Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climb

Our pleasant Shikhar staff will be waiting impatiently at the arrival gate of Kathmandu airport when you get here. They will kindly whisk you away to your hotel. Once you have settled into your hotel, you have options: relax and rejuvenate or start right away touring the surrounding sites and really absorbing the local character.

Prepare yourself to sink into the classic architecture and amazing splendor of the Kathmandu Valley right now! Fueled with breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 8 a.m. to start an amazing day.

Before you set off to investigate the four main highlights of the capital city—the enchanted Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya, famously known as the Monkey Temple, the holy Pashupatinath Temple, the magnificent Bouddhanath Stupa, and the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square—your guide will quickly run you over what to expect.

Your informed guide, approved by the government, will provide an interesting analysis of these famous sites over the day, thereby enhancing your experience with their knowledge.

Following a day of discovery, you will return to your lodging late evening. You might choose to simply relax and rejuvenate for the fantastic trip that awaits you tomorrow or meander around the vibrant streets of Thamel, busy with activity till late.

Thrilled about our next adventure, this morning we arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport. On our local flight heading to Lukla, we should be in for breathtaking vistas. We barely twenty minutes on a small plane before arriving at Lukla, a little hamlet hidden in the Khumbu Region. Celebrated near Mount Everest's base, this town offers an airport notorious for its difficult terrain.

The mood for an amazing Everest journey is created by Lukla's breathtaking Himalayan views and peeks into Sherpa culture. We took a little break then started our journey, beginning our first official steps. The magic of our trip is enhanced by the Himalayan settings, complex Mani Walls, little Sherpa villages, and other hikers along the path.

Following around four hours of walking, we reach Phakding, a notable stop along the path at 2,610 meters (8,563 feet). Here, classic teahouses call, giving travellers an opportunity to absorb in local friendliness and really experience the Sherpa way of life. Eager for the experiences that lie ahead, we descend farther into the heart of the Himalayas with every stride.

Our cue is the sunrise, hence we start our day in Phakding and get ready for a six to seven hour walk ahead. We negotiate suspension bridges along the narrow way and share the track with yaks and mules, therefore injecting some adventure into our path.

We head for Namche after a lunch at Jorsalle next to the Dudhkoshi River. As we negotiate an incredible suspension bridge, we eagerly await our first view of Mount Everest.

Finally reaching Namche Bazaar, 3,440 meters (11,286 ft), we are welcomed by its vibrant atmosphere and Sherpa friendliness. Among the several businesses and restaurants here, we find all we need for a journey to the Everest region to remember.

Given that we are already almost 3,000 meters above sea level, this is a rest day for acclimatization. Though you can sleep in, the morning Himalayan views are well worth the effort.

Following a late breakfast, we will make our way to the Namche viewpoint for breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and other mountains including Lhotse and Ama Dab Slam. We will then tour the Sherpa Museum to view prehistoric fossils and implements.

The Everest View Hotel is next stop for a 360-degree panoramic of amazing mountains. Then back to our hotel to get ready for tomorrow. If time allowed, visit the local school Sir Edmund Hillary started in 1961.

We head to Tengboche following a hearty breakfast in Namche. We travel through thick pine forests along the road, constantly alert for the elusive Himalayan Thar.

Five hours later, we reach Tengboche, a hamlet steeped in history at 3,260 meters (12,664 feet). Here, Lama Gulu established the largest Dawa Choling Gompa in the area, presently Tengboche Monastery.

But Tengboche presents amazing panoramic views of the mountains, not only about history. Grateful for the remarkable events of the day, we spend the night surrounded in peace by nature.

Imagine this: the morning chill nips at our nose and we start our day with a delectable breakfast and a sizzling hot cup of coffee. We will be Dingboche. As we ascend, the luxuriant flora gives place to rocky hills; Mount Ama Dablam towering above us and is rightly the most beautiful peak on Earth.

We go over the ground for the next five to six hours past the little Sherpa village of Pangboche, which is tucked under the shadow of Ama Dablam. Our road calls ahead, even if we would wish to stay. At last Dingboche appears—the highest hamlet in these areas at 4,410 meters (14,468 feet). After a day of treking, reaching such heights is very amazing.

We are rightly stopping today in Dingboche for some rest and acclimatization. If one wants to adjust correctly, one should "walk high and sleep low". Starting an exciting two-hour climb of Nagarsang Peak, a little elevation after a fantastic lunch.

Among others, we will be treated to breathtaking vistas of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Tawoche Peak, Lhotse, and the Nuptse Ridge along the way. Lunch will wait for us on the lovely Nagarsang Peak among stunning surroundings. We shall next go back to Dingboche, strolling backwards and once more enjoying the magnificence of the surrounds. This is probably the most unique day of exploration and discovery among the Himalayas right in the middle.

Our enthusiasm mounts as we approach the base camp. As we climb higher into the mountains today, you might observe the air thinning. Tell our guide at away if you feel uncomfortable, such as shortness of breath; they will help you decide what to do.

Following a filling breakfast, we headed for Lobuche, located at a startling 4,940 meters above sea level. We walk two hours and stop at Thukla for a basic but filling lunch. Driven, we keep climbing towards Thukla Top, covered in many sculptures paying tribute to those who died during the Everest Summit Expedition. We pay our respects at these memorials then start a picturesque climb to Lobuche. Lobuche has just a few teahouses despite its distance from the city. Following a little break, we will make our way to the adjacent Khumbu Glacier, therefore ending our day with an unforgettable trekking adventure.

Our route to the base camp presents both challenges and benefits. Starting with a hearty breakfast in Lobuche, we follow the Khumbu Glacier's edge toward Gorakshep, our last place of accommodation. Excitement pushes us toward the amazing two-hour hike from our guarded room to the Everest Base Camp.

Adventurers buzzing the base camp ready to ascend Everest in the spring After the incredible events, we return to our hotel to celebrate our successes and replenish for the next part of our trip.

Get glittering. The first light breaks and we enthusiastically begin our ascent to Kala Patthar, the highest experience of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Our hearts pounding with exhilaration as we climb, the expectation rises. And then the amazing scene opens out before our very view. Towering at 8,848 meters, Mount Everest; Ama Dablam, with its striking height of 6,812 meters, and a host of other magnificent peaks seeming within arm's reach.

Hearts overflowing and cameras clicking away, we catch the core of this moment atop Kala Patthar. Still, the trip doesn't stop here. We treat ourselves to a filling breakfast when descending back to Gorakshep, therefore restoring our vitality for the road ahead.

Our road descends from Gorakshep, following the contours of the country across the Khumbu Glacier. Every stride exposes fresh beauties as the rocky ground gives way to Dingboche's calm elegance. Our tired bodies slumber tonight at a small guesthouse; our hearts are full of memories of the amazing trip the day has taken us.

After breakfast we start our journey. We travel across Chhukung Valley, the last community before arriving at the famous Island Peak at 5200 meters above sea level. Stopping for a well-earned breather, we continue toward Island Base Camp, which is next to the gorgeous Imja Lake. As twilight comes, we have a fantastic dinner created by our dedicated crew before retiring to our cosy tented camp.

Tonight, we'll be camping under the stars, surrounded by the serene beauty of Island Base Camp—a definite highlight of our journey. Our day is filled with anticipation as we engage in practice and training sessions alongside our expert Sherpa climbing guide. Knowing that our climb starts in the small hours of the morning, roughly two AM, we choose an early meal tonight. Our little tented camp awaits us another night, ready for the adventures ahead.

Tonight will be the delight of camping under the stars. But our stay at Island Base Camp, a real highlight of our trip, stole the show. Today we practice our abilities for the journey ahead alongside our Sherpa climbing guide, hands-on. Dinner arrives early since we want to start our climb at the break of dawn, about two AM. So, snuggled in our comfortable tents under the night sky, let us replenish for the great day ahead.

After an hour's walk, we discover we are backtracking along the well-known path we followed to get to Everest Base Camp. After a filling lunch, we start a slow climb to Kyanjuma, a trip around one and a half hours' duration. From there, we enjoy the simplicity of the softly undulating route guiding us to Namche Bazaar. We will rest tonight in a little guest home, ready to resume our journey tomorrow.

On our return from Namche to Lukla, we come along the well-known routes of the renowned Everest Region. Every stride on the undulating paths reminds me of our last journey over amazing landscape.

Once more we find peace in the Himalayas as we pass aromatic pine trees and little Sherpa towns. As we softly walk across well-known suspension bridges spanning mountain streams, our footsteps make a lovely background.

This 7-hour return to Lukla provides one last chance to enjoy their beauty before saying goodbye to this incredible location and gets the Himalayan essence.

As we boarded the plane bound from Lukla to Kathmandu, we bid farewell to the amazing scene of the Everest Region. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, the small jet leaves the well-known Lukla airfield and makes us feel thanksfulness and nostalgia. We consider the rugged paths, charming towns, and towering Himalayan landscape we left behind on the quick but fascinating journey.

Glancing out the window, we are in awe of the bird's-eye view and identify known ground from our path. The aircraft offers a different viewpoint, therefore augmenting the dimension of the walk we have completed on foot.

When we arrive in Kathmandu, we are greeted with a vibrant capital full of activity. Our spectacular Himalayan experience concludes with this flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, which quickly transitions from mountain quiet to metropolitan action.

Your guide will take you from the airport to the hotel, where you will rest, prepare, and pack for your trip back home or to your next destination.

We at Shikhar Adventure make sure your departure goes without issue as your Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climbing adventure ends. Whether your next stop is home or another, our crew handles your transfer to the airport and drops you three hours before your planned departure time.

We take great attention with the details so you may unwind and consider your Himalayan trip. We ensure your trip is hassle-free from the peace of the highlands to the packed airport.

Consider the incredible experiences, friendships formed, and breathtaking sights as you await your flight.

Bon voyage and safe travels.