Imjatse (Island Peak) Trek & Climbing (IMJ-PEA-21)

The high valleys and glaciers of Khumbu, the classic Everest view and the ascent of a Himalayan Peak – The trek with it all.

A unique trek into the high valleys of the Khumbu, first ascending Kala Pattar for the classic Everest view. Hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a heavenly place commanding views of the beautiful glistening ice flutings between Ama Dablam and Kang Leyamu and the incredible Lhotse South Face, soaring 3200 meters in one stretch.

The ascent of Imja Tse (Island Peak) is within the capabilities of fit and determined hill walkers as, aside from one steep and exposed 100m ice or snow climb, it is a non-technical, though demanding, snow climb.

Add to this the colorful Sherpa market town of Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, the most important Buddhist center of the region for a truly memorable experience.

Where are you going?

Days 1-2 : Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. In the morning of day 2 a half-day city tour will introduce you to some of the highlights of Kathmandu .

Days 3-5 : The mountain flight into Lukla is spectacular and the landing an exciting beginning to the trek – one end of the runway is 60 meters higher than the other. Heading through pine and cedar woods along the Dudh Kosi to Pakding you will encounter your first yak caravans carrying trekking and equipment and supplies – including yours – towards base camp. These wonderful beasts creating mobile roadblocks, or virtual avalanches on downhill stretches, are a feature of all treks in the Everest region. It is also possible to see musk deer, Himalayan tahr and, if you sit quietly on the river banks, water rats.

Namche Bazaar is the administrative capital of the region, historically it was the staging point for trading expeditions to Tibet and its Saturday market remains an important event bringing traders from villages a week's walk away. An acclimatization day allows for an excursion to Thame. Intricately carved mani stones mark the path to this large valley with a picturesque gompa on the hillside overlooking the valley.

Day 6 : Leaving Namche the route is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest rise in front. Woods, rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten and suspension bridges across the river make this a lovely walk. The morning view from Tengboche is justifiably considered one of the most magnificent in the world. Tengboche Gompa, the cultural and religious center of Khumbu. Founded in 1912, it has been destroyed and rebuilt twice as the result of earthquake and fire.

Days 7-8 : Stone steps lead down through rhododendrons, birches and conifers where, due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen. At the bottom lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. Rising above the tree line the trail enters alpine meadows of scrub juniper and, in summer, a profusion of wild flowers. From Dingboche, the only place in the region where barley is grown, the mountain views are outstanding. It was the view of Island Peak from here – and island in a sea of ice – that gave the mountain its name.

Days 9-10 : Alpine meadows and summer yak pasture lead toward the end of the moraine of the Khumbu Glacier where there is a steep, tough climb. There are stone monuments to six Sherpa who died in avalanche as well as monuments to other climbers. From Lobuche the view is straight towards Nuptse and sunset is truly magnificent. Crossing the Changri Glacier to Gorakshep, near a small, usually frozen lake , ascend Kala Pattar for more spectacular views of the surrounding mountains including the black rocky ramparts of Everest's southwest face. The descent back to Lobuche is not difficult, but altitude induced lethargy can make the many uphill sections below Gorakshep seem endless.

Days 11-12 : Continue back down through the alpine meadows of to Dingboche. Hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung, a small summer settlement from where the views of Island Peak (6189), Lhotse , Ama Dablam and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass are one of the highlights of the entire trek.

Days 13-15 : Above Chhukung the trail follows moraine and glacial streams to Imja Base Camp on a dried lakebed between the Lhotse and Imja Glaciers. From here the route skirts southeast between the moraine and the mountain before climbing steep grassy slopes and small rocky steps to high camp. The ascent to the summit (6189m) is across snow-covered scree to a steep snow and ice ramp leading to the summit ridge, which often proves difficult. Enjoy some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu before descending as far as Chhukung.

Days 16-19 : Trek back down the Imja Khola to re-enter the forests of rhododendron, birch and conifer where, due to the hunting ban, almost tame pheasants are regularly seen. At the bottom of the last stone stairway up to Tengboche lies the small village of Deboche and its nunnery. The morning view from Tengboche is justifiably considered one of the most magnificent in the world. Tengboche Gompa, the cultural and religious center of Khumbu. Founded in 1912, it has been destroyed and rebuilt twice as the result of earthquake and fire.

Descending to Namche Bazaar the route is unbelievably beautiful – the Dudh Kosi is far below and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest rise in front. Woods, rhododendron forests, mani walls, chorten and suspension bridges across the river combine to make this a lovely walk.

Day 20 : Return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 21 : Depart