Everest Summiteer Gregory Attard is planning a trip to Everest Base Camp and ascent of Island Peak at the end of March this year. This is an ideal introduction to Himalayan climbing and expeditions. Gregory’s team will be accompanied by a group of experienced and dedicated Sherpas who provide support and help provide an experience of a lifetime.
Imja Tse (Island Peak in Sherpa language) stands centrally at the head of the Imja Khola, a tributary of the mighty Khumbu. It was named by the explorer Eric Shipton who suggested it looked like an island rising from a sea of ice. It was climbed the following year by British Everest expedition members Evans, Gregory, Wylie and Tenzing Norgay who were testing oxygen apparatus for the consequent ascent of Everest.
After a long steady trek to Everest Base camp through breathtaking landscapes and fascinating villages the climb culminates as one gets onto the final ridge with spectacular views of the south face of Nuptse and Lhotse and final push to the Summit.
The climbing is slightly technical, being on glaciated snow and ice up to 40 degrees. Fixed ropes will be used for the final 200meters or so of the climb.
Trip outline
The 21 day adventure starts and finishes in Kathmandu. A flight to Lukla delivers us to the Khumbu Valley where the trek begins. Our second night on the trail we arrive at Namche Bazaar where we spend two nights acclimatizing. On the second day we also trek to Thame and the Thame monastery perched high on the slopes above at an altitude of almost 4000meters. Continuing up the valley we get to Tyangboche monastery. The following nights will be spent in typical Sherpa village of Pangboche in the shadow of Ama Dablam. We visit the Ama Dablam base camp as part of our acclimatisation and also to get up close to this stunningly beautiful mountain.
We then continue our trek towards Everest Base Camp and the scenic viewpoint of Kalapatar. We sleep in the high Sherpa villages of Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep along the way. We will spend 2 nights at Everest base camp during which time we witness the awesome spectacle, which is the Kumbu icefall and visit Pumori base camp.
After our ‘Everest experience’ we trek to the base camp for Island Peak via a high alpine pass, the Kongma La; the views from up here are nothing short of stunning.
Island Peak enjoys spectacular views of the North Side of Ama Dablam, the sweeping flanks of Nuptse and the world’s fourth highest peak; Lhotse.
Everest Base Camp +IslandPeak Program :
| Day
Mar |
Trek
Day |
Destination
|
Comments | Alt. | |
| 28 | Kathmandu | Arrival and txfr to Htl | 1,300 m | ||
| 29 | Kathmandu | Sightseeing tour and preparation for the trek (B) | |||
| 30 | 01 | Monjo
|
Fly Lukla and trek(B+L+D) | 2,840 m | 5 hrs |
| 31 | 02 | Namche Bazaar | Trek (B+L+D) | 3,440 m | 5 hrs |
| 01A | 03 | Namche Bazzar | Excursion to Thamo(B+L+D) | 3,440 m | 5 hrs |
| 02 | 04 | Devuche | Trek (B+L+D) | 3,860 m | 5 hrs |
| 03 | 05 | Dingboche | Trek(B+L+D) | 4,410 m | 5 hrs |
| 04 | 06 | Lobuche | Trek (B+L+D) | 4,930 m | 5 hrs |
| 05 | 07 | Gorak Shep | Trek in the afternoon climb Kala Pathar 5,545 m for sunset view (B+L+D) | 5,160 m | 5hrs |
| 06 | 08 | EBC(B+L+D) (Camp) | Trek to EBC 5,360 m-camp | 5,360 m | 3 hrs |
| 07 | 09 | EBC (Camp) | Ice fall Climb (B+L+D) | 5,360 m | 5 hrs |
| 08 | 10 | Kong Ma La Base C | Trek (B+L+D) Camp | 5,300 m | 6 hrs |
| 09 | 11 | Chhukung (B+L+D) | Cross the pass and trek to Chhukung afternoon climb Chhukung Ri | 5 hrs | |
| 10 | 12 | Island Peak Base Camp | Trek to IBC (Camp) | 5,078 m | 3 hrs |
| 11 | 13 | Island Peak Base Camp | Summit 6,189 m and back (B+L+D) (Camp) | 2,840 m | 10 hrs |
| 12 | 14 | Tengboche | Trek (B+L+D) | 2,800 m | 06 hrs |
| 13 | 15 | Monjo | Trek(B+L+D)) | 06 hrs | |
| 14 | 16 | Lukla | Trek (B+L+D) | 04 hrs. | |
| 15 | 17 | Kathmandu | Fly back (B) | ||
| 16 | Kathmandu | Lay over day (Free day) | |||
| 17 | Departure | Transfer to airport for departure |
NB : B- Breakfast; L-Lunch; Dinner – Dinner
KP: Kalapatar
For more information contact Simon Alden on mobile nr. 9929 9836 or email: maltaman5@hotmail.com
Please note that the MCC are NOT organisers of this expedition we are merely providing information about the availability of spaces on the team to our members and folllowers.
Malta Climbing Club 
I already have commitments for the last weekend in March or I would love to participate. Unless I were to go late and catch up 😉
Good luck everyone, be safe.