Trip Facts
Duration
21 days
Trip Grade
Expert
Group Size
2-14
Highlights
- Island Peak (6,189m) is one of Nepal’s most famous hiking peaks that you can reach.
- Fully led climbing trip with help with getting used to the altitude
- Visit the famous Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar lookout.
- You can walk through Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche, which are all beautiful Sherpa towns.
- Experience glaciers, high passes, and a thrilling ascent with breathtaking Himalayan views
- Safe and rewarding climb with experienced climbing guides and necessary training
Overview
Island Peak Climbing is a thrilling 21-day adventure designed for trekkers with good fitness levels and a dream of summiting a Himalayan peak. Located in the heart of the Khumbu region, Island Peak—locally known as Imja Tse—offers a stunning blend of trekking and mountaineering.
This journey starts with a scenic flight to Lukla and takes you along the classic Everest trail through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. You’ll first visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and climb Kala Patthar (5,545m) for the best views of Everest before turning toward Island Peak. This helps with acclimatization and prepares you mentally and physically for the climb.
To get to the top of Island Peak, you have to cross a glacier and do some simple ice climbing and fixed rope sections. Even people who have never climbed before can do it because there are trained guides, full safety gear, and training at base camp before the climb. From the top, you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and other mountains.
If you want to take on the Himalayas or try mountaineering for the first time, Island Peak Climbing is the best way to do it, and the rewards will last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu’s tourist district. You’ll meet your guide, get a trip briefing, and have time to rest or explore the area.
Today, we combine culture and logistics. In the morning, you'll explore major UNESCO heritage sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath. In the afternoon, we’ll check your climbing gear, finalize permits, and make sure everything is ready for the expedition.
An early 30-minute flight to Lukla offers jaw-dropping mountain views. From Lukla, we begin our trek by descending through forested trails and small Sherpa settlements before reaching Phakding beside the Dudh Koshi River.
We follow the river and cross several suspension bridges, including the iconic Hillary Bridge. The trail enters Sagarmatha National Park and climbs steadily into Namche—a vibrant Sherpa hub with bakeries, gear shops, and beautiful mountain views.
To help adjust to the altitude, we take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Khumjung village. These hikes give our body time to adapt while rewarding us with our first clear views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
The trail contours around ridges before descending to the Dudh Koshi. A steady climb through rhododendron forests brings us to Tengboche, home to the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The sunset view of Ama Dablam here is iconic.
We descend to Debuche and cross a suspension bridge over the Imja River. The trail climbs past Pangboche and opens into the alpine zone. Dingboche sits in a broad valley surrounded by stunning peaks like Island Peak and Lhotse.
This second acclimatization day includes a steep hike to Nagarjun Hill, offering panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Island Peak. This helps with altitude adjustment and builds stamina for the higher days ahead.
We climb the Thukla Pass, where memorials honor climbers lost on Everest. The trail continues beside glaciers and moraines until we reach Lobuche, a cold but awe-inspiring village at the foot of towering peaks.
Today is tough but exciting. We walk across rocky trails and glacial terrain to reach Everest Base Camp. After soaking in the environment where climbers prepare for the Everest ascent, we trek back to sleep at Gorakshep.
A pre-dawn start leads us to Kala Patthar, the best vantage point for sunrise over Mount Everest. After photos and celebrations, we descend all the way back to Dingboche, giving our bodies a break from the altitude.
A short and easy walk through the Imja Valley leads us to Chhukung, a quaint village used as the last stop before Island Peak Base Camp. The views of Island Peak, Amphu Lapcha, and Lhotse from here are spectacular.
We leave the main trail and hike along the moraines to the Island Peak Base Camp. Expect rocky trails, increasing altitude, and dramatic glacier views. After setting up camp, you'll rest and prepare for the next day.
A full-day practical training session. Guides will teach rope techniques, crampon walking, ice axe usage, ladder crossings, and safety procedures. Even for beginners, this day is invaluable and boosts confidence for the summit day.
The most exciting day! A midnight start, headlamps on, and we begin our summit push. The trail includes a glacier section, ladders over crevasses, fixed ropes on a 300m headwall, and a final ridge climb. From the summit, you'll see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Baruntse. After a brief celebration, we carefully descend and trek back to Chhukung.
A buffer day in case of bad weather or extra acclimatization needs. Safety and summit success are the priorities.
We descend through the Imja Valley, passing Dingboche and lush rhododendron groves. Pangboche is a spiritual village home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu.
Track backwards by going through Tengboche. After going over suspension bridges and walking through forests, we get back to Namche, where there are coffee shops, hot showers, and the internet.
The last day of hiking is full of happiness and thought. Go down past Phakding until you reach Lukla. Celebrate your win with the rest of the team.
A trip to Kathmandu starts early. You'll be taken to your hotel when you get there. After your long trip, take a hot shower and a fancy dinner in Thamel.
Get taken to the airport when your flight is due. Say goodbye with great memories and the satisfaction of having reached the top of Island Peak.
Cost Details
Included
- All airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival and departure)
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu) including airport taxes
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek and climbing period
- Accommodation in standard teahouses during the trek
- Professional licensed trekking guide and certified climbing guide
- Climbing permit for Island Peak
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
- Group climbing equipment
- First aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen carried by the guide
- Satellite phone service for emergency communication
- Pre-climb training at Base Camp (including gear use and rope techniques)
- Porters to carry personal luggage
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal climbing gear
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation (mandatory)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and staff
- Extra accommodation or meals due to early return, weather delays, or changes in itinerary
- Helicopter rescue or optional flight upgrades in case of Lukla delays
Useful Information
Fitness & Training:
Island Peak Climbing is a high-altitude challenge requiring both trekking stamina and basic mountaineering skills. Prepare with cardio, hiking practice, stair climbs, and leg workouts 2–3 months in advance.
Climbing Difficulty:
Island Peak is a non-technical climb for most of the route, but summit day includes steep snow slopes (up to 60°), glacier travel, crevasse crossings, and fixed ropes. You don’t need to be a mountaineer, but you must be confident in using crampons, a jumar, and descending with a harness—skills we teach at Base Camp.
Prepare for the climb:
This plan includes three days to get used to the altitude (Namche, Dingboche, and Island Peak Base Camp), as well as a trip to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before the climb. This slow rise makes getting altitude sickness much less likely.
The best times to climb are:
- In the spring (April–May), the weather is clear, mild, and calm.
- Fall (October to early November): The air is cool, you can see far, and it’s dry.
- The monsoon season (June–August) and the hard winter (December–February) are times to leave.
Weather:
At high elevations, nights will be cold (down to -15°C at base camp). Summit day is very cold, but you can handle it if you wear the right clothes. Most of the time, the weather windows for the peak are short and clear at dawn.
Accommodation:
- Kathmandu: Comfortable tourist hotel with breakfast.
- Trekking Trail: Local teahouses (shared rooms, basic facilities).
- Island Peak Base Camp: Tent accommodation with a kitchen team.
Permit Requirements:
- Island Peak Climbing Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
- We handle all permits for you.
Travel Insurance:
Mandatory. Your insurance must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,500m. Always carry a copy of your policy and emergency contact numbers.
Emergency Backup:
Our guides carry a first aid kit, satellite phone, and oxygen cylinder. If altitude sickness or injuries occur, we’ll arrange immediate evacuation by helicopter (insurance needed).
Communication & Charging:
Most teahouses have solar or generator-powered charging (extra cost). Wi-Fi is available in places like Namche, Dingboche, and Tengboche but not guaranteed above that.
Gear Checklist Highlights:
- Climbing boots, gaiters, crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness
- Down jacket, fleece layers, windproof outer shell
- Headlamp, sunglasses, gloves, sleeping bag (-20°C)
- All climbing gear can be rented in Kathmandu or Chhukung if needed.
Flight Tips:
Lukla flights are weather-dependent. Expect delays. If your schedule is tight, consider booking an optional helicopter for more flexibility.
Official Island Peak Climbing Map
FAQs
It's not too complicated. There are ice walks, fixed ropes, and a steep headwall on the summit push. But with the right amount of time to get used to the altitude and our training day, it's fine for fit beginners who have never climbed before.
Not all the time. At base camp, we teach people the basics of climbing, which is enough for first-timers. Just make sure your body and mind are ready.
Group gear like ropes and anchors are provided. Personal gear such as boots, crampons, harness, and helmet are not included but available for rent.
Your safety is the top priority. If you feel unwell or the weather doesn’t allow, the guide will make the final call. You can still enjoy the trekking part and return safely.
Not as crowded as Everest Base Camp. Island Peak Base Camp is peaceful, but you’ll see more trekkers on the way to EBC.