ISLAND PEAK - MT. IMJA TSE (6189 Meters) CLIMB
Sept 15 2012
Grade: Strenuous - Peak Climbing - Alpine grade: PD+
Time Period: 23 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) Flights: Both ways from Kathmandu to Lukla Warning: Altitude Sickness
Introduction
Nepal is known as “Land of Himalayas” the world over. There are 1,310 peaks above 6000 meters of which 238 are already opened for climbing. Likewise, out of fourteen 8000 meters above peaks eight of them, including the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest lie in Nepal. Other seven are namely Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna. This trek to Everest Base Camp is probably the only trail in the world where so many mighty and magnificent Himalayas can been seen at such close proximity. Mount Everest is also known by the Tibetan name Chomolangma (goddess mother of the snows), and by the Nepali name Sagarmatha (Mother of the Universe). The trek and the climb of the Imja Tse takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of the mountains in the world. Enroute, traverse through rhododendron and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from temperate to snow line regions. The Himalayas are best seen on this trek as one traces the main route through the Khumbu region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers get a close view of the world's greatest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Tawache and others. Located on top of the Chukung glacier between Ama Dablam and Lhotse Mountains, Island Peak is the most sought after trekking destination because of its challenging geographical conditions. Each year more than 300 groups attempt to scale the summit of Island peak. People and Culture The main ethnic group that visitors will encounter in the Everest region is the Sherpas. This is their heartland and their influence is to be seen everywhere from their traditional dress to their distinctive houses and village monasteries. There are also minorities of various other groups, notably Rai / Limbu and Tamang in the lower hills and the ubiquitous Bhramin and Chhetri farmers of the valleys. Flora and Fauna The flora and fauna to be seen are quiet diverse since the region ranges in altitude from less than 2000 meters above sea level at Jiri to the high peaks of the Himalaya at over 8000 meters. Up to 4000 meters you will find dense stands of forest including pine, oak and the spectacular flowering rhododendrons. The latter are one reason to make a trip in Nepal in the spring when the hills between 2000 and 3500 meters are a riot of colors. The crop under cultivation will depend on the season that you visit but expect to see wheat, barley, corn and potatoes at some stage. Domesticated animals will range from cattle, buffalo, goats and pigs to the all-purpose beast of the mountains -the yak.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival.
Day 02: Free Day in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly Lukla (2880m) & trek to Phakding 2652m)
Day 04: Namche Bazaar (3447 m)
Day 05: Rest and acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Thyangboche (3863 m).
Day 07: Dingboche (4350 m).
Day 08: Acclimatization day in Dingbboche
Day 09: Chhukung (4570 m)
Day 10: Pares Gyab (Island peak Base Camp) (5150 m)
Day 11: Attack Camp (5600 m)
Day 12: Summit Island Peak (6189 m)
Day 13: Contingency day
Day 14: Dingboche
Day 15: Namche Bazaar
Day 16: Lukla
Day 17: Lukla / Kathmandu by Flight
Day 18: Final departure
FEATURES
National Park: Sagarmatha National Park (1148 sq. kms)
Mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Tamserku, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Tawatse, Kantega, Pumo-ri, etc.
Rivers: Bhote Kosi, Dudh Kosi and Imjatse Khola.
Villages: Lukla, Namche, Thyangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, etc
Tribes: Mostly Sherpas & Tibetans
Forests: Of Rhododendron and Pine.
Landscapes: Varying from temperate valleys to snow clad mountains.
TRIP FACTS
Best Period: Feb, Mar, April, May – Oct, Nov, Dec
Time Period: 17 Nights / 18 Days.
Trek Period: 14 Night / 15 Days
In Kathmandu: 03 Nights
Flights: 2 Ways. (Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu)
Trek Type: Strenuous
Highest Altitude: 6189 meters
Warning: Altitude Sickness.
Trek Start Point: Lukla
Trek End Point: Lukla
Accommodations: Hotels in Kathmandu / Lodges on trek
DETAIL ITINERARY ~ 2012
Day 01 : Kathmandu Arrival Arrive Kathmandu, upon arrival, met by representatives and transferred to the hotel. At the hotel, the guests will be welcomed with a welcome drink and assigned the rooms. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 : Half Day Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu After breakfast, meet at the lobby and proceed for the sightseeing tour of the ancient Kathmandu city with its many beautiful temples and shopping courtyards. As one crosses from the modern area of New Road into the Durbar Square, the onetime Freak Street, one is suddenly in the midst of Kathmandu's famed medieval architecture. The major tourist attractions on this tour includes a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman Gate) which takes its name from the Monkey God, Hanuman from the epic, Ramayana The palace of the Malla Kings located in the Hanuman Dhoka is of the 14th Century and it is still retained as a ceremonial palace of the present Shah dynasty. Important traditional Royal ceremonies including the coronation of the King of Nepal are still conducted at Hanuman Dhoka Palace.Near the Hanuman Dhoka is the house of the Living Goddess Kumari - Kumari Bahal. Two painted stone Lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see the Living Goddess but are forbidden to take photographs. Also visit Kasthamandap”, a temple built from the wood of a single tree from Where Kathmandu city derived its name. Continue drive to Swayambhunath Stupa - one of the protected monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4 kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism. The stupa of Swayambhu is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim's progress to Swayambhunath's holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps. The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues of Buddha adorn the four corners of the stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery) and innumerable chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal for viewing the entire valley spread out below. PM: The rest of the afternoon is free to pack and get prepared for the trek. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 : Kathmandu / Lukla / Phakding (2652m). AM - Early morning transfer to the airport to fly to Lukla (2880m). This 45 minute flight provides a magnificent entry to the trek. It highlights the snowline of the Himalayan Range in the north and the rugged landing at the Lukla airport which is said to be one of the most spectacular flights in the world. Upon arrival, meet the Sherpa team and while the team reassembles the equipment for the distribution to the Porters OR Dzopke (a cross between and cow and a Yak used to carry loads) free time for tea/coffee. During this break, the guests are welcome to explore this bustling town on top of a hill with rows of houses, hotels and shops lining both sides of cobbled street. The trek starts by following the trail leading to the northwest direction through the narrow street, which immediately descends from the end of the village on a trail through the open hillside. The trail is well defined and there are many shops and lodges catering to the trekkers. A new hanging bridge made last year about 100 meters long is what we cross at the beginning of the journey. From there we follow the regular trail passing small villages of Chaunri kharka (2713m) and Ghat (2550m), with shops and restaurants on the way until we descend to the river at Phakding (2652m). Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge Duration of Trek- 3 – 3 ½ hours
Day 04 : Namche Bazaar (3447 m) Leave the main village and the follow the trail on the left bank of the Dudh Kosi River. It is a pleasant walk for the first half of the day as one passes through agricultural countryside, small wayside villages and a monastery. We cross the Dudh Kosi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). Just before lunch, there is a steep climb of about 20 minutes to arrive at Monjo for Lunch. After lunch, trek up to the check post to check the permits and enter into the Sagarmatha National Park. Descend for 10 minute and then cross a suspension bridge to arrive at Jorsale (2800m). Pass through several small villages and beautiful pine forest. This is a busy trail with plenty of human interest. Our first good views are of the west ridge of Kusum Kangru (6339m). Follow the Dudh Kosi River, crossing a rickety suspension bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition, and then slowly climb up a very steep trail to Namche Bazaar. Near half waypoint, we enjoy our first views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) - the big three. The climb is for nearly 3 hours as one gain in altitude making breathing difficult due to rarified air. Arrive at a gate with a sign saying, "Welcome to Namche Bazaar" but it is very misleading as it takes another 20 minutes to arrive at the main town.Upon arrival at Namche Bazaar (3447 m) check into the lodge. This prosperous town is the largest in Khumbu. Mt. Thamserku (6648 m) and Kwangde Ri (6624 m) loom along the east and west of the village. The sacred mountain Khumbila (5707 m) dominates the skyline along the west. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge. Duration of Trek- 5 – 5 ½ hours
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar Today one can go around the town and see the busiest town in the Khumbu region. One can also go to see a small museum at the top of the hill in Namche. Dinner and Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
Day 06 : Thyangboche (3863 m). After breakfast visit the checkpost, sign in your permits and start a short climb till we reach a big prayer stone. From here the path levels out with just few short climbs here and there. On the right side we get dramatic views of Amadablam (6696 m) and Kangtaige (6779 m) flanked by the towering view of the Sagarmatha (Everest), Lhotse and Nuptse. Descend through the rhododendron forest, watching for the blood pheasant and Imphayan pheasant in the undergrowth. Descending down to Imja Khola (river) for a lunch stop at Phunki (3200m), next to several large water driven prayer wheels. The afternoon is spent climbing slowly on a steep trail to the Thyangboche Monastery and one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Thyangboche lies at the base of Kangtaiga and is a classic setting with superb views back up the valley to the Ama Dablam, and the Everest poking its south west face over the huge ridgeline linking Nuptse and Lhotse. At the rear is the beautiful west face of the Tamserku (6608m) and Kang Taiga (6685m). The Thyangboche Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Khumbu Region and the late afternoon can be spent visiting this ancient Monastery. It is the traditional place where all Everest Expeditions receive their blessings as they walk in towards the base camp. Dinner and Overnight at Lodge. Duration of Trek- 5 – 5 ½ hrs
Day 07 : Dingboche (4350 m). After breakfast, set out on the trail with a short, steep descent through a forest of brich, conifer and rhododendron to the meadows of Devouche. Continue on a level trail trough forests to arrive at a suspension bridge high above the fast flowing Dudh Kosi river with fine views of Mt. Amadablam. Cross the suspension bridge and climb for another 10 minutes to arrive at a resting place.. Continue to climb till apass and then there is a more gentle walk to the village of Tangboche(3985m) which also has a monastery. The monastery lies more on the route to Phortse and is not easily reached from the lower trail and for those who desire to visit the monastery, the trail bifurcates just before the village after the pass and a hard half hour of climb up the ridge brings one to this fabled monastery. At the monastery is housed the Scalp of the Yeti which traveled the world in the 60's. After lunch, pass through this village and take the right hand trail through the front yard of a few herders' huts, over a stone wall. The landscape becomes very interesting as the vista opens before us and we can see the river flowing far down below as we take the trail that has been cut out along the sheer cliffs of rocks.Cross the bridge on a wooden bridge and from the bridge it is uphill for about an hour till we reach Dingboche . Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge. Duration of Trek- 6 ½ hours
Day 08 : Rest and acclimatization at Dingboche As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 141400 ft/ 4000 m. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent. From the lodge in Dingboche we head up through the village, following the Imja Khola Valley. The ascent is gradual, crossing small streams, through open alpine pastures with fine views of Island Peak at the head of the valley. We will reach the Chukhung lodge in time for lunch. After lunch we walk back o Dingboche. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 09 : Chhukung (4750 m) Walk past the Dingboche village and after that the trail becomes a gentle uphill as they say in Nepali "Nepali Flat", till we reach Chhukung. Along the way we have great views of Island Peak and the challenge that awaits us. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge. Duration of Trek- 2 ½ - 3 ½ hours
Day 10 : Paresya Gyab (5150 m) - Base Camp of Island Peak Walk pass the small village of Chhukung. As we walk we notice the change in the trek route as we start to see more of rocks, stones and gravel's on the way. The trek becomes tough not only because of the high altitude also because of the roughness of the route. Dinner and Overnight at Camp Duration of Trek- 2 ½ - 3 ½ hours
Day 11 : Attack Camp / High Camp (5600m ) Dinner and Overnight Camp at Attack Camp
Day 12 : Summit Island Peak (6189m) Crossing the gully above the camp the trail makes a climb for another hour to a narrow ridge, leading on to the glacier. Here it is time to rope-up and put on our crampons as the most interesting part of the climb begins with the glacier crossing. This is followed by the steep snow slope that leads onto the summit ridge. This ridge is wonderfully airy and on reaching the summit we have stunning close-up views of the south face of Lhotse looming over us whilst in the other direction, there are more dramatic mountain views. We descend along the same route, down to base camp. Dinner and Overnight at Base Camp.
Day 13 : Contingency Day Extra day in case of Bad weather or other unforeseen contingencies Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge/Camp
Day 14 : Dingboche (4350 m). After breakfast set out backtracking on scattered rocks and jumbled moraines to return to Dingboche. Cross Chukkung on the way and climb over the ridge past Chortens and Main walls brings us into the Chukung village and the prosperous village of Dingboche. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge. Duration of Trek- 3 ½ hours
Day 15 : Namche Bazaar via Thyangboche (3867m) Having been consistently at high altitude above 4200m most trekkers welcome the thought of returning to warmer, softer climbs and the days walk to Thyangboche is a delightful way of doing so. The route starts back through the long walled paths of the Dingboche village, and a gradual ascent along the flanks of the hills below the village before a steep drop to the Dudh Koshi. A little further, the route joins the main trail coming from Pheriche. The route then passes through the village of Pangboche (3985m). Continue to backtrack and then descend to the spectacular little bridge over the Dudh Kosi river and head through the fir and rhododendron forest for a lovely afternoon's walk to the meadows of Devouche. From here, there is a short climb before reaching Thyangboche for lunch. After lunch we retrace our steps down hill through the beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunk Tanga. After a short break we cross the Dudh Kosi, and ascend steeply to Trashinga. . If going up was tough it is equally hard to get the footing and walk down hill. From here the trail contours high above the valley to Shanasa where Tibetan traders, resident in the area, have numerous ''artefacts'' and worthwhile traditional souvenirs for sale. From Sanasa, head to the end of the village and then take the right hand trail which is a lovely easy trail to reach Namche Bazaar. Here we stop for lunch. After lunch head towards the end of the bazaar and we descend steeply to the river, cross the great bridge again, and then continue back to Jorsale where we leave the national park before continuing on to our lodge at Monjo where we will overnight. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge. Duration of Trek- 7~ 7 ½ hours
Day 16 : Lukla It is interesting to watch others starting enthusiastically on the trek ahead as we head down to the village of Phakding. Today we re-trace our steps along the Dudh Kosi, crossing to the western bank at Benkar. It is a beautiful and easy walk through blue pine and rhododendron forest, back-dropped with views of Kusum Kangaru. We will have lunch at Phakding and in the afternoon we ascend out of the river valley back to the airstrip and our lodge accommodation at Lukla. It is a delightful ending to the trip as one enters into this busy village of Lukla. In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions Overnight at Lukla. Duration of Trek- 5 ½ ~ 6 hours.
Day 17 : Fly Lukla / Kathmandu Early morning, fly from Lukla to Katmandu on a twin Otter. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Hotel. Rest of the day is free to rest and relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 18 : Final departure Free for final minute packing and shopping until transfer to the airport for final departure.
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Total cost of trip : 2400 Euro pp
Can be paid in full or in 3 installments of 800 Euro
1. 1st March 2012
2. 1st June 2012
3. 1st Aug 2012
To secure your place on this once in a lifetime trip contact thenepals@gmail.com