Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART UK
You will depart the UK for your Island Peak adventure! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
DAY 2: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
Special Information: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today.
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO RAMECHHAP
In the morning, after breakfast, there will be a thorough pre-trek briefing by your trek leader to sort out any last-minute queries. We leave the hotel at 1 pm and take the winding road to Ramechhap.
Please note:
Ongoing developmental works and necessary maintenance at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport mean flights to Lukla depart from Ramechhap Airport. This step was taken by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) during the 2019 post-monsoon season and has been extended for an indefinite period. Although there are sometimes flights from Kathmandu these cannot be guaranteed, even with advanced booking.
We drive to Ramechhap during daylight hours and spend the night there. This ensures we are refreshed and can be on the first flights to Lukla in the morning, ready to start our trek.
DAY 4: TREK FROM LUKLA TO PHAKDING (2610M)
After flying to Lukla, we will start the trek, setting off for a gentle walk to Phakding, a further 3 hours to the North. The trail leads through Lukla, past hotels and shops, to the edge of the Lukla plateau where the trail drops to meet the intersection of the Jiri trail at Chablung.
From here the trail follows the Dudh Kosi north through the village of Ghat and then finally to Phakding for the overnight stay.
DAY 5: PHAKDING - NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M)
The trail heads beside the Dudh Kosi and continues upstream along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi. After crossing the large suspension bridge, the trail starts ascending through pine tree forests to reach the distinctive horse-shoe-shaped bowl village of Namche Bazaar where we will stop overnight.
DAY 6: REST DAY IN NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M)
Today will be a rest day for acclimatisation. Namche is famous for its market, so offers some brilliant opportunities to discover the local produce and culture.
If you rise early, those who go for a climb to the ridge above Namche will be rewarded with the stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks.
DAY 7: TREK TO TENGBOCHE (3860M)
Today we will steadily descend to the Imja River. We will then climb steadily for about 2 hours to Tengboche Monastery, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
DAY 8: TENGBOCHE - DINGBOCHE (4410M)
Today we will trek up the Imja River valley to Pangboche where we will have the opportunity to visit the monastery.
After lunch, the trek will continue to the village of Dingboche.
DAY 9: REST DAY AT DINGBOCHE
Today is another rest and acclimatisation day at Dingboche.
DAY 10: DINGBOCHE - LOBUCHE (4930M)
The aim today is to trek around the base of the Khumbu glacier and have a light lunch at Dhugla, before a steep climb to Lobuche village.
DAY 11: LOBUCHE - EVEREST BASE CAMP - GORAK SHEP
Today we climb to Gorak Shep where we will stop for a light lunch before trekking to EBC. Once we have taken our time to take in the amazing atmosphere and surrounding views of EBC, we return to Gorak Shep for our overnight stay.
DAY 12: GORAK SHEP - KALA PATTHAR - CHUKUNG (4730M)
Today we descend to Chukung. Those who want to will have the option to climb up Kala Patthar before we leave for Chukung.
DAY 13: CHUKUNG - ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP
From Chukung we will follow the trail that skirts around the base of Island Peak. The main camp is made at a spot known as Pareshaya Gyab at 5087m. We will spend the day going through climbing practice, learning the techniques needed for your Island Peak summit attempt tomorrow.
DAY 14: ISLAND PEAK SUMMIT (6189M)
We will set off early today for the summit. From here, the trail leads up the glacier until a broad snow basin which leads to the final part of the climb. We will use fixed rope for approximately 100m to access the ridge, climbing up a steep snow and ice slope. The ridge very quickly leads up to the east and to the main summit at 6189m. Once we have taken in the fantastic views, we will return to Base Camp
DAY 15: ISLAND PEAK BASE CAMP - DINGBOCHE (4530M)
Today we take the trail that leads back down to the Imja Valley, firstly to Chukung and on to Dingboche for the overnight stay.
DAY 16: DINGBOCHE - NAMCHE BAZAAR (3440M)
From Dingboche, the trail heads down the main Everest trail, before reaching Tengboche Monastery. Once we have visited the monastery, we will continue to Namche Bazaar.
DAY 17: NAMCHE BAZAAR - PHAKDING (2610M)
The trail starts by descending steeply out of Namche and back across the suspension bridge. We will reach Phakding around lunchtime and spend the afternoon relaxing.
DAY 18: PHAKDING - LUKLA (2600M)
The trail starts by descending steeply out of Phakding down to Lukla.
DAY 19: FLY FROM LUKLA TO RAMECHHAP & TRANSFER TO KATHMANDU
After an early breakfast at the lodge, we fly to Ramechhap and transfer to Kathmandu to arrive at our hotel.
DAY 20: FREE DAY KATHMANDU
We have free time in Kathmandu. This day can also be used as a summit day buffer in case the conditions are unsuitable on the first attempt day.
Take your time to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, taste some delicious momos and visit the temples in the city.
DAY 21: DEPART FOR THE UK
This marks the end of our Nepali adventure...alternatively, you could continue your adventure with a 3-day add-on to Chitwan National Park!
Food & Accommodation
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Day 1 FlightBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 2 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 3 Safari Tents - Twin roomBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 4 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 5 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 6 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 7 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 8 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 9 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 10 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 11 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 12 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 13 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 14 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 15 CampingBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 16 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 17 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 18 Teahouses - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 19 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 20 3* Hotel - Twin RoomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 21 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like on Everest Base Camp & Island Peak?
Food on the Everest Base Camp Trek is surprisingly varied, comforting and designed to keep you well-fuelled for long days on the trail. While you’ll be far from urban restaurants, the teahouses and lodges along the route serve up warm, hearty meals that draw on both Nepali staples and international favourites — a welcome treat after a day of trekking.
Each evening you can expect fresh options like dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), noodles, pasta, omelettes and soups, plus plenty of snacks like dumplings (momos), samosas and toasties. Carbohydrates are the focus here — they’re what your body needs most at altitude — but you’ll also find fruit, vegetables, tea and local desserts to round things out. Guides and teahouse hosts are used to catering to trekkers’ tastes, so milder or vegetarian options are usually available on request.
If you’d like the full breakdown of what to expect at each stop, how to manage food safely at altitude, and the must-try dishes along the trail, you can read our complete guide here.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Everest Base Camp Trek & Island Peak?
The Everest Base Camp & Island Peak adventure is moderate to challenging, combining a high-altitude trek with a technical summit push. The main challenges come from altitude, long trekking days and the Island Peak ascent, rather than extreme technical climbing.
You’ll trek for 4–7 hours most days on varied terrain, spending extended time above 3,000m, with the Island Peak summit reaching 6,189m. Proper acclimatisation is built into the itinerary, but the thin air makes everything feel tougher.
The Island Peak summit adds a mountaineering element, including:
Use of crampons and fixed ropes
Steep snowy sections
Early-morning summit conditions
While no prior climbing experience is required, you’ll need good fitness, strong legs, confidence on exposed terrain and comfort with heights.
With expert guides, porters, acclimatisation days and full support throughout, this trip is achievable for fit, determined adventurers looking to push themselves in the Himalayas.
For a deeper breakdown of altitude, fitness and preparation, read our full guide.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Everest Base Camp Trek & Island Peak
This adventure is fully supported from start to summit, with all the essential logistics, accommodation and expert guidance taken care of so you can focus on the challenge ahead.
- All transport within Nepal as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Internal (return) flight from Ramechhap to Lukla
- All trekking accommodation (teahouses during the trek and tented camping on Island Peak)
- All meals during the trek and climbing days
- Experienced local trekking guides, climbing guides and summit Sherpa
- Porters to carry the main group luggage
- All trekking permits, national park fees and climbing permits
- Island Peak climbing equipment (group gear such as ropes, ice screws and safety equipment)
- Pre-climb training and summit briefing
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (twin-share) before and after the trek
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Everest Base Camp Trek & Island Peak
The following costs are not included and should be budgeted for separately:
International flights
Flights to and from Nepal are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. It must also cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,200m and emergency helicopter evacuation
Personal trekking & climbing kit
Personal equipment such as boots, clothing, sleeping bags and technical gear not listed as group equipment.
Visa
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Personal expenses
Snacks, drinks, hot showers, charging devices, Wi-Fi and souvenirs.
Meals Not Listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Tips
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
Why do you fly to Lukla from Ramechhap, and not from Kathmandu?
Due to the volume of air traffic flying in and out of Tribhuvan International Airport there are far more likely to be delays and cancellations if flying from Kathmandu to Lukla. Flights from Ramechhap to Lukla tend to be more reliable.
Do I need a trekking permit?
You will – we will ask you for any necessary supporting documents/information and arrange it for you. The permit price is included in the base cost of the trip.
How do I organise my climbing permit?
Do not worry – we will ask you for any necessary supporting documents/information and arrange this for you. The permit price is included in the base cost of the trip.
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
