This climbing and trekking program
explores several of the largest mountain valley systems in the
Khumbu Himal and includes optional ascents of 20,306-foot Island
Peak (Imja Tse) and 19,049-foot Pokalde. We also visit the base
camps for Ama Dablam expeditions (one of the most picturesque
in the Himalaya) visit the base camp for Mt. Everest expeditions,
and throughout the journey enjoy superb views of Himalayan giants,
including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Ama Dablam,
Baruntse, and Makalu.
The next stage of our trek takes
us to Tengboche and its monastery which is the most elaborate
in the Khumbu Valley. We have splendid views of Mt Everest’s
summit rising above the high ridges of Nuptse and Lhotse as
well as of spectacular Ama Dablam. We also tour the Pangboche
monastery, before leaving the main trekking route to move through
open country to the pastoral Ama Dablam base camp area. From
the camp we enjoy superb views and the opportunity to visit
with climbers making the ascent. When we move on, we join the
main Everest trail at Tukla adjoining the Khumbu Glacier. A
short hike reveals the beautiful triangular peak of Pumori,
and brings us to Lobuche (16,000'). The next day we trek to
Gorak Shep and scramble Kala Pattar, from which we gain fabulous
views of Everest. We trek to Everest base camp below the infamous
Khumbu Icefall, and there have the opportunity to visit with
climbers making an attempt on the mountain.
We move down valley to Lobuche
and the next day climb over the pass called Kongma La (18,160').
Our trail is an old yak herders’ route that connects the Khumbu
Valley with the Imja Valley where Island Peak is located. We
establish a high camp at about 17,000 feet, and the next morning
make the optional ascent of Pokalde (19,049 feet). Several of
our guides have said that the views from the pass and summit
are the most spectacular they have seen anywhere in the world.
Group members should be very well acclimatized for this pass
crossing and optional climb, but anyone desiring a less strenuous
route can hike with some of our staff. We stay in Chukung and
the next day move up to Island Peak base camp. On the ascent
we first scramble up rock slopes, then ascend a glacier which
provides quite easy but interesting climbing as we wind our
way around and past large crevasses. We finish this beautiful
climb with an ascent of an 800-foot, 40 to 50-degree snow and
ice slope that takes us to the crest of the Souhwest Ridge which
we follow easily to the summit.
Island Peak is so named because
it stands nearly in the middle of the great Lhotse Basin, and
as a result the views from the summit are spectacular. Very
near us to the north loom the immense south faces of Lhotse
and Lhotse Shar; the big west wall of Cho Polu and Baruntse
are just to our east; and to our south runs the great Ampu Barrier
from Baruntse to Ama Dablam. After our climb we again enjoy
visits to beautiful Sherpa villages as we trek back to Lukla
where we catch a flight to Kathmandu. From beginning to end
this program has a remarkable combination of rich cultural experiences
with excellent views of some of the world’s highest and most
beautiful peaks. The base camp visits are very enjoyable and
for climbers in the group, the two ascents we make provide excellent
high altitude ascents in awe-inspiring settings.
Suggested itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu &
transfer to Hotel
Day 02-03: Prepare for permit & trekking
Day 04: Flight to Lukla & trek to Phakding
Day 05: Phakding to Namche
Day 06: Namche rest for acclimatization
Day 07: Namche – Thyanboche
Day 08: Thyangboche – Pheriche
Day 09: Pheriche – Lobuche
Day 10: Lobuche – Kalapathar – Back to Lobuche
Day 11: Lobuche – Dingboche
Day 12: Dingboche – Chukung
Day 13: Chukung – Island Peak
Day 14: Island BC – High
Day 15: High Camp – Summit & back to BC
Day 16: BC – Pangboche
Day 17: Pangboche – Namche
Day 16: Namche – Phakding
Day 17: Phakding – Lukla
Day 18: fly Lukla – Kathmandu
Day 19: Kathmandu
Day 20: Final Departure
