Island Peak climbing - Swotah Travel

Trip Code:	IP22
Starts:	Lukla
Finishes:	Lukla
Duration:	18 Days
Difficulty:	Severe
Group Size:	2 - 14
Age:	Minimum 18
Seasons:	Mar-May,Sep-Nov
Elevation:	6189m/ 20305.1ft
Trip Views:	4637
Activities:	Peak Climbing
Trip popularity:
Travel Style:	Budget Comfortable Luxury

Brief Itinerary
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DAY 1 : KATHMANDU
This is going to be the first day of Nepal adventure. At the arrival section of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our representatives will be waiting with a placard-carrying your name on it. The airport representative will explain the program upon arrival and escort you to the hotel on a private vehicle. Overnight in Kathmandu;
Meal:

Dinner
Accommodation:

Hotel
Activities:

Airport Pickup

Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel
DAY 2 : KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, Kathmandu tour begins. Kathmandu valley is an incredibly diverse city with a breathtaking Newari culture, centuries-old Hindu and Buddhists cultural sites alongside a plethora of ancient monuments. The capital of the country and home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kathmandu, bridges modern facilities with centuries-old traditions and cultures with its tourist-friendly accommodations and the ancestral etiquette “Atithi Devo Bhava” meaning "Guest is equivalent to God". Throughout the day, most of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu will be observed. Overnight stay at the hotel;
Meal:

Breakfast
Accommodation:

Hotel
Activities:

Sightseeing around Kathmandu

Food and wine tour (Optional)
DAY 3 : FLIGHTS TO LUKLA & TREK TO PHAKDING [2656M]
Almost all treks to Everest begins from Lukla so, early in the morning, a drive to Tribhuvan International airport (in a private car) for a flight to Lukla will be arranged. It takes 30-35 minutes to reach Tenzing Hillary airport/ Lukla airport. After reaching Lukla, the porters and the team members joining us on the trek will be introduced. The ultimate Island Peak Trek begins with a hike up through the beautiful town of Lukla to the PasangLhamu Memorial Gate. From the gate, the trail leading us out of Lukla, drops down to the village of Phakding, traversing the community forest and small Sherpa villages like Thalsharoa, Chheplung, ThadoKoshi Gaon, and Chhuthawa. Savour the beauty of well-decorated chortens, prayer rocks, prayer flags and prayer wheels on our way alongside the mesmerizing view of Kusum Kangru and the Dudh Koshi River. It takes about 4 hours to walk downhill to reach Phakding. Check-in at the teahouse. In the remaining time, either rest or explore the nearby monasteries. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Phakding;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

Flight to Lukla
DAY 4 : TREK TO NAMCHE [3450M]
After breakfast in Phakding, Island peak trek continues. Crossing the bridge across the DudhKoshi River, leaving Phakding our trail continues north, through the forest of pine, up and downhill past a few suspension bridges and small settlement: Toktok, Bengkar, Chhamuwa to Monjo. At Monjo, your guide will take care of the necessary formalities, before entering the Sagarmatha National Park. From the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park, we will continue on a trail which steeply drops down to the bridge across the DudhKoshi River. Crossing the bridge, and following the lower river bank trail, we climb into the forest over gravel and boulders and continue to Larja bridge, past LarjaDobhan. Crossing the Larja Bridge, enjoying the first view of Mt. Everest and hiking up the steep hill through the pine forest on a rocky trail to Mislung, the forest ends and the trail levels out from Mislung. From Mislung, the plain trail leads us to Namche. After checking into the teahouse, the remaining time can either be spent resting or exploring the town of Namche. Overnight stay at Namche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

Hiking
DAY 5 : ACCLIMATIZATION
To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), further up the trail, a day stop at Namche for acclimatization is essential. Staying active boosts, the process of acclimatization rather than simply resting. Therefore, we will go for an acclimatization hike. Enjoying the wonderful view of Khumbu la, AmaDablam and Thamserku peaks we advance to KhundeTsamkhang (a Buddhist temple), built above the village of Khunde. We reach Hillary Memorial Viewpoint to see the 360-degree views of Khunde, Namche, AmaDablam, and Pachermo Peak. After exploring Khunde, through the potato fields we continue east to the largest village in the Khumbu region- Khumjung. We will be exploring around the village to see the Hillary School (a school established by Sir Edmund Hillary), the longest Mani wall in the Khumbu region, and Khumjung monastery which treasures a skull of a Yeti. Overnight stay at Namche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

Namche exploration
DAY 6 : TREK TENGBOCHE
We begin the trek to Tengboche through an easy trail to Phunki Thanga. Ascending towards Tengboche village which is home to the largest monastery in the Everest region, we enter the Sagarmatha National Park. The monastery is located within the Sagarmatha National park. Enjoying panoramic views of the highest mountains on the earth including Everest, Amadablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, and Nuptse, we reach Tengboche. If we reach there early, we will most probably be able to witness a religious Buddhist ceremony. Overnight stay in Tengboche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

-
DAY 7 : TREK TO DINGBOCHE
After breakfast, we begin our day’s trek walking downhill passing through lush forests full of birch, conifers and rhododendron trees. Accompanied by breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Amadablam, the trail descends down to Debuche, passing over the Imja river taking us to Pangboche. Walking the upper Pangboche trails, enjoying pristine views of the Himalayas and Pangboche monastery, we move towards the Imja Valley. Passing the Lobuche river and climbing up to Dingboche, we reach the beautiful windy village adorned by chortens and prayer flags. Overnight stay at Dingboche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

-
DAY 8 : TREK TO LOBUCHE
The trail will become more and more challenging as we reach higher altitudes. We ascend the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier which goes through boulder-strewn slopes leading us up to ChupkiLhara. Chupki Lhara is a ridge that provides spectacular views. After climbing the moraine on the far side through Khumbu glacier the trail leads us to Lobuche. Overnight at Lobuche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

-
DAY 9 : TREK TO GORAKSHEP/ EVEREST BASE CAMP
Moving along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier, we leave icy cold Lobuche and head towards Gorakshep. On the way, we come across the magnificent view of the crest of the north ridge of Everest along with Mt. Pumori, Mahalangur, Lingtern, Khumbutse, Nuptse and other mountains. After almost two hours of walking, we reach Gorakshep and rest for lunch before heading to Everest base camp. We pass through rocky dunes, streams, and moraines and reach the base camp to the highest mountain in the world; Everest. From here, we can observe the stunning view of Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori mountains. We trek back to Gorakshep. Overnight at Gorakshep;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

-
DAY 10 : TREK TO KALAPATHER/ DINGBOCHE
Early in the morning, we start our trek to Kala Patthar to catch the breathtaking view of sunrise on Mount Everest from Kala Patthar. After several hours of ascent, we reach the top of Kalapatthar from where, we can admire the glorious sunrise over Mount Everest up close. The day’s first light will illuminate the pristine views of AmaDablam, Thamserku, Taboche, Cholatse, and Lobuche on the way down. From Kala Patthar, we head back to Gorakshep for breakfast. After breakfast we trek to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

-
DAY 11 : TREK TO CHUKUNG
From Dingboche, we head towards Chukung where our climbing training begins. Although it is possible to climb the island peak without climbing experience, training prior to the climb is quite essential. Once we reach Chukung, the expedition leader will provide the climbing gears like boots, ice axes, rope, radio etc. This training creates familiarity with mountaineering gears and tools and boosts your confidence to scale the peak. Overnight at Chukung;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:
DAY 12 : REST DAY
On this day, we will not walk any further. We rather take rest that day and prepare for next day for the summit climbing of the peak. Although it is possible to climb Island Peak with no prior climbing experience training, the expedition leader will provide us with climbing gears like; boots, ice axes, rope, radio etc. This training will uplift your confidence to climb scale the peak. This day, the training will be provided and we prepare physically and mentally for further day. Overnight at Island Peak Base camp;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:
DAY 13 : ISLAND PEAK
This day is important for us because it is the summit day. We have our breakfast in the early morning and walk to conquer the summit of Island Peak. We start to ascend with head lamps scaling the rocky trail up. We will see glorious Himalayan sunrise and prepare for tough, ultimate climb. We will need the climbing skills and off we climb to Island Peak. We will be rewarded with the beautiful landscape view along with Himalayan views from the summit. We follow back the same path to the original path of our ascent. We head back to the Base Camp and then to Chukung to celebrate our success;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:
DAY 14 : TREK TO TENGBOCHE
We follow back to the original path of our ascent. The fascinating culture of the Sherpa’s is on display once more and we reach Tengboche. Overnight at Tengboche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:

-
DAY 15 : TREK TO NAMCHE
Walking downhill retracing our way back through Sagarmatha National Park accompanied by the stunning views of the glorious mountains we reach Namche. Overnight at Namche;
Meal:

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner
Accommodation:

Tea House
Activities:
DAY 16 : TREK TO PHAKDING/ LUKLA
After our breakfast, we return back over the main track down to Dudh Koshi retracing our way back to Phakding. Following the track, we reach Lukla scaling different Sherpa villages crossing a suspension bridge above ThadoKoshi. This will be our last night in the mountains until next time. Overnight stay at teahouse in Lukla;
Meal:

Breakfast
Accommodation:

Hotel
Activities:
DAY 17 : FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU
After about 35 minutes of flight time, we land in Kathmandu and we’ll drive back to the hotel. Rest of the day is for relaxing or sightseeing around Kathmandu city or it’s up to you to plan whether to stroll around the city buying souvenirs or spend a relaxing day at massage. Overnight in Kathmandu;
Meal:

Breakfast
Accommodation:

Hotel
Activities:

Transfer back to Kathmandu on domestic flight
DAY 18 : DEPARTURE
Depending on the flight time, Swotah will arrange the transfer to the airport. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time. Our representative will meet at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Meal:

Breakfast
Accommodation:
Activities:

Airport transfer

souvenir
Detail Inclusions
Detail Inclusions
- Arrival Assistance at the International airport by Swotah representative while arriving and departing
- Standard/Deluxe rooms in Kathmandu on B/B basis
- Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhnath and Durbar Square)
- Local English-speaking Guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Necessary staffs including experienced guides and porters during the trekking and climbing
- Flight Tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu sector to all climbing member and Staff
- All trekking and camping equipment like camp furniture, kitchenware, dining tents, guest tents, etc
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinners with tea or coffee) along with available accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Guest Houses or tents for members and staffs during trek and climbing in twin sharing basis
- Per person 15 kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter(3:1)
- Trekking Permit (National Park entry fee) and local permit
- Climbing permit for Island peak
- Required Experienced, Trained and Government Licensed Climbing Guide(s) during Climbing Period as per the size of the group
- All wages, equipment, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs
- Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required
- Required fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge, and Government Taxes levied in Nepal
- Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation, and visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
- Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu (On Day 2 worth $ 100)
Complimentary
Complimentary
- Arrangement of tea, coffee during the trek
- Get-to-know (welcome) and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Map of Island Peak
- Occasional hot Shower during the trek
- Souvenir from Nepal
- Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day
- Sim service(zero balance)
- Swotah Special Nepali Gifts
- Photos and videos of the trip(if requested)
- Certificate of appreciation(if requested)
Exclusions

Exclusions

• Lunch is at free will so it’s not included for Kathmandu.

• Emergency rescue evacuation if required.

• Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue (it will be covered by the insurance company).

• International flights.

• International flights.

• Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying

• Hot and cold drinks, hot shower.

• Alcoholic beverages, Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internets.

• All kind of Personal Expenses.

• Icefall fees Garbage Deposit (Sharing with another member) if applicable.

• Wake talkies &Filming permit.

• Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

• Personal climbing guide if requested.

• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended.

• Tips for guides and porters (It’s encouraged to tip).

• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).

• Tips for guides and porters (It’s encouraged to tip).

FAQS

1. What are the physical requirements for this trip ?

Island peak is not a technically difficult peak to climb, but you need good stamina and energy to climb it. Even though Island Peak can be climbed without any previous climbing experience, you need to know how to use the climbing equipment and gears. At Base Camp, our guide also helps you to how to use that equipment so you don’t need to worry about that.
2. Will your company representative come to receive us upon arrival at arrival ?

Yes, you shouldn’t worry about this. As you arrive, our representative will be standing outside the airport terminal. You'll be directly transferred to the hotel.
3. What type of accommodation will you use at the Kathmandu and during the trek ?

For nights in cities, we use standard/superior standard/deluxe rooms whereas, during the trek we use lodges/tea houses/guesthouses/home stay for our clients, and whatever is available and accessible. We also arrange sleeping bags for our clients, on their request. For this expedition, accommodation will be tented camp.
4. How will my booking be processed ?

To confirm your booking, a deposit of 15% of total trip amount is required if you are booking at least a year in advance before trip departure date. If booking is made between 100-364 days before the trip departure, you'll need to pay 20% to confirm the trip. If payment is made between 99-60 days, 25% of the total trip amount will need to be paid and if booked between 59-30 days, 50% of the total trip amount needs to be paid and finally, if you are booking 29 days prior to trip departure, then 100% payment should be made. The payments can be easily made by the bank transfer. The due balance is payable on arrival in Kathmandu with cash (preferably USD/EURO) or card on POS/credit card machine. Please note that non refundable fee is 10% or $200 whichever is greater.
5. How can I pay the remaining payment after arriving at Kathmandu ?

You have to pay the remaining balance after arriving in Kathmandu either by cash or through credit card, before we start our adventure.
6. What type of food can I get during the trek and is it healthy ?

During the trek, you will get clean and hygienic food. Our cooks and helpers will cook the special meals.
7. Is safe drinking water available while climbing ?

There are plenty of water stations on each stop on the route. You can easily fill up the bottle from the open taps. We recommend that you bring water purifier tablets with you or at least get it from Kathmandu before you depart for trekking. You can also buy mineral waters but we usually recommend tap water which is pure and it helps us not promoting plastic bottled water.
8. What type of transportation do you use ?

We mostly use the comfortable and efficient vehicle so that you may not get a problem during the ride. We use private or tourist vehicle for sightseeing in the Kathmandu. Depending on the nature or group sized, we use cars, minibus, vans or jeep for travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. Mostly we use AC vehicles for your comfort. For domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu, we use Tara air, Yeti air, and Goma air which are the popular domestic airlines in Nepal.
9. What is the best season for the trekking ?

Although the peak can be scaled almost year around, the best time to attempt Island Peak are during spring (March to early June) and autumn (September to November).
10. How far do I have to trek each day ?

Usually, we have to walk about 7-9 hours a day. But it shouldn't be taken as certain thing. Because the walking hour really depend on client's speed. So it's really relative.
11. Do your trekking guides have license and certificates in the tourism sector and have they received first aid training for the high altitude ?

Yes, the trekking guides working in our company are the certified license holders and they also have received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).
12. What safety measures can your guides do during the emergency like high altitude sickness, accidents and dehydration ?

Our guides are well trained; they carry the first aid box for emergency. You also take some medicine box for your personal use.
13. Are climbing guides well trained and have they already climbed this summit before ?

Yes, our climbing guides are well trained and have got the license from the Nepal Mountaineering Association. They are experienced with many mountains above 6000 m to 7000 m and also some of them have experienced the 8000 m peaks.
14. Do we need to book our own international flights to and from Nepal ?

It's always a good idea to book on your own. But we can also help you booking your flight in case of request.
15. During the trek, can we charge the camera and other equipments ?

In some villages, it is possible to charge the devices, but it costs extra to charge the camera and other electronic equipments. It usually costs between $3-$6 per hour. So it's expensive. The best idea is to bring a power bank.
16. Is there any communication system during the trek ?

Yes, for the first few days, it's possible to have telephonic communication. In some villages, you can make local and international calls from telephone provided by the guesthouse owner after paying the price directly to them. In higher altitude regions, we usually have satellite phones with our Sherpas or Guides.
17. Can I use credit card during this trip ?

You can use a credit card only at Kathmandu. As outside the Kathmandu valley, you have to use the cash so change your currency into the Nepalese Rupees before the trekking.
18. How much additional money do I need to carry with me during the trek ?

There are no hidden costs in our itineraries. Therefore you don't need to carry much, but everything that's not mentioned on itinerary for example extra cup of tea, coffee, charging electrical appliances, can cost you extra. Therefore, we recommend you to keep at least $20-$50 per day for your personal expenses.
19. Can I add extra days to my trekking trip ?

Yes, you can add the extra days as per your wish, but for the extra day, you will have to pay the additional cost to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
20. Do you prefer yak or porter on the trek or should we need to carry by ourselves ?

Definitely we will provide you porter, or yak as per the condition. Besides your personal bag and the water bottle which will be frequently needed for you, they must be carried by you and remaining will be carried by our porter or yak.
21. Can we store our clothes which are not necessary for the trek ?

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave the clothes which are not necessary for the trekking. The best way is to save it in our office store room which is equally safe.
22. What is the temperature rating of the sleeping bag that you lend of trekkers ?

Usually, we rent a sleeping bag which is good for -10 degree Celsius or -20 degree Celsius. In case the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you, we'll also provide you the extra blanket.
23. How should I dress during the trek ?

During trek, please use comfortable and flexible dress. While trekking during the day at lower altitudes, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts are recommended. It's always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothing with you though as mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. For the cold nights, thermal underwear, a warm fleece jacket and even a down jacket will help to keep you warm. Good shoes are of great importance. They must be comfortable. For higher altitude treks where you may have to tread snow for long hours, good boots are available for rent in Kathmandu. For mountaineering, you will require special clothes that can be bought or hired from us.
24. Is it possible to change the lodge if it is not in order ?

Yes, of course you can change the lodge if you don’t feel comfortable at one place, but it really depends on the availability of the lodges. During the peak season, the possibilities of changing the lodges are low.
25. Do you reserve rooms at the lodges before or during the trek ?

We will send our potters to reserve the lodges before we reach there.
26. What immunization will I need ?

No vaccinations are compulsory in the Himalaya, but we do recommend you are covered for Diphtheria & TB, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus. We also recommend: •A dental check-up prior to traveling that you know your blood group in case of emergency. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Swotah travelers at the time of your booking.
27. What about the security during trekking ?

We make sure to take security measures during climbing to make your expedition successful. We hire experienced and authorized Guides/Sherpas to safeguard your life in the mountains. We strongly recommend that you follow the guide’s instruction with utmost care.
28. Will there be a problem for a vegetarian ?

No, there will not be any problem as mostly at the high altitude, we prefer vegetarian food to avoid the food poisoning.

Optional Activities

                                            
 Mountain Flight 

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Mountain Flight
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Taking a mountain flight is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in Nepal. You can experience the beauty of those gigantic Himalayas within a minute through a mountain fight. Nepal is famous for the presence of an enormous number of mountain ranges and many visitors come to Nepal to conquer those vast mountains.

 Mountain Biking near Kathmandu valley 

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Mountain Biking near Kathmandu valley
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Kathmandu is famous for the presence of dense heritage sites reflecting the diverse nature of the ethnic groups of Nepal. In Kathmandu, there are many biking trails made to meet a biker’s fantasy. To explore the beautiful surrounding of Kathmandu valley, the cycling tour is the best option. The trail takes you to observe the spectacular views of the Himalayas and local villages that surround Kathmandu valley.

 Cable car 

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Cable car
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The cable car is one of the modes of transportation in Nepal which is unique. There are only two cable car stations in Nepal. From the cable car, you can take a glance at the amazing view of Annapurna range, Mt. Manaslu and many other snows capped mountains. Throughout the cable tour, you get to see all those beautiful hills, villages and Trishuli River.