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2010 Dates:October 28 - November 22 (confirmed)
2011 Dates:March 24-April 18
October 7-November 1
2010 Land Cost: $5,500
2011 Land Cost: $5,750
Climbing Grade:
Advanced Beginner
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View images and video clip
This expedition is a great first Himalayan experience that includes glacier travel, moderate snow and ice climbing while ascending 20,000+ foot mountain. Nepal is a country of friendly people, magnificent scenery, and a variety of cultural traditions. This blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration is a great way to experience the Himalayan Mountains - the world’s most impressive mountain range - and is sure to create lasting memories and provide you with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
After arriving, you will have a day to explore the exotic city of Kathmandu before flying into the remote mountain town of Lukla where you begin your trek into the Khumbu region of the Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of 9,350 feet, the views of the Himalayan Mountains from Lukla on a clear day are breathtaking. Once there, we follow an ancient route that journeys through tiny villages, across high mountain passes, and through remote valleys. Along the way, we visit Buddhist monasteries and begin to appreciate the unique mountain culture found in the Himalayan foothills. The views grow more spectacular as we venture up the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar - the gateway to the Khumbu region at 11,300 feet. We spend a night next to the Thyangboche monastery (12,887 feet), where you are rewarded with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, and Lhotse.
A rewarding hike leads to the summit of 18,450 foot Kala Pattar and provides a truly spectacular panorama of Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), the Mother Goddess of the World (29,028 feet), and Lhotse (27,560 feet). We then spend about two nights at Everest Base camp with the Everest climbing expeditions from around the world.
Our journey then continues to Imja Tse, also known as Island Peak, tops out at 20,305 feet and rewards us with magnificent views of Ama Dablam, South Face of Lhotse and Everest. From the summit of Island Peak there are stunning views of Lhotse and Makalu, the 4th and 5th highest mountains in the world, respectively. The return trek continues to delight adventurous souls with more spectacular mountain views, lush forested valleys, and opportunities to learn about the Nepalese religion and culture.
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General Information on Island Peak
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Included in Cost:
· Scheduled hotel nights in Kathmandu
· Scheduled restaurant meals in Kathmandu
· Park entrance fees, climbing permits & Kathmandu city tour
· Porters and pack animals
· All meals and overnight accommodations while on the trek
· Group tents and cooking gear
· Round trip airport transfers
· Airfare from Lukla to Kathmandu
Not Included in Cost:
· International airfare
· Personal equipment
· Staff/guide gratuities
· Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra meals, etc.)
· Trip cancellation insurance & medical rescue/evacuation insurance
· Non-scheduled meals while in Nepal, alcoholic beverages
· Nepal visa & airport departure tax
QUALIFICATIONS: Island Peak is a great advanced beginner level climb. Climbers are expected to know basic mountaineering skills such as cramponing on snow and ice 40 degree slopes, self arrest with ice axe and roped glacier travel, and have mountaineering experience prior to joining us for this adventure. Completing the Mountain Madness 4-day Introduction to Mountaineering or 6-day Glacier Mountaineering Course is an excellent way to prepare for this trip. (See recommended courses)
WEATHER: Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures - from freezing nights, to snow and wind, to bright sunshine intensified by the high altitude. This wide fluctuation in temperatures makes it important to bring everything on the equipment list.
FOOD: Mountain Madness provides exceptional cuisine. If you have a special diet let us know. We are more than happy to accommodate everyone’s special needs.
GUIDES: All of our guides are highly skilled professionals selected based on their technical proficiency, proven safety records, careful judgment, as well as patient and supportive teaching styles. Mountain Madness guides bring a wealth of natural history, cultural anthropology and linguistic knowledge for their groups’ enlightenment. Our guides have a passion for Nepal and the Himalayas. They truly love helping others experience the awesome beauty of this remote mountain region and its people.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for: trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance. An insurance application is provided with all trip confirmations.
SIGNING UP! Call toll-free at Mountain Madness 1-800-328-5925 and reserve a place with your credit card. Then mail or fax in an application. Applications are located in our brochure or can be downloaded off our website at www.mountainmadness.com
PREPARATION: Once you have completed an application and reserved a space with a deposit you will receive a pre-departure packet. This will contain information pertinent to your preparation. It will include information on conditioning, immunizations, visas, necessary clothing & equipment, cultural considerations and other valuable information to assist before you travel.
The following Mountain Madness Courses may help you prepare for your trip:
· Introduction to Mountaineering
· Glacier Mountaineering Course
· Expedition Training Course
· Cascade Summit Climb
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Itinerary for Island Peak
Important Note on Itinerary: Although we do our best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Included in the cost of your trip are selected group restaurant meals. Meals provided are listed as B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner) at the end of each day. You will be responsible for those meals not listed.
Day 1 - 3: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
Travel from your homeport to Kathmandu. All flights departing the US cross the date line and consequently a day is lost. You arrive in Kathmandu, where a Mountain Madness guide meets you. You then check into a classic four-star hotel located in the popular Thamel district. Your hotel is conveniently located near great food, fabulous shopping, and Durbar Square which has numerous temples and markets.
Day 4: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
While we wrap up last minute paperwork with the Nepali government, you have a casual day for shopping, visiting the palaces, Durbar Square, Hindu temples and shrines, and Buddhist stupas - or you can choose to just relax at the hotel. A favorite destination is the Buddhist Monkey Temple, situated on a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city. Or, join the thousands of Hindus who venture to the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal and the most famous Shiva temple in Asia. D
Day 5: PHAKDING • 8,700 feet
We fly on a twin-engine Otter to the Himalayan foothills where we begin our trek into the Khumbu region. The views from the plane are amazing, providing dramatic views of terraced hills and the distant Himalayan giants. After landing in the village of Lukla (9,350 feet) we meet the rest of our staff and porters and trek for about two and a half hours to Phakding. Here we will meet up with trekkers who have participated in the Jiri extension. B, L, D
Day 6: NAMCHE BAZAAR • 11,300 feet
We continue trekking along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamatha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views to Namche Bazaar the gateway to the Khumbu region. B, L, D
Day 7: NAMCHE BAZAAR • 11,300 feet
Today is a rest and acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Namche is a colorful village with many wonderful and interesting shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An early hike above town, before the clouds move in, rewards climbers with a spectacular Himalayan sunrise and views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse (the 4th highest peak in the world), and the beautiful Ama Dablam. On the way down, we can visit the Sherpa Museum that houses an exhibit on traditional Sherpa lifestyle and a fabulous photography display by a local Nepalese naturalist. One room highlights the Sherpa traditions and in another, Sherpa high altitude climbers are presented. B, L, D
Day 8: THYANGBOCHE • 12,887 feet
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi with magnificent views of the mountains. We spend the night next to the Thyangboche monastery, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. If our group is lucky, we will see the Lama perform a ceremony and hear the mystical chanting and music. B, L, D
Day 9: DINGBOCHE • 14,250 feet
From Thyangboche the trail drops to Debuche, crosses another exciting suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche among thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche with exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. B, L, D
Day 10: DINGBOCHE • 14,250 feet
Rest day. There is the option of taking a light acclimatization hike up a nearby peak for a wider variety of photos of the valley and mountains of the Khumbu region. B, L, D
Day 11: LOBUCHE • 16,175 feet
From Dingbouche, the trail traverses through farmlands and meadows before continuing along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We pass through the small village of Dzugla, before climbing up to a viewpoint with stone memorials for climbers who have perished on nearby summits. The trail continues along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. We spend the night at the Eco Lodge. Hot showers are available upon request. Hiking Time: 4-6 hours B, L, D
Day 12: LOBUCHE • 16,175 feet
Today we have a rest day. Optional short walks can be taken in the surrounding area. B, L, D
Day 13: GORAK SHEP • 17,000 feet
After an early morning start, we ascend Kala Pattar (18,450 feet) and enjoy famous views of the Himalayas, without having to climb Everest! That evening we camp beneath Kala Pattar at Gorak Shep. Hiking Time: 6-8 hours B, L, D
Day 14: EVEREST BASE CAMP • 17,575 feet
In the event of bad weather, we have the opportunity for a second chance to climb Kala Pattar. Today we also continue our trek to Everest base camp, located at the foot of the Khumbu icefall. We’ll spend the night and following morning at Everest/Lhotse base camp, giving you a chance to meet the climbers and thoroughly explore the area. Hiking Time: 2-4 hours B, L, D
Day 15: PHERICHE • 13,950 feet
We head down the glacier and reenter the lush and beautiful valleys, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching the village of Pheriche, we visit the Himalayan Rescue Association’s Trekkers’ Aid Post. B, L, D
Day 16: CHUKKUNG • 15,000 feet
Today we hike to 18,231’ Chukkung Ri, a beautiful hike with a stunning location below the Lhotse/Nuptse Wall. This is the largest rock wall in the Himalaya. From here we get great views of Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Makalu. B, L, D
Day 17: ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP • 15,520 feet
After we enjoy breakfast we will continue to Island Peak base camp at 15,520 feet and prepare for moving to high camp. B, L, D
Day 18: ISLAND PEAK HIGH CAMP • 17,323 feet
Today we take a 2-3 hour hike to high camp. We ascend grass and scree slopes to where we find a tent platform at 17,323 feet. After establishing camp, we relax while taking in the magnificent amphitheater of mountains. B, L, D
Day 19: SUMMIT ISLAND PEAK (IMJA TSE) • 20,305 feet
Using an early morning start, we continue up a rocky gully before traversing to the right. We gain elevation up the rocky ridge before coming to the base of the glacier. Here we rope up and continue up the glacier until the South ridge is reached. We follow this superb and classic ridge to the summit where outstanding views of Lhotse (27,890 feet), Makalu (27,805 feet), Ama Dablam (22,493 feet) and Baruntse (25,328 feet) are revealed. We then continue down to base camp for the evening. B, L, D
Day 20: REST/WEATHER DAY • 14,250 feet
In case of bad weather, we built in an extra day for the summit. The next day we rise early, disassemble camp and continue back down the valley to the village of Chukkung. We arrive in Chukkung by lunchtime, and relax and relish from our summit success. B, L, D
Day 21: NAMCHE BAZAAR • 11,300 feet
The downhill trek along the river allows for breathtaking photos of Ama Dablam that towers ominously above us, and the Southwest ridge comes into clear view. At Pangbouche, we say goodbye to the Ama Dablam climbers and wish them good luck. We then descend to Namche. If we are lucky, it will be market time in Namche. Regardless, there is always fabulous food to be found, including real espresso, yak steaks and chocolate cake with frosting! This market is where lowland porters bearing supplies meet the highland Sherpa and Tibetan people who have journeyed over high passes from many miles away to trade food and supplies for their home or village.
Day 22: Lukla • 9,000 feet
Our last day on the trail, we hike from Namche to Lukla, crossing eleven suspension bridges and reentering the fertile valleys of the lower Dudh Kosi. We overnight in Lukla.
Day 23: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
The scenic morning flight back to Kathmandu gives us one last chance to say farewell to the mountains.
Day 24: KATHMANDU • 4,383 feet
The morning is open and provides a chance to get out early and watch the people of Kathmandu rise in prayer at Pashupatinath along the banks of the holy river Bagmati with burning ghats similar to the Ganges in India. You may wish to visit the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath or explore the temples in the city of Patan just south of Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 25-26: Depart Kathmandu and arrive home.
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