Climb ISLAND PEAK 6160 m or TREKKING EVEREST BASE CAMP – KALA PATTAR 5644m

October 3, 2022

Coming Soon…

High-altitude trekking expedition in Nepal, on the “road” to Everest Base Camp (5340m) and for mountaineering enthusiasts, climb Island Peak 6160m. Our trekking expedition will take place on one of the most popular treks in the world, with views of the majestic Everest and Ama Dablam.

The first historical records of Nepal appear shortly after the 7th century BC when the Mongolian tribe Kirati first inhabited the fertile Kathmandu Valley. A key factor that contributed to the independence of this tiny country over the years, despite being located between the two superpowers of India and China, is its unusual geographical position.

Nepal is a gifted country. It includes most of the Himalayan peaks, as it is home to 8 of the 14 peaks in the world over 8,000 meters, as well as thousands of other peaks, dense forests, rivers, and gorges. The area is characterized by an extremely limited road network in contrast to the vast network of trails it has.

The Sherpa, the “Mountain People,” are considered descendants of Mongolian ethnicities from Tibet, who settled in the Khumbu Valley of the Himalayas, in the northeastern edge of Nepal, in the 17th century. Their name means “the people who live in the east.” The Sherpa have gained worldwide fame as guides and porters in the Himalayas. They were the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest (1953), and Mount K2 in winter (2021).

Reaching the Base Camp of Mount Everest is a legendary achievement, and overall a commendable experience. Our trek will start from the village of Lukla (2,860 m) after a flight from Kathmandu. We will carry only a daypack with essentials, so we stay rested and can enjoy the journey. Trekking through the Khumbu Valley and passing through local villages (Sherpas), we will be able to feel the sacred character of the area through the Buddhist monasteries scattered along the route. We will encounter colorful prayer flags and metal bridges with which we will cross the dreamy, deep gorges. Our evenings will be rewarded with rest, warm Nepalese food, and conversation with fellow travelers and local guides around the fire, and who knows, we might find out the reputation that “the friendships made on this journey are quick and deep.”

The rich combination of natural beauty, exciting culture, and personal sense of achievement, along with the warm hospitality of Nepal from the local people, make the trekking to Everest Base Camp one of the most unforgettable in the world.

Our team will enjoy the trek together up to the village of Dingboche where we will split for the next four days of our expedition. One group will continue towards the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp and Group B towards Island Peak Base Camp. Then we will meet at the village of Fheriche full of experiences to share as we continue the return trek.

TRIP PROGRAM

Day 1^st: Arrival at Kathmandu. We arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2^nd: Kathmandu to Lukla by flight, trek to Phakding (2640m) walking hours about 4. After a 40-minute flight on the classic twin-engine plane that connects the mountains with civilization, we arrive in Lukla from where our trek begins. Passing through the village of Chaurikharka and following the right bank of the Dudhkosi River, we reach the village of Phakding (2640m) where we will spend the night. Our first day will be short for acclimatization reasons. B,L,D.

Day 3^rd: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) walking hours about 6-7. After having our breakfast early in the morning, we start our day passing through the two well-known wooden bridges Benkar (2713m) and Jorsale (2804m). Then, we meet and cross at the confluence of the Bhotekosi and Dudhkosi rivers two more bridges named Hillary bridges, where we will stop for lunch. After the scheduled permit check at the National Park checkpoint, we continue for the last 304m of altitude ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, where we will spend the night. Here we will find shops, banks, internet. B,L,D.

Day 4^th: Acclimatization day in Namche. Acclimatization is considered very important at such altitudes, so today we will stay at this altitude for this reason. This day, some short hikes to the villages of Thami and Khumjung will help us acclimatize more easily. B,L,D.

Day 5^th: Namche to Tengboche (3875m) walking hours about 6. After acclimatization and our stay in Namche, we start with a northeast course towards Everest, leaving the village behind. Then, we move on easy trails without significant slopes, admiring the view of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Ama Dablam (6856m), as well as Everest. Passing through the settlement of Sanasa, we descend to the village of Phunki Tanga. Then, we follow an uphill route until we see the imposing monastery in the village of Tengboche, where we will spend the night. B,L,D.

Day 6^th:Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m) walking hours about 6-7. We follow a downhill path, crossing the rhododendron forest and the Imja Khola bridge, where we meet the settlement of Pangboche (3860m). Then, in an alpine field now with an easy and slightly uphill route, we reach the village of Dingboche, from which the tranquility and the view of Lhotse (8501m) and Island Peak (6189m) are enchanting. Here we will also spend the night. B,L,D.

Day 7^th: Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m) walking hours about 6.

(Group B) Dingboche to Chukhung (4,710 m) – 3 hours We start our day uphill and move slowly now due to altitude, heading towards the settlement of Duglha, where we rest. After some uphill sections, we encounter the memorial of climbers (who lost their lives on the Khumbu Glacier). This point is famous for the amazing view, both of the valley and of Nuptse (7879m), the highest mountain in the area. Overnight in the settlement. B,L,D.

Day 8^th: Lobuche – Gorak Shep (5160m) – Everest base camp (5340m) walking hours about 8.

(Group B)Chukhung- Island Peak Base Camp (5,240 m) – 4 hours After a good breakfast (because we have a long and difficult day ahead of us), we start our route through the wide valley, at the foot of the glacier, until we reach Gorak Shep, characterized by its few houses and the sand everywhere due to the wind. At this point, we will rest before continuing our journey to Base Camp, where we will have the opportunity to meet many yaks, as well as Sherpas carrying heavy loads for the Everest Base Camp. From this point, we will enjoy the view of the glacier, which is one of the most dangerous parts of the mountain. We return to Gorak Shep, where we will have our dinner. B,L,D.

Day 9^th: Gorak Shep – Kala Pattar (55450m) – Lobuche walking hours about 7.

(Team B) Climb to Island peak and return to Chukkung Our day starts in the early morning hours, so we have the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise at Kala Pattar, the highest point on our planet (where we can find a webcam). We are at the foot of Pumori, with views of the highest mountains in the world, such as Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Changtse, Taweche, and Kantega. Loaded with magical images, we descend to Gorak Shep, pack our luggage, and continue to the village of Lobuche where we will spend the night. B,L,D.

Day 10^th: Lobuche to Feriche. walking hours about 5.

(Group B) Chukkung – Pheriche 4 hours B, L,D.

Day 11^th: Pheriche – Namche walking hours about 7.

Namche to Lukla. walking hours about 8. B, L,D

Day 12^th: Namche Bazaar – Lulka walking hours about 8. B, L,D

Day 13^th: Fly to Kathmandu. We take the earliest possible flight, as, due to weather, some flights are canceled during the day. We arrive at our hotel for a hot bath and relaxation, which we all need. B,D.

Day 14^th: Kathmandu at Leisure(free day). We use this extra day either in the mountains due to our flight cancellation or due to weather. B.

Day 15^th:Back home. Having enjoyed and gained unforgettable experiences, sensations, and emotions, we transfer to the airport to take the road back to our homeland.

Cost

Cost (Trekking Everest b.c) for a group of 4-6 people 2870 euros / person

Cost (Climbing Island Peak) for a group of 4-6 people 3690 euros / person

Applications for participation until January 15, 2023, with a deposit of 1690 euros

Full payment by February 15, 2023, for the total amount

Included:

Transfer to and from Kathmandu airport
Overnight stays in Kathmandu in a 3-star hotel or similar with breakfast
Air ticket Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
Permit for the Kumbu national park
English-speaking local guide, (2 local guides for the days of climbing Island Peak) and Greek leader
Meals on the mountain (breakfast. B, lunch. L, dinner. D.) as per the program
Accommodation in hostels, tea houses, and tents (Island Peak b.c) as per the program
Local porters for our luggage during the trekking
Medical insurance coverage for life or accident & air transport insurance.

Not included: