Had an absolutely amazing time We went on the 4 day trek across Singalila, in a group of 6. The company arranged for an early morning pick-up from our hotel in Darjeeling to their office, where they stored our additional luggage before driving us to the start of the hike in their Tata Sumo. Starting with the guide: Pemba Sherpa, he assisted us with all government procedures and paperwork before we can enter the national park. And through the 4 days, he carried fruits and refreshments for us, surprising us with something new during every break. He took excellent photos of the group, ensured we made appropriate progress through the day while keeping safety as the number one priority. During Day 3, we lost a mobile phone and the guide went above and beyond walking extra miles to go back and check every part of the road while informing the right people to get it back. He was quite knowledgeable, knew the locals and kept us motivated to go. The trek: amazing visuals, challenging sections with climb and descend and you will get the true sense of Himalayas. During late April, the mountains are covered with flowers and temperatures are quite tolerable through the day. Mobile network however wasn't available starting Day 2 to Day 3. Home-stays: If you seek luxury, you won't be in this trek in the first place and the stays aren't anything like a 5-star hotel, but after walking for hours they are really comfy places to be at. Friendly staff/owners, good-warm food and clean facilities. Day 1 was at Gurdum Mingma Sherpa Homestay—all basic amenities, except warm water which a paid extra. Day 2 at Sandakphu, no running water or mobile network but the homestay provided us with wi-fi. Day 3 at Rammam, we were the first guest at the place and we had running hot water and mobile network. Food: It was mostly Tibetan, we took a number of breaks through our journey. Tea was the common feature in every break, the guide called ahead with our special needs in terms of avoiding spice in meals. The feature meals were veg momo, thukpa, samosa and rice and veggies grown locally. At the end of the trek, we were picked up by the same Tata Sumo and driven back to Darjeeling. Despite it being a Sunday, the company staff were there to receive us with the local scarves as gift. They dropped us to our new hotel before parting ways.
We used this travel operator for a trek on Singalila Ridge and a tour of Sikkim. Everything worked out perfectly and we loved our guide Dawa Lama. Subash recommended a trekking agency in Kathmandu and that was excellent as well. Highly recommended!
The journey of the Island Peak was like a dream come true. Every step felt like a chapter of an exhilarating adventure tale. With my gear meticulously packed and permits in hand, I keenly anticipated the forthcoming challenges and rewards. The journey from Lukla to Island Peak Base Camp revealed the natural beauty and unique culture of the region. Every new encounter each day and laughter shared with guides and fellow trekkers forged bonds, fueling determination to reach higher heights of the Himalayas. Arriving at the Base Camp felt like reaching the doorstep of the new world, surrounded by the pristine snow-capped Himalayas. The night before the summit push was a symphony of stars and anticipation. With headlamps piercing the darkness, the team set out for the Island Peak summit in early dawn. Each climbing step felt like a victorious tread. I was prepared for the demands of the climbs, but the unpredictable weather conditions made each step a test of endurance and resilience. I realized there is no guarantee of weather stability in the high-altitude regions. In times of sudden climatic adversity, the expertise of guides with knowledge of terrain and weather patterns ensured our safety and progress. Their calm appearance and reassuring instructions kept me going. Finally, standing atop the Island Peak summit made me realize that I reached the pinnacle of my aspirations. The descent allowed me to reflect on the magnitude of my accomplishments. I felt like Island Peak tested my physical limits, pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and rewarded me with unbeatable beauty and connection. Bidding farewell to the mountain, I felt profound gratitude for the unforgettable experience. Despite the challenges we faced, the guide’s professionalism, commitment to excellence, and client safety shone even in the toughest circumstances. With the expert guidance and unwavering support of guides, the challenging climb turned into moments of triumph and inspiration. Climbing Island Peak was more than a mountaineering expedition. It was a journey of reaching new heights of self-discovery, camaraderie, and reverence for the natural world. I strongly recommend embarking on this remarkable journey for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love for mountains. Thank you for organizing the trip from beginning to end and ensuring we were okay during the expedition. See you on our upcoming Nepal adventure trip.
