Trip Overview In the valleys of Khumbu & Imja, Everest and other massive peaks of the Eastern Himalaya dominate the skyline. Multi-colored prayer flags and intricately carved Mani stones line every trail and pass. With eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks, Nepal is not short of spectacular mountain views. On the trek to Island Peak base camp, you will meet friendly Sherpa people, pass through picturesque villages and experience diverse cultures and traditions. The flora and fauna are other gems of the Sagarmatha National Park. Your Island Peak expedition starts with an early transfer by coach to Ramechhap for an ‘exciting’ flight to Lukla (2840m). From there the trail heads north along the Dudh Kosi to the Sherpa Capital, Namche Bazaar (344om). On the way you will cross many suspension bridges, some more interesting than others. Two nights will be spent in Namche to aid Altitude Acclimatisation. From Namche it will take two days to reach Dingboche, your next acclimatisation halt. On the way you will visit the Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most splendid Buddhist Monastery in the region. From Dingboche the trail to Everest Base Camp traverses above Pheriche to Dughla before climbing to Lobuche (4910m), passing memorials to climbers lost on Everest and neighboring peaks on the way. One more short day and you arrive at Gorakshep (5140m) from where you will visit Everest Base Camp (5364m) and climb Kala Patthar (5550m), the Everest viewpoint. If Makalu Adventure has a team climbing Everest, you will be able to visit them at Base Camp and learn more about the great mountain and how it is climbed. Your Base Camp visit over, and eyes set firmly on your objective, you head back to Dingboche. Now in the Imja valley you head for Chhukhung (4730m) for one night before climbing to Island Peak Base Camp and the start of your Himalayan ascent...good luck. Island Peak Climbing and Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek For those with three weeks to spare, the trek to Evere