ISLAND PEAK & LOBUCHE EAST CLIMB

Your first full day begins with a welcome briefing led by your Mountain Tribe guides. You’ll finalise gear, connect with fellow trekkers, and explore the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, we come together for a group dinner along with our Nepalese support crew - setting the tone for the expedition ahead.

The day begins with a guided walking tour through two of Kathmandu’s cultural treasures. You’ll hike to the sacred Swayambhunath stupa (aka Monkey Temple) - perched above the city with sweeping views and explore the history-rich Durbar Square. The afternoon is yours to relax or grab any final mountain essentials. 

We begin with a stunning 45-minute private helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The views of the Himalayas as you fly in by choppa are amazing! After breakfast, we gear up and commence the trek. It will be a fairly gentle first day, following the milk-white Dudh Kosi River for 3-4 hours to Phakding (2610m).

A big day through forested valleys and over suspension bridges. We follow the Dudh Kosi upstream and begin a steep ascent into Namche Bazaar (3440m) - the legendary Sherpa village where we’ll get our first glimpse of Everest. You’ll feel the elevation shift, but the sense of arrival is unforgettable.

To support acclimatisation, we stay another night in Namche. Today includes a hike to higher ground, with incredible views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and neighbouring peaks. You'll visit the national park museum and Sherpa culture centre, then spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the village.

We leave Namche and ascend through Khumjung village, passing beneath sacred Khumbilya Peak. The trail winds through birch forest, drops to the Dudh Kosi River, and then climbs above the valley with epic views of Ama Dablam. We pass yak settlements and waterfalls before arriving in the high-alpine village of Dhole (4200m).

A shorter day today, gaining altitude gradually along the Dudh Kosi Valley. We pass through alpine tundra and reach the peaceful village of Luza before continuing to Machhermo (4470m). Those with energy can explore toward Kyajo Ri base or simply rest. This is yeti country too – one was allegedly spotted here in 1974.

A stunning walk past alpine cliffs and sacred valleys leads us to Gokyo’s shimmering lakes. We cross glacial moraines and pass turquoise meltwater pools fed by Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in Nepal. The views intensify as we arrive at the lakeside stone dwellings of Gokyo (4790m), perched beneath towering peaks and endless sky.

We climb Gokyo Ri (5380m) for epic 360° views of Everest and surrounding giants. It’s one of the best panoramas in the Himalayas. After the morning hike, the day is yours to rest, explore the lakes, or enjoy the comforts of Gokyo village before continuing our high-altitude journey tomorrow.

We make a short but technical crossing of the Ngozumpa Glacier, weaving through moraine ridges and icy terrain. The views are stark and surreal. We reach Dragnag (4700m) by early afternoon, resting here before the demanding Chola Pass crossing. A calm day to prepare both mind and body.

Chola Pass (5420m) is steep, icy, and unforgettable. We start early to climb above 5000m again - gaining views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse from the top. After the summit, we descend through glacial terrain and boulder fields to reach the quiet hamlet of Dzongla (4830m), surrounded by sharp peaks and silence.

We pause in Dzongla to recover, acclimatise, and allow flexibility in the itinerary for weather windows. This day is vital for physical recovery and summit success. Surrounded by jagged peaks and thin air, we rest, refuel, and prepare mentally for the technical climbing stages that begin tomorrow.

We leave the main trail and climb steeply to Lobuche East High Camp (5400m). The landscape shifts to rugged, remote terrain. We set up camp on an alpine ledge, surrounded by dramatic rock and ice, and begin preparing gear and strategy for tomorrow’s technical summit. Tonight, we sleep in expedition tents.

An early alpine start for our first summit push. Crampons crunch, fixed lines tighten, and you ascend steep, icy slopes to the panoramic summit of Lobuche East (6119m). From the top, sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We descend safely and continue trekking down to Thakla (4620m) for rest and recovery.

We journey east into the Imja Valley, a remote and beautiful corridor framed by glaciated peaks. The trail is quiet and wild, with constant views of Ama Dablam and the towering mass of Island Peak. We arrive in Chhukhung (4730m) – a small village that will serve as our base for the next summit.

Another essential acclimatisation and weather buffer day. You may rest, explore the valley, or, for those with energy, attempt the non-technical summit of Chhukhung Ri (5550m) or even Mt Chukhung (5833m). Both are excellent preparation climbs before taking on Island Peak.

We trek through a wide, barren glacial valley toward Island Peak Base Camp (5087m). The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. After several hours of hiking, we reach our camp beneath the mountain’s imposing south ridge. Tents are pitched, gear is checked, and we rest before tomorrow’s alpine ascent.

We begin in darkness with a 1am start. After steep scree and rock, we reach the glacier and rope up. Using fixed lines, we ascend the headwall and summit ridge to reach the spectacular top of Island Peak (6189m). After soaking in the views, we descend all the way to Chhukhung to celebrate.

We begin our descent from the high mountains, regaining oxygen with every step. The route passes Dingboche and Pangboche before a final climb to Tengboche Monastery. From here, it’s a beautiful descent through rhododendron forest to Namche Bazaar (3440m), where food, warmth, and perhaps a celebratory beer await.

A final day of trekking as we follow the Dudh Kosi River down from Namche to Lukla (2840m). It’s a longer day, but the downhill trail and oxygen-rich air make it enjoyable. We reflect on everything accomplished – two summits, glacier crossings, high passes – and celebrate the end of an epic expedition.

We say goodbye to the tough local porters who have been carrying our gear, and also make our final goodbyes to the Himalayas. We board our helicopter for the flight back to civilisation, 5-star comfort, city food, and lots of R&R. Emotions will be running high today as we reminisce the last few weeks.

No alarms. Just rest, recovery, and celebration. Book a massage, dip in the pool, or visit your favourite café. That evening, we reunite for a heartfelt farewell dinner with our Nepalese guides - reflecting on the mountains we’ve explored together.

A final free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Pick up souvenirs, visit a hidden temple, or just enjoy one last rooftop coffee with a view. Optional day tours available for those who want to explore more of the valley.

Your adventure may be ending, but the mountains and the tribe you shared them with stay with you. A private transfer takes you to the airport at your preferred time. You came seeking adventure. You leave with perspective, purpose, a story that’s yours - and your tribe for life.