Arrive in Kathmandu

Ace the Himalaya - Our airport representative will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the terminal. You will then be transported to your hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

Note: On either Day 01 or Day 02, there will be a pre-trip meeting at our office. During this meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. Please bring your passport, three passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please settle any outstanding balance and sign the legally binding trip form and non-liability disclaimer.

Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple - Pashupatinath Temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, is one of the most significant Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although entry is restricted to Hindus, you can view the temple and its activities from the eastern bank of the river. This two-tiered pagoda temple, built on a single-tier plinth, is renowned worldwide.

Boudhanath Stupa - Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Built in the 5th century, it features four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions, watching over the people. You will see Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet circling the stupa and spinning prayer wheels.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla. Highlights include the five-storied Nyatapola Temple in pagoda style, Batsala Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Duttatraya Temple, Pujari Muth, and the Palace of 55 Windows.

Morning flight to Lukla (2,804 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 hours

Phakding - We start early, heading to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for a 35-minute scenic flight to Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,804 m). Upon arrival, a guide will meet us and introduce the porters before we begin the 3-hour trek to Phakding (2,610 m).

After landing, there will be time to explore the village while our Sherpa crew sorts and loads the trekking equipment. We then start our trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, joining the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaunrikharka (2,713 m). The walk is easy, and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2,550 m), Phakding is just a short distance away.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) – 6 hours

Namche Bazaar - We begin the 5-hour trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river multiple times on thrilling suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply, offering breathtaking views. Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” features many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, money exchanges, internet cafes, and a bakery. Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) is one of the largest villages along the Everest trail.

Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Day

Namche Bazaar - We will spend a day in Namche to acclimatize to the high altitude. We’ll take a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people and hike up to Syangboche Airport around Everest View Hotel. From here, you can enjoy rewarding views of the Himalayas with stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Khumbu peaks.

Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m) – 5 hours

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

Trek to Dingboche (4,350 m) – 6 hours

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

Trek to Chukhung (4,710 m) – 4 hours

Chukhung - We have a four-hour walk to Chukhung, which is crucial for acclimatizing to the high altitude before climbing Island Peak. Our guide will provide important information about climbing Island Peak and the next day’s activities.

Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,240 m) – 4 hours

Imja Tse - Today, we have a short 4-hour trek to the Island Peak base camp. Starting today, accommodations will be in tented camps for the next two days, with meals prepared by our professional chef.

Rest and Acclimatization Day

Imja Tse - We will spend a day here to acclimatize to the thinning air. We’ll also take a short trek around the base camp to prepare for the 6,000 m adventure tomorrow morning.

Summit to Island Peak (6,187 m) and Return to Chhukung (4,750 m) - 9 to 12 hours

Imja Tse - Today is our main adventure day. Weather permitting, we’ll start early in the morning to climb 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 return the same day to Chhukung.

Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m) – 6 hours

Tengboche - 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.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,441 m) via Khumjung (3,780 m) – 5 hours

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

Trek to Lukla (2,804 m) – 5 hours

Lukla - Finally, we make the 5-hour 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.

Morning flight to Kathmandu from Lukla

Kathmandu - On the scenic thirty-five-minute flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll enjoy a final glimpse of the mountains you recently climbed. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will return to the hotel.

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu - 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 case of bad weather in Lukla.

In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.

Transfer to the International Airport for Final Departure

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

• Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu
• Comfortable stay with 4 nights in a 3-star hotel and 10 nights in guesthouses
• All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Complimentary Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sun hat
• Free use of down jacket and sleeping bag for the trek
• All entrance fees during sightseeing covered
• Carry less with 1 porter for every 2 clients
• Professional climbing sherpa for Island Peak adventure
• Island Peak climbing permit secured
• Full coverage of government taxes and tourist service charges
• Authentic camping experience with 2 nights in tented accommodation
• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Group climbing gear provided

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
• Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
• International airfare
• Nepal entry visa
• Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
• Personal trekking equipment
• Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected)