International flights.

Arrive in Kathmandu early evening.  Transfer to hotel close to the famous, bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu (H,B)

An early start with a drive to Ramachap to then fly to Lukla (2800m) before a gentle walk to Phakding (2610m).  A spectacular short internal flight takes us to this tiny airstrip town and the gateway to the Sherpa Kingdom.  After lunch we can do the short walk along the typically stony path that descends from the forested terraces of Lukla.  This takes us right into the Dudh Kosi valley and the brightly painted lodges of Phakding.  From here there are stunning views of Kusum Kanguru’s North Face (6367m). (T,B,L,D

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m).  We trek into the Sherpa capital and heart of the Khumbu.  You will now be becoming familiar with local protocol for passing chortens, mani stones, yaks, spinning prayer wheels etc and enjoying the hustle and bustle of trekking and everyday life that exists on the ‘Everest Trail’.  At Monjo we enter Sagarmartha National Park and can visit the small visitor centre there.  Four hours duration.  (T,B,L,D)

Acclimatisation/Rest Day in Namche Bazaar.  It is important to have a couple of nights and a rest day in Namche before proceeding any higher.  You can spend the day taking short walks up to Thami or Khumjung, visiting the Everest, Ama Dablam and Pumori viewpoints or just relaxing and exploring the narrow streets of this busy Sherpa capital. (T,B,L,D)

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3900m) or to Deboche (3820m).  Heading north east up the side of the Dudh Kosi, we climb steeply out of Namche, turn the corner and we are immediately presented with superb views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Tengboche and its stunning monastery are located on the obvious spur below Thamseku but it requires a steep descent to the river and a long steady pull back up. Five hours duration. (T,B,L,D)

Tengboche/Deboche to Dingboche (4358m).  A good day walking through beautiful rhododendron trees that gradually takes us back to the river and into Pangboche, a great viewpoint for Ama Dablam.  On leaving the village we turn up the Imja valley to reach the lovely and picturesque village of Dingboche.  Seven hours duration. (T,B,L,D)

Acclimatisation/Rest day at Dingboche.  An acclimatisation day spent absorbing the views around camp and relaxing.  Optional short trek to Pheriche and its hospital run by the Himalayan Rescue Association.  They run regular and informative talks on acclimatisation and high altitude medicine. (T,B,L,D)

Dingboche to Chukung. Today is dominated by the view of Island Peak at the head of the valley and by the ever changing vista of Ama Dablam’s northern aspect to your right. Ascent of Chukung Ri.  The small village of Chukung is hidden in the moraine of the Lhotse & Nuptse glaciers until just before you arrive.  (T,B,L,D)

Chukung to Island Peak Base Camp.  Another easy day brings you to the narrow base camp below the south ridge of Island Peak. (C,B,L,D)

Ascend to High Camp at 5400m. (C,B,L,D)

Summit day. An early start from High Camp should see us scrambling up onto the glacier as the sun rises. An obvious route weaves its way through the crevasses until a steep climb on fixed lines leads to the awe-inspiring summit ridge with its views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and Baruntse. Descend to Chukhung or use spare summit day tomorrow. (C,B,L,D)

Spare Summit day. (C,B,L,D)

Descend to Pangboche.or  Namche (T,B,L,D)

Pangboche to Namche Bazaar. (T,B,L,D)

Namche Bazaar to Lukla. (T,B,L,D)

Fly Lukla to Ramachap and then transfer to Kathmandu.  Back to the comforts of our hotel in Thamel and the enjoyable hustle and bustle.  This is a good time to buy souvenirs and try your hand at haggling with the local shopkeepers.  Time to celebrate. (H,B). Possible evening international flight.

If not flown yesterday, return flight from Kathmandu, some flights arriving back next day.