. We travel from Chhukung to Island Peak Basecamp, which is slightly over 5000 meters above sea level and next to the glacier lake Imja Tsho. The ascent of this 6000-meter summit in the shadow of the massive Lhotse face offers a ‘alpine experience’ in every way, with good climbing in vulnerable areas and stunning surroundings. This is one of the top Nepalese trekking and climbing excursions.

 

Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
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