Nepal·3 - 19 April 2024
Trek to Everest Basecamp via the Incredible Gokyo Lakes before summiting Island Peak, 6189m
SOLD OUTA unique triple challenge and the adventure of a lifetime: trekking to Everest Basecamp, seeing the Gokyo Lakes and climbing Island Peak will be a profound and exhilarating experience. This spring, join us for one of our most exciting expeditions so far, as we take on Island Peak, 6189m after trekking to Everest Basecamp via Gokyo Lakes on this epic treble. The Everest Basecamp trek needs no introduction and the Gokyo Lake route has long been seen as the ultimate way to undertake this unique adventure pilgrimage, while Island Peak is a Khumbu Classic with a long history with Mount Everest since Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary used it for the preparation of their historic first ascent in 1953. Climbing Island Peak is the perfect introduction to Himalayan climbing, your first 6000-er, a stepping stone to future 8000m ascents or as an awesome stand alone challenge by itself. Our team of incredible Sherpa guides and Western mountain leader will be with you every step of the way and provide you with all the training and support you need to make this dream a reality. Challenge yourself, connect with nature, foster camaraderie and team spirit with your fellow climbers and feel a sense of elation when you reach the summit that will stay with you for months. Truly, this a transformational experience. With the best accommodation options in Kathmandu and in the mountains, along with our top team and return helicopter flights from Kathmandu for safety and convenience, this promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Island Peak is one of the most accessible 6000m mountains in the world, the perfect introduction to Himalayan climbing and an awesome stand alone challenge.
Journey to the base of the highest mountain on earth.
The Gokyo Lake route feels more remote and has lesser chance of crowding when compared to the classic route.
Home to the world's highest freshwater lake system, the Gokyo Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal.
Our top guiding team will run training sessions on all the skills required to climb Island Peak.
Benefit from expert guiding from our Founder Oliver Browne & a specially-selected team of Nepali guides.
We fly by helicopter from & to Kathmandu, as they are a safer & more convenient than fixed wing aircraft.
We only book the best lodges & tea houses in the Everest Region and the excellent Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu.
Our Nepalese partners are the best logistics managers in the Himalayas and also own Heli Everest, the safest helicopter operator in Nepal.
See Kathmandu's most impressive historical and cultural sites with our city tour.
Oliver is a certified Mountain Leader, experienced adventurer, alpinist, and the founder of True Summit Adventures.
He is passionate about Nepal, the Everest region, and the basecamp trek in particular, saying: "It's something everyone should do in their lifetime, whether you love climbing or just being in the great outdoors. It is unlike anything else."
Oliver first completed the trek in 2021, during his second spell in Nepal. He went on to lead our 2023 expedition to Everest Basecamp and Lobuche, which saw Patrick Kappaz claim the record for the youngest person to climb the 6119m Lobuche East at 16 years and 48 days old.
Oliver will be accompanied by a team of high altitude porters and Nepali Sherpa guides.
Kami Fura Sherpa grew up in Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. He started working in the mountain industry as a porter when just a teenager, which saw him reach the South Col (8000m) on Mount Everest five times.
Kami is one of the kindest and most fun people in the Khumbu Valley. He has an unmatched sense of humour and a real flair for looking after people on expedition.
Since becoming a guide he has climbed Mera Peak six times, Lobuche East twice, Island Peak seven times, and Thapa Peak once.
Ang Kaji Shepra hails from Sankhuwa Sabha in eastern Nepal, an area renowned for producing high altitude mountaineers.
A fluent English speaker, Ang Kaji began working in the mountain industry in his late teens, starting out as a porter. He is now as an accredited trekking and climbing guide. His CV includes ascents of (the super technical) Ama Dablam (three times), Island Peak (four times), Lobuche Peak (three times), Mera Peak (twice), and Pokalde Peak (once).
He has also been to Camp 4 on Mount Everest,abandoning any further ascent after his climbing partner suffered a serious injury.
Ang Kaji brings great experience and knowledge of the Khumbu region to True Summit Adventures, along with a kind, conscientious yet determined manner. He impressed everyone with his professionalism on our 2023 expedition to Lobuche East.
He is married and lives in Kathamndu when not on expedition.
Tashi comes from one of the world's most preeminent families in mountaineering and expedition management.
He holds the record for the youngest person to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen (aged 19 in 2005) and has been to the summit ten times.
Tashi has also completed the Seven Summits, and alongside his brothers became the first Nepali to ski to the South Pole.
Tashi is one of the best, well-liked and most experienced expedition managers in Nepal whose family also own Heli Everest, meaning their fleet of A-350 aircraft is always on hand and available to our clients.
Simone is one of the greatest alpinists of all time with four first ascents of mountains over 8000m in winter. Simone is known for climbing alpine style, without Sherpa support, fixed lines or supplemental oxygen in winter.
He is also one of the leading high altitude helicopter pilots in the world; based in Bergamo in northern Italy, he spends his springs in Nepal where he is the lead pilot for Heli Everest.
Journey to the basecamp
Our Island Peak itinerary follows the Everest Basecamp trek via Gokyo Lakes route, combining the wonder of the traditional trek to the base of the world's highest mountain with the added spectacle of the stunning Gokyo Lakes.
More of a challenge than the Everest basecamp classic route, it involves scaling the 5000m plus Chola Pass and climbing Gokyo Ri—perfect acclimatisation for Island Peak itself.
An adventure classic to the foot of Everest by the lesser traveled and incredibly beautiful Gokyo Lake
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Welcome to Nepal and the experience of a lifetime!
You will be met at the airport by a True Summit Adventures team member and taken to our team hotel, the Hyatt Regency in Bouda, one of the original and best five star hotels in Kathmandu.
Designed in traditional Newari-style architecture and set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel offers an oasis of calm in bustling Kathmandu. At the same time, it's located close to historic attractions, temples, restaurants, and the outdoor shops, should you need to make any last minute purchases.
Popular with the climbing community, it's possible to see famous alpinists at the breakfast counter, on the charming terrace, relaxing by the pool, or hitting the gym.
In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner where you will meet our Nepali partners, the guides and of course, the other adventurers who will be making this bucket list trek with you.
This morning we explore the cultural treasures within Kathmandu, including Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya (Monkey Temple), Bouddha Stupa, and Pashupatinath Hindu temple.
We then stop for lunch at the Roadhouse restaurant, which overlooks the Boudda Stupa.
In the afternoon, we visit the climbing shops of the Thamel neighbourhood for any last minute purchases before returning to the Hyatt Regency for dinner.
Following breakfast at the hotel we transfer to the airport to board the one hour helicopter flight to the world famous Lukla airport, the launchpad to the Everest region.
We use helicopter transfers both from and to Kathmandu for their safety and convenience as fixed wing flights now depart from Ramechapp airport, a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu.
After lunch in Lukla, we begin our trek to Everest Basecamp with a gentle hike to Phakding, a picturesque Sherpa village situated beside the Dudh Kosi River.
On the trek your main bag will be carried by one of our super human Sherpa porters and accommodation is in the famous 'teahouses' which provide simple yet warm and cosy lodgings.
We always book the best tea house option in each village, but please note that facilities become more Spartan the higher up we go.
Trekking time: 2-3 hrs
Today the trek starts to gain altitude and we cross the famous bridges suspended high above the valley. Not for the faint-hearted, but exhilarating none the less!
Our destination is the mythical Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, nestled high in the Himalayan foothills.
Approaching the town, which can only be reached on foot or by helicopter, you will likely feel a sense of wonder at this truly unique mountain community.
Here you can stroll through the market, visit the barber shop, enjoy a cappuccino and slice of marble cake at the world famous Sherpa Barista Cafe, or even drink a pint of Guinness at the world's highest Irish pub.
Namche is home to many outfitters, so if you are not 100% happy with your trekking shoes there's still a chance to buy a new pair.
Trekking time: 6-8 hrs
Today we take a pause in the expedition to allow ourselves to acclimatise to the increasing altitude. But it's not all sitting around drinking tea!
We will hike for two hours to the famous Everest View Hotel at 3,888m for an epic lunch accompanied by incredible views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks, Lhotse, Nuptse and the mighty Ama Dablam.
After lunch we take the short walk to the small but charming village of Khumjung where we can visit the monastery, chat with the locals, buy souvenirs and drink more tea, before heading back to Namche.
Trekking time: 5hrs
Hopefully everyone is feeling good after there 'rest' day in Namche Bazaar as today is a long day of trekking over varied terrain.
The path also diverges from the classic basecamp trek route as we head out towards Gokyo.
The day starts by climbing the Khumjung hill and descending to the east of Namche down a huge valley leading to the Dudh Koshi. Afterwards we visit Mohang, the birthplace of the re-incarnated Lama of Rongbuk Monastery of Tibet who is believed to have introduced Buddhism to the Khumbu region of Nepal
We end the day by following the path of the river to Tenga, before passing through birch and rhododendron forest to our destination of Dole.
Trekking time: 7-9 hrs
Our adventure through this beautiful landscape continues and today sees the valley vegetation continue to thin as we hike upwards and northwards away from Dole along the ridge with incredible views of the high mountains around us.
We then climb up to the small hamlet of Luza where we stop for lunch before descending slightly to rejoin the river. From here, the incline becomes steeper, taking us onto the moraine of the Ngozumba Glacier.
Continuing on eventually brings us to Machhermo, one of the last settlements of any significance before Gokyo, where we spend the night. More Sherpa hospitality awaits and as always, lots of ginger and lemon tea.
By this point your guides will no doubt have introduced you to our favorite trek game - Perudo, or "Liar's Dice." Be careful of Kami Fura, one of the best players in Nepal!
Trekking Time: 3-5 hrs
Seeing the turquoise splendor of the world's highest freshwater lakes, is undoubtedly a highlight of this trek.
Leaving the village behind we start by following the ridge upwards, where we enjoy incredible views to Kangtaiga and up towards Cho Oyu (8,153m).
We then descend to the riverbank before ascending the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa Glacier. The trail then levels out as it follows the valley to the first lake, Longpongo, at 4,690m.
The insane views continue as we reach the Taujung Tsho lake, before following the western edge of the glacier to Gokyo Tsho lake's eastern shore, where we have lunch at our teahouse in the village.
We then spend the rest of the day exploring Gokyo village and the third lake, Dudh Pokhari.
Trekking Time: 3-5 hrs
Today we spend a second night in Gokyo as the expedition pauses again to allow our bodies to acclimatise to the ever increasing altitude.
We have different options depending on conditions and how everyone is feeling. Plan A is to climb Gokyo Ri (5,630m), the mountain that stands above Gokyo village and lends it its name. From here we get incredible views of the Himalayan giants Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, and Pumori, as well as Gokyo's lakes and the Nogzumpa Glacier.
Otherwise there is the opportunity to rest or we can hike to more lakes lakes – Thonak Tsho and Ngozumba Tsho or we can climb the so called, Scoundrel’s Viewpoint, located at the edge of Ngozumba Tsho.
Trekking Time: 4-5 hrs
Today we will get up close to the Ngazumpa Glacier as we make the short trek to Thagnak.
Glaciers are most stable at night and during the early morning we so we will aim to leave Gokyo promptly to get the best conditions while crossing the glacier.
Its only a short trek to Thagnak, but there is a chance for a short hike in the afternoon for anyone with the energy.
Trekking Time: 3 hrs
Today is undoubtedly one of the hardest day of the trek as we tackle the famous Chola La Pass at 5368m. One of the highest and best known passes in the Himalaya's, reaching the top requires patience and endurance as we navigate steep terrain and a glacier traverse.
But the views from the top are spectacular with Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lobuche East and Baruntse looming over us.
We then descend to Dzongla Village and rejoin the main trekking route which takes us into Lobuche village, one of the main staging posts for 8000m ascents of Everest and Lhotse. Expect to meet climbers from all over the world in the famous bakery where the marble cake is to die for.
Trekking time: 7-9 hrs
An amazing day in your life as today we reach the ultimate goal of our expedition together, the famed Everest Basecamp; scene of so much triumph and tragedy in the last 100 years or so.
We start by following the rising trail along the western bank of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche Pass, reaching a junction point of the Changri Nup, Changri Shar and Khumbu glaciers, where we follow the trail to Gorakshep the last village on the basecamp trek and one of the highest permanently occupied settlements on Earth.
After a lunch break in Gorakshep it is two more hours hiking before we reach Everest Basecamp. Here we stop for photos at the notorious rock that lies at the entrance to the camp or something more inventive! In 2023, two members staged a tennis match at the Basecamp with rackets and balls brought from Kathmandu.
After taking in the incredible scenes around us we then return to Gorakshep for the night and a celebratory dinner, perhaps even a local beer.
Trekking time: 8-10 hrs
Today we head away from the basecamp trail towards our main and final objective, the mighty Island Peak, so called by English Mountaineer Eric Shipton in 1953, who thought it resembled an island in a sea of ice, having seen it from Dingboche.
Our final destination for the day is the village of Chhukung, but first we must navigate the Khongma La Pass at 5600m, as Himalayan giants, including the beautiful Ama Dablam tower over us.
Trekking time: 6-7 hrs
Leaving Chhukung, we follow the trail to the base camp of Island Peak, initially following the moraine of the Lhotse glacier, providing amazing views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
As we approach the camp the landscape becomes more noticeably barren with vast glacial moraines and towering ice cliffs.
Like the other so called 'trekking peaks', Lobuche East and Mera Peak, the basecamps are erected for the season and offer a glimpse into life on high altitude ascents like Everest, with the communal mess and sleeping tents.
Trekking Time: 4-5 hrs
Today is the day and the culmination of two weeks work to get to this point. We will wake around midnight to give us best conditions to climb in and the team will prepare a light breakfast.
Leaving the camp around 1am, the ascent begins with a mix of rocky trails as we make our way to the crampon point and up the snow slope.
Fixed ropes are used in certain sections of the climb and the guides will be on hand at each anchor to see you safely through each section with the joomar (ascender) device allowing you to pull yourself upwards safe in the knowledge you are firmly attached to the fixed rope by your harness.
As dawn breaks, the climb becomes more challenging with steeper sections and the final push up the summit ridge, but the views from the top are out of this world as we enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding giants Lhote, (4th highest mountain in the world), Nuptse and Makalu (5th highest).
The sense of elation is unbelievable as we stop to enjoy the views and take the all important summit photos, before descending safely back to the basecamp for a well earned lunch and rest; later continue down to Chhukung.
Trekking time: 10-12 hrs
Today, basking in the glow of our summit success, we make the short trek back to Dingboche, where helicopters will be waiting to take us back to Kathmandu via Luka.
Once back in Kathmandu we return to the Hyatt Regency where the 'decompression' starts in earnest. Massages, spa treatments and lazing by the pool are all encouraged before we meet for a celebration dinner in the evening.
Here we present the all important summit certificates and look back over this epic time together. For anyone that still has the energy then celebrations can continue in Thamel.
All good things must come to an end.
Today we say our goodbyes and wish you a safe on-wards journey, but we hope this experience will live on long in the memory. That you will have felt a deep and profound feeling during your time in this most beautiful of places, the Khumbu Valley, Nepal.
Drivers will be on hand to take you to the airport.
For those whose thirst for adventure has not quite been quenched we recommend you stay on in Nepal and head to Bardia National Park and the amazing Tiger Tops where you can attempt to see a tiger in the wild.
Popular with the climbing community, the Hyatt Regency remains one of the best five star hotels in Kathmandu. Designed in traditional Newari-style, it's set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens with an outdoor pool and relaxed terrace space for guests to enjoy.
We choose the best tea house option for you in each village on the way to Everest Basecamp and the Gokyo Valley. The tea houses provide basic, yet comfortable and character accommodation that get more basic as we ascend.
Hotel transfers on arrival and departure
Accomodation on a full board basis
Return helicopter flights from Kathmandu
Western and Nepali guides
Dedicated first responder and first aid kit
Oxygen cylinder
All permits
Porters
Welcome and farewell dinners
All meals
Iridium satellite phone
Bottled water throughout
True Summit Cap and Buff
International flights
Nepal entry visa
Travel insurance
Tip for mountain crew
Alcoholic drinks
WIFI in the Tea Houses
Lunch on Arrival / Departure Day
Come earlier or stay on later
PRICE$159.82/pp
Reaching Everest Basecamp via Gokyo Lake requires a good level of fitness. Expedition members should be comfortable walking for six to seven hours a day for consecutive days. Unlike on Kilimanjaro, accommodation is in tea houses not tents, meaning recovery is easier after a long day's walking.
The altitude for treks in the Everest region is significant. However, we have two acclimatisation days schedules during this expedition to allow for better adaptation to the altitude. If you are worried about your response to heights of 4,000m and above, you should ask your GP about taking Diamox.
We always book the best accommodation for each night's stay.
Accommodation on the trek is in Nepal's famed tea houses. Tea houses are clean, charming and cosy and the ones we use often have private bathrooms. However, please be aware that facilities become more basic above Namche Bazaar.
Nepalese food in the mountains is good, but basic. Expect porridge, pancakes, eggs with toast for breakfast and lots of Nepali dishes - yak sizzler, noodles, riced based dishes and curries for lunch and dinner.
Absolutely. Please let us know at the time of booking what you require.
The trek is long and arduous and climbing Island Peak requires endurance. Please come prepared - see our training plan for more information on how we recommend you prepare.
Handy for purchasing your visa on arrival and for tips to the high mountain crew.
Spot tigers in the wild with a stay at Bardia National Park following your Everest Basecamp via Gokyo Lake expedition.
Top notch; First class; Unparalleled; Exceptional - Choose your superlative and True Summit Adventures meets and exceeds it! My sons and I recently returned from another trip with them, this one trekking and mountaineering in the high Himalayas. Oliver and his team are not only world-class expedition leaders, they are superb and charming hosts who provide a level of personalized service and attentiveness rarely found in such operations. They really make an effort to ensure the team bonds, and usually lifelong friends are the result. TSA turns a memorable trip into the trip of a lifetime. I cannot recommend TSA enough!
George Kappaz, Private Equity Principal
EBC is a must-do for everyone who wants to have a physical challenge in breathtaking surroundings. Forget what is being said about it being a bit crowded (it is); when you're in the mountains with a group lead by Oliver, you feel it's all about you, group empowering and nature! Oliver leads in a way that you feel he's one of the group that just happened to know the mountains best. In a week he turned a bunch of individuals into a group of friends.
Rob Van Rozendaal, Entrepreneur
Oliver Browne & TSA are the BEST ! My son Sterling and I have done Kilimanjaro - best trip ever and Everest Base Camp this past year. Safety, reliability, fun with great people ..
James McBride, Hotelier
Absolutely great experience. True individual approach from Oliver and his team.
Dmitry Scherbakov, Founder, La Liga Tennis
Oliver organised the most awesome expedition. Not only a great guide he is also a master in logistics. Everything worked like a Swiss watch.
Farzin Pourmokthar, ex investment banker
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