• Duration:18 Nights 19 Days
  • Max. Altitude: 6189m
  • Group Size: 2-8
  • Activity: Trekking & Climbing
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

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 at 5420 meters is a perfect acclimatization trek before we head towards Island Peak as the he trek traverse through Gokyo lake (4750m), Gokyo Ri (5360m) and challenging Cho La pass (5420m) before marching towards 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 and Island Peak Climbing 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 (Ri). From Gokyo Ri at 5360 meters, we witness the surreal panoramic view of four of the six highest mountains in the world: Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8485m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8188m) as well as other towering snow-peaks such as Gyachung Kang (7922m), Cholatse (6440m), Tawache (6542m), and Kangchung (6103m). Gokyo Ri is considered as one of the best view points 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. From Dzongla, we continue our journey downwards all the way to Dingbouche and from Dingbouche, 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 night at Island PeakHigh 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. Island Peak Summit Day will be a long, most challenging as well as an important day to mark of our trip. From the summit of Island Peak, we eye witness magical mountain moments where in a semi circle to the north, there is Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8501m), Lhotse Central Peak (8410m) and Lhotse Shar (8383m); to the east, Mt. Makalu (8475m); and in the south, astonishing Mt. Ama Dablam (6812m) and Baruntse (7129m).

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 2023 and 2024: 

Guaranteed Departures.. 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 trekkingtrail
  • 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 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,300 m/4,265 ft

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

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 and Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Continuing along the moraine of the glacier, with great views of Pumori, Nuptse, Ama dablam and  Makalu,

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we trek to Chhukung which takes 2 and half hour approximately. From Chhukung, the path climbs steeply towards South and turns East following the valley along the moraine from 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. We set up tents at base camp for sleeping overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

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

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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
  • Tea House/ Lodge

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

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

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

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

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

  • Breakfast

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 12 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 etc.
  • 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.

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date19 Apr, 2023End Date07 May, 2023AvailableUS$ 2280

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 08 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 08 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.

Useful Info

Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing Packing List:

“There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Alfred Wainwright

Are you planning your dream trip to the Himalaya of Nepal? Make sure you have packed well for your hiking, trekking and climbing experiences in Nepal. The time period of your visit also determines your packing list. The best trekking seasons for beginning your Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing are spring and autumn. During these seasons, maximum flow of trekkers can be witnessed. Weather during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are likely to be mild with clear blue sky and outstanding mountain views. But nights can get freezing cold at higher elevation. So, packing appropriate clothing, gear, and equipments for your Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Expedition is a must for lifetime memorable trekking and climbing experience in Everest region of Nepal.

A strategically way of packing will be keeping in mind that your stuffs will be packed in two bags. One will be the daypack that you carry every day on your trek. Pack your daypack as light as possible by carrying only the essentials so that you can relish your moments in wilderness freely. Pack anything you may need each day during your hike in your daypack. Other bag will be your duffle bag which will be carried by your Porter from the very beginning of your trek till the end.

Upper Body:

  • Warm beanie hat
  • Tubular Headwear (buff)
  • Sun Hat or Cap (cap and buff all fit under your hood)
  • Polarized Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp (Black Diamond / Petzl) with spare batteries
  • Sunscreen with factor 50+
  • Upper Body (Core body):
  • 3 Light and trekking weight thermal tops
  • 3 T-shirts or cool-max trekking shirts
  • 1 Fleece Jacket or pull over (Merino, soft shell)
  • 1 Waterproof shell jacket with hood (lightweight, breathable)
  • 1 Down Jacket

Lower Body:

  • 2 Thermal base layers (merino or polartec power dry)
  • 2 Pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • 1 Heavy weight hiking trousers (wind proof soft shell for warmth at higher altitude)
  • 1 Waterproof/ Rain pants
  • 2 Light Hiking shorts
  • 2 Fleece Pants
  • 4 Under wears (merino)

Hands:

  • 1 Lightweight gloves or liner gloves
  • 1 Pair shell gloves (Gore-Tex)
  • 1 Waterproof outer glove

Feet:

  • 3 Warm Trekking socks (smart wool)
  • 3 Pairs of liner socks
  • 2 Pairs of thick/ warm socks
  • 2 Thick wool socks to wear at night in lodges
  • Trekking Boots (waterproof, ankle support with rigid sole)
  • Lightweight Rubber Shoes / Trainers / Trail Runner to wear at the Tea Houses

Accessories:

  • 1 Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) 40 - 50 Liters
  • 2 Water bottle or camel bag, 1-liter (one with an insulated cover is recommended)
  • Large duffle bag (and a lock as the porters will carry this)
  • A pair of adjustable Trekking Pole
  • Camera with extra battery
  • Sleeping bag (- 15 C depending upon trips)
  • Sleeping Bag liner
  • Ear Plugs
  • Portable Solar Charger
  • Smart Trekking Watch

Personal First Aid Kit:

Please do note that our trekking guides will be too carrying the first aid kit with them especially for the guests and the entire team as a whole. Still, we suggest the following items to be carried with you while trekking in the Himalaya of Nepal.

  • Personal Medication
  • Diarrhea Stopper (e.g. Imodium)
  • Paracetamol Tablets
  • Small Swiss Army knife (which has knife, scissors and tweezers)
  • Diamox for altitude (consult your doctor about this)
  • Water Purification tablets or drops
  • Blister kit / Zinc Tape
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Dressing Gauze
  • Antibiotic Cream

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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