Description

 

Lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition – 22 Days

Trip Introduction

Lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition combine ascending two peaks in the Everest Region. Lobuche East is probably one of the most challenging ‘trekkers peaks’ in the Everest region whereas Island Peak (6,189m) is the most popular. On your 22-day journey you will first trek to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, which will not only be a rewarding experience but it will also help you with acclimatization. Next, summit the Lobuche East Peak and descend down to Imja Khola Valley for summiting the Island Peak.

Included in the Cost

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion)
• Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paper work; trekking and climbing permits
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipment
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 02: Trip Preparation Day

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours

Day 05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5- 6 hours

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5-6 hours

Day 08: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 5-6 hours

Day 09: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,594ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft): 6-7 hours

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft] and back to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft): 7-8 hours

Day 11: Lobuche to High Camp (5,400m/17,712ft) afternoon Pre-Climb Training: 3-4 hours

Day 12: Lobuche High Camp to Lobuche summit (6,119m/20,070 ft) and back to high camp: 8-10 hours

Day 13: Lobuche High Camp to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft): 6-7 hours

Day 14: Rest day in Chhukung

Day 15: Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3-4 hours

Day 16: Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20,305ft), back to base camp: 10-12 hours

Day 17: Reserved day

Day 18: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft) 5-6 hours

Day 19: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours

Day 20: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6-7 hours

Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu

Day 22: Final Departure

Not really satisfied with this itinerary ? Make your own

Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu (3 nights), standard teahouses during trekking (13 nights) and tents when climbing (5 nights). Most teahouse accommodation will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, foam mattress will be made available. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. However, single room will be provided on request and by paying a single supplement of USD 400. Also, understand that there are several places that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only up to Namche Bazaar. Above Namche Bazaar single accommodation is not always feasible.

Meals

During our trip, we can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisines (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu. During trekking/climbing, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be made for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During climbing session, hygienic freshly cooked food will be provided.

Team Composition

Trekking : While trekking, we will provide you a fully trained, English speaking, experienced trekking guide. Every 4 members are entitled to 1 assistant guide, also 1 porter for every two members to carry the luggage.

Climbing : We will provide you a licensed, English speaking, veteran climbing guide. There is also the provision of assistant guides, for a group size of 2-4 people; there will be 1 main guide and 1 assistant guide. In a group size of 5-8 people, there will be 1 main guide and 2 assistant guides. Finally with a group of 9-12 people, we shall be offering you 1 main guide and 3 assistant guides. Other staff members will include one experienced cook and necessary Sherpa staff, mostly assistants who will assist in setting up camps during the climb.

This arrangement of staff will ensure the safety of each and every member in the group; also if any member falls ill, the trip will still go ahead as planned. Please also note that the maximum number of people in a group will be 12, as this is the optimum size for a successful trip.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

In order to make your expedition successful you must have lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh weather conditions along with reasonable fitness and stamina. The expedition will usually require 5-6 hours of walking every day. In the Island Peak summiting day however, you will be required to walk for 10-12 hours. No prior climbing experience is required; however previous rock climbing and high altitude trekking experiences will still be an asset. There will also be a pre -ice climbing training for participants to ease them with the expedition. The training will mostly be about using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons. It is important for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, blood diseases and other medical requirements to consult their doctor before taking the trip.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for this trip. Although Lobuche East and Island Peak can be climbed during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

Trip Start Dates and Cost

Check available trip start dates and cost for Lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition. Please contact us for your customized departure date.

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by email. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: 00977-98510-55684

 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and formal completion of your custom and immigration processes, one of our representatives from Himalayan Glacier will be there to greet you at the arrival exit and escort you to your pre-determined hotel. You may relax in your hotel room for the rest of the time or you may stroll around the streets of Thamel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted at an excellent Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy the authentic Nepalese cuisine along with a cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu

Included meals:Dinner

Day 02: Trip Preparation Day

After breakfast in our hotel, we may wander around nearby areas and do some shopping for our adventurous trip the following day. In the afternoon, we will visit HGT office for a pre-trip discussion and meet our trekking guide as well as other participants. You will also be briefed on the nature of expedition, equipment and team composition. Later, we will go back to our hotel and have a peaceful sleep. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet remaining members of our climbing team.  We begin our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours

After breakfast we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5- 6 hours

After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of “outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3:pm so we reach there by three. And, if we are lucky we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5-6 hours

We visit the beautiful Tengboche Monastery in the morning and take pictures of the amazing landscape surrounding it. Then we begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. (We can either walk in the upper or lower Pangboche trails). We are most likely to choose the upper Pangboche trail as it provides a more pristine view of the Himalayas. We also visit the Pangboche monastery. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 5-6 hours

We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,594ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft): 6-7 hours

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft] and back to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft): 7-8 hours

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360-degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Lobuche to High Camp (5,400m/17,712ft) afternoon Pre-Climb Training: 3-4 hours

From Lobuche, we trek towards Lobuche base camp. After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. We move forward along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and other Himalayas. From the base camp, we continue on a rocky moraine path to reach the High Camp. After reaching there, we set up our camp, take lunch and rest. For the climb, we usually will be climbing on rock surface for up to around 5770m. After that, we climb on ice and use ropes when necessary. However, the use of the rope and the length depends upon the season and the crevasses. Fixed rope is used most of the times whereas man rope is used when required.  The climbing leaders will decide what is best for when. Overnight in Lobuche East High Camp.

Pre-Climb Training: Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. We strongly believe that the training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: Lobuche High Camp to Lobuche summit (6,119m/20,070 ft) and back to high camp: 8-10 hours

We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier for a successful summit.  We will most likely be walking on rock surface up to around 5700m after which we climb on ice. We use both fixed rope and man rope as per our leader’s instruction. The climbing surface as well as the length of the rope and depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. Lobuche East offers more panoramic views of the mountains than any other trekking peak. From the summit, you get to enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating and taking pictures, then we get back to the High Camp again for an overnight stay.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13: Lobuche High Camp to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft): 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we retrace our steps to Dughla. Then we enter the Imja Khola valley at the beautiful village of Dingboche. We trek for a few more hours before reaching Chhukung which is the last settlement of the valley. We also notice small group of nomadic huts strategically located at the foot of the Imja glaciers. Chhukung is the point of departure of Island Peak base camp which also offers great views of Lhotse, Nuptse and AmaDablam. (B,L,D)

Note: If we want to undertake the high Kongma La pass, we can follow another route via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14: Rest day in Chhukung

After completingour expedition of the Lobuche East,we will be too tired to attempt Island Peak immediately. Therefore, this day is set aside as a rest day so that we get all the rest we need to begin our next expedition to Island Peak. However, if we prefer to keep ourselves busy then we can visit nearby places as well. Overnight in Chhukung.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15: Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3-4 hours

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the AmphuLabtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16: Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20,305ft), back to base camp: 10-12 hours

We wake up early today at around 1 to 2 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. The guides will fix a rope wherever necessary. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. There are two newly formed crevasses. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island Peak climb.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17: Reserved day

This day is reserved day for the program incase if weather prolongs our planned for the summits or if we could not continue our trekking due to any problem. There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Lobuche East and Island due to bad weather conditions or any other unanticipated reason.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 18: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft) 5-6 hours

Today’s walk will be a much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of KhumbuKhola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages Orsho and Shomare. We can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, AmaDablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the ImjaTseriver flowing through the wide fertile valley.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 19: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours

From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the ImjaKhola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the DudhKoshi River, our trail follows the DudhKoshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 20: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6-7 hours

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing DudhKoshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 22: Final Departure

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals:Breakfast

Not really satisfied with this itinerary ? Make your own

Important Note

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Route Map

Route maps are just representation of the trekking routes. This does not represent the exact geographical conditions.Click here for lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition route map

 

Included in the Cost

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion)
• Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paper work; trekking and climbing permits
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipment
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Not Included in the Cost

• Nepalese visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet,  laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters
• Services not listed in the ‘What Is Included’ section

Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu (3 nights), standard teahouses during trekking (13 nights) and tents when climbing (5 nights). Most teahouse accommodation will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, foam mattress will be made available. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. However, single room will be provided on request and by paying a single supplement of USD 400. Also, understand that there are several places that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only up to Namche Bazaar. Above Namche Bazaar single accommodation is not always feasible.

Meals

During our trip, we can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisines (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu. During trekking/climbing, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be made for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During climbing session, hygienic freshly cooked food will be provided.

 

Trip Introduction

Lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition combine ascending two peaks in the Everest Region. Lobuche East is probably one of the most challenging ‘trekkers peaks’ in the Everest region whereas Island Peak (6,189m) is the most popular. On your 22-day journey you will first trek to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, which will not only be a rewarding experience but it will also help you with acclimatization. Next, summit the Lobuche East Peak and descend down to Imja Khola Valley for summiting the Island Peak.

Route Map

Route maps are just representation of the trekking routes. This does not represent the exact geographical conditions.Click here for lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition route map

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and formal completion of your custom and immigration processes, one of our representatives from Himalayan Glacier will be there to greet you at the arrival exit and escort you to your pre-determined hotel. You may relax in your hotel room for the rest of the time or you may stroll around the streets of Thamel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted at an excellent Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy the authentic Nepalese cuisine along with a cultural program. Overnight in Kathmandu

Included meals:Dinner

Day 02: Trip Preparation Day

After breakfast in our hotel, we may wander around nearby areas and do some shopping for our adventurous trip the following day. In the afternoon, we will visit HGT office for a pre-trip discussion and meet our trekking guide as well as other participants. You will also be briefed on the nature of expedition, equipment and team composition. Later, we will go back to our hotel and have a peaceful sleep. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet remaining members of our climbing team.  We begin our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours

After breakfast we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5- 6 hours

After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of “outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3:pm so we reach there by three. And, if we are lucky we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5-6 hours

We visit the beautiful Tengboche Monastery in the morning and take pictures of the amazing landscape surrounding it. Then we begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. (We can either walk in the upper or lower Pangboche trails). We are most likely to choose the upper Pangboche trail as it provides a more pristine view of the Himalayas. We also visit the Pangboche monastery. From here, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. We descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08: Dingboche to Lobuche (4940 m/16,207 ft): 5-6 hours

We start the day with a gradual climb to Duglha at the end of the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. From here, we climb up a steep trail to Chupki Lhara, where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest submitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepali mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest.  Next, we continue to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and find ourselves facing several great peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. The trail then eases off as we follow the valley to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,594ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft): 6-7 hours

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft] and back to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft): 7-8 hours

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see 360-degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Lobuche to High Camp (5,400m/17,712ft) afternoon Pre-Climb Training: 3-4 hours

From Lobuche, we trek towards Lobuche base camp. After walking some distance on relatively flatter plane, the path to the Lobuche Base Camp gets steeper and rocky. We move forward along the Lobuche Glacier while enjoying great views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, Kantega and other Himalayas. From the base camp, we continue on a rocky moraine path to reach the High Camp. After reaching there, we set up our camp, take lunch and rest. For the climb, we usually will be climbing on rock surface for up to around 5770m. After that, we climb on ice and use ropes when necessary. However, the use of the rope and the length depends upon the season and the crevasses. Fixed rope is used most of the times whereas man rope is used when required.  The climbing leaders will decide what is best for when. Overnight in Lobuche East High Camp.

Pre-Climb Training: Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. We strongly believe that the training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: Lobuche High Camp to Lobuche summit (6,119m/20,070 ft) and back to high camp: 8-10 hours

We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier for a successful summit.  We will most likely be walking on rock surface up to around 5700m after which we climb on ice. We use both fixed rope and man rope as per our leader’s instruction. The climbing surface as well as the length of the rope and depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. Lobuche East offers more panoramic views of the mountains than any other trekking peak. From the summit, you get to enjoy magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, and many more. We spend some time at the summit celebrating and taking pictures, then we get back to the High Camp again for an overnight stay.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13: Lobuche High Camp to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft): 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we retrace our steps to Dughla. Then we enter the Imja Khola valley at the beautiful village of Dingboche. We trek for a few more hours before reaching Chhukung which is the last settlement of the valley. We also notice small group of nomadic huts strategically located at the foot of the Imja glaciers. Chhukung is the point of departure of Island Peak base camp which also offers great views of Lhotse, Nuptse and AmaDablam. (B,L,D)

Note: If we want to undertake the high Kongma La pass, we can follow another route via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14: Rest day in Chhukung

After completingour expedition of the Lobuche East,we will be too tired to attempt Island Peak immediately. Therefore, this day is set aside as a rest day so that we get all the rest we need to begin our next expedition to Island Peak. However, if we prefer to keep ourselves busy then we can visit nearby places as well. Overnight in Chhukung.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15: Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3-4 hours

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the AmphuLabtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16: Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit (6,189m/20,305ft), back to base camp: 10-12 hours

We wake up early today at around 1 to 2 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the high lands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. The guides will fix a rope wherever necessary. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. There are two newly formed crevasses. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island Peak climb.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17: Reserved day

This day is reserved day for the program incase if weather prolongs our planned for the summits or if we could not continue our trekking due to any problem. There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Lobuche East and Island due to bad weather conditions or any other unanticipated reason.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 18: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,074ft) 5-6 hours

Today’s walk will be a much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of KhumbuKhola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages Orsho and Shomare. We can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, AmaDablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the ImjaTseriver flowing through the wide fertile valley.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 19: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar: 4-5 hours

From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the ImjaKhola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the DudhKoshi River, our trail follows the DudhKoshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.  Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 20: Namche Bazaar to Lukla: 6-7 hours

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing DudhKoshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenirs shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 22: Final Departure

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals:Breakfast

Important Note

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Included in the Cost

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion)
• Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paper work; trekking and climbing permits
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipment
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Not Included in the Cost

• Nepalese visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet,  laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters
• Services not listed in the ‘What Is Included’ section

Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu (3 nights), standard teahouses during trekking (13 nights) and tents when climbing (5 nights). Most teahouse accommodation will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, foam mattress will be made available. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. However, single room will be provided on request and by paying a single supplement of USD 400. Also, understand that there are several places that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only up to Namche Bazaar. Above Namche Bazaar single accommodation is not always feasible.

Meals

During our trip, we can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisines (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and breakfasts will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu. During trekking/climbing, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be made for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During climbing session, hygienic freshly cooked food will be provided.

Team Composition

Trekking : While trekking, we will provide you a fully trained, English speaking, experienced trekking guide. Every 4 members are entitled to 1 assistant guide, also 1 porter for every two members to carry the luggage.

Climbing : We will provide you a licensed, English speaking, veteran climbing guide. There is also the provision of assistant guides, for a group size of 2-4 people; there will be 1 main guide and 1 assistant guide. In a group size of 5-8 people, there will be 1 main guide and 2 assistant guides. Finally with a group of 9-12 people, we shall be offering you 1 main guide and 3 assistant guides. Other staff members will include one experienced cook and necessary Sherpa staff, mostly assistants who will assist in setting up camps during the climb.

This arrangement of staff will ensure the safety of each and every member in the group; also if any member falls ill, the trip will still go ahead as planned. Please also note that the maximum number of people in a group will be 12, as this is the optimum size for a successful trip.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

The most significant thing that makes the expedition, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful leader(s) and the crew members with ability of operating our days in the mountain smoothly. Our trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of Himalayan Glacier’s leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities, Himalayan glacier only employs local staff who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of their local region/s. The trek and expedition leaders have undergone the following trainings:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid
• Trekking Guide Training
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
• English Language
• Conservation and Biodiversity
• Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

To meet Himalayan Glacier’s team, check out the Guide Profile Page.

Porter Care

Though often overlooked, it’s no exaggeration to say the entire trekking and expedition industry in Nepal is built on the back of hard working local porters. It is their tireless efforts carrying supplies, equipment and baggage that make journeying to these remote areas possible. Therefore, we are firmly committed to porter rights. We make sure that all our porters are well treated, well paid and we provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other team members and we have previously used helicopters – at our expense – to rescue porters from dangerous situations. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters. (International Porters Progress Group)

Responsible Tourism Practice:

Himalayan Region of Nepal is stunningly beautiful, but equally fragile. Future generations have just as much of a right to appreciate it as we do and so the tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve it. Himalayan Glacier employs a ‘zero impact’ policy on the natural environment and the traditional communities that live there. Himalayan Glacier, therefore, enforces number of do’s and don’ts. Himalayan Glacier’s experienced staffs can advise us on how to minimize our impact on the local environment. To find out more about the clean-up campaigns and environmental awareness events, Himalayan Glacier works with KEEP.  read more…

Travel Insurance

It is a condition upon joining any of Himalayan Glacier’s trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization

Lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less-oxygen. During this trip, a separate day is set aside (in Namche Bazaar) for acclimatization. Also, the visit to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar will help you acclimatize to the high altitude.

Himalayan Glacier advises guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Check out “Altitude illness” by Dr Jim Duff. Himalayan Glacier’s itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

In order to make your expedition successful you must have lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh weather conditions along with reasonable fitness and stamina. The expedition will usually require 5-6 hours of walking every day. In the Island Peak summiting day however, you will be required to walk for 10-12 hours. No prior climbing experience is required; however previous rock climbing and high altitude trekking experiences will still be an asset. There will also be a pre -ice climbing training for participants to ease them with the expedition. The training will mostly be about using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons. It is important for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, blood diseases and other medical requirements to consult their doctor before taking the trip.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for this trip. Although Lobuche East and Island Peak can be climbed during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

Equipments & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for trekking and peak climbing. Also, please understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by Himalayan Glacier inclusive in the service. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter, but you are required to carry a daypack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
• Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards)

Personal Climbing Gears:

• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Harness
• Tape slings (2)
• Screwgate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
• Descender/eight figure
• Plastic mountaineering boots
• Ascender/Jhumar
• Helmet

Group Climbing Gears:

• Snow bar*
• Rope*
• Ice hammer*
• Ice screw*

Head

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens; consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner

 Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• 1 pair of hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks
• Gaiters

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag 30 degree DC
• Fleece sleeping bag liner

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack or 1 large duffel bag *
• Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• Large Ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map/guide book
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swim suit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Trip Start Dates and Cost

Check available trip start dates and cost for Lobuche East and Island Peak Expedition. Please contact us for your customized departure date.

 

 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there is a Himalayan Glacier representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel.  We can then spend the rest of the day taking a rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu: trip preparation

We rest for most of the day and unpack. We visit Himalayan Glacier’s office in the afternoon. Our climbing leaders will check our set of climbing equipment to make sure that they are in good condition for our coming journey. We also get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Paiya (Chutok) (2,730m/8,956ft): 40 mins flight, 5-6 hours trek

We catch an early morning flight to Lukla and begin our trek to Paiya after landing at the Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla. We walk on a jungle trail, cross a bridge over the Handi Khola and reach Surke Village. From here we continue moving south and cross the Chutok La pass before reaching the small settlement of Paiyan, also known as Chutok. Overnight in Paiya.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Paiya to Panggom (2,846m/9,337ft): 5-6 hours

We descend for a while and reach a small bridge. From here the trail is slippery until we cross the Kari La pass. We walk through rhododendron and bamboo forests on a narrow mountain trail. On today’s trip we also get to be in awe of the Dudhkoshi Valley. We continue our trek to Panggom Village whose settlers are dependent on farming and trading. Overnight in Panggom.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05: Panggom to Ningsow (2,863m/9,393ft): 4-5 hours

We begin our trek after breakfast. After trekking out of Panggom, we cross the Panggom La pass. Then we ascend, walk on a steady path and turn north. We cross Peseng Kharka Khola first then after walking for sometime, reach Peeng Kharka Danda. We cross Ningsow Khola (stream) before reaching the Ningsow Village. Overnight in Ningsow.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06: Ningsow to Chhatra Khola (2,800m/9,186ft): 7-8 hours

From Ningsow, we climb first then descend for a while and climb some more to reach Ramailo Danda. From here we get extraordinary views of Mera Peak and Salpa. After ascending and descending on our trail, we enter the Makalu Barun National Park. Our trail from here to Chhatra Khola is called Pasang Lhamu trail. On the way, if we are lucky, we might even come across the elusive Red Panda. Overnight in Chhatra Khola.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07: Chhatra Khola to Kothe (3,691m/12,109ft): 6-7 hours

We walk towards the north on the main trail to Mera Peak. After walking on a trail next to the the Majang Khola, we merge with another trail which moves alongside the Hinku Khola. Our trail moves straight ahead towards Tashing Ongma which has seasonal tea shops. We continue our trek and cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola before reaching Kothe. Overnight in Kothe.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08:  Kothe to Thaknak (4,358m/14,297ft): 3-4 hours

We trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We take lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung, we pass a 200-year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera Peak scripted in rock along with its route to reach Mera. A short walk takes us to Thaknak, which is a summer grazing area with primitive lodges and shops. Overnight in Thaknak.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Thaknak to Khare (5,045m/16,486ft): 2-3 hours

Leaving Thaknak, we follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers, and then climbs more steeply to Khare. From here, we can see the northern face of Mera Peak which will be an amazing experience. After lunch we can hike in and around Khare. Overnight at Khare.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Khare: Acclimatization and pre–climb training

We have a separate day set aside solely for acclimatization and basic training just to prepare ourselves better for the Mera Peak climb. Our climbing leader will help us polish our basic climbing techniques and demonstrate the best ways to use our climbing gears like the ice axe, harness, ascender climbing boots and crampons. The training will also include learning the best climbing technique with the rope. Overnight in Khare.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Khare to Mera High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft): 6-7 hours

We walk through a boulder-strewn course on a steep trail to reach the Mera Peak Base Camp. From here, we continue further through the Mera La pass to reach the Mera High Camp. Our path is along a rocky trail, which can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. Then we set up a high camp while enjoying excellent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse. Overnight at Mera High Camp.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: Mera High Camp to Summit (6,461m/21,1907ft) and back to Khare (5045m/16,547ft): 8-9 hours

This is a really important day for the expedition. We wake up around 2 in the morning for breakfast. It’s going to be very cold in the beginning but soon we warm up as we continue up the glacier and onto a peculiar ridge. The first rays of the sun hit the big peaks in an amazing red glow. The route is still non-technical as we slowly climb higher into the ever-thinning air. The slope steepens for a section behind the ridge and the summit comes back into view. At the foot of the final steep summit cone, we may use a fixed rope if the climbing leader believes it’s required. The summit is only a few meters away. From the summit, we take in spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7 ,129m) and others. Later, we retrace our steps back to the high camp where we rest for a while before descending to Khare. Overnight in Khare.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13: Reserve Day for Contingency

There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Mera on the desired day due to bad weather conditions or any other unanticipated reason. However, if the trip goes smoothly, this day will not be required.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14: Khare to Kothe (3600m/11808ft): 4-5 hours

We trek from Khare to Kothe along the same trail used previously. After reaching Kothe, we celebrate our success by trying out local delicacies and wines. Overnight in Kothe.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15: Kothe to Thuli Kharka (4,300 m/14,107ft): 5-6 hours

We begin our trek to Thuli Kharka after breakfast. We climb up and descend, cross several tributaries of the Inkhu Khola before reaching a forked trail nearby Taktho. We choose the trail on our right and continue walking. Our trail passes by a Chorten after which we walk downhill on a steep trail. Next, we ascend to Thuli Kharka and pass by another Chorten on the way. Overnight in Thuli Kharka.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16: Thuli Kharla to Lukla via Zatrwa La pass: 6-7 hours

We cross the Zatrwa-La pass at 4,600. As soon as we cross the pass, we are welcomed by the sight of the beautiful Lukla Valley which is surrounded by Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru and other Himalayan peaks. From Zatrwa La pass we walk all the way down to Chutang and then straight forward to the Lukla village. In the evening we enjoy dinner in the Himalayas of Nepal with our crew. Overnight in Lukla.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the climbers’ successful summit of the Mera Peak. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 18: Final departure

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Not really satisfied with this itinerary ? Make your own

Important Note

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Route Map

Route maps are just representation of the trekking routes. This does not represent the exact geographical conditions.Click here for Mera Peak Climbing route map

Included in the Cost

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down jacket  (to be returned after trip completion)
• Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paper work; trekking permits and Mera Peak climbing permit
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipments
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Not Included in the Cost

• Nepalese visa fee
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet,  laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters

Accommodations

We will be staying in Hotel Moonlight, a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, standard teahouses during trekking and tents when climbing which are all included in the cost. Most teahouse accommodations will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, foam mattress will be made available. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations in Kathmandu and in teahouses are on a twin-shared basis whereas a single tent will be provided to each individual for the climbing section. We can also request for a single room in Kathmandu by paying a single supplement of USD 350. However, there are several teahouses on the trekking route that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying a single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only in the trekking areas of the lower elevations.

Meals

During our Mera Peak climbing trip, we can enjoy Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian and the more common continental cuisines. A buffet-style breakfast will be provided from our hotel in Kathmandu. All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available during the trekking and climbing sections. Welcome and farewell dinners are also something to look forward to.

 

 

Trip Introduction

Mera Peak Climbing takes us to the summit of Mera Peak (6,461m/21,190ft) which is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. We ascend Mera Peak preferably during the spring and autumn seasons as it’s the best time to climb the mountain for its astonishing views of the Himalayan Vista. Five 8,000m peaks are visible from the summit including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Kanchenjunga.

Himalayan Glacier organized its first climbing trip to Mera Peak in 1992. Our Mera Peak Itinerary is carefully designed with steady ascent and a separate day set aside in Khare to allow plenty of time for acclimatization. The usual route to Mera Peak is directly via the Zatra La Pass, but we follow the route that heads south from Lukla and up the beautiful Hinku Valley and later return via Zatra La pass. Following this route has a few advantages. We not only pass through the beautiful Nepalese wilderness but also through quaint villages which will give us a glimpse into the rich culture of the locals. Additionally, since the route is longer, it’s better for acclimatization.

Mera Peak climbing is an excellent option for anyone with moderate mountaineering experience. It is a challenging trekking peak due to its elevation, but the technical mountaineering skills requirement is very basic. Besides, Himalayan Glacier’s seasoned Sherpa guide will provide us with a basic mountaineering training before the actual summit.

Route Map

Route maps are just representation of the trekking routes. This does not represent the exact geographical conditions.Click here for Mera Peak Climbing route map

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there is a Himalayan Glacier representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel.  We can then spend the rest of the day taking a rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu: trip preparation

We rest for most of the day and unpack. We visit Himalayan Glacier’s office in the afternoon. Our climbing leaders will check our set of climbing equipment to make sure that they are in good condition for our coming journey. We also get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, trek to Paiya (Chutok) (2,730m/8,956ft): 40 mins flight, 5-6 hours trek

We catch an early morning flight to Lukla and begin our trek to Paiya after landing at the Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla. We walk on a jungle trail, cross a bridge over the Handi Khola and reach Surke Village. From here we continue moving south and cross the Chutok La pass before reaching the small settlement of Paiyan, also known as Chutok. Overnight in Paiya.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 04: Paiya to Panggom (2,846m/9,337ft): 5-6 hours

We descend for a while and reach a small bridge. From here the trail is slippery until we cross the Kari La pass. We walk through rhododendron and bamboo forests on a narrow mountain trail. On today’s trip we also get to be in awe of the Dudhkoshi Valley. We continue our trek to Panggom Village whose settlers are dependent on farming and trading. Overnight in Panggom.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 05: Panggom to Ningsow (2,863m/9,393ft): 4-5 hours

We begin our trek after breakfast. After trekking out of Panggom, we cross the Panggom La pass. Then we ascend, walk on a steady path and turn north. We cross Peseng Kharka Khola first then after walking for sometime, reach Peeng Kharka Danda. We cross Ningsow Khola (stream) before reaching the Ningsow Village. Overnight in Ningsow.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 06: Ningsow to Chhatra Khola (2,800m/9,186ft): 7-8 hours

From Ningsow, we climb first then descend for a while and climb some more to reach Ramailo Danda. From here we get extraordinary views of Mera Peak and Salpa. After ascending and descending on our trail, we enter the Makalu Barun National Park. Our trail from here to Chhatra Khola is called Pasang Lhamu trail. On the way, if we are lucky, we might even come across the elusive Red Panda. Overnight in Chhatra Khola.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 07: Chhatra Khola to Kothe (3,691m/12,109ft): 6-7 hours

We walk towards the north on the main trail to Mera Peak. After walking on a trail next to the the Majang Khola, we merge with another trail which moves alongside the Hinku Khola. Our trail moves straight ahead towards Tashing Ongma which has seasonal tea shops. We continue our trek and cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola before reaching Kothe. Overnight in Kothe.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 08:  Kothe to Thaknak (4,358m/14,297ft): 3-4 hours

We trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We take lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung, we pass a 200-year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera Peak scripted in rock along with its route to reach Mera. A short walk takes us to Thaknak, which is a summer grazing area with primitive lodges and shops. Overnight in Thaknak.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 09: Thaknak to Khare (5,045m/16,486ft): 2-3 hours

Leaving Thaknak, we follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers, and then climbs more steeply to Khare. From here, we can see the northern face of Mera Peak which will be an amazing experience. After lunch we can hike in and around Khare. Overnight at Khare.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10: Khare: Acclimatization and pre–climb training

We have a separate day set aside solely for acclimatization and basic training just to prepare ourselves better for the Mera Peak climb. Our climbing leader will help us polish our basic climbing techniques and demonstrate the best ways to use our climbing gears like the ice axe, harness, ascender climbing boots and crampons. The training will also include learning the best climbing technique with the rope. Overnight in Khare.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11: Khare to Mera High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft): 6-7 hours

We walk through a boulder-strewn course on a steep trail to reach the Mera Peak Base Camp. From here, we continue further through the Mera La pass to reach the Mera High Camp. Our path is along a rocky trail, which can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. Then we set up a high camp while enjoying excellent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse. Overnight at Mera High Camp.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12: Mera High Camp to Summit (6,461m/21,1907ft) and back to Khare (5045m/16,547ft): 8-9 hours

This is a really important day for the expedition. We wake up around 2 in the morning for breakfast. It’s going to be very cold in the beginning but soon we warm up as we continue up the glacier and onto a peculiar ridge. The first rays of the sun hit the big peaks in an amazing red glow. The route is still non-technical as we slowly climb higher into the ever-thinning air. The slope steepens for a section behind the ridge and the summit comes back into view. At the foot of the final steep summit cone, we may use a fixed rope if the climbing leader believes it’s required. The summit is only a few meters away. From the summit, we take in spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7 ,129m) and others. Later, we retrace our steps back to the high camp where we rest for a while before descending to Khare. Overnight in Khare.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13: Reserve Day for Contingency

There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Mera on the desired day due to bad weather conditions or any other unanticipated reason. However, if the trip goes smoothly, this day will not be required.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14: Khare to Kothe (3600m/11808ft): 4-5 hours

We trek from Khare to Kothe along the same trail used previously. After reaching Kothe, we celebrate our success by trying out local delicacies and wines. Overnight in Kothe.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15: Kothe to Thuli Kharka (4,300 m/14,107ft): 5-6 hours

We begin our trek to Thuli Kharka after breakfast. We climb up and descend, cross several tributaries of the Inkhu Khola before reaching a forked trail nearby Taktho. We choose the trail on our right and continue walking. Our trail passes by a Chorten after which we walk downhill on a steep trail. Next, we ascend to Thuli Kharka and pass by another Chorten on the way. Overnight in Thuli Kharka.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16: Thuli Kharla to Lukla via Zatrwa La pass: 6-7 hours

We cross the Zatrwa-La pass at 4,600. As soon as we cross the pass, we are welcomed by the sight of the beautiful Lukla Valley which is surrounded by Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru and other Himalayan peaks. From Zatrwa La pass we walk all the way down to Chutang and then straight forward to the Lukla village. In the evening we enjoy dinner in the Himalayas of Nepal with our crew. Overnight in Lukla.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu

We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we may do that today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the climbers’ successful summit of the Mera Peak. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Day 18: Final departure

Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner

Important Note

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Included in the Cost

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down jacket  (to be returned after trip completion)
• Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paper work; trekking permits and Mera Peak climbing permit
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipments
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Not Included in the Cost

• Nepalese visa fee
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet,  laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters

Accommodations

We will be staying in Hotel Moonlight, a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, standard teahouses during trekking and tents when climbing which are all included in the cost. Most teahouse accommodations will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodation, foam mattress will be made available. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations in Kathmandu and in teahouses are on a twin-shared basis whereas a single tent will be provided to each individual for the climbing section. We can also request for a single room in Kathmandu by paying a single supplement of USD 350. However, there are several teahouses on the trekking route that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying a single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only in the trekking areas of the lower elevations.

Meals

During our Mera Peak climbing trip, we can enjoy Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian and the more common continental cuisines. A buffet-style breakfast will be provided from our hotel in Kathmandu. All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available during the trekking and climbing sections. Welcome and farewell dinners are also something to look forward to.

Team Composition

Trekking : While trekking, we will provide you a fully trained, English speaking, experienced trekking guide. Every 4 members are entitled to 1 assistant guide, also 1 porter for every two members to carry the luggage.

Climbing : We will provide you a licensed, English speaking, veteran climbing guide. There is also the provision of assistant guides, for a group size of 2-4 people; there will be 1 main guide and 1 assistant guide. In a group size of 5-8 people, there will be 1 main guide and 2 assistant guides. Finally with a group of 9-12 people, we shall be offering you 1 main guide and 3 assistant guides. Other staff members will include one experienced cook and necessary Sherpa staff, mostly assistants who will assist in setting up camps during the climb.

This arrangement of staff will ensure the safety of each and every member in the group; also if any member falls ill, the trip will still go ahead as planned. Please also note that the maximum number of people in a group will be 12, as this is the optimum size for a successful trip.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

The most significant thing that makes your Mera Peak Climbing trip successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and climb leader and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trekking/climbing leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Himalayan Glacier Trekking employs Nepalese staff members who have proficient knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trek/climb leaders of HGT are also trained with following trainings to educate them on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
• Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Government’s Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
• Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet – TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
• English Language – KEEP
• Conservation and Biodiversity – KEEP
• Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering – Nepal Mountaineering Association

Porter Care:

Though often overlooked, it’s no exaggeration to say the entire trekking and expedition industry in Nepal is built on the back of hard working local porters. It is their tireless efforts carrying supplies, equipment and baggage that make journeying to these remote areas possible. So it’s very unfortunate that they have endured a history of exploitation and abuse at the hands of the industry. In an effort to combat this, we are firmly committed to porter rights. We ensure all our porters are well treated, well paid and we provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other team members and we have previously used helicopters – at our expense – to rescue porters from dangerous situations. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters. (International Porters Progress Group)

Responsible Tourism Practice

Himalayan Region of Nepal is stunningly beautiful, but equally fragile. Future generations have just as much of right to appreciate it as we do. So, the tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve it. We employ a ‘zero impact’ policy on the natural environment.Read more…

Travel Insurance

It is a condition upon joining any of Himalayan Glacier’s trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization

It is important to acclimatize to the high altitude in order to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can be fatal if one is not careful. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS. For a safe trekking and climbing experience, it is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatization. The itinerary for Mera Peak Climbing moves forward in a steady pace so as to allow plenty of time for acclimatization. This along with a separate day set aside at Khare helps guests acclimatize to the high altitude.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

The difficulty for Mera Peak climbing is rated 2B. This means that the technical requirement is very basic and includes use of ropes, ice axe and crampons. You are also required to have good cardio-vascular fitness. Mera Peak is not categorized as a technical peak but a bit of technical knowledge would be beneficial for a small section of the climb which is about 50m. This will probably be the toughest part of the climb as the slope is around 40 degrees of ice/snow. Previous experience with using ice axe and crampons is preferred, although not mandatory because a basic ice-climbing training will be provided before the summit. Lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh conditions, reasonable fitness and good health will help in making this trip successful. It is important that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to Himalayan Glacier at the time of booking.

Best Time to Travel

The best time of the year to summit Mera Peak is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The best months has been defined on the basis of visibility and weather condition.

Equipments & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for trekking and peak climbing. Also, please understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by Himalayan Glacier inclusive in the service. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter, but you are required to carry a daypack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
• Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards)

Personal Climbing Gears:

• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Harness
• Tape slings (2)
• Screwgate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
• Descender/eight figure
• Plastic mountaineering boots
• Ascender/Jhumar
• Helmet

Group Climbing Gears:

• Snow bar*
• Rope*
• Ice hammer*
• Ice screw*

Head

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens; consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner

Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• 1 pair of hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks
• Gaiters

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag 30 degree DC
• Fleece sleeping bag liner

Rucksack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack or 1 large duffel bag *
• Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• Large Ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map/guide book
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swim suit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Trip Start Dates and Cost

Check available trip start dates and cost for Mera Peak Climbing. Please contact us for your customized departure date.