15 Days
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The Island Peak climb with Heli Shuttle is a fascinating journey with many adventures. It is a package where you enjoy the delight of Himalayan culture and the mountain vistas. And to make the journey more endurable, the package includes a helicopter ride back to Lukla.
Get a genuine taste of mountains by scaling the Island peak. And to add more thrill, this 15-Day journey also takes you to the foothill of the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, and hike up to one of the highest viewpoints in the Khumbu, Kala Pathar. The views of the snow-capped peaks from this viewpoint will be nothing but stunning. You will catch a beautiful golden sunrise from this viewpoint and watch the mountains turn a shade of gold.
Along the trek, you'll walk through the Sagarmatha National Park and pass through many Sherpa villages. Hence, you'll get the chance to witness wildlife in the natural state and learn about the cultures of the Sherpas throughout your journey.
Now, let's take a deeper look at this package and also what it has to offer:
As you make your appearance at the Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our staff will greet you and then escort you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Now, after taking a day for preparation, you’ll initiate your journey by boarding a flight to Lukla. Upon landing, you’ll hike to a small sherpa settlement named Phakding for an overnight stay.
Moving forward, you’ll make your way toward Namche Bazar. You’ll stay here for an extra night to let your body acclimate to the high altitude and hike up to Everest View Hotel. Now, you’ll continue the journey by crossing small villages like Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche. In Dingboche, you’ll stay for an extra night for acclimatization purposes. You’ll finally reach Gorekshep and visit the Everest Base Camp. After the visit, you’ll head back to Gorakshep to stay for the night.
Subsequently, you’ll hike to Kala Pathar and then descend to Dingboche. On the twelfth day of your trek, you’ll reach the Island Peak Base Camp and then climb up towards the summit of the Island Peak. After enjoying the views at the summit, you'll descend to the base camp, where a helicopter will be waiting for you to fly to Lukla. Taking one last look at the Himalayas, you’ll end your journey with a flight back to Kathmandu.
The journey to the Island Peak Climb with the Heli Shuttle Ride sounds interesting. Doesn’t it? However, you need to know the perfect time to embark on getting the most out of it.
It is best to climb during the Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November). You can enjoy the hike under the warm sunshine through the rhododendron forest during the spring. Likewise, during the Fall, you’ll enjoy walking in the cool breezy air and witness a color change in nature.
Besides these two seasons, we would not prompt you to do the peak climbing any other time of the year due to unfavorable weather, harsh wind, slippery trails, and barometric pressure during the climb.
After collecting all the information regarding the climb, are you now wondering about its difficulty level? We’ll give you a quick rundown about this in the following paragraph.
The trail takes you to the foothills of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest, and then to the summit of Island Peak. The climb can be done even if you have no prior mountain climbing experience. However, you will need experience in doing the high-altitude trek.
Nevertheless, the ascent to Island Peak is no easy task. It's a strenuous journey that is sure to test your limits, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Climbing this peak necessitates a high level of fitness and mental fortitude. Altitude sickness can also be an obstacle, but don't worry! Our itinerary includes enough days to let your body acclimate to high altitude.
Note: Before the summit of the peak, our experienced mountain climber guide will give a briefing about the climb and training at the Island peak base camp.
Is the Island Peak Climb with the Heli Shuttle not to your appeal? Well, here are the alternative options for you to explore.
The first and foremost is the EBC Trek with Island Peak Climb. The 20-day journey will take you to the Everest Base Camp and then to climb the Island peak. This itinerary helicopter ride therefore adds days to your adventure. You’ll also climb the best viewpoint in the Everest region, Kala Pathar in this journey.
The second one is the Lobuche Peak Climb. Skipping the Helicopter ride to Lukla, the 18-day journey will push you to your full potential and test your willpower to explore the Khumbu region. On this journey, you’ll first make a stop at the foothill of Mt, Everest and then to climb Lobuche Peak. The climb to the Lobuche Peak is relatively easier than the Island Peak.
Lastly, we have the Everest Base Camp Trek. You can opt for this trek if you want to skip the mountaineering part of the journey and focus more on exploring the Khumbu region. This 16-day adventure will take you to the base camp of Mt. Everest and to the best vantage point in the region, Kala Pathar. You can get a view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks from this viewpoint.
All of our adventures promise an unforgettable experience in the Himalayas. But, if you have any questions about the journey, you can just contact us. We will be glad to be at your service.
During the peak seasons for the trip-name (March to May and September to November), all the Lukla flights will be operated from the Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuvan Airport.
You may arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by one of Nepal Hiking Team’s representative. He will help you get transferred to your hotel. Further plans and programs will also be explained to you. Overnight stay at the hotel.
This day is reserved for the final preparations for the trek and climbing. You will be focusing on checking your gears and packing necessary equipment. You may leave all unnecessary belongings at the hotel and re-pack only the necessary items for the trip.
You will have an early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Lukla. The flight to Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is at a high elevation, and the difference in elevation between the ends of the runway is about 60 meters. From Lukla, you will trek to Phakding through a wonderful, green landscape, with the view of Kusum Kangraru accompanying you. Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Phakding.
Following the Dudh Koshi River, we will be ascending through Himalayan pine and cedar forests to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchanged salt, dried meat, and textiles in ancient times. Besides being a splendid destination to shop for traditional crafts, Namche also remains the central trading post in the Khumbu that attracts Himalayan and lowland merchants.
You will spend two days at Namche for acclimatization, visit local markets, and spend time with your team. On the hike to Namche, we can capture our first glimpses of Everest and its neighboring peaks.
This day is especially sectioned for acclimatization. We will hike to the Syangboche Airport (3700m), supposed to be the highest located airstrip in the world, then continue climbing to the Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of the Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Tawache among many others. On the way back, we can also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Everest Photo Gallery.
The uniform and easy trail leads us towards the view of Mount Everest, descending deep into the Dudh Koshi Valley at Phungki Thanka and from this point; it ascends the right flank of the Dudh Koshi valley to the Tengboche Monastery (3860m).
The monastery is the spiritual center of the Khumbu. The climb is lengthy, but is more than adequately compensated by gorgeous views of Mount Ama Dablam and on clear days, views of Mt. Everest and its surrounding peaks. Tengboche is located at the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and the Imja River and is surrounded by the ridges covered in alpine woods. Views of the Danphe birds can also be seen in the forests.
Descending through beautiful forests, we will cross the Imja Khola and trek through the village of Pangboche (3900m). Perhaps today is the most interesting trek because you will not lose altitude like on other days.
You can also enjoy views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse & many other peaks along the way. The route continues through pastures to Dingboche, known as the ‘summer valley’. At Dingboche, you can see a kilometer long wall built to protect the village’s crops. Mani Stone walls also line the trail.
This would be your second acclimatization day that requires about 6 hours of trekking to an altitude of 5100 meters. After breakfast, you will ascend to Nagerjun (5100m), a hill located on the flanks of the Chhukung valley directly above Dingboche. The main aim is to climb high and sleep low.
The footpath becomes steep at times, resulting in a physically strenuous day. Ascending the hill could take up to 5 hours at altitude. From this altitude, there are good views of the Lobuche East (6119m), the Lobuche West (6145m), the Taboche Peak (6367m), Thamserku (6608m), the Kangtega (6685m) and the Ama Dablam (6856m).
On a clear day, you could even see Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain, including great views of the Pheriche Valley. After a short rest, you will then start the descent back to Dingboche and the walk at altitude takes about 2 hours. After lunch, we can take a well-deserved rest, as afternoon temperatures could drop rapidly as the sun sets over the mountain tops. You will also spend a second night in Dingboche.
Trekking along a broad valley floor to Dughla, we will be passing the Trekkers Aid Post at Pheriche (4240 m). This post is staffed by western volunteer doctors and supported by the Himalayan Rescue Association, which offers treatment and consultation to trekkers. Continuing up the valley, we will be gaining altitude. We will come out of the valley to descend to the yak pastures of Lobuche.
After a short climb through meadows, you can look down at the Khumbu glacier. Straight ahead is Kalapatthar – the best vantage point to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. After a couple of hours, we will get to Gorekshep, and continue our journey to the Everest Base Camp.
There is not much elevation gain, but there are a lot of ups and downs and, combined with altitude, this can be an exhausting trek – but the journey is worth it. After approximately 3 hrs of hiking, you will arrive at the base camp and can enjoy a magnificent view of the Khumbu glacier and icefall, from where the Everest expedition begins. Then we will go back to Gorakshep.
The day starts with a hike up to Kalapatthar (5545m), an excellent viewpoint to observe Mount Everest and innumerable spectacular mountains views. Then we will trek back to Gorekshep for a hot breakfast and trek descend back to Dingboche.
From Dingboche, we will make a leisurely start following the Imja Valley with great views of Ama Dablam dominating the skyline and follow the moraines that flow from Lhotse (8501meters) towards the sand flats at Pareshaya Gyab. We will reach the base camp of Island Peak in the mid-afternoon. We will be spending time at the tented camp for one or two day (s) and you will be having camp food cooked by our professional cook. Overnight stay at the tented camp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Pre-Climb Training: After lunch, our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gears such as ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, and on how to go up and down using ropes. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training experience for Island Peak Climbing, we believe that some training experience will boost up your confidence and climbing skills, thus increasing the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience.
Today is the Island Peak Ascent (6,189m). We will begin our climb early in the morning, generally around 1 AM. In the beginning, we will climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully.
The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. The guides will fix a rope wherever necessary. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we will descend down to Island Peak Base Camp. Then later after quick lunch or break, we will be flown to Lukla by helicopter.
You will be delighted by the mountain views for the last time while flying from Lukla to Kathmandu on your 30 minute flight. As you arrive at Kathmandu airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
The airport representative from Nepal Hiking Team will transfer you to the Kathmandu International Airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight from where you will depart.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
We had an incredible experience with Nepal Hiking Team, especially with our guide, Rudra.
The trip was fully flexible. We originally planned to do Gokyo, EBC, and Island Peak, but during the trek, we decided to change plans and just do Gokyo. It was no problem at all—they adjusted everything for us without any hassle.
We had a medical emergency, and Rudra, along with the Nepal Hiking Team, took care of everything. They arranged a helicopter back to Kathmandu, contacted our insurance, and even stayed with us at the hospital. We felt fully supported the whole time.
Rudra really understood us. He adjusted the pace to match what we were comfortable with—we never felt rushed and could enjoy the views. He also took lots of photos for us and made sure we didn’t miss any of the good viewpoints.
At the teahouses, Rudra handled it all—getting us the best rooms, taking care of food, and making sure we were comfortable.
Overall, it was an amazing experience. We’d recommend Nepal Hiking Team to anyone.
Guided by Rudra Sunwar
My husband and I completed the EBC trek with Island Peak, followed by a helicopter ride back to Lukla.
Nepal Hiking Team has been amazing in every aspect, from communication before the trip to our time in Nepal. Every detail exceeded our expectations.
We would like to take this opportunity to specially compliment and express our heartfelt gratitude to our guide, Netra. Beyond providing explanations about the trail, he ensured our well-being at every step. On the third day at Namche Bazaar, we fell sick, and Netra supported us in every possible way, ensuring we had proper nutrition and hydration to recover. He even carried our day packs to help us sustain our pace to the next location. Coming from a lifetime at sea level, acclimatization was another challenge for us. Netra offered essential support to manage our symptoms, especially headaches, and constantly checked in on us.
What touched us most was during the Island Peak hike. As a trekking guide, he could have handed us over to the mountain guide at that point and stayed back. Instead, he chose to accompany us to the base camp to ensure our well-being, health, and comfort. This meant sleeping in a smaller tent, more exposed to the cold weather and strong winds. The Island Peak hike was extremely challenging. By then, on the ninth day of trekking, we were physically drained. Carrying heavy mountaineering equipment uphill was an additional struggle. Netra volunteered to carry our equipment up to the crampon point, roughly 4.5 hours uphill, beyond which he couldn’t proceed without proper mountaineering gear. This act was especially touching and played a crucial role in our successful ascent of Island Peak.
On our return to Kathmandu, bad weather at Lukla grounded most flights, causing a two-day backlog for helicopter rides. Netra tried everything possible to get us onto a helicopter, even if it meant sacrificing his own seat. He had to make a two-day walking and land transfer back to Kathmandu instead.
Every action Netra took touched our hearts. To us, Netra is like a big brother. He said, “I’m not only your guide; I am your friend and guardian.” He put our well-being above everything else and constantly gave us positive encouragement and empowerment whenever we had self-doubt. He reminded us that we were like family and that we would always help one another.
Our porter, Dakman, was equally fantastic. Seeing that we were exhausted and unwell, he quickly carried our duffel bags to the tea houses and then returned to help with our day bags so that we could keep going.
In every way, we are beyond pleased with Nepal Hiking Team and will absolutely choose them again for future treks in Nepal. When we return, we will undoubtedly request Netra to be part of our journey again.
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I recently completed a two-week journey with Nepal Hiking Team to summit Island Peak. The logistics and coordination provided by the team were exceptional. My experience was fantastic, thanks especially to Ganga from Nepal Hiking Team and my guide, Arjun, who were both amazing.
Despite the challenging weather, Arjun’s skill and experience made the summit achievable. I highly recommend Nepal Hiking Team and am sincerely grateful to Arjan and Ganga for a memorable trip.
I have now completed two treks with the Nepal Hiking Team: EBC Trek last year and Island Peak Climb. Both trips have been flawless, and I could not ask for a better tour company.
I will be looking to return to the Himalayas with Nepal Hiking Team shortly.
Mr. Ganga runs an excellent program, great prices, and superior support before, during, and after the trek. Mr. Ramsaran Adhikari (Ram) was by far THE BEST GUIDE I HAVE EVER HAD on a tour.
I spent nearly two weeks with Ram, a great companion on the trail. Ram has an extraordinary work ethic, excellent interpersonal skills, and a great sense of humor. Ram is very good at reading client's personalities.
He knows when to provide close support, back away, and let the client have their own adventure. Ram has my highest recommendation! When I return to Nepal I will go with Nepal Hiking Team and request Ram as my guide.
In addition to Ram's excellent service, I spent two days with Climbing Guide Kunga Tempe Sherpa on Island Peak. Mr. Kunga's expertise was critical to me summiting Island Peak and I could only have completed my climb safely and had such a fantastic time with him.
When you go to the Himalayas, go with Nepal Hiking Team and request Ram as your Trekking Guide and Kunga as your Climbing Guide!
"After extensive research regarding which trekking company to entrust with helping me with my dream holiday I chose The Nepal Hiking Team.
This was for a number of reasons.
Once I arrived in Nepal it was immediately clear I had made the right decision.
I was picked up from the airport, and driven to the hotel where I met Ganga and my guide Dinesh.
Dinesh checked that the equipment I had brought with me was suitable, and NHT provided me a down jacket.
The next day we flew out of Kathmandu, to EBC and Island Peak.
Dinesh looked after me for the next 12 days in the mountains.
He is an expert on the local area. Point at any mountain, and he can tell you how high it is and what its name is.
He has travelled extensively over the area for more than 8 years, and he uses this knowledge to enrich your holiday experience.
Every hotel you stay in, he knows the owners, and ensures you get a comfortable room.
Need your washing done, or a hot shower? He will recommend where (and where not!) to get it done.
When you are walking the trails he can tell you how much further you have to go, what bits will be difficult, and which easier.
If you are looking to book with Nepal Hiking, and are lucky enough to have Dinesh as a guide then you are going to have a fabulous trip"
Nepal Hiking Team is praised for exceptional logistics, flexibility, and expert guides. Reviews highlight that the company offers superior support before, during, and after the trek, with a strong focus on client well-being. As one traveler noted, they provide "great prices, and superior support," and are quick to adapt if you need to change plans or face an emergency. Their team includes highly experienced climbing guides, some of whom are "2-3 times Everest Submitters," ensuring you are in safe hands for the technical ascent.
As evidenced by past traveler reviews, the team is highly responsive during emergencies. They can arrange helicopter evacuations, coordinate with your insurance, and provide personal support. One review mentioned that when a medical emergency occurred, the guide and company "took care of everything," arranging a helicopter back to Kathmandu and even staying with the client at the hospital. Your guide is also trained to help manage altitude sickness symptoms and will constantly check on your well-being.
Absolutely. The company prides itself on creating personalized experiences. You can customize the itinerary based on your preferences. Reviews specifically mention that the trip was "fully flexible" — when travelers decided to change their plans mid-trek, the company adjusted everything "without any hassle." Your guide will also adapt the daily pace to match your comfort level, ensuring you never feel rushed and can fully enjoy the stunning views.
You will be accompanied by a highly qualified team. This includes an English-speaking trekking guide and a separate, highly experienced climbing guide specifically for Island Peak, who is skilled in using fixed ropes and glacier travel. The package also includes porters (with a ratio of one porter for every two clients) who carry your main duffel bags. Traveler reviews consistently praise guides like Netra, Arjun, Ram, and Dinesh for their expertise, encouragement, and going above and beyond to ensure a successful summit.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at any time, a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will greet you and escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. This transfer is included in your package. You'll then have time to rest, and further plans for the coming days will be explained to you.
Yes, most international travelers require a visa to enter Nepal. A Nepal entry visa is not included in the package cost. You can obtain it easily upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. We recommend you check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before your trip.
Day 2 of your itinerary is a free day in Kathmandu reserved for final preparations. You will focus on checking your gear and packing necessary equipment. You can leave any unnecessary belongings at your Kathmandu hotel and re-pack only what you need for the trek and climb. This is a good time to ask your guide any last-minute questions.
You can book directly through the Nepal Hiking Team website. The package has scheduled group departure dates listed on the page. If the listed dates do not fit your availability, you can reach out to their team to inquire about alternative date options or a customized departure.
While specific deposit details aren't listed on the page, the company is described as flexible and responsive. It's best to contact them directly for the most current payment terms, deposit requirements, and cancellation policies. They are known for being quick to answer questions and can provide you with a detailed breakdown.
The listed group size for this package is a minimum of 1 person, meaning solo trekkers are welcome. The scheduled departures on the website are specifically for the "group joining option," so you can join a group of other trekkers. If you prefer a private trip, you can contact them to arrange a customized itinerary.
This package's unique highlight is the helicopter ride that replaces the long trek back from Island Peak to Lukla. After summiting Island Peak and descending back to Base Camp, a helicopter will be waiting to fly you directly to Lukla. This saves you several days of trekking back through the Khumbu Valley, reduces overall fatigue, and allows you to enjoy spectacular aerial views of the mountains you just climbed. The helicopter shuttle is on a sharing basis and is included in the "Cost Includes" section.
As mentioned in the page and traveler reviews, weather in the Khumbu region, especially in Lukla, can be unpredictable. In case of bad weather, flights can be delayed. Your guide will work diligently to manage the situation and arrange your transfer as soon as it's safe. One review mentioned their guide tried "everything possible" to get them on a helicopter during a backlog caused by weather.
The package includes a round-trip flight between Kathmandu and Lukla. During peak seasons (March to May and September to November), flights to/from Lukla may be operated from Manthali Airport instead of Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport due to congestion. The flight to Lukla is a scenic and thrilling experience, landing at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport, known for its short, steep runway.
Yes, all ground transports in private vehicles are included. This covers your airport transfers upon arrival and departure, as well as any other ground transportation mentioned in the itinerary, such as the transfer to the airport for your Lukla flight.
On day 15, your final departure day, an airport representative from Nepal Hiking Team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle. They will arrange this for approximately 3 hours before your scheduled international flight.
The climb is classified as "Challenging." While you do not need prior mountain climbing experience, you do need experience with high-altitude trekking. The ascent to Island Peak is strenuous and tests your limits, requiring a high level of physical fitness and mental fortitude. Before the summit attempt, your experienced climbing guide will provide a detailed briefing and training at Island Peak Base Camp on using climbing gear like ice axes, crampons, and harnesses.
The maximum altitude you'll reach is the summit of Island Peak at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet). The itinerary is carefully designed with built-in acclimatization days. You will have a rest day in Namche Bazaar (Day 5) and another in Dingboche (Day 8) to "climb high and sleep low," which is crucial for adapting to the altitude and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Given the strenuous nature of the journey, which involves long days of trekking and a summit push starting around 1 AM, you should be in excellent physical condition. Cardiovascular training, strength training (especially legs and core), and hiking with a weighted pack on steep terrain for several months prior are highly recommended. Mental fortitude is equally important, as the challenge of altitude and technical climbing requires determination and a positive attitude.
The primary prevention is the itinerary's design, which includes multiple acclimatization days at key points like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Your guide will monitor your health daily and remind you to stay hydrated. The package also includes a comprehensive first aid medical kit. The Trekkers Aid Post in Pheriche, staffed by the Himalayan Rescue Association, is also on the route for professional consultation if needed.
You will have a highly experienced climbing guide for the Island Peak ascent, equipped to handle the technical aspects. General climbing equipment such as rope, ice screws, and snow bars are included in the cost. The guides will fix ropes on the glacier, which contains crevasses, and you will be roped up for safety. Your guide is trained to assess conditions and make critical decisions for your safety.
Travel insurance is not included in the package and is mandatory. Your insurance policy must cover high-altitude trekking and climbing up to at least 6,200 meters, as well as emergency medical evacuation, including helicopter rescue. This is crucial, as helicopter evacuations are the primary means of rescue in the Everest region.
Nepal Hiking Team provides a duffle bag, a down jacket, and a sleeping bag for the duration of the trek. They also provide general climbing equipment like ropes, ice screws, and snow bars. A comprehensive first aid medical kit is also carried by the guide.
You are responsible for your personal trekking equipment, which is excluded from the cost. This includes items like:
A detailed packing list is usually provided by the company upon booking.
While general climbing gear is provided, personal technical gear such as crampons, ice axe, harness, and ascender may be available for rent in Kathmandu. Your guide will provide training on how to use all climbing gear at the Island Peak Base Camp, but it's best to confirm with Nepal Hiking Team whether you need to rent or bring your own for items like climbing boots.
In Kathmandu, you'll have three nights of accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel. During the trek, you'll stay in "best available twin sharing lodge" accommodations (teahouses). On the night(s) at Island Peak Base Camp, the accommodation is in tented camps, where you'll have camp food cooked by a professional cook.
While not explicitly mentioned, most villages on the Everest trail, especially Namche Bazaar, have WiFi available for a fee at teahouses. Mobile network coverage (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) is also available in many places, though it can be spotty. You can expect connectivity to become more limited as you gain altitude, and there will likely be no signal at Island Peak Base Camp.
Hot showers are available for a fee during the trek. The "Cost Excludes" section notes that hot showers are not included except in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche, meaning you will likely need to pay extra for them in other locations. Many trekkers use baby wipes for personal hygiene on the trail to save money and time.
The package includes "full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb." You will be provided with three meals a day. During the trek, you'll eat at the teahouses, with a variety of options including Nepali (dal bhat), Tibetan, and international dishes like pasta, pizza, and porridge. At Island Peak Base Camp, the professional cook will prepare camp food. Seasonal fruits are also provided during the trek.
Staying hydrated is critical. A key inclusion is that boiled water will be provided during the climb. During the trek, you can purchase bottled water or, more sustainably, use water purification tablets or a filter to treat tap water from teahouses. You should budget for drinks, as items like bottled water, coke, and alcoholic beverages are listed in the cost excludes.
Meals not specified in the "Meal Inclusions" are excluded. This primarily refers to lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, as the included accommodation there only covers breakfast. Any meals during the trek that fall outside the stated "full board" period would also be excluded.
Yes, you can have a customized private trip. The page mentions, "If the above Island Peak Climb with Heli Shuttle itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications." A private trip offers greater flexibility in pace, departure dates, and allows you to focus solely on your own needs, but it will come at a higher cost than joining a scheduled group departure.
You should budget for personal expenses, which are listed in the "Cost Excludes." These include: travel insurance, international airfare, Nepal entry visa, drinks (water, soda, alcohol), snacks, hot showers (outside of Lukla, Phakding, Namche), personal trekking equipment, and tips for your trekking staff and drivers.
Tipping is not included and is a personal gesture of gratitude for good service. While not an exact science, it's customary to tip a portion of the total trip cost. A common guideline is to budget around 10% of the total trip cost to be shared among the guide, climbing guide, and porters. Your guide can advise on fair and customary amounts based on group size and the level of service.