Island peak (6202 m.) or Imja Tse as it is locally known is one of the most popular "Trekking Peaks" in Nepal. "Trekking Peaks" are, in reality, lesser peaks of the Nepal Himalaya which may be climbed without going through the usual bureaucratic hassles involved in getting permission for climbing major Himalayan peaks. These are in no way easy ascents and always require previous mountaineering experience. We will provide you with experienced mountain guides and high altitude porters in addition to our standard services but, it will be your responsibility to equip yourself with the necessary mountaineering gear (a list of recommended gear is attached).

In addition to the actual climb, the trek involved in this trip gives you "the grand tour" of the famous Khumbu valley. Starting from Lukla this trek leads through Namche Bazaar to the Gokyo Lakes and over Cho La (La = pass) at 5420m. making a circuit of Tawache (6367m.) and Cholatse (6440m.). It emerges into the Khumbu valley above Lobuje and continues on the main trail to Everest Base Camp and Kalapattar before making a detour to Chukkung and leading over the Lhotse and Imja glaciers for the climb of Island Peak. The return is via Thyangboche and Namche to Lukla from where you fly back to Kathmandu.

Strenuous trekking is continuously rewarded with dramatic Himalayan scenes, including four of the world's eight highest peaks: Cho Oyu (8153m.), Makalu (8475m.), Lhotse (8500m.) and Everest (8848m.).

Breathtaking mountain vistas are complemented by visits to Sherpa villages, homes and monasteries offering you an insight into the quiet but culturally vibrant Sherpa way of life.

Day 1 Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be greeted by a representative of Himalayan Journeys and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Free day in Kathmandu to make final preparations for your trek. If you feel that you are adequately prepared and would like to have an escorted sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, we will be glad to arrange it for you. Please ask for this service from our representative upon arrival.

Day 3 Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Lukla. The flight into Lukla is a lifetime experience, in itself. The airfield is on a slope and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters! Meet with your sirdar and the rest of the crew. You will need to identify your luggage which is to be made into loads and then while you have lunch your crew will load these onto pack animals or get it ready for your team of porters. After lunch trek for a few hours along the Dudh Kosi river to the village of Phakding at 2800m.

Day 4 The trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi valley to Jorsale, where the trail officially enters the Sagarmatha National Park. There is an entrance station just beyond the village where trekking permits are checked and National Park fees collected. Continue along the trail, crossing the Bhote Kosi River to begin the steep climb up to Namche Bazaar 3500 m., the administrative center of the Sagarmatha National Park and the hub of Sherpa society. Remember to look out for glimpses of Mt. Everest from the trail on the way to Everest.

Electricity was introduced to Namche in October, 1983, when a UNESCO-sponsored hydroelectric plant located below the village began operation. Each house in Namche now boasts two low power consuming (Power Saver) bulbs!

Day 5 A moderately easy and beautiful walk to the Sherpa village of Thame 3800 m, situated at an important junction along the old primary trade route to and from Tibet via the Nangpa La pass. The trail leads west past a large array of prayer flags and mani stones - some of them very picturesque. After the village of Thomde the trail descends to the river and makes a steep climb to Thame.

Day 6 Morning visit to the Thame Monastery, then trek to the serene Sherpa villages of Khunde 3890m and Khumjung 3790m. Sir Edmund Hillary established his first school and hospital in these villages.

Day 7 Leaving the main trail to Mt. Everest, climb high on a ridge and then descend to the village of Phortse. From Phortse the trail leads through forests to Dole.

Day 8 A steep but beautiful morning climb through pine, fir and rhododendron forests to Lhabama and Luza. After a leisurely afternoon trek, high above the river, camp at Machhermo 4410 m. The days trek is short so that you are not exhausted and to allow time for acclimatization.

Day 9 Rest day for acclimatization or optional hikes.

Day 10This is your first real day at high altitude and the trekking today may be described as moderate at the most difficult. However, the going is slow (in fact, it is recommended that you walk slowly to avoid exhausting yourself). The valley opens wide as the trail passes through Pangkha. Mt. Cho Oyu (8153 m.) dominates the skyline to the north as the trail leads up to the moraine on the left flank of the Ngozumpa Glacier. The climb is steep to the first of the four lakes that lie in the Gokyo area but the trail levels off towards the second lake at 4750 meters.

The settlements of Gokyo and Luza are typical high altitude temporary villages where the herders live when they bring their cattle up to high summer pastures during the warmer months leaving the lower pastures to regenerate.

Day 11A free day to explore the area around Gokyo or rest. For enthusiasts a rigorous day's hike up the ridge above camp provides spectacular views of the Everest trinity: Nuptse 7879 m, Lhotse 8511 m, and Everest 8848 m, as well as Makalu 8463 m looming to the east and Cho Oyu (8153 m.) to the north.

Day 12The long and most difficult part of this trek. The trail crosses the southern portion of the Ngozumpa Glacier then climbs steadily to a campsite on the 5169 m Chyugima Pass.

Day 13A steep and challenging but, non-technical climb over rock, snow and perhaps ice with superb views links the glacial valleys of Cho Oyu and Everest. Camp will be at Dzongla 4730 m, a high altitude summer pasture directly beneath the north wall of Cholatse 6440 m.

Day 14After a morning of rest, hike on a trail above Tsholo Lake and join the main Everest trail near the end of the Khumbu Glacier. Camp at Lobuje 4930 m.

Day 15Walk along boulder fields and glacier debris to the edge of the Khumbu Glacier then continue up to Gorak Shep (5160 m.), nestled below coned summit of Mt. Pumori (7161 m.) and the sheer west face of Nuptse. Those feeling upto the strain of more hiking can climb up Kala Pattar (5545 m.) for views of Everest at sunset.

Day 16 The classic day hike to the summit of Kala Pattar high above the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp for a dramatic close-up view of Everest. Most of the famous photographs of Mt. Everest were taken from the top of this unassuming "black rock". In the afternoon, return to Lobuje and camp. A long but, exhilarating day.

Day 17Descend the Khumbu valley and then make a traverse high on a ridge to Dingboche 4360m, a typical Sherpa summer village. Trek east from Dingboche into the Chhukhung Valley. Chhukhung (4730m.), lies directly under an incredible rock wall that links Nuptse with Lhotse. From here you
will also have magnificent views of Amadablam (6856m.), probably the most photographed mountain in Nepal.

Day 18Trek along the Imja Khola to Pareshaya Gyab, a pleasant site by a small lake with fine views of the Lhotse Glacier and Nuptse-Lhotse wall. You will reach the Base Camp of Imja Tse today. Once camp has been set up you will be free to get your climbing gear in order and get organised for your ascent of the peak tomorrow, weather permitting.

Day 19Weather permitting, you will begin your climb today. The day's climb will take you to High Camp on a col at 5,700 meters.

Day 20 You will start early in the more the summit. The going gets difficult once you reach the bottom of the steep ice fall below the summit. Great care and caution must be exercised while scaling the wall to emerge on the ridge leading to the summit. After the summit, descend to the Base Camp and Chhukhung.

Please note that you will be able to have only one attempt on the summit, failing which, you must turn back. This is so that you do not disrupt your itinerary and miss your flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Day21-22
Retrace your way back to Dingboche along Imja Khola A most beautiful walk
leads you to Himalayan Journeys own camp ground amid the rhododendron forests of Thyangboche. A visit to the monastery is a must. The singular beauty of Ama Dablam, standing isolated from all other mountains provides a spectacular backdrop and constant reminders of the height of Himalayan peaks.

Day 23The trail drops sharply down to the Dudh Kosi and up toward Namche Bazaar, winding high above the river with views north towards Everest.

Day 24Down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla to catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting your trekking crew might prepare a farewell treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing!!

Day 25Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel.

Day 26 In Kathmandu,

Day 27Fly out of Nepal.