Lobuche east peak and Island peak Expedition is most special 27 days long trip of two peak combined climbing trip of Guide Nepal holidays which covers successful ascent of Lobuche peak as well as Island peak together with most famous trekking to Everest base camp and Kalapatthar including trekking of Gokyo ri via chola pass, which is border between two popular treks in Khumbu Everest region- EBC & Gokyo valley. This special two peak expedition including trekking to base camp of Everest and gokyo valley is only designed for trekker's and climbers with adequate experience of previous high altitude trekking or climbing. our itinerary is well prepared to meet guidelines of altitude mountain sickness( AMS), however trekker's must be in good physical shape as well as experience of at least trekking above 3000m and if they have knowledge of using crampons or basic ice climbing or rock climbing training would be more helpful for them.
The best season for this Island peak and lobuche peak climbing is mid september to November and March to Mid June and Guide nepal holidays arrange all peak permits, trekking permits and logistic arrangements.
This wonderful trekking and peak climbing takes you into the heart of the Khumbu, Gokyo (4,750m/15,584ft) and Everest Base Camp base(5,357m/17,575ft). An ascent of Gokyo RI (5357m/19,216ft) and Kala Pattar (5,545m/18,192ft) is good acclimatization and gives you magnificent close-up views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and more. You will cross the Chola pass (5,420m/17,782ft) ascend one of the popular peak of the Everest region.
The Lobuche or Lobuje Mountain consists of two different summits, viz. East and West with heights of 6,119 m and 6,145 m respectively. A continuous ridge connects them but there is still a sharp gap and a considerable distance between them. The East Peak is recognized as a trekking peak, whereas the West is known as an Expedition Peak. Lobuche being an attractive mountain offers various existing routes and also a potential for new ones. The dark triangle of its rocky East face rises over the moraines of the Khumbu Glacier to a spectacular skyline, forming the south ridge. Descending a marked notch and climbing steep snowy slopes to the top reach the peak of Lobuche East. On most occasions, the mountain is climbed on the summit ridge only as far as a subsidiary snow summit, south–east of the true peak and before the notch. This peak is identified as the false peak. Laurence Nielson and Ang Gyalzen Sherpa made the first ascent to Lobuche East on 25 April 1984 although there are possibilities that others have reached the summit before. But no records are available.
The Island Peak (Imje Tse 6,189m/20,300ft) is located at the heart of Khumbu region which is recognized as a moderate Climbing peak of this area. Island peak climbing can be very useful to the climbers who are planning to go for higher altitude peaks afterwards. Island peak climbing can fulfill the dream of the climbers who are seeking the thrill of adventure and wish to widen their experience towards the peak climbing& expedition. This professionally designed Island peak climbing itinerary takes you to the acclimatization hike to the most popular trekking destination of Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar first for the close up views of Mt. Everest before scaling the pick. Island Peak was the name given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton’s who thought it to be reminiscent of an island in a sea of ice. It is also known as "Imja Tse" in Nepali Name.The Mountain is an extension of Lhotse Shar, and is located between the Lhotse and Imja glaciers, standing at 6,189m/20,305ft. After a trans Himalayan flight, We start our trekking from Lukla slowly up towards the Dudh Kosi valley, We across a Hilary Suspension bridge and start climbing up gradually towards a big hill to get Namche. We continue trek to Tengboche Pheriche and accommodate at high altitude in Gorekshep. After enjoying with magnificent views of Mt Everest and surrounding peaks, we continue descend to Chhukung to prepare for the ascent of Island Peak. After a day of walking from Chhukung we reach the Island Peak Base Camp to prepare for to attempt the peak. It may take an additional day or two to scale the peak depending on weather conditions. You will endeavor the summit (6,189m/20,305ft) after one night at the High Camp perched on the South West Ridge where magnificent vistas of the Khumbu can be seen from the top. For some people reaching to the summit from the base camp is a day activity. However, most of the climbers prefer alpine style camping at high camp which adds the joy of climbing and also helps a safe ascent. After a successful climbing, our trip comes back to Lukla and end after flying out from Lukla to Kathmandu in morning.
At Kathmandu international Airport, After Visa formalities complete, we have to come downstairs to collect Luggage and proceed to outside from terminal Building. Please check our Company Name board, Our Guide will be waiting with Guide Nepal Holidays display board at the arrival gate. Upon our arrival at Kathmandu international airport, we will be warmly welcome by our Airport representative guide with Silk scarves as per Sherpa customs.
You will be transfer to hotel by Private Vehicle. Check in at Hotel, free welcome drinks tea/coffee or any cold drinks/Juices. Company Manager will meet you as per your prefer time & will provide detailed Plans and Briefing about the trip. At the Evening we will offer you welcome dinner at best authentic Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy the best Nepali food and cultural show.
Dinner included overnight stay at best hotel in the Kathmandu.
Early morning flight by small twin otter to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft). After final preparations, the trekking starts passing Chaurikharka village, and makes a descent towards the Dudhkosi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). The trail follows the precise bank of the Dudhkosi River until camp at Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft) is reached. This first day is short for acclimatization reasons.
The trail cross Dudhkoshi River through a long suspension bridge then trail leads you crossing side by side along the river to Hilary's Suspension Bridge.The trail further climbs from here to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft).
This is the first of the two specific acclimatization� days. You can spend the day taking a day walk hike to Thame, by visiting Khunde or by relaxing and exploring Namche Bazaar; the main centre in the Khumbu region and has shops, restaurants, a bakery, hotel with hot showers and electric power. There is a colorful market each Saturday. Or if you are already acclimatized with Altitude, you can trek upto peaceful Sherpa village- Khumjung for overnight from where views of Mt. Everest, Ama dablam are awesome.
The trek of today climbs the hill to Khumjung and descends to the valley of Dudh Koshi. The route to Goyko turns north, climbing above the more frequented route to Tengboche and Everest base camp. It climbs gently to a ridge top at 3973m. From here we descent in steep switchbacks down a sandy slope to the Dudh Kosi river. After crossing this river on a suspension bridge we arrive in Phortse Thanga (4 hrs).
In aid of acclimatization the time spend trekking today is short. The trail first climbs steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which give away to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers. This part of the trek is especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming. We pass a herders’ hut at Tongba (3950m) and then climb gently to Dole. From here the views of Khumbila and Tawachee are tremendous throughout the day, and it is possible to climb a ridge behind Dole for an even broader view up and down the valley (2-3 hrs).
The trail climbs to Labharma and Luza. The path is steep in most of the places as it climbs through scrub junipers. The trail continues to climb along side of the valley high above the river and then crosses the sandy slopes finally reaching the village of Machhermo (4,465m/14,649ft), for overnight. This is the village where it is believed that a Yeti killed several yaks and attacked Sherpa women.
From Machhermo, it is a vertical climb up to the moraine from where the stream comes to a small lake. You can enjoy the views of wood ducks here. Now the valley extend as the trail passes through the Fangka settlement, which then slide down to the riverbank before beginning the climb to the terminal moraine of Ngozumpa glaciers. The trail almost height off as it follows the valley passed the second lake and finally up to the jumble of rocks and boulder and reaches isolated Gokyo Lake (4,750m/15,584ft).
The views around Gokyo are tremendous. You can have this trek in a real lifetime an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful isolated Himalayan scenes by exploring around or climbing Gokyo RI (5357m/19,216ft). It is a two-hour climbing to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho Oyo, Gyachung Kang, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawache. You will take this easy day for rest and acclimatization.
Today is easy about 3 hrs trek to Dragnak or Thaknak. You will spend overnight and this place and be fully ready to long day walk to cross chola pass (5420m).
We will start to walk towards Chola pass base camp very early in the morning. We continue walking across the moraine; the trail makes a steep ascent to the top of the snow covered Chola la (5,420m/17,782ft). From the top, you can enjoy excellent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Mt. Everest. After the pass, the trail descends steeply towards the Dzongla (4,850m/15,912ft) passing through pine forests.
From Dzongla, the trail levels and then makes a gradual climb up and down to the small Sherpa settlement of Lobuche (4,930). This is a small village situated nearby the stream. The sunset on Nuptse is a memorable sight. The trail continues climb to Gorak Shep.
This day leads you to the Base Camp of Everest (5,357m/17,575ft) walking through rocky and glacial trails where climbers gather for summiting Everest. Continue trek return to Gorakshep (4930m/12894ft), for overnight.
Early morning after breakfast, it takes a couple of hours walking up to Kala Pattar (Black Rock) 5,545m/18,192ft; this small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Pumori and Ama Dablam without climbing. We continue trek back to Lobuche.
Today, we begin our trek from Lobuche towards Lobuche Base camp Camp. After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. We move forward along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying the great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega, etc.
Pre-Climb Training: After reaching the Lobuche Base Camp, take rest for some time and make necessary preparation for the summit. After lunch, our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gears such as ice axe, climbing boot, harness, jummer, and how to go up and down using ropes. We believe that some training experience will boost up your confidence and climbing skills thus increasing the chances of scaling the summit as well as fully enjoy the experience.
Starting from the base camp, it rises rapidly to the bottom of the valley and a block area that crosses easily. We then climbed a scree on a path that leads to a small rocky ledge where it will be equipped with the harness and helmet, and watch out for falling rocks. We arrive at the upper camp ideally placed on a tray with a small lake at the foot of the final part of the route. Overnight in tent.
An early start is needed to climb to the top. A system of ledges and rock ramps that lead gradually to the foot of the last slopes of glaciated route we go back. At the same time we gain altitude, inclination is strengthened to reach 45 ° in the last section before reaching a small ledge, the "false summit". The summit ridge then leads easily to the summit of Lobuche is. The view of the peaks of extraordinary Taboche and Cholatse throughout the climb now opens a panorama of Himalayan peaks to 360 °. Overnight at Lodge.
From Thukla, we gradually walk to Chukung. This is day you can fully train or prepare for island peak summit. You can sort out the Climbing gears and have to be ready for climbing Island peak.
The path from Chhukung leads fairly steep way climbing south then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Continue short pleasant walking along a streamside leads to what we call Big-rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak. Over night in Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft).
You will have move to Island Peak high camp, from where you will climb the mountain. The path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel. Overnight in Island Peak High Camp (5,600m/18,372ft).
Island Peak Ascent (6,189m/20,305ft), from early in the morning will have to climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m(330ft) snow and ice slope (40-45°) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. After enjoying the summit views you will descend all the way to Chhukung for overnight.
This is a Emergency day or reserve day in case weather become very poor when you get near peak or this Reserve day is possible to use wherever necessary before and after Island peak climbing. You can use this Reserve day any day during trip in case of little sick or altitude problems.
The trail makes a gradual descent through scrub junipers and around Mani stones as it follows the hillside. The trail passes many Mani walls in deep rhododendron forests where crossing after the Imja khola, the trail climbs many carved Mani stones to Pangboche. Pangboche Gompa is the oldest in Khumbu; a visit will be well worth. Walk down to the valley from where the trail is shallower through alpine meadows. Followed by climb gradually up to Tengboche (3,870m/12,697ft) where the biggest monastery lies in the whole of Khumbu.
Walk down from the rear of monastery and continue down until you reach Phunki Tenga. Climb up gradually through a forest. Once you are out of the forest, you will be walking along a ridge from where you can see down on your left some of the deepest gorges of Nepal. In spring, the rhododendrons will look superb making the valley even more beautiful. Reach Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft), for overnight or we advice you to trek further to Monjo for Overnight for short walk of next day.
Trek back to Lukla along the same trail, although it always looks different coming from the opposite direction on arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek. You can have a good time with two local alcoholic beverages 'Chang' or 'Rakshi.' Feel free to dance with your crewmembers in the Sherpa way.
Early morning fly to Kathmandu .Transfer to your hotel; the day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Morning free for last Minute shopping or time as your own. If you have few more days, please consult with us for other tour extension.Our driver and airport representative drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home. We ensure that you leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime.
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Moderate or Grade B (**)
Moderate or Grade B trips include 1 week to 15 days itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meters altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (nor easy, nor tough). High altitude may matters on walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.
This trek is challenging in itself, but the main challenge lies in the altitude. However, our itinerary is well designed that allows for excellent acclimatization to the altitude as we have 2 nights at Manang an altitude of 3,519 meters for well acclimatization. On your acclimatization day our guide will take you day hike higher places around Manang village. Symptoms of being at altitude include tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea. Altitude affects people differently and being super-fit is no guarantee of being less likely to feel the effects. Where a participant is suffering from the effects of altitude, it may be necessary to walk them back down the mountain. There will be more information about altitude in the information pack we send you upon booking.
Trip Safety:
Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our treks are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your expert Sherpa guide & porters will be equipped with extensive medical kit and other safety apparatus where necessary. They always have access to our 24-hour emergency call. Our leaders (Sherpa guide) are responsible for safety on the trek, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.
In Kathmandu breakfast is included in the price. Lunch and dinner is not included. However,We will provide you free welcome/farewell dinner at special local restaurant. You will dine in a local restaurant and be entertained with traditional Sherpa & Nepali music with cultural show with traditional Sherpa dance. For Dinner & lunch, There are plenty of nice restaurants located near the hotel and you can also eat at the hotel. It is usually cheap to eat at restaurants in Kathmandu. On the trek you will have to buy all the meals at the lodges. You will eat your breakfast and dinner at the lodge where you spend the night and you can buy lunch on the lodges you pass by during the day. Continental menus are generally available, along with soups, Sherpa stew and dishes of noodles or rice. A typical day’s meals are as follows:
Breakfast is usually fairly hearty, and includes porridge, eggs, potatoes and toast. In some places you can get freshly made chapatti instead of toast. Of course, you’ll also have hot drinks, generally a choice of tea & coffee. Our guides always ensure hygiene meals in lodge.
For Lunch & Dinner entrees, they typically begin with a nice hearty soup/ Sherpa stew and then a main course such as potatoes, Mo. MO., noodles, pasta or plenty of rice. You can add vegetables (usually carrots and cabbage), eggs, cheese, or any combination of these to your carb of choice. In some places you can also have a yummy dessert like mars bar roll & pudding.You can buy clean bottled water as well as soft drinks hot tea, drinking chocolate, coffee and beer in most lodges. There is a welcome/farewell dinner with the guide included on the last evening in Kathmandu.
We highly recommend buying good travel insurance to all our valued clients. Your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation if it becomes necessary, as well as the costs of repatriation should you miss your scheduled flight due to accident, injury, illness or simple bad luck. Your insurance must specifically include coverage at altitudes up to 6000 meters before you can attempt to climb the mountain.
Your insurance should also protect against the ‘standard’ travel dangers, including: baggage delay and the loss of personal items; flight delayed, cancelled or interrupted travel; financial default; loss of employment or layoff; missed connection; pre-existing medical conditions; terrorism; and weather, including medical expenses. We will send you the best insurance companies name list & links once you book your trek with us.
Anyone with normal physically fit person can do this trek. The best preparation for nepal treks would be walk everyday. If you can walk uphill and downhill that would even be better. Prepare with cardiovascular exercise many times a week: biking, swimming, hillside climbing and strolling. Go for a four to five-hour walk minimum once a week. Discovery hillsides or high staircases and frequently hike up and down on them.
Generally, You have to walk about 4-7 hours a day with your light day bag in this trek. During the whole trek, our strong porter will carry your main baggage.This will allow you to carry only your light day bag packs. This will certainly help you to complete your trek with enjoyable way.The timing is most important in order to complete this trek without problems. If you want to do it fast, you might run into difficulties. Our itinerary is well plan with few extra days for acclimatization where our expert guide will take you for hike to higher altitudes and sleep at lower altitude.
Last but not least, make sure you always drink enough water. We normally recommend to drinking at least 3-4 liters everyday. Our expert Sherpa guide will be always ready to stop for short breaks whenever you need. once you booked your trek, we will send you more information.
Once you arrive in Kathmandu, we will provide you our company duffel bags. You can put all your trekking gear in duffel bags. We highly suggest you to bring a small daypack to carry for items needed during the day.
At the start of every morning the porters will take your duffel and carry it up to the next teahouse. What this means is you need to pack a daypack with everything you need for the day of trekking as will be difficult to access any of your gear that the porters are carrying until the evening when you arrive at the tea house. To make trekking easier you should keep your daypack as light as possible and only carry what you will actually need while hiking such as snacks, camera, headlamp, poncho, extra layers, sun protection and water bottles.
When flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, there is a weight restriction of 15 Kg about 33 pounds per person including your handbag. To help keep the weight of your checked bag below the 33-pound limit, we suggest you to wear your hiking boots and any heavier clothing items on the plane. Once you arrive in Lukla you can change and repack.
We also provide free luggage storage service for our valued guest. Therefore, You can store your luggage in hotel or in our office whatever you don’t take trekking.
Gokyo Chola Pass trek is quite challenging trek, but the main challenge lies in the altitude & crossing the pass. So well designed itinerary and expert local Sherpa guide advice play vital role for your safe Journeys. Our itinerary is well designed that allows for excellent acclimatization to the altitude as we have 2 nights at Namche Bazzar & sufficient time for well acclimatization along the way to Gokyo Valley. On your acclimatization day our expert Sherpa guide will take you day hiking at higher altitudes places around Sherpa villages and sleep at lower altitudes.
During the Chola pass cross our expert Sherpa guide team will always take care our valued guest for safe cross & do their best to take right & easy path. Symptoms of being at altitude include tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea. Altitude affects people differently and being super-fit is no guarantee of being less likely to feel the effects. Where a participant is suffering from the effects of altitude, it may be necessary to walk them back down the mountain. In case if you couldn’t cross the Pass, still you can walk to Everest base camp as our expert Sherpa guide will find you alternative way to go Everest base camp.There will be more information about altitude in the information pack we send you upon booking.
In Kathmandu you will stay 2 nights in comfortable, clean and centrally located tourist category hotel. During 15 nights in trek you will sleep in local family run lodges. The lodges are small guesthouses run by local Sherpa families. The property differs, but our guides attempt to be book the best lodges for you, but you must be set, that the lodges are in comparatively basic conditions at higher altitude. You will typically find blankets on the beds, but they are not warm enough at high altitude and you must bring your own sleeping bags on the trek or you can hire sleeping in Kathmandu. Most of the places it is possible to get a hot shower. Please make sure whether the water is heated by solar energy in order to protect the vulnerable forest growth. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 250. Although single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation, it might be difficult to find them at higher altitudes.
Once you reach the airport in Kathmandu, our airport representative will warmly welcome you and will transfer to the hotel on a private car. Also Private comfortable transportation is included for whole trip during city tour and sightseeing.
Kathmandu-pokhara-Kathmandu both inbounds and outbound domestic flight worth of US$224 each person is included. Kathmandu to Pokhara through domestic flight is 30 minutes long. Pokhara is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. Located in the western region, in the lap of the magnificent 6777 m high Mt. Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and with Lake Phewa serenely shining right in the middle of the city, Pokhara attracts thousands of tourists every year. The seven big and small lakes in the vicinity also give the name Lake City to Pokhara and serves to make it one of the most idyllic tourist destinations in Nepal.
Lukla Airport is located on a magnificent valley encircled by high foothills. Due to this reason, landing and taking off from Lukla is measured to be demanding and technical. The weather in the Everest area is changeable and is likely to change every few hours causing in flight interruptions or cancellation.
Twin Otter and Dornier planes are the major mode of transportation to and from the airstrip at Lukla. This service is moderately dependable. Nevertheless, if flights are cancelled due to mountain weather situations, to Lukla or from Lukla to Kathmandu, we will assist you charter a helicopter to guarantee you are on plan for your journey and international flight connections.
The additional charges incurred are roughly $2,500 to $3,000 USD per helicopter (USD 300 to USD 3,000 per person) would be applicable to you for the helicopter charter. The helicopter takes 4 to 6 travelers at a time and the cost can be distributed between the passengers. The charge must be paid by the member, which can later be submitted for repayment through travel insurance company. We can assist you with the essential documents for a claim. Participant must pay payment for helicopter at time of service. US dollars cash, or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards, American Express) are accepted for helicopter carrying. Any card payment needs a 4% bank fee, which goes straight to the bank.
The helicopter can fly if the visibility is 1500 meters or more, while the twin otter and Dornier planes can fly if the visibility is 5000 meters or greater, as per Nepal’s Civil Aviation guidelines. If the weather is severe, and the visibility is lesser than 1,500 meters helicopters are also not operated, in such case we will rearrange your flight for next day subject on the availability. If this condition keeps on getting frequent for many days then you would be suggest with the alternate trek options.