Everest Base Camp & Island Peak

Join Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Gear check and free day in Kathmandu or drive to Ramechap (approx 5 hours)

This morning final gear checks will be held and afterwards we will depart for Thamelwhere any necessary items will be hired, ie plastic boots, or purchased. After the gearcheck we will depart for Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, thegateway of trekking in the Khumbu region. Our campsite will be in close proximity tothe runway for our early morning flight to Lukla.Overnight: Private eco-camp* NB: At time of writing, flights from 1 December 2019 remain operational fromKathmandu to Lukla. This situation is subject to change and your leader will briefyou on flight arrangements locally.

Fly Lukla (2800m). Trek to Ghat (2530m). Walk approx 2 hours

We cross the road to take the short flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. This was the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. At Lukla we are immediately impressed by the scale of the huge peaks that surround the village but this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Our crew assemble and we head downhill towards the Dudh Kosi, a raging river that flows from the highest peaks. The broad and well-marked trail meanders around fields of potatoes and buck-wheat and passes through small villages, as we pass rows of tree dahlia to make our way to our first overnight stop at our private permanent campsite at Ghat.

To Monjo (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours

Today we cross and re-cross the thundering glacial river, named "Dudh" (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour. Sections of today's walk are through pine forest and cleared areas reveal terraced fields and a variety of crops. We pass small groups of donkeys and yaks carrying trading goods and trek-gear along the trail. We pass small groups of donkeys, yaks and dzopko carrying trading goods and trek - gear along the trail. A dzopko is a yak-cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, more commonly found at higher altitudes. Spectacular mountain peaks unfold above us and seem to hover above the tree-line as they rise above the deep river valley. Shortly after leaving camp we cross the Kusum Khola, a tributary stream to the Dudh Kosi, and the peak of Kusum Kangru (6369 m) can be seen to the East, at the head of the valley. Further along the trail, across the valley to the North-West, Nupla (5885 m) and Kongde Ri (6093 m) rise above the forested ridges. At a turn of the trail, Thamserku (6808 m) rises majestically, seemingly from the river floor.We will see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are a compilation of many stone tablets, each with the inscription "Om Mani Padme Hum" which translates to "Hail to the jewel in the lotus", and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists and Brahmans alike.Buddhists will walk to the left of these Mani Walls and chortens, but you may notice that people of the lowlands who have no knowledge of Buddhism do not follow this practice.The allure of the mountains is hard to resist, but we must be patient, as it is very important to acclimatise slowly and thereby fully appreciate our time at higher altitude. Today's walk is not a long one, and you will be eager to press on. Slow down, and enjoy the journey. Overnight at our private permanent camp site above Monjo.

To Namche Bazaar(3440m). Walk approx 4-5 hours.

This morning we pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. Theestablishment of this national park is a significant attempt to stem the use of firewood in the area and the few local people who have a permit to cut wood must gain approval from the authorities on the basis of personal usage. We follow the river course to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, and cross a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa ‘capital’ of Nepal. It is a tough climb as the trail passes through forest of pine to a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt Everest. The trail continues to climb and meander to Namche, and the sight of this prosperous village spread within a horse-shoe shaped valley opposite the beautiful peak of Kongde Ri is worth every step. After lunch you may wish to peruse the Tibetan trader’s stalls or the Sherpa shops in search of a bargain.Overnight: Eco-lodge

To Kyangjuma (3550m) - Walk approx 3-4 hours

Our trek will start with an incline to Syangboche airstrip and along the ridgelinetowards Everest View Hotel. This pleasant walk has magnificent views of thesurrounding mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Khangtega, AmaDablam and many more. After enjoying a quick tea and coffee break to the views,we will continue towards Khumjung village to visit Sir Edmond Hillary’s famous“Schoolhouse in the clouds.” This is the first school in the Khumbu region, built in1961 with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary and The Himalayan Trust. The schooloriginally opened with only two classrooms but has since expanded to cater forover 350 students of different ages. After visiting, we descend and follow the trailfor approx 25 minutes to our new exclusive campsite at Kyangjuma. For those whoare feeling the early effects of altitude can opt for a shorter acclimatization walk ofaround 2 hours directly from Namche to Kyangjuma.Overnight: Private eco-campsite

To Pangboche (3930m), walk approx 5-6 hours

The walk to Pangboche is one of the most spectacular trekking days in Nepal.The trail meanders easily around the ridges and Everest can be clearly seen onthe horizon ahead before we descend through splendid rhododendron forestsfor lunch. After lunch we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to the top ofa long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Our trail takes us throughpine and rhododendron forest, and, as this is a devout Buddhist region, the wildlife is unharmed and not too shy. As a result there is a possibility that we may see Himalayan Thar, Musked Deer or pheasants in the forest and around our campsite.As we approach the ridgeline we pass through a traditional gateway and arounda chorten before cresting the ridge onto a wide grassy meadow at the monasteryvillage of Thyangboche. The monastery was re-built with the assistance of SirEdmund Hillary after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. The views of the Everestmassif, as well as all the other major peaks of the area are astounding. After arest and visit to the monastery we head downhill to our private eco campsite atPangboche.

To Dingboche (4360m)

The early morning mountain views from the monastery are outstanding. Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Tawatse on one side, and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360-degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. From Thyangboche we head down to cross the Imja Khola before an easy climb along a wide, open trail to the small village of Pangboche (3901m). We may take a slight detour to visit the Pangboche Gompa - the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, said to be over 300 years old. The views of Ama Dablam, one of the Himalaya's most stunning peaks, are spectacular. Continuing on, we cross the river again and trek up to our camp at Dingboche, situated just beneath the impressive Ama Dablam.

Rest day in Dingboche.

An important acclimatisation/rest day today with the option of hiking high up to the ridge overlooking the village, or perhaps up to Chukung Village. Excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189 m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley.

To Lobuche (4930m). Walk approx 6 hours

We are gaining altitude and it is important that we move at a slow, steady pace. The slopes are quite barren now as we have moved above the tree line. Views of different peaks, such as Cholatse and Lobuche, unfold before us in this contrasting and spectacular landscape. We move up the Dhugla Ridge and onto moraine towards Khumbu Glacier. Rock cairns can be seen, many of which are dedicated to the memory of climbers attempting the high mountains of the area, including Everest. The temperatures drop here as we are more exposed with our camp situated amongst this glacial moraine. We enjoy spectacular views all day today of Pumori and Nuptse. The hill above the town affords fine sunset views of Nuptse.

To Gorak Shep (5288m) and Kala Pattar (5545m). Walk approx 5 hours

We trek alongside the Khumbu Glacier as the path winds over the rocky moraine towards the settlement of Gorak Shep. We are high, among the glaciers of the world's highest peaks. At the junction of two large glaciers and nestled in an amphitheatre of peaks, this campsite is spectacular. Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m) surround our camp. Following our arrival at Gorak Shep we have an early lunch before ascending Kala Pattar. Kala Pattar is not a Nepali name but a Hindi name and translates to "black rock". From these black rocks atop the hill the views are spectacular. Most eyes are locked on the mass of Everest and its rocky buttresses immediately before us. Many of the famous ascent routes are quite clear. Below us the Khumbu Glacier snakes towards the icefall and Western Cwm. We can see the area where expeditions set their base camp but the original site was at Lake Camp, now known as Gorak Shep. Take a look in every direction and soak it in. The view south and our route out, is particularly beautiful. The air is clear and the sun is strong but as the sun sets it becomes very cold. Sunsets here can be stunning.

To Base Camp (5360 m). Walk approx 7 hours.

By staying at Gorak Shep we can get an early start and the extra day of acclimatisation we have had by staying here will be invaluable on the walk to Base Camp. Although it has undoubtedly been a cold night we have time to comfortably ascend to the historic site and enjoy it to the fullest. Return to Gorak Shep.

To Chukkung & rest day

We make our way down valley to Chukkung where we spend a well earned rest day before continuing to our base camp on Island Peak. This is a good time to catch up on some washing and preparations for our climb. If you are still feeling energetic the hill behind Chukkung offers a nice ascent and the views of the glaciers on the opposite side are just reward.

To Island Peak Base Camp (5090m)

Moving up the Imja valley, between Ama Dablam, Lhotse and a panorama of other peaks, we ascend onto lateral moraine to a camp in an ablation valley above the normal base camp for the climb.

Preparation Day at Base Camp (5090m)

A day set aside to relax and prepare for the upcoming climb. Alternatively, this day may be used for a summit day, depending on various factors that will be considered by the guide at the time.

Summit Island Peak (6189m) & return to Base Camp (5090m)

An alpine start sees us climbing steeply up the lower flanks of the south-east face. The track is well used as this is a popular peak. At times there is a bit of rock scrambling and the rocky spur takes us to a snow ramp that leads to the upper snow fields. The peaks of Makalu and Lhotse come into view as we climb higher. Upon crossing the upper neve, it is necessary to fix ropes up a short but steep ice face that leads on to the summit ridge. The summit ridge is a classic alpine ridge and quite exposed, (we fix ropes here also) and traverse our way to the summit. Although Island Peak appears dwarfed by the seven and eight thousanders surrounding it, it provides a magnificent vantage point to all the peaks south of the stupendous Lhotse face. After some exhilarating moments on the summit we descend by the same route back to base camp.

Return to Namche

We have two days set aside for the return walk back to Namche. We are fit and acclimatised with the added benefit of much of the trek being downhill. We descend the valley from Base camp, trekking adjacent to a large glacial lake to our left and passing through spectacular high mountain scenery. There are yak pastures and several huts which are used seasonally by the local people, but little else until we reach the settlement of Chukhung. We generally overnight at Dingboche, but this will depend upon group movemenet. The following night we overnight at Namche in an eco-lodge.

To Lukla (2800m). Walk approx 8 hrs.

Retracing our steps along the valley, we pass through a variety of settlements and forests enroute to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunset as we complete this exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a perfect time to celebrate a successful journey and say thanks to the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here.Overnight: eco-lodge

Fly to Kathmandu or return via Ramechap

We start the day with a scenic flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

In Kathmandu, trip concludes

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport.