5

Island Peak & Three Passes

From

Duration

22 days

Style

Difficulty

Overview

Whether you’re looking to bag your first 6,000m peak or simply wanting to make the trip to EBC a little more challenging, this has to be one of the best ways to spend three weeks.

We’ll meet you in Kathmandu and make sure you’re kitted out for the adventure ahead. After a flight to the mountain airport in Lukla (hold on tight) we’ll follow the trail to EBC for a couple of days and enjoy a couple of nights in Namche before things get serious! We’re going to be getting some proper acclimatisation in as we take on three high passes (Kongma La at 5,550m, Cho La at 5,420m and Renjo La at 5,360m). These are tough days with early starts, long ascents, tricky descents over icy trails and all at high altitude. And we’ve still got the main event to come! We’ll be in peak condition (pardon the pun) for our main objective – reaching the top of Imja Tse, standing proud at 6,165m above sea level. Carrying ice axes, donning crampons, using a jumar up the fixed rope and camping under the stars at Island Peak base camp.

This is an immensely challenging trip but incredibly rewarding. You’ll even visit Everest Base Camp and head up Kala Patthar to watch sunrise over Mount Everest!

What's Included?

  • Airport Transfers & Local Transport
  • Expert Local Guides & Porters
  • 3 Nights in a Hotel in Kathmandu
  • 17 Nights in Local Teahouses
  • 1 Night Camping at Island Peak Base Camp
  • Return Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • 21 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches & 18 Dinners
  • Park Fees & Permits
  • Sherpa Cooking Class & Massage in Namche
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Soft Drinks, Alcohol or Drinking Water
  • Tips for Guides & Porters
  • Personal Equipment & Clothing
  • Souvenirs

Trip Highlights

  • The Summit of Island Peak: It’s a slog at times, the headwall will take it out of even the fittest of people and you’ll be on the move for 10 hours or more. But the views of Everest, Lhotse and the other monsters that surround Island Peak will make it more than worthwhile.  
  • The Three Passes: Testing yourself with not one, not two but three high passes in a short period of time. All at altitude, all with early starts, all with long days and all of them with stunning views. 
  • Everest Base Camp: The base camp for climbers taking on the world’s highest mountain will feel like an after-thought but it’s still a highlight of any trip to the region. 
  • Fun & Rest in Namche: It’s not all hiking, climbing and early-starts. We’ll spend plenty of time acclimatising on the way, including by doing a Sherpa cooking class and getting a massage. 
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Amazing morning view of Namche Bazaar, Nepal, Himalaya

Daily Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal! Our team will be there to greet you as you step into the vibrant streets of Kathmandu. We'll take you to your guesthouse in Thamel, a lively neighborhood full of shops and restaurants. Once settled in, your guide will meet you to discuss the adventure ahead. If you're up for it, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner together and get to know each other before the trek begins. Meals Included: None

It’s an early start today as we head to the airport for our flight to Lukla. The short flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Lukla, we’ll meet our porters, get organized, and then begin the trek with a gentle walk to Phakding. The trail takes us through charming villages and along the Dudh Koshi River, making it a perfect introduction to the region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s trek takes us across the Dudh Koshi River multiple times via suspension bridges draped with prayer flags. We’ll pass through pine forests and small Sherpa villages, eventually entering Sagarmatha National Park. As we climb, the views become more dramatic, and you may catch your first glimpse of Everest. We end the day with a challenging ascent to Namche Bazaar, the hub of the Khumbu region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Acclimatization is key, so today we’ll take a short hike up to the Everest View Hotel. The panoramic views from here are nothing short of spectacular. After enjoying the scenery, we’ll return to Namche Bazaar, where you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the town, relax in a café, or visit the Sherpa Culture Museum. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We’ve scheduled an additional day in Namche for further acclimatization and some cultural immersion. In the morning, we’ll join a Sherpa cooking class to learn about local cuisine and then enjoy the meal we’ve prepared. In the afternoon, you can unwind with a relaxing massage, which not only helps with recovery but also supports a sustainable tourism initiative by employing local therapists. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we leave the main EBC trail and head towards the quieter village of Thame. The trail offers stunning views and takes us through small Sherpa settlements. Thame is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the region, and this peaceful village provides a unique cultural experience and further aids in acclimatization. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

As we trek from Thame to Lungden, the trail gradually ascends, offering solitude and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. We’ll pass through yak pastures and remote Sherpa villages. Lungden is a crucial stop for acclimatization before we attempt the Renjo La Pass. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s trek is both challenging and rewarding as we cross the Renjo La Pass. The steep ascent is tough, but the views from the top are simply breathtaking, with Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks dominating the horizon. After crossing the pass, we’ll descend into the stunning Gokyo Valley, known for its turquoise lakes. We’ll end the day at the village of Gokyo. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We’ll spend the day in Gokyo to acclimatize and explore. A short trek to the Fourth Lake offers serene beauty and tranquility. The day is meant for rest and enjoying the magnificent surroundings, which will prepare us for the next stages of the trek. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We start the day with an early morning climb to Gokyo Ri for stunning panoramic views of the Everest region. After soaking in the views, we’ll descend and continue our trek to Thaknak, crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier. This day offers rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today involves crossing the challenging Cho La Pass, which is demanding but incredibly scenic. After the pass, we’ll descend to Lobuche, a small settlement near the Khumbu Glacier. This day is physically demanding but one of the most memorable of the trek. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The day we’ve been waiting for! We start early, trekking from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then continue to the iconic Everest Base Camp. The trail is tough, but reaching Base Camp is an unforgettable experience. After spending some time at Base Camp, we’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We’ll start early today to hike up to Kala Patthar for one of the best viewpoints in the region. The climb is steep, but the reward is an unparalleled view of Everest and the surrounding peaks at sunrise. After descending, we’ll return to Lobuche for the night. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s trek takes us over the Kongma La Pass, the highest pass on this trek. The ascent is steep and challenging, but the views from the top make it worth the effort. After crossing the pass, we’ll descend to Chhukung, a small settlement in the Imja Valley. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A shorter trek today as we make our way to Island Peak Base Camp. Once there, our climbing guide will provide instruction on using climbing equipment and teach some technical skills, which will boost your confidence and prepare you for the summit. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the highlight of the trek as we attempt to summit Island Peak. We start early in the morning, climbing the steep trail to the glacier before using ropes and crampons to reach the summit. The views from the top are breathtaking. After the summit, we’ll descend back to Chhukung. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This day is reserved as a contingency in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances that might delay the summit attempt. If not needed, it can be used to rest or explore the Chhukung Valley. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We begin our descent, retracing our steps through Pangboche and Tengboche, with stunning views of the Himalayas along the way. We’ll arrive in Namche Bazaar, where you can celebrate the successful completion of the most challenging parts of the trek. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The final day of trekking takes us from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. The trail descends steeply at first, then follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing through forests and small villages. This is your last chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and reflect on your incredible adventure. We’ll celebrate our journey upon reaching Lukla. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

An early morning flight takes us back to Kathmandu, offering one last look at the Himalayas. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax or explore the city. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our trek. Meals Included: Breakfast

This extra day is reserved as a contingency for any delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If not needed, you can use the day to explore more of Kathmandu or take a short excursion. Meals Included: Breakfast

And that's a wrap! Feel free to head off any time. If you've got an early-start then we'll sort you out with a packed breakfast otherwise take your time and enjoy the hotel's hospitality before checking-out and heading off on your next adventure! Meals Included: Breakfast

Where We'll Stay

We’ve taken on the tough task of staying at some of the best hotels and guest houses around the world to hand pick those that we think you’ll love. They’ll always be locally-owned where possible. Below are some examples of where you’ll be staying on your trip, although please note, we don’t guarantee which hotels or guesthouses we use. On this trip, most of the time we’ll be staying in teahouses. These are often basic with twin rooms, shared facilities and communal dining. They’ll always be clean, provide great hospitality, have breathtaking views and be a welcome place to get some rest after long days on the trail! Where the trail diverges from the EBC trail, accommodation does become slightly more basic still. And, we’ll spend one night camping at Island Peak’s base camp. We’re only there for a few hours before our summit attempt but no flushing toilets or glamping here!

Hotel in Kathmandu
Hotel in Kathmandu
Inside a Teahouse
Inside a Teahouse
Views from Teahouse
Views from Teahouse
Hotel in Kathmandu
Hotel in Kathmandu
Teahouse on Trail
Teahouse on Trail
Teahouse on Trail
Teahouse on Trail
Island Peak Base Camp at Night
Island Peak Base Camp at Night
Tent at Base Camp
Tent at Base Camp
Mess Tent at Base Camp
Mess Tent at Base Camp

Like the sound of this trip, have a question or want to check something before you book? Maybe even have a great idea to customise this itinerary? Get in touch and start your adventure!

Interactive Route Map

Check out the interactive map of this trip below. You can simply zoom in and have a look at the route.

Or, if you’re wanting to get a feel for the route or to dive into the daily details then click on any of the steps and you’ll be redirected to our Polarsteps page.

What is Polarsteps?

We’ve loaded all of our itineraries onto Polarsteps. It’s an app that can help you plan, track and relive your travels. We’ve used it to display our trips in all their glory but anyone can easily create on-the-go mementos of their adventures. 

Carbon Emissions

This trip emits approximately 336 kg of carbon per person. This includes emissions from transport, accommodation, food, activities, and the operations behind the scenes to run the trip.

What does this mean?

This is roughly the same as driving a typical petrol car about 1,050 miles.

It’s equivalent to the carbon emissions from heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for about 14 days during winter.

Our Approach

We recognize the significant carbon emissions from international travel, but we believe that the positive impact on the countries and communities we visit outweighs these challenges. We provide this estimate to help you make informed decisions about your carbon footprint and consider any offsets you may wish to support.

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Whether you’d like more information about this itinerary or to customise it to exactly what you want to do, drop us a line and let us know your plans!

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Trip Snapshot

Destination

Min Age

18+

Difficulty Rating