Initially, our team will stay at Tea Houses in the lower Khumbu Valley until we reach Namche Bazar. From there, our kitchen crew and extra porters will join us for the next 20 nights or so to help set up and maintain our camps, and to assist along our approach trek and on the climbs.

In the Imjatse Valley, Island Peak enjoys spectacular views of the North Side of Ama Dablam and the sweeping flanks of Mt. Nuptse along with the world's third highest peak, Mt. Lhotse. The climb of Island Peak will not be too technical, with some fixed rope sections near the summit. We will start the climb from base camp, as we do not utilize the high camp, leaving as early as 1:00am to make our bid for the summit. Preceding the summit attempt will be fixed rope coaching and acclimatization hikes on nearby peaks.

Approaching Island Peak on its lower glacier. Suze Kelly.

From Island Peak base camp we will cross back into the Khumbu and then up to our camp at Dzonglha. We spend a day actively resting, learning and practicing mountaineering skills. We then move up to a high camp on Lobuche East, where we set up camp on a small expanse of snow or rock, above a deep, blue lake. It's then early to bed for another alpine start.

Our early start, usually around 2:30am, unfolds into a climb of the south-east ridge, which is a mixture of moderately steep snow and ice. When necessary, we fix ropes along the route. Steady climbing will bring us to the far eastern summit.

From the top we are richly rewarded with superb views across to Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest Nuptse, Changtse (in Tibet) Pumori, Gyachung Kang, and Cho Oyu. We then return to our base camp.

After thorough acclimatization, climbers enjoy the steeper ground on Lobuche East. Mar.

After the ascent of Lobuche East we usually take a day to rest, then climb up and over the Cho La (pass) and descend to camp near the village of Gokyo. From here it is another big day over the Renjo La (pass) with spectacular views back towards Everest massif. After descending down the other side of the pass, we set up camp. The next day, we descend to Thame and prepare for our third summit attempt.

We travel light, moving up the Thamo Khola Valley for a camp at about 16,400 feet. Depending on how the group is feeling, we may elect to establish another camp higher at around 18,050 feet on a glacier. From there we make our summit attempt on Mt. Parchamo. Summit day will be strenuous, but because of our extensive acclimatization, the group should experience enjoyable climbing as you aim to reach the summit before midday.

Inclusions:

• Nepalese Government peak royalty fees
• All trek organizational requirements
• All trekking permits
• Airport transfers in Kathmandu
• Air transport and accommodation in lodges or tents except Kathmandu
• All group equipment (tents, ropes, kitchen, radios, etc.) and emergency medical supplies
• All trek staff, including Western guide, Sherpa guides, cooks, and porter support
• Transport of 33lb (15kg) personal equipment
• All meals after departing Kathmandu and before arriving back in Kathmandu
• Access to our satellite telephone for outgoing calls

Exclusions:

• Air travel to and from Nepal
• Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
• Purchases of bottled water while on the trek, gifts, alcohol, (we supply boiled water for drinking)
• Other charges at lodges/tea houses such as showers, internet access or batter re-charging
• Entry visas for Nepal (we suggest getting a 30 or 90-day tourist visa for Nepal on arrival in Kathmandu)
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal travel insurance, cancellation insurance, and rescue insurance
• Excess baggage charges for the flights to and from Lukla
• Cost of satellite telephone calls
• Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition

On the spectacular summit ridge of Island Peak.

Flight arrangements should be made so that you arrive in Kathmandu on the first scheduled start day of the trip (Day 1), and you depart the last scheduled day of the trip (Day 31). Please email or call our Travel Coordinator, Lisa Greif, if you would like assistance with travel arrangements (509-972-4028).

Beginner and intermediate climbers looking for a program with more trekking than climbing may want to consider our Khumbu Trek. For advanced climbers who are searching for physical and technical difficulty, we also offer expeditions on Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and the ever alluring Mount Everest.