Island Peak 20,305 ft/6,189 m

This expedition is a great introduction to a Himalayan climbing experience that includes glacier travel, moderate snow and ice climbing. Besides being able to experience a country of friendly people, gorgeous scenery, and several different cultures, we add the adventure of ascending 20,000+ foot mountain. The views from this peak of are breathtaking the some of the highest mountains in the world including Ama Dablam, South Face of Lhotse and Everest, Lhotse and Makalu.

After arriving, you will be greeted at the airport where your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. The next day we will take you on a day tour to explore the beautiful and ancient city of Kathmandu. The next day we will fly into the Himalayan mountains in Lukla, at an elevation of 9,350 feet, where our trek begins. This region is called the Solu Khumbu which is in the Sagarmatha (Nepali word for Mt. Everest) National Park, a world heritage site for it's cultural and historical value. We will pass through small villages and experience the local culture and visit a Buddhist monastery following the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar - an ancient trading village at 11,300 feet. We will pass through some Sherpa villages before reaching Island Peak Base Camp and will climb to high base camp the next day and summit the following day where we will see spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain range. Next we descend to Chukkung and will have a rest day before returning to Kathmandu where we will tour an the ancient Patar Square.

 This ascent will also be used to acclimatize for the Cholatse expedition (please call for further information). For family and friends who do not wish to ascend Island Peak, but are interested in trekking and learning about Nepalese culture, they can accompany us to Chukkung and spend a few days there during our climb. We will join them again after decent on return trek to Lukla and Kathmandu where we will visit more sites together.    See daily itinerary below. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
Island Peak is a great advanced-beginner level climb. Climbers are expected to know basic mountaineering skills such as cramponing on snow and ice 40 degree slopes, self arrest with ice axe and roped glacier travel, and have mountaineering experience prior to joining us for this climb.

WEATHER:
Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures - from freezing nights, to snow and wind, to bright sunshine intensified by the high altitude. This wide fluctuation in temperatures makes it important to bring everything on the equipment list.

GUIDES 

Our guide Fabrizio Zangrilli is one of the most experienced climbers and guides alive today and has guided for 14 years the highest mountains in the world including Everest several times, K2 4 times, Amadablam, Pamori, Cholatse and many more (see Fabrizio's bio on About Us). 

SIGNING UP!
Call toll-free at Sherpa Journeys at 303-469-1987 and reserve a place with your credit card. 

PREPARATION:
Once you have completed an application and reserved a space with a deposit you will receive a pre-departure packet. This will contain information pertinent to your preparation including an equipment list of gear and clothing, information on conditioning, immunizations, visas, cultural considerations and other valuable information to assist before you travel.

Island Peak Ascent  and trek Cost: $4490 (19 days)

Chuckung Trek: $3490 (19 days)

November 5 -November 23, 2009 --19 days 

 

Cholatse Expedition: $6890 (Also includes above trekking itinerary and Island Peak)

November 5 – December 8

33 days [dates do not include travel days]

 

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1 Nov 5   Arrive Kathmandu - 4,383 feet 

Day 2 Nov 6   Visit sities in Kathmandu - Durbar Square

Day 3 Nov 7   Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding - 9,350 feet 

Day 4 Nov 8   Namche Bazaar - 11,300 feet - acclimatize visit Everest Museum, school built by Sir Edmund Hillary, 

Day 5 Nov 9   Namche - Tibetan Medicine Herb garden and market

Day 6 Nov 10 Tengboche/Pangboche - Visit famous & historical monastery with eco center and museum

Day 7 Nov 11 Pheriche - Small Sherpa Village -  13,950 feet - Gorgeous Mt. Ama Dablam towers above

Day 8 Nov. 12 Pheriche/Dingboche -14,250 feet - views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. 

Day 9 Nov. 13 Chuckkung-15,000 feet - below the Lhotse/Nuptse Wall largest rock wall in Himalaya-views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Makalu

Day 10 Nov. 14 Island Peak BC - 15,520 feet 

Day 11 Nov. 15 Island Peak high Camp -17,323 feet  2-3 hour grass and scree slopes to where we find a tent platform

Day 12 Nov. 16 Island Peak (IMJA TSE) Summit  – (Chuckung Ri for trekkers 18,231 feet)  • 20,305 feet

Using an early morning start, we continue up a rocky gully before traversing to the right. We gain elevation up the rocky ridge before coming to the base of the glacier. Here we rope up and continue up the glacier until the South ridge is reached. We follow this superb and classic ridge to the summit where outstanding views of Lhotse (27,890 feet), Makalu (27,805 feet), Ama Dablam (22,493 feet) and Baruntse (25,328 feet). We then continue down to base camp for the evening. 

Day 13 Nov. 17 Island Peak BC - 14,250 feet - Rest/weather day. In case of bad weather, we built in an extra day for the summit. The next day we rise early, disassemble camp and continue back down the valley to the village of Chukkung. We arrive in Chukkung by lunchtime, and relax and relish from our summit success. 

Day 14 Nov. 18 Tengboche/Dingboche

Day 15 Nov. 19 Namche

Day 16 Nov. 20 Lukla

Day 17 Nov. 21 Visit Sites in Kathmandu

Day 18 Nov. 22 Visit Sites in Kathmandu

Day 19 Nov. 23 Fly out of Kathmandu

 

Important Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Included in the cost of your trip are selected group restaurant meals. Meals provided are listed as B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner) at the end of each day. You will be responsible for those meals not listed.

An entire Equipment List for Island Peak will be provided with your information pack after making your reservation.