Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town with stunning views. The flight is about 35 minutes, offering a thrilling aerial view of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lukla, begin the trek to Phakding, a scenic village situated along the Dudh Koshi River. The trek is relatively short, around 3-4 hours, providing a gentle introduction to the trek's challenges. You’ll pass through lush forests and small Sherpa villages. Overnight in Phakding.

Today’s trek takes you from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, the main trading hub of the Khumbu region. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Suspension Bridge. The ascent to Namche is steep, gaining over 800 meters in altitude, and will take about 5-6 hours. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron, with increasing views of the snow-capped peaks. Namche Bazaar, situated at 3,440m, is a bustling Sherpa town, offering shops, lodges, and an acclimatization spot. Overnight in Namche.

Day 3 in Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters) is dedicated to acclimatization, a vital step to prepare for higher altitudes. Start the day with a short hike to improve acclimatization, such as the trail to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 meters), offering breathtaking views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse, or a visit to the Syangboche Airstrip or the traditional Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung, where you can explore the Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery, famed for its yeti scalp. In the afternoon, relax and explore Namche vibrant scene with its trekking shops, cozy cafes, and the Sherpa Culture Museum. End the day with rest, hydration, and a hearty meal to ensure your body is ready for the trek ahead.

The trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche is one of the most scenic and spiritually uplifting days on the Everest Base Camp route. Covering approximately 10 kilometers, the trail takes around 5–6 hours, combining breathtaking mountain views and cultural highlights.
Start with a relatively flat trail offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. After crossing a series of gentle ascents and descents, you’ll reach the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga (3,250m), a perfect spot to rest and enjoy refreshments. From here, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend through a forested path lined with rhododendrons and pines, occasionally spotting Himalayan wildlife like musk deer or colorful pheasants.
Reaching Tengboche, you’ll be greeted by its famous monastery, set against a stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Take time to visit the monastery, a spiritual center for the region, where you can witness traditional prayers or learn about Buddhist culture. Rest and enjoy the serene environment as you acclimatize further at this iconic stop.

The trek from Tengboche to Dingboche is a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes, covering approximately 11 kilometers in 5–6 hours. Start by descending through rhododendron and juniper forests to Deboche, followed by a gentle walk along the Imja Khola.
Cross a suspension bridge near Pangboche (3,930m), the highest permanent Sherpa settlement, where you can visit the ancient Pangboche Monastery, said to house relics of a yeti. The trail then ascends gradually through sparse vegetation, with breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak.
As you approach Dingboche, the terrain becomes more open, with fields enclosed by stone walls protecting crops like barley and potatoes. The village, known as the "Summer Valley," offers stunning views of Imja Valley and snow-capped peaks. Spend the evening resting and acclimatizing, preparing for higher altitudes ahead.

Day 6 is reserved for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. Dingboche, surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks, is an ideal spot for both rest and exploration.
Begin the day with a hike to higher elevations to aid acclimatization. A popular option is the climb to Nangkartshang Hill (5,083m), offering panoramic views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and the Imja Valley. The hike is moderately challenging and takes around 3–4 hours round trip. Alternatively, you can trek towards Chukhung Valley (4,730m) to admire the majestic Island Peak and glaciers.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Dingboche’s peaceful village, with its traditional stone-walled fields and cozy tea houses. Hydrate, eat well, and relax to prepare for the challenging days ahead. This acclimatization day is essential for reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring a safe ascent.

The trek from Dingboche to Lobuche is a steady ascent through stark and dramatic landscapes, covering approximately 8 kilometers in 5–6 hours. The day begins with a gradual climb towards Dughla (4,620m), where you'll cross a glacial stream and stop for a short break.
From Dughla, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend the Thukla Pass, a moving section lined with memorials to climbers who lost their lives on Everest. Take a moment to reflect here, surrounded by towering peaks like Pumori and Nuptse.
The path then levels out as you walk alongside the Khumbu Glacier, with incredible views of jagged ice formations and the surrounding Himalayan giants. Lobuche, a small settlement perched on the moraine, serves as your resting point for the night. The air is noticeably thinner, so stay hydrated and take it easy as you prepare for the trek to Everest Base Camp.

This is one of the most exhilarating days of the trek, covering about 12 kilometers in 7–8 hours. Begin with a challenging but scenic trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, walking alongside the Khumbu Glacier. The rugged terrain and high altitude make this stretch demanding, but the awe-inspiring views of Mount Pumori, Nuptse, and the glacial landscape keep your spirits high.
After reaching Gorak Shep, check into a teahouse, refuel, and prepare for the final push to Everest Base Camp (EBC). The trail to EBC is a mix of rocky moraines and ice, with close-up views of the Khumbu Icefall. Upon arrival, take in the incredible atmosphere at the foot of the world’s highest peak. Although Everest itself isn’t visible from the base camp, the surrounding mountains and the sense of accomplishment make it unforgettable.
Return to Gorak Shep for the night, resting in anticipation of another thrilling day tomorrow.

Day 9 begins early with a pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), the best viewpoint for panoramic vistas of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the surrounding peaks. The steep ascent is challenging due to the thin air, but witnessing the golden sunrise over Everest makes the effort worthwhile. Spend some time taking in the breathtaking views and capturing memories before descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast.
After resting, retrace your steps along the Khumbu Glacier and moraine trail to Lobuche. The descent is faster but still requires caution as fatigue from the high-altitude trek sets in. Arriving in Lobuche, enjoy a well-deserved rest and prepare for the journey back down the valley.

Day 10 is a thrilling yet demanding journey as you cross the Kongma-La Pass (5,535m), one of the challenging Three Passes of the Everest Region. The trek begins with an early morning departure from Lobuche, ascending steep and rocky terrain towards the pass. The climb is strenuous, but the panoramic views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the glaciers below are unparalleled.
Reaching the top of Kongma-La Pass, adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, feels immensely rewarding. Take a moment to soak in the sweeping vistas of the Himalayas before beginning the descent. The trail down to Chukung is steep and can be tricky, requiring careful footing as you navigate rocky paths and scree.
Arrive at Chukung, a small settlement surrounded by towering peaks, and settle into a cozy lodge. Relax and enjoy the serene ambiance as you prepare for the next stage of your trek.

Trek from Chukung to the Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m) is a challenging but rewarding day. The path begins with a gentle ascent through the stunning Imja Valley, with Ama Dablam and Makalu standing tall in the distance. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes to stark, rocky terrain with a few glacial streams.
The trail gradually becomes steeper as you approach the base camp. Once there, enjoy the stunning views of Island Peak and the surrounding glacial moraines. The camp serves as a hub for climbers preparing for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon settling into the base camp, reviewing the climbing equipment, and going over safety procedures with your guide. Rest well in anticipation of the days ahead.

This is the most exciting day of the trek as you aim to summit Island Peak (6,189m), one of the most accessible trekking peaks in the Everest region. Start in the early morning hours, when the weather is calm and stable. The ascent is strenuous and involves a combination of rock scrambling, ice climbing, and navigating crevasses. The route is well-marked and offers incredible views as you gain altitude.
Reach the summit and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. The sense of achievement at standing at the top of Island Peak is unmatched. Spend some time savoring the moment and capturing photos before beginning the descent.
Descend back to the Island Peak Base Camp, then continue down to Chukung for a well-deserved rest. The return journey provides a chance to reflect on your incredible achievement and enjoy the camaraderie with fellow trekkers.

On Day 13, the trek from Chukung to Tyangboche is a descent through beautiful alpine landscapes, covering approximately 13 kilometers in 5–6 hours. Start with a gradual walk through the Imja Valley, enjoying views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Island Peak. The trail then drops through rhododendron forests and past Mani walls, leading to the tranquil village of Pangboche (3,930m).
Continue through lush forests and across suspension bridges over the Imja Khola River before reaching Tyangboche. This iconic Sherpa village is home to one of the most famous monasteries in the region, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Spend the evening exploring the monastery, attending a prayer ceremony, and enjoying the serene environment as you reflect on your adventure.

Day 14 marks a return journey as you trek from Tyangboche back to Namche Bazaar, covering approximately 10 kilometers in 4–5 hours. The path descends through lush forests of rhododendron and pine, offering refreshing views of the Himalayas. Along the way, cross suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and pass by traditional Sherpa villages, providing glimpses into local life.
Arriving in Namche Bazaar, take some time to explore the vibrant market, visit the Sherpa Culture Museum, or relax at a local cafe. Reflect on your journey and the experiences you've had in this beautiful part of Nepal. Spend the evening resting and preparing for the final stage of your trek.

On Day 15, you will complete your trek with a descent from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, covering approximately 17 kilometers in 6–7 hours. The trail initially descends steeply, passing through pine and rhododendron forests, and then gradually levels out as you approach the Dudh Koshi River.
Crossing suspension bridges and passing small Sherpa settlements along the way, the scenery remains beautiful and varied. Arrive in Lukla, where you can relax and celebrate your successful trek over the past days. Spend the evening enjoying a well-earned dinner with fellow trekkers and reminiscing about the adventure.

On the final day of your trek, take a short flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. The scenic flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, or simply unwinding after the trek.