Climbers and trekkers have long been drawn by the lure of the world's highest mountain, discovering the breathtaking beauty of the Everest region and friendliness of its people. Unlike the classic Everest Base Camp treks, which follow the valley floors, our route goes high into the mountains, bringing stunning panoramic views of the Khumbu Himal and Everest itself. The climax of the trek is the ascent of 6189m Imja Tse, or Island Peak as it was named by Shipton, who saw it as 'an island in a sea of ice'. In fine weather, the view from its summit is vast and breathtaking and a fitting reward to adventurous climbers.

Flying to the tiny airstrip at Lukla, we meet with the trek team and set off at a leisurely pace. The first two days are spent trekking among the villages and Buddhist monasteries of the Sherpa people, whose mountaineering exploits are legendary. At Namche Bazaar, the regional centre, we have a day to acclimatize, an important factor in your enjoyment of the trek. Branching off up Gokyo Valley, we reach a dramatic landscape of cobalt blue lakes, alpine pastures & sparkling glaciers. Climbing Gokyo Ri (5360m) may bring memorable views of the Khumbu Peaks and Everest itself, particularly at sunset. We continue to Kala Pattar over the Cho La pass for the classic views of Everest. Beyond the Kongma La, we descend to the Imja Khola Valley, which we follow past the Lhotse and Imja Glaciers, to reach the base camp for our climb up Island Peak. Several days are set aside for the climb, in case we need further acclimatization or have to wait for clear weather. Though the ascent of Island Peak, offering the best views yet, will no doubt be a highlight for many, the trek is not over. We still have several days to make our way down the valley back to Lukla, for the return flight to Kathmandu.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival to Kathmandu. A representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. O/N hotel.
Day 02: Trek preparation day. You are free to do some exploring on your own. Evening, tour briefing. O/N hotel.

Day 03: Early morning, fly to Lukla. Trek to Phakding (2800m).
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m).
Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
Day 06: Trek to Dole (4110m).
Day 07: Trek to Machermo (4470m).
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo (4790m).

Day 09: This day will be used for summitting the Gokyo Ri (5357 m) to enjoy spectacular views of Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Gyachung Kang, Cholatse, Tawache and Cho Oyu (5357m)

Day 10: Trekking towards Chuygima Pass (5420m).
Day 11: Trek to Dzongla (4800m).
Day 12: Trek to Lobuje (4910m).
Day 13: Trek to Gorakshep (5240m) & then to Kala Pathar (5545m). Trek back to Lobuje (4930m).
Day 14: Trek to Dingboche (4350m)
Day 15: Trek to Chhukung and the last village on the hike into Island Peak base camp (4970m).
Day 16: Rest day at Island Peak Base Camp for preparation for the climb
Day 17: Climb to high camp (5600m).
Day 18: Summit at Island Peak (6189m). Quite a view from the top! From the it's back to Chukung (4730m) for the night.

Day 19: Trek to Tengboche (3875m) and look around the Monastery which is built at the highest place in the world.

Day 20: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m). Today the trek gets back through same trail.
Day 21: Trek to Namche Bazar & then to Phakding.
Day 22: Trek to Lukla (2800m).
Day 23: After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. O/N hotel.
Day 24: At leisure in Kathmandu. O/N hotel.
Day 25: Free until departure. At an appointed time, transfer to airport for your flight to onward destination