Island Peak Climbing via Gokyo EBC Trek

We will take an early morning flight from TIA to Lukla to experience an unforgettable and exciting flight. At the renowned Tenzing-Hillary airport, we are welcomed by the stunning panorama of Mount Kongde Ri (6187 m).

After breakfast and handing over our bags to our local team, we set out on a three-hour hike to the stunning, picturesque village of Phakding.

We will walk through the busy stony street of Lukla town and trek on the Dudh Koshi River. In the final village of Lukla, permits for Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu rural municipality will be arranged by our guide for Island Peak Climbing via Gokyo EBC Trek.

The path from here on will be a smooth downhill walk, so let’s have a comfortable start to our hike. Treking via Chheplung and Chaurikharka rural villages, we come to Thadokoshi, which greets us with the stunning view of Mount Kusum Kangaru (6367m).

A steep descent down below the giant boulders will lead us to Ghat, from which we have the breathtaking view of Mount Khumbila (5761 m). We trek on the east bank of the river to arrive at Phakding.

Point to Remember

During the spring and autumn treking season, peak time, flights from TIA to Lukla are diverted. The drive from Kathmandu to the high-altitude airport takes about four hours. To get to Ramechhap, you can drive your own car.

Note: Flights are scheduled to be varied depending on the number of passengers as they are operated by the airlines themselves.

Helicopter Option

Island Peak Climbing via Gokyo EBC Trek 19 days. If you want a luxury, faster service, we can arrange the service of direct helicopter transfer from Kathmandu to Lukla for an additional USD 500-600 per head on a rough estimate of five heads. How do you not miss the 4–5 hour car journey to Manthali from Kathmandu, and the loss of a good night’s sleep, in the peak trekking months, March–May and October–November?

Trek preparation to Phakding

Trek Planning and the Journey to Phakding
Pack and prepare all of your hiking equipment the day before your flight. Get to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla early in the morning and eat a healthy breakfast. At Lukla, you will be met by porters who will carry your equipment, one porter for every two hikers.

The trip starts with a leisurely stroll from Lukla to Phakding. The route changes to a gentle slope at the bank of the Dudh Koshi River, and you cross Chheplung to get to the Everest base camp route. A little further on, you will pass the tiny village of Ghat before arriving in Phakding and preparing for your trip to Namche Bazar the following day.

Duration

3 hours walk after flight

Max Altitude

2,650 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We embarked on an incredible journey from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a lively and picturesque village at 3440m/11,280ft, on the second day of the Everest Three Pass high trek. The trail will take us to a stunning spot with rhododendron forests along the Dudh Kosi River. There will be several suspension bridges in view.

As we ascend to the hotel, we will be greeted by the breathtaking peaks of Kongde Ri, Khangtega, Pachermo Peak, Tangerito Peak, and Samdur Peak.

While taking in the stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, Taboche, Cholatse, and Nuptse, we will enjoy coffee on the terrace of this charming hotel.

Duration

5-6 hurs

Max Altitude

3443 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Our focus for today’s rest day in Namche Bazaar is altitude acclimatization. After a filling breakfast, we will spend the morning taking in the views of Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. After that, we’ll hike for two hours to reach the Everest View Hotel, the most opulent lodging in the world.

Ascending to the hotel, we will be greeted by the breathtaking peaks of Kongde Ri, Khangtega, Pachermo Peak, Tangerito Peak, and Samdur Peak.

Enjoying the stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, Taboche, Cholatse, and Nuptse, we will enjoy coffee on the terrace of this charming hotel.

It’s time to descend, head back to our Namche lodge, and take a nap at the high elevation.

Duration

2 hours

Max Altitude

3,880 m

Activity

Hiking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Your body will be able to restore some of its energy with one more day to acclimate. We will move closer to Dole Village, our destination for the day, with the renewed energy. To reach Sanesa village, we will follow the same route as the Everest Base Camp trek. Then, completely departing from the main EBC route, we will travel via Mongla Danda to Phortse Thanga village.

The trek to Dole Village, and the Island Peak Climbing via Gokyo EBC Trek will be extremely difficult because we will be traversing a lot of uphill and downhill roads. We will also go around the holy mountain of Khumbila. Although the high-altitude trekking will be taxing on your body, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys when you reach Dole Village.

Please keep in mind that you will notice a severe lack of contemporary convenience at this stage of your hike. Although we’ll make sure your lodging has basic amenities, we can’t promise you all the services you desire. You should be aware that many facilities and services are unable to be provided here due to the area’s inaccessibility.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

4,110 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Given the altitude, any long trek can be very difficult. Additionally, navigating the upcoming trails is challenging. Thus, our destination for today will be Machhermo, which is only a few hours away from Dole.

Although the journey to Machhermo is brief, it will primarily be uphill. This makes the hike to Gokyo Lakes much more difficult. Even if you want to continue, the next stop is well out of our comfort zone.

Machhermo is a small village, just like Dole. The next few days will be spent acclimating to this village. We can also climb a little higher for acclimatization before returning to the village for the night.

Duration

4-5 hours

Max Altitude

4,470 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The trek’s destination and main focus is the Gokyo Valley, as the name suggests. And the Gokyo Valley is where we’re going today.

It may be difficult to sleep here in the cold evenings, but you will have to rise early. Our planned breakfast and lunch will give us the energy we desperately need for the last stages of our island peak climbing via Gokyo EBC Trek. As you get closer to your goal, you’ll also feel more energized.

We will be in awe of the scenery when we arrive in Gokyo Valley. Looking down the valley, you will be greeted by the three ice lakes. We will also see that the valley is dotted with many small villages. Green grasslands engulf villages and lakes (except in winter). We will be lodging in a village close to the lakes.

There are plenty of things to do in Gokyo Valley. You can choose to explore the valley’s various areas and the shores of the three lakes if you’re a nature lover. You can also choose to circle various lakes that are hidden in other areas of the valley if the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains gives you enough energy.

Duration

4-5 hours

Max Altitude

4,750 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Trek from the serene Gokyo Lake to the stunning Gokyo Ri viewpoint for panoramic Himalayan views, including Everest. Continue across the dramatic Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Thangnak village, an essential stop on the adventurous Island Peak climbing via Gokyo EBC trek.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

4,500 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Cho La Pass from Thangnak to Dzongla
One of the most difficult but rewarding parts of the 19 days Island Peak Climbing via Gokyo EBC Trek is the 5,420 meters. Cho La Pass trek from Thangnak village to Dzongla village. You can enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers and rocky peaks as you ascend the high mountain pass in the early morning on a steep, icy trail. You get closer to your Island Peak summit adventure as you descend to Dzongla after crossing the pass, which offers breathtaking views and signifies your return to the Everest Base Camp route.

Duration

7-8 hurs walk cross by chola pass

Max Altitude

4,830 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Along the Everest Base Camp trail, the relatively short but picturesque trek from Dzongla to Lobuche is worth taking. This section provides a more leisurely pace after the strenuous Cho La Pass and offers breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Glacier. Hiking through alpine terrain and passing memorials to climbers who died on Everest is a moving and reflective highlight of the trip. Arriving at Lobuche (4,910m) prepares the climber for the next visit to Everest Base Camp and acclimatization prior to the push for the Island Peak summit.

Duration

4 hours

Max Altitude

4,910 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We will set out early morning from Lobuche and trek over the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The strenuous climb will be eased by the scenic views of Everest’s north face, Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, and numerous others before the ascent to Goraksherp.

The trail then ascends for sometime taking us to the Thangma Riju or the Lobuche Pass giving us a 360-degree panorama of high snow-covered peaks.

We will now climb a challenging hill above the Changri glacier, where we will first see the renowned Kala Patthar sleeping at the foot of the magnificent Pumori peak.

The last village on the Everest Base Camp trekking route, Gorakshep, will be our next stop. We will drop off our backpacks and proceed to Everest Base Camp following a hearty lunch break at the lodge.

Along the way, we will ascend glacial rivers and snowy trails to rise up onto the ridge which will carry us to the mythical base camp. Do not expect to view Everest here. Instead, take in the breathtaking view of the Khumbu region, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, and Pumori, as well as the magnificent Khumbu glacier and icefall.

We’ll head back to our accommodations in Gorakshep after taking in the scenery and catching up with the campers.

Duration

7-8 hours

Max Altitude

5,180 ,

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Trek to Dingboche and ascend Kala Patthar from Gorakshep.
An unforgettable highlight of the Island Peak Climbing via Gokyo EBC Trek is the early morning climb from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5,545m), which rewards hikers with the most famous panoramic views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the Khumbu Glacier. Trek down to Dingboche, 4,410 meters, after enjoying breakfast at Gorakshep, after taking in the sunrise over the highest peaks in the world. In addition to providing a change of scenery, this descent helps you acclimate to the impending Island Peak summit push.

Duration

6-7 hours

Max Altitude

4,410 m,

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

After making all those Everest base camp, Kalapathar via Chola Pass, and Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri, we will have a rest and save our energy for climbing Island Peak.

Dingboche is a sherpa capital city and the best place to hike Nagarjung Peak and depart to Island Peak. Today we will have special coffee, bakery items, and watch a documentary movie.

Max Altitude

4,410 m

Activity

Rest day

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We are preparing to reach Island Peak, our next major objective on the journey. We will stroll leisurely in the direction of Chhukung, the final settlement before the mountain. As we continue east along the stream, we will encounter the glacier moraines of Imja and Lhotse.

After roughly two hours, we will arrive in Chhukung Village, where we will share a room and eat lunch against the perplexing backdrop of Island Peak and Ama Dablam.

After we’ve rested and recovered, we can hike up to Chhukung Ri, which is 5546 meters above sea level. With breathtaking views of Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak, the ascent should take three to four hours.

Duration

3 hours

Max Altitude

4,730 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We are moving steadily toward Base Camp, almost facing Island Peak. We’ll turn south and climb the rocky path toward the east. Next, we will carefully follow the slippery glacial path of the Imja and Lhotse glaciers until we come to the broad valley in front of the southwest flank of the Island Peak.

Our lunch will be prepared by the base camp cook, and we will all share tents. Our experienced Sherpa Guide will teach us skills that will help us climb Imja Tse tomorrow, and we will practice using climbing equipment in base camp. We’ll get into our sleeping bags early in order to get some rest before the hectic night.

Duration

4-5 hours

Max Altitude

5,200 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We will be getting up at midnight! The rucksack and gear were ready the night before, so we will get dressed up and proceed to the food tent to have a light meal and hot drink.

We will be departing at 01:30 and we will walk up the hill calmly. The headlamps will illuminate the path in front of us. The path is in a westerly direction and steeply rises for around 800 meters across the rocky ground.

The journey then crosses the soft sandy ground for a short while before it reaches the Advance Camp. The journey now becomes icy and rocky ground, which takes a three-hour ascend.

The moment we get to the glacier, we will put on our climbing gear and gain some extra energy for the last part of the climb before entering the rope layer across the glacier. We also have to cross ladders over crevasses, depending on conditions, and in some sections, the ice ax will be very handy.

Once we reach the foot of the Island Peak headwall, we will descend through the fixed ropes, and we inch-by-inch force our way to the summit. The last 200 meters in elevation are tiring with a 45-degree slope which may necessitate the use of jumar.

We are rewarded for all our efforts on reaching the top, and are blessed to view the breathtaking 360-degree view of Everest, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Pumori, Makalu, Lhotse, Cholatse, Thamserku, and countless others.

Duration

8-9 hurs

Max Altitude

6,165 m

Activity

Climbing

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

We will get stronger as we make our way back down into the Imja Khola Valley, even though we are exhausted. Until we reach Pangboche, we will continue through the villages of Dingboche and Shomare. At this stage, the presence of pine, fir, and deciduous trees causes the landscape to progressively return to its original green state.

We will proceed in the direction of Debuche by crossing the Imja Khola (River) over a small steel bridge. In order to shorten our walk the next day, we can spend the night here and, if we have the energy, continue on toward Tengboche.

We march to Tengboche Gompa, passing through rhododendron and conifer trees. After that, we will spend the night in one of the lodges in the village.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

3,867 m

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

Following a delectable breakfast, the trail offers stunning views of Ama Dablam and Everest as it descends from the tranquil monastery village of Tengboche, winds through rhododendron forests, and crosses the Dudh Koshi River. The bustling energy and expansive mountain views of Namche Bazaar, a lively Sherpa town, greet you as you climb the last stretch.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

3,443 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

The journey back is always simpler and quicker. It takes roughly six to eight hours to walk from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. We will eventually arrive at the small town of Lukla after passing Jorsalle, Monjo, Benkar, Phakding, Thadokoshi, Chaurikhark, and Chheplung. We will congratulate one another on finishing an amazing yet remarkable journey to the Himalayas after we have settled into the lodge.

Duration

5-6 hours

Max Altitude

2,800 m

Activity

trekking

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Local Teahouse

After our final breakfast in Lukla, we will take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. We will then transport you back to your hotel from TIA. We will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a Nepali cultural restaurant in the evening to commemorate our achievements.

Max Altitude

1300 m

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Local Teahouse