17-Day Island Peak Climb via Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar

Arrival in Kathmandu. Members of the expedition arrive at Tribhuvan Airport. About half an hour before landing, from the windows of the plane, you can see the velvet-green hilly hollow of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded to the north by the sparkling glaciers of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The time difference between Moscow and Kathmandu is +2 hours 45 minutes.

The first thing you will often hear during your stay in Nepal is the traditional greeting "Namaste", which literally means, "In your person I greet God." You can obtain a Nepali visa right at the airport.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving national Nepali cuisine, along with dances and songs of the various nationalities that inhabit Nepal.

Flight to Lukla (2860 m) and hike to Pakding (2610 m). On the second day, the group flies from Kathmandu to Lukla on a small plane. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The trek begins from Lukla itself. The path passes through Sherpa farms and villages along the trail and leads to the Dudkoshi River, then descends toward Pakding. Along the way, you will encounter the Tadokola River, from whose shore you can admire the magnificent view of Kusum Kangaru.

The river is then crossed by a suspension bridge, and after a short climb the group reaches the village of Ghat. After another hour and a half of walking, the group arrives at the village of Pakding, where they stop for the night.

Trek from Pakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m). The group sets out in the morning. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudkoshi River, the trail follows a road with small ascents and descents, and from the village of Benkar there is an amazing view of the Tamserku Mountains (6608 m).

The route then crosses several bridges and leads to Monjo, the settlement where the central entrance to Sagarmatha National Park is located. The group enters the national park, descends, and approaches the suspension bridge over the Bhotekoshi River. The village of Jorsale begins behind the bridge - this is the last settlement before Namche Bazaar.

The trail then leads over the bridge of the Imjatse River, from where a winding path climbs to Namche Bazaar. From here, there are amazing views of Mount Everest, the peaks of Kwangde and Lhotse, as well as a near view of Tavache Peak. Finally, the group reaches the village of Namche Bazaar, known as the "village of colored houses." It is the main gateway to the Khumbu region. Here the group stops for the night.

Rest day in Namche Bazaar (3440 m). This is an acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar.

On this day, members of the group can visit the Everest Hotel, from where you can admire the panorama. You can also explore the local shops and market, which is especially lively on Saturdays, or visit the Sherpa Museum.

This is a great place to learn about the history of mountaineering and Sherpa culture.

Descend to the river, then make a long ascent to the famous high mountain monastery of Tengboche (3860 m), which takes about 4 hours. Overnight in the cabin.

Trek to Pheriche (4240 m). The trail passes over precipices on suspension bridges and over streams "boiling" among huge white boulders.

Pheriche to Lobuche (4940 m). Ascend to the plateau, along which, with a slight rise, you will approach the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.

Trekking from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5164 m). From Lobuche, the group makes a two-hour trek along a winding rocky path to Gorak Shep, from where there is a beautiful view of the Kala Patthar, Pumori, Nuptse Mountains, and the Gorak Shep Valley.

The group then stays in a hotel, takes a break for tea, and afterwards visits Everest Base Camp (5364 m). Return to Gorak Shep (5164 m). Overnight in the cabin.

Climb to the top of Kala Patthar (5645 m). The ascent is quite difficult due to the thin air. In the "hot" season, this route is quite crowded and busy. A large number of people come to Nepal just to see Mount Everest and the Khumbu Glacier. There is also a great view of Mount Pumori.

The ascent from Gorak Shep to the top of Kala Patthar takes about two to two and a half hours. The group then returns to the hotel for the night.

Descend to Lobuche (4940 m) and rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Descend to Dingboche, then transfer to Chukung. Overnight at the lodge.

Transfer from Chukung to Island Peak Base Camp. Set up the tent camp. The journey from Chukung takes 3-4 hours. Overnight in tents.

Ascent to Island Peak (6165 m). The climb takes about 6-7 hours up and 3-4 hours down.

Descend to Base Camp. If possible, continue descending to Chukung. Overnight in tents/loggias.

Descend to Pangboche. Overnight in the loggia.

Descend to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in the loggia.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Overnight in the loggia.

Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.