Everest Base Camp with Island Peak

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)

  A representative of Mountain Kick will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Rest overnight at your hotel and prepare for your Himalayan adventure ahead.

  Activities: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, comprehensive trip briefing

  • Accommodation: Three star Hotel
• day 02
  Fly to Lukla (2,840m/9,334ft) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft)

  Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, famous for its short runway and spectacular mountain views. After landing in Lukla, we’ll have a brief rest and meet our porters before beginning our trek. The trail to Phakding is primarily downhill, following the Dudh Koshi River valley through traditional Sherpa villages and Buddhist prayer wheels.

  Note: During peak seasons (March-May and October-November), flights operate from Manthali Airport, requiring a 2:30 AM departure and 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu.

  Flight: 30 minutes (Kathmandu to Lukla) or 20 minutes (Manthali to Lukla) | Trek Distance: 8km (5 miles) | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty Level: Easy (gentle downhill with some flat sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Tenzing-Hillary Airport (one of the world’s most dangerous airports)

  • Dudh Koshi River valley

  • Buddhist prayer wheels and mani stones

  • Traditional Sherpa villages

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 03
  Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)

  Today features one of the most significant elevation gains of the trek. After breakfast, we’ll follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. At Monjo village, we’ll enter Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where permits will be checked. The trail climbs steeply after the park entrance. The final two hours involve a challenging uphill climb to reach Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the high Himalayas and the commercial hub of the Khumbu region.

  Trek Distance: 10-12km (6-7.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-7 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (significant uphill sections)

  Points of Interest:

  • Hillary Suspension Bridge

  • Sagarmatha National Park entrance

  • First viewpoint of Mt. Everest (weather permitting)

  • Namche Bazaar market and cultural center

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 04
  Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,290ft)

  This is an altitude acclimatization rest day. Following the mountaineering principle of “climb high, sleep low,” today we’ll take an acclimatization hike to higher elevation while returning to Namche to sleep. This helps your body adapt to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. The recommended hike is to the Everest View Hotel, offering spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks.

  Hike Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) round trip | Hike Duration: 3-4 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Points of Interest:

  • Everest View Hotel with panoramic mountain views

  • Khumjung village and Hillary School

  • Sherpa Culture Museum and Sagarmatha National Park Visitor Center

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 05
  Trek to Tengboche (3,860m/12,660ft)

  After breakfast, we’ll begin with a relatively flat trail along the hillside with magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail then descends to Phunki Tenga (3,250m/10,663ft), where we’ll stop for lunch near the Dudh Koshi River. After lunch, we face a challenging 2-hour steep uphill climb through pine forests to reach Tengboche, home to the most famous monastery in the Khumbu region. Located at the confluence of the Imja River and the Dudh Koshi River, Tengboche offers spectacular mountain panoramas.

  Trek Distance: 10km (6.2 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (initial descent followed by steep ascent)

  Points of Interest:

  • Tengboche Monastery (established in 1916)

  • Evening prayer ceremony (approximately 3:00 PM in winter, 4:00 PM in summer)

  • Spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 06
  Trek to Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft)

  Leaving Tengboche, we descend through rhododendron forests to cross the Imja Khola river. The landscape begins to change as we enter a more arid region above the tree line. We’ll pass through the settlement of Pangboche (3,930m/12,894ft), which houses the oldest monastery in the region and offers excellent views of Ama Dablam. After Pangboche, the trail follows the Imja Valley with stunning views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. The final stretch to Dingboche involves a gradual climb through pastures and traditional stone-walled fields.

  Trek Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Upper Pangboche Monastery (oldest in the region)

  • Spectacular views of Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,493ft)

  • First clear views of Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft)

  • Traditional Sherpa agricultural fields with stone walls

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 07
  Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (4,410m/14,470ft)

  Today is another crucial acclimatization day. After breakfast, we recommend a hike to Nangkartshang Peak, a viewpoint above Dingboche. The climb is steep but rewarding, offering spectacular views of Makalu (the world’s fifth highest mountain), Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam. This hiking activity around the town is ideal for tackling Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while providing excellent preparation for the higher altitudes ahead.

  Hike Distance: 5km (3 miles) round trip | Hike Duration: 3-4 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Nangkartshang Peak viewpoint

  • Panoramic views of Makalu (world’s fifth highest mountain)

  • Views of Lhotse, Chalotse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam

  • Stone-walled fields and local monastery

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 08
  Trek to Lobuche (4,940m/16,210ft)

  Today we enter the high alpine zone above 4,500m where vegetation becomes extremely sparse. The trail initially climbs gradually from Dingboche to Dughla/Thukla (4,620m/15,157ft), a small settlement where we’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, we face a steep, challenging climb up the Thukla Pass (4,830m/15,850ft) where we’ll find the moving Everest Memorial site with numerous stone memorials for climbers who have lost their lives on Everest and surrounding peaks. The trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to reach Lobuche.

  Trek Distance: 8.5km (5.3 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Thukla Pass/Everest Memorial site with stone memorials

  • First views of Khumbu Glacier

  • Panoramic views of Pumori (7,161m/23,494ft) and surrounding peaks

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 09
  Trek to Gorakshep (5,164m/16,942ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)

  Today is the highlight of our trek! We’ll start early, following the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The trail undulates over rocky terrain with several short, steep sections. A short three-hour trek will take you to Gorakshep, a village sitting on top of a frozen lake bed. After a light lunch at Gorakshep, we’ll continue to Everest Base Camp. The walk to base camp takes 2-3 hours through rocky terrain alongside the Khumbu Glacier. You’ll get to stand at the foot of the tallest peak in the world, but you cannot camp here with your trekking permit so we will return to Gorakshep before night.

  Trek Distance: Lobuche to Gorakshep: 4.5km (2.8 miles) | Gorakshep to EBC: 7km (4.3 miles) round trip | Trek Duration: Lobuche to Gorakshep: 2-3 hours | Gorakshep to EBC: 4-5 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Khumbu Glacier and Icefall

  • Everest Base Camp with prayer flags marking the site

  • Views of Nuptse, Pumori, and Khumbutse

  • Mountaineering expeditions and base camp atmosphere

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 10
  Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,519ft) & Trek to Pheriche (4,371m/14,340ft)

  We’ll wake before dawn for the challenging climb to Kala Patthar, timed to reach the summit for sunrise (weather permitting). We will ascend to Kala Patthar, which lies on the southern ridge of Mount Pumori. It’s a two-hour uphill expedition that will test your mountain-climbing skills. Here you will get the best panoramic view of Everest along with the Khumbu Glacier and other Himalayan peaks. After returning to Gorakshep for breakfast, we’ll begin our descent, retracing our steps to Lobuche and then taking the trail to Pheriche. The descent provides relief from the extreme altitude and allows for recovery.

  Wake-up Time: 4:00-4:30 AM for sunrise hike (recommended) | Trek Distance: Gorakshep to Kala Patthar: 2km (1.2 miles) round trip | Gorakshep to Pheriche: 13km (8.1 miles) | Trek Duration: Kala Patthar: 2-3 hours round trip | Descent to Pheriche: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging (Kala Patthar), then Moderate (descent)

  Points of Interest:

  • Sunrise views from Kala Patthar – best Everest viewpoint

  • Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Pheriche

  • Dramatic change in landscape as you descend

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 11
  Trek to Chukhung (4,730m/15,518ft)

  We keep following the Imja River towards the Chukhung Valley. The trek takes us through spectacular mountain scenery as we head towards the base of Island Peak. Chukhung is surrounded by Mount Lhotse and Mount Nuptse from the north, by Mount Cho Polu and Mount Baruntse from the east and by Mount Ama Dablam from the south. This means you will be right in the middle of the Himalayas, cornered by mountains and glaciers. The village offers excellent views of Island Peak, which becomes prominently visible as our next major objective.

  Trek Distance: 8km (5 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

  Points of Interest:

  • Spectacular amphitheater of peaks surrounding Chukhung

  • Views of Lhotse South Face, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam

  • Island Peak becomes prominently visible

  • Traditional yak herding areas

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 12
  Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,087m/16,690ft)

  It takes four hours of hiking to reach the base camp of Island Peak or Imja Tse. The mountain appears as an island in the sea of ice and hence the moniker. We will camp here in tents for the night and will summit the mountain the next day. The trail follows the Imja Glacier moraine, providing spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Upon arrival at base camp, our guides will conduct a comprehensive technical briefing and equipment check.

  Trek Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate

  Activities:

  • Technical briefing and equipment check

  • Practice with climbing gear (crampons, ice axe, harness)

  • Route planning and safety protocols review

  • Gear preparation for summit day

  • Accommodation: Tented Camp
  • Meal: Included in package
• day 13
  Summit Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) & Return to Chukhung

  Island Peak is the most climbed mountain in the Himalayan range. It has a difficulty grade of Alpine PD+ so that means it requires some climbing skills but is possible with the help of a guide. There is a tricky crevasse near the summit but our experienced guides will safely navigate you across it. We will start the summit before sunrise and get back to the base and return to Chukhung before sunset.

  Summit Start Time: 2:00-3:00 AM | Total Distance: 6km (3.7 miles) round trip from base camp | Summit Duration: 8-10 hours round trip | Difficulty Level: Very Challenging (Technical mountaineering)

  Technical Requirements:

  • Use of crampons, ice axe, and climbing harness

  • Fixed rope sections and glacier travel

  • Crevasse crossing near summit using ladders

  • Alpine PD+ grade climbing with steep snow and ice sections

  Points of Interest:

  • 360-degree panoramic views from summit including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam

  • Technical mountaineering experience on glaciated terrain

  • Achievement of first 6,000m+ summit

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 14
  Rest Day in Chukhung (4,730m/15,518ft)

  This day is for rest as you must be tired after actually summiting a Himalayan peak. This recovery day allows your body to recuperate from the demanding summit day while celebrating your achievement. You can explore the village, rest, or take short optional hikes depending on your energy levels.

  Activities: Rest, celebration, optional short hikes around Chukhung

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 15
  Trek to Tengboche (3,860m/12,600ft)

  We start to get back now. We will walk for six hours to get to Tengboche, the place where we were several days earlier. The long descent provides relief from high altitude and takes us back through familiar territory with a new perspective after our summit achievement. We’ll retrace our steps through Pangboche and enjoy the return to lower elevations with richer oxygen levels.

  Trek Distance: 15km (9.3 miles) | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long distance but mostly downhill)

  Points of Interest:

  • Return to Tengboche Monastery

  • Celebration of summit achievement with fellow trekkers

  • Gradual return to tree line and vegetation

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 16
  Trek to Namche Bazaar via Khumjung (3,440m/11,290ft)

  An easy downhill trek for five hours through forests, suspension bridges and alongside mountain ridges will get you to Namche Bazaar, back to civilization after your ordeal with wilderness. It’s not too early to celebrate, so you might want to head out and share your adventure over a couple of drinks. The return to Namche feels like a homecoming after the challenging high-altitude experience.

  Trek Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (mostly downhill)

  Points of Interest:

  • Return to the bustling atmosphere of Namche Bazaar

  • Opportunity to purchase souvenirs and celebrate

  • Internet connectivity and modern amenities

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 17
  Trek to Lukla (2,840m/9,334ft)

  We will return to the place where it all started, Lukla. Your Everest Base Camp and Island Peak expedition ends here. You will not have to walk anymore. The final day of trekking takes us through familiar villages and landscapes, now viewed with the satisfaction of having completed one of the world’s great mountain adventures. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River through traditional Sherpa villages.

  Trek Distance: 18km (11.2 miles) | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate (long distance with varied terrain)

  Points of Interest:

  • Final views of the Himalayan peaks

  • Celebration dinner in Lukla

  • Reflection on the completed adventure

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 18
  Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)

  In about no time, you will be back to Kathmandu. The bustling city will be a sharp contrast to the calm of the Himalayas. Morning flights from Lukla are often subject to weather conditions, so be prepared for possible delays. The flight offers spectacular final views of the mountains and foothills.

  Flight Duration: 30 minutes (weather dependent)
  Activities: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, gear return

  Note: During peak seasons, flights may operate via Ramechhap/Manthali Airport, requiring a 5-6 hour drive to Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
• day 19
  Leisure Day and Farewell Dinner

  Spend the day as you like it. You might want to visit some more heritage sites or wander around happening parts of the city like Thamel. We will have a farewell dinner planned for your last night in Nepal. This is an opportunity to process your achievement and enjoy the comforts of city life after the mountain adventure.

  Activities: Free time, shopping, optional sightseeing, gear shopping

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast & Farewell dinner
• day 20
  Final Departure

  You will be headed home and recollections of your Himalayan expedition will keep you occupied on your long flight back. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

  Activities: Airport transfer (scheduled according to flight time)

  Practical Information:

  • Standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 PM

  • Luggage storage available for those with evening flights

  • Airport transfer typically 3 hours before international flights

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast