Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft)

TIA - Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, an airport representative will greet you with an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the terminal. You will then be transferred to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle.

Note: If you arrive after 4 pm, our guide will brief you about the trip during a pre-trip meeting. Please ensure you ask any questions you may have. If you arrive before 4 pm, the meeting will be held at our office on the same day. During this meeting, you will meet your trek leader/guide. Please bring your passport, three passport-sized photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. Any outstanding balance should be cleared, and you will need to sign the trip form and non-liability disclaimer.

Fly to Lukla (2,804 m/9,199 ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft) - 3 to 4 hours

Phakding - The day begins with an early morning flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,804 m). Upon arrival, the guide will brief you and introduce the porters before starting the trek to Phakding (2,610 m).

After landing, there is time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew organizes and loads the trekking equipment. The trek begins with a descent towards the Dudh Kosi River, joining the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaunrikharka (2,713 m). The walk is easy, passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m) before reaching Phakding.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m/11,289 ft) - 5 to 6 hours

Namche Bazaar - The trek continues along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing the river multiple times on thrilling suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail ascends steeply with stunning views. Namche Bazaar, known as the Gateway to Everest, offers quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange services, internet cafes, and bakeries. It is the largest town on the Everest trail.

Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day

Namche Bazaar - A day is spent in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize and adjust to the altitude. A short trek leads to a museum showcasing the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. A hike to Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel, one of the world’s highest hotels, offers rewarding views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest.

Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) - 5 to 6 hours

Tengboche Gompa - The trek continues along the glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent mountain views. Upon reaching Tengboche, at an altitude of 3,860 m, the monastery features ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot Buddha sculpture, and the Lamas’ musical instruments and robes. A prayer ceremony can be observed either in the evening or morning, depending on the day’s trek.

Trek to Dingboche (4,350 m/14,272 ft) - 5 to 6 hours

Dingboche - From Tengboche, the trail descends to Debuche, crosses another suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among thousands of mani stones. The uphill trek continues to the traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, offering exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. The pace is relaxed to prevent altitude sickness.

Acclimatization Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m/16,676 ft) - 4 to 5 hours

Dingboche - This day is dedicated to acclimatization. Instead of progressing towards Everest Base Camp, a hike to Nangkartshang Peak above Dingboche is planned. The peak offers excellent views, especially of the stunning Ama Dablam. If the weather is clear, Ama Dablam can be seen from summit to base. The afternoon can be spent exploring the village or resting.

Trek to Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft) - 5 to 6 hours

Lobuche - The trail continues along the Khumbu Glacier’s lateral moraine, passing stone memorials for climbers who perished on nearby summits. The climb continues to the village of Lobuche, located at the foot of the giant Lobuche peak. Breathing difficulties may occur due to the altitude.

Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m/17,602 ft) and Return to Gorak Shep (5,180 m/16,995 ft) - 7 to 8 hours

Everest Base Camp - This challenging day involves walking along the Khumbu Glacier to Everest Base Camp at 5,365 m, the closest point to Mt. Everest without mountaineering equipment. In spring, expedition teams may be preparing for the summit. The view of the Khumbu Icefall from Base Camp is spectacular. The night is spent back at Gorak Shep.

Hike Up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m/18,225 ft) Early in the Morning and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,200 m) - 7 to 8 hours

Kala Patthar - This is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek. The morning is spent climbing Mt. Kala Patthar, a small peak at 5,555 m. The ascent is demanding but offers a magnificent mountain panorama: Everest, the highest point on the planet at 8,848 m, towers directly ahead, surrounded by giants like Nuptse, Pumori, Chagatse, Lhotse, and others. A quick descent to Gorak Shep is followed by a hot breakfast, then a trek down to Pheriche.

Trek to Chukhung (4,710 m/15,452 ft) - 3 to 4 hours

Chukhung - From Pheriche, the route leads to Dingboche, followed by an ascent to the Chukhung valley.

Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,240 m/17,191 ft) - 4 to 5 hours

Imja Tse - From Chukhung, a leisurely start follows the Imja Valley with stunning views of Ama Dablam dominating the skyline. The trail follows the moraines from Lhotse (8,501 m) to the sand flats at Pareshaya Gyab. The Base Camp is reached by mid-afternoon. Accommodation is in a tented camp with meals prepared by a professional camping team.

Climb Island Peak (6,187 m/20,299 ft) and Return to Chukhung (4,710 m/15,452 ft)

Imja Tse - Two days are allocated for climbing Island Peak in case of bad weather. The climbing strategy is determined by the climbing Sherpa leader, considering the group’s acclimatization, weather, snow conditions, etc. Ice climbing training is provided to ensure proficiency with climbing gear such as ropes, ice picks, harnesses, crampons, etc. The final climb begins early in the morning, taking 4-6 hours. Although not technically difficult, the snow slopes are crevassed, and the headwall is steep, requiring a head for heights. Reaching the summit requires willpower and stamina. The summit view at 6,187 m is breathtaking, with Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, and Baruntse towering above a sea of smaller peaks. If conditions are favorable, descent back to Chukhung follows the summit attempt.

Spare Day for Climb in case of Bad Weather

Chukhung - This day is reserved as a spare day. Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change daily. If the weather is extremely bad on Day 14, the peak can be summited on this day. However, if the weather is favorable, the trek can continue, and this day can be used for rest or relaxation along the trail until reaching Lukla. As flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are pre-booked, immediate changes may not be possible, especially during peak seasons.

Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) - 6 to 7 hours

Tengboche Gompa - Leaving the mountains behind, the descent passes through Dingboche, Orsho, Shomare, and Lower Pangboche, reaching the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River. The trail ascends gradually through Debuche to Tengboche.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m/11,289 ft) via Khumjung (3,780 m/12,401 ft) - 5 to 6 hours

Namche Bazaar - From Tengboche, the trail descends steeply through beautiful forests of juniper, rhododendron, and fir to Phunki Tenga. After a break and a cup of tea, the trail crosses the Dudh Kosi River and climbs to Trashinga. The trail contours high above the valley to Shanasa, with the option to visit Kunde and Khumjung villages before returning to Namche Bazaar for the night.

Trek to Lukla (2,804 m/9,199 ft) - 6 to 7 hours

Lukla - The final day of trekking returns to Lukla, where the trek began. This time is for reflecting on the trek as a group and celebrating the personal achievements of all participants. The afternoon is free for relaxation, exploration, and enjoying a hot shower. In the evening, celebrate with drinks and dancing with fellow trekkers.

Morning Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Tenzing-Hillary Airport - The 35-minute scenic flight back to Kathmandu offers a last glimpse of the mountains. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred back to the starting hotel.

For those interested in extending the trip, options include a Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking, and other activities.

Transfer to the International Airport for Final Flight Departure

TIA - The trip concludes with an airport representative dropping you off at Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your departure flight from Nepal.

• Seasonal fruits throughout the trek
• All administrative expenses and government taxes
• Filtered water in the trails using Katadyn Pocket Water Filter
• Lunch
• Group climbing equipment (Climbing rope, ice screw, snow bar and ice hammer)
• Dinner
• Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff
• Breakfast
• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle
• Tented camp accommodation and all meals during the 1/2-nights stay at the Island Peak Base Camp
• Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu
• Climbing Sherpa to guide you in summiting the Island Peak
• Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests)
• Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation in the trek with attached toilets in Lukla, Phakding & Namche
• All standard meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). Farewell dinner on the last night.
• Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sun hat (yours to keep)
• Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (4 nights only)
• All permits and documents necessary for climbing the Island Peak
• Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
• International airfare and airport departure tax
• Nepal entry visa
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
• Personal trekking equipment
• Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
• Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section

This expertly crafted climbing itinerary begins with an acclimatization hike to the renowned trekking destinations of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, offering close-up views of Mt. Everest before ascending Island Peak. The mountain was named “Island Peak” in 1952 by Eric Shipton, who found it reminiscent of an island amidst a sea of ice. Locally, it is referred to as “Imja Tse” in the Sherpa language.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.