Island Peak Climbing Content
Trip Overview
Are you eager to climb your first six-thousand-meter peak? If yes, our 20-day Island Peak expedition with Everest Base Camp trek is the ideal trip for you. This expedition will take you to the classic Everest region, where you will walk beneath the world’s highest mountain at Everest Base Camp and head on to climb the Island Peak.
At the elevation of 6189 m, Island Peak is tucked away in the Chhukung valley between the Lhotse and Nuptse South Walls to the north and Baruntse to the south. When viewed from Dingboche, it looks like a tiny island on an ice ocean. Because of this view, it was named Island Peak by Eric Shipton and his team in 1953.
In 1983, the mountain was given the name Imja Tse. However, climbers more commonly refer to it as Island Peak. The mountain’s first ascent was made in 1956 by Hans-Rudolf Von Gunten, a member of a Swiss expedition preparing to climb Everest and the Lhotse Mountains.
Island Peak is one of the trekking peaks of the Everest region. But do not let this classification term mislead you. Island Peak climbing is not just a high-altitude trekking activity, although it is relatively easy among the hundreds of much more difficult and larger mountains in the Himalayas. Glacier travels are an activity that includes steep snowy ice stages and ridge crossings. It is an excellent choice to taste real mountaineering and get your first climbing experience in the Himalayas.
In our 20-day Island Peak expedition with Everest Base Camp trek, we will introduce you to real mountaineering and Himalayan climbing culture, which we have prepared considering all the details of our experience in the region and Island Peak.
If you are ready, we are waiting for you in the first league of mountaineering!
Transportation
Flight/Jeep/Van
Per Day walking:
5 to 10 hours
Best Season
Oct-Dec / Mar-May
Group Size
2 Min - 14 Max
Accomodation
Hotel/Tea House/Tent
Trip Grade
Chellanging
Max Height
6189M
Start/End
Kathmandu
Trip Highlight
- Take a break in the town of Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Sherpa people, and explore local culture.
- Admire the beauty of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest.
- Visit Tengboche, a spiritual complex in the Himalayas.
- Conquer Mount Kala Patthar, the most beautiful place to watch the sunrise on Mount Everest.
- Reach the Everest Base Camp.
- Island Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu.
- Enjoy a sense of achievement and awe-inspiring views from the summit of Island Peak, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks
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Detail Itinerary
Namaste! Today is your first day in Nepal. We will drive you to the hotel upon arrival in the Kathmandu Airport. You can relax in your room; the afternoon may be at your disposal, depending on your arrival time. You can freely roam around and orient with the Nepalese charm and atmosphere.
In the evening we will have a tour briefing and Q&A session before going to dinner.Please have your questions ready to ask.Right after this tour briefing session we walk to the local restaurent for the first taste of the various Nepali cuisines available.Â
 Welcome Dinner
Hotel
After breakfast, we will begin our Kathmandu city tour. First, we will go to Swayambhunath Temple, which has a magnificent view from the highest point of Kathmandu. After taking lots of photos, next is the Hindu Cremation site Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, also called Varanasi of Nepal. Here, we can witness the Cremation Rites much more closely.
We will end our day at Boudhnath, the most important center of Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims in the country and one of the largest Stupas in the world. We will get to bed early in the evening for the next morning's Lukla flight.
Breakfast
 Hotel
We will go to Kathmandu Airport early in the morning to fly to Lukla, located on one of the ridges at the foot of the Himalayas. If the weather is clear, our flight will be accompanied by magnificent views. After our arrival in Lukla, we will meet with our local guides, who will accompany us throughout the tour.
After breakfast, we start following the Dudh Koshi River, cross the hanging bridge, and descend towards Thado Koshi, which takes about 2 hours. Then, we will take the gradual uphill walk towards Phakding, which is our overnight accommodation.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Today, we will walk along the trail to the mountain town of Namche Bazaar via the villages of Benkar, Monjo, and Jorsalle. On the way to Namche Bazaar, the route passes through Sagarmatha National Park, which can radically change the breathtakingly steep landscape.
Since Namche Bazaar is considered the main gateway to Everest Base Camp and the peaks, it has developed into a town with all the luxury guest houses. Enjoy the astonishing views of Thamserku (6608m), Kangtega (6685m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Everest (8848m) from Namche.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Namche is a great place to acclimate and immerse yourself in nature. We can spend this day hiking towards Everest View Hotel at 3880 m, from where we get the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse.
After descending from the hotel, we can explore the Sherpa cultural museum or the bustling market of Namche.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
The road to Tengboche is exceptionally beautiful - Dudh Kosi is at distance, and Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest rise ahead. Forests, mani walls, stupas, and suspension bridges along the river make this a walking route with a unique view.
Trekking uphill for a while, we reach the bridge over Imja Khola. Crossing the bridge, we will walk uphill for a while and reach Phungi Thenga, which is embellished with colorful prayer wheels.
Now, ascending through the rich forest of rhododendrons and oak, we reach Tengboche monastery, the largest ancient monastery in the Khumbu region. It is also considered the mystical center of the Khumbu region.
After exploring the monastery and its daily ritual, we go down to our lodge in Tengboche village, nestled at the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola rivers.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Today's path crosses the Imja Khola via a suspension bridge and leads to Deboche. The trail forward will take us to Pangboche village, known for its fields surrounded by stone walls and its monastery.
The terrain now starts to change; we will leave the dense forest behind and walk along the thick alpine shrubs. Soon, we will be at Dingboche, known as the Summer Valley of the Khumbu region. We can observe the elegant views of Lhotse (8414m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Island Peak/Imja Tse (6189m) from Dingboche.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Today is our second acclimatization day, necessary to acclimate our bodies to higher altitudes. We can trek from to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak, a small summer settlement from where we can enjoy the magnificent views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the grooved ice walls surrounding the Amphu Lapcha pass.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Our climb towards Everest Base Camp and Island Peak continues through alpine meadows and yak pastures towards the end of the Khumbu Glacier, where the small village of Dughla is situated.
As we advance, we will come across Thuk La Pass, which has stone monuments dedicated to the deceased Sherpas and climbers. We will pray here and continue hiking along the alpine terrain to reach Lobuche.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
After breakfast, we will start the most exciting day. Our walk today will be into the heart of the Himalayas. However, our track will be a little more challenging than the previous days. A long and tiring day awaits us as the ups and downs increase and the ground of the track turns from soil, meadow, etc., to rock, but it will be worth it.
In the first part of our walk, we will pass through the Khumbu Glacier and reach Gorakshep, a quiet spot dotted with a few guesthouses. After having our lunch here, we will leave our belongings and start walking towards Everest Base Camp, and finally, the first part of many of your dreams comes true.
You are now at Everest Base Camp, where the views of the Khumbu Icefall, the majestic Mount Everest, and other snow-capped Himalayas of the Khumbu region are wonderful. Meanwhile, it is possible that you may feel some discomfort due to the high altitude. After completing our base camp visit, we will return to Gorakshep, where we will stay.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
We will wake up before dawn and climb to Kala Patthar, where we can have a panoramic view of Everest, Pumori, Lingtren, Khumbutse, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and many other mountains during sunrise. After enjoying the sunrise, we head back towards Gorekshep to have breakfast.
We will now head towards Dingboche. The track is generally downhill and easy.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
After breakfast, we will hike along the Imja Khola once again to reach Chhukung. Here we will have our lunch and rest for some time. Then, our climbing guide will give us preliminary training on crampons, ice axes, and jumar. He will also teach us the technique of walking along the fixed rope.
In the late afternoon, we will explore the village standing tall with the magical views of Lhotse and Island Peak.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Today, we will reach Island Peak Base Camp, which takes about three to four hours of trekking over steep rocky terrain across the moraine below the Lhotse Glacier and then following the small river above Imja Khola.
As we pass through this terrain, we will emerge into a wide valley in the southwest area of Island Peak. Once we reach base camp, we will head to the tent prepared by our climbing team and rest.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tent camp
We will start our day early today, probably around 1 to 3 am, and head to the trail. The first part of the climb takes us along a steep cliff side and a narrow path covered with large rocks, then across a rather steep gully.
From here, we will follow the ridge to the base of the glacier, which reaches the summit. A sharp incline on a snowy slope takes us to the top. In this section, our climbing guide will attach a rope. Usually, the rope stretches up to around 350 meters, depending on the depth of the snow and the gaps.
Once we reach the top, we will sit back, relax, and enjoy the most stunning views of Mera, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and other peaks.
After spending some time at the summit, we will descend back down to Island Peak Base Camp. After having our meal, we head down to Chhukung for our rest overnight.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
After breakfast we follow the trail southwest towards Dingboche with enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks including Ama Dablam,Lotse and Island Peal. We keep following back the same path towards Namche-Lukla till Tangboche or Debuche.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
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The familiar path will take us back to Namche, past the villages of Pangboche and Tengboche. It's nice to walk under the shade of dense forest once again.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
Our trip back to Lukla crosses several suspension bridges via a descending trail. Chortens, prayer flags, and small Gompas line the villages and tracks. The presence of the Bhote Koshi River enhances the lovely atmosphere amidst the natural surroundings.
Upon arrival in Lukla, we will head to our lodge, enjoy a nice hot shower, and sleep comfortably in our cozy room. In the evening, we can walk around the vibrant town.
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
 Tea House
We will take a brief half an hour flight from Lukla to Kathmandu early in the morning. Upon arrival, we will drive you to the hotel. Refresh, relax, and then stroll the streets of Thamel.
Breakfast
Hotel
Your last day in Nepal. After breakfast, we would love to hear your feedback and climbing experience so we can improve our client service quality for the future trips.Depending on your departure schedule we will arrange your airport transfer for flight back home. Thank you for choosing us to accomplish your dream.
Breakfast
Pick A Month You Prefer To Explore Island Peak
What's Included In The Package
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist /Private vehicle.
- Twin-sharing/double accommodation in hotel for 3 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast.
- Twin-sharing teahouse accommodation during the trek for 15 nights in the mountain region and 1 night at a tent.
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu domestic flight.
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
- All the necessary permits (Trekking permit/Local authority permits).
- Certified Mountain climbing guide & Sherpas.
- Climbing permit for Island Peak.
- Climbing gears (Climbing Boots,Ice Axe, Rope, Harness,Helmet)
- Tent camp accommodation with meals.
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for 2 clients with Max 22 kgs weight limit in total).
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance for all staff.
- All administrative expenses and government taxes.
- Evacuation assistance in case of emergency.
- Climbing certificate at the end of the trip.
What's Excluded In The Package
- International air fare.
- Nepal Visa.
- Emergency Evacuation/s and medical treatments.
- Upgrade of accommodations.
- Travel Insurances.
- Emergency evacuation(s), Accidents, recovery & additional transport.
- Change in Itinerary due to cancelled helicopter flight or unavoidable delays on route i.e. landslides etc, extra or cancelled accommodation etc.
- Personal Expenses.
- Excess luggage above recommended levels.
- Some meals, all kind of bottled drinks, Internet services, hot showers etc.
- Tips for the guides, porters and drivers.
Fixed Departure Dates For 2025
Essential Information
Before booking
- Choose the right trip, considering your health, physical ability, and experiences.
- Read the terms and conditions properly.
- Make sure the payment is delivered to ensure the final confirmation.
After Booking
High-altitude activities in Nepal are not just physically demanding, they are a test of your fitness. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a necessity to ensure you’re physically ready for these adventures. By committing to physical training, you’ll not only be prepared, but you’ll also be confident and ready to take on the challenge.
Three Keys to Success in High Altitude Adventure:
Be Strong: Begin building and maintaining your physical strength as soon as you decide on a high-altitude adventure. Develop the stamina needed to handle the demanding conditions by engaging in activities that enhance cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and flexibility. High-intensity uphill walking, running, and long hours of cycling are particularly beneficial. Additionally, cultivate mental toughness and self-confidence to manage both physical and psychological challenges. Stay focused, motivated, and adaptable in the face of difficulties.
Be Light: Choose lightweight, high-quality gear and clothing to minimize your load, as every ounce matters at high altitudes. Each morning, before leaving your tea house, check your day bag to ensure you’re carrying only essentials; hand over any excess to the porter. Thorough preparation helps reduce mental confusion, allowing you to concentrate on the trek and remain confident with each step.
Be Lean:Â During the trip Set a comfortable pace and avoid rushing or trying to outperform other team members. Everyone has their own pace, so find yours and stick to it. This approach conserves energy and ensures resources are used effectively.
- Â Optimize your training and nutrition to maximize effectiveness. Focus on building endurance and strength while minimizing excess weight and distractions.
International Flights arrangements:You are responsible for arranging the international flight ticket and travel insurance, which can cover emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Our package doesn’t include this service.
Route Map
