Trip Overview
Island Peak is a mountain in Everest Region. The name Island Peak had given by members of the British Mount Everest expedition in 1953. That mountain appeared as an island in a sea of ice from Dingboche. It was renamed in 1983 to Imja Tse, but Island Peak became popular.
Island peak climbing is very renowned in the world. The entire trip starts when you take off from Kathmandu to Lukla. You will have a short tea break while repacking and introducing yourself to trekking staff and trek to Phakding. The following day you will trek to Namche – a getaway to Everest. You will have an acclimatization day in Namche when you will have a day hike up at Syangboche Airport and Khumjung Village.
After three days from Namche you will reach Chhukung via Tengboche, Pangboche and Dingboche. From the trail you can see Mt. Everest (8848m), Thamserku (6608 m), Kangteka (6685 m), Amadablam (6856 m), Tawache (6367 m), Cholatse (6335 m), Baruntse (7129 m), Nuptse, and Lhotse(8516m) Mountains. Besides these Mountains, you will see endangered Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopard, and Red Panda. At Chhukung, you will meet your climbing guide, and he will give you training on: How to use climbing equipment and some technical part of climbing.
From the top of Island Peak, you will see the sophisticated views of lower and higher peaks. After the successful climbing, the trail descends to Tengboche, which has the largest Buddhist Monastery in the Everest Region and is the birthplace of Tenzing Sherpa, the first Nepali to climb Mt. Everest. And the following day, you will return to Namche and finally take off from the Tenzing-Hilary airport to Kathmandu.
Tour Highlight
- Expereice of landing and taking off in Lukla airport
- Kathmandu City Tour
- Experience life as the “mountain people”
- Tengboche Monastery
- Icy Lake Imja Lake
Itinerary Activities
Activity | Difficulty | Duration |
---|---|---|
Kathmamndu City Tour | Easy | 1 Days |
Peak Climbing | Difficult | 2 Days |
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport
Welcome to Nepal! We will receive you the airport and transport you to hotel.
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Day 2
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu valley
The day beings with a meeting and introducing with your trek and tour leader. After breakfast, we organize a short meeting at the hotel lobby. The meeting finalizes the preparation of the trek. In the meeting, you need to bring three copies of passport copy size photos, and travel insurance copy. Soon, the day tour will starts and on the tour visit most highlighted places of Kathmandu.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLEPashupatinath Temple is one of the most visited and sacred places of Hindu. According to Hindu mythology, Pashupatinath is one of four Dham. It is not only a religious place also the cremation place. The dead body is burning with firewood in the bank of holy river Bagmati.
BOUDDHA STUPABouddhanath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. While touring in Buddha you can meet the monks, learn Buddhism, gather the information about Thankas, and its significants.
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUAREBhaktapur Durbar Square is a royal palace built in centuries ago when Nepal had 22 and 24 state kingdom. The palace is famous with the name of fifty-five windows durbar, Nyatapol Mandir the tallest temple in Nepal. The Lion Gate, Golden Gates, The statue of King BhupatindraMalla and the pottery where the potter makes are the main attractions of Bhaktapur.
After finished the tour, the evening time is to review the luggage for the trek. If you interested you can walk around Thamel, choose the restaurant for dinner.
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Day 3
Fly to Lukla (2840m) & trek to Phakding (2610m)
Wake up early in the morning and head to the the airport for a flight to Lukla. We take a packed breakfast today. After a short scenic flight to Lukla, we begin the trek, after meeting our local trekking staff. We reach Phakding today, located on the banks of Dudh Koshi River.
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Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441m)
Following Dudh Koshi River and then a climb to reach Namche takes approximately 6 hours. We cross the river several times, encountering yaks and mules along the trail. Finally, the trail on the banks finish and we start ascending on steep gradient up, crossing the highest suspension bridge of Everest Region. We stop at Top Danda about midway up the climb and see the first sights of Everest, weather permitting. The climb is steep, so we walk with a comfortable pace. Finally we reach Namche, the biggest town in the region.
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Day 5
Namche Bazaar acclimatization day
Today is a rest day of the trek. It is very important to take rest and acclimatize as we gain altitude. Today you will hike up to Syangboche and visit a museum that belongs to Sherpa culture, and the history records of Mt. Everest expedition by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first ones to scale Everest. The view of Namche, Khumjung village, and the massive summits in front are stupendous from Syangboche.
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Day 6
Trek to Tengboche Monastery
After breakfast at the hotel, we heard north towards Tengboche, a superb hill for photography and Himalayan view. The monastery at Tengboche is one of the major highlights of Everest Base Camp standard trek. To reach Tengboche we need to walk for about 6 hours today, which includes a steep uphill bit on the second half of the day. In the evening, we walk around the Tengboche monastery and visit the monastery. Enjoy the beautiful evening with spectacular views at Tengboche Hill.
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Day 7
Trek to Dingboche (4350m)
After breakfast we trek down to Debuche and continue on to Pangboche, which is a major Sherpa settlement. Walking through the village, we get to see Mt. Ama Dablam towering us from the right, making a picture perfect setting for the village to be in. In fact, the mountain will be at a stone’s throw away from us as we walk. On undulating trails we cross a river and make a short climb up to Dingboche valley.
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Day 8
Trek to Chhukung (4710m)
From Dingboche to Chhukung is about two and half an hours walking in slightly uphill at the altitude of 4710m. It’s quite important to adjust to high altitude in order to climb up Island Peak. When you reach Chhukung, the trek guide will introduce you with the climbing guide.
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Day 9
Trek to Island Peak base camp (5240m)
Today you will trek to Island Peak Base camp. From today accommodation will be in tented camps for the next two days. Foods will be prepared by professional camping cook. After lunch your climbing guide will give you some lectures about using the climbing equipment and technical parts of climbing for next day.
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Day 10
Acclimatization day.
This is a day for adjusting with thin air by doing a short trek to the high camp and explore the Imja lake. Which helps to climb the peak for tomorrow morning. You will get short technical climbing training by your climbing guide. Such as how to use climbing gears, etc.
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Day 11
Island Peak summit & return to Chhukung.
Finally, we reach the main climb day, also the highlight of this trip: climbing Island peak. Firstly, the guide will check the weather conditions and per-meeting to start. After leaving the base camp, today is your main adventure day. (weather permitting) you will start early in the morning for the climb up Island Peak (6189m). After High camp, trail ascend through a gorge to the right, after a safe trip to the top, you make your way back down to base camp and same day back to Chhukung.
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Day 12
Trek to down to Tengboche
We descend down towards Tengboche via Dingboche, Pangboche and Debuche, which takes about six hours. After breakfast, you will descend towards Dingboche valley, cross the Khumbu Khola and reach Pangboche via Orsho and Somare. You will have your lunch at Pangboche and head off to Tengboche through rhododendron forests.
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Day 13
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3441m)
After breakfast again watch 360 degrees Himalaya view from Tengboche and trek down to Phungi Thanga and cross a stream. After about 1.5hrs of the steep climb up to Kayanjuma, have a short break. Again continue almost flat to reach Namche where you can enjoy and celebrate success of the trip.
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Day 14
Trek Down to Lukla (2840)
After trekking for 10 days in the region, we make our way to Lukla which will be our final stop in Solukhumbu region. For lunch, we stop at Phakding, a village that lies on the banks of Dudhkoshi River.
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Day 15
Morning flight back to Kathmandu - Farewell Dinner
This morning you will flight out from Lukla to Kathmandu, and upon arrival your guide transfers you to the hotel. A good rest after a long trek will be crucial. In the evening, you have leisure time to stroll around Thamel and do any souvenir shopping if you like. In the evening join the Farewell Dinner in a Nepali Restaurant.
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Day 16
Transfer to the airport for your final flight departure
The trip concludes today. Your guide will drop you off at the international airport for your departure back home.
Itinerary Info
Standard Itinerary and Private Trip
It is the notice about Standard Itinerary and Private Trip. The provided itinerary is standard, and if you want to customize it, you can do it. OR you can go through our Plan Your Holidays page.Travel Insurance and Covers
We strongly recommend you have travel insurance that covers the adventure activities such as trekking/hiking above 15,000 feet. And must include flights delayed/canceled by bad weather, accidents, evacuations, etc.Keep in Mind
Sometimes, unusual weather changes, natural disasters, flight delays, and cancellations, government rules, local political situations, health conditions of trekkers may change your itinerary. At that point, our leading guide will decide and try to minimize the impacts and run the trip smoothly, but we are not liable for any additional costs if needed.Always options for Upgrade
Please you can upgrade your accommodation and transportation service to regular. We can provide you with 5Star hotel accommodation and the best available private car/ jeep services. And also domestic flights including the Helicopter Charter.
Available Date
- Fixed Departures
- Private
Select a departure month
- March
- April
- May
- September
- October
- November
- December
What Includes & Excludes
Includes
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- Four Nights Hotel Accommodation in Standard hotel in Kathmandu
- Fullday guided sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu domestic airfare
- Full Board Meals during the trip as per itinerary
- From and to airport transfer to hotel on a private tourist vehicle
- Accommodation, foods, insurance, salary, equipment, and medicine for field staffs.
- Trekking/tour permits, entrance fees.
- All ground transportion as per itinerary
- Farewell dinner one night before the client’s final departure in a typical Nepali Restaurant with culture dance. Your guide will accompany you.
- All government taxes and official expenses.
Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Tips for trekking staff (Tipping is expected).
- Personal trekking gears/equipment.
- Anything not mentioned in the price includes.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
We operate this trip with aiming:
- To improve the lifestyle of local people
- To protect the environment
- To respect and promote the culture of the local community
- To create the Volunteering Opportunities
- To donate 5% of each trip cost to the COSD Nepal organization
We hire the local people as trekking staff, which creates the opportunity to learn and share the cultures, get exposure to local traditions. You can enjoy the local product feasts in the teahouses and lodges that directly help their business.
- Namaste [Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest] is the respectful greetings in Nepal.
- Walk-in clockwise direction around temples, monuments, MANE Stone, MANE-wall is the culture of Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Enter temples and with removing shoes and also leather.
- Ask permission to take any portrait of locals.
- Use right while giving and receiving food, eating, wiping mouth, etc.
- Please dress in loose-fitting clothes while entering temples and monasteries.
A small group of travelers led by the local trek leader, we try to minimize the impacts on natural resources and the environment during the trips. We emphasize reducing waste. Encourage travelers to use a refillable water bottle instead of a single-use bottle.
We are also a supporter of the Community Organization for Sustainable Development Nepal (COSD Nepal). And, we collect 5% of the total payment of each trek to contribute to the organization.
Volunteer Opportunity
We have a volunteer trip operating in a local school in Gorkha. Through this trip, you can directly support the children also the teachers’ educational status.
Add-on Activities
Equipment List
Here you will get a basic idea of the equipment and items of clothing that you need to carry on the trip. Apex Asia Holidays provide you with a gratis duffel bag in Kathmandu to pack your trekking luggage.
Note:
- Non- trekking items can store at the Hotel lockers in Kathmandu.
- If you are trekking in Everest Region: Kathmandu- Lukla Flight only allows the 15KG including hand-carry bag.
- You must have to carry a down jacket from above 4000 meters to keep warms. You can hire a down jacket and sleeping bag for USD 30 with us.
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- A cap to protect your ear and neck from sunlight
- Warm wool or synthetic hat
- UV protective glaciers sunglasses - better to have side shield.
Hand
- A pair liner woolen gloves for mild days and heavy for morning and evening
- Haviers Gloves
Core Body
- Three cotton t-shirts
- Three synthetic t-shirt
- Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days.
- A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. The full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.
- For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton.
Lower Body
- Two pairs of nylon hiking shorts.
- Underwear, stay away from cotton.
- Two pairs lightweight long underwear.
- Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.
Feet
- At least four pairs of liner socks, synthetic. And three pair heavyweight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- A pair of lightweight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.
- A pair light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.
- A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge.
- A pair plastic shell mountaineering boots with high altitude liners
Other Essential
- Small Day Pack
- A pair of steel crampons
- Climbing Helmet and Harness
- A mountaineering ice axe with a leash
- An ascender
- D –Shaped locking
- Non- locking carabiners
- A pair of expeditions style gaiters- ensure fit over your boots
- A neck gaiter
Medicine and First Aid
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous but Important
Important Info
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TRANSPORTATION
In Nepal, there are two kinds of transport, public and private. We mostly recommend you to use the private than the public because the roads two ways that make traffic, and the private vehicle can avoid the traffic by choosing the proper time for less traffic.
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MEALS
In Nepal, you will get the extensive food menu. From the international food menu to local foods. Dal Bhat is the main course of Nepal. Your guide will help you to choose the suitable food, on the trek and tour.
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ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Trekking is the popular trekking ventures in Nepal, which is always in the High Himalaya and where we have the chance to get altitude sickness. So, it is highly recommended to learn more about the High Altitude Sickness before you start the trek. Hurry can be deadly in Nepal Himalaya. Walk slow, and give enough time to your body to fit in the high altitude. Drinking more water and stepping slowly with rest is the best protection against altitude sickness.
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INSURANCE
It is necessary to have travel insurance before you embark on any trip. The insurance policy should include the cost of medical expenses, any damage or loss of your luggage, and cancellation.
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SAFETY
Nepal is one of the safe and more peaceful countries around the world. Even though you must have your Travel Insurance and the should cover the area which is on your itinerary.
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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Traveling is the way of getting in touch with the local peoples. It is important to recognize what is acceptable in the society, such as dresses, behaviors, and language. There might be different than your own country. Most of the people can communicate in English in the cities and also some touristy towns but if you have learned a few words Nepali, like greetings “Namaste” that make a huge difference.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Apex Asia Holidays always concern about the health and safety of the clients. Our guide carries a first aid kit with the directed medicine by the doctors. We also recommend you to discuss with your doctor about your visit at least a month ago. In case of severe or emergency, we transfer you to the nearest hospital. Safety is the first important for us as a responsible tour agency, so we do not take unnecessary risk.
Why Book With Us
- Great Value Guranteed
- Small Group Size
- Local Expert Guides
- Hassel-Free Booking
- Social Responsible
- Excellent Service
Frequently Ask Question
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What is the time zone of Nepal?
NPT (UTC+05:45)
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Do I need to tip the guide and porters? What is the standard tip?
Tips is expected by your team members and normally the standard is 10% of your total trip cost.
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Do you arrange the International and domestic flights?
Yes, we can do as per clients’ require. Normally, we arrange all domestic flights and if you required we can arrange also international tickets.
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Can I change my itinerary?
Yes, customizing the itineraries is the feature of Apex Asia Holidays. And you can also visit the Plan Your Holidays link.
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Is it possible to extend trip?
Sure, you can extend your entire trip and also you can do extended trip.
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Is it possible to use credit card during the trek/ tour?
Using card is not possible in all trekking town except Namche of Everest region. But in the cities you can use the cards.
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Can I charge the batteries of cameras, phones?
Yes, you can charge your devices, but recommended you to bring your plugs, chargers and also do not leave unattended anything while charging in a lobby or somewhere in trekking guesthouse. And if you are in camping trek it’s quite hard to charge the phone so advising to bring portable charge.
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Is there any possibility to communicate in my hometown?
Yes, you can. In the Everest and Annapurna region you can connect via Phone, Internet both is available in most of town and, in some remote routes you may need to use satellite phone that are carry by you trek guide or also get in the local town.
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Do you provide any equipment for the trek?
Apex Asia Holidays provides you a basic equipment like Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, for tea-house trek. And for the climbing trip we provide the basic equipment. For camping trek check it once including section.
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Is the shower facility during the tour/trek?
Yes, you can have shower during the trek. In camping trek you will get shower in shower tent which is basically provide 3-4 times in whole trek it is depending on the duration of the trek. And in a tea-house trek we will provide you attached room where is possible and the rest of town you will payable shower.
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What are the accommodations and meals like?
All the meals that you provided are hygienic and fresh. While you are in camping trek you get meals prepared by professional camping cook. And if you are doing tea-house trek you will get the main course as like in the cities. For accommodation in the camping trek you will have a tent with good qualities mattress and sleeping bag. And if you are in tea-house trek you will normal twin sharing room in basic facilities with warm mattress and blanket, and also we provide sleeping bag if you need.
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Is the drinking water okay? Or I need to use tablets?
For drinking water you can buy bottle water that purified mineral water in tea-house trek and city tour. And in camping trek the camping cook provides you boiled water. For some case of remote area trekking it would be better to have some purification tablets that you can buy in Kathmandu.
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How big is a group size?
We will try to arrange small group of willing people, which immortalized the treks. Normally we encompass 12 -16 people in a group. (This is not to apply for them who want to do Private Trip, no minimum and maximum for them.)
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Do you arrange the private trip?
Yes, of course we will arrange private tour.
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Should I need to join the group?
Joining in a group is depending on your booking and option that you choose. If you have booked for Private Trip then obviously you will not join. Otherwise normally the same trip is departing in a same day then the group will join.
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Are the staffs insured of your company?
Yes, all of the staffs and crew members are the insured.
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What sort of ground transportation you use?
Normally we assign a car up to 2 people and Jeep for up to 5 people and then Micro Bus for up to 14 PAX and Coster and Sutlej Bus depending on group size. There are some trekking routes, which are dirt road for them we assign 4WD Jeeps. It also depends on what services you opt.
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Are the treks and tours secured? What about the security?
Provide the security to our clients is principal of us. The government licensed holder guides and other crew members are carefully assign for your trip. Even though, would like to counsel you to take care of your personal equipment, bags. If you doing a tea-house trek your accommodation are in a local guesthouse, where you have to be precaution yourself at all time. And if you are in a camping trek always keep your own bags inside the tent and while in nighttime please keep your bag in the middle of the tent. The camping leader assigns a Sherpa as a guard throughout the nighttime.
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Do my guide/porter speak English?
Definitely they speak English. All the guides are professional and due to the professionalism they speak good English. The guide’s English is enough to explain about the local culture, activities, and religions.
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Do you peak me up at the Airport upon my arrival?
Yes, our airport representative welcomes you at airport and transfer to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
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What is the fitness required for the treks?
Generally, to trek in Nepal we should have good physical and health condition. And also able to walk 4- 7hrs in day at high altitude with your little backpack.
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When is the best season for treks in Nepal?
From March to mid of June and September to December is the best season for treks.
Why travel with apex asia holidays
Since 2015, we have operated unique itineraries and happy trips that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We focused on the fun factor and challenged you aptly to reach that great feeling of personal accomplishment while enjoying the company of like-minded travelers.
Make your journey fruitful by choosing to travel with a local company. We know each holiday is different. With the guidance of our travel experts and first-hand experience, we can customize every element of your holiday. We create travel packages that transcend our clients’ expectations. We invite you to discover what you’ve been missing. These are some of the difference that makes All-Travel unique.
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