Compare 16 Days - Island Peak Expedition by Asian Heritage vs Mera Peak Climbing and Amphu Labcha Pass by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 16 days | 21 days |
Price From | $ 3,299 | $ 6,199 |
Price Per Day | $ 206 | $ 295 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
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During our trip, we can enjoy Nepali, Tibetan, Indian as well as the more common continental cuisines. Breakfast (only) will be provided during your stay in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be available during the trek and climb. While trekking, breakfast will be taken in the same place we stay the night. Similar arrangements can also be made for dinner. Lunch will be taken en route to the next destination. During climbing session, hygienic, freshly-cooked food will be provided. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu. |
Description |
On your 16-day Island Peak Expedition, you will not only reach the summit of the magnificent Island Peak but also experience trekking in the most coveted Everest region. Island Peak also called Imja Tse by the Nepalese is a popular choice among novice climbers who wish to begin their mountaineering journey by summiting Island Peak and then move on to other peaks. The mountain was named "Island Peak" in 1952 A.D due to its striking location in the middle of the Chhukung valley, like an island on a sea of ice. Island Peak has an impressive, highly glaciated west face that rises from the Lhotse Glacier which is a bit tough to do; however, the magnificent views from the summit are certainly a fitting reward for your efforts. |
One of the most fascinating trekking peaks, the Mera Peak Climbing and Amphu Labcha Pass trip is rather a challenging one. It offers extreme adventure in the upper Hinku Valley in the Khumbu region of Nepal. This adventurous trip is suitable for those seeking an audacious and a challenging trail in the tranquil region of the Himalayas. Mera Peak is the highest trekking permitted peak in Nepal and is widely acknowledged by climbers for being technically demanding. The daring journey provides astonishing views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and many other Himalayan peaks. |
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar
Welcome to Kathmandu Nepal.
Asian Heritage Treks & Travel Representative welcome you at the Airport with your nameplate. After Arrival at Nepal airport transfer you to the hotel. On the way Airport to Hotel, you will pass by the Open cremation Place (Pashupatinath temple), Royal Palace Museum i.e. Narayanhity, Garden Of Dream and reach the Thamel. Your hotel will be in downtown of Touristic Hub. Our representative will facilitate you and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the street of Thamel.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,800 m) & trek to Phakding (2,652 m)
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge
You will take a flight from TIA to Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla in Solukhumbu. The flight takes you over the Himalayas giving you a breathtaking panoramic view of the higher mountains, including the famous Mt. Everest, standing there with the snow-covered peak in all its glory. On arrival at the airport, Sherpa crew will unload our trekking equipment and our guide will brief you and introduce our porters before our trek begins towards Phakding.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge
After breakfast, you walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending your nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, you come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608 m) on your right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout your journey. If the weather is clear, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. Continue walking until you reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and the main trading center of this region. On that day you cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Rest day at Namche Bazaar
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge
Namche Bazaar is also known as the Sherpa Capital. You can use your time to acclimatize, relax and explore the surrounding places. Most of the trekkers prefer to get up before sunrise to view the magnificent views of Mount Everest, Thamserku, Amadablam and other glorious peaks from the Sagarmatha National Park. One can get a chance to observe the shadow of the mountains being projected onto the clouds above and truly appreciate their magnitude. As an energy supplier, one should try salt-butter tea and Champa – a kind of barley often consume by the Sherpas in the region.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870 m)
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge
After having breakfast, we will start trekking towards Tengboche. Walking will start with the old but still used, Everest Expedition Trail. The trail is a winding smooth path that offers a fantastic view of Mount Everest (8,848 m), Thamserku (6,618 m) and Amadablam peak standing at 6,856m located exactly at the east side of Mt. Everest, and leads you upwards through a thick forest of rhododendron. There is a high probability of you, coinciding with the Himalayan flora & fauna. Tengboche is famous for the Buddhist Monastery (where you can attend daily puja) and the viewpoint. After reaching Tengboche, have a good rest at a local lodge.
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360 m)
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge
In the morning we visit the Tengboche monastery. Through the coniferous forest, the trail then descends to Debuche, crossing Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. Also, we visit the Pangboche monastery. Then we descend into the river and start a climb up to Dingboche.
Day 7: Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730 m)
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge
We will spend a day here to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air pressure. We will have a trip to Chhukung valley via the Imja Khola valley to get a marvellous view of the surrounding mountains, especially Lhotse's massive south wall, then return to Dingboche in the evening.
Day 8: Acclimatization Day
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge
This day is for acclimatization. You will get used to the high altitude mountain settlement and scenarios. You can roam around and know more about this place.
Day 9: Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp (5,200 m)
Accommodation: Overnight at camp
The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is quite steep. First, we climb south then walk on a winding path. Next, we continue walking along a streamside. A crisscross route through Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to Island Peak.
Day 10: Pre-Climb training on Island Peak Base Camp
Accommodation: Overnight at the camp
After breakfast, you will be trained in peak climbing techniques and the use of climbing gears such as the ice-ax, climbing boots, and crampons, harness, ascend-er, etc. Though it's not mandatory, the training would be quite helpful.
Day 11: Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit (6,189 m)
Accommodation: Overnight at the camp
We wake up early around midnight and have our breakfast before starting our climb. It is required to reach the summit before noon due to the probability of high winds. After enjoying the summit views we descend to Island Peak Base camp.
Day 12: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985 m)
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge
We will be descending to the lower altitude this day through the beautiful Sherpa villages Orsho and Shomare to reach Pangboche – a beautiful village surrounded by Everest to its north, Amadablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse River flowing through the valley.
Day 13: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge
From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche and after our lunch there we continue till we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.
Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Accommodation: Overnight in the available local lodge
After Breakfast you will continue the trek through the Chumoa village- a beautiful village to have lunch. After lunch, you will walk along the riverside to Phakding and then head towards Lukla. After a few hours walk, you will reach Lukla where you can relax and dip yourself into the local culture and lifestyle. On reaching Lukla, we will reflect on the time spent as a group and the personal achievement of all those who took part in the trek.
Day 15: Fly to
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar
Enjoy your last glimpse of the mountains you have recently visited for one last time. The flight to Kathmandu leaves before 10:00 am. Sometimes, it differs according to weather conditions. On arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Day 16: Departure
Our representative will pick you up and drive you to Kathmandu. You will be advised and assisted with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private van around 3 hours before your flight schedule and flight back to your home/other travel destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there is a Himalayan Glacier representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day taking a rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu: trip preparation
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
We rest for most of the day and unpack. We visit Himalayan Glacier’s office in the afternoon. Our climbing leaders will check our set of climbing equipment to make sure that they are in good condition for our coming journey. We also get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla, trek to Paiya (Chutok)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 2,730m/8,957ft
Flight: 40 min Hiking: 5-6 hrs
We catch an early morning flight to Lukla and begin our trek to Paiya after landing at the Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla. We walk on a jungle trail, cross a bridge over the Handi Khola and reach Surke Village. From here we continue moving south and cross the Chutok La pass before reaching the small settlement of Paiyan, also known as Chutok. Overnight in Paiya.
Day 4: Paiya to Panggom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,846m/9,338ft
We descend for a while and reach a small bridge. From here the trail is slippery until we cross the Kari La pass. We walk through rhododendron and bamboo forests on a narrow mountain trail. On today’s trip we also get to be in awe of the Dudhkoshi Valley. We continue our trek to Panggom Village whose settlers are dependent on farming and trading. Overnight in Panggom.
Day 5: Panggom to Ningsow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 4-5 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,863m/9,394ft
We begin our trek after breakfast. After trekking out of Panggom, we cross the Panggom La pass. Then we ascend, walk on a steady path and turn north. We cross Peseng Kharka Khola first then after walking for sometime, reach Peeng Kharka Danda. We cross Ningsow Khola (stream) before reaching the Ningsow Village. Overnight in Ningsow.
Day 6: Ningsow to Chhatra Khola
From Ningsow, we climb first then descend for a while and climb some more to reach Ramailo Danda. From here we get extraordinary views of Mera Peak and Salpa. After ascending and descending on our trail, we enter the Makalu Barun National Park. Our trail from here to Chhatra Khola is called Pasang Lhamu trail. On the way, if we are lucky, we might even come across the elusive Red Panda. Overnight in Chhatra Khola.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft
Day 7: Chhatra Khola to Kothe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,691m/12,110ft
We walk towards the north on the main trail to Mera Peak. After walking on a trail next to the the Majang Khola, we merge with another trail which moves alongside the Hinku Khola. Our trail moves straight ahead towards Tashing Ongma which has seasonal tea shops. We continue our trek and cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola before reaching Kothe. Overnight in Kothe.
Day 8: Kothe to Thaknak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 4,358m/14,299ft
We trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We take lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung, we pass a 200-year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera Peak scripted in rock along with its route to reach Mera. A short walk takes us to Thaknak, which is a summer grazing area with primitive lodges and shops. Overnight in Thaknak.
Day 9: Thaknak to Khare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 5,045m/16,553ft
Hiking: 2-3 hrs
Leaving Thaknak, we follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers, and then climbs more steeply to Khare. From here, we can see the northern face of Mera Peak which will be an amazing experience. After lunch we can hike in and around Khare. Overnight at Khare.
Day 10: Khare: Acclimatization and pre - climb training
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 5,045m/16,553ft
We have a separate day set aside solely for acclimatization and basic training just to prepare ourselves better for the Mera Peak climb. Our climbing leader will help us polish our basic climbing techniques and demonstrate the best ways to use our climbing gears like the ice axe, harness, ascender climbing boots and crampons. The training will also include learning the best technique to use the rope for climbing up and down. Overnight in Khare.
Day 11: Khare to Mera High Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Camping)
Climbing: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Altitude:5,780m/18,964ft
We walk through a boulder-strewn course on a steep trail to reach the Mera Peak Base Camp. From here, we continue further through the Mera La pass to reach the Mera High Camp. Our path is along a rocky trail, which can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. Then set up a high camp while enjoying excellent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse. Overnight at Mera High Camp.
Day 12: Summit Mera Peak, trek to Kongma Dingma
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Camping)
Climbing: 10-11 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 6,461m/21,199ft
We wake up around 2 in the morning for breakfast. It’s going to be very cold in the beginning but we get warmer as we continue up the glacier and onto a peculiar ridge. The first rays of the sun hit the big peaks in an amazing red glow. The route is still non-technical as we slowly climb higher into the ever-thinning air. The slope steepens for a section behind the ridge and the summit comes back into view. At the foot of the final steep summit cone, we may attach to a fixed rope depending on the conditions. The summit is only a few meters away. From the summit, we take in amazing views of the mighty Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7 ,129m) and others. Later, we retrace our steps back to the high camp where we rest for a while before descending to Kongma Dingma. Overnight in Kongma Dingma
Day 13: Kongma Dingma: rest day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4,850m/15,913ft
We take the much needed rest in Kongma Dingma today.
Day 14: Contingency
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Camping)
Maximum Altitude: 4,850m/15,913ft
There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Mera on day 12 due to bad weather conditions or any other unanticipated reason.
Day 15: Kongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 5,035m/16,520ft
We head up into the upper yak pastures of this incredible remote valley. All morning the great flanks of Chamlang dominate our left, and the spire of Baruntse comes into view beyond. The terrain is remarkably benign, especially considering we are actually heading directly into the very epicenter of the highest group of mountains in the world. The valley floor remains broad and straight, only gradually rising to the blind alley of peaks ahead. It is almost a shock to realize that the two majestic mountains we are heading straight towards are none other than Everest and Lhotse. Overnight in camp at Seto Pokhari.
Day 16: Seto Pokhari to Amphu Labcha Base Camp (South)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 5,650m/18,538ft
This is one of the remotest parts of the Himalayas, so we rarely see any trekkers en-route except if it is a very high tourist season. From Seto Pokhari we move ahead and pass through several lakes that occupy the upper Hunku Basin. After walking past Hunku Pokhari, our trail is next to the magnificent Hunku Glacier. We continue further with another lake close by to our trail. Overnight in Amphu Labcha Base Camp.
Day 17: Amphu Labcha Base Camp to Chhukung
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 9-10 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 4,730m/15,519ft
We cross the Amphu Labcha La pass (5,845m) then walk across the Amphu Labcha Glacier. Lhotse Shar Glacier and Imja Glacier are nearby. Our trail also half circles the Imja Tsho lake before walking on the main Island Peak trail. Moving further ahead, we are also in the vicinity of the Ama Dablam Glacier before reaching Chhukung. Overnight in Chhukung.
Day 18: Chhukung to Namche Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,438m/11,280ft
We begin our descent to Namche Bazaar after breakfast. We reach a sparse settlement of Bibre and cross a bridge over the Imja Khola. Our trail passes through beautiful villages, grasslands and cross several bridges before reaching Namche Bazaar. There is an amazing view point a little further from our trail at Dingboche. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Day 19: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Hiking: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft
We begin our trek to Namche Bazaar today on a rocky terrain. It is mostly a downhill trek on a trail alongside the Dudh Koshi River. We cross several suspension bridges, pass by several monasteries and villages before reaching Lukla. After reaching Lukla we spend the rest of the day taking a rest as today will be our last day on the mountains. Overnight in Lukla.
Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Flight: 40 min
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
The flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled for morning due to safety reasons. After reaching the capital city, we have the rest of the day off to past the time as we please. We could take a rest in our hotel room or shop for souvenirs for our loved ones. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our Mera Peak Climbing and Amphu Labcha Pass. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 21: Final departure
Meals: Breakfast
We check our hotel room for one last time and make sure that we have not forgotten to pack any of our belongings. A Himalayan Glacier representative will take us to the Tribhuwan International Airport 3 hours earlier before our scheduled flight.