Full Itinerary

• Day 01

  Arrival in Kathmandu

  Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal! Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport one of Community Trek representatives will be there to welcome you before taking you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

   

  (Pick up from Airport and drop to your Hotel) (1335 meters) (Hotel)
• Day 02

  Kathmandu half day sightseeing and preparation for Trekking

  Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley (Monkey Temple) with your guide then your Trekking guide briefs you regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

  (Breakfast ) (1335 meters) (Hotel )
• Day 03

  Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

  The day starts with an early morning fly from Kathmandu to the tine airstrip of Lukla. The scenic flight duration is just above 40 minutes so don’t forget to take your cameras, although you’ll have a second chance of taking beautiful snaps on the way back to Katmandu. Upon landing, while the guides and porters will divide the baggage you can have a good look around, take pictures and get prepared for adventure. Depending upon the time we land at Lukla, we might have our lunch there. From Lukla, we will walk to Phakding village. The walk is fairly easy and we will stay overnight in Phakding. We can spend our evening strolling around the village.

  (30 minute flight to Lukla) (BLD) (2,800m - 2,652m) (3-4 hours) (Lodge)
• Day 04

  Trek to Namche Bazaar

  Our day’s hike will start after having breakfast. We will start by walking along the banks of Dudh Koshi River and we will have to cross this river twice in the same day. We will then arrive at a small village called Monjo. Monjo is the gateway to Sagarmatha National Park. After entering the National Park, we will descend to Bhote Koshi River upon which we arrive at Jorsalle village. We will walk further from there heading off to Namche Bazaar, a prosperous trade hub in the lap of the Himalayas which is also the capital of the Khumbu region. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Namche Bazaar.

  (BLD) (3440 meters) (6-7 hours) (Lodge )
• Day 05

  Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

  After having ascended an altitude of 3,440 m (11,253ft), we will use the day for acclimatization. It is very important to have our body prepared for further ascending. You will have the day at your disposal and you can choose to do whatever you wish. One option can be to walk up to the Everest View Point Hotel and enjoy the view it offers. You can also choose to have a walk around Namche Bazaar and observe the local proceedings and lifestyle. If it is Saturday, there will be the traditional “Saturday Market” which is a wonderful experience and a great market to explore. There is also Sherpa Museum in Namche which would be the place to visit if you are interested into Sherpa’s culture and history.

  (BLD) (3,440 meters) (Lodge )
• Day 06

  Trek to Tengboche

  On the fifth day, after breakfast, we start our trek with a pleasant walk through the forest with a magnificent view of mountains. The great view of the mighty peaks of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde will be at our disposal all day long. Today’s trail ascends through the forest on its way to Tyangboche. The first thing that could draw your attention after reaching Tyangboche might be its beautifully big monastery. Tyangboche has a large campsite, tea houses and lodges overseeing Mt. Ama Dablam. We will finish the day by spending the night in a hotel in Tyangboche.

  (BLD) (3860 meters) (6-7 hours) (Teahouse)
• Day 07

  Trek to Dingboche

  We descent and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendrons. This journey again rewards us with tremendous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The picturesque trail dips down to Devuche, crosses the Imja River and takes us to Pangboche. The upper Pangboche trails reward us with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, we see a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Overnight at Dingboche.

  (BLD) (4,360 m/14,300 ft) (5 - 6 hours) (Lodge )
• Day 08

  Trek to Lobuche

  We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

  (BLD) ( 4940 m/16,207 ft.) (5-6 hours) (Lodge)
• Day 09

  Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep

  We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

  (BLD) ( 5364m/17,594ft, 5170 m/16,961ft.) (6-7 hours) (Lodge)
• Day 10

  Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and back to Lobuche

  We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

  (BLD) ( 4940m/16,207ft.) (7-8 hours) (Lodge )
• Day 11

  Lobuche to Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft) to Chhukung

  After breakfast, we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft). The ascent to Kongma La pass is the most difficult part of our trek today. In the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags to mark the pass. Then we descend gradually to Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung we will also check our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.
  Note: If we do not want to undertake the Kongma La pass, we can follow another route via Dingboche to Chhukung instead.

  (BLD) (4,730m/15,518ft.) (6-7 hours) (Teahouse)
• Day 12

  Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp

  The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Labtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

  (BLD) (5,200m/17,060ft) (3-4 hours) (Camp)
• Day 13

  Pre-Climb Training on Island Peak Base Camp

  We begin our pre-climb training today after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. Usually we will be climbing on rock surface for up to around 5770m. After that, we climb on ice and use ropes when necessary. However, the use of the rope and the length depends upon the season and the crevasses. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb. Overnight at the base camp.

  (BLD) (5770 meters) (Camp)
• Day 14

  Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp

  We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult, but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. Both fixed rope and man rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fix rope after successfully climbing on rock. The length of the rope will usually be of 350m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses.
  There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3 and 4 meters long. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew is waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island Peak climb.

  (BLD) (6189 meters) (Camp)
• Day 15

  Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche

  Today’s walk will be a much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages Orsho and Shomare. We can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse river flowing through the wide fertile valley.

  (BLD) (3,985m/13,074ft) (5-6 hours) (Lodge)
• Day 16

  Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

  From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

  (BLD) (3,440m/11,286ft.) (4-5 hours) (Lodge )
• Day 17

  Namche Bazaar to Lukla

  We descend on a steep trail so it is important that we walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level. After reaching Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

  (BLD) (2,800m/9,186ft.) (6-7 hours) (Teahouse)
• Day 18

  Fly back to Kathmandu

  We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  (30 minute flight from Lukla) (Breakfast) (1335 Meters) (Hotel)
• Day 19

  Free day at Kathmandu

  A leisure day in Kathmandu which can used for an early morning mountain flights to Everest or can extended into further more tours to Chitwan, Lumbini etc. Further adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, biking around the Kathmandu valley with bungee jumping, rafting near the valleys can be done on this free day. (This is also spare day in case of cancellation of flights)

  (Breakfast) (1335 Meters ) (Hotel)
• Day 20

  Departure day

  A representative from Community Treks will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again.

  (Drop to Airport by private transport. ) (Breakfast)
• Note

  Customize your trip

  ALL ITINERARIES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED AT YOUR REQUEST. CHECK OUT “EXTENSION” FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS.