Nepal: Climbing and Trekking in the Magical Kingdom

Overview | Everest Base Camp Trek | Island Peak | Chulu East
Mera Peak | Annapurna Sanctuary

Island Peak (20,184')

The Khumbu region is the area of Nepal where the highest peaks in the world are located. From our high point we will have very close views of Everest, Pumori and Lohtse. The Khumbu is also home to the Sherpa culture. This trek and climb will take you from the village of Lukla to the highest peaks in the world. We will camp and hike in an ancient land where the Sherpas cook on yak dung fires and live a very simple life. Our food and equipment will be carried by porters and yaks to make our trip more enjoyable and cultural. This trip will involve trekking above 17,000 feet and a technical climb of a trekking peak above 20,000 feet. Our trek and climb will be supported by a sherpa guide (sirdar), cook team and an experienced SWA team leader.

Each participant will be responsible for their own personal climbing equipment, clothing and proper footwear. Each participant needs to have basic snow climbing skills along with basic technical climbing skills. For those going on the trek and climb that do not meet the minimum requirments we recommend doing some pre- trip climbing instruction with us or another credible guide service.

Itinerary:

• Day 1 -3 Kathmandu. We will be meet at the airport and will go to the Mustang Holiday Inn in the Thamel district. There will be a welcome dinner the first night and an orientation. Days two and three will be spent going to the numberous sights around Kathmandu, last minute shopping and organizing your gear.
• Day 4: Lukla to Pakding. Early morning flight to 9,200 feet and a short walk to Pakding.
• Day 5: Namche Bazaar(11,270'). A short but difficult hill leads to this major village.
• Day 6: Namche Bazaar. This is an acclitimization day and a chance to see the amazing Saturday market. In the Afternoon we will go up to the villages of Khumjung and Kunde.
• Day 7: Dole (13,000') After climbing to a saddle we get our first view of the high peaks of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega and if clear Lhotse and Everest, then descend to the Dudh Kosi.
• Day 8: Macherma. (14,200') Trekking up the Gokyo valley we pass several yersa and see 8000 m Cho Oyu.
• Day 9: Gokyo (15,700'). We will set up camp amid the stone walls and huts ofthis primative yersa.
• Day 10: Gokyo Ri (17984 ') We will climb a hill behind Gokyo where we will view the 8000 m peaks of Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, four of Nepals ten 8000m peaks.
• Day 11: Chugima. We cross the Ngozumpa Glacier to set up for the Cho La.
• Day 12: Dzonglha. We cross the high pass of the Cho La (17,783') to the yersa of Dzonglha.
• Day 13: Lobuje (16,200'). We proceed to our high camp for Kala Patar.
• Day 14: Kala Patar (18,192'). Sitting at the base of 23,000 ' Pumori, Kala Patar offers one of the most spectacular views in the world.
• Day 15: Chukung (15,250').We cross the Kongma La and down into the Imja Khola.
• Day 16: Base camp (17,200'). A beautiful walk takes us to our base camp near the foot of Imja Tse.
• Day 17: High camp (18,400'). A short but steep hike takes us to the rocky ledges where we camp.
• Day 18: Summit day (20,305'). After an early start we climb up a steep rock ridge to the foot of the hanging glacier where we divide into rope teams. A short glacier walk brings us to a 50 degree headwall of snow and ice. Using fixed ropes to ascend the headwall we gain the narrow summit ridge and follow this classic line to the summit. The summit day is hard but fun and exciting with outrageous views.
• Day 19: Dingboche (14,200'). The seemingly thick air of this classic, traditional village will be welcome after the remoteness of our past camps.
• Day 20: Tengboche (12,500'). A beautiful walk takes us to the important monestery of Tengboche.
• Day 21: Namche Bazaar. Walking through forests we go through Trashinga then up to Namche.
• Day 22: Pakding. After descending the steep hill we cross the Duhd Kosi and past several washed out sections to a comfortable camp in pakding.
• Day 23: Lukla. Our last trekking day takes us through Ghat and Chaunrikharka up to Lukla. We will stay in a local bhatti. If flights get cancelled this will be a comfortable place to stay.
• Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu . The second half of a memorable and scary flight.
• Day 25: Kathmandu. This can be for shopping or sight seeing but is also a buffer day in case of a flight delay in Lukla.
• Day 26: Fly home. Afternoon flight.