Adventure AsiaAI-assisted
Nepal22 days

Island Peak, Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp — 22 Days

High-altitude trekking and mountaineering in the Khumbu: glacier crossings, two pass summits, and a 6,189-meter peak

This 22-day itinerary combines three distinct objectives in the Everest region: the Gokyo Lakes circuit at 4,750 meters, Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters, and an ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse) at 6,189 meters. The route moves through the Khumbu Valley from the airstrip at Lukla, passes through Sherpa settlements and rhododendron forests, crosses two high passes—Cho La at 5,420 meters and Kongma La at 5,535 meters—and traverses the Ngozumpa Glacier. Days are structured with deliberate acclimatization stops in Namche Bazaar and Chhukung, and the trek includes training in fixed-line climbing and glacier travel before the Island Peak summit push. A contingency day in Kathmandu and an extra summit day are built into the schedule to account for weather delays common to high-altitude trekking.

Best time to go: Sept-Nov & Mar- May

Highlights

  • Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (35 minutes) over the Dudh Koshi valley
  • Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m) with visits to the Everest View Hotel, Khunde Hospital, and National Park Museum
  • Trek through rhododendron and birch forests to Dole and Machhermo with views of Cho Oyu, Kantega, and Thamserku
  • Ngozumpa Glacier traverse to Gokyo Lakes with Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflected in emerald waters
  • Cho La Pass crossing (5,420m) with views across the Rolwaling Valley and north face of Cholatse
  • Sunset ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545m) for close views of Mount Everest and the Khumbu Icefall
  • Everest Base Camp (5,364m) with views of active expedition camps and towering ice pinnacles
  • Kongma La Pass (5,535m) crossing on the approach to Chhukung
  • Acclimatization hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550m) in preparation for Island Peak
  • Pre-climb training in fixed-line techniques and glacier travel at Island Peak Base Camp
  • Island Peak summit (6,189m / 20,305 ft) via moraine, scree, and snowfield terrain
  • Descent through Tengboche Monastery with views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam

Day by day

1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu's international airport · your hotel
You'll be met at Kathmandu's international airport and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, settle in for your first night in Nepal's lively capital.
2Fly to Lukla and Trek to PhakdingLukla · Phakding · Kathmandu · Dudh Koshi valley · Chaunrikharka
An early departure from Kathmandu connects to the 35-minute mountain flight to Lukla, a small airstrip perched high above the Dudh Koshi valley at 2,610 meters. After meeting your trekking crew and sorting gear, the day's trek begins with a descent to Chaunrikharka before heading up the Dudh Koshi valley toward Phakding. The trail offers first views of the landscape you'll traverse over coming days. You'll arrive at your lodge in Phakding by afternoon, settling in for the night on a full board basis as you acclimate to the altitude and rhythm of trekking life.
3Phakding to Namche BazaarPhakding to Namche Bazaar · Namche Bazaar · Sagarmatha National Park
A 5–6 hour trek covering 10 km. The route crosses and recrosses the river on high suspension bridges, then enters Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo, established to protect the mountain environment. The trail ascends through forest to Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the main trading hub of the Khumbu. On clear days, Mount Everest becomes visible in the distance during the approach. Namche hosts a Saturday market where Hindu traders from the lowlands meet Tibetan yak caravans crossing the Nangpa La. Lodge accommodation on full board.
4Namche Bazaar AcclimatizationNamche Bazaar · Khunde Hospital · Everest View Hotel · National Park Centre and Museum
Settle into Namche at 3,440 meters, set between two ridges beneath the Khumbu's giant peaks. This rest day allows your body to adjust to the altitude before continuing toward Gokyo. The village itself rewards exploration—wander past lodges, tea shops, and souvenir stalls that line its streets. For acclimatization walks, consider the Khunde Hospital, established by Sir Edmund Hillary, or push higher to the Everest View Hotel, roughly an hour's climb. From there, watch the sunset paint Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest in soft light. The National Park Centre and Museum, positioned above the village, offers another vantage point worth the visit. Overnight at the lodge on full board.
5Namche to DoleNamche to Dole · Dole
A 5–6 hour trek covering 11 km. The trail climbs north from Namche to a crest with views toward Everest and Lhotse, then passes traders selling Tibetan handicrafts at a high crossroads above the Dudh Koshi. The route turns north toward Dole rather than descending toward Everest Base Camp. After crossing the Mon La, the path climbs steeply through rhododendron and birch forest festooned with hanging mosses and lichens to Dole (4,084m). Excellent views of Cho Oyu appear ahead. Lodge accommodation on full board.
6Dole to MachhermoDole to Machhermo · Machhermo
A steady 4–5 hour trek gains altitude along the valley's side as rhododendron forests progressively give way to scrub juniper. The trail winds past several summer settlements, seasonal outposts where local herders bring yaks to graze during the warmer months. Throughout the climb, the landscape opens to reveal commanding views: Cho Oyu rises ahead while the distinctive peaks of Kantega and Thamserku anchor the view behind. You'll arrive in Machhermo by midday, positioned at 4,410 meters on the high pasture. The evening is spent at the lodge on a full board basis, allowing time to acclimatize and rest.
7Machhermo to Gokyo LakesMachhermo to Gokyo Lakes · Gokyo · Ngozumpa Glacier · Dudh Pokhari (third lake)
A 4–5 hour trek covering 7 km to 4,750m elevation. The route follows a very scenic path to Pangka before descending slightly to trace a river flowing down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. A steep rocky incline climbs into the valley beside the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. The trail then reaches the second lake, where a path branches across the glacier toward Cho La—the route you'll take later to reach Lobuche and Everest. The third lake, known as Dudh Pokhari, marks the settlement of Gokyo on its eastern shore. Walking alongside the water, the scenery is exceptional: the summits of Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang reflect in the lake's emerald green waters. You'll stay overnight at a lodge in Gokyo on full board.
8Gokyo to Tragnag via Ngozumpa GlacierTragnag · Ngozumpa Glacier · small kharka (pasture settlement) at 4,690m
A 3 hour trek covering 4 km. The group descends to the second lake and crosses onto the Ngozumpa Glacier. Cairns mark the well-defined route across the ice. The party climbs off the glacier at a small dwelling called Tragnag and follows a shallow valley to camp beside a small kharka (pasture settlement) at 4,690m. Lodge accommodation on full board.
9Tragnag to Dzongla via Cho La PassTragnag to Dzongla via Cho La Pass · Dzongla · Cho La Pass
A 7–8 hour trek covering 8 km to 4,830m. The route climbs through the valley, crosses a ridge and an old lateral moraine, then scrambles over rocky terrain to the Cho La Pass (5,420m). From the pass, views extend across the Rolwaling Valley to the west and to Ama Dablam to the southeast. A small glacier crossing below the pass is straightforward. The descent offers views of Ama Dablam and the forbidding north face of Cholatse, leading to pastures at Dzongla. Lodge accommodation on full board.
10Dzongla to Gorakshep via Kala PattharDzongla to Gorakshep via Kala Patthar · Gorakshep · Kala Patthar
A 6–7 hour, 11 km trek ascending to 5,164 metres. The trail contours grassy slopes above Tshola Tsho lake before joining the main Everest route from Pheriche and Thyangboche. It then follows the western side of the Khumbu Glacier valley to Lobuche, where superb views of surrounding mountains emerge—particularly where the path crosses a tributary glacier. In the afternoon, as light begins to shift, the route climbs to Kala Patthar (5,545m), one of the Khumbu's finest viewpoints. From here, Everest dominates the landscape during sunset, its flanks illuminated in alpenglow. After absorbing the view, the party descends back to Gorakshep for an early night, necessary acclimatisation before the following day's trek to Everest Base Camp. Lodge accommodation on full board.
11Everest Base Camp ExcursionEverest Base Camp · Khumbu Glacier · Pheriche · Lobuche to Duglha to Gorakshep via Pheriche
An 18 km round trip requiring 7–8 hours, with an overnight return to lower altitude. An early start precedes several hours on the Khumbu Glacier, where the route weaves through translucent ice pinnacles and past crevasses. Everest Base Camp (5,364m) typically hosts active expedition camps, with views into the Khumbu Icefall and climbing activity visible. The return follows a higher route to view the Khumbu Icefall and the South Col approach before descending past Lobuche to Duglha and back to Gorakshep via Pheriche, where the Himalayan Rescue Association maintains a trekkers' aid post. Lodge accommodation on full board.
12Lobuche to Chhukung via Kongma La PassChhukung · Kongma La Pass
A 7–8 hour trek crossing Kongma La Pass at 5,535m before descending to Chhukung at 4,730m. Lodge accommodation included.
13Acclimatization Hike to Chhukung RiChhukung Ri
After lunch, hike to Chhukung Ri (5,550m) for acclimatization. The round trip takes approximately four hours, reaching around 5,400m before descending back to the lodge.
14Trek to Chhukung and Island Peak Base CampChhukung · Island Peak Base Camp
A 3–4 hour trek covering 5 km on mostly flat and gradually ascending terrain brings the group to 5,090m, where a tented camp is established. The afternoon focuses on essential preparation: staff and group set up camp and prepare meals while guides conduct a full expedition briefing. Training sessions cover fixed-line ascent and descent techniques, traversing methods, and climbing strategy for Island Peak itself. Personal and group equipment is reviewed and organized. After lunch, the trek continues to Island Peak Base Camp, where the group settles into tented accommodation for the night.
15Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and Return to ChhukungIsland Peak · Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp · High Camp to Crampon Point · Crampon Point to Island Peak summit
A demanding 9–10 hour round trip. The day begins with a gentle 200-meter walk on flat ground from base camp to High Camp (5,600m), situated on rocky scree terrain where tents are pitched. From High Camp, the route steepens significantly, ascending 400–500 meters over 2–3 hours through moraine, scree, and rocky ground to Crampon Point (5,700m). From here, crampons are required for the final ascent to Island Peak's summit at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet). Snow is typically absent at this altitude. The entire descent retraces your steps back to Chhukung, completing a technically straightforward but physically taxing day at high altitude.
16Extra Summit Day Contingency
A contingency day built into the schedule to allow a second summit attempt if weather, physical condition, or technical difficulties prevent the ascent on Day 15. Tented accommodation and meals provided.
17Chhukung to PangbocheChhukung to Pangboche · Pangboche
A 6 hour descent covering 19 km to 3,985m. The route retraces the approach, descending to Pangboche village. Lodge accommodation on full board.
18Pangboche to Namche via Tengboche MonasteryPangboche to Namche via Tengboche Monastery · Tengboche Monastery · Phunki Tenga
A 6 hour trek covering 19 km to 3,440m. The route follows the river, then climbs through birch and rhododendron forest to Tengboche and its monastery. Dramatic views from Tengboche encompass Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, and Thamserku. The descent continues to a bridge over the Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga, which features water-driven prayer wheels, before the final ascent back to Namche. Lodge accommodation on full board.
19Namche to LuklaNamche to Lukla · Lukla
A 6–7 hour final trekking day covering 18 km to 2,860m. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi river down to Lukla. Lodge accommodation on full board.
20Flight Lukla to KathmanduLukla · Kathmandu
Following the completion of your Everest Base Camp trek, you'll take a 35-minute flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel for the night. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you wish—whether resting after your trek, exploring the city, or attending to personal tasks.
21Contingency Day in KathmanduKathmandu
A buffer day built into the schedule to account for weather-related flight cancellations on the Lukla–Kathmandu sector, which is highly dependent on mountain weather conditions. The day may be used for personal activities, shopping, or sightseeing at Kathmandu Valley monuments. Hotel accommodation on full board.
22Kathmandu Departureairport · hotel
Your airport representative assists with hotel checkout procedures before transferring you to the airport for your final international departure from Nepal.

Where you go

Map: Island Peak, Gokyo Lakes & Everest Base Camp — 22 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Lukla
  2. 2Phakding
  3. 3Kathmandu
  4. 4Chaunrikharka
  5. 5Phakding to Namche Bazaar
  6. 6Namche Bazaar
  7. 7Sagarmatha National Park
  8. 8Namche Bazaar
  9. 9Khunde Hospital
  10. 10National Park Centre and Museum
  11. 11Namche to Dole
  12. 12Dole
  13. 13Dole to Machhermo
  14. 14Machhermo
  15. 15Gokyo
  16. 16Ngozumpa Glacier
  17. 17Tragnag
  18. 18Ngozumpa Glacier
  19. 19Dzongla
  20. 20Cho La Pass
  21. 21Gorakshep
  22. 22Kala Patthar
  23. 23Khumbu Glacier
  24. 24Pheriche
  25. 25Chhukung
  26. 26Kongma La Pass
  27. 27Chhukung Ri
  28. 28Chhukung
  29. 29Island Peak Base Camp
  30. 30Island Peak
  31. 31Pangboche
  32. 32Tengboche Monastery
  33. 33Phunki Tenga
  34. 34Namche to Lukla
  35. 35Lukla
  36. 36Kathmandu

Activities: TREKING, HIKING

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