SHERPA EXPEDITION AND TREKKING PVT.LTD.

GPO BOX NO: 20969, Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Phone: +977–1–4701288 [email protected], Website: www.sherpaexpeditiontrekking.com Gov. Authorized Regd No. 1011/2034 ______Island Peak Climbing 6189m/20,305ft "Island Peak (6,189m) is one of the most popular peaks in the Everest region of Nepal. This Peak climbing lies on top of the Chhukung glacier between Anadablam and Lhoste mountain." Island Peak Climb and Everest Three Passes Trek take us to a series of beautiful turquoise lakes in the Gokyo valley, the famous Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m) and Kongma La (5,535m) pass and the base camp of Mt. Everest before climbing the Island Peak (6,189m). On our 22- day journey, we also ascend Gokyo Ri (5357m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m) which provides magnificent close-up views of the world's highest mountains including Mt. Everest, , , and more. Island peak climbing is physically fit and energetic trekkers having little experience in outdoor activities. this peak is the more technical and challenging peak for climbing. During the Island peak trip, you can visit valley, Sherpa Culture, and kind snow-capped Himalaya range before scaling the climbing. The Island Peak Climb and Everest Three Passes Trek incorporates proper acclimatization to its itinerary and is ideal for adventure seekers in a quest for a challenging trekking and climbing experience.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterward, there is a Sherpa Expedition and Trekking representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day taking rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft): trip preparation

We visit Sherpa Expedition and Trekking 's office sometime in the afternoon today. At the office, I meet our climbing guide and fellow climbers. Our guide or leader will check our set of equipment in order to make sure that they are in perfect condition for the coming trip. In the short meeting, the Himalayan Glacier representatives will also help us understand what we can expect throughout the trip so as to make us familiar with our days up in the mountain. We can spend the rest of the afternoon resting and/or in leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to , Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading center of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5- 6 hours

After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the , including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, , and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3:00 pm so if we are lucky we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 07: Tengboche to Pheriche (4,200m/13,776ft): 4-5 hours

With the Himalayas as its backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche is in an excellent location. We visit the monastery in the morning and enjoy taking pictures of the monastery and the amazing landscape. We descend for about half an hour through a forest before crossing a river. Next, we trek uphill and notice that as we climb higher, the landscape becomes drier. We walk past a traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche before reaching Pheriche, a beautiful village located on a riverside. Here, we will also see a small helipad that is used for helicopter rescues during emergencies. We may even take a class with a mountain specialist in a medical clinic at Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08: Pheriche to Lobuche (4,930m/16,170ft): 5-6 hours

After breakfast, we start with an easy walk towards Dugla. Next, we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the , and then pass through the boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepalese mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. The trail then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and we find ourselves facing several great peaks - , , and Mahalangur Himal. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 09: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft), visit Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,594ft): 6-7 hours

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft) and back to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft): 7-8 hours

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night's rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: Lobuche to Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft) to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft): 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft). The ascent to Kongma La pass is the most difficult part of our trek today. In the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags to mark the pass. Then we descend gradually to valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung we will also check our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.

Note: If we do not want to undertake the Kongma La pass, we can follow another route via Dingboche to Chhukung instead.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 12: Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3-4 hours

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Labtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 13: Pre-climb training on Island Peak Base Camp

We begin our pre-climb training today after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice ax, climbing boots, and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we

strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb. Overnight at the base camp.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 14: Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,305ft), back to base camp: 10-12 hours

We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult, but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. Both fixed rope and man rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fixed rope after successfully climbing on rock. The length of the rope will usually be 350 m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3 and 4 meters long. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island Peak climb.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 15: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft) 5-6 hours

Today’s walk will be much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages, Orsho and Shomare. We can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse river flowing through the wide fertile valley.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 16: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft): 4-5 hours

From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After

crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a Chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 17: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft): 6-7 hours

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the climbers’ successful summit of the Island peak. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 19: Final Departure

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Need any expert advice??? If you would like to talk to an expert to discuss any aspects of climbing and other queries, please meet or talk to our experts Sherpa Exp team. We can be reached by: E-mail: [email protected] Phone no: +977-01-4701288 Mobile: +977 9851117039, 9866007038, 9849661525 (available on Whatsapp & Viber.