Island Peak (Imja Tse) Nepal 6189m

In brief: Island peak is known as 'Imja Tse' to the Sherpa people. Nepal trekking peak. Great first 6,000m peak.

Billed as one of the most beautiful trekking peaks in Nepal, Island peak does not fail to provide a great mountain experience. We trek up the beautiful Khumbu valley, a unique experience in its own right and allow optimal time for acclimatisation and full immersion into this Sherpa homeland. An expedition to Island Peak highlights the many fascinating aspects of Nepali life and tradition and culminates in an ascent of one of Nepal's finest mountains. The ascent is suitable for those with a good trekking background and those who posses a basic knowledge of Alpine climbing skills.

Itinerary

Day 1 - 2: Kathmandu 1,350m.

Travel to Kathmandu and check into a comfortable hotel located in the heart of Kathmandu where we are met by an amazing blend of cultures, religions and people. Great souvenir shopping and Durbar square with its numerous temples and markets are nearby.

During the rest of the day you will have an opportunity to settle after your flight. The evening will entail a comprehensive brief by your leader on the forthcoming adventure.

Day 3: Lukla 2,840m.

An early morning flight into Lukla, from where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic scenes of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After landing we meet our ground crew and begin a 3-4 hour trek to Monju (2,835m), our night's resting place.

Day 4: Namche Bazaar 3,400m.

We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this roaring river on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is the Sherpa capital and is a bustling village cramped with markets and traditional Sherpa houses. We will leave on an early morning hike to the Sherpa museum from where we can see views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world) and the beautiful Ama Dablam. The Sherpa Museum houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography displays. The rest of the day is for private exploration of this unique place.

Day 6: Thyangboche 3,900m.

From Namche Bazaar, we trek along the contour of the hills, with amazing views into the deep and lush valleys below. Our route will take us through Thyangboche, the spiritual centre of the Khumbu. At Thyangboche resides a famous monastery. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a giant sculpture of Buddha, as well as the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. We may spend some time here before our trek continues downhill into rhododendron forests, taking us to our secluded accommodation at Deboche.

Day 7: Dingboche 4,410m.

The trek continues along the roaring glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We cross another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola and climb to Pangboche amongst thousands of Mani stones. From Pangboche the route winds high above the valley floor, passing through various Sherpa settlements until we reach our resting place for the next couple of days, Dingboche.

Day 8: Dingboche.

Acclimatisation day. This will be a valuable day to acclimatise and allow our bodies to adjust to the rarefied atmosphere now we have gone above 4,000m. There is the option of a light hike up onto a ridge, which gives us an inspiring view of our goal, Island Peak. On a clear day one may see Mount Makulu in the distant, a giant above 8,000m and the 5th highest mountain in the world.

Day 9: Chhukung 4,730m.

Today is a relatively easy hike up the valley to Chhukung, which is the last village en route to Island Peak. This will be our abode for the next couple of nights to allow us to gather our strength and acclimatise further before arriving at the base of the mountain.

Day 10: Rest day / Acclimatization day at Chhukung.

Although the emphasis today is on resting as much as possible the area lends itself to some great short explorative and photographic excursions. A valuable trip would be heading up towards Chukkung Ri, a nearby peak over 5,000m, to aid acclimatisation and snap some wonderful shots of the west ridge of Ama Dablam and our objective, Island Peak.

Day 11: Island peak base camp 4,970m.

A six-hour trek takes us closer to our destination. This will be our base from where we launch our attempt on the mountain.

Day 12: Rest day / Acclimatisation day at Island peak BC.

Another rest day to assure we are in prime condition for the summit attempt. A thorough brief will be provided by the 360 leader and final check performed to ensure the team are fully prepared for the climb ahead.

Day 13: Acclimatisation Day Island Peak BC/ Island peak high camp 5,600m.

Today, we are close to setting off for our climb on Island Peak. Depending on the strength of the group, weather conditions and other factors, the leader will make a decision on whether it will be more valuable for the team to spend another acclimatisation day at Basecamp or to launch an attempt on the mountain from a higher camp. There are pros and cons to using both camps, but rest assured the leader's judgement will be for the benefit of the whole group, to maximise our chances of summit success.

Day 14: The summit of Island Peak 6,189m.

Starting in the early hours after a light breakfast of tea and biscuits we climb up a rocky gully before traversing to the right. Soon we reach the glacier where we rope up until the South ridge. Then we follow this beautiful alpine ridge to the summit. Finally the end result of our hard work, the summit of Island Peak. It is time for those well earned hugs and backslaps and letting those cameras turn red hot as we capture the splendour around us. The summits we have come to know so well during our ascent take on a totally different perspective and a little time is spent taking the 360 panorama. Then we leave and continue down to base camp for a short rest before continuing down to Chhukung.

Day 15: Contingency Day

Contingency day in case of bad weather, we built in an extra day for the summit. If this day is not utilised as a contingency day, then it will be used as a free day in Kathmandu.

Day 16: Thyanboche, 3,860m.

Descend back down the Khumbu Valley to Thyanboche.

Day 17: Namche Bazaar, 3,440m.

Back down to Namche and what will seem a booming city after our expedition. It will amply provide all those luxuries you may have missed.

Day 18: Lukla 2,840m.

Our last day on the trail, we hike from Namche to Lukla. We overnight in Lukla.

Day 19 Kathmandu.

The scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu gives us one last chance to say farewell to the mountains.

We will have the day to explore, go shopping, visit the palaces and markets. An enduring favourite destination is the Monkey Temple, a Buddhist temple situated on a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city. Or perhaps we will join the thousands of Hindus who venture to the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal; we will also visit the most famous Shiva temple in Asia.

Day 20: Fly to UK.

Day 21: Arrive in UK.