More info about this Trek and about Ben Bradford, our leader, HERE
Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Itinerary
Sat/Sun April 18/19 - Travel
The First two days of our expedition are taken up by our international flight to Kathmandu . We use a good, comfortable airline to ease the journey time and watch a few films before arriving in Kathmandu !
Here we are met by our experienced Sherpa Company who will meet us in the airport and provide a bus to our hotel. This is a 5min walk from Kathmandu 's busy tourist centre "Thamel" and is a nice quiet Hotel with gardens and plenty of room.
Mon 20th Apr - In Kathmandu
We have a day in Kathmandu to prepare for our expedition. Starting of the day with a kit inspection and preparation talks from our British Leader, most people then opt for a guided tour of the city for an extra £10 before heading into town for last minute essentials. The Hotel is on a B & B basis so we normally walk into town for a good meal before an early night.
Tues 21st Apr - Flight and trek to Lukla Height gain = -266m
Our trek starts early with a morning flight into the Kumbu Valley landing at Lukla (2866m). Originally an emergency airstrip it is now a busy airport flying trekkers, Sherpa's and suppliers into the high valley. We trek for around 3hrs to Phakding (2640m) where we stay the night.
Weds 22nd Apr- Phakding to Namche Bazaar Height gain = 800m
This is where the real trekking begins. We get into the rhythm of the expedition with a few spectacular bridges and a steady climb to Namche Bazaar (3440m) at the very heart of the solo Kumbu region. We are rewarded for our hard effort by an amazing panorama of big peaks and even Everest it self (if you know where to look.)
Thurs 23rd Apr - Namche Bazaar Rest day Height gain = 350m
We spend a rest day based in Namche Bazaar to aid our acclimatization and get some exploring around the local area. We normally head over to Khumjung (3790m) in the afternoon to visit their monastery and get the lungs used to working at a slightly higher altitude in preparation for the following day. Namche Bazaar has plenty of distractions in the form of Café's, Bakery's and gear shops for those that want a warmer jumper!
Fri 24th Apr- Namche Bazaar to Pangboche Height gain = 545m
This section of our trek is one of the best, threading its way through rhododendron valleys, over bridges and past one of the most famous Monastery's in the Kumbu at Thyangboche. This is the first day where we walk all day although with plenty of stops for Sherpa tea, good photography spots and Lunch! It is important we take our time, a race this is not.
We stop for the night in the faming village of Pangboche 3985m below the awe inspiring Ama Dablam.
Sat 25th Apr - Pangboche to Dingboche Height gain = 275m
We spend a day walking in Ama Dablam's Shadow and break through the 4000m line. By this point we are well used to the pace of walking at altitude and letting the Sherpa's through with their heavy loads. Dingboche (4260m) is a very picturesque village and is at the foot of the mountains themselves.
Sun 26th Apr - Dingboche Acclimatization day Height gain = 470m
A day of acclimatization gives us some rest and preparation for the coming few days. We trek up to Chukung (4730m) for lunch before returning to our lodge in Dingboche in the early afternoon. There is also a hospital in nearby Pheriche which runs informative on high altitude medicine and AMS.
Mon 27th Apr - Dingboche to Lobuche Height gain = 670m
Today we trek along side the extensive Khumbu glacier on the way up to the village of Lobuche (4930m). This is situated next to the glacier moraine and feels much more remote than the previous villages, right in amongst the mountains and glaciers.
Tues 28th Apr - Lobuche to Gorak Shep Height gain = 270m
A rocky walk alongside the Kumbu Glacier takes us to the crossing of the Changri Glacier and on to the small group of Lodges at Gorak Shep (5200m). We are below the peak of Kala Pattar (5545m) which is undoubtedly the finest viewpoint of the south side Everest. We will have an option of an Evening ascent on Day 11 but we always remain flexible to account for weather and rates of Acclimatization.
Weds 29th Apr - Gorak Shep - Everest Base camp return.
Height gain = 200m
Trek up to the historical Everest Base camp for Lunch and return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Thurs 30th Apr - Gorak Shep to Dingboche
Now fully acclimatized this is a long but easy decent back down the moraine to our lodge at Dingboche.
Fri 1st May - Dingboche to Chukung Height gain = 470m
Dominated by the view of Island peak at the head of the valley and the ever changing Ama Dablam. The village is hidden by moraine and only come into view at the last moment.
We practice some equipment techniques in the afternoon before staying the night at Chukung (4730m)
Sat 2nd May Chukung-Island Peak Base Camp Height gain = 370m
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Another easy day brings us to the base camp at 5100m. Here we have a comfortable cook tent along with our sleeping tents shared between two. We spend the afternoon preparing ourselves and getting in some rest. There is an opportunity for crampon practice if need be.
Sun 3rd May - Ascent of Island Peak Height gain = 1000m
An early start from base camp threading our way up scree and rock buttresses should see us putting our crampons on at the glacier as the sun rises. We rope up before heading along an obvious route through crevasses until a steep climb on fixed lines brings us onto the main ridge. This awe-inspiring summit ridge leads us to the summit with views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu , Ama Dablam and Baruntse to name but a few!
Down Climbing and a few abseils takes us onto the glacier and the way down, it's much quicker and we are back in cam p for a good late lunch and big dinner.
Mon 4th May - Decent to Dingboche
After a night at base cam p or Chukung we head back to Dingboche for a good wash and a proper bed again.
Tues 5th May - Spare summit day in case of bad weather
We have a flexible option for this day, but it is vital to give us the best chance at summit success.
Weds 6th May - Dingboche - Namche Bazaar
Trekking back along our route, it's a last chance for photo's and souvenirs before Namche Bazaar.
Thurs 7th May - Namche - Lukla
We have a relaxed day trekking down hill back to the Airstrip at Lukla.
Fri 8th May - Fly to Kathmandu
Back in the comfort of our Hotel, Showers and a beer!
Sat 9th May - Kathmandu or spare day in case of bad weather or in Lukla.
We have a celebratory meal with our Sherpa's at a traditional restaurant in south Kathmandu .
Sun/Mon 10th/11th May - International Flight to UK
Mount Everest 29,002 feet or 8840 metres
More info about this Trek and about Ben Bradford, our leader, HERE
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