Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE group package services begin with the evening meal.
Day 2: An early start for the dramatic flight through the mountains to Lukla (2840m). We spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatising. Camp.
Day 3: A short and easy day of trekking off the beaten track, up through thinning forest to the grazing area of Chutanga (3050m). Camp.
Day 4: Acclimatisation day. We make a trek up to around 4000 metres giving views over the Dudh Khosi Valley and across to the Atwra La pass. We return to Chutanga. Camp.
Day 5: A long day mostly uphill to cross the Zatrwa La (4600m) and descend to Tuli Kharka a high pasture above the Hinku valley. Camp (4320m).
Day 6: We follow a delightful descending trail across three ridges, before dropping steeply down to the Hinku River and a final uphill to Gotay (3600m). Camp.
Day 7: Following the west side of the Hinku River, we trek via the Yak herders' summer settlement of Gondishung and its Buddhist shrine to Tagnag (4350m). Camp.
Day 8: A day for acclimatisation. We trek up above camp to around 5,000 metres for views across to the Mera La and return to Tagnag. Camp.
Day 9: A second acclimatisation day at Tagnag. Today is set aside for skills training particularly the techniques required for fixed lines and crevasse rescue. Camp.
Day 10: We ascend an ablation valley beside the Dig Glacier to Kare, the basecamp area for Mera Peak. Camp (5000m).
Day 11: A day for further acclimatisation. We follow the ridge above camp to around 5500 metres and return to Khare. Camp.
Day 12: Leaving our base camp we trek up onto the glacier and traverse to the Mera La. We make camp 100 metres below the pass on the Hongu side. Camp (c.5300m).
Day 13: A rest and acclimatistion day prior to the ascent of Mera Peak. Camp
Day 14: We continue our ascent of the North flank of Mera Peak to a spectacular eyrie nestled below a rocky outcropping on the ridge. Camp (5800m).
Day 15: We make the technically easy ascent of Mera Peak (6476m). The summit view includes 5 of the World's 6 highest mountains. Descend to the Hongu Valley. Camp (5200m).
Day 16: After descending to the Hongu River we trek up valley to a camp beside a large frozen lake. (5000m).
Day 17: Passing beneath the giant west face of Chamlang we follow the Hongu Khola and finally the Hongu Glacier to the holy site of Panch Pokhri (five lakes). Camp (5400).
Day 18: A rest day. The guides and Sherpas ascend the Amphu Labtsa to establish fixed lines and prepare the pass for tomorrow's crossing. Camp.
Day 19: Scree slopes and an icefall are tackled to gain the Amphu Labtsa (5700m). We now descend fixed ropes to the Imja Glacier and trek to our base camp for Island Peak.
Day 20: A contingency day in case of delays to our schedule do far. May be used as a rest day or to split the ascent of Island Peak over two days with a high camp.
Day 21: An early start for the ascent of Island Peak at 6187m. / 20,299ft. After taking in the spectacular 360 panorama from the summit we descend to our base camp.
Day 22: Descending the Imja Khola Valley via Dingboche we reach the main Khumbu Valley and pass through the village of Pangboche to our halt at Deboche. Camp (3710m).
Day 23: Trekking via Thyangboche where we stop for a visit to the Monastery, and via the settlements of Phunki Tenga and Kangjuma, we reach Namche Bazaar. Camp (3440m).
Day 24: Our final days trekking following the Dudh Khosi mostly downhill but with a last climb up to Lukla. We say goodbye to our support crew in traditional style. Camp.
Day 25: Taking a morning flight to Kathmandu, we will have plenty of time after lunch for further sightseeing or shopping. Hotel.
Day 26: A free day in Kathmandu. Optional guided sightseeing tour of the city's main attractions, which include colourful Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples. Hotel.
Day 27: KE group package services end after lunch. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
