Overview

Mera Amphu Lapcha Island Peak Trek is a mountaineering experience of the highest quality. This adventure takes you into the heart of the Everest region providing trekkers with an opportunity to explore the icy wilderness and enjoy the unparalleled thrill of mountain climbing. In this trek, you make your way into the Makalu Barun and Sagarmatha National Parks and climb Island (6189m) and Mera Peak (6461m).

This 22-day Mera Amphu Lapcha Island Peak Trek starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. The actual trek begins from Lukla accessible via a short flight from Kathmandu. Trekkers stroll along the high route passing through the thick woods and over a few streams before crossing a path that will take you to the Hinku Valley.

During your stay in Thangnak, you can explore the fascinating moraines and ice-cold lake which lies north of the village. You approach Mera Peak (6,461m) from the northern route as it involves a gradual climb and offers breathtaking mountain views from the top.

After a successful climb to the Mera Peak, the route leads you east which is a lesser-used route, and takes you into the wilderness of the Hinku Valley. Later you set up camp at Panch Pokhari, a set of five sacred lakes nesting above 5,000 meters.

You then move over to Amphu Lapcha, which is one of the highest and most challenging passes in the region. From the top of the pass, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8, 414m), Baruntse (7,219 m), and many other mountain peaks.

After crossing Amphu Lapcha, you reach Island Peak Base Camp where you take a rest before heading towards the summit of Island Peak (6,189 m). After Island Peak, the trail starts to descend towards Dingboche. From Dingboche, you slide towards Debouche, Namche, and then finally stop at Lukla.

Highlights

  • Enjoy trekking with amazing skyline views of the tallest mountains in the world
  • Explore Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore Panch Pokhari, a set of five glacial lakes with an amazing view of mountains
  • Climb two of the most popular small-peaks, Island Peak (6189m) and Mera Peak (6461m)
  • Experience the Sherpa lifestyle and culture on the trek

Itinerary

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Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

The trip starts with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Our company representative will welcome you at the airport and then you will be transferred to the hotel for your overnight stay. There are no scheduled activities for the day so, you can rest as the trek ahead is quite long or you can explore around the city.

  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude1300m

On the 2nd day, you join the group for a small meeting at the company office. There, you will be introduced to your trek guide and get more detail about the trek. You will get your climbing gear as well. If you need additional supplies for the trek then you can buy them at the shops in Kathmandu. You can also choose to explore the UNESCO world heritage sites in the city.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1300m

Today, we make our way towards the Himalayas. From Kathmandu, you take a scenic 35 min flight to Lukla and land in Tenzing-Hillary Airport. You meet the rest of the crew at Lukla and then start the trek. The trail leads through the pasturelands and then passes the rhododendron and pine forests to reach Chutang.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3020m

The trail from Chutang enters further into the valley and keeps ascending. After crossing the tree line, you can see the alpine vegetation all around you. The trek goes along the border of Makalu Barun National Park and is quite steep. At the end of the valley, you arrive at Zatrwa La Pass. It is the highest pass in the lower Everest Region.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4610m

You ascend to the top of the pass and then quickly descend down. The descend ends at Thuli Kharka which has got a few teahouses. After a brief rest here, the trek continues with a brief descent and then steadily climbs to another small pass. You make your way through thinner forests and enter the Hinku valley. The trail then passes through pine and bamboo forests and end’s today’s trek at Kothe. You can see the first view of Mera Peak (6461m) from here.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3580m

The trail moves further into the valley and passes through the yak pasturelands used in the summertime. You slowly ascend on the route and then make your way past the spiritual cave monastery. The trek continues as you pass through pasturelands along with the Himalayas on the distant horizon. In the end, you arrive at Thangnak which will be your first site for acclimatization.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4358m

In such long treks with high altitude, trekkers need to stop for a while and get used to the high altitude conditions. On this day, you can hike around Thangnak and gain altitude to view peaks of the Hinku valley such as Kusum Khangkaru (6,367m), Mera La (5,415m), and Kyasar (6,720m). You can also visit a lake situated north of the village.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4358m

After Thangnak, you cross the boulders left by Sabai Tsho and admire the views of Charpate Himal with the glacial lake. The trail keeps ascending through the moraines to the snout of Shar glaciers and crosses Dig Kharka before reaching Khare which is the last settlement on today’s trail.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,045m

Today you cross Mera La Pass (5415m) and ascend to the Mera High Camp. The trail takes you through a boulder-strewn path and provides spectacular views from the top of the pass. The high camp lies next to a huge rock and offers fantastic views of mountains like Lhotse Shar (8,343m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Makalu (8,463m), and Nuptse (7861m).

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,780m

The climb to the summit starts very early in the morning. You make a steep long climb and carefully walk across the crevasses to reach the top of Mera peak. From the top, you can enjoy the view of Cho Oyu (8,188m), Mt. Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,463m), Pumo Ri (7,165m), and many other mountains. After a brief stay at the top, you retrace your steps back to the base camp.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude6461m

The trek route takes you through the Hinku valley where the three valleys of Kusum, Thamserku, and Thamarteka meet. The trail ascends through the Hinku valley providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains and alpine landscapes. In the end, you camp on a site near the Kalo Pokhari.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner

You make steep ascents and descents today in order to reach the Panch Pokhari. Trekking north alongside the Hunku Pokhari, the trek heads through the Hunku Glacier before arriving at Panch Pokhari. These lakes are holy and are sacred sites for the pilgrims. From the top of Panch Pokhari, you also get good views of mountains in the Everest, Mahalangur, and Makalu ranges. You find a spot near the lakes and make camp.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,200m

This is another day for rest and acclimatization. Next up, you will be crossing one of the most challenging passes in the region so, it is compulsory to gather your strength and energy. During this time, you can hike around the Panch Pokhari and observe the surrounding landscapes, vegetation, and scenery.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,200m

From Panch Pokhari, you move towards the most remote parts of the region. The trail ascends along the beautiful Hinku valley offering the true beauty of the wilderness in the mountains. The entire trek follows the trails along the Amphu Lapcha Glacier. In a short period of time, you find yourself at the Amphu Lapcha La Base Camp.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,400m

You wake up early in the morning to cross Amphu Lapcha La Pass (5845m), one of the highest and most challenging passes in the region. The route is often covered with snow and ice which makes it difficult. After you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayas like Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,414m), Baruntse (7,219 m), and Hinku Valley. Descending down the pass you enter the Chhukung valley and march towards Chhukung village.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,845m

Leaving Chhukung, you continue the trek towards Island Peak high camp. The trail is a steep climbing towards southeast. As the trek progresses, you will have wonderful views of Nuptse (7,861m) and Lhotse (8,414m). Once you reach the high camp, you take a good amount of rest and sleep as tomorrow you will head towards the summit of Island Peak (6189m).

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude5,600m

Today, you start ascending to the summit passing a high pass. In the midday, a strong wind blows in the area that is why it is better to start as soon as possible. You will use your climbing gears and be guided throughout this icy journey. Once on top, you can enjoy the majestic view of Everest (8,848m), Nuptse (7,861m), Lhotse (8,414m), and many other Himalayas. Then, you descend and make your way back to Chhukung.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude6189m

From Chhukung, the trail gradually descends towards the village of Dingboche. You will trek downhill most of the way and walk through the alpine forest leaving behind snow and ice. On the way, you can see the summer huts made for keeping the livestock in summer. Upon arrival at Dingboche, you can visit the Dingboche Monastery. You can explore around the village and witness the lifestyle of the Sherpa locals.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude4,410m

Leaving Dingboche behind, we continue our downhill trek passing Somare and Pangboche en route. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forest again along Imja Khola to Debuche. Along the way, you get a nice view of Ama Dablam (6,856m). It has been a long trek and while the trek today is mostly downhill it might feel long so get some good sleep and rest well.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3,820m

The trail descends from Debuche and rises through the forest to Tengboche. Tengboche is home to Tengboche Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Everest Region. You can make a short stop here and visit the monetary. Then, you descend to Phunki Thangka and then walk along the border trail to reach Namche Bazaar. In Namche, you can explore the local markets, souvenir shops, Buddhist monasteries, Sherpa museums, etc.

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude3440m

The trail quickly descends through the woods and then follows the Dudh Koshi River to Jorsalle and thus stepping out of Sagarmatha National Park. The trail from Monjo to Phakding goes through lush rhododendron and magnolia forest. From Phakding the trail will ascend gradually. You cross a number of suspension bridges and walk past many Sherpa villages to reach Lukla. In the evening, you join the crew for a farewell dinner

  • Accommodation Guest House, Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude2,800m

You take an early morning flight from Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu. The weather in Lukla is unpredictable that’s why we catch an early morning climb. Our company van will pick you at the airport and take you to the hotel in Kathmandu. For the rest of the day, you can choose to stay at your hotel or explore the nearby areas.

  • Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude1300m

As the Mera Amphu Lapcha Island Peak Trek comes to an end, you make preparations to head to your next destination. A company representative will help you gather your belongings and complete the necessary formalities before the scheduled flight.

  • MealsBreakfast

Cost Details

  • Pickup and drop at Airport
  • Hotel stay in Kathmandu as per itinerary
  • Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trekking period
  • Air fair for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
  • Best available accommodations during the trek
  • A government license holder guide
  • Porter to carry your baggage
  • A government license Holder Climbing guide
  • All necessary group climbing equipment like fixed rope, ladder, etc.
  • Mera peak climbing permit
  • Climbing map
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Ground Transportation Charge as per itinerary
  • TIMS card(Trekker’s Information Management System)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Entry Fees wherever required
  • Trekking Permits needed for Restricted Area Trekking
  • All government taxes and service charges
  • Farewell dinner prior to departure
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking and climbing Equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
  • International Airfare and Airport Departure Tax
  • Tips for trekking staffs
  • Drinks (hot/soft/cold) and liquors
  • Personal shopping and laundry, Personal trekking equipment, Gifts, and souvenirs
  • All items not listed in the cost included section

Useful Info

Eternal Himalaya has been arranging treks and mountain expeditions in the Everest Region for many years now. You will be joined by expert trek guides and highly experienced members who will handle every difficult situation and makes sure that you have a safe and successful trip.

FAQs

  • Q1. What is the Mera Amphu Lapcha Island Peak Trek?

    The Mera Amphu Lapcha Island Peak Trek is a challenging and adventurous journey in the Everest region of Nepal. It combines three major peaks: Mera Peak (6,476m), Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,845m), and Island Peak (6,189m), offering stunning views of the Himalayas.

  • The duration of the trek typically ranges from 18 to 23 days, including both trekking and acclimatization days. It may vary depending on the itinerary chosen and individual preferences.

  • While previous trekking experience is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. The trek involves high altitudes, challenging terrain, and long hiking days. Adequate physical fitness and some prior trekking experience will enhance your enjoyment and safety during the journey.

  • Accommodation during the trek is primarily in tea houses or lodges along the trail. These provide basic facilities such as beds, blankets, and communal dining areas. In some remote areas, camping may be required, and tents will be provided by the Eternal Himalaya trekking agency.

  • Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk during the trek due to the high altitude involved. Adequate acclimatization, proper hydration, and a gradual ascent are essential to minimize the risk. Trekking guides are trained to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and will take necessary precautions.

  • Essential items to pack include appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, sturdy trekking boots, a sleeping bag, personal toiletries, a first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a headlamp or flashlight. It's important to pack light but ensure you have all the necessary items for the journey.