Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek

We begin the trip with the exploration of the UNESCO world heritage sites spread around the valley. Beginning the day, we head to the Swayambhunath temple with the tranquil environment and pleasant views of the valley. Then, we head down to the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Next, we journey to the Kathmandu Durbar Square where we can observe the ancient culture, art, and architecture. The day comes to an end with the monastery of Boudhanath along with the sunset views.

Today, you’ll leave Kathmandu and fly off to Lukla. After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to the airport and embark on a short flight to the domestic Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Located almost 140km northeast of Kathmandu, Lukla serves as the gateway to the Everest region. After a brief layover, you’ll begin trekking downhill and gradually advance northwest to the village of Phakding.

Leaving Phakding, you’ll begin trekking uphill along Dudh Koshi River to Monjo village. Monjo serves as the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll obtain the national park permit and enter the park. The trail goes through the forested path and follows the Dudh Koshi River all the way to Namche Bazaar.

You’ll spend the day acclimatizing at Namche Bazaar and exploring the nearby villages of Khumjung and Kunde. Namche is the largest village in the Khumbu region and remains popular for its many lodges, shops, and restaurants. You will make a short hike to Khumjung village. Tourists visit Khumjung Monastery to witness the supposed Yeti scalp and palm preserved inside a glass box. Afterward, you can visit Khunde village and then head down to Namche.

Leaving Namche, you’ll continue along the Dudh Koshi Valley and head to Phunki Thanga. The trail from Phunki Thanga ascends through rocky terrain to arrive at Tengboche. Once at Tengboche, you’ll be welcomed with the beautiful sight of Ama Dablam(6856m) in the distance. Tengboche is home to Tengboche Monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in the entire Everest region.

Leaving Tengboche, you’ll head down to Debuche village and cross a bridge over the Imja Khola trekking through rocky terrain to arrive at Pangboche village. From there, the rocky trail will lead you to a narrow path that opens up thousands of Mani stones (engraved Buddhist prayer stones). From here, you will hike uphill and the trailheads directly to Dingboche village, a Sherpa settlement.

You’ll rather spend the day acclimatizing in Dingboche. As you’re above 4000m, it is essential to spend time acclimatizing. From Dingboche, you can enjoy the fabulous scenery of the surrounding Chhukung and Imja valley, and you also see the panoramic view of Everest Mountain Range. Imja valley connects Dingboche with Chhukung valley, Island Peak (6189m), Amphu Lapcha Pass, and Makalu Barun National Park.

Leaving Dingboche, you’ll advance along the snow moraines of Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche village. You will cross through Dusa, Palrung Kharka, and Thokla Pass (4830m) to arrive at Lobuche. Lobuche or Lobuje is a small Sherpa settlement located at the foot of Lobuche East Peak (6119m). Here, you can enjoy the charming village with the magnificent sights of Lobuche East, Pumo Ri (7,165m) and Nuptse (7861m). Overnight in Lobuche.

In order to get to Everest Base Camp first, the trail from Lobuche heads towards Gorakshep village. En route, you will pass Pyramid village, Lobuche Pass (5110m), and Lake Camp to arrive at Gorakshep. This is a comparatively easier trail, and once you reach Gorakshep, you head northeast towards Everest Base Camp (5564m). After exploring the campsite and the nearby Khumbu glacier, you’ll head down to Gorakshep for the overnight stay.

You’ll begin the hike to Kalapatthar early to avoid drastic weather changes. Kalapatthar is a popular landmark in the Everest region as it is a great viewpoint for Everest and its range. From the Kalapatthar viewpoint, you can enjoy the close-up view of the Everest summit (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Pumo Ri (7165m), Lhotse (8414m), and numerous other mountains. Following the Khumbu Glacier, you trek all the way down to Dingboche village.

Leaving Dingboche, you’ll head east to the quaint Chhukung village.  Chhukung lies en route to Island Peak Base Camp. A comparatively shorter trek, you’ll walk along Chhukung Glacier to arrive at the small settlement located on the lap of Chhukung peak. A short trek from Chhukung along the Lhotse Glacier will bring you to Island Peak Base Camp.  Once at the campsite, you’ll prepare for the upcoming climb.

Today is the big day. You’ll wake up early, approximately at 2 am, have your breakfast and begin the climb. The initial ascent remains comparatively easy. The steep trail goes along a ridgeline that leads to an exposed traverse onto the snout of the glacier. You will use a fixed rope to climb the summit. Once at the top, you can enjoy the magnificent sight of Everest(8848m), Lhotse (8,414m), and Makalu(8,463m), before heading down to Chhukung village.

Leaving Chhukung, you’ll head to Tengboche village crossing Dingboche, Pangboche, and Debuche on the way. You’ll begin heading down to Dudh Koshi Valley walking along Imja Khola. It will be easier to descend; hence you’ll reach Tengboche early. In noon, you can choose to visit the Tengboche monastery.

From Tengboche, you’ll continue along the Dudh Koshi to reach Phunki Thanga. From here, the trail descends through the rocky terrain and stone steps through the forested path covered by rhododendron and juniper trees to arrive at Namche Bazaar. In Namche, you can explore the vibrant town and even visit the many monasteries and gumbas nearby.

You’ll leave Namche, and head back down to Lukla via Phakding. The trek will be long walking through many villages and rhododendron and magnolia forest. You’ll exit Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and head to Phakding. An uphill trek from Phakding will bring you to Lukla. Once at Lukla, you can enjoy the completion of a trip with your colleague and staff.

You’ll leave the Everest region as you catch a flight back to Kathmandu from the Tenzing-Hillary Airport of Lukla. It may take almost 35-40min to reach Kathmandu. This marks the end of the trek. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to do as you please. Maybe you can souvenir shop around the local market. In the evening, you will participate in a farewell dinner organized by the company to celebrate the completion of your trip.

Our company representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport today so you can catch your scheduled flight back home. On the way, you can share your trip experience or your next adventure with us. Goodbye!