ISLAND PEAK EXPEDITION - IMJA TSE

Combining a trek with a climbing expedition may be the ideal combination of two exciting adventures in the Himalayas. Hiking up to Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar in themselves are great adventures; climbing Island Peak during the trek raises the trip to another level.

This expedition high in the picturesque Khumbu region does not present too much technical difficulty and combines with a trek. Our initial hike takes us up to the Dudh Khosi which has its source in the Gokyo lakes. We will get to admire these lakes from the viewpoint when we reach Gokyo Ri. We cross the Cho La Pass before reaching Kala Patthar. Then we do the actual climbing towards the summit of Island Peak also known as ImjaTse (6,189m). Finally, the descent is easily done going down the valley of Imja Khola and on the way back, take a moment to visit the monastery of Tengboche. We hike further on to reach Namche, the nerve center of the Sherpa community.

Though not too technical, on this expedition one needs to be physically fit and also well equipped (crampons and ice axes, rope handling, etc.).

Combining a trek with a climbing expedition may be the ideal combination of two exciting adventures in the Himalayas. Hiking up to Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar in themselves are great adventures; climbing Island Peak during the trek raises the trip to another level.

This expedition high in the picturesque Khumbu region does not present too much technical difficulty and combines with a trek. Our initial hike takes us up to the Dudh Khosi which has its source in the Gokyo lakes. We will get to admire these lakes from the viewpoint when we reach Gokyo Ri. We cross the Cho La Pass before reaching Kala Patthar. Then we do the actual climbing towards the summit of Island Peak also known as ImjaTse (6,189m). Finally, the descent is easily done going down the valley of Imja Khola and on the way back, take a moment to visit the monastery of Tengboche. We hike further on to reach Namche, the nerve center of the Sherpa community.

Though not too technical, on this expedition one needs to be physically fit and also well equipped (crampons and ice axes, rope handling, etc.).

HIGHLIGHTS
- A summit of more than 6000m that can be climbed even without mountaineering experience.
- A beautiful high-altitude trek via Gokyo Lakes and Kala Patthar.
- The high pass of Cho La.

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Gallery

Itinerary

  • Level of Trek: Very Difficult
  • Best Period: October & April
  • Duration: 21 Days
  • Number of walking days: 16
  • Highest Altitude: 6189 Meters
  • Flights: Ramechap - Lukla - Ramechap
  • Accomodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & Lodge/Camp during trek
Leave No Trace

For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...

Day

Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel Holy Himalaya or a similar hotel on a BB basis
- Accommodation: Overnight at Thamel House or Holy Himalaya Hotel or similar
- Meal: Self

Meeting with the guide.
- Accommodation: Overnight in the same hotel
- Meal: Self

The early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla offers a panoramic view of the eastern part of the Himalayas: Langtang, Gauri, Shanker, Numbur, Manglungtse, and finally Everest appear during this 45-minute flight. At Lukla (2700 m), the Sherpas are waiting for us with the equipment.
The trek begins with a short descent to the Dudh-Koshi Valley.
From the village of Chaurikarka (2621 m), the path heads north through the Sherpa villages where wheat, potatoes, and corn are crops... We cross the Dudh-Koshi on a wooden bridge suspended.
- Elevation +: 50 meters
- Elevation -: 250 meters
- 7 km walk
- Walking time: 3h
- Accommodation: Lodge

This day begins with a walk along the Dudh-Kosi. The path climbs gently. We cross the river several times and pass the village of Jorsale (2805 m). Steep climb to Namche Bazaar, and 30 minutes later a reward awaits us: a breathtaking view of the city. Arrived in Namche early enough to discover this famous Sherpa village and its inhabitants. A few Tibetan shops and merchants sell jewelry and handicrafts from Tibet. Every week an important market is held in Namche where the surrounding farmers sell their crops of wheat, corn, millet, etc.
- Elevation +: 900 meters
- Elevation -: 50 meters
- 10km walk
- Walking time: 6h
- Accommodation: Lodge
We climb above Namche Bazar on a gently sloping mountainside trail to Mong Pass, a view of AmaDablam and Kantega, two of Nepal's most spectacular peaks. We then descend to Phortse-Tenga at 3600 m on the banks of the Milky River (Dudh - Koshi). First view of Everest after a steep climb on a happy morning
- Elevation +: 560 meters
- Elevation -: 300 meters
- 8.5 km walk
- Walking time: 6h
- Accommodation: Lodge
We climb steeply through rhododendrons, junipers, then conifers. We pass through the alpine villages of Tongba (3960 m), Gyele (3960 m), and Lhabarma (4220 m). The view of Khumbila and Tawoché is magnificent throughout the day.
- Elevation +: 850 meters
- Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
- 8 km walk
- Accommodation: Lodge
Gradual climb to a sumptuous view of Cho Oyu, which culminates at 8135 m, a fortress of snow and ice. We pass Pangka at 4390 m, then begin the descent to the river before climbing the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier. We reach the first turquoise lake located at 4720 m. A few minutes later, discovered a second lake at 4690m, then we come to Lake Gokyo at 4750m, impressive for its beauty (photo on the first page).
- Elevation +: 300 meters
- 7-8 km walk
- Walking time: 5h
- Accommodation: Lodge
Day of rest in Gokyo and adaptation in altitude or according to the form climbed to the junction of the Cho Oyu glacier and one of the most beautiful panoramas of this region.
- Elevation + -: 500 meters
- Elevation -: 500 meters
- 15km walk
- Walking time: 8-h
- Accommodation: Lodge
That morning, we again discover the most beautiful panorama of the entire Everest region from Gokyo Ri. From the summit (5360m), the spectacle is unforgettable, the highest peaks on Earth are there: Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cholaste, and Tawachee. We descend to Thagnak (4,700 m).
- Elevation +: 550 meters
- Elevation -: 600 meters
- Walk 10 km
- Walking time: 6h
- Accommodation: Lodge
Early in the morning, we leave for the ascent of Cho La, the most difficult day of the trek. But the reward at the top of the pass is worth all the difficulties in the world: the view is breathtaking! We descend to Dzonghla.
- Elevation +: 600 meters
- Elevation -: 500 meters
- 9km walk
- Walking time: 7h
- Accommodation: Lodge
Kala Pattar (5545) / in the evening with sunset over the 8000m
- Elevation +: 400 meters
- Elevation -: 100 meters
- 10.5 km walk
- Walking time: 7h
- Accommodation: Lodge
Day of walking around Gorakshep and for those who wish to go to the historic base camp of Everest along the Khumbu glacier, descent to Lobuche
- Elevation +: 500 meters
- Elevation -: 250 meters
- Walking time: 6-7h
- Accommodation: Lodge
Longest walking day of the trek.
- Elevation +: 600 meters
- Elevation - : 800 meters
- Number of hours of walking: 8-9h
- Accommodation: Lodge
Along the moraine and glacial lake Chokarma Tso and Imja Tso, we climb gently to the base camp of Island Peak where we set up the tents. Preparation for the ascent.
- Elevation plus: 250 meters
- Number of hours of walking: 3h
- Accommodation: bivouac
Ascent of the Island peak early in the morning and return to Chukhung
- Elevation +: 1200 meters
- Elevation -: 1200 meters
- Accommodation: Lodge.
- Full day depending on conditions and snow cover

We descend through Pangboche where there is one of the oldest gompas in Nepal. We find the forest and the villages and descend to Tengboche, the spiritual heart of Khumbu. Visit the famous monastery, a magnificent site dominated by the AmaDablam.
- Elevation +: 150 meters
- Elevation -: 150 meters
- Number of hours of walking: 6h
- Accommodation: Lodge

Afternoon descent to Monjo
- Elevation +: 150 meters
- Elevation -: 800 meters
- 6 km walk
- Number of hours of walking: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge

We pass through multiple Sherpa villages along the river as we descend to
Cheplung from where we begin a short ascent to Lukla
- Elevation +: 300 meters
- Elevation -: 400 meters
- Walking time: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Lodge

- Accommodation: Holy Himalaya Hotel or similar on a BB basis
Meal: Self
- Accommodation: Same hotel on BB basis
Meal: Self

NOTES

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Difficulty:
Alpine grade: little difficult - slope less than 40°
Snow race without great technical difficulty - requires knowledge and practice of roped walking, with crampons and ice axe
The best time for climbing is in October.
The second choice is in March – April, but there is always a risk of avalanches during that time.

Materials that you should have:

For trekking

- trekking shoes: high stems and waterproof. Choose quite rigid shoes with non-slip soles and crampons.
- light shoes (tennis) or sandals to put on during the stages in town, village, or while camping at night.
- a pair of flip flops
- pairs of walking and mountain socks
- 2 trekking pants
- underwear. (Fine technical fibers such as Carline or Polartec fibers)
- 1 or 2 breathable Carline shirt and T-shirts
- 1 fleece jacket. It is warm, light and dries quickly)
- 1 mountain jacket (like Goretex or Micropore)
- A quilted jacket is a must
- Rain cape
- gloves or fingerless gloves
- hat
- Sunhat
- good sunglasses

 

Equipment:

- a sleeping bag (- 20° C): Warm, comfortable, fit to your size, sarcophagus-shape (closer to the body with a closing hood)
- sun cream (face and lips)
- headlamp, with spare batteries and bulbs
- light water bottle - 2 liters minimum and isothermal
- pocket knife, better if multipurpose
- toilet paper
- lighter

Climbing equipment to prove (or to rent in Kathmandu):

1. Ice ax
2. Crampons
3. Gaiter
4. Helmet (optional)
5. Harness with short rope
6. Carabiners (2 + 2)
7. Mountain shoes

Materials supplied by our agency:

- Tents
- Ropes
- Mattress
- Fixed ropes
- Ice picks
- Hammer
- Snow anchor
- All camping equipment and trekking kitchen










What's included

- All transfers by private vehicle according to itinerary.
- 4 nights at the Holy Himalaya Hotel or similar in Kathmandu in BB
- Full board trek in Lodge
- Cook & collective climbing equipment and bivouac at Island Peak base camp,
- French-speaking mountain guide* for the entire trek and ascent
- Trekking team: 1 high altitude Sherpa from 4
- Carrying luggage up to 13 kg/person during the trek (+ 1/2 extra carrier for the group for climbing equipment)
- Sagarmatha & Khumbu Villages CommunityTax trekking permit
- Material/risk bonus for the guide & altitude Sherpa (350 US$ excluding tax per Nepalese)
- Kongma la passage bonus for porters
- Insurance for the guide and the altitude Sherpa (290 US$ per Nepalese)
- Tourist taxes per room at Khumbu
- Staff insurance

What's not included

- Royalties Island Peak spring or autumn indicated separately
- Domestic flights are indicated separately.
- Carrying baggage exceeding 13 kg & domestic flight cargo exceeding 15 kg (hold + hand luggage), $1 per additional kg
- Helicopter supplement in case of cancellation of the plane to Lukla (from 200 US$ extra)/person one way)
- Meals in Kathmandu excluding breakfast
- Personal climbing equipment (see below)
- Nepal visa to obtain at the airport ($50 + photo).
- International flight
- Mandatory medical and repatriation insurance (covering a minimum of US$5,000 in medical & repatriation expenses), PCR test if required
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, etc.

Suppliments

Spring Royalties: 250 US$/participant 

Autumn fees: 125 US$/participant 

Mandatory supplement: Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu flight or alternative by Ramechhap:
432 US$ /participant

Single room in Kathmandu: US$120
Question? Make an inquiry or call (977-1) 451 55 73