We follow the trail towards Nangpa la, the trading route between Namche Bazar and Tibet, a long been forbidden to Westerners but very much in use for the traders. The trek on this little trodden trail provides new visual perspectives on this area and passes through three of the highest passes in this region. This is arguably one of the most dramatic yet one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region. We trek across quaint Sherpa villages, monasteries, wildlife and dramatic mountain scenery of the area. We gain altitude gradually and enjoy a series of short trekking days, to ensure proper acclimatization. We then trek up the Bhotekosi valley and scramble across the Renjo Pass with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu right in front of us. From Renjo we descend and down to Gokyo. The Gokyo valley is dominated by the massive form of Cho Oyu , at 8153 meters the eight highest peaks on earth. From here we can climb Gokyo Ri (5360m) to a view of all of the region's 8000-metre peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu - a breathtaking panorama. We than walk beside the moraines of the Ngozumpa glacier and turquoise lake and make our way towards Cho La and enter into the Khumbu valley. The trail continues up to Kalapattar for more spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including the incredible southwest face of Everest. The highlight of the race is the climb of Island Peak. The summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. The mountain itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar separated by a small col. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak. The extension of this ridge descending south-west is the part of the normal route of ascent and leads to the South Summit. Imja Tse not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the most spectacular scenery of Himalayas in the Khumbu region. We make our way back to Tengboche monastery, the religious lifeline of this area. We then descend down to Lukla and fly back to Katmandu the next day.