EBC Trek with Island Peak Climb

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek with Island Peak (Imja Tse-6165 m/20226 ft) Climb is an 18-Days trip that begins from Kathmandu & stuffed completely with thrill and adventure. Moreover, Everest Base Camp Trek in itself is a dream trek to all nomads around the globe. This package on top of it adds a thrilling Island Peak summit expedition as well.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is the most famous and most appealing classical trek package available in Nepal. Needless to say, Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world at 8848 m. It is located in the Mahalangur sub-range of the Himalayas & lies on the international border between China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal. It is also well known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and as Chomolungma in Tibet. Moreover, Mount Everest was first successfully summited by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal on May 29, 1953. It has thus been a dream of every traveler since its inception (mid to late 1950’s) to reach EBC (5364 m).

Life in Khumbu

The scenery on the way is awe-inspiring as the Khumbu region boasts 4 of the world’s 6 tallest peaks. It includes Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho Oyu. Trekking in the Himalayan region gives its travelers a first-hand experience into the life of world’s most famous climbers, the Sherpas. The Sherpas have a traditional and well-deserved reputation of being the best mountain guides in the world. Their stamina and strength is unparalleled. The Sherpa people are also known for their hospitality, kindness, and sense of humor.

Additionally, you can also explore the Sagarmatha National Park, a World Heritage Site with its unique variety of Himalayan flora and fauna. Moreover, the visitors here will explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, monuments, Sherpa stone stupas and carved mani walls as well.

Retracing the history of Hillary and Sherpa

During the Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climb, travelers will try to retrace the footsteps of Sir Hillary and Tenzing. The southwest summit of Imja Tse was first climbed in 1953 as part of a training exercise by a British expedition that later went on to summit Mount Everest. Island Peak therefore still serves as a training peak before the final ascent of Mt. Everest.

The Trip

The 18 days trip begins with a thrilling 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Despite being constructed in 1964 and paved in 2001, Lukla is still considered to be one of the most challenging airports in the world. Here you will meet with your supportive staff and begin your trek towards Everest. Moreover, heading into the Sherpa heartland of Khumbu Valley also allows its visitors to gradually acclimatize on their way to Everest Base Camp.

The next halt for your trek will be at Namche Bazaar. It is the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region. Moreover, Namche Bazaar is also popular among trekkers for altitude acclimatization. The town has a number of lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors as well as a number of internet cafés. Additionally, there are German bakeries, little cafes and many restaurants in the town as well. Moreover, there is also an Irish pub, said to be the highest and most remote Irish pub in the world. A popular local meal is yak steak. On Saturday mornings, a weekly market is held in the center of the village.

The trip then heads towards Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche village, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep before finally heading towards Everest Base Camp at 5364 m.

Everest Base Camp (5364 m)

Everest Base Camp serves as the starting point for those attempting to summit the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest. But it’s also a breathtaking goal in itself, offering stunning scenery, unique cultural experiences, and a challenging yet rewarding journey.

Moreover, there are actually two base camps for Everest each on a different side of the mountain. North Base Camp is situated in Tibet at 5150 m and is less accessible and requires special permits. While, Southern Base Camp is located in Nepal at an altitude of 5364 m and requires trekking permits. It has thus been considered as a more popular option among trekkers. Furthermore, it is also easily accessible by a 30 minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a multi-day trek through the Khumbu Valley.

A hike to Kala Patthar

Furthermore, the journey also takes the travelers to Kala Patthar (5545 m). It offers visitors the best view of Everest and thus the camera here goes into a state of overheating. The visitors will also have a panoramic view of Changtse, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Khumbu Glacier from the region.

Island Peak (Imja Tse)

The trip then heads towards Imja Tse or better known as Island Peak. The peak was named so in 1953 by members of the British Mount Everest expedition because it appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. The peak was later renamed in 1983 to Imja Tse but Island Peak remains the popular choice. Moreover, the peak itself is actually an extension of the ridge coming down off the south end of Lhotse Shar.

The southwest summit of Imja Tse was first climbed in 1953 as part of a training exercise by a British expedition that went on to summit Mount Everest. The team that climbed Imja Tse comprised Tenzing Norgay, Charles Evans, Alfred Gregory, Charles Wylie and seven other Sherpas. The main summit was first climbed in 1956 by Hans-Rudolf Von Gunten and two unknown Sherpas. They were members of a Swiss team that went on to make the second ascent of Everest and the first ascent of Lhotse.

Island Peak Climbing Route

To climb Island Peak, one has the option of starting from a base camp at 5087 meters called Pareshaya Gyab. Another popular option is to ascend to High Camp at around 5600 meters to reduce the amount of effort and time needed for the summit. However, an adequate water supply and concerns about sleeping at a higher altitude may dictate starting from base camp. Base camp to high camp is basically a hike but just above high camp, some rocky steps require moderate scrambling up through a broad open gully.

At the top of the gully, glacier travel begins and proceeds up a steep snow and ice slope. From here, fixed ropes may be set up by the guides for the strenuous ascent of nearly 100 meters to the summit ridge. The climb to the summit is somewhat difficult due to steep climbing. On top, while Mount Everest is a mere ten kilometers away to the north, the view is blocked by the massive wall of Lhotse, towering 2300 m above the summit.

Imja Lake (Imja Tsho)

The trip and climbing expedition give the trekkers a grand view of Imja Lake as well. The lake is a glacial lake created after melted water began collecting at the foot of the Imja Glacier on the lower part of the glacier in the 1950s. The lake was first mapped in the form of a few ponds from a satellite image taken in 1962. The total area of the ponds was approximately 0.03 km2 then.

With the melting of glaciers, the ponds merged into a supra-glacial lake in the 1970s and it has grown continuously ever since. Based on a newly released image of 21 November 2009 on Google Earth, the Imja Tsho has attained an area of 1.055 km2 as a result of which the growth rate of the lake has increased to 0.025 km2 per year from 2000 to 2009.

The preliminary analysis has also shown that there has been an increase of almost 11% in the lake area compared to the area calculated based on satellite images received in October 2008.

Yeti, The Abominable Snowman

During the 18 Days EBC Trek with Island Peak Climb, the travelers will also have a chance to unveil the ever mysterious existence of Yeti, the abominable snowman. Moreover, the Yeti is believed to be an ape-like creature purported to inhabit the Himalayan mountain range in Asia. Many dubious articles have been offered in an attempt to prove the existence of the Yeti. It includes anecdotal visual sightings, disputed video recordings, photographs, and plaster casts of large footprints. Of course some of these are speculated or known to be hoaxes.

Finally, the 18 days EBC Trek with Island Peak Climb ends with a hike back to Lukla. The route mostly follows the same trails that were followed before excluding Chukhung. After arriving in Lukla, the trekkers bid a final farewell to their supportive staff while enjoying the evening dinner. The journey then proceeds towards Kathmandu the next morning boarding a 30 minute flight. Even though it ends, the Everest Trek with Imja Peak is bound to imprint a memory that lasts a lifetime of every traveler.

EBC Trek with Island Peak Climb Map

Everest Trek with Island Peak Climb

Additional information on EBC-Trek with Island Peak Climb:

Dossier disclaimer:

This trip details here are compiled with due diligence and provided in good faith. However, please be aware that information contained herein is subject to alteration and does not form a contractual agreement between the client and Cordial Trek Pvt. Ltd. The published itinerary is correct at the time of printing. We are always committed to providing you with an enriching and enjoyable trip.

Booking your EBC-Trek with Island Peak Climb:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Everest region for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 200 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 2234 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 18-Days EBC-Trek with Island Peak Climb, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 18. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for 18-Days EBC-Trek with Island Peak Climb:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your 18-Days EBC-Trek with Island Peak Climb. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us so that we can provide you with a complimentary airport pickup as well. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name ‘Cordial Trek’ and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can also arrange an accommodation for extra nights with add-on tours for additional cost.

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 3 to Day 16. The travelers will take a short 30 minute flight to Lukla on Day 3 to commence the trek and will return to Kathmandu on Day 17. Expect to spend 14 nights and 14 days completing the EBC Trek with Island Peak Summit. You’ll complete your trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Island Peak with overnight stays in Phakding, Namche, Deboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Chukhung, Tengboche and Monjo.

Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Except for Day 13, the travelers wake up early in the morning at 01:00 AM for their breakfast. You will then begin your 8-9 hours roundtrip (ascent and descent) of Island Peak.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Flight to Lukla and return:

During the peak season, typically from mid-March to mid-May in spring and late September to late November in autumn, flights to Lukla and back operate from Ramechhap airport. At other times of the year, they depart from Kathmandu. We will however arrange the approximately 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport at no additional cost. Optionally you may as well book a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport with additional costs (USD 500).

Accommodation in Kathmandu:

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in 3 Star Hotels with twin/double sharing beds.

Accommodation in the Mountains:

During the trek, your accommodation options are Teahouses. Although basic, these teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style. Except for the day of your early morning flight to Lukla, when you will receive a packed breakfast. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.

Drinking water during the trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek to the Everest region and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountain experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 250-300 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 250-300 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Baggage and weight limit:

On your flight to Lukla, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 5/4 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no extra cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Additionally, both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of 18-Days EBC-Trek with Island Peak Climb:

1. Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364 m)

2. Summit the Island Peak (6165 m)

3. A thrilling flight to and from Lukla Airport

4. Trek inside Sagarmatha National Park

5. Explore Namche Bazar

6. Experience Sherpa culture and traditions

7. Chance to unravel the mysteries of abominable Yeti

8. Explore Tengboche Monastery, the oldest in the region

9. Full-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour