Island Peak Expedition

New Trip
Nepal
Island Peak Expedition
Island Peak Expedition

Also known as Imja Tse, Island Peak is one of the most popular 6,000 peaks in Nepal.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,345 m).

Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

Overnight at Hotel. No meals included

In the morning, after breakfast, At around 8:00 am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trek. We will also supply you with our trek Duffel Bag, and a Cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, three copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

After the Pre-Trip meeting and breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at 8:45 am in the morning. We provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. We visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhnath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty-five windows, art galleries, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some last-minute shopping in Thamel area near your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast Included

For Manthali – Lukla flight: Wake up around 2:30 am, drive to Manthali by shared tourist vehicle for about 4 to 6 hours, and fly to Lukla (20 minutes); Applicable for the peak trekking month of March, April, May, October and November.

For Kathmandu – Lukla flight: Wake up around 5 to 6 am and drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu for about 30 minutes and fly to Lukla (35 minutes). Applicable for the remaining months, except peak trekking months.

Helicopter Option: Instead of a regular plane flight, you have an option to take a shared helicopter flight (it’s not private chartered, so the cost is divided among the passengers) between Kathmandu and Lukla at USD 250 per person extra for one way in addition to the trip price. This cost is available only for those who do advance booking of the helicopter flight at least one week before the trip starts. The helicopter can take 5 passengers. Your guide will inform you about the time to leave for the airport one day before. The helicopter flights are scheduled from 6 AM to 1 PM. From the Kathmandu airport, you will reach Lukla within 40 to 60 mins depending upon the weather. This is a great option as you won’t have to worry about the Kathmandu to Manthali drive which starts around 2:30 AM. Plus the helicopters can fly in visibility as low as 1,500 meters when the weather isn’t favorable for the planes which need the visibility of 5,000 or more meters to fly.

Flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport usually takes place early in the morning. We suggest you to make all the sorting and packing the day before, so there is no rush on Day 3. Once you reach Lukla, have your breakfast while our guide will make an arrangement of porters. We assign one porter to every two clients. Begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River where you join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, located just above Chaunikharka (2,713 m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), it is a short walk to Phakding.

Read: For peak trekking months (March, April, May, October and November), the current Lukla flight operation to and from Manthali airport that was started from the trekking season of March 2019, will continue for the upcoming years. This means you need to wake up early, around 2:30 am to reach Manthali and catch your early morning Lukla flight. In such cases, the hotel you are staying will provide the packed breakfast. Otherwise, except peak season, you can fly to Lukla directly from Kathmandu airport.

Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast included.

We begin the 5 hours trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchange, internet cafe and a bakery. Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people. We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. After 5 hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen. Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues for six hours, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche, with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

From here we have four hours of walking to Chhukung, as it is very important to adjust to the high altitude in order to climb Island Peak. Our guide will provide important information about climbing Island Peak and the next day’s activities.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Today is another short trek of 4 hours to the Island Peak base camp. Starting from today, accommodations will be in tented camps for the next two days, with food prepared by our professional chef.

Overnight at tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

We will spend a day here in adjusting to the thinning of the air. We’ll also make a short trek around the base camp to prepare us for the 6,000 m adventure tomorrow morning.

Overnight at tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Today is our main adventure day. Weather permitting, we’ll start early in the morning for a climb up the Island Peak (6,187 m). After Camp 1, we ascend through a gully and traverse to the right. After making our way up a wide stone field, we cross the ridge to the glacier and crevasses. After a safe trip to the top, we make our way back down the same day and return to Chhukung.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

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Today we follow the same route back down to Tengboche (3,860 m). Passing through Dingboche, Pangboche and Diboche, the day’s trek will take six hours.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

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Leaving the mountains behind, our descent takes us from Tengboche Monastery to the town of Namche Bazaar (3,441 m). We arrive back at Namche Bazaar in the afternoon, a 5 hours walk. We’ll enjoy an evening of talking with fellow trekkers over a nice meal.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Finally, we make the 5 hours return to Lukla (2,804 m), where the trek began. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and on the personal achievements of all who took part.

Overnight at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Lukla to Manthli flight – 20 minutes and same day drive to Kathmandu by shared tourist vehicle for 4 to 6 hours (Applicable for the peak trekking month of March, April, May, October and November)

Lukla to Kathmandu flight – 35 minutes and transfer to hotel by shared tourist vehicle which takes about 30 min (Applicable for the remaining months, except peak trekking months).

Helicopter Option: Instead of a regular plane flight, you have an option to take a shared helicopter flight (it’s not private chartered, so the cost is divided among the passengers) between Lukla and Kathmandu at USD 250 per person extra for one way in addition to the trip price. This cost is available only for those who do advance booking of the helicopter flight at least one week before the trip starts. The helicopter can take 5 passengers. Your guide will inform you about the time to leave for the airport one day before. The helicopter flights are scheduled from 6 AM to 1 PM. From the Lukla airport, you will reach Kathmandu within 40 to 60 mins depending upon the weather. This is a great option as you won’t have to worry about the Manthali to Kathmandu drive which takes around 4 to 6 hours depending on the traffic. Plus, the helicopters can fly in visibility as low as 1,500 meters when the weather isn’t favorable for the planes which need the visibility of 5,000 or more meters to fly.

You might want to stay a little more in Nepal. If you are looking for extending your trip, there are options such as a visit to Chitwan National Park, known for wildlife viewing and to Pokhara, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal. You can also extend your trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan.

And, at the end of this day, we host a farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant with cultural performances.

Read: During the peak trekking months (March, April, May, October and November), the ongoing flight operation to and from Manthali airport that was started from the trekking season of March 2019, will continue in the forthcoming years. Kathmandu can be reached within 4 to 6 hour drive from Manthali. Otherwise, except peak season, you can fly to Lukla directly from Kathmandu airport.

Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast and farewell dinner included.

There’s much to see and do in Kathmandu and the surrounding areas, including Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure, Kathmandu Shopping Tour or Scenic Everest Flight. This is also a spare day in the event of bad weather in Lukla.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).

Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included

An airport representative will escort you to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Breakfast Included

Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

FAQs

Island Peak is a technical peak and you need good stamina for a long day effort while climbing it. You can climb Island peak without any previous climbing experience and skills of using climbing equipment but knowledge on using equipment and previous experience would be beneficial although not mandatory because a pre-ice climbing training is provided to you in Base Camp to make you skillful on using climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons.

To prepare for a strenuous trek you should begin training at least three to four months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.

Price Includes

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by private tourist vehicle.

Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicle.

All your standard Meals during the lodge to lodge trek and camping (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).

Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trek (Twin sharing and ocasionally dormitory room at guesthouse and Tented camp stay at Island Peak Base Camp).

Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English speaking trekking guide.

Climbing sherpa from Island peak base camp for the summit and back to base camp.

Group climbing equipment (Climbing Rope, Ice Screw, Snow Bar, Ice Hammer, Camping Tents and Kitchen equipments)

The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).

Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.

Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.

Island Peak Climbing Permit..

Down Jacket and sleeping bag by Ace the Himalaya (which need to be returned after the trek).

All domestic flights (From Kathmandu – Lukla or Manthali – Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu or Lukla to Manthali) including airport departure tax and transfers. (Note: If you want to take a shared helicopter, it will cost you an extra amount.)

Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sun hat (yours to keep).

Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu (On Day 2).

Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day.

All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.

Official expenses.

Price Does not Include

Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation. (See the travel insurance page)

International airfare and airport departure tax (See the international flights page)

Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 125. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).

Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.

Personal trekking and climbing Equipment (Click the trekking equipment tab).

Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).

Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.

Island Peak climbing involves trekking as well as climbing with all the expedition equipment. Though previous climbing experience certainly helps yet no prior experience is required for Island Peak climbing. However, anyone with knee, ankle, heart or lungs pre medical history needs to seek medical consent before considering Island Peak. Moreover, at Island Peak base camp our climbing Sherpa guide will organize a basic climbing training session on required climbing skills and use of climbing equipment.

At most cases you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.

All the guest houses sell the toilet paper so you can buy it there itself. Hand sanitizer and a towel must be brought on your own.

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

YES, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)

Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.

Substituting the accommodation or swapping from mountain guest house to Kathmandu is NOT possible. We only provide four nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu included in the package.

In case of flight cancellation or early arrival to Kathmandu due to any sickness in the mountain or any of your own personal reason or due to bad weather and you are unable to continue the trek, you will need an extra night accommodation/s in Kathmandu. We can make these arrangements for a supplemental charge.

We use standard rooms at two or three star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. At times when possible, dining will be around a bonfire. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in tea houses provides essential and basic facilities and are always outside the room.

At Island peak base camp the accommodation will be in a Tented camp.

During the trek we will try our best but normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled room instead of a single room. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when the room is free and additional cost is not required.

In Kathmandu, USD 45 Per Room Per Night would be added as a single supplement fee. The single supplements are always guaranteed in Kathmandu but not in the mountain especially during the peak time.

You can book private tent by paying additional cost of USD 120 for the nights you spend in base camp at Island peak.

Most of the tea houses do have western style flushing toilet however in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.

During the night stay in tented camp at Island peak, our team would provide the very basic tented toilet facility.

No problem at all because mostly, the lodges serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at the high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.

Most teahouses (lodges) in Island Peak trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to your destination.

At Tented camp stay while in Island Peak Base Camp, our professional cook will provide you the best veg-delights according to your advice.

Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses. You can buy bottled water at the cost of USD 2 at lower elevations to USD 4 to higher elevation per littler. More higher you go it would be expensive.

If you are planning to drink normal water, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drop is must.

One can purchase purification tablets or iodine in Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche.

At Tented camp stay while in Island Peak Base Camp, our professional cook/ guide will provide boiled and purified water during the camping, which is included in the package.

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu, you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for a lunch and a dinner. Roughly USD 25 to USD 40 per person a day will be enough to buy breakfast, lunch, dinner, bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks during the trekking. Please note, higher you go the things would be expensive especially at higher altitude; all the goods are supplied either by helicopter, horse, mules or porters therefore the things are expensive.

YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.

At the lower altitude like Lukla, Phakding, Namche the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower.

And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower.

For all above showers, it would cost you extra about USD 3-4 per shower. The higher you go the hot shower would be expensive.

During camping at Island Peak base camp, the proper shower facility is not available.

During the trekking period, cash transaction is highly recommended. Please change the currency in local Nepali Rupees before you go to the mountains.

Especially in the Everest trail, Atm would be available only in Namche and relying on it is not a better idea as you never know when things stops working. Also if you try to exchange your foreign currency there you would be getting very less exchange rates. So changing money from Kathmandu and taking Nepalese cash is a wise idea, which we too recommend.

Following equipment are necessary for climbing Island Peak. YES you can rent the following needed climbing equipment at the additional cost of USD 200 per person.

1 Pair plastic shell mountaineering boots with high altitude liners

1 Pair of crampons (steel, no aluminum).

1 Alpine climbing harness.

1 Mountaineering axe with leash (sized properly for your height)

1 Ascender (right or left handed as appropriate)

1 Belay device (Black Diamond ATC or ATC Guide are good options)

2 D-Shaped locking carabiners

2 Non-locking carabiners

1 Pair expedition style gaiters (ensure fit over your boots)

Neck gaiter

Ski goggles (optional)

Climbing helmet (optional)

Well, it depends, and cannot be ensured ahead in peak trekking season, especially spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October, November). Some airlines operate their first few flights in the early morning (6 to 7:30 am) directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. If it gets cancelled, there is less likely to reschedule your flight the next day due to limited number of flight operations from Kathmandu to Lukla. So, you will be flying to Lukla from Manthali airport. In general, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Lukla from Manthali airport.

However, there is an option to take a shared helicopter (private charter is also available and is expensive). It will cost you USD 500 per person extra for both ways (USD 250 per person for one way) in addition to the trip price. This cost is available only for those who do advance booking of the helicopter flight at least one week before the trip starts. The helicopter can take 5 passengers. Your guide will inform you about the time to leave for the airport one day before. The helicopter flights are scheduled from 6 AM to 1 PM. From the Kathmandu airport, you will reach Lukla within 40 to 60 mins depending upon the weather. This is a great option as you won’t have to worry about the Kathmandu to Manthali drive which starts around 2:30 AM. Plus the helicopters can fly in visibility as low as 1,500 meters when the weather isn’t favorable for the planes which need the visibility of 5,000 or more meters to fly.

On the other hand, besides peak trekking season, spring and fall, most airlines will operate their flight to Lukla from Kathmandu directly. You don’t have to get to Manthali to catch your Lukla flight.

The cost of the helicopter is payable directly to our Kathmandu office in the event that this service is utilized. US cash, or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards, American Express only) are accepted. You will be given a receipt upon payment so that you may claim the amount from your travel insurance. The extra charges incurred are approximately $2,500 to $3,000 USD per helicopter (minimum USD 500 to maximum USD 3,000 per person) would be applicable to you for the helicopter charter. Usually the helicopter takes only 4 to 6 passengers at a time. Therefore whatever the cost of helicopter is, the price is divided among the group members. Any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself. (Ace doesn’t own any of those 4% amount)

Ace the Himalaya is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation to even piggyback rides on mules and yaks. We provide you only those options which enhance your local experience while allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD jeep, more maneuverable in traveling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are traveling in cooler areas.

For domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu), we use Tara Air, Summit Air and Sita Air-popular domestic airlines.

The primary modes of air transport in mountain region are Twin Otter and Dornier. Sometimes, due to bad weather conditions or other technical issues, flights may get cancelled or delayed to and from Lukla. In this case, we can rebook your flight for the next day. We highly recommend you to prepare ahead for unforeseen circumstances (flight delay, bad weather) and schedule a couple of extra days for the trek.

Other possible option is to charter a private full-reserved helicopter to ensure you don’t miss deadline for the trek or your international flight. The helicopter takes 5 passengers at a time, and the cost of trekking guide should be shared by trekkers respectively.

The private helicopter charter between Kathmandu and Lukla will cost you extra USD 2,500 to reserve a private helicopter in addition to the domestic flight airfare. If you want to take a helicopter on a sharing basis, it will cost you USD 500 per person. This price is applicable during emergencies or when you have given us a notice in less than 24 hours. We will try to find a cheaper option but the average rate for quick arrangement of helicopter is USD 500 per person. Please note that when you request for a helicopter in a short time (i.e. less than 24 hours) for any reason except emergencies, you will have to be in queue to use the helicopter flight. There are a limited number of helicopters and they are used in a wide range of activities in the mountains. So, please keep in mind you won’t be able to fly at your requested time quickly if you book late. The earlier you book, the earlier and on time you can use the helicopter.

You can fly back to Kathmandu directly from Lukla during monsoon (June, July, and August) and winter (December, January, February). These two seasons are considered off trekking time, and Lukla flight operates to and from Kathmandu during those times.

Similarly, during peak trekking season, spring (March, April, May), and fall (September, October, November), the Lukla flights operate directly to Manthali airport. During those times, there may be some last flights returning back to Kathmandu from Lukla directly under favorable weather conditions. Usually, the flight takes place after 11 am, and depends upon available landing slots in Kathmandu. But these aren’t guaranteed earlier. As the best available options, we recommend you to fly Manthali from Lukla in peak season.

However, there is an option to take a shared helicopter (private charter is also available and is expensive). It will cost you USD 500 per person extra for both ways (USD 250 per person for one way) in addition to the trip price. This cost is available only for those who do advance booking of the helicopter flight at least one week before the trip starts. The helicopter can take 5 passengers. Your guide will inform you about the time to leave for the airport one day before. The helicopter flights are scheduled from 6 AM to 1 PM. From the Lukla airport, you will reach Kathmandu within 40 to 60 mins depending upon the weather. This is a great option as you won’t have to worry about the Manthali to Kathmandu drive which takes around 4 to 6 hours depending on the traffic. Plus, the helicopters can fly in visibility as low as 1,500 meters when the weather isn’t favorable for the planes which need the visibility of 5,000 or more meters to fly.

Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September to December, the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December are the best time to do Island Peak Adventure.

Yes, you need to book your own International flights. We are a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book through us. Please find more information in the International Flight page.

In case of emergency cancellation of flights due to weather condition at Lukla or in Kathmandu we recommend our clients to wait for some time for the weather to clear out. In case the weather fails to clear out and the flights are not likely to take place then in such cases we recommend to go for a helicopter charter. This facility can be provided if our clients are agreeing to pay the extra charges applicable for the heli ride. The helicopter takes 4 to 6 passengers at a time and the cost can be shared amongst the passengers. The cost must be paid by the participant, which can later be submitted for reimbursement through travel insurance company. We can help you with the necessary documents for a claim.

The trip will be confirmed only when we receive the completed final booking form and 30% deposit payment. You can pay the rest of the balance when you arrive in Kathmandu by USD Cash, Credit cards (Master, Visa and American Express) any card payment requires 4% bank fee while doing the transaction, which is taken by bank itself. (Ace doesn’t own any of those 4% amount)

Cancellation notice is required, minimum of 20 days prior to trip departure. If the reason is valid the Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.

If you do not cancel your trip prior to 20 days due to whatsoever reasons, you must be aware that the trip you’ve already bought is completely non-refundable as per our terms and conditions. If you cancel the trip and need to submit a claim to your insurance company, we can help with the supporting documentation such as a receipt for monies paid. If your trip is cut short due to weather/illness/personal reasons, there is no refund for accommodations unused.

For more details please check this link. 

The temperature rating of the sleeping bags we provide are about -10 deg C (14 Deg Fahrenheit), our guide can provide liner or extra blanket from the lodge in the mountain if the sleeping bag is not warm enough for you.

You can clear the remainder of the money upon your arrival in Kathmandu or even before you arrive in Kathmandu. You can use USD cash, American Express, Master or Visa cards for the payment options. There will be 4% bank levy when paying by credit cards.

One of the most unpredictable elements of the Everest region is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything.

Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime hours in the Everest region. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only to dip down as low as -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.

Spring – March / April / May / June

Spring happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the Everest region, although because of this, it can become somewhat crowded. One can meet many other Everest climbers during this season and base camp is full of tents. The beautiful clear blue sky can be seen and the many different species of flower are visible in the lower altitude.

During springtime, the average temperature is 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), with a maximum of 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

July / August Through Mid-September is Monsoon Season

This season is not really recommended to travel as it rains in the lower altitudes, below 3500 meters. In areas above 4000 meters, it rains sometimes and although it is also sometimes dry, very few people travel during this season. There are positive sides of trekking during the monsoon months as the excess rainfall can provide ample chance to see spectacular views of the waterfall and it’s also the best season to avoid the crowds.

During Monsoon, the average temperature is 22 degrees C (71.6 Degrees F), with a maximum of 30 degrees C (86 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F), in the morning and at night for areas above 4000 meters.

Autumn – End of September / October / November

Similar to springtime, autumn in the Everest region is also a crowded season, but it’s one of the best times to trek. While it lacks the beauty of flowers, the clear blue sky can be seen, affording incredible views from just about every angle.

The average temperature during the fall is 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 20 degrees C (68 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -15 degrees C (5 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.

Winter- December/ January/ February

Winter start from mid December till mid February. People still like to trek in this month due to fewer crowds. View is still good but foggy so having extra days is highly recommended during this period.

The average temperature during the winter is 10 degrees C (50 Degrees F), with a maximum temp of 17 degrees C (62.6 Degrees F), during sunny days and a minimum of -20 degrees C (-4 Degrees F), in the morning and at night, for areas above 4000 meters altitude.

The above temperature is based on outside of the guesthouse temperature. No need worry about the cold temperature as we provide the sleeping bag plus the extra blanket to make sure our clients are warm enough during the time of need.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter. They are very much aware that higher the altitude the oxygen level gets lesser so to get updated on the oxygen level of our client and to know whether they are fit enough or needs extra precautions to continue.

Guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

Yes, they have all received a 45-days training from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center in Nepal. The guides have also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). Please check our Trekking Guides Profiles and Training Certificates.

You don’t need to submit any immunization documents to enter Nepal however if you have been immunized with diphtheria TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus then that is a plus point but it’s not mandatory.

We also recommend:

· A dental check-up prior to travelling.

· That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.

Yes, all our climbing guides hold license from Nepal Mountaineering Association. They are experienced in many 6,000 and 7,000 meters peaks and also been to 8,000 meters peaks few times.

It totally depends on level of your sickness. Once you are sick in higher altitude you need to rest at lower altitude and it at least need 3 days to a week for the recovery.

If you are in private or solo trip you can discuss and decide with guide depending on your health status.

If you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with guide and catch up the group later on.

Our Company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.

Our guides are 24 hours available for the services during the trek. They are trained to use first aid kit and have knowledge to use Oxy meter in order to track your oxygen level just to make sure you are fit enough to continue your high altitude walk.

Guides also carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client. During the time of emergency our guides are alert and keeps updated to head office in Kathmandu that is available 24 /7 to arranging from horse to mules or helicopters in the must needed cases especially when client is seriously sick in the mountain and needed to be hospitalized.

Also we have kept a satellite phone at Dingboche, which has poor connection for the network of phones. Our guide’s use it during the case of emergency and also clients can use them by paying its rental fee.

Yes, we do have PAC but it is not necessarily required for the trip. If someone requires oxygen cylinder then it can be hired from the guesthouses as we use the guesthouse that has facilities of oxygen cylinder.

If one needs PAC we will surely provide one if required and extra charge would be applicable for it.

Please note: Using oxygen in the mountain can be very expensive so please make sure you are covered with good travel insurance policies so that you can claim your emergency medical expenses.

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your guesthouses reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.

This facility is not available in Island peak base camp.

For Lukla flights you are given only 15kgs as weight limit, which is equal to 33 Pounds; this includes both your duffel bag and daypack. So please pack and prepare wisely. If you exceed your limit additional cost of USD 2 to USD 5 Per Kgs would be applicable in the airport and this amount should be paid at the airport in airlines counter.

YES all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimum additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.

The above information is a guide and a standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.

NOTE: Sometimes there may be slight changes in itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond our control. For instance: last-minute change in government rules, local politics, health condition of trekkers, weather, natural disasters, flight delay/ cancellation etc. During these times, the lead trekking guide will decide the best alternative, upon considering the best interest of participants. While we do our best to minimize the effect, we are not liable for any extra cost and the inconveniences/results due to changes or delays.

Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream etc.

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides carry local sim cards both Nepal Telecom and Ncell in order to update whereabouts and situation of our every client.

You may pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Also we have kept a satellite phone at Dingboche, which has poor connection for the network of phones. Our guide’s use it during the case of emergency and also clients can use them by paying its rental fee.

Holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food. Please consult with your guide and he will update our office in Kathmandu and we can make the arrangements accordingly.

If you are in private or solo trip it would be possible as your itinerary is very flexible or if you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with your group and guide and your guide will update us accordingly.

The hotel in Kathmandu does provide the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please go into our trip extension page for further information.

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

Your head guide is Prem

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Prem and the guiding team based in Kathmandu.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Prem

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