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Imja Tse - Island Peak 6189 metres |
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Located in the Everest region, this is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. From Dingbuche the mountain is seen as an island in a sea of ice, and is an extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar. Island Peak not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some spectacular scenery. Seen from the summit the giant mountains of Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) make a semi-circle in the north, with Makalu (8475m) in the east and Baruntse and Ama Dablam in the south. Island Peak base camp is set at Pareshaya Gyab (5,150m), between Imja Tse and the lateral moraine of the Imja Glacier. From the base camp, a well acclimatized party in good conditions can make the summit and return in a day. However, we will most likely establish a high-camp which helps to shorten the summit day and give more time to enjoy the experience. From the base camp the route skirts south east around the base of Imja Tse and climbs steep grassy slopes and small rocky steps. We scramble up a gully which leads between two ridges to the site of high camp on the left-hand ridge below and to the right of a small hanging glacier (5,280m). From the high camp, crossing a gully and a steep snow and ice ramp leads for nearly 100 meters to the summit ridge. A little technical climbing then leads to the summit with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We will then descend as far as base camp, allowing plenty of time for a celebration 'chang' or two! THE ITINERARY The following itinerary is for guidance only, as things are subject to change at the last minute. We will, however, endeavour to keep as close to this as possible. DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU Arrive in Kathmandu, meet our staff, and you will be transferred to your hotel. Welcome dinner and trip briefing about the trip. D DAY 02: KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING A free day to sightsee around Kathmandu and to so some last-minute shopping.. B Day 03: PHAKDING (2640m) We fly to Lukla airstrip in the Himalayan foothills, where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic views of terraced hills and distant Himalayan giants. After landing in the village of Lukla (2840m) we meet the rest of our staff and porters and trek for about two and a half hours to Phakding. B, L, D Day 04: NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region. B, L, D Day 05: NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a colourful village with many interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, the Sherpa museum and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town gives you a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the beautiful Ama Dablam. B, L, D Day 06: TENGBOCHE 3960m The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We spend the night next to the Tengboche monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. If our group is lucky, we will see the Lama perform a ceremony and hear the mystical chanting and music. B, L, D Day 07: DINGBOCHE 4410m From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with superb views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. B, L, D Day 08: DINGBOCHE 4410m Rest day. There is the option of taking an acclimatization hike up a nearby peak for a wider variety of photos of the valley and mountains of the Khumbu region. B, L, D Day 09: LOBUCHE 4910m From Dingboche, the trail traverses through farmlands and meadows before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the small village of Dzugla and continue along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. B, L, D Day 10: GORAK SHEP 5140m After an early morning start, we ascend Kala Pattar (5545m) and enjoy fabulous views of the Himalayas, without having to climb Everest! That evening we camp beneath Kala Pattar at Gorak Shep. B, L, D Day 11: EVEREST BASE CAMP 5420m In the event of bad weather the previous day, we have the opportunity for a second chance to climb Kala Pattar. Today we also continue our trek to Everest base camp, located at the foot of the Khumbu icefall. We'll spend the night and following morning at Everest/Lhotse base camp, giving you a chance to meet the climbers and thoroughly explore the area. B, L, D Day 12: PHERICHE 4360m We head down the glacier and re-enter the lush and beautiful valleys, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching the village of Pheriche, we visit the Himalayan Rescue Association's Trekkers' Aid Post. B, L, D Day 13: CHUKKUNG 4730m Today we go to 5700m Chukkung Ri, a beautiful hike with a stunning location below the Lhotse/Nuptse Wall. This is the largest rock wall in the Himalaya. From here we get great views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Makalu. B, L, D Day 14: ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP 5150m After breakfast we will continue to Island Peak base camp at 5150m and prepare ourselves and equipment for moving to high camp tomorrow. B, L, D Day 15: ISLAND PEAK HIGH CAMP 5481m Today we take a 2-3 hour hike to high camp. We ascend grass and scree slopes to where we find a tent platform at 5481m. After establishing camp, we relax while taking in the magnificent amphitheatre of mountains. B, L, D Day 16: SUMMIT ISLAND PEAK (IMJA TSE) 6189m Using an early morning start, we continue up a rocky gully before traversing to the right. We gain elevation up the rocky ridge before coming to the base of the glacier. Here we rope up and continue up the glacier until the South ridge is reached. We follow this superb and classic ridge to the summit where outstanding views of Everest, Lhotse , Makalu, Ama Dablam and Baruntse, amongst many others, are revealed. We then continue down to base camp for the evening. B, L, D Day 17: REST/WEATHER DAY In case of bad weather, we have built in an extra day for the summit. The next day we rise early, disassemble camp and continue back down the valley to the village of Chukkung. We arrive in Chukkung by lunchtime, giving time to relax and explore. B, L, D Day 18: NAMCHE BAZAAR 3440m The downhill trek along the river allows for breathtaking photos of Ama Dablam that towers above us as we descend to Namche. Day 19: Lukla 2840m Our last day on the trail, we hike from Namche to Lukla, crossing eleven suspension bridges and reentering the fertile valleys of the lower Dudh Kosi. We overnight in Lukla. Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu on the morning flight Day 21 Free day in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping and celebrating. Day 22 We transfer to the airport for our international flights. PRE-TRIP MEETING. We wll be offering at least one informal pre-trip meeting, at a date and location to suit group members. This will be so that everyone can get together and meet prior to the trip, at a place where we can walk or climb, as well as having a meal and a beer or two in the evening. FLIGHTS This trip is priced excluding international flights. This is to allow a flexible approach for anyone wishing to travel out early, stay on later, or join from another country. We will, however, give you full help and guidance in booking an appropriate flight, and this often means that many of the team will travel together. Further details will be supplied with your booking confirmation, but as a guideline you should allow a cost of around £600 for a return flight from the UK. COST The cost for the trip KTM-KTM is £1495.00. To book, enquire about availability or for further information, please email Pete or call 01340 871071. DATES 2008 TBA WHAT IS INCLUDED International airport pick-up and drop-off. Welcome and farewell dinners. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu. Tent accommodation during the trek. Return internal flights to Lukla. Transport by private coach. Meals as detailed above (B,L,D). Government licensed climbing guide. Conservation permit. Royalty climbing fee for Island Peak. Guide's climbing equipment fee. Required numbers of porters including insurance and equipment. Meals/accommodation/salary/insurance/equipment for guide/cook/porters. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED International flights. Personal climbing equipment. Meals other than mentioned above. Drinks and bar bill. Tipping. Personal and emergency evacuation insurance and visas. Airport departure taxes. Any other things that are not mentioned in 'included'. |
| For any further information please email Pete and we'll answer any questions that you may have. To book, email Pete in the first instance and we'll get further details to you. | |