Island Peak Climbing is an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime. The trip was meticulously planned, ensuring a seamless travel experience. From the moment we set foot in Nepal, we were captivated by the stunning landscapes and the warmth of the people. The guides, with their expertise and passion, made us feel safe and supported throughout the journey. The local cuisine was a delightful surprise, offering a tantalizing blend of flavors and spices. If you're seeking an adventure that will challenge and inspire you, Island Peak Climbing is highly recommended.
From the autumn 2016 season the Mera Peak trek/climb by this tour operator changed from a camping based itinerary of previous years to lodge or tea house based accommodation. I/we departed in October 2016. Before commencing the trek Id convinced myself that the trek in to Mera would be broadly similar to the Everest Base Camp trek, I was very wrong. There is no gentle start and long days requiring sustained effort are the theme pretty much throughout. The route taken for the first few days is very quiet and had a feel of "going around the houses" for me. That quieter route also makes for much more basic lodges than those found on EBC for example but they were all adequate. The longer approach route does however allow for excellent acclimatisation, a major key to success. All the approach routes converge in Kote and it is then a straight shot up the now rocky Hinku valley. I didnt find the approach trek in to be very scenic and that wasnt helped by day after day of cloud cover. I wonder if a November departure would be worthwhile for clearer skies. Khare, which I thought of as base camp village, was a surprsingly busy place with climbers from all over the world either preparing for or returning from Mera. Stories of six groups having been beaten back by high winds the previous day brought about a realisation that nature could quite easily scupper our plans. Having left Khare and reached the snow line, those of us that brought our own mountain boots and crampons were reunited with them by virtue of some porters that had gone ahead of us. I was now using mountain boots and crampons on snow for the first time, I found I tired far quicker than I cared to admit at the time. After a short but steep climb things level out and then it was a relatively short walk to Mera La camp for the night. The sunset and night time stars were very nice. We were now in tents for the first time. I wish I hadn't binned off my Thermarest mattress as a weight saving effort for the Lukla flight. Foam mattresses were provided but I could still feel the cold coming up from the ground. The next day was a short one from Mera La to High Camp. It however is one of those sections where the destination never seems to get any closer despite feeling you're working like a steam train at full speed. The amusement of high camp's precarious position soon passes as you try to concentrate on getting some sleep for the upcoming 0030 wake up call. I got no real sleep. We then started our torch lit climb through the night in deeply sub zero temperatures. It was hard going, really hard going, there was little talking amongst us. It was just heads down and endure it. The group were imposing more rest stops on the guides than they wanted but I don't think there were any negative consequences when all said and done. My fingers were numb with cold. The sun slowly rose and Mera central summit could now be seen ahead. We left our rucksacks at the foot of the summit and using our Jumars went up the surprisingly short roped section fixed by our guides, it was easy and I was on the summit in a minute. It had taken around 7 hours from leaving High Camp with no sleep (for me) since Mera La the previous day. It was bitterly cold on the summit and very windy, there wasn't any open celebration. There now followed an extremely long walk all the way back down to Khare village with only a short pitstop at High Camp along the way. It was exhausting. Availability of water was a problem too since much if not all of our water was still frozen despite the now blazing morning sun. I was gasping for a drink. Ngima our leader had some warm water in a flask and I will definitely take a small flask when I find myself back on a high mountain again. What now remained was the trek "home" to Lukla. The third day of decent involved far more steep climbing than we were in the mood for but we gt where we were going. Conditions on the Zatrwa pass werent as bad as they could be. During our trek trail crampons or shoe grips weren't necessary. There were only a couple sections of ice a few paces long. The decent from the pass is long and steep, thankfully the national park authority have been building a stone staircase which makes things a little easier but you still have to watch your step. There is the potential for an overnight stay a few hours short of Lukla but depending on progress it can be skipped and we pressed on for Lukla and some comfort... relatively speaking
Join us on this 19-day, guided expedition that combines Everest Base Camp trek with Lobuche East Peak climb. While many travelers know about Everest Base Camp, few are aware of the hidden gem that is Lobuche East, a mountain close to the Khumbu Glacier that offers stunning views of Ama Dablam, Tawache and other peaks in the Himalayas.
Your journey starts from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, from where you will take the flight to Lukla followed by a hike through the trail that eventually leads to Everest Base Camp via Phakding, Namche, Tengboche and Dingboche.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar before making your way to Lobuche East High Camp. Summiting Lobuche East involves climbing steep, snowy slopes. Although it is not compulsory that you have an earlier climbing experience, a good level of physical fitness is a must.
You will get the chance to learn more about mountain climbing at Everest Base Camp, where experienced mountain guides will help you with the fundamentals of mountaineering and impart skills needed for a successful summit attempt.
Please note that climbing Lobuche East is meant for physically fit people. For more details, please scroll down.
Everest Base Camp trek, Lobuche East Peak, Everest Region, Kathmandu, Lobuche, Lobuche East Base Camp, Pangboche, Namche Bazar, Lukla, Phakding, Tengboche, Dingboche, Everest Base Camp
My first high-altitude hike - the Nubra Valley trek - and all I can say is WOW! With Valerie Parkinson as our tour leader, we were set up for an unforgettable adventure from day one. The incredible cook, knowledgeable guides, and fantastic camp crew made every moment a joy. If you’re thinking of exploring the Nubra Valley, you simply can’t go wrong with this trip. The only challenge now? Deciding on my next adventure!
Mera Peak (6,461 m), the highest trekking mountain in Nepal, is reached via Mera Peak Climbing. Anyone with a little bit of mountaineering experience should climb Mera Peak. Due to its elevation, it is a difficult trekking peak, although only very basic technical climbing skills are needed. Off-the-beaten-path in the rarely visited Hinku Valley is the climb to Mera Peak. The trail is isolated, the surroundings are untamed and clean, and there are not many populated areas. You'll spend the most of your nights in teahouses at yak herders' summer camps or remote kharkas.
Although Mera Peak is not particularly difficult technically, it is tall at 6476 m, has a long summit day, and is exposed to the elements. You need to drink plenty of water and keep your pace manageable and slow. Although the snow route itself is not particularly difficult, it is a long day out and will wear you out. You must feel at ease moving while cinched in and keeping a safe line while moving on a man rope. You also need to know how to walk in crampons and use your walking axe to self-arrest. We set up a high camp for this peak, so you should be comfortable camping on snow. It's also crucial to stay warm, dry, hydrated, and well-fed to be in the best condition on summit day.
Embark on an unforgettable journey starting from Islamabad, where modernity meets tradition. Explore the capital city's iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in its rich culture. Next, venture into the breathtaking landscapes of Skardu, where majestic mountains and serene lakes await your exploration. Trek through the mesmerizing valleys of Hunza, surrounded by towering peaks and ancient forts, experiencing the warmth of local hospitality. Don't miss the charming village of Gulmit, nestled amidst lush greenery and offering stunning views of the Karakoram Range. Finally, delve into the vibrant bazaars and cultural delights of Gilgit, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. With each destination offering its own unique charm, this tour promises an enriching experience like no other.
This is an excellent trip for fit, aspiring mountaineers. It offers scrambling, glacier travel, ascender and rapelling with stunning views of Ama Dablam at sunrise.
Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung is a great way to explore some of the best and most stunning views of the Himalayan range. It takes some effort to climb the peak but you're sure to fall in love with the endless views of Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse and mesmerizing experiences found here.
At Chhuking (4750m), a short walk leads to a small settlement where we rest for the day and make preparations for the climb. The next day we head on to Island Peak Base Camp, which requires a steep climb followed by a comfortable walk through the river basin.
We climb further to the High Camp at an elevation of 5600 meters where we rest inside the tent and prepare for the early morning climb the next day. Through rock formations and glacial regions, we ascend to the top, taking the support of ropes at some places.
After enjoying the splendid view from the top, we descend all the way to Chhukung, where we rest after the strenuous journey. An extra day has been added to the trip as a contingency to bad weather or physical ailments.
Enjoy the Island Peak from Chhukung to Chhukung Bookmundi.
If you have only limited time to see the highlights of Nepal, you want to be sure to make the best of it and not waste your time. The local operator did an excellent job in taking care of our brief visit to Nepal, and putting together an itinerary for a trip that included everything we wanted to see/do and more! Sujan, thank you very much for all your assistance and for your pleasant company!Great company and an amazing trip to Island Peak.
