Ebc & Island Peak Leisurely Climb – 24 Days

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Overnight at hotel. Meals: Welcome Dinner

Preparing for an expedition trip to Nepal requires more effort than a typical international journey. To ensure you're well-prepared and not overwhelmed by the challenges ahead, we offer a preparatory session at Balaju, a natural rock climbing spot just 3 km away. Here, you'll receive a comprehensive climbing course that covers essential skills such as using ropes, harnesses, ice axes, and crampons, even though there is no snow. Afterward, we return to Kathmandu for an overnight stay. Alternatively, if you feel confident about your climbing skills, you can explore the sights of Kathmandu Valley instead. Overnight accommodation and breakfast are included.

Start your day with an early morning flight from Kathmandu International Airport to Lukla Airport. From Lukla, embark on a 3-hour trek to Phakding. As you descend above picturesque farmlands, you'll pass through Sherpa villages such as Chheplung, Ghat, Sano, and Thulo Gumela. Along the way, visit the serene Drangdrak Gompa and Pema Choling Gompa, while enjoying stunning views of the sacred Kumbila mountain and its neighboring peaks, Kusum Kanguru. Spend the night at a guest house with meals provided: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Heading towards Namche Bazar, we traverse the quaint hamlets of Zamphute and Tok Tok, where the stunning Thamserku peak shines brightly in the sun—a sight that accompanies us throughout much of our trek. As we pass through the picturesque Sherpa villages of Benkar, Chumoa, and Monjo, we arrive at Utche Choling Gompa, perched on a bluff overlooking the Dudhkoshi River. From there, we navigate the path between the bluff and the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reaching halfway to Namche Bazar, we begin the more challenging second half of the trek, marked by a steep climb. Crossing the final village of Jorsale, we encounter a breathtaking high bridge spanning the Dudhkoshi River gorge, where the Dudhkoshi meets its tributary, the BhoteKoshi. As we ascend the final stretch slowly, we reach the heights of Namche, where we can catch our first glimpse of Mt. Everest peeking over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. After covering approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles), we arrive at Namche Bazar for an overnight stay at a guest house. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

On our acclimatization day in Namche Bazar, we'll help our bodies adjust to the high altitude by taking short walks and climbing a few hundred feet. This will give us a chance to explore the picturesque villages, traditional houses, terraced fields, and the stunning snowy peaks of Kwangde, Khumbu Peak, Thamserku, and Kusum Kanguru. We'll also experience the lively Saturday market, where we can mingle with the locals dressed in traditional attire. After a day of exploration, we'll return to our guest house for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.­

From Namche Bazaar, we take a flat walk before turning left to ascend a series of stairs. We continue through a forest of birch and junipers. After reaching Mongla, we descend to Phortse Tenga and then proceed to the village of Dole. We’ll spend the night at a guest house. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

The trek from Dole is short, lasting only 1-2 hours, and is designed to control the rate of ascent. The route begins with a steep climb out of the forest and ascends an increasingly barren hillside. Along the way, we pass several summer settlements where yaks graze in the warmer months. After crossing the village of Lhabarma, the trail continues to climb gently past a large chorten, leading to Luza. From there, it rises further to a chorten and fluttering prayer flags on the edge of Machhermo, situated in a wide, flat valley beneath the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. Machhermo has a local legend about a yeti that allegedly killed three yaks and attacked a Sherpa woman in 1974. At the village’s northern end, the International Porter Protection Group operates a rescue post that provides emergency treatment to trekkers and porters and offers education on the dangers of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight stay at a guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We ascend a steep, scrubby slope toward a cluster of chortens atop the hill, where breathtaking views of Kantega and Cho Oyu unfold before us. Our journey leads us to the quaint settlement of Pangka village, nestled at the end of the Ngozumpa Glacier. Tucked between the towering mountain wall and a crumbling mound of sand and gravel are six sacred lakes, their serene surfaces mirroring the surrounding peaks. After crossing a bridge, we encounter the first lake, then traverse through barren landscapes to reach the second lake. Finally, we arrive at Gokyo village, situated on the shores of the third lake, Dudh Pokhari. We will stay overnight at a guest house. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Gokyo Ri, standing at 5,357 meters, is the standout feature of the Gokyo trek. To reach the summit, you'll start early in the morning and follow a trail that crosses a stream at the northern end of the village. The climb takes approximately two hours, leading you to the top where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Taboche. The impressive Ngozumpa Glacier stretches across the landscape like a giant scar. From this vantage point, Everest’s grandeur is particularly striking as it dominates the surrounding peaks. After soaking in the views, you'll descend back to Gokyo for an overnight stay at a guest house. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Descending down steeply crossing the third lake, Dudh Pokhari alongside of surging stream that links the two lakes, we reach the second lake, Tajung Tsho. Now the trail brings us to the edge of Ngozumpa glacier that is among the longest in Nepal and covered with debris. At places beneath is exposed and large melt water ponds are formed. We reach a settlement of Thangnak crossing through the fabulous mountain views of Phari Lapche more distant and higher peak of Kyajo Ri and great icy wall of Cho Oyu.  Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The climb to Cho La Pass (5420m) takes 7-9 hours, navigating a steep, rocky incline strewn with boulders. From the summit, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, majestically overlooking a rugged expanse of snowy peaks. The pass itself typically has little snow, with prayer flags fluttering against the wind on cairns. On the other side, you can see a stunning array of peaks, with Kyajo Ri (6186m) standing out prominently. Distant summits like Tengkangpoche, Kwangde, Karyolung, Tangi Ragi Tau, and Kanchung are also visible. Additionally, a flat glacier plateau stretches out to the east and west from the top. We’ll descend the snow-covered glacier to reach the charming village of Dzongla, where we’ll spend the night at a guest house. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After yesterday's strenuous hike, today promises to be much more manageable. As we head south and round the ridge, the expansive Chola Lake unfolds below us, with Cholatse Peak towering in the distance. The view is breathtaking, and the lake remains in our sight as we continue our descent. We initially head towards Ama Dablam but then, following the hill's contour, we veer north and eventually descend into the valley at the end of the Khumbu Glacier, reaching the settlement of Lobuche. Here, we rejoin the main trail to Everest Base Camp, where the traffic increases slightly. Tonight, we’ll stay at a guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The first leg of the trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is generally straightforward, though the high altitude at 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) adds a challenge. We start below the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and make a gradual ascent. As we trek, the Changri Shar and Changri Nup Glaciers descend from either side of Changri Mountain, merging into the Khumbu Glacier. Initially, we encounter a steep section of switchbacks leading up onto the glacier, followed by a series of rocky and occasionally icy undulations. After crossing this rugged terrain, a short descent brings us to Gorak Shep. This area is known for its extreme cold—night temperatures typically fall well below freezing—and frequent winds. Despite the harsh conditions, the surrounding snow-capped peaks create a breathtakingly scenic backdrop. Overnight stay at a guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Starting early from Gorak Shep, we head towards Everest Base Camp to immerse ourselves in the grandeur of the mountains rather than merely observing them from a distance, as EBC itself is not a viewpoint. Along the way, we pass by the serene blue waters of Gorak Shep Lake, with views of Changtse Peak in Tibet and the Lho La depression ahead. We navigate through glaciers, icefalls, frozen meltwater pools, icy walls, and large boulders until we reach EBC, where our trekking journey concludes and mountaineering begins. We then descend back to Gorak Shep for an overnight stay at a guesthouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Today, we embark on a remarkable journey to Mount Everest. After an early breakfast, we begin our ascent at a relaxed pace. Our path takes us across the broad, sandy expanse of a dried-up lake bed and up a series of steep switchbacks. As we climb approximately 100 meters, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse.

The climb continues, offering stunning vistas of the Khumbu Glacier and the Nuptse massif. Eventually, we reach the rocky summit of Kala Patthar. The ascent is challenging but every step brings us closer to a magnificent Himalayan panorama. At the top, we enjoy an awe-inspiring view of Everest and the surrounding peaks.

After soaking in the scenery, we begin our descent, which is much quicker. We retrace our steps back to Gorak Shep and then continue to Lobuche, following the path along Khumbu Khola. Here, we settle in for the night at a guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we trek via the Khumbu Glacier to reach Kongma La Base Camp. From there, we continue ascending to the Kongma La Pass. Afterward, we descend with a gradual walk up the Imja Khola Valley to Chhukung, a quaint summer settlement nestled among moraine ridges. This is where we make our final preparations for the upcoming challenge. Overnight stay at a guest house. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

From Chhukung, the trail ascends steeply to the south before veering east to follow the main line of the valley. It meanders along or below the southern edge of the Lhotse Glacier moraine. After a pleasant walk beside a stream, you will reach a notable landmark known as Big Rock. From here, the path to Amphu Lapcha heads southeast. The route then crosses the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines, leading to a broad valley on the southwest side of Island Peak. You will spend the night at the Island Peak Base Camp, staying in a tented camp with meals provided, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The trail ascends past base camp for several hundred meters before veering left up a steep hillside. It starts as a sandy path but soon transitions to grassy terrain and then to a boulder-strewn route. As we climb, the slope narrows and the path enters a steep rock channel. We'll spend the night at Island Peak High Camp in a tented camp. Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

We start the climb to rocky gully early in the morning which is not much difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m (330ft) 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 lead to the top. After enjoying the summit views we descend all the way to Chhukung for the night stay. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail gradually descends through scrub junipers and past mani stones while winding along the hillside. It passes numerous mani walls within dense rhododendron forests and crosses the Imja Khola, where it ascends past intricately carved mani stones to reach Pangboche. Here, you can visit the Pangboche Gompa, the oldest gompa in the Khumbu region, which is definitely worth exploring. From Pangboche, the trail continues down to a valley, traversing shallower paths through alpine meadows. It then gradually climbs up to Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. Overnight accommodation will be in a guest house. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

From Tengboche we move towards Phunki Tenga and now descend to Sanasa and Kyangjuma and then finally to Namche Bazar. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final day’s trekking follows the Dudh Kosi down to Lukla retracing the way we came up. Overnight at guest house. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Lukla Airport we fly back  to Kathmandu and are dropped to the hotel. This is a leisure day which can be utilized buying gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening you will be invited to join FAREWELL reviewing great photos and share experiences of the trip. Overnight at hotel.  Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Today is the last day so after our breakfatst, we get ready to transfer to airport for final departure. 

Meals - Breakfast. 

Note:

If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India or Bhutan tours etc.