Island Peak

All content by Intrepid

18 days (ex Kathmandu)

Destinations visited: Nepal, Around The Kathmandu Valley, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$3,430

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Description

One of the greatest ways to see the world's highest mountains is from the summit of your own recently conquered peak. Imagine taking in views of Lhotse, Makalu and other Himalayan giants - stretching to the horizon in hazy shades of black granite, flawless white and deep blue - after successfully trekking to the summit of Imja Tse, or Island Peak as it is more commonly known. As one of the greatest trekking mountains in the world, Island Peak offers a superb challenge for those with a lust for adventure.

Highlights

Warm up with a spicy chai in Lukla.
Revel in the exhilaration of reaching Island Peak.
Celebrate achieving this incredible feat in Kathmandu.
Experience Nepalese teahouse culture.
Discover remote villages and monasteries.
Go trekking amid the untamed beauty of Everest National Park.
Camp in crisp wilderness.
Soak up spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Kathmandu

Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards in colourful Kathmandu. Nepal's energetic capital is an invigorating mix of modern development and a distinctive artistic and cultural heritage. Explore the crowded bazaars where stalls and tiny hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas. A visit to Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) outlines the importance of responsible trekking and conservation.

Days 3-15 Island Peak Trek

Get a taste of vibrant Nepalese culture and spectacular wilderness on this Himalayan trek. Follow a rocky path through incredible scenery and stay overnight at teahouses and campsites. Visit remote monasteries and lush forests before reaching Island Peak Base Camp, where climbing practice sessions will serve as preparation for a trek to the summit. Begin the journey from Base Camp in the early hours of the morning. It's a challenging 10 hours of trekking to reach the summit and return, but the effort is well worth it. Standing atop Island Peak at an altitude of 6,189 m and gazing out over the fourth and fifth highest mountains in the world is a truly breathtaking experience. Capture the moment with a celebratory group photo.

Day 16 Lukla

Make the descent back to Lukla where this active mountain adventure finishes. With all trekking done and dusted, it's time to rest up over a hot cup of spicy chai and get a good night's sleep in a traditional teahouse.

Days 17-18 Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy free time to further explore this weird and wonderful city. Perhaps visit Swayambhunath and see why it's also known as the 'Monkey Temple'; or head to Durbar Square in the Old City and try to spot the Kumari Devi, regarded as a living goddess. Otherwise, pull up a chair in a cafe and reflect on this incredible Himalayan experience.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Teahouse (10 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (4 nts), Guesthouse (3 nts)

Transport

Bus, Plane

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,430

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