3 Peaks Climbing Challenge (Island, Lobuche and Pokalde Peak)

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Friendship World Treks.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for your exploration tour in Kathmandu, which includes Boudhanath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. However, sometimes, depending on your flight arrival, if it’s too late into the night we will do this tour in the afternoon instead of morning to give you some sleep and rest so that you can get rid of that jetlag before you venture out of the Hotel for our interesting tour. In the evening, you will be briefed by your trek and climb leader about your trekking program the next day. In case you have fallen short of any trek and climb equipment that you may need, this time can be used to arrange for it.

Meal: B

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

Wake up early in the morning and leave from the hotel at approx 5 am to catch a flight to Lukla. Flight times are generally scheduled for early morning and the exact airport time will be announced a day earlier.

At Lukla, we are immediately overcome by the scale of the massive peaks that surround the village but this is only an indication of what is to come. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding.

Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 1,250m/4,100ft

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 4-5

We will move along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. This is known as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. At Monjo, our trek leader will deal with all necessary national park formalities and then we will enter Sagarmatha National Park. Lowering down from the park, we will arrive at the river. Crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get a view of Thamserku Mountain. If the weather is clear, we can also have the first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains. We will stay overnight in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 6 – 7

Namche Bazaar is regarded as a gateway to the high Himalayas. It is also the main trading centre and the capital of Sherpa land. Rest is recommended in Namche for acclimatization purpose. A short hike will be arranged to the ancient Sherpa village of Thame to observe the rich Sherpa culture or we can also visit nearby Khumjung, Khunde or Khongde villages. Shopping in the marketplace of Namche is another fine idea. National Park Head office, Museum and monasteries are other places of interest. The area is clustered with cafes, shops, bakeries and restaurants. The place supports facilities of the post office, hospital, government health post. Internet access is also available at Namche so that you can contact your near ones. Overnight stay in a lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 4 – 5

Today it’s a steep climb out of Namche Bazaar up to Kyangjuma Village. At Kyangjuma, we can contemplate on terrific views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. The tough part of today is surely going to be the ascent of the Mong La, a very appealing place hanging on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. A medieval historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We spend some time at the top of Mong La to look with awe at the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while enjoying lunch. The most eye catching feature of the trail today is the wealth of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons that we see on the way. We may even spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the subtle musk deer. Continuing our hike through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole, a small village with few teahouses.

Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 590m/1,936ft

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 6-7

Today it’s another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi valley, high above the river. The walking is easy, but we will still feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hillock. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours, we will arrive at Luza (4360m), and after a further hour’s walk we reach our lodge at Machhermo (4465m) where you will spend the evening. After lunch there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti! It was here, in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder that could have been a hungry grizzly bear!

Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 430m/1,411ft

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 4-5

We are more or less nearing an altitude of 4500m, so we haul up at Machhermo for an extra day to acclimatize by getting our bodies used to the thin air as we climb up. There are plenty of outlets for exploration around the camp and just above the village, there is a gracious vista that encircles Cho Oyu at [8210m] and the mountains which flank the Ngozumpa Glacier.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 3 – 4

After breakfast, we climb through a crest Chorten from where we enjoy master views of the valley below and Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part of Cho-Oyu at (8153m). Beyond the ridge, the valley opens out as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka at (4480m) after a brief soft hike. Phangka is an area where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to see the Lama footprints on a stone. As we see the sights of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we watch in awe the glimmering turquoise blue mass of water dazzling in the sunshine. Just ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two connected by a heaving stream. Gokyo village is neatly placed by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountains stand tall in the backdrops, setting off stunning scenery, an ideal spot for our video cams to go on overdrive at this awesome area. After lunch, we discover more of the third Lake, Dudh Pokhari.

Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 330m/1,083ft

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 5-6

Morning climb to Gokyo Ri. Gokyo Ri is a major viewpoint in the Gokyo region and the view from the top is mesmerizing. We retrace to Gokyo for breakfast and we soon leave this zone with lifetime memories never to be forgotten. After relishing a warm breakfast, we trek down to Thagnak for overnight scaling by the second of the Lakes; the route across the glacier is identified by cairns and is pretty well determined. We climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Thagnak and follow a low valley to our camp by a small kharka.

Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: -50m/-164ft

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 6-7

Cho La Pass is also another show up of this trip. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake we reach the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rise sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below.

Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 70m/230ft

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 7-8

From Dzongla, we will head towards Lobuche. After following the straight path for a couple of hours, we need to follow the steep rocky trail towards Lobuche Glacier. The path offers spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Thamserku, Kantega, Pokalde and other peaks.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 5-6

After breakfast, there will be a climbing clinic scheduled today. You will receive pre-climb training from your guide on this day. The skills required for the climb will be taught with the proper use of equipment and knowledge of the terrain.

Rest of the day is free to rest and recover.

Meal: (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Leaving Lobuche Base Camp, we will move along rocky moraine path towards Lobuche High Camp. We will move through Lobuche glacier. We will climb through the rocky terrain to Lobuche High Camp.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Fully Tented Camping

Trekking Hours: 3 – 4

We will wake up quite early this day as we aim to reach the summit before noon. We head out to the summit during predawn. We need to cross-ice slopes for which crampons and ice axe proves really useful. We may need to pass crevasses before climbing to the summit. The summit allows enticing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Pumori and other mountains in the Everest region. After spending some quality time in the summit, we will lower down to Lobuche High Camp and then to Lobuche for our overnight.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 10-12

This is a free day which has been allocated in the itinerary to ensure that our schedule will go on smoothly without interruption even if there occur complications during climbing peaks. The successful adventure depends on multiple factors like weather condition and fitness of our fellow crew members. In such a case, the contingency day will be useful for sticking up to the plan.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Leaving Pokalde Base Camp, we will move towards Kongma La Pass. The Pass offers views of the wide valley that is dotted with frozen lakes. We can also observe the panoramic view of Pokalde Peak including Cholatse peak, Nuptse Mountain, Lhotse Mountain, Makalu Mountain and Ama Dablam Mountain. Little further from Kongma La Pass is Pokalde High Camp where we will stay overnight.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Fully Tented Camping

Trekking Hours: 5-6

We will climb to the summit of Pokalde Peak on this day. Waking up early in the morning, we will move along the rugged pass. Walking through the snow ridge, we need to cross a few rocky pinnacles. The journey continues through the ridge. From this point, the climbing is going to be a bit tough. We will reach to the narrow rocky pinnacle. Moving past boulders and snow, we will reach the summit. Pokalde Peak can be attempted from North, North East, North West or South Face. We will enjoy the spectacular views of Mountains in Everest region including Everest, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Pumori and then descend to Chukung.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 10-12 hrs

Rest day at Chukung to recover from our last two climbs.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Fully Tented Camping

Trekking Hours: 6 – 7

From Chukung, we will reach Island Peak Base Camp. Climbing south from Chukung, we will head east and proceed through Lhotse glacier through Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines to the southwest side of Island Peak where we will set our camp. The site offers scenic views of surrounding mountains and moraine valleys.

Meal: (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Fully Tented Camping

Trekking Hours: 3-4

We will wake up much early on this day, leaving Base Camp at around 2 am. We will take moderate climb for the first part of the climb before reaching the steep hillside. The terrain frequently changes from sandy area to meadow to boulder. From the hill, we will follow the tapered path through a steep rock channel to emerge to the gully. Walking through a ridgeline, we conquer the challenges proposed by seracs and crevasses. We will proceed through the snout of the summit glacier with the help of ropes and move through 40- degree snow slopes to reach the summit. The challenge of the climb is rewarded with the gratifying views of Lhotse Mountain, Nuptse Mountain, Makalu, Baruntse and Amadablam Mountains. We will capture the memories in the camera and then prepare ourselves for long descend to the Base Camp and trek to Chukung. We will celebrate the successful climb of our first objective

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Fully Tented Camping

Trekking Hours: 10-12

Another contingency day

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

We will follow the easy descending trail from Lobuche Base Camp. The path from Lobuche to Pheriche is scenic with close-up view Ama Dablam Mountain. From Pheriche, we will move further to Pangboche through rhododendron and juniper forest.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 6-7

Leaving Pangboche early in the morning, we will follow the return trail along Imja River that takes us through the forest of birch and spruce to Tengboche village. After brief stop in Tengboche, we will follow the trail through forest of blooming rhododendron to the bridge. We will cross the bridge over Dudh Koshi River and move through Dudh Koshi gorge and pine forest to Sansa village. The region is rich in Himalayan wildlife like mountain goats, Thars and local birds. We will pass through the chorten to the army camp at Namche Bazaar.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 6 – 7

Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of trek & climb with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.

Meal: B, L, D

Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge

Trekking Hours: 6-7

We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Kathmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to do your own things.

Meal: B

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

Enjoy a leisure day. You are on your own. Participating in a day tour in Kathmandu is a pleasant plan. You can also go for shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub where you can buy souvenir items like handicrafts and arts to your family. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate our successful climb. While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles

Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Meal: B

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

Finally, the undeniable day of departure arrives. Thank you for joining us on this climb and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time.  We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. You will be assisted in your last-minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon.  Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Meal: B

Accommodation: None

Trekking Hours: