gokyocholaislandpeak
gokyocholaislandpeak
gokyocholaislandpeak
gokyocholaislandpeak
gokyocholaislandpeak
gokyocholaislandpeak
  • Duration:22 Nights 23 Days
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Group:1 - 10
  • Activity:Trekking & Climbing
  • Pickup:TIA Airport
  • Max altitude: 6189m

About Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing

Climbing Island Peak through the Gokyo Valley route is just amazing. The ultimate way to acclimatize for Island Peak 6189m is with a challenging trek through places of breathtaking beauty in the heartland of Khumbu region. This route through the Gokyo Valley, crossing Cho La Pass 5420m, making it to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar, is a perfect acclimatization trek before we head towards Island Peak. The trek goes via Gokyo lake, 4750m, Gokyo Ri 5360m, Cho La pass, 5420m, and Everest Base Camp,5357m before moving to Island Peak Base Camp. 

Island Peak is a favorite peak in Everest Region, offering what is considered to be the finest of all views of Khumbu Himalaya of Nepal. The trek to Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak starts out on the traditional trail to Namche Bazaar. From Namche, we follow the main trail for about 2 hours and branch off into the Gokyo Valley, ascending stone stairs that seem to almost hang off the mountain’s edge along the Dudh Koshi River. The four-day trek to Gokyo passes through scant settlements where few tourists have ventured. The trek leads to the turquoise Gokyo Lakes beside the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier, and up to summit the rocky Gokyo Peak. From Gokyo Ri, 5360m, there is a dramatic view of four of the six highest mountains in the world: Everest, 8848m, Lhotse, 8516m, Makalu, 8485m and Cho Oyu, 8188m as well as other towering snow-peaks: Gyachung Kang, 7922m, Cholatse, 6440m, Taweche, 6542m, and Kangchung, 6103m. Gokyo Ri is considered as one of the best view point in the entire Khumbu region. The Ngozumpa Glacier gouges its way through the valley below.

The next adventure is the spectacular Cho La Pass, 5420m, from where we get another spectacular view of the entire Khumbu region. As we descend from Cho La pass, we get the first look at Island Peak. We continue our trek  to the classic Everest base camp. The next climb is Kala Pattar, 5545m, the most popular vantage point for Mount Everest.

From here, we descend into the Imja Valley and turn off to Chukkung to begin the approach to Island Peak Base Camp. We spend a night at Island Peak Base Camp and one at Island Peak High Camp before we attempt our Island Peak ascent. Training required for the climb is given by our Sherpa climbing guides at Island Peak Base Camp. We attempt our summit push from High Camp. This will be a long and most challenging and important day of our trip. On the summit of Island Peak, a magnificent panorama awaits you. In a semi circle to the north, there is Nuptse, 7879m, Lhotse, 8501m, Lhotse Middle Peak, 8410m, and Lhotse Shar, 8383m; to the east, Mt. Makalu, 8475m; and in the south, Ama Dablam and Baruntse. 

The best season for Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak climbing is from March to May and from September to November. However, the winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December the views of the mountains are crystal clear and there are fewer tourists around. The duration of the Gokyo Chola- EBC- Island Peak trek can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference.

Planning to climb Island Peak (Imja Tse) via Gokyo Valley in 2021 and 2022 !!

Guaranteed Departure.. Please get in touch for further details. 

Highlights of Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing

  • firstly,the idea of having Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, EBC, Kalapattar and Island Peak in a single Trip is just amazing.
  • gokyo valley is less crowded compared to Everest Base Camp trekking trail
  • gokyo’s glacial lakes and amazing view from Gokyo Ri
  • visit the classic Everest Base Camp & KalaPattar 
  • well set up Camps at Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp
  • leaded by our Experienced Local Sherpa Climbing Guide 
  • island peak summit view is one of the best thing to witness in the Khumbu Himalaya

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day, you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped towering peaks. After completing the visa formalities in airport, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying your name on our company’s’ signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. Moving forward, you’ll be taken to your hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Once you reach at hotel, you’ll be welcomed by them as well and after that you can relax in your room.

  • Hotel
  • 1,300 m/4,265 ft
  • Private Tourist Vechile

The Managing Director of our company will be there to meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your climbing equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it today. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1,300 m/4,265 ft

We head to the domestic airport for our early morning flight to Lukla. From the twin otter plane, we will enjoy some amazing views of several of the world’s highest mountains including Cho Oyu, 8153m, Lhotse, 8516m, Gauri Shankar, 7145m, Menlungtse, 7181m, and Mount Everest.

At Lukla, our support crew will be waiting to welcome us. After distributing our luggage among the strong Sherpa porters who will so cheerfully carry our burdens for the trip, we set out downhill into the Dudh Koshi (milk river) Valley. The trails in these parts reflect the large roll Tibetan Buddhism plays in the lives of the Sherpa people. There are many mani stones, which are large stones with Tibetan prayers chiseled into them, all along the trails. You will soon become familiar with the customary way of passing chortens, mani stones, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. We reach Phakdingma, a small village beside the Dudh Kosi River. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 4hrs
  • 2,610m/8,562 ft
  • Domestic Flight

Today will be one of the hardest days of the trek. So, we take it slowly, giving our body a chance to acclimatize and our senses a chance to take in the sights into the heart of Khumbu. From Phakding, the trail follows Dudh Koshi valley north for 2-3 hours to Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There is a good view of Thamserku, 6608m. We follow the river to the Hillary Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge that spans the deep chasm over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi. From here, it is a tough climb to Namche. The trail continues to climb through pine forest. About half way up there, is a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse.

Namche is a beautiful village in itself with colorful houses and lodges and prayer flags, and the setting is majestic as it is spread on the steep sides of a horse-shoe shaped valley facing the beautiful Kongde Ri Peak. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 6-7 hrs
  • 3441 m/11,289 ft

If we are acclimatizing well, we will want to walk up a hill for spectacular viewpoint where we can see all the way up the Imja Khola Valley to where the glacial moraine begins below the towering Mt Everest, 8848 m. Other spectacular peaks vosoble from here are Taweche, 6542m, Thamserku, 6808m, Kantega, 6685 m, Ama Dablam, 6856m, Nuptse, 7896m and Lhotse, 8511m. Besides, the great bazaar with a wonderful variety of shops to visit, today gives us a chance to visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre which has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. There is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital. We can see the “scalp of a yeti” at Khumjung monastery.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 3441 m/11,289 ft

Today as we trek, Ama Dablam, 6812m, one of the most beautiful peaks in the world will be showing its glimpse to us in a distance. As we go along, the trail follows the hillside of Khumbila and reaches our first pass, Mon La, from where the trail descends steeply to Phortse Drangka village. We leave the Everest trail and branch off following the Gokyo Valley along the tree-line until we reach the small mountain settlement of Dole. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 5-6 hrs
  • 4,200 m/13,779 ft

The trail goes through small yak mountain pastures, waterfalls and small villages namely Khele, Lhabarma and Luza before reaching Machermo. Machermo is a small village looking out on Cholatse, 6440m, Taweche, 6542m and facing the Kyajo glacier. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 4-5 hrs
  • 4,470 m/14,665 ft

The trail from Machhermo climbs a ridge from where you will get an excellent view. In front of you, will be the great Gokyo Valley with its streams and lakes, and the Cho-Oyu peak, 8153m and Kantega peak , 6686m and Ama Dablam, 6812m on your back. We descend to the river bank below before beginning the steep climb up to a small mountain lake from where the trail levels out and follows along to Longponga Lake, 4690m, then finally up a boulder-strewn path to glorifying Gokyo.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 4-5 hrs
  • 4,790 m/14,730 ft

In the morning, we climb for around two hours up to Gokyo Peak (5360m). This is a straight-forward but steep climb and also tiring because of the altitude. However, it will be worth the effort as this is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the entire Khumbu region. From the rocky summit, four peaks over 8000 metres can be seen: Everest, 8848m, Cho Oyo, 8153m, Lhotse, 8511m and Makalu, 8481m along with other awesome peaks.

From here, we follow the lateral moraines and walk for two hours on glacial scree across the Ngozumpa glacier, a series of ups and downs. After crossing the glacier, we reach the yak herders' huts and tea houses of Thagnag. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 5hrs
  • 4,990 m/16,371 ft

This day will be a big challenge. You should carry at least 2 liters of water, as it is unavailable to buy in this area. We have to start early in the morning between 4:30-5:30. The first two hours we have a steep climb up to yak pastures which we call the Cho La High Camp, though there aren’t any houses there, rather you will see Buddhist prayers flags blowing in the wind. The next 1.5 hours is not so steep. But because of loose stones and uneven ground, we recommend that you use walking sticks, be careful and take the advice of our well experienced guide. The ascent to the snowy Cho La pass is very steep and it will take about 2 hours. From the pass, there is a superb view of Dzongla Valley and its lake as well as the impressive North face of Jobo Lhaptshan, 6300m. The descent to Dzongla, on the Cho La glacier is an endurance test.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 9-10 hrs
  • 4,710 m/ 15,452 ft

Continuing along the moraine of the glacier, with views of Kalapathar and Pumori, we will reach Lobuche, 4910m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 3 hrs
  • 4,915 m/ 16,125 ft

Today, we start very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,180 m). After a short rest, we trek across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice séracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring, we may see some of the expedition teams as they prepare to summit the mountain. From the Base Camp, we get fantastic close up views of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. We retrace our step back to Gorak Shep.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 3 hrs
  • 5,130 m/ 16,830 ft

An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar, following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the magical sunrise and relish the superb views of the surrounding mountains. And next step is a hike to Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return to Lobuche. We descend to Lobuche, 4915 m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 5-6 hrs
  • 4915 m/16,125 ft

An early morning from Lobuche, we trek down to Dingboche and again climb up to Chhukung.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 6 hrs
  • 4,710 m/15,452 ft

From Chhukung, the path climbs steeply towards the South and the turns east, following the valley along the moraine from the Lhotse glacier. We continue a short yet pleasant walk along the river side which leads to Big-Rock. From this point, a 40 minute climb will take us to Island Peak Base Camp. After lunch, our Sherpa guides will provide a short training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gear such as ice axes, climbing boots and crampons, harnesses, ascenders and on how to go up and down using ropes. Overnight in Tent:

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping
  • 3-4 hrs
  • 5,200 m/ 17060 ft

Today, it is a very important day to acclimatize. After breakfast, we head up the steep hillside towards the Island Peak High Camp, 5600 m. At the beginning, the path is sandy but soon it turns rocky, before becoming boulder strewn. The slope narrows as you climb up the hill, entering a steep rock channel. We return to Island Peak High Camp for staying overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping
  • 2 hrs
  • 5,450 m/17,880 ft

Today, we have to start early in the morning to climb through the rock channel. Although it is not difficult, there are many short rock steps to be crossed before you come across the other side of channel. Then the trail leads to the ridge line where you traverse the snout of summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses which leads with little difficulty, to a 100 m snow and ice slope (40-45°) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge will take you to the top. After enjoying the summit view, you will descend all the way to Chhukung, 4710m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 10-12 hrs
  • 6,189 m/ 20,305 ft

Since we cannot guarantee favorable weather for the scheduled summit day, we have allowed an extra day in the schedule. If we are unable to summit the Island Peak on scheduled date due to bad weather or some other reason, such as someone in the group having acclimatization problems, it is useful to have an extra day. If the trip goes smoothly and we do not need this spare day, we will continue our return journey to Lukla.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

After having early breakfast, we trek down to Dingboche and again pass through the Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengboche after continuously to Namche.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 7-8 hrs
  • 3,441 m/11,289 ft

Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla's footpath leads us back to the first villages we saw two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters, and a good chance to sample some chhang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Lodge/Tea House
  • 7-8 hrs
  • 2,810 m/9,219 ft

You take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1,300 m/4,265 ft
  • Domestic Flight

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1,300 m/4,265 ft

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. 

  • Breakfast
  • Private Tourist Vechile

What's included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu, 4 nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 16 nights (twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • Accommodation during Camping ; Meals during One night at Base Camp and One night High Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tang juice, fruit, tea and coffee)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced and certified Sherpa Guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • All Camping Equipment required during the trek, sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment
  • Climbing rope, Ice screws, Snow bar
  • Trekking cook, kitchen staff, Trek Sherpa and other support staff while on Island peak climbing
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for Two Trekkers basis in all of our Climbing Trips
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill's T-shirt
  • Energy Supplies (Snickers, Mars, Bounty) and Fresh / Can Fruits on the Trek 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Island Peak Climbing Permit
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu Excess baggage fees
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Island Peak climbing certificates issued from the respective body of Nepal Government.
  • All required Personal and Group Climbing Equipments and Gears
     

Personal Climbing Gears includes:

  • Mountaineering/ Climbing Boots
  • Crampons
  • Helmet
  • Harness 
  • Ice Axe
  • 2 x Screwgate Carabiners ( Lock and UnLock)
  • Descender ( Figure 8, Belay Device)
  • Ascender (Jumar)
  • Prussic Loops
  • 2 x Tape slings

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to 14 for per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

Availabilities

FromToStatusPrice  
start date06 Sep, 2021end date28 Sep, 2021Available$2650
start date20 Sep, 2021end date12 Oct, 2021Available$2650

Departure Note:

Guaranteed - We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group. 

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join. 

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates. 
 

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.


We have set dates for departure to the Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin. 

If the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date. 

We have listed the price up to 10 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 10 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing is possible. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones. 

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the climb. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking. 

- tell us

Useful Info

Why Climb Gokyo Cho La Pass and Island Peak Climbing with Annapurna Foothills Treks?

Annapurna Foothills Treks has been running climbing expeditions for over 10 years. Annapurna Foothills Treks reaches for the highest ethical business practices. Our team of mountaineering guides is dynamic, professional, and qualified as instructors.

Why Climb with a Sherpa?

Annapurna Foothills Treks is here to save you the unnecessary expense of going with an expatriate company and an expatriate guide. Our qualified and experienced guides are well able to guide your expedition safely and can provide an accurate cultural perspective as well. Additionally, when you book with Annapurna Foothills Treks, you are supporting the Sherpa community who are dependent on the trekking/climbing industry for their livelihood.

Our climbing guides are dedicated mountaineers and license-holders who always put your safety first. They use harness and ropes below the every peak whether for crevasse danger or steep slopes. Our Sherpa guides are there to fix the rope as well as teach climbers how to fix the rope or set up a belay for glacier travel.

While some people spend unnecessarily to go with a foreign company, others risk their lives to save money by going without a guide. We encourage you to play it safe, and climb with our experienced guides. Our packages are reasonably priced and afford the safety of an experienced guide who will allow you the independence you desire.

To be safe, you dont need shops worth of Karabiners, ice-screws, snow stakes and rock racks- You need a Sherpa guide as a partner, some rope, a few bits of protection, good weather and overriding urge to die of old age.

The routes we suggest are almost always the most straightforward. Under good conditions, none of the routes are challenging for skillful technical alpinist. Safety-conscious amateurs have potential to provide satisfaction and experience without much risk.

Sherpa Support Staff:

Even our support staff are well experienced, so you can look forward to a well organized trip. The relationship we have developed among us over the years makes for a wonderful exchange of ideas, laughter and assistance. Your personal packs will be carried by the porters, saving you time and energy to fully enjoy the surrounding environment.

Each staff member at Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions is insured for their appropriate roles. (Some companies are cutting corners here.)

Logistics on the Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing Trip:

You can fully enjoy the world of mountains unfettered by the rigors of food preparation, lodging and logistics. Annapurna Foothills Treks provides a wide variety of quality meals to keep climbers healthy and strong. Most of the food is flown in from the Kathmandu.

Environmental Responsibility

Annapurna Foothills Treks practices and teaches the Leave-No-Trace principles. Moreover, we are committed to protecting the land and culture of the indigenous people. The mountains are our home and we are unwilling to sacrifice their preservation for human objectives. Annapurna Foothills Treks believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment.

Altitude Advice

It is really difficult to head straight up to high altitude for the first time even if you follow the recommended 400m-a-day-rule. Walking, let alone climbing, uphill at 5000m is harder than you think. The trek in is a means of acclimatization and getting fit. Our itinerary is planned to allow rational acclimatization and avoid altitude sickness. We should also plan for few extra days as bad weather may affect the designed schedule. This doesnt guarantee the successful ascent but often avoids the disappointment of a cloudy summit day.

Safety

When travelling in remote mountain regions, uncertainties such as weather, health problems and natural disasters require a certain amount of flexibility. While our goal is to follow the itinerary, that is not our first priority; your safety is always our first priority. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions request your cooperation to accept the decisions and advice of our trusted and experienced guides if they deem it necessary to change or cancel any part of the itinerary due to safety concerns.

Travel Insurance:

To must be adequately protected in terms of insurance. You will need special travel insurance for participation in hazardous activities. We recommend a complete travel insurance policy that covers cancellation, lost baggage, theft, injury, liability, medical treatment, death and expenses. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal including trekking and climbing.

If a client requires medical treatment, all hospital expenses, including doctors fees and repatriation costs, are the clients responsibility.

If you are injured and unable to walk in a remote area, a helicopter rescue will be arranged. Annapurna foothills Treks has an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. We will pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Before leaving on the expedition, we will make sure your policy specifically covers mountaineering or alpinism otherwise you may have a difficult time settling the large claim.

Flight Delay/Cancellation

Domestic flights to mountain regions can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. Be aware that you may have long waits in the airports. From our side, if a flight is cancelled we make sure you get on the next possible flight.

If flight cancellations at the start of your trek delay your trek to the point of disturbing your onward travel schedule, you will be free to choose an alternative trip; there are many excellent options in the Annapurna, Langtang and other regions. If you do not wish to take an alternative trek, and wait in Kathmandu for the flight to Lukla, your original trek may be shortened due to the days lost in waiting. In such case, the client will be responsible to bear all additional expenses including food and accommodation.

If the client wishes to make an alternative arrangement such as a helicopter flight, Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions will assist in making the booking, but will not cover the cost of the alternative arrangement. The refunded money of the unused flight ticket would be credited to the concerned client, however.

There will be no refund for the days of the trek that are missed. You will not be entitled to any refund for services in the package (ie hotel, transport, flight) that you did not use due to the cancellation.

It is advisable to allow one or two extra days at the end of your trip to allow for flight delay/cancellation.

FAQs

Island Peak (Imja Tse) 6189m is located just over the ridge from Mount Everest and Lhotse. You can reach there by trekking through the Khumbu valley, following the classic Everest Base Camp trekking trail until Dingboche village. It is listed as a trekking peak by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and can be climbed as a person's first Himalayan experience depending upon their previous trekking and climbing history. Most trekker flies from Kathmandu to Lukla and take about a week to trek to Island Peak base camp.

The best time to climb Island Peak is during autumn season (September to November) and spring season (March to May). Winter climbs is also possible.

Island Peak is a good ice and rock climbing experience at altitude which requires experience with equipments such as mountaineering boots, crampons, abseiling, glacier trekking, crossing ladders, ice axe and climbing fixed ropes. The route to Island Peak is a bit technical and involves crossing crevasses on ladders and using fixed rope to reach the summit. The real crux of climbing Island Peak is the final 150 meters (Ice Head Wall) as it can be a bit steep. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition, well acclimatized and equipped to push for the summit of Island Peak which might take approx. 10-14 hours depending upon climbers. LINK

Climbing permit for trekking peaks is a legal document issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) authorizing the climber to attempt the climb on designated peak or route. Yes, climbing permit is a must for Island Peak. The climbing permit is included in the package cost and we will arrange the climbing permit and transport service.

There is really only one standard route i.e. from Dingbuche - Chhukung village to Island Peak Base Camp –Island Peak High Camp – Crampon Point- Island Peak Summit. Till Dingbuche village, you will follow the classic Everest Base Camp trekking trail. We will spend one night at Island Peak Base Camp and one night at Island Peak High Camp before attempting for the summit of Island Peak.

Annapurna Foothills requires that all participants on our Himalayan climbs and treks purchase Travel Insurance that includes coverage for search, evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses for the duration of climbing Island peak or any other peaks in Himalaya of Nepal.

Not just because we are a Nepal based local operator but our Sherpa climbing guides are experienced, competent, professional and all of them have numerous high altitude experiences including Mount Everest and other 8000m in the Himalaya of Nepal. Our guides in Himalaya are provided with satellite phone communication allowing us to maintain excellent emergency contact capabilities and keep your friends and family informed of our progress during the long weeks away from home. We focus on safety, quality and value for money by providing good equipments, gears and logistics required for your trip, things that many lower cost programs don’t facilitates with.

We value and operate eco friendly trips and are highly committed to Leave No Trace. Our guides and staffs are well aware of their responsibility toward environment. Garbage which is burnable are sorted and burnt and those which can be recycled are taken back to Lukla and handover to Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).

If our domestic flights to or from Lukla get cancelled because of bad weather, we’ll have two major options;

Reschedule your flight next day. Additional expenses like accommodation, food etc. need to be paid by guests.

Other option will be a Helicopter flight which will be expensive compared to regular flights. Cost will depend upon availability, number of members and baggage weight.

At most villages along the Island Peak trail, the tea houses will have internet facility. You need to purchase internet recharge cards. The internet speed will be very basic. You can also purchase Nepalese SIM cards (NCEL or NTC) but their coverage will be limited. And our climbing guide will also carry a satellite phone for emergencies with minimum cost.

Well, it depends upon the kinds of emergency you’re going through. If you have to leave the expedition due to ill health or severe injury, we will arrange an emergency air rescue immediately which will fly you out of the mountains to Kathmandu for medical attention. Make sure your insurance covers high altitude mountain search and rescue.

If you are able to walk down, one of the assistant guides will guide you down to a lower elevation where you can wait for the rest of the team or fly out to Kathmandu ahead of the group.

Even if you leave the expedition beforehand, we are committed to pay the porters and guides for the duration of the trip for which they are hired. So, refunds for the unused days for your trip will not be given. We can provide something complementary depending upon the cases

We spend one night at Base Camp and another night in High Camp before our summit push for Island Peak. We will return down to Chhukung on the same night. We will have one reserve day just in case of bad weather or any other reasons. In that case we will spend another night at High Camp.

SUMMIT DAY is the main day of your climb. Obviously it will be the tough, challenging, long day and equally rewarding day. We start the climb early in the morning let’s say around 2 or 3 AM in the morning depending upon the situation on the mountain. Generally, the climb will take around 10- 14 hours depending upon the climber.

Yes we do offer tailor made or private departures for Island Peak. If our listed departure dates are not fitting your travel plans then we can organize a private or tailor made departures for you and your loved ones.

The first and foremost advice is to gain all the essential experience and climbing skills as instructed. Acclimatization is the key. We highly suggest taking enough time along the trail. Before you start your trek trainings back home, strength and endurance, physical training, multi day hiking experience and we suggest previous trekking experience above 4000m for Island Peak. Right gears and equipments is also a must. With that said, we will provide best possible logistics and support during your trip, our experienced, competent and friendly Sherpa guides are always there to provide you guys maximum chances of making the summit.

Yes, you can hire Trekking and Climbing Guide and Porter services from us. We can offer customizable services of Guides, Porters, Domestic Flights and Documentation.

You can get hot shower services throughout your Mera Peak Trip. However, the higher you climb the less pleasant it will be. It’s better to be on the safe side of things and we suggest not taking shower on a regular basis when you’re above 3000m. Hot showers also refers to Hot water bucket provided not the real showers.

Food during your trek can be one of the major highlights. Meals around the mountains consist of a diet rich in carbohydrates because our bodies do not process fat and protein efficiently at higher elevations and to compensate the increase in caloric need that high-altitude climbing involves. We try to make meals and breakfast varied and as normal as possible. Typical meals are rice, noodles, pasta, potato dishes along with vegetable and egg dishes. Lunches will also consist of cooked meals. Above Base Camp, climbing food mainly consists of dried meals such as pastas or rice. Basically, you will have dinner and breakfast at the lodge where you stay overnight and lunch will be at the tea houses on the way.

We mainly focus on small groups. We take up to 10 trekkers in a group so that we can provide personal care to each of our members. If you have group of more than 10, please contact us for amazing group discounts and customized services.

Yes, it is safe to travel to Nepal and to do solo trekking as a single women or girl. We are more responsible for this matter and we ensure all security and safety for solo women traveler. Upon request we can also arrange for a Female trekking guide as well.

Nepal should be on top of your BUCKET LIST for trekking and climbing adventures. For climbing a 6000m peak as well because Nepal comprises 1400 trekking peaks above 6000m and 8 of the 14, 8000m peaks in the world. With the rich variety of flora and fauna, landscapes, the hospitality of the Nepalese locals, the favorable climatic and geographical conditions, the rich cultural spirit which represents a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, it is fair to say that your mountaineering ambitions can be taken to a new level here in the Himalaya of Nepal.

We provide your personal gears required during the Island Peak Climbing. We can recommend some good stores where you can rent or buy good down jackets or sleeping bags.

There is no requirement to join a group or departure dates to climb a 6000 meter peak in Nepal. We always try to be flexible with our trips for our guest’s convenience. We are open to changes on the trip details as long as the proposed itinerary or suggestions does not harm your own chances of acclimatization.

Private or Solo Trips is possible but a bit more expensive compared to joining a fixed date. We highly recommend hiring a reputable guide service for a safe and secure climbing experience. With Annapurna Foothills, there is absolutely nothing to worry about if you wish to do a private solo trip or join a departure date. We assign local professional guides, porter etc whom you could trust with your life as they are highly experienced and give first priority to your safety.

The luggage limit for Porter is around 25 KG. We will provide one porter for two trekkers during the trip. Porter are those staffs who not carry only your luggage but also lift your spirit to reach new heights and your affection and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination.

Lukla flights weight limit is 10 KG. Extra baggage can be taken with additional costs.

Regarding cancellation, if a guest voluntarily or involuntarily terminates/cancels the trip once the trip has started, no refund will be given for missed or unused services of the trip regardless of the reason i.e. sickness, or any other unfortunate events.

In case if any guests wish to cancel their trip prior to their departure for any reasons then a written application should be sent by the guests to us, two weeks prior to the trip starting date. If the cancellation is made beyond the time limit then USD 200 per person will be charged. As per our company policy, deposit amount is non- refundable and can be utilized with the timeframe of one year from the trip confirmation date.

Excellent!

We’ll be happy to welcome you soon in Nepal and provide you our expert team to do the magnanimous Everest Base Camp Trekking in Himalaya of Nepal.

Please, go through this link for booking procedure.

https://www.annapurnafoothills.com/how-to-make-bookings

Client Reviews

Island Peak, Gokyo, Cho La, Kala Patthar

-Felix Riedel, Germany

Excellent Trip and wonderfull experience. Well organised Trip and very nice people. Defintely would do it again.

Gokyo Cho La Pass and Island Peak

-Lukas, Germany

I did the above mentioned trip in December 2016. The trip was perfectly planned and everything went smoothly. The itinerary allowed for perfect acclimatisation, especially having two nights at Island Peak Base Camp. Tashi, the trekking guide for the trip picked me up at the airport and helped me through my first days in Kathmandu before we flew to Lukla. In Lukla we met the highly experienced climbing guide Mingmar. So I was lucky and travelled with two guides right from the beginning. Both guides were really knowledgeable and we had lots of great conversations. While crossing the glacier at Cho La Pass and during the climb on Island Peak I felt perfectly safe and in really good hands. For my next time in Nepal I will definitely go with Annapurna Foothills again. Best wishes from Germany, Lukas

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