Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to rest or explore the bustling streets of Thamel. In the evening, the team will host a welcome dinner and briefing session where you'll meet your guide and fellow trekkers, and review the itinerary for your adventure ahead.
Depending on flight schedules to Lukla, you may drive from Kathmandu to Manthali in the afternoon. This 4 to 6-hour scenic drive winds through rural Nepal, giving you a glimpse into the countryside. You’ll stay overnight near the airport in Manthali to catch the early morning flight to Lukla the next day. This alternative helps avoid flight delays from Kathmandu due to air traffic and weather conditions.
A breathtaking short flight takes you to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your porters and begin your trek. The trail descends gradually through beautiful alpine landscapes and traditional Sherpa villages to reach Phakding. The first trekking day is an easy introduction, giving you time to adjust to the altitude and terrain.
Today’s trek follows the Dudh Koshi River and crosses several suspension bridges draped in prayer flags. After entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend toward Namche Bazaar. This vibrant Sherpa town is the economic and cultural hub of the Khumbu region, offering your first panoramic views of Everest and neighboring peaks if the weather is clear.
Acclimatization is key to a successful trek, and Namche is perfect for this. You’ll take a short hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) for spectacular mountain vistas, and visit nearby Sherpa villages like Khumjung or Kunde. The afternoon is free to explore local museums, bakeries, and markets in Namche. Staying active at altitude while avoiding overexertion is the goal.
The trail from Namche to Tengboche offers unforgettable views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and other peaks. After a descent to the river at Phunki Tenga, you’ll climb through rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche Monastery—one of the most spiritual landmarks in the region. You may witness monks in prayer with a stunning Himalayan backdrop.
As you gain altitude, the landscape changes to open alpine terrain with stunning views throughout the day. The trail leads you through Debuche and Pangboche before gradually ascending to Dingboche, a picturesque village surrounded by massive peaks. You’ll notice the thinning air, so a slow pace is important to adapt properly.
You continue your ascent along the Khumbu Glacier valley, passing memorials for climbers lost on Everest. The trail becomes more rugged and sparse as you reach Lobuche. The surrounding views of Nuptse, Pumori, and other giants become increasingly dramatic, and anticipation builds for the journey to base camp.
A short trek takes you to Gorak Shep, your last stop before Everest Base Camp. After a brief rest, you’ll continue to EBC—an iconic destination marked by prayer flags, stones, and the glacial base of the Khumbu Icefall. You’ll spend time exploring and taking photos before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
Early in the morning, you’ll hike up Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for close-up views of Everest, Lhotse, and surrounding peaks. The sunrise over Everest is truly magical. After descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast, you’ll continue back to Lobuche for an overnight stay.
Today is one of the most adventurous and physically demanding days. You’ll cross Kongma La Pass (5,535 m), a high and scenic route offering incredible views. The trail is rugged and less traveled, giving a true alpine experience. After the challenging descent, you’ll reach the small village of Chhukung.
From Chhukung, a short but gradual ascent leads to Island Peak Base Camp. The trail traverses glacial moraine and open slopes. After setting up camp, you’ll review gear and rest in preparation for the summit. The base camp offers a remote and wild feel, surrounded by glaciated peaks.
This day is dedicated to training and acclimatization. Your climbing guide from Summit Nepal Adventure will lead a session on rope handling, using crampons, ice axe techniques, and fixed line safety. The training boosts your confidence and skills for the technical sections of the climb. Plenty of hydration and rest are key for summit success.
Your climb starts in the early hours, navigating rocky terrain and icy slopes before reaching the glacier. Roped-up for safety, you’ll ascend steep sections using fixed ropes. After conquering the summit of Island Peak, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. After celebration photos, you’ll carefully descend to base camp for a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, you’ll begin descending from the high altitudes, retracing your steps through Chhukung and Dingboche to Pangboche. With the hardest part behind you, the descent feels easier, and you can enjoy the mountain scenery at a more relaxed pace.
Today’s trek takes you through familiar trails as you pass Tengboche and descend into lush forests and winding paths. You'll return to the lively town of Namche Bazaar, where you can indulge in fresh food, hot showers, and perhaps some final souvenir shopping.
Your final day of trekking leads you down the Dudh Koshi valley, crossing several suspension bridges before a final climb into Lukla. Here, you’ll celebrate your successful trek and climb with your guide and porters. It’s your last night in the Khumbu region, so enjoy the atmosphere and sense of accomplishment.
You’ll take a scenic early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore the city, or enjoy a celebratory dinner. Optional activities like spa treatments or sightseeing can also be arranged by Summit Nepal Adventure.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. With incredible memories of Everest Base Camp and your Island Peak summit, the adventure concludes. Summit Nepal Adventure bids you farewell with the hope of welcoming you back for another Himalayan journey.
This expedition is the perfect combination of classic trekking and Himalayan mountaineering. Offered by Summit Nepal Adventure, the journey starts with the iconic Everest Base Camp (5,364m) trek and continues with a climb to the summit of Island Peak (6,189m)—also known locally as Imja Tse. You'll trek through legendary Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche before standing beneath the world’s tallest mountain at Base Camp. From there, you head to Island Peak Base Camp and push for the summit—an achievable but thrilling climb that introduces you to glacier travel and basic alpine climbing techniques. It’s an ideal adventure for trekkers looking to take their high-altitude experience to the next level.
Island Peak is classified as a “trekking peak”, but it involves a technical climb in its final stages. The route includes glacier crossings, fixed ropes, crampons, and ice axe use, especially for the steep headwall just below the summit. While prior climbing experience is helpful, it’s not mandatory. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a pre-climb training day at Island Peak Base Camp, where you'll practice rope techniques, use of climbing gear, and glacier safety under the guidance of our certified climbing Sherpa guides. A good level of physical fitness and some high-altitude trekking experience (like Everest Base Camp) is essential.
The standard expedition lasts 19 to 21 days, depending on your chosen itinerary and acclimatization needs. The trek includes stops at Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (for amazing Everest views), followed by the climb of Island Peak. Summit Nepal Adventure designs the itinerary with multiple acclimatization days to increase your safety and chances of summit success.
The best seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (late September–November). During these times, you’ll have the best weather for both trekking and climbing—clear skies, good visibility, and more stable conditions on the glacier and summit ridge. Summit Nepal Adventure also schedules climbs based on the best summit windows within these seasons.
Preparation is key for success and enjoyment. We recommend cardiovascular training (hiking, running, cycling), strength training (core, legs, upper body), and if possible, practice hikes with a loaded backpack. If you can do multi-day hikes at altitude or use a stairmaster with weight, even better. Our team can provide a training plan and fitness checklist upon booking.
Summit Nepal Adventure takes care of all required permits, which include the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, and the Island Peak Climbing Permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. All logistics and paperwork are handled for you.
During the trek to Everest Base Camp, you’ll stay in teahouses—local mountain lodges with twin-sharing rooms, hearty meals, and warm hospitality. At Island Peak Base Camp, you’ll transition to tent camping, with meals prepared by our experienced expedition cook and support team. Meals throughout the trip include dal bhat, pasta, soups, eggs, rice, vegetables, and plenty of warm drinks to keep your energy up.
You’ll need standard high-altitude trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket, base layers, boots, etc.) plus specialized climbing equipment: crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender, and mountaineering boots. A full gear checklist is provided after booking. Summit Nepal Adventure can assist with gear rental in Kathmandu if needed.
Yes, altitude sickness is a risk on this trip due to the high elevations. However, our itinerary includes strategic acclimatization days in Namche, Dingboche, and Chhukung to help your body adjust gradually. Our experienced guides monitor all team members for symptoms and carry a first aid kit, oxygen, and oximeters. In serious cases, we arrange emergency helicopter evacuations. We highly recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude climbing and emergency evacuation.
Definitely! Summit Nepal Adventure can customize your expedition—whether you want to add a cultural tour in Kathmandu, include Gokyo Lakes, or extend your climbing challenge by adding Lobuche East or Mera Peak. Let us know your goals, time frame, and fitness level, and we’ll create a tailored adventure.
