Nepal · Trekking

17-Day Island Peak and Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu

17 Days Round trip from Ring Rd Easy pace
Travellers trekking
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Achieve a personal mountaineering feat with expert training and guidance
  • 02 Immerse yourself in the stunning Himalayan landscape on the iconic Everest Base Camp route
  • 03 Discover the unique traditions and lifestyle of the Sherpa people in the Tsukung Valley
  • 04 Take in breathtaking views of four 8000 m+ peaks, including Everest, from the summit
  • 05 Get closer to Everest from an iconic vantage point at Kala Patthar
  • 06 Hike beside one of the world's highest glaciers on the way to Everest Base Camp
  • 07 Experience the diverse flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park

Embark on a challenging trek to Island Peak, a 6000 m Himalayan peak that offers stunning views and a historic climb once used by Edmund Hillary. This journey also takes you to Everest Base Camp at 5364 m, one of the world's great bucket-list treks, known for its breathtaking scenery, cultural encounters, and physical challenge. Along the way, experience the vibrant culture of Kathmandu and the Sherpa heartland before witnessing the mighty Everest up close in an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Embark on a challenging trek to Island Peak, a 6000 m Himalayan peak that offers stunning views and a historic climb once used by Edmund Hillary.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Everest Base Camp-South, Patan, Lukla, Dingboche, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Phakding, Island Peak, Lobuche, Kala Patthar, Gorakshep, Sagarmatha National Park, Chukhung
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and City Exploration

  • Arrival before 3 PM is preferable. Have an orientation in the evening and activities to interact with your fellow trekkers. This day is dedicated to exploring the vibrant capital city of Nepal.
  • See Durbar Square, with its temples, markets, and busy atmosphere, making it a must-visit.
  • It is also worth the climb to visit Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple".
  • Explore the network of street markets, alley bazaars, and Pashupatinath. The neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are well worth a visit.
  • Find many monasteries, temples, and places to visit in Kathmandu.
  • Visit Hanuman Dhoka, which is considered one of the must-visit places in Kathmandu. To soothe your spiritual senses, you can also visit Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, the Golden Temple untouched by an earthquake and founded in the 12th century.
  • Behold a spectacular view of the first stupa at Boudhanath, which draws the attention of many tourists.
2
Day 02

Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

  • Leaving Kathmandu, get on an early morning flight to Lukla in a small aircraft where the engine roars for 40 minutes and the wind lightly wobbles you in the air, like a roller-coaster ride through the mountains.
  • Fly through small hills amid turbulent weather conditions until you touch down on the famous short, steep, and precarious mountainside runway. The base camp trek begins the moment you land there. Lukla, also called Tenzing Norgay Airport, is considered the 2nd most dangerous airport in the world. Lukla is pretty and charming, with little shops stocked with colourful beanies, silk scarves, and shawls made from yak wool.
  • Set off on the trail to Phakding with your Nepali trekking guide. The route is mostly descending, and after a short forest trail at the beginning, you will walk through Nepalese villages surrounded by lush vegetation.
3
Day 03

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

  • Start early, as the day involves climbing steep steps through stunning forests and crossing rivers via vertiginous and swaying Swiss suspension bridges. Be awed by the Sherpas carrying bundled backpacks. The trail, lined with blue pine forest, follows the river valley and is especially spectacular in spring when the rhododendron flowers are in bright bloom.
  • Cross the Dudh Kosi River at Benkar and look far above 6,000 metres to see the snow-capped peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6369 m) and Thamserku (6623 m).
  • Stop at Monjo village, which is the mid-point of today's trek.
  • Highlights of the day include entering Sagarmatha National Park, spotting the Kongderei and Thamserku peaks, and getting your first Everest viewpoint.
4
Day 04

Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar

  • Namche is the first place on the trek that is above the altitude sickness threshold. It is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre.
  • Hike to Everest View Hotel at 3800 m, the highest point during the trek, passing the Himalayan airstrip at Shyangbonche. Built by the Japanese, this spectacularly situated hotel with wonderful views of Everest and Ama Dablam is an ideal place for a tea break.
  • If you are full of energy, walk up to Kunde and visit the Edmund Hillary Hospital.
  • Visit the twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung, set below Khumbila, the rocky peak sacred to all Sherpas. Great views of Ama Dablam and other Himalayan giants dominate the route.
5
Day 05

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

  • Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. The sunset and sunrise over the mountains are not to be missed - Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam provide a wonderful backdrop to your teahouse.
  • Look out for Himalayan tahr in the forest surrounding the monastery.
  • If you are hiking in spring, from February to May, you will come across the famous rhododendrons along the route.
6
Day 06

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

  • Climb steadily up the trail and enter Pangboche at 3,900 m, the highest permanent settlement in this valley.
  • Ascending the valley, have lunch at Shomare.
  • Leave the trees behind and cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Khola.
  • Take a short, steep climb that brings you to Dingboche at 4,530 m, a summer settlement above the tree line where great peaks above 7000 m surround you.
  • Ama Dablam is the highlight of this place and will always keep you in awe and marvel.
7
Day 07

Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

  • Spend a day at Dingboche to continue acclimatization.
  • Those adapting well to the altitude can climb Nangkartshang Peak at 5,100 m for great views of Makalu, Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawoche, and Ama Dablam.
  • Acclimatization days aim to prepare the body for the elevation gains to come and decrease the risk of altitude-induced illness.
  • Hike up to as high an altitude as you can manage before descending to sleep at, or around, the altitude where the day began.
8
Day 08

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

  • Today's trek to Lobuche feels like a stroll in the park. Compared to the rest of the trek, the distance between Dingboche and Dughla is the shortest.
  • The flat trail to Dhugla offers some stunning views of this trekking expedition. On your right, you can see the magnificent view of Mount Pumori and a glacial lake.
  • Cross the Dhudkoshi River. Conventionally, the source of rivers is situated far away, but interestingly, Dhudkoshi's source is just a kilometre away. The wall of the Khumbu Glacier is also evident from this place.
  • Start your trek towards Lobuche. There is a steep hike from Dughla as you cross the infamous Dughla Pass/Thukla Pass. This brings you to one of the most interesting spots on the entire trek.
  • Here, you will see memorials to many famous mountaineers who lost their lives in different expeditions.
  • Enjoy the quietude of the pass and then head on to Lobuche. The trail following Dughla/Thukla Pass is almost flat. Overnight stay will be in the teahouses of Lobuche.
9
Day 09

Trek to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp

  • Leave early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,184 m). The trail undulates up and down the moraine with some short, steep sections.
  • Start by walking across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before finally descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself.
  • Follow the trail as it winds up and down through fascinating ice seracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring you might see some of the expedition teams in the distance as they prepare to climb the mountain.
10
Day 10

Kala Patthar Sunrise Hike and Return to Dingboche

  • The hike to Kala Patthar is a steep climb of about 2 hours. The rest of the day is spent descending.
  • Witness one of the best views and sunsets of your life from this place. Though it will be a long trekking day, you will walk through windy yet one of the most beautiful valleys to reach Dingboche. This climb offers a magnificent view of the Khumbu Glacier and, above all, a close-up view of the world's highest mountain.
  • Return to Gorak Shep and retrace your steps to Lobuje for lunch.
  • Continue down the valley to the lower altitude of Dingboche for the night.
11
Day 11

Trek to Chukhung

  • From Dingboche to Chukhung, the trek is about 2 hours long and easy.
  • Chukhung is a beautiful valley nestled between mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Imja Tse, and others. You will appreciate a really good and close view of these mountains and their glaciers.
  • The Imja Khola runs past Chukhung village, where you will be lodging.
12
Day 12

Hike to Island Peak Base Camp and Ice Climbing Training

  • After breakfast, trek towards the south, turn east, and enter the main valley.
  • Walk along the stream and pass the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraine before reaching the valley, where you will camp in tents.
  • From the camp, you will see the southwestern face of Imja Tse (Island Peak).
13
Day 13

Summit Island Peak and Return to Chukhung

  • Walk toward the summit around 01:00 to 02:00 am. It takes about 2 hours to reach high camp, after which you will climb the rock gully.
  • Follow a ridgeline to the summit glacier and climb a steep snow slope to reach the summit. There, you will get an excellent view of the mountains.
  • After spending some time there, descend back to high camp, then to base camp, and all the way back to Chukhung.
14
Day 14

Trek from Chukhung to Namche Bazaar

  • Hike west on a good trail for an hour down to Dingboche, which enjoys a fantastic close-up view of Ama Dablam, and then carry on west/south-west through a series of smaller villages to Pangboche.
  • Climb up to reach the world-famous Tengboche Monastery. Take one final look at the upper Khumbu and descend to a deep, tree-filled gorge.
  • Make one final climb up to the well-known landmark Tashi's Lodge at Kyangjuma and then follow the long descending path leading to Namche.
15
Day 15

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

  • A steep descent initially is followed by some ascent to reach Lukla.
16
Day 16

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

  • The next two days are for exploring the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. These days also act as buffer days to help your body acclimatize to lower altitudes again.
17
Day 17

Departure from Kathmandu

  • This is the departure day as you say "Namaste" to the crew and fellow trekkers and take back memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today, and you are free to check out of the hotel at any time. Check-out time from the hotel is usually at 12 noon or as per hotel rules. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
Island Peak, Kala Patthar, Khumbu Glacier

Where this trip takes you

Island Peak, Kala Patthar, Khumbu Glacier

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ring Rd 15 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle, with assistance at the international airport while arriving and departing in Kathmandu
  • 2 nights' hotel in Kathmandu at a 3-star category hotel with breakfast on a twin/double-sharing basis
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu domestic airline tickets, including all airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure taxes for all climbing members, Sherpa guides, liaison officers, and kitchen staff
  • Accommodation in tea houses/lodges along the trek as per the itinerary
  • Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both domestic and international flights as per the itinerary
  • All permits needed for the peak climbing and trek, including climbing route permits and Nepal royalty fees
  • Everest National Park entry permit for all members
  • Trek Information Management System (TIMS) registration card
  • An experienced climbing and high-altitude trekking guide with meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance
  • One porter per two trekkers and all porter expenses
  • Meals (16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners) at the tea lodge during the trek
  • 3 fresh meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - served at the advanced base camp
  • All trekking and mountaineering equipment like kitchen tent, storage tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for advanced base camp and Camp II
  • All food and fuel for base camp and higher camps during the expedition for clients and staff
  • Common climbing equipment, including necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bars, etc.
  • Services of chef and kitchen assistant at base camp
  • First aid medical kit
  • Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitude
  • Necessary paperwork, and all government and local permissions
  • Luggage charges for keeping luggage while you are on the trail
  • Daily weather report services from a Seattle, Washington-based company
  • All wages, equipment, medical, and accidental insurance for all involved staff during trekking and expedition periods
  • Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpas, chefs, and kitchen assistants
  • Equipment allowances and wages for the government liaison officer
  • Appropriate food for high altitude and at base camp and above, as required
  • Required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period
  • Solar panel for light and battery charging
  • Sherpa tents, climbing food, and insurance for staff
  • Helicopter rescue insurance for high-altitude climbing Sherpa guide, chef, and staff
  • Transportation of food supply to base camp from Kathmandu (cargo to Lukla and then by porter/yaks to base camp)
  • Our service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal
  • Complete pre-departure information
  • Visa extension procedure services, if necessary
  • Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with a domestic culture show in Kathmandu
  • A T-shirt/pashmina and brochure

What's Not Included

  • 5% GST
  • Meals for all days and all times, except breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Travel fare to Nepal and back
  • Personal expenses like bar bills, shopping, SIM cards, mobile charging, WIFI, hot water, hot shower, etc.
  • Optional add-on - porter available; tips to guide/porter
  • Costs arising from natural calamities, mishaps, or anything beyond our control (costs are not refundable or transferable by any means if you leave the trek voluntarily and want to return from the trek)
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

PACKING CHECKLIST

  • The following is a list of things we suggest you carry with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list; rather, it is meant to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However, we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences that may be equally suitable, as long as they serve the purpose.
  • An experienced trekker would advise you to travel light. Try to carry a minimum amount of luggage, as it will be more convenient for you. Carry only what is required, and if you miss out on something, except enthusiasm and motivation, everything is available in the markets of Kathmandu. You can carry any other gear you feel would be helpful to you.
  • Bag to hold it all - weight limit for bag while walking: 8 kg (ideal) to 12 kg (max)
  • Backpack (40-60 litres) - mandatory to have a good back-support system
  • Daypack (15-20 litres) - mandatory if you offload your main backpack

Clothes and Footwear:

1. To cover head, face, and neck

  • A woollen cap/balaclava/monkey cap/muffler - for cold, snowy, or windy days (must cover head and ears)
  • A simple cotton sun cap/hat - for sunny, warm, or hot days

2. To cover the upper body

  • First layer - 2-3 full-sleeve quick-dry/climate-fit T-shirts (high/turtle neck preferred if you are not carrying a muffler or balaclava to cover the neck)
  • Second layer - at least 1 inner thermal/warmer for the chest (when it gets really cold)
  • Third layer - 1 full-sleeve fleece/sweater
  • Fourth layer - 1 full-sleeve thick windstopper jacket/down jacket
  • Rain cover - poncho or, alternatively, a set of waterproof down jacket with thick waterproof pants (an intelligent purchase of the last layer can act as a windstopper and raincoat)

3. To cover the lower body

  • First layer - 1-2 quick-dry pants
  • Second layer (optional) - inner thermal/warmer for the legs (when it is very cold)
  • Third layer - 1 thick windstopper pant

4. Footwear and accessories

  • At least 2 pairs of woollen socks
  • At least 2 pairs of cotton socks
  • At least 4 sets of undergarments
  • Good trekking shoes - snow/ice grip and ankle support are a must
  • Light slippers/sandals/crocs - for rest time at camps
  • Sunglasses - become important when it snows a lot
  • 2-layered hand gloves - 1 inner woollen/warm layer and 1 waterproof layer

Gears (recommended) (refer to tips on purchase to economize on the following items by opting to rent)

  • At least 1 trekking pole
  • Sleeping bag
  • Headlamp/torch
  • 2-3 sipping bags/water bottles/thermos - total combined capacity should be 1-2 litres
  • Solar power bank (not compulsory, but good to carry as it gives basic power on the go and saves battery charging costs)

We can also help arrange rentals of down jackets and backpacks. In case the rented item or items are damaged or misplaced by the participant, he or she will have to bear the cost and pay the shop.

Toiletries (carry as per personal preferences and in sachets)

  • Tooth care - brush/paste/Listerine
  • Skin care - sunscreen (SPF40+), small soap/face wash, lip balm, toilet paper/wet tissues, hand sanitiser

Medicines (one can choose to carry 1 such kit among a group of 4-6 people)

  • Diamox - at least 12 tablets per person
  • Aquatabs/water purification tablets (1 tablet per 1 litre)
  • 5 ORS packets (Electral tastes better)
  • Strepsils
  • Crocin/Paracetamol
  • Digene
  • Relispray/Moov/Volini
  • Domstal
  • Other personal medicines in the first aid kit

Carry Food (optional)

  • Energy bars - a minimum of 4 or 5 is always good
  • 1 or more packets of mountain man/granola bars
  • 100-200 grams of dry fruits

Documents

  • At least 2 passport-size photographs
  • Original and 2 photocopies of government photo identity card/passport
  • Filled and signed medical certificate - by doctor and also participant (shall be mailed separately)
  • Self-declaration form (shall be mailed separately) - can be scanned and returned by email or given in Kathmandu to the Base Camp Manager
  • Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards)

Anything extra like iPods, Kindle, iPads, books, binoculars, trail maps, guidebooks, journals, pens, etc. is your personal choice, keeping in mind the luggage limit.

P.S. - There is always a PS, isn't there? But it's because we care for you.

  • There can be unseasonal snowfall on any trek. You may want to bring a pair of Yaktrax (mini-crampons) or similar if you have them. If your leader thinks there may be snowfall, he will recommend carrying a pair for safety. It is possible to buy them in Kathmandu or Namche for NPR 800-1500. There are many equipment shops in Kathmandu where you can buy much of the above clothing and accessories. The quality does vary and cannot be guaranteed, so you should choose carefully. We recommend buying from quality shops in India if you intend to continue trekking in future. Sturdy, quality-guaranteed gear is always a good investment for a sincere trekker.
  • Whatever we advise you to obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal is meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, so there is plenty of choice to purchase or rent there, and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your daypack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33 lbs/15 kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked into the hotel's storage room.
  • Please note that many Nepalese are still traditional in the way they dress. We therefore recommend that you dress wisely in order to avoid unintentionally offending any local sentiments.
  • We strongly believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts wherever possible, so as trekkers it should be our duty to keep the Great Himalayas as clean as possible and not litter.
  • There is a weight restriction on the flight to and from Lukla of 20 kg checked baggage. It is not a problem for you to check in 1-2 kg more than this as long as you are happy to pay an excess luggage charge (approximately 100 rupees per kg). Each porter carries two kitbags or, where animals are used, they carry four kitbags each, so please respectfully limit your kitbag. Remember, there is always a locker room available in Kathmandu.

Know before you go

ATMs/Money Changers/Bank

  • ATMs: There are several ATM booths at the airport and inside Thamel where you can withdraw cash. The maximum you can withdraw at once is NPR 35,000 (approximately US$ 350), and NPR 500 will be charged per transaction. During the trek, there is an ATM point up to Namche Bazar.
  • Money Changers: Money changers are easily available inside the airport and in Thamel. During the trek, if you have US dollars, you can exchange them.
  • Banks: There are several banks in Kathmandu, and you can find a bank up to Namche Bazar.
  • Buffer Days: If the flights from Kathmandu or Lukla get rescheduled due to bad weather, the guest will have to bear the cost of accommodation in Nepal.
  • Currency: We urge our guests to carry more than INR 25,000 for food on the trail and other expenses like charging mobile phones, shopping, laundry, and bar bills. You can carry Indian currency in denominations of Rs100 or smaller in Nepal. Please check with the trek consultant about the currency for travellers from any other country.
  • Trek Insurance: In the unfortunate event of injury or illness on the trek that requires medical help or evacuation, the insurer will bear the cost. Hence, it is advised to have insurance that covers medical aid and helicopter evacuation. We do not provide insurance but can assist you in getting one. Also, make sure that the insurance covers emergency evacuations up to 5500 meters, as helicopters, yaks, and horses are the only means of transportation.
  • Difficulty Level: The Island Peak and EBC Trek, just like any other Himalayan trek, is moderately demanding on the body. Participants need to have a base level of fitness.

IMPORTANT NOTES & THINGS TO FOLLOW IN HIMALAYAS/MOUNTAINS

1. Flight delays and cancellation cases:

  • Due to bad weather conditions, flight delays or cancellations can happen on the Kathmandu-Lukla or Lukla-Kathmandu sectors. Flight delays may last for hours, and there is also a chance of cancellation for the flying date itself.
  • Sometimes, due to heavy air traffic at Kathmandu airport, the flight time may get disturbed as well.

2. Lukla-Kathmandu flight reconfirmation process:

  • Despite being booked in advance, we need to reconfirm the flight once you are back in Lukla. This will be taken care of by your guide or our team members in Kathmandu in coordination with the respective airlines.

3. Alternative solution for flight cancellations:

  • A helicopter can be taken from Kathmandu or Lukla to Kathmandu in case of flight cancellations. The cost will be an extra US$ 500 per head, and 5 persons can fly at a time.

4. Bottled water, hot water, hot shower, WIFI, and electricity to charge gadgets are all extra, and the costs are as follows:

  • Bottled water: NPR 150 to NPR 400 per litre
  • Hot water: NPR 200 to NPR 600 per litre
  • Hot shower: NPR 500 to NPR 700 per shower
  • WIFI: NPR 500 per day, or Everest Link 1 GB = NPR 600 or 10 GB = NPR 2000, and it works at all the hotels in Everest.
  • Electricity to charge gadgets: NPR 300 to NPR 1000 per gadget

5. Food and accommodation rules in the Khumbu region:

  • You have to have your food at the places where you are staying. The Khumbu region has this kind of rule for every traveller, and you have to respect and follow the system.

6. Accommodation for travellers during the trek:

  • Rooms with attached bathrooms for premium package holders will be provided wherever available and possible. For the standard package, bathrooms will be shared.
  • Extra nights or unused accommodation in the mountains or Kathmandu are not compensated.
  • Basically, we provide 2 nights in hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast and 11 nights' accommodation in Khumbu during trekking. If you are not able to use all 11 nights of accommodation on the trek, there will be no compensation in Kathmandu for that.

7. Tipping to guides and porters:

  • Tipping is a part of the culture in Everest trekking. The normal trend is to tip 10% of the total amount you have paid for the trip.

8. Anything extra apart from the services in the inclusions section, such as teahouses, guides, porters, rentals, or transport:

  • Basically, if the services used exceed the inclusions, you have to bear the cost from your side. The company will not take care of those things.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 17 days finish where they began, in Ring Rd.

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