Climb Island Peak

Arrival in Kathmandu. A Jibal representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, we gather for a briefing and gear check to ensure everyone is perfectly prepped for the Himalayas.

Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding. We take the scenic flight to Lukla, offering incredible mountain views. After meeting our porter team, we begin the trek with a gentle 3-4 hour walk into the Khumbu region, passing prayer wheels and suspension bridges before settling into Phakding for the night.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Today we enter Sagarmatha National Park and cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. The trail leads us up to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Sherpa community. Keep an eye out for your first glimpse of Everest through the trees as we arrive.

Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar. We spend the day in Namche to help our bodies adjust. We’ll hike to the Everest View Hotel for coffee with a backdrop of Ama Dablam and Everest, followed by a visit to the Sherpa Culture Museum. It’s a perfect day to explore the market and rest.

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. The trail offers stunning panoramic views before descending to the river. The afternoon climb brings us to Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu. Witness the monks chanting with the magnificent Ama Dablam peak standing guard in the background.

Tengboche to Dingboche. We walk through lush rhododendron forests before crossing the Imja Khola river. As we climb toward Dingboche, we move above the tree line. The landscape opens up, offering vast, rugged beauty as we settle into the higher altitude.

Acclimatization at Dingboche. Today is key for strong acclimatization. We hike up Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) for incredible panoramic views of Makalu and Lhotse. This active hike prepares your body for Base Camp while offering some of the best photo opportunities of the trip.

Dingboche to Lobuche. We trek up the valley to Dughla and pass the memorial stupas, a place of respect for past climbers. Continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, we reach Lobuche, surrounded by high peaks and crisp mountain air.

Lobuche to Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep. Today is the highlight. We trek to Gorakshep for lunch before pushing on to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). You will stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak, right next to the famous Khumbu Icefall. After celebrating and photos, we return to Gorakshep for the night.

Gorakshep to Kala Patthar to Dingboche. We rise early to climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the classic sunrise view over Everest. It’s the highest point of our trek. After taking it all in, we descend back to Gorakshep and continue down to Dingboche, re-entering the Imja Valley as we prepare for the climbing phase.

Dingboche to Chhukung. We head toward the Imja Valley, trekking through the glacier-carved landscape to reach the small settlement of Chhukung. The views of the Lhotse face and Ama Dablam become more intense as we move closer to the mountain. In the afternoon, we conduct a final technical gear check.

Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp. We trek to Base Camp (5,087m) and set up our mountain home. The afternoon is dedicated to pre-climb training, where we practice using fixed ropes, ascenders (jumars), and rappelling techniques to ensure everyone is confident and ready for the summit push.

Island Peak Summit Push to Chhukung. A midnight start takes us up the rocky scrambles and across the glacier. We navigate the final steep snow slope using fixed lines to reach the summit of Island Peak (6,189m). From the top, enjoy a 360-degree view of Lhotse and Makalu before descending all the way back to Chhukung.

Chhukung to Namche Bazaar. We retrace our steps with lighter spirits. Descending through the valley and passing through Tengboche again, we return to the comfort of Namche Bazaar. A hot shower and a fun evening in the town await as we celebrate the successful summit.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Our last day on the trail takes us down the hill and across the bridges one last time. It’s a scenic walk back to Lukla.

Lukla to Kathmandu. We take the morning flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel where you can finally relax, enjoy a spa treatment, or shop for souvenirs. We wrap up with a group dinner to say our goodbyes.

Depart Kathmandu. We transfer you to the airport for your flight back home. You leave with incredible memories and a new group of friends. Safe travels until the next Jibal Adventure!