Overview
EBC (Everest Base Camp) and Island Peak are both popular destinations for trekking and mountaineering in the Everest region of Nepal. Here’s some information about each:
Everest Base Camp (EBC):
Everest Base Camp is the starting point for mountaineers who aim to climb Mount Everest. It is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek to Everest Base Camp is also one of the most famous and iconic treks in the world. It also attracts thousands of trekkers each year.
Reaching Everest Base Camp itself is a remarkable achievement. It allows trekkers to get a close-up view of the mighty Everest. It also experience the atmosphere of the mountaineering community during the climbing season. However, it’s important to note that only experienced climbers with proper permits and training can proceed from Everest Base Camp to attempt the summit of Mount Everest.
Island Peak:
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a popular trekking peak situated in the Everest region of Nepal. It stands at an altitude of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet). It also offers a challenging yet achievable climbing experience for trekkers with basic mountaineering skills. The peak is named Island Peak because of its location within a sea of glaciers in the Imja Valley.
To climb Island Peak, trekkers usually start from Lukla and follow the Everest Base Camp trek route until they reach Dingboche. From Dingboche, they divert from the main trail. Head towards Chhukung, a small village that also serves as the base for Island Peak expeditions. Climbers need to have proper equipment, including crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and ropes, and should be accompanied by experienced guides.
Everest Base Camp and Island Peak
Both the Everest Base Camp trek and the Island Peak climb require physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and adequate preparation. It’s also essential to consult with experienced trekking companies or guides who can provide the necessary support and guidance for a safe and enjoyable adventure in the Everest region.
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrival Kathmandu -1,350m/4,428ft
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Everest Expeditions Nepal. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Everest Expeditions Nepal display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, you can also take a rest, hang around in the city, visit our office – it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal: (D)
DAY 2 Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft]: Sightseeing and Preparation
After breakfast, we can enjoy a free day on our own or participate in a sightseeing program. The sightseeing program is focused to introduce some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu such as Durbar square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath. After some hours’ sightseeing, we get to the office and get our equipments checked by the climbing leader, prepare things as per need, introduce with fellow participants, and after Friendship World Trekking briefs us about the trip, we get chance to ask questions we might have regarding the trip. Overnight at hotel. Included meal: Breakfast (B)
DAY 3 Kathmandu – Lukla [2,800 m/9,184 ft]- Phakding [2,652 m/8,700 ft]: 35 min flight; 3-4 hours trek
Early morning after breakfast, we get transferred to domestic airport and fly to Lukla. After an adventurous 40 minutes flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport, we meet our other crew members. We get time to stroll around while the guide divides and manages baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding. Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B,L,D)
DAY 4 Phakding -Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: 5-6 hrs
Trek starts in the morning after breakfast. The walk today is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill with multiple crossings over Dudh Koshi River and magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. Cross some more bridges and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, where our trekking permits are checked in order to keep record of trekkers and local trekking staffs as well. A descend and a gradual walk brings us to Jorsale, the last village until Namche Bazaar.
The walk is enjoyable through the river bed and we reach Hillary Suspension Bridge. Now, as we climb up hill towards Namche Bazzar, closer and magnificent sight of Kwangde Peak, its sister peaks, Kusum Kangaru, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many other fabulous mountains are viewed closer, we stop at the Chautara here to admire the view. Finally, we reach the colorful village of Namche Bazzar, the main gateway of Khumbu region. Overnight in Namche Bazzar. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 Namche Bazaar [3,440 m/11,283 ft]: Acclimatization Day
This is first scheduled ‘acclimatization’ day for this trek. Health experts always recommend us to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle. We either spend the day taking a day hike to Thame or visiting Khunde or carry out relaxed exploration of Namche Bazaar itself. Namche Bazzar is the main centre of the Everest (Khumbu) region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, a bakery and a colorful market each Friday evening and Saturday. If we trek a few hundred vertical feet during the day, it will help us to properly acclimatize.
Visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters and observe an assortment of things related to the first Everest ascenders, Sherpa culture and learn about the various plant and animal life of the Everest region. We also take an interesting side trip up to Khumjung and climb up to famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, a Japanese scheme to build a deluxe hotel with great views of the highest mountains on Earth. The Khumjung valley surrounded by the snowy peaks of Kongde and Thamserku and the sacred peak of Khumbila hosts a well known monastery that houses a yeti scalp.
Visit Hillary School which is at the same site. After having lunch and spending some time in Khumjung, walk back down to Namche Bazzar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.(B,L,D)
DAY 06 Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft) – 5 to 6 hrs walk
After breakfast in Namche, we start our trek towards Tengboche enjoying superb view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and close up view of Thamserku. Our trek also follows on the gradual trail with few ups and downs overlooking magnificent view of the great Himalaya. Along the way we can spot wild lives like pheasant, musk deer, or a herd of Himalayan Thar. The trail goes gradually down up to Kayangjuma. The path eventually reaches Sansa which is the major trail junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp.
The track then follows through the pine forests and after we cross the prayer flags festooned bridge over Dudh Koshi River, we reach Phunki Thenga, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses and a small army post amidst the alpine woods. After having a relaxed lunch at Phunki Thenga we then have a little tough climb steep up through the pine forests while before we reach Tengboche. Tengboche is a great place for close up views of Ama-Dablam, Nuptse, and Everest and it has a biggest Buddhist Monastery all over in Khumbu region. We also visit the monastery the same day at around 3 p.m. to witness the ceremony in the principal and popular monastery of Everest region. Over night stay at lodge in Tengboche.(B,L,D)
DAY 07 Tengboche to Pheriche or Dingboche [4,200m/13,776ft]:4-5 hrs
Mountains as a backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche looks spectacular more in the morning. We snap pictures of the monastery and the sceneries. We descend for about half an hour to riverside through nice forest. You will cross the river and start trekking up towards opposite hill and landscapes starts more dry and desert afterward. We will also cross a traditional and cultural Sherpa village Pangboche where we can see a close up daily activities of Sherpa people. After this, we make a gradual up towards a small hill while trail goes to wide mountain valley called Pheriche. This is a nice wide village located on the riverside. We can see a small helipad here that is used for helicopter rescue in emergency. We can take a class with a mountain specialist in the Medical Clinic at Pheriche. Over night stay at lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 08: Dingboche to Nagerjun (5100m/16728ft) and return Dingboche, Duration: 6 hours ( Rest Day)
This would be your second acclimatization day that requires about 6 hours of trekking to an altitude of 5100 meters. After breakfast, you will also ascend to Nagerjun (5100m), a hill located on the flanks of the Chhukung valley directly above Dingboche. The main aim is to climb high and sleep low. The foot path becomes steep at times, resulting in a physically strenuous day. Ascending the hill could take up to 5 hours at altitude.
From this altitude, there are good views of the Lobuche East (6119m), the Lobuche West (6145m), the Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), the Kangtega (6685m) and the Ama Dablam (6856m). On a clear day, you could even see Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, including great views of the Pheriche Valley. After a short rest, you will then start the descent back to Dingboche and the walk at altitude takes about 2 hours. After lunch, we can take a well-deserved rest, as afternoon temperatures could drop rapidly as the sun sets over the mountain tops. You will also spend a second night in Dingboche. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Dingboche, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 09 dingboche / Pheriche to Lobuche [4,930m/16,170ft]:5-6 hrs
After breakfast, we start easy and straight walking towards left corner of the river and make a gradual walk-up to reach Dugla. Beyond Duglha we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We find our way through the boulder-strewn slope as we ascend Chupki Lhara, an eerie ridge top with dramatic mountains views. At the top of the ridge we will find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10 times Everest summitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (mountain guide from Nepal) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.
As the trail drops to the Khumbu Glacier moraine, we find ourselves right “in front of” several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. We are now in the vicinity of Everest but the great mountain still remains hidden. By this stage the effects of the altitude will be kicking in and we can feel colder nights. Overnight in Lobuche. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 Lobuche- Everest Base Camp [5364 m/17,594 ft]-Gorak Shep [5170 m/16,961ft]: 6-7 hrs
Take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, come through the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading, hence follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier – the walk is quite strenuous due to thin air in high altitude, passing through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams – until we reach the base camp. As we reach Everest Base Camp, we cannot stop ourselves from appreciating the Everest climbers who take the hazardous route through the Khumbu Icefall.
Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season. Mountaineer’s tents stand out in bright colors against all the dull gray surroundings (especially in spring). Nuptse, Khumbutse, Pumori are the mountains we can view from base camp but Everest itself is not visible from here. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. However, the sunset view from Kala Patthar is more admirable than the sunrise view. As the setting sun’s rays strike the snow capped mountains the resulting scenery is indescribable. For those trekkers who wish to continue to Kala Patthar our guides and Sherpas coordinate a hike to Kala Patthar for amazing sunset view today rather than waiting until the next day. Overnight in Gorak Shep.(B,L,D)
DAY 11 Gorak Shep – Kala Patthar [5545 m/18,192 ft] – Lobuche [4940 m/16,207 ft] Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft)- Chhukung [4,730m/15,518ft]: 6-7 hrs 7-9 hrs
We start early in the morning to catch the dramatic views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Plus there is always the likelihood of chilly winds. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several outstanding view points to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar.
From here scramble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar rocks our eyes taking in the unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can with our camera and take views in with our mind’s eye to last lifetime. On being back to Gorak Shep, we have breakfast followed by a gradual descending down to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.(B,L,D) trekking via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft) continues ascending to Kongma pass the ascend is difficult part of our trek today.
After gaining the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags,-marks of the pass. Then we descend a gradual walks up the Imja Khola valley to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. Overnight in Chhukung where we make final preparation for Island Peak Climbing. (B,L,D)
Note: If we do not like to undertake the Kongma La pass, instead of following the Lobuche to Kongma La pass route, we can follow another route via Dingboche to Chhukung.
DAY 12 Chhukung -Island Peak Base camp [5,200m/17,060ft]: 3-4 hours
The path from Chhukung leads fairly steep way climbing south then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. We continue short pleasant walking along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A criss-cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp. (B,L,D) Pre-Climb Training : After lunch, our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gears such as ice axe, climbing boot and crampons, harness, ascender, etc and on how to go up and down using ropes.
Although it is not mandatory to have prior training experience for Island Peak Climbing, we believe that some training experience will boost up your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience.
DAY 13- Island base camp- High camp-summit Island Peak-Base camp -Chhukung: 8-10 hours
Island Peak Ascent (6,189m/20,305ft): We begin our climb early in the morning, generally around 1 AM. In the beginning, we climb the rock gully. This is not 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. The guides will fix a rope wherever necessary. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Chhukung for overnight and to celebrate on our success Island peak climb. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Reserve Day for Contingency
There is no such guarantee that we can get a favorable weather on our planned day for the summit (day 13), so this day is used as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Island Peak on day 13 due to bad weather condition or some other reasons. If the weather gets exceptionally unfavorable, we will have to wisely postpone the program of summiting the peak. Sometimes, somebody in the group may get some problems in acclimatizing as well, or may not be well enough to make the ascent; the day can be used in that condition too. If the trip goes smoothly, we do not need this spare day. Overnight stay at the tented camp or guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 15 Chhukung to Tengboche: 7-8 hours
This is a long trekking day. The Imja Khola joins the Dudh Koshi River a little above the Pangoche village. There is a famous gompa at Pangboche believed to have been the oldest in the Khumbu region. Descend out of the alpine dessert and back into landscapes of pine forests. The path leads to a steep uphill climb into Tengboche. Visit the Tenboche Monastery. Overnight at Tengboche (B,L,D)
DAY 16 Tengboche to Namche Bazaar: 7-8 hours
Making a steep descent leads back to the Dudh Kosi river. The final steep climb traverses the hill side into Namche Bazaar. In case our contingency day remains unused and you want take today trekking in a relaxed manner, we can divide today long trekking into two days. The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are traveling the same route down, we feel completely different views. Walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. Overnight in Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Namche Bazaar To Lukla: 8 Hours.
We can divide today long trekking into two days. The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk slowly and under control as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries the trail becomes more level and natural. Although we are traveling the same route down, we feel completely different views. Walk through the Sherpa villages’ noticing impressive faith in Buddhism and culture of prayer stones and prayers flag while we walk through the villages. The trek continues along the Dudh Koshi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla, where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu the next day. Overnight stay at the guesthouse at Lukla, breakfast, lunch and dinner included. (B,L,D)
DAY 18 Fly back- Lukla to Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. If get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration dinner together for successfully completing the adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.(B, D)
Day 19-20: Kathmandu Free DAY and Farewell Friend
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your adventurous trip in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Friendship World Treks will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.(B)
In some circumstances we could face problem of internal flights to/from Lukla delayed by few hours or canceled for a day or more because of bad weather. Very rarely, but it could happen even in best trekking season also as you know how climate change is effecting our globe. Thus, we always recommend you to add supplement night/s in Kathmandu after your trek if possible (just for incase). If everything runs smoothly, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife activities, shopping, as you wish in those additional day. However, if you want heli rescue in the state of flight cancellation to/from Lukla-we can organize it. A helicopter charge around USD 5000 and it can lift 4 persons per flight.
Trip Cost Includes
Everest Expeditions Nepal has a philosophy with trip inclusions: as much as possible expenses is included so that customers know the total cost of the adventure trip up front
1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
5. 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast)
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from trail head by Private Transport.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for the staffs.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Trekking staffs wages etc.
13. 1 hr. trekker massage after your trek.
14. Welcome and Fare well dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Domestic Flight Ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu.
16. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person. and Climbing Sherpa Insurance of $19,000 Per Person.
17. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate, Climbing Certificate,
18. Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
19. All Government and local Taxes
20. International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
21. Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
22. Climbing Permits, Climbing Sherpa Bonus
23. Climbing Equipments during Island Peak Climbing.
24. Full Board Service in Island Peak Base Camp with Kitchen, Dining and Camping Tent.
25. Covid-19 Insurance of trekking staff of $1000 Per Person Extra.
Services and Cost Does not Included in Price:
1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
10. Extra Domestic Ticket Etc.
11. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu or other Destination.
The Climbing Group
For the Island Peak Climbing trip, there will be one climbing and trekking leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide), Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter) and other helpers as per requirement in climbing section. This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Island Peak Climbing trip for at least a group of two, and include maximum of twelve people only, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.
Health & Experience Required
Island Peak is not a technical peak but you need good stamina for a long day effort while climbing it. You can climb Island peak without any previous climbing experience and skills of using climbing equipment but knowledge on using equipment and previous experience would be beneficial although not mandatory because a pre-ice climbing training is provided to you in Base Camp to make you skillful on using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons. Island Peak climbing usually requires normally 5-6 hours of walking everyday and some days even 8-10 hours- such as in summiting day.
We suggest you to get prepared with about 12 Km of walking or jogging exercise every day before 3 months of your Island Peak trip because on choosing Island Peak trip, you are considering to walk in high altitude and remote area for many days and more than five hours most of the days. To join the Island Peak climbing trip with a good chance of success, you must have: Lots of willpower, ability to tolerate harsh conditions, reasonable fitness and stamina with sound health. It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to Everest Expeditions Nepal at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant.
A Typical day in Trekking and climbing…
Soon after first light your Sherpa wakes you up and offers you a cup of warm tea with a smile. After freshening and finishing up your tea, you will have hearty breakfast before setting off. After approximately 3 or more hours of trekking you take a break for lunch in a teahouse in the trail. Throughout the day, you will take frequent rest breaks and take time to admire. You will take pictures of the fascinating scenery. After a relaxing lunch, you typically spend around 2-3 hours or even more sometimes on the trail before reaching your teahouse/lodge.
Once you arrive at your teahouse, you take a brief rest, shower, and have a light snack with tea or coffee. If you are so inclined, you may take a short walk through the village and surrounding neighborhood. After checking into your room you have time to read or chat with fellow trekkers and your Friendship world Treks crew. Following a warm dinner in a cozy dining hall your trek leader briefs you on the next day`s itinerary.
Your schedule of climbing day (esp., summit day) is different than other days. Your crew will wake up around 1 am to prepare. They prepare breakfast and pack some food for lunch. You also should wake up around 2-3 am and will have an early breakfast. After packing and putting on the gears, you set on for the journey to summit. After summiting, you get back to your camp where the cook and helpers prepare food for you. You will also find the food more delicious today after the toughest day of your adventure. You get back to sleep very tranquilly as you strike goal of your adventure today.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur. Due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.
Accommodations
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Friendship World Treks has chosen the best deluxe accommodation for 3 nights in Kathmandu in a 3/4-star Hotel. According to your Budget and 12/13 nights in standard teahouse/lodge, and two/three nights in two-men camping tent. We also provide attached rooms in major towns like Namche, Lukla, however teahouses/lodges in most of the places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. To sleep in tent, 4 season sleeping bag and foam mattress will be provided. We also maintain standard comfort in every matter based on the enforceable conditions such as weather calamities. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation.
Meals
During your Island Peak expedition trip, you can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) from pizza and Chips to apple pie. You can even enjoy hot chocolates, variety of breads, variety of drinks, and snacks. Breakfast of a day will also be provided from the teahouse/lodge menu where you spent your night. Lunch will be served on the way to destination, dinner and breakfast in the teahouse/lodge where you will also spend the night. During climbing session, a freshly cooked hygienic food or a packed food (as per condition) will be provided. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu.
Acclimatization
Our Island Peak climbing with Everest Base camp trek itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to kill. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there is in the air. For example, on the high camp & at summit, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Your body also needs many days to adapt to this less-oxygen environment. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimize the risk of AMS. We advise specially the guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS.
Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements
The most significant thing that makes your Island peak climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek trip successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and climb leader and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trekking/climbing leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Friendship World Trekking employs Nepalese staffs who have adequate knowledgeable about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trek/climb leaders of Friendship world Treks are also trained with following trainings to make them educated on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:
Our Trekking and climbing Leaders obviously speak English sufficient enough to communicate but please consider this is not our mother language. The guides and porters know the routes and locality like the back of their hand, they practice the local culture themselves and they are extremely passionate about their country and its cultural aspects.
Porter Care:
Though often overlooked, it’s no exaggeration to say the entire trekking and expedition industry in Nepal is built on the back of hard working local porters. It is their tireless efforts carrying supplies, equipment and baggage that make journeying to these remote areas possible. So it’s very unfortunate that they have endured a history of exploitation and abuse at the hands of the industry. In an effort to combat this, we are firmly committed to porter rights. We ensure all our porters are well treated, well paid and we provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand.
Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other team members and we have previously used helicopters – at our expense – to rescue porters from dangerous situations. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters. (International Porters Progress Group)
Responsible Tourism Practice:
Himalayan Region of Nepal is stunningly beautiful, but equally fragile. Future generations have just as much of right to appreciate it as we do. So, the tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve it. We employ a ‘zero impact’ policy on the natural environment.
Best Time for Island Peak Climbing
The best months for Island Peak Climbing trip with Everest Base Camp Trek are Spring (Mid March to May) and Autumn (mid September to November) although Island peak can be climbed during the months of December, January and February
NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.
What makes this trip different?
Everest Expeditions Nepal works closely with and is one of the main supporters of Friendship Society Nepal, a non-political and non-profit social organization. We contribute our support to the remote village of Lura, Gorakhani, Juke, Dharapani, Loading (Solukhumbhu, Nepal) through donation, sponsorship and partnership in various projects.
Donation
Everest Expeditions Nepal donates a 10% percentage of business profits to the foundation on a yearly basis, which supports the ongoing maintenance cost required for Shree Manjushree Primary school, Note Books / Copies for the Schools a community-based school in Lura Solukhumbhu (plus few other schools in the region).
Sponsorship
One of the major activities of Friendship Society Nepal is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted with full collaboration with Friendship World Treks.
Partnership (Volunteering Program)
The Solukhumbhu Volunteer Program, devised by Everest Expeditions Nepal and Friendship Society Nepal, aims to mobilize teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capital for education, health and community development in Lura village of Solukhumbhu district, western Nepal.
For more details, visit Friendship Society Nepal’s website www.friendshipsocietynepal.org