Island Peak (Imja Tse) Expedition (6189 m)

Himalayan Mountaineering

Ever since the Himalaya in Nepal has been opened for climbing, it has attracted thousands of mountaineers. Thousands of people have challenged their minds and bodies to conquer these magnificent mountains.

Nepal Himalaya has numerous of mountains which are 7 000 m and higher, which require extensive technical experience and a lot of money to climb. Apart from these technical expedition peaks, there was created in 1978, under the control of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), a list of mountains, between 5 587 m to 6 654 m, called “Trekking Peaks”. Unlike the technical expedition peaks, which are a complicated and an expensive affair, these “trekking peaks” can be climbed without financial and administrative problems. There are 1 310 identified peaks which are above 6 000 m, one fourth are officially opened for mountaineering.

Island Peak

Island Peak was so named by the legendary explorer Eric Shipton due to its striking location, like an island in a sea of ice. It stands in the middle of three glaciers with the Lhotse Glacier on its north, the Lhotse Shar Glacier to the east and the Imja Glacier on the south.
We begin with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (2859m). Trekking through the beautiful alpine forests, high altitude pastures and glaciers, staying in villages set on the lap of the soaring jagged peaks, we reach Everest Base Camp. You also get an opportunity to climb Kalapathar (5545m), the best vantage point of Mt. Everest and its surrounding mountains.
After completion of the acclimatization trek, we trek to Island peak Base Camp. All accommodation while trekking are in comfortable lodges, but for the climb we establish a tented Base Camp. A couple of days at Base Camp are allowed for rest and preparation during which relevant skills will be taught or revised that are necessary for the climb.
From Advance Base Camp we climb through a gully which is basically some rocky steps requiring moderate scrambling. At the top of the gully, we put on our crampons and glacier travel begins which proceeds up to a steep snow and ice slope. From here, we climb on fixed ropes set up by our guides for the strenuous ascent of nearly 100 meters. This is the most difficult part of our climb, which is about 45 to 50 degrees slope. Once we are over the wall we climb the ridge following to the summit.
Although no previous climbing experience is required you must be very fit and have extensive outdoor experience to participate in this Expedition.

Grading: This expedition is graded 6 which is equivalent to extremely demanding and challenging. Participants should have at least a basic knowledge of the use of ice axe and crampons, though first time climbers maybe accepted, provided she/he is very fit. We strongly recommend you to undergo extensive physical training at least 4 months prior to the expedition.

Please note: Any ascent of a Himalayan peak must be taken seriously. The Group leader will take all factors concerning group fitness and acclimatization, weather and snow condition into consideration when making a decision. While recognizing that this ascent is important to the group, first priority will always be safety. The decision on whether or not you will be able to attempt Lobuche Peak rest with the Group Leader. His/ her decision is final and must be accepted.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu/ transfer to hotel

Once you reach KTM airport and finish with the immigration and custom formalities be prepared to confront the confusion outside the airport which is common in most of the south Asian countries. As you walk out of the Exit door into the passenger pick up area you will see hundreds of people with different sign boards in their hands, taxi drivers looking for fares, hotel touts looking for customers and porters trying to help with the luggage for tips. Please remain calm and do not walk out of the restricted area into the crowd straight away. Remain there and try to find the Hi On Life’s sign board. Once you spot it, walk straight to the signboard and identify yourself. From here we will take care of you.

When you arrive to your hotel you will be briefed about your activities and “do’s and don’ts” while your stay in Kathmandu. We will also collect some documents from you. Please have the following things handy when arriving.

1. Travel/ Medical Insurance (photo copy)
2. 3 passport size photos
3. Photocopy of your passport.

Day 2 – City tour and Trek briefing

After breakfast you will be taken for a half day city tour where you will be visiting some historical temples and monuments.

Places you will visit:

Boudhanath Stupa: It is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Commonly called Basantapur Darbar  is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Durbar Square was surrounded with spectacular architecture that showed the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries, but several buildings in the Square collapsed due to a major earthquake on 25 April 2015.

After sightseeing you will be return to your hotel and your Group leader will give you your trek briefing and issue you your ‘trek pack’ consisting of a duffle bag, down jacket/or fleece sweater, sleeping bag, inner liner for your sleeping bag and rain poncho. Your afternoon is free for you to do your packing and purchasing your last minute items for your trek.

Day 3 – Fly to Lukla and trek to Benkar

• Distance: 11 kms
• Trekking: 6 hours
• Elevation difference: +700m

A very early morning wake up and transfer to the domestic airport to board our flight which is a small 17 seated Twin Otter or Dornier aircraft. The flight times can be flexible because we need clear weather both in Kathmandu and Lukla to be able to fly. So this can sometimes involve waiting in the terminal for a long time. Once we get the all clear signal we take off to our destination on a 40 min scenic mountain flight to Lukla.After a cup of tea at Paradise Lodge in Lukla we are treading on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads downwards through the alpine valley following the “Dudh Kosi” or Milk River (named after its milky color from glacial silt). We reach Benkar after a half a day walk and end our first day here. Benkar is situated at the bank of Dudh Kosi and the lodge that we will stay at, has a beautiful waterfall behind and an amzing view of Mt. Thamserku (6636m) right in front of you.

Day 4 – Trek to Namche

• Distance: 8 kms
• Trekking: 6 hours
• Elevation difference: +700m

Today we have an easy walk in the morning following the Dudh Kosi crossing it several times on long suspension bridges. We reach Monjo after 2 hours walk which is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park. Here we get your National Park Permits. 30 mins from here, we reach Jorsale where we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue to trek along the Dudh Kosi for 45 mins to reach Larche Doban, which is the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi. Here we cross the famous suspension bridge which is about a hundred meters above the river and 113m long. After crossing this bridge, it is a steady climb for 1 ½  hours to reach Namche Bazaar, which is the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region. On a clear day you get views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kwangde and Taweche on the way to Namche.

Day 5 – Rest and acclimatization

• Distance- Hike to Everest view hotel and back: 6 kms
• Trekking : 3 hours
• Elevation difference: +400m & -400m

As we will have gained about 700m that day, it demands a rest and acclimatization day for the following day. In the morning we will hike to Everest View Hotel where you will have breathtaking views over Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Peak 38, Taweche and Cholatse towards the North, and Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtega and Kusum Kanguru to the East. Towards your west the 5 km ridge called the Skyline ridge which is the summit ridge of Mt Kwangde rises majestically along with Teng Kang Poche, Pachermo and Tengi Regi Taw. We will enjoy this fascinating view with warm drinks and biscuits.You will be back at lunchtime and will have plenty of time to rest or look around the market and shop.

Day 6- Trek to Deboche via Tyangboche 

• Distance: 10 kms
• Trekking : 6 hours
• Elevation difference: +430m

We start as usual around 8 AM after breakfast. Until lunch the trail is undulating along the side of the hill far above the Dudh Kosi. The trail is easy and magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse and Amadablam continues, therefore we will takes this opportunity to have a tea break at Kyangjuma to enjoy the views. After tea we will descend to Dudh Kosi to stop for lunch at a lodge at the bank of the river. After lunch it is a stead 2 ½ hour climb to Tyangboche. Upon arriving Tyangboche your guide will organize a visit inside the monastery. Please make sure that you carry your thick jacket and woolen hat as it is usually freezing inside the monastery while you are attending the prayers and meditation. After spending some time at the monastery, we will descend 20 mins to reach Deboche, through a forest with birch, pine and rhododendron covered with lichens and moss giving it a fairy tale look. We have chosen to spend the night at Deboche instead of Tyangboche mainly because Tyangboche is usually crowded since a lot of tourists walk only upto Tyangboche as their final destination and secondly, Deboche is much warmer since it is much less exposed to wind.

Day 7- Trek to Pheriche 

• Distance: 9 kms
• Trekking: 5 hours
• Elevation difference: +600m

Considering only the trail, today is probably one of the easiest trek, but because we are ascending to 4300m it is to be treaded gently and carefully. We begin with a walk through the fairytale like forest until we reach a bridge to cross Imja Khola. There are chances to spot Danphe (the national bird of Nepal), Blood pheasant, Himalayan Musk deer, and Thar. After we cross the bridge to the other side of the river, you will notice that the vegetation is sparse and you are on the exposed side of the valley. The view of Mt. Amadablam following the river upwards is simply magnificent. An easy 45 mins walk from the bridge reaches us to Pangboche (3990m), which is the highest permanent settlement in the Khumbu valley. We will continue towards the same side of the valley on an undulating trail, with Imja Khola below us and the majestic Mt. Amadablam above. After a 45 min walk from Pangboche we reach Shomare at 4060m. Here we are above the tree line and you will notice that now we are on high, barren and exposed alpine land. We will stop here for lunch.

After lunch we reach a flat exposed area called Orsho which is usually windy and the trail is relatively flat and continues for about an hour. After the end of this “flat trail”, we begin to climb steadily for about 40 mins to reach a pass. From here you will see the beautiful Pheriche valley with Lobuche Peak (6119) at the end of the valley and also Imja Tse (6189m) towards the East, both of which are famous trekking peaks in Nepal. From the pass we descend about 20 mins to the Khumbu Khola, corss the stream and walk another 20 mins to reach our lodge.

Day 8- Rest and acclimatization day

• Distance- Hike to Nangartshang peak and back Distance: 5 kms
• Trekking: 4 hours
• Elevation difference: +600m & -600m

Today we climb Nangartshang peak (5100m) for acclimatization. The trail begins right behind your lodge and it is a steady steep climb for about 3 to 3 ½ hours to reach the summit. The wind is bitterly cold at the top so make sure you carry warm gloves, woolen hats and jackets. It is not necessary to climb right to the top- remember, rest is equally important for acclimatization as climbing high. If you feel healthy and fine, sure, climb to the summit, otherwise an ascent of 400 to 500 m is sufficient for acclimatization. Do not push too hard and get exhausted before the main objective; Everest Base Camp. We come back to lunch by lunch time. In the afternoon you can attend the lecture on High altitude sickness at the Himalayan Rescue Association hospital.

Day 9- Trek to Lobuche 

• Distance: 9 kms
• Trekking: 5 hours
• Elevation difference: +580m

The trail follows the Khumbu khola upwards along the Pheriche valley. The trail is almost flat for about an hour and then starts to climb gently in the beginning and moderately steep towards the end for about an hour. It takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours from Pheriche to reach Thukla at 4620m where we stop for lunch. Just before reaching Thukla, we cross a stream of melted ice which flows just above us in the Khumbu Glacier. Thukla is situated on the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier.

After lunch we climb steeply up alongside the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. After an hour climb we reach the top of the moraine, which is a flat ground dotted around with numerous graves and memorials of the climbers who lost their lives while climbing Mt. Everest and the surrounding mountains. It is a spooky place yet breathtakingly beautiful with unimaginable views of Mt. Amadablam, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taweche and Cholatse rising from below us to touch the skyline to the South. You can find memorials of some of the reknowned climbers of the world here. Right around the corner, you will get your first glimpse of the Khumbu Icefall, Kalapathar and part of Everest base Camp. From here it is an easy 40 mins, almost flat walk to Lobuche.

Day 10- Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakhshep

• Distance: 12 kms
• Trekking: 8/9 hours
• Elevation difference: +400m

We have an early breakfast and hit start today around 6 AM. In the beginning the trail is relatively flat alongside the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. An hour of the easy walk brings us to the bottom of the lateral moraine of Changri Glacier. It is a steep 20 mins climb and we are at the top overlooking the Lobuche valley below us towards the South and Mt. Nuptse and the Khumbu Glacier towards East. The trail leads across the Changri Nup and Changri Shar glacier with short steep ascends and decends through rough moraines of ice and rocks. After about 2 hours of walk through this glacier we reach Gorakhshep. At 5180m, Gorakhshep is the last settlement on the trail to Everest Base Camp, which is a group of tea houses.

We will have a quick lunch here and refill water and head off to our objective- Everest Base Camp. The trail is rough and endless short ascends and decends through rocky moraines alongside the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. About 2 to 2 ½ hours walk along the Khumbu glacier we reach Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is situated right on the top of the Khumbu Glacier. While you are here you will hear the sound of ice cracking below you and witness a few avalanches on the sides of the surrounding mountains. It gives you a sense of how unforgiving climbing mountains can be. After spending some time at the Base Camo and taking pics we head back the same way to Gorakhshep.

Day 11- Ascend to Kalapathar and trek back to Dingboche

• Distance: 15 kms
• Trekking: 8/9 hours
• Elevation difference: -1200m

Another early morning and we head towards the summit of Kalapathar. Kalapathar is famous for its view of Everest, and a bird’s eyes view of the Khumbu Glacier. The climb starts right on the other side of the dried lake across the lodge. It is a steady steep climb for about 2 to 2 ½ hours to reach the summit of Kalapathar. The views are simply fantastic. Right in front of you is Mt. Pumori 71 rising menacingly at 7161m. Magnificent views of Mt. Everest with Khumbu Icefall and the Western cwm, and the South Col connecting with Mt. Lhotse and Nuptse with the view of the entire Khumbu glacier below you makes an unforgettable memory. After spending some time at the summit we head back to the lodge at Gorakhshep and start our journey back.

A 3 hours walk from Gorakhshep will bring us to Dingboche.

Day 12- Trek to Chhukung

• Distance: 5.4 kms
• Trekking: 2 hours
• Elevation difference: +350m

After having two consecutive lang days with early wake ups, today you deserve a lie in. It will be a late wake up call and a relaxing breakfast. It is only 2 hours walk form Dingboche to Chukkung, therefore we can have a late start. The trail in easy and a gentle and gradual ascend following the Imja Khola all the way to Chhukung.

Upon arrival to Chhukung, lunch will be served and then you can settle your rooms. Later your guide will help you choose the right size ice boots to hire (unless you already have your own). The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, reading books or take a short stroll around.

Day 13- Trek to Island Peak Base Camp

• Distance: 6 kms
• Trekking: 4 hours
• Elevation difference: 400m

After breakfast we hit the trail beginning with a climb on the moraines of the Lhotse Glacier moraine. Soon we reach the top of the moraine and then walk on top of the ridge of the moraine that has a drop towards the glacier below. We walk along the ridge for another hour and reach a flat area from where we get breathtaking views of the mountain ridge between Amadablam and Kali Himal. It is a huge pasture with Imja Khola flowing through, where we usually see herds of yaks grazing. We continue to follow the Imja Khola to the source and then turn east towards Lhotse. On a clear day the massive South face of Lhotse and Nuptse seems intimidatingly tall right in front of us. Another hour and a half walk will bring us to Island Peak Base Camp.

It will be lunch time when we arrive at base camp, so we head straight to our mess tent for lunch. After lunch, you will be allotted to your tents, and you can arrange your tents.

The following tents will be at the base camp.

• Members and staff sleeping tents
• A mess tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent

Day 14- Rest and acclimatization day

You wake up when the sun hits your tents, and to the clucking sound of the Tibetan Snow cock right next to your tents, who have come looking for food. Breakfast table is set out in the open with great views of the surrounding mountains.

After breakfast your guides will adjust the size of the crampons to your climbing boots and set your harnesses with jumar, descender and carabiners. Ropes will be fixed in the nearby steep slope where you will be given safety instructions and training on how to use your climbing devices along with techniques of ice climbing and glacier walks. We highly recommend you to practice on the ropes until you feel confident about the techniques and uses of the devices.

Afternoon is free to stroll around the campsite, visit other climbing teams or just relax and get mentally prepared for the climb.

Day 15- Ascend to Advanced Base Camp

• Distance: 2 kms
• Trekking: 2 hours
• Elevation difference: +450m

After breakfast, you can arrange your gears and prepare for your climb. Your guide will suggest you the things that you should bring to high camp and the clothes that you should pack and wear for the summit. Remember, it is only an overnight sleep for few hours at Advance Base Camp, so try to pack minimum but adequate. We usually share 1 duffel bag between 2 members to go to Advance Base Camp and the other duffel bag to stay at Base Camp.

After lunch, you will start your climb to Advance Base Camp. We recommend you to wear your climbing boots and carry your ice axe, crampons and harness in your back pack, because the next morning you will be climbing with all these gears, so it is a good practice.

Upon arrival to Advance Base Camp, you will be allotted to your tents. Arrange your tent and pack and double check if you have packed everything for the climb, because you are not so oriented and organized at 2 AM the next morning! Put your sunglasses in your day pack already and your sunscreen, toothpaste and contact lenses fluid (if you are using) in your sleeping to prevent it form getting frozen. Dinner will be served early and try to get some sleep.

Day 16- Summit Island Peak

• Elevation difference: +800m
• Climbing time: 5 to 7 hours
• Descend back to Base Camp: 4 to 6 hours

Your guides will wake you up at around 2 AM and breakfast will be served in your tent. After breakfast get ready.  Harness on, helmet on, headlamp on, crampons and ice-ax in your back pack, 3 litres of water, grab your walking poles and off you go!

The first 500 meters is through a gully with rough rocky moraine that requires moderate scrambling. At the top of this gully you are at a short but exposed narrow ridge that sometimes requires fix ropes. This is the crampon point. Put on your crampons and your guide will lock you to the main rope attached to all the members. Depending on group size your guides will decide on the number of members in each rope. Here you start the glacial traverse. It is a beautiful and gentle slope but at many places the glacier is cracked and huge crevasses are exposed. If required, ladders will be fixed on these crevasse to make a bridge. At the end of the glacier traverse you reach the bottom of the head wall. This ice wall is 45 to 55 degrees with upto 60 degrees at a few places. Fixed ropes are used here and an hour climb will bring you to top of the wall and to the beautiful ridge that leads to the summit. The view from the summit is something you will never forget with the massive Lhotse South face to the North, Mt. Makalu to the East and the beautiful ridge following west towards Mt. Amadablam. After a short victorious moment at the summit, you start to descend.

You arrive Base Camp in the afternoon.

Day 17- Contingency day

We reserve this day to give another try if we have missed the previous day due to bad weather or any other unforeseen event.

Day 18- Pack up Base Camp and trek to Dingboche

• Distance: 11.4 kms
• Trekking: 4 hours
• Elevation difference: -650m

After breakfast you can pack your bags. The trek to Dingboche follows the same way that you had come up to Base Camp. Lunch break will be taken at Chhukung, where you can return the ice boots if you have rented.

Day 19- Trek to Namche

• Distance: 19 kms
• Trekking: 7 to 8 hours
• Elevation difference: -650m

The trail from Dingboche follows the Imja Khola along a sandy trail down to the bottom of the river where the Imja Khola and Khumbu Khola meets. We cross a bridge and climb for 20 mins and meet the main trail. From here it is the same trial all the way to Namche that we had taken on the way up.

Day 20- Trek to Lukla. (6 hrs)

• Distance: 19 kms
• Trekking: 7 hours
• Elevation difference: -585m

Today is the final day of your trek, back tracking the way we started this epic journey. On arriving Lukla you can check in to your rooms and then fix a meeting with the staff for the last night party. Your guide will arrange and fix a time for the evening. You can collect your group tipping and give it to your guide. He will put them in separate envelopes according to the names of the staff and their share and give them back to you. Usually our groups have a farewell speech and distribute the tips which will be followed with a few song and dances.

Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu

Usually it is an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival to Kathmandu we check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to take showers, spa, shopping etc.

Day 22: Free day

We have allowed this extra day as a buffer day in case of flight cancellation from Lukla back to Kathmandu. You can use this day to do some extra sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Your group leader can suggest and help organize sightseeing trip to some of the most famous sites around the valley.
Some suggestions: Bhaktapur, Swoyambunath.

Day 23: Departure

We will drive you to Tribhuwan International airport about 3 ½ hours before your departure time.

A Day on Your Trek

Although each day is different, considering the weather, general pace of the group and length of the days walk, in general your day begins with a wake up tea at around 6 to 6:30 in the morning. You will then be provided with a bowl of warm water for washing. Then you will need to pack your duffel bag and your daypack and come to the lodge’s diner for breakfast.
After breakfast we will hit the trail and usually walk for about 3 to 4 hours before we stop for lunch. We will give you about an hour and a half rest during lunch, which will also give enough time for the staff to have their lunch and pack. Usually after 3 to 4 hours of walking we finish the days walk by 4 PM. Tea/ Coffee and snacks will be served on arrival to the lodge. Your group Leader will often organize side trips in the afternoon. Your dinner will be served around 7 PM.

High Altitude

On this trek you will be going up to 6476m, so it is very important to understand the affects of altitude. The greatest provocation is going too high too fast. Hi On Life’s itinerary has been carefully designed to minimize the effects of altitude. We ascend slowly and surely allowing enough time for safe acclimatization.
Headaches and breathlessness are common at altitude which in itself is nothing to worry about. In rare cases, this may worsen to Acute Mountain sickness (AMS), so a close watch is kept on all trekkers by the group leader who is trained to recognize the symptoms of AMS which are severe headaches, nausea, lethargy, loss of appetite serious breathlessness even at rest. If any trekkers show such signs they will be descended to relatively lower and safer altitude. The Group Leader’s decision on evacuating such person to a safe altitude is final. Do not medicate yourself without first informing your group leader. Going to altitude slowly with adequate rest and adequate intake of fluid (3 to 4 litres per day), you will most likely have no problems apart from breathlessness on hills which is completely normal as the percentage of Oxygen in the air is relatively lower to that at sea level. The most important thing is not to worry about altitude because our team is there to take care of you.

Staff

Group leader: your most important member of your staff. Our Group leaders are highly trained in all aspects of the trek, conservation, first aid specializing on altitude sickness, emergency procedures and have extensive knowledge of the natural history of the area.

Sirdar: His job is to manage and organize staff duties. He is responsible for the actual operation of the trek.

Sherpas: Their job is to lead your way and distribute equal loads to the porters.

Cook: Responsible for your food. Hygiene of a high standard is taken into consideration in preparing the food.

Porters: They are responsible to transport your duffle bags and their job finishes once they reach the designated lodge. Our porters are provided with Gore-Tex suits, trekking boots, gloves, hats, socks, snow gaiters and snow goggles. Most importantly, we regulate them on a 25 Kg carrying which no other company does. Our clients can therefore feel comfortable knowing that our porters are working in a good humane condition. During the trek you can see porters carrying 60-70 kg and sometimes even more than 100 kg!!)

Weather:

Oct/Nov and March/April

On the trek at lower altitude (2500m to 3500m) during daytime the Max temp can be around 10C to 15C and the Min temp can be 3C to 7C

At higher altitude (4000m to 5000m) the daytime Max temp can be between 2C to 7C and Min temp can be between -8C to -2C

On your summit day: You can expect between -12C to -16C + wind chill factor depending on the wind speed

Dec to end of Feb

On the trek at lower altitude (2500m to 3500m) during daytime the Max temp can be around 0C to 5C and the Min temp can be  – 5C to 2C

At higher altitude (4900m to 5000m) the daytime Max temp can be between -5C to 0C and Min temp can be between -10 C to -20C

On your summit day: You can expect between -15C to -20C + wind chill factor depending on the wind speed

Please note that this is just general information and it could vary.

Recommendations for things you should bring:

Clothing:

Head: 

• Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears
• Balaclava
• Sunhat
• Glacier sunglasses with side shields, 1 pair ski goggles (optional)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Buff or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions

Upper Body:

• 2 polypropylene or wool mix t-shirts
• 2 polypropylene or wool mix long sleeve t-shirts
• 2 long sleeve thermal underwear shirts, lightweight preferably woolen
• 1 polar fleece pullovers medium weight or 1 heavy wool thermal underwear
• 1 polar fleece jacket, OR Primaloft/ Down light weight jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
• For high altitude use, 1 very warm goose-down jacket with hood (we provide this)

Hands: 

For trekking:

• 1 pair light weight windstopper gloves

For climbing:

• 1 pr. lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair mittens, consists of 1 Gore-tex over mitt matched with the very warm polar Fleece mitt liner OR  down gloves

Lower Body:

• 1 pair walking shorts
• 1 to 2 pair walking trousers for trekking
• 2 pair lightweight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms OR polar fleece trouser
• 1 pair Primaloft OR light weight down trouser for evenings at Base Camp and Advance Base Camp
• 1 pair Gore-Tex trousers, Waterproof/breathable with side zips

Feet:

1 pair climbing boot preferably for 6000m+ (you can also hire plastic boots in Kathmandu)
1 pair treking /walking boots with good ankle support
1 pair trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for Kathmandu and in camp;
1 pair down booties (optional)
2 pair med-heavy preferably wool socks
2 to 3 pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool
2 to 3 pair lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool

Sleeping:

We provide:

• 1 down sleeping bag (rated to – 20 Centigrade or -0 F )
• 1 polar fleece liner
• Exped Down 7W mattres and foam kari-mats.

Rucksack and Travel Bags:

• 1 medium rucksack (40-50 litres)
• We provide you 1 big duffle bags.
• Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.

Assesories:

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit
• 1 cigarrette lighter
• 1 compass or GPS (optional)
• Camera
• Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are useful also
• 3 Water bottles (1 litre)
• 1 small folding knife
• Books, playing cards, ipod/mp3 player, games, small musical intruments
• Adequate amount of batteries, etc.

Healthy and trouble free holiday

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entering Nepal. However please consult a doctor for vaccination against Typhoid, Meningitis, polio, and hepatitis. If you have special dietary requirements or allergies, please through your agent, give us a list of what you can and can’t eat so that we can provide proper food for you.
If you are undergoing a course of prescription medicine, please ensure that you have sufficient supplies for the entire holiday. Some types of drugs including antimalarials have side effects at high altitude; therefore please consult your doctors regarding these drugs. The places you trek are mosquito free and there has been no report on malaria in Kathmandu for the past couple of decades.

Insure yourself

We highly recommend you to take a comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance before leaving home. This should cover for your loss of baggage, airline delays, sickness and accidents. And it should also cover you for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation.

In case of Lukla flight cancellation: Sometimes due to bad weather Lukla flights get cancelled. This may make it difficult for you to connect with international flights. In such an event and if the group as a whole wishes to charter a helicopter, which is an ideal solution to Lukla flight delays, we can arrange for it. Your will need to pay about 400 USD per person.

Money Matters

The ideal currency to bring with you is USD.

In Kathmandu: Each meal will cost around 4 to 6 USD. Plus 10 to 20 USD for your taxis if you wish to go around the city.
On trek: You will need around 6 to 10 USD per day. This money is for your hot showers, chocolates, soft drinks and beers etc and also for small donations in the monasteries.

Tipping

Although tipping is entirely optional and personal matter the following is recommended as a guideline

In Kathmandu: for bellboys, waiters and porters 30 to 50 Nepali Rupees

On the trek: At the end of the trek it is a customary to tip the field staff.

• For Staff: 100-150 USD depending on group size. The group leader will collect the tip and then split it between the staff and put it in envelops so that the trekkers can give it to the staff during the “Farwell Ceremonies”. Your Group Leader is not included in this tip.
• For Group Leader: 30 to 50 USD per person

Some Do’s and Don’ts

Nepalese people treat visitors as special guests. Although they will never rebuke you publicly for unknowingly offending them, we must consider their culture.

While in Nepal please observe the following:

• Full or partial nudity is not accepted
• Over display of affection between men and women, especially in temples and monasteries are discouraged
• Please remove your shoes before entering monasteries and temples
• Never point the soles of your feet at a person or shrine
• Many Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus. Please ask before entering
• Locals walk around the Mani walls and Stupas in a clockwise direction as a respect and they expect you to do the same although it is not compulsory

“TODAY IS YOUR DAY! YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING, SO… GET ON YOUR WAY!”
DR. SEUSS

Price Includes:

• All internal transportation including both way airfares to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
• with domestic terminal taxes
• Services of English or/and Swedish speaking guide
• Porter’s and Sherpa’s assistance
• 4 nights in tourist class hotel on bed and breakfast basis while in Kathmandu
• Welcome dinner
• Half day guided city tour with lunch
• Use of a personal trek pack consisting of: Duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping
• bag with an fleece inner-liner
• Use of climbing equipments: Ropes, carabineers, pitons, jumars, ice axe, harness and ascenders and decenders
• All camping and kitchen facilities
• All meals while on trek
• Afternoon tea/coffee service on arrival at the lodge
• Boiled and treated water 2 times a day while in lodges and 4 times a day while camping
• Twin share accommodation in trekking lodges with shared bath and toilet facilities
• All climbing permits and National Park fees
• Staff insurance, tourist service fee and all taxes applicable as per state law

Price Excludes: 

• Personal accident and rescue insurance. You must provide your own rescue insurance
• Mineral water, beer, soft drinks and extra tea/coffee outside of normal meal times
• Showers while on trek
• Private room accommodation in Kathmandu unless a single supplement is paid
• Optional tips to guides and porters
• International airport departure taxes
• Visa costs
• Helicopter evacuation in the unlikely situation, although we do arrange for it and make
• the necessary documents so that you can claim from your insurance

Inquire for Price

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