19-Day Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climb from Kathmandu

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Thamel Exploration

• The flight into Nepal is breathtaking, with views of the Himalayas and lush green hills. A representative will meet you, drive you to your hotel, and assist you with check-in. After a brief rest, head out for a stroll around Thamel, a lively tourist hub.
• Later in the evening, join a special welcome dinner and cultural show at an authentic Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

2

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trip Preparation

• Head out on a sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley and visit various ancient temples, monasteries, and other landmarks listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll through the narrow alleyways and streets of the valley and witness the true culture and lifestyle of the region.
• In the evening, join a short briefing with your guide about the trek and climbing. Overnight in Kathmandu.

3

Day 03

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

• Catch an early flight to Lukla. The flight is filled with majestic views of central Nepal's Himalayas and lush woodlands. Tenzing-Hillary Airport is perched on a plateau surrounded by high mountains and is regarded as one of the world's highest and most extreme airports.
• Once you land, meet your guide, porters, and the rest of the crew. After assembling your backpack, head out onto the trail. The trek officially starts from Lukla, and today you will settle in Phakding. The trail takes you across dense woodlands, crossing various suspension bridges to the riverside settlement of Phakding.
• Once you reach Phakding, head to your teahouse, and after checking in, you can explore the area, walk down towards the Dudh Koshi River, and get an iconic view of the scenic valley. Later, return to your teahouse and have friendly chats with the locals. Overnight in Phakding.

4

Day 04

Trek Along the Dudh Koshi to Namche

• Today's trail is filled with wonders of nature. Walk alongside the banks of the Dudh Koshi River with views of mighty Everest and countless other mountain peaks. Sections of the trail are dotted with colourful prayer flags and mani stones. The colourful flags represent various parts of creation and are believed to carry prayers to heaven and protect travellers from negative forces. Cross dense juniper, pine, and rhododendron woodlands and traverse several high suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Bridge over the Imja River, covered with colourful flags.
• As you continue along the trail, you will make your way through Sagarmatha National Park, where your documents will be checked at the park entrance. After that, head towards Namche, the Sherpa capital. The settlement is perched on a high hill with views of majestic snow-covered mountains.
• Once you reach the settlement, head out, explore the area, and witness the majestic views at dusk. Overnight in Namche.

5

Day 05

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Khumjung

• Today is your first acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar, and the region has various vantage points for acclimatization hikes. After breakfast, head towards Hotel Everest View, one of the highest-altitude hotels, offering a panoramic view of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Mount Everest.
• After exploring the area, head towards the historic village of Khumjung. Visit the Hillary School, the first school in the region established by Sir Edmund Hillary, or head to Khumjung Monastery, where the scalp of a Yeti, the abominable snowman, is said to be preserved.
• Later, head back towards Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche.

6

Day 06

Trek Through Rhododendron Forests to Tengboche

• After breakfast, head onto the trail towards Tengboche, a small settlement nestled in the vibrant Dudh Koshi Valley. Today's trail is covered with woodlands of juniper and rhododendron, with views of the Himalayan giants of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde.
• The settlement of Tengboche offers a close-up view of Ama Dablam, one of the world's most picturesque peaks, and the Khumbu region's oldest Buddhist monastery. Explore the monastery and witness the monks chanting sacred texts and prayers. Overnight in Tengboche.

7

Day 07

Trek to Dingboche via Sherpa Villages

• Today, start early after breakfast and head towards Dingboche, descending through a forested trail and crossing several suspension bridges.
• On the trail, you will pass various Sherpa villages, including Pangboche, the biggest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu region. The trail takes you past the tree line and towards high arid terrain and a rocky landscape.
• Once you reach Dingboche, head towards your teahouse and rest.
• Later, head out to witness the views at dusk. Overnight in Dingboche.

8

Day 08

Acclimatization Hike to Nagarjun Hill

• Today is your second acclimatization day. Wake up early and head out to witness the Himalayan sunrise, and after a light breakfast, follow the trail leading to Nagarjun Hill at an elevation of 5,100 meters, also called Nangkartshang Peak. This hike is an ideal acclimatization destination with straightforward trails and no technical manoeuvres.
• The summit of Nagarjun Hill is one of the best viewpoints in the Khumbu region, providing a 360-degree view of Lhotse, Cholatse, Kantega, Ama Dablam, and Makalu. Get close-up views of Island Peak, Imja Tse, Imja Glacier, and Cholatse. Ama Dablam's base-to-summit profile is seen from the summit, offering a different view of the mountain.
• After spending a brief time at the summit, head back towards the settlement of Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.

9

Day 09

Trek Across Khumbu Valley to Lobuche

• Today you will traverse the incredible landscape of the Khumbu Valley, following the trail ascending to the Khumbu Glacier's steep terminal ridge and rocky terrain.
• You will reach Thughla Pass. The summit of the pass is covered with prayer flags and stones that serve as memorial shrines for climbers who perished on Mt. Everest. From here, follow the moraine towards Lobuche.
• Once you reach Lobuche, head towards your teahouse.
• Later, stroll around the settlement with views of Lhotse and Nuptse looming in the backdrop. Overnight in Lobuche.

10

Day 10

Trek to Gorak Shep and Hike to Everest Base Camp

• The hike to Everest Base Camp is not extremely challenging. However, you will be traversing rugged terrain and glacier trails. Apart from all the meandering, take it slow, as altitude may be a problem for some. Once you reach Gorak Shep, leave your heavy backpack and head towards Everest Base Camp, travelling across glacier moraine and high Himalayan rocky terrain. The camp is nestled beneath the spectacular Khumbu Icefall, where you will witness nothing else down here but camps, with expedition groups setting out colourful tents.
• Once you reach the base camp, enjoy the majestic views of endless snow peaks surrounding you. After spending a brief time at the base camp, retrace your steps back to Gorak Shep. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

11

Day 11

Hike to Kala Patthar and Return to Lobuche

• Today, start early and head towards Kala Patthar, one of the most renowned vantage points of the Everest region. Most trekkers visit this viewpoint to see Mount Everest and the endless peaks of the Mahalangur range. From the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of 7,000- and 8,000-meter peaks.
• After spending a brief time at the summit, head back down towards Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

12

Day 12

Cross Kongma La and Trek to Chukkung

• Today's trail takes you across the Khumbu Glacier, from where you will ascend towards Kongma La Pass. There is no teahouse in this region, so you will have a packed lunch. The summit of the pass is covered with colourful flags carrying prayers to heaven as the wind ravages it.
• From the pass, witness a grand view of the Nuptse and Lhotse glacier walls, and after a brief rest, head down, traversing rocky terrain covered with moraine and loose rubble towards the Imja Khola Valley. Follow the descending trail to Chukkung. Once a yak herder's camp, the settlement is now an important stop for climbers en route to Island Peak. Apart from teahouses, there are gear and equipment rental outlets where you can hire good-quality gear.
• After a brief rest at Chukkung, you will have a short orientation and a final check of your climbing gear. Overnight in Chukkung.

13

Day 13

Trek to Island Peak Base Camp and Pre-Climb Training

• Today's trail will take you to Island Peak Base Camp. The trail steeply ascends below the southern flank of the Lhotse Glacier, traversing past several streams and a glacial valley. Following the trail, cross the stunning Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines before arriving at Island Peak Base Camp. Once you arrive at the base camp, head towards your tent set up by your climbing team.
• After lunch, set out for pre-climb training. Organize your gear, and the climbing guide will provide techniques and training sessions. The guides will demonstrate the proper use of a harness, ascender, carabiner, rappel device, ice axe, and more. As part of the training session, you must climb up and descend using ropes. This pre-climb training is critical, especially for first-time climbers, as it will increase their confidence.
• After training, head towards your tent and rest, as tomorrow you will have to wake up early. Overnight at a tented camp.

14

Day 14

Summit Island Peak and Return to Chukkung

• Wake up around midnight and start early by 1 AM or even earlier. It is vital to start early at high elevation, as the weather deteriorates as the day progresses.
• Follow the trail from Island Peak Base Camp and arrive at a steep slope just above High Camp.
• From High Camp, head towards Crampon Point, which takes around 3 hours to reach. As you reach the elevation of 5,700 meters, put on your crampons and follow a narrow ridge leading to the base of the Imja Glacier. From the glacier, enjoy stunning views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Baruntse, Mera Peak, Chamlang, Cho Polu, Peak 38, and other Himalayan giants. From here, you will cross the glacier following the fixed rope line.
• The trail from here has a few technical sections and reaches high elevations. This section of the trail has crevasses, depending on the weather and season, and ladders are used while crossing them. As you ascend further, you will be welcomed by the massive frozen wall of Lhotse's south face as you reach the summit ridge. From here, your climbing team will fix ropes at some sections, and following the ridge, you will reach the summit of the peak.
• The summit is surrounded by rugged boulders and glaciers, like an island. After you reach the summit, witness the majestic views of the Himalayas and a panoramic view of the world's endless snowy peaks. Spend a brief time at the summit and head down towards the base camp.
• From the base camp, retrace your steps back to Chukkung. After reaching your teahouse, celebrate your success with your team. Overnight in Chukkung.

15

Day 15

Contingency Day for Summit Attempt

• If your summit attempt on Day 14 is called off due to weather conditions or lack of proper fitness, this extra day has been set aside for summiting. This day can also be used in the case of an emergency, such as flight delays, cancellations, or other unanticipated situations. If all goes according to plan, the additional day may be used to take it easy and explore more of the trail. Alternatively, you might spend the additional day touring Kathmandu.

16

Day 16

Long Descent Back to Namche

• Today's trek is long and tough, so start early. The trail has breathtaking Himalayan vistas and is covered with lush subtropical forest and miles of undergrowth. Keep an eye out, as you may spot various biodiversity in the region.
• Trek past the settlements of Dingboche, Shomare, Tengboche, and Sansa, traversing woodlands of pine and juniper forests, with views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Everest, and other peaks.
• Once you get to Namche, head towards your accommodation and later go out to the bars and pubs around the region. Overnight in Namche.

17

Day 17

Trek Downhill to Lukla

• Wake up early and witness the views of dawn over the mountains. After a late breakfast, head onto the trail and retrace your steps to Lukla. As most of the trail today is downhill, take extra caution.
• Once you reach Lukla, head towards your teahouse and rest. In the evening, celebrate your last night in the mountains with your team. Overnight in Lukla.

18

Day 18

Fly Back to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

• Board an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The scenic flight offers views parallel to the world's highest peaks. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be driven to your accommodation.
• The rest of the day is yours to explore. Head towards various attractions around the valley or go souvenir shopping.
• In the evening, attend a special cultural programme with a farewell dinner to commemorate the end of your journey.

19

Day 19

Departure from Kathmandu

• Today after breakfast, our staff will drop you off at the airport and bid farewell to your newfound friends and Nepal.