- Destination
- Nepal
- Trip Grade
- Moderate, Hard
- Total Duration
- 20 Days
This 20-day adventure is a true trifecta of Himalayan trekking and climbing, combining the legendary Everest Base Camp, the challenge of the Kongma La high pass, and the summit of Island Peak (6,189m). Unlike the standard Everest trek, this route weaves through the stunning Gokyo Valley, crossing the Ngozumpa Glacier and ascending Gokyo Ri for a breathtaking panorama of the Khumbu region.
The journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla and a gradual ascent through Sherpa villages and rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar. From there, the trail diverges into the quieter Gokyo Valley, where pristine turquoise lakes and the massive Ngozumpa Glacier await. A sunrise hike to Gokyo Ri (5,430m) offers one of the finest views in the Himalayas, with four of the world’s six highest peaks visible on a clear day.
The real test begins with the crossing of the Cho La Pass (5,420m), a demanding but rewarding day that leads to the iconic Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Everest Base Camp. Rather than retracing the standard route, the itinerary then takes you over the rarely-trekked Kongma La Pass (5,535m) – a challenging and remote crossing that serves as excellent acclimatization for the final objective.
The climax of the trip is the ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse), a 6,189m trekking peak that offers a genuine mountaineering experience. With basic climbing skills, crampons, and an ice axe, you’ll scale a steep snow headwall to reach the summit, where panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, and the Khumbu Glacier reward your effort. The descent through Tengboche and Monjo allows time to reflect on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Everest region.
This trip is designed for adventure seekers with good fitness, prior high-altitude trekking experience, and a spirit for challenge. With expert guides, proper acclimatization, and a well-crafted itinerary, it’s an opportunity to push your limits and experience the Himalayas in their most raw and magnificent form.
Outline Itinerary
- Day-01: Arrive Kathmandu, Transfer to the Hotel.
- Day-02: Acclimatization Day in Kathmandu and preparation for the next day's trip.
- Day-03: Kathmandu - Lukla (2860m) - fly in the morning for 45 minutes then Commence trek to Phakding (2600m) - 4 hours.
- Day-04: Phakding - Namche Bazar (3446m) - 6½ hours.
- Day-05: Namche Bazar, one-day rest for acclimatization.
- Day- 06: Namche – Dole (4040m.) – 6 hours.
- Day- 07: Dole – Machhermo (4410m.) – 5 hours.
- Day- 08: Machhermo – Gokyo (4750m.) 5 hours.
- Day- 09: Early in the morning to leave for the sunrise view from Gokyo Ri top View point (5430m.)
- Day- 10: Gokyo - Thangna (4985m) – 3 ½ hrs.
- Day–11: Thangna – Chola Pass ( 5420) and down to Dzanglha (4843m.) – 7 ½ hrs.
- Day- 12: Dzanglha – Lobuche (4930m.) – 3 ½ hrs for lunch camp and we will direct will head up to Gorakhshep (5200m) another 3 ½ hrs.
- Day-13: Start early in the morning to get Kalapattar.
- Day- 14: Gorakhshep – Kongmala Pass(5535m) and reach to Chhukung for the overnight.
- Day –15: Chhukung – Island Peak base Camp and settle the tents camp.
- Day – 16: Go to summit Island Peak(6189m) and it will be day to awake up very early in the morning.
- Day – 17: Chhukung – Tengboche and spend wonderful Monastery lodge camp.
- Day –18: Tengboche – Monjo and spend overnight.
- Day –19: Monjo – Lukla – 4 hours with reconfirming your flight ticket in Airline Company.
- Day –20: Fly back to Kathmnandu and transfer to your Hotel.
Cost Includes
1, Service in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Airport picks up and drop.
- Welcome dinner with the final brief about our trek with your trekking and climbing crews in Kathmandu
- Sightseeing in Different ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley by Tourist vehicles.
- 2 Nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu @ Tibet Guest House
- Tel (4260383) centrally located at Thamel the touristy area or www.tibetguesthouse.com
2. During the Trip
- All local car jeep land transportations in Kathmandu.
- 3 times, delicious/standard foods except for Alcoholic beverages, bottled, can soft drinks during the treks.
- Standard hotel/Guest house/Lodge accommodation as per possibilities will be provided during the trek.
- Island Peak Royalty US$125 per person
- Permit and conservation Fees.
- All Local Taxes.
- Our Sincere Guide service.
- Kind and honest porters.
- The Salary for the guide & porters.
- Food for guide & porters.
- Accommodation for Guide & porters.
- Insurance for guide & porters.
- Overland Transportation for Guide & porters.
- Sleeping Tents in the Island Peak Base Camp with full board meals.
Cost does not Include
- Foods in Kathmandu
- Alcoholic beverages and Bottled, canned, soft drinks and some essential things during the trek.
- Needful clothes.
- Sudden rescue Charge, If in case
(Maximum 7000 U.S Dollar Travel Insurance will be enough) - Clinical treatment and drugs.
- Buying personal wanted materials, souvenir, gift etc.
- Tipping for Guide and Porters at the end of Trek
- Kathmandu accommodations
- Alcoholic beverages and Bottled, canned, soft drinks and some essential things during the trek.
- Needful clothes.
- Sudden rescue Charge, If in case
(Maximum 7000 U.S Dollar Travel Insurance will be enough) - Clinical treatment and drugs.
- Buying personal wanted materials, souvenir, gift etc.
- Tipping for Guide and Porters after your trek if you are happy.
What to Bring for the trip? (Trekking Gears)
Above things are required for the normal trekker and if you have yourselves, you can bring and if do not have and want to buy and hire in Nepal, we have every equipment cheaper price than your country.
Visa & Permits
A valid Nepali visa is required for all foreign nationals (except Indian citizens). Visa on arrival is available at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
The package includes permits for Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, and the Island Peak climbing royalty (US$125 per person). All permits are arranged by your guide.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March to May): The best season for this trip. Stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures make both the trek and the climb enjoyable. The trails are busier, but the views are spectacular.
Autumn (September to November): Another excellent window with clear skies and stable conditions. Slightly cooler than spring, but ideal for climbing. The Kongma La and Cho La passes may have some snow, but are generally passable.
Winter (December to February): The trek is possible but much colder, and the high passes and Island Peak climb become significantly more challenging. Only recommended for experienced trekkers with winter gear.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August): Not recommended. Heavy rain, cloud cover, leeches, and increased risk of landslides make this a poor choice for high-altitude trekking and climbing.
Pass Crossings – Important Notes
Cho La Pass (5,420m): A challenging day requiring an early start. The trail may be icy, and crampons may be necessary depending on conditions. Your guide will assess the route.
Kongma La Pass (5,535m): A remote and demanding crossing with a long day (approximately 9 hours). Packed lunch is required. This pass is less frequented and offers a wilder experience, but demands good fitness and preparation.
Detail Itinerary
Day-01: Arrive Kathmandu, Transfer to the Hotel.
Day-02: Acclimatization Day in Kathmandu and preparation for the next day's trip.
Day-03: Kathmandu - Lukla (2860m) - fly in the morning for 45 minutes then Commence trek to Phakding (2600m) - 4 hours.
After a very early start and an early take off from Kathmandu Domestic Airport, a 45-minute flight is all it takes to propel into the Everest region of Nepal.
The landing at Lukla (2800m) is spectacular and on arrival, you will be greeted by trekking crew who organize the luggage and hustle you off for tea. After a leisurely lunch, you will start the trek in earnest, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding (2800m), a further 3 hours to the north.
The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels, shops and airline offices to the edge of the Lukla plateau where the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chheplung. From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding where you should spend the night.
Day-04: Phakding - Namche Bazar (3446m) - 6½ hours.
From Phakding the trail continues north up the Dudh Kosi Valley, staying 100m above the river on it's West Bank. The trail leads to Jorsale (2810m) where you enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here you will continue on an ever-steeping trail to Namche Bazaar (3446m), known simply as Namche.
En route you have to cross the spectacular suspension bridge high above the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and the Dudh Kosi, and shortly after glimpse first view of Everest, way off to the northeast. The trail to Namche is steep and long, but eventually, you will reach the remarkable Sherpa capital perched high on the hillside and dominated to the east by the immense bulk of Kwangde (6187m).
Day-05: Namche Bazar, one-day rest for acclimatization.
Acclimatization is important before trekking higher, and this is a scheduled stop, which will allow you to gradually become used to the effects of altitude - the lower pressure and the thinner air.
You can spend the day by taking a side trip to Thami or Khumjung, by visiting the National Park Visitor Center on the hill above Namche or by simply resting and browsing in the shops in the town. Namche is a fascinating place simply to 'hang out' and take in the culture of the mountains, from the trading of visiting Tibetans to the stories of departing mountaineers.
Day- 06: Namche – Dole (4040m.) – 6 hours.
This is the easy day, slightly climb and account the steps and explore with hundreds of massive views of the Peaks.
Day- 07: Dole – Machhermo (4410m.) – 5 hours.
Day- 08: Machhermo – Gokyo (4750m.) 5 hours.
Today we will enter into Gokyo valley and come to see so clean and beautiful lakes with so many ice full Peaks around your eyes. We don't feel it is harder because of massive beauties and romantic valley.
Day- 09: Early in the morning to leave for the sunrise view from Gokyo Ri top View point (5430m.)
Early in the morning to leave for the sunrise view from Gokyo Ri top View point (5430m.) then back to Hotel to have breakfast before start to move for other sightseeing trip. It is extra day for acclimatization day and we can explore whole valley trip within a day.
Day- 10: Gokyo - Thangna (4985m) – 3 ½ hrs.
Today we have to walk on Glacier trail to reach base of Chola Pass. We have short walk to day for next days longer walk.
Day–11: Thangna – Chola Pass ( 5420) and down to Dzanglha (4843m.) – 7 ½ hrs.
It is challenging day to cross the pass and it will be first bigger altitude for us. But, another benefits it will be great practice for Everest Base Camp.
Day- 12: Dzanglha – Lobuche (4930m.) – 3 ½ hrs for lunch camp and we will direct will head up to Gorakhshep (5200m) another 3 ½ hrs.
Day-13: Start early in the morning to get Kalapattar.
This is the place from where you can see the wide view of the Everest and its magnificent views with all 360 degrees Himalayan ranges and Nepal 's Longest Khumbu Glacier including tremendous sight of Khumbu Icefall standing at the bottom of snowy mountain Pumori at the altitude of 5600m.
When we back from Kalapather we will have Lunch and again we will start our trip to Everest Base Camp is a lot tiring through the turnings and over the ice but rocks and sand. EBC is wonderful to touch the ice from world's novel peak in order to make your dream true. But, it is just our plan if you really feel necessary to go at the same day. Otherwise we can still change the itinerary and postpone to the next day.
Day- 14: Gorakhshep – Kongmala Pass(5535m) and reach to Chhukung for the overnight.
It is the another biggest day and we have to have pack lunch for the long day. It takes about 9 hours and also high pass. It is in October and we don’t need to be worry(except unexpected bad weather) we don’t get rain or snow. It is the best high pass before reach to Island peak because, it will make you more acclimatized and fit for your Island peak.
Day –15: Chhukung – Island Peak base Camp and settle the tents camp.
It is about 5000m altitude tenting camp and will be hard sleep also will be concerned to the Island Peak and your expedition Guide will hold you for couple of hours to teach and exchange experiences and skill for the successful climbing.
Day – 16: Go to summit Island Peak(6189m) and it will be day to awake up very early in the morning.
Your trek will start around 2AM in the morning and have to wake up very early. So, you will go to bed earlier. We rest of other staffs will work for your pack lunch and you will get well treat to send almost half way of Island peak drinks or snacks also kind of foods for you. If you could reach before 3 Pm in the base camp after summit, we don’t need to stay at Base camp and we can run down to Chhukung in Tea house sleep.
Day – 17: Chhukung – Tengboche and spend wonderful Monastery lodge camp.
It is very Holly place of Khumbu to see wonderful oldest Monastery of this region and monks chanting and Pooja every evening.
Day –18: Tengboche – Monjo and spend overnight.
It is all the downhill and will walk easy and Monjo is a much nice location of this rout and will be the much better sleep of low region of Himalayas.
Day –19: Monjo – Lukla – 4 hours with reconfirming your flight ticket in Airline Company.
Day –20: Fly back to Kathmnandu and transfer to your Hotel.
Note: Trekking itinerary can be changed as per the different situation and client's interest. I am still don't have the idea how long you can extend the days for a flexible itinerary and much use time for Khumbu region