ISLAND PEAK VIA EBC

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  • DURATION20 Days
  • DIFFICULTY-LEVELVery Strenuous
  • GROUP SIZE1-14

Highlights

  • A thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
  • Walk by Sagarmatha National Park to reach Namche Bazar
  • The famous Namche Bazar
  • Experience the rich culture and tradition of Sherpa
  • Visit ancient Tengboche monastery
  • Reach Everest Base Camp
  • Hike up to Kala Patthar to witness 360 degrees of Mt. Everest
  • Scale the Island Peak

Trip Overview

Island Peak climbing with Everest base camp is one of the most popular and adventurous climbing in the Himalayas that has attracted thousands of trekkers and climbers over the years.

Island Peak stands 6,189 meters above sea level and is widely known as Imja Tse. It is one of the most stunning mountains in the Himalayas. Climbed first in 1953 by a British Expedition team, the top of Island Peak offers panoramic views of the numerous Himalayan Mountains and breath-taking scenery.

There is an interesting story behind the origin of the name of this peak. Back in 1953, when a British traveler namely Eric Earle Shipton saw a peak from Dingboche, the view of the peak resembled him like a sea of ice and named it Island Peak.

We Escape Nepal Holidays have designed our Island Peak Climbing itinerary including Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar in it, which takes the journey to the next level. Climbing Island Peak and exploring the base of the world's highest mountain on one trip has dragged many adventure lovers from all around the globe.

Located near the Chukung glacier between Ama Dablam and Mt. Lhotse, Island Peak Climbing take you far away from your daily life amidst huge Himalayan Mountains and spectacular sceneries. The trail is adventurous and passes by beautiful villages where you get to see the daily life of the locals.

We offer tailor-made and private departures as well for Island Peak climbing. Our experienced and professional crew assists you during the trip. We make sure everything goes smoothly during the trekking and climbing period. For more information related to the EBC and Island Peak climbing, package read below or contact us anytime.

Things to See & Experience on Island Peak Climbing

A thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla

Lukla is the starting point of the Island Peak climbing, and to reach Lukla, you have to take a breathtaking flight that offers aerial views of the Himalayas. The flight is short but stimulating.

Walk by Sagarmatha National Park to reach Namche Bazar

Sagarmatha National Park is part of the UNESCO World Natural Site. This national park is home to numerous Himalayan flora and fauna. The trail from Monjo goes through the national park and ascends to Namche Bazar. Most parts of the trail include steep climbs and various streams.

The famous Namche Bazar

You are spending a couple of nights in Namche Bazar for acclimatization purposes. During the stay, you get to explore the village and go on short excursions to nearby areas. Trekkers usually hike up to the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung village, or Syangboche Airstrip to witness beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks.

Likewise, as Namche Bazar is the biggest Sherpa settlement area, you get to observe the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of the locals. You can also visit places like the Sherpa Culture Museum, Everest Photo Gallery, cafes, etc.

Experience the rich culture and tradition of Sherpa

The best thing about Island Peak Climbing is that you get to explore and experience it at the same time. While you pass through many villages, you get to see the unique and simple lifestyle of the local communities. The ancient monasteries, stupas, chortens, and prayer wheels add a blissful & spiritual essence to the journey.

Visit ancient Tengboche monastery

Tengboche monastery is the most important monastery in the Khumbu region. Not only that, but it is also the biggest and the oldest monastery in the region. The monastery has played a vital role for years for locals. Many significant rituals and festivals are celebrated here. The monastery was first built in 1961 and later re-built twice in 1934 and 1989 as it got destroyed due to earthquake and fire respectively.

Reach Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is the base of Mt. Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. This very place itself is renowned among travel enthusiasts all around the world. Situated at 5,364 meters, EBC offers a panoramic view of Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Hike up to Kala Patthar to witness 360 degrees of Mt. Everest

Before heading towards the Island Peak Base Camp, you ascend to Kala Patthar to witness gorgeous sunrise and 360-degree views of Mt. Everest and the Himalayas. This short hike also helps you in acclimatization. Kala Patthar is 5555 meters just above the Everest Base Camp and is a very famous viewpoint in the Khumbu region.

Summit Island Peak

Climbing Island Peak is the main focal point of the trip. The route to the top of the peak is surely not easy, but you get to see some of the most beautiful views and experience a life-changing adventure. There will be many technical and demanding parts. However, with the help of our professional Sherpa climbers, you reach the summit & return safely.

Get to see panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains and stunning glaciers

Island Peak climbing is all about great views of the Himalayan Mountains that join you from the beginning of the journey. You get to see many famous mountains including Everest from different perspectives. Other stunning views of mountains like Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Kongde (6,187 m), Mt. Pumori (7,161 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), Mt. Kantega (6,782 m), etc will fuel you to move ahead.

Itinerary

Open All DaysClose All

Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative welcomes you and takes you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

Today, you go on a guided sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage sites like Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The tour guide explains the major events that happened in these sites and also tells the history and stories behind them.

Later, in the day, you prepare for the trek

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After a quick breakfast, you fly to Lukla. This flight is going to be the most thrilling and memorable flight of your life.

On landing at Lukla, you meet with crew members and begin trekking towards Phakding. From Lukla, the trail ascends through dense forests along Dudh Koshi River to Phakding.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2600
  • Phakding

After having a warm breakfast, continue trekking along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing it several times. The trail further follows Sagarmatha National Park, which is home to hundreds of flora and fauna.

The trail from the national park ascends steeply, and that can be tough. However, steeping your feet in the beautiful Namche Bazar makes you forget the pain you had earlier.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

This is a rest at Namche Bazar. You spend the day exploring around. You can go on a short hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village. Both places are good for observing excellent views of snow-capped mountains.

Trek back to Namche Bazar, and can also visit Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

After breakfast at the lodge, you continue trekking towards Tengboche along with enjoying superb views of Mt. Kantega, Kusum Kanguru, and Mt. Thamserku.

The trail further, descends to a river and leads you to Phunki Tenga. From here, you ascend through lush forests of rhododendron and reach Tengboche. You can visit the monastery in the evening.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3867
  • Tengbuche

After having breakfast, you begin trekking by descending through lovely forests of rhododendron. The trail takes you to Imja Khola and crosses a suspension bridge. From here, you walk passing by a long mani wall and reach Pangboche. Further, you trek through summer pastures and reach Dingboche.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4230
  • Dingbuche

This is an acclimatization day in Dingboche. Explore the village and its nearby area.

You can see amazing views of the north face of Ama Dablam along with Lhotse and Nuptse ridge. Go on a short hike to Nagarjan Peak to acclimatize.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4230
  • Dingbuche

The trail moves north until you come across a stupa continue the trek and cross a small wooden bridge over a river to reach Dugla.

Further, you ascend and reach Lobuche. You can see stunning views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Pumori, and many other mountains.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4910
  • Lobuche

Today, you are going to hike up to Everest Base Camp. Trekking on a rocky moraine, you trek to Gorakshep. On the way, you can see views of icy glacial ponds and icebergs.

After a short lunch break at Gorakshep, you continue towards the Everest Base Camp. Spend some time and trek back to Gorak Shep for a night's stay.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5350
  • Gorekshep

Wake up early in the morning and hike up to the very famous Kala Patthar viewpoint. Upon reaching here, you get to witness striking sunrise along with 360-degree views of Mt. Everest and other surrounding mountains and you return to Gorekshep and have a hot breakfast.

You then trek to Dingboche for an overnight stay.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 5545
  • Dingbcuhe

Leaving Dingboche behind, you trek through the stone wall field and ascend along Imja Khola valley.

You can see wonderful landscapes while ascending. You reach Bibre and cross a cold stream, you reach Chhukung.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4730
  • Chhukung

The trail gradually ascends to Island Peak Base Camp. The route up to base camp is not technical.

At the base camp, you set up a tent along with other team members and stay overnight. The guide also teaches you basic uses of gears that are helpful to summit the peak in next day.

  • Tented Camp
  • B, L, D
  • 4970
  • Base Camp

Today is going to be a long day. You begin ascending towards the top of the Island Peak. The route to the peak involves many crevasses and technical climbing.

The Sherpa guide helps you fix the ropes and cross all difficult sections. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, you get to see panoramic views. Later, you descend following the same path and reach Dingboche for a night's stay.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 6189
  • Dingbuche

This is the spare day in case of bad weather and you couldn't make a summit on a scheduled day, then you try this day and if you are successful in summit the peak then you will spend this day/night in Kathmandu.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4110
  • Island Peak Base Camp

From Dingboche, you retrace the path back to Namche Bazar. The trail ascends and descends through many forests and small villages and leads you to Namche Bazar.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3440
  • Namche Bazaar

After having breakfast, you trek back to Lukla, today is the last day of the trek. Most of the trail involves gradual descent through forests and small villages. On the way, you cross many streams before reaching Lukla.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2886
  • Lukla

After having an early breakfast at the lodge, you fly back to Kathmandu. Upon landing at the airport, you drive back to the hotel for a night stay, and the rest of the day is free to explore yourself.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

Today is an extra day in Kathmandu to use if you need it during the climbing. Or if there is any delay or cancellation on the flight to Lukla or return

If everything goes as per our planned itinerary, you can enjoy this day exploring more tourist sites in Kathmandu and the local markets. We can arrange some days tours like Bhaktapur - Patan Tour and Dakshinkali - Pharping tour, if you want.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

This adventure journey has come to an end. It was our pleasure to serve you.

As per the flight departure time, our airport representative drop you at the airport and bid you our last goodbye.

  • B

What's Included

  • All the airport transfers
  • Four nights’ hotel in Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary
  • Standard meals during the trek and climb with hot tea/coffee in breakfast
  • All necessary paper works, National park entry permits, climbing permits, and TIMS permit
  • Flight fare (Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu) with domestic airport tax
  • All accommodations in lodges/tea houses during the trek and tented camp during the climbing
  • An experienced, helpful, and friendly guide and porters (1 porter for every two trekkers) for the trek and climbing guide for the climbing
  • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and Insurance for the guide and porters
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service, which will be paid by your travel insurance company
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffle bag – if Necessary (return after the trek)

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Your Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Food (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses and all alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
  • Sweet things like chocolate bars and a hot shower during the trek
  • International airfare
  • Tips for the guide and staff

Check Available Dates

  • Small Group Departure: We have set a date to depart the EBC - Island Peak Climbing. So, select your date and book the tour.
  • Private Departure: Private Island peak climbing is available on any date as per your need, contact us for the price and booking.
  • Group Size & Price: We have listed the price for up to 14 people only so, if you are more than 14 people, then please contact us for the group price and process to book it.
  • Booking Confirmation: We need the booking confirmation at least one month before the tour date and if your date is less than one month then please Contact us before you make a booking and pay.
Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityPrice 
Start Date05 Mar, 2022End Date24 Mar, 2022AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$2100
Start Date20 Mar, 2022End Date08 Apr, 2022AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$2100

Useful Information

Permits Required for Island Peak Climbing

Yes, You need to have some permits to trek Everest Base Camp and Island peak climbing. And, They are Island peak climbing permits, Sagarmatha National park entry permits, TIMS (Trekkers information management system) permit, and A permit from Khumbu-Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. We apply and get all these permits for you once you book the Island peak climbing with us.

Island Peak Climbing Itinerary

The Everest base camp trek and Island Peak climbing begin with a scenic and thrilling flight to Lukla. From Lukla, you trek towards Phakding and ascend through Sagarmatha National Park to reach Namche Bazar. The trail then passes through lovely dense forests and takes you to Dingboche via Tengboche. At Tengboche, you visit an ancient monastery.

Further, you pass by several villages and reach Everest Base Camp and hike up to the Kala Patthar. These ascend helps you in acclimatization. You then move to Chhukung Valley and gradually ascend towards the Island Peak Base Camp. From here, following the steps of your Sherpa guide, you scale the Island Peak and reach its top.

Island Peak Climbing Route Map

Island Peak trekking route map shows the Island Peak Climbing itinerary with Everest base camp in the pictorial form.

You can see all the villages where you are stopping for the night stay marked on the Island Peak Route Map. The map is designed precisely including the major facts and highlights in it.

Island Peak Climbing Difficulties

Climbing Island Peak is very challenging. The trail is marked strenuous plus by the expert climbers. The trail includes rough terrain and steep sections. You have to use different shorts of gears to cross the technical parts.

The Island Peak Climbing involves 6 to 10 hours of walking each day. Good health, strong physical fitness, and determination are needed to successfully reach the summit of Island Peak.

Best time to go on Island Peak Climbing

Spring i.e. March to May is the best time to climb Island Peak because of the stable weather and pleasant climate. It can extend to early June, depending on the weather situation.

Likewise, autumn (October to November) is also an ideal time to go on Island Peak Climbing. One thing to know is that the trail is crowded as spring & autumn is the peak time of the year to explore the Himalayas.

Guide and Crew on Island Peak Climbing

You have a professional tourist guide for a day tour in Kathmandu on day 02 (The tour guide for this day may differ from the trek & climbing guide the next morning) and a trained/certified trekking guide for the whole trekking who handles the logistics and guide you. And, you have a climbing guide for the climbing period from Chukung to Chukung.

There will be a Sherpa (assistant guide) when there are eight or more members in the group and porters to carry your luggage, and there will be one porter for every two members, and a porter carries about 20 - 22KG.

Accommodation on Island Peak Climbing

We provide 19 nights’ accommodation on Island Peak climbing. You stay at a hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights and stay overnight in a lodge on the trek and in tented camps on climb for about 1 or night.

The lodge is available up to Gorakshep, and from there onwards, the climbing period begins. Lodge offers a twin-sharing room usually with common/private washrooms depending on the place. The dining area is the warmest space in the lodge and is also used as a common space where you can sip hot tea and chat. While climbing, all the tents are carried by the crew members. We offer high-quality sleeping tents along with dining and washroom tents.

We provide:

  • Hotel moonlight in Kathmandu: 4 nights
  • Mountain Lodges on Trek: 14 nights
  • Tented Camp on Base or High Camp: 1 night

Notes:

  • A similar category of hotel in Kathmandu is provided if the mentioned hotel is not available.
  • A hotel upgrade in Kathmandu is available. There are luxury 4 -5-star hotels available in Kathmandu so, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu.

Meals & Drinks on Island Peak Climbing

We provide a total of 49 (19 breakfast, 15 lunches, and 15 dinners) in Island Peak Climbing. This includes daily breakfast and all three meals a day while on the trek & climbing. You have to pay for lunch and dinner while you are in Kathmandu.

Meals get served according to the menu of the lodge. Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Continental dishes can be seen on the menu. Among all the options dal bhat tarkari is the most affordable and filling, and our crew members cook and serve you a simple meal while climbing.

Likewise, you can also buy bars and snacks on the way, which is not involved in the package cost.

Drinking water is available almost everywhere. Carry a reusable water bottle along with water purification tablets for extra safety.

Extra nights in Kathmandu pre or post the Island Peak Climb

Extra night hotel is available at the US $55.00 per night includes breakfast and airport transfers for pre or post Island peak climbing. Let us know if you are planning to arrive in Nepal earlier or stay in Nepal later than the scheduled dates and need extra nights in Kathmandu.

Electricity and battery Charge on Island peak climbing

Electricity is available in Kathmandu, and most of the villages of Island peak till the Chukung village where you can charge your camera/mobile batteries, and you have to pay some fee for it.

We also strongly suggest you take extra batteries to use in case of the unavailability of electricity as it may happen sometime.

Equipment List for Island Peak Climbing

Equipment is very important to have comfortable and successful trekking and climbing of Island Peak in Nepal. You should not pack anything that you do not need for the trek and bring all things that you need for the climb. We have given some ideas that you should not miss while you come for Island peak climbing.

Group Equipment for Island Peak Climb

  • Doman tents and mattress twin sharing basis
  • Kitchen /Dining tents
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Toilet tent
  • Climbing rope: fixed and main rope
  • Harness
  • Crampons
  • Ice-Axe
  • Karabiners: lock/ unlock
  • Ice-screws
  • Snow Bars
  • Rock piton
  • Helmet
  • Ascender (Jumper)
  • Descender (F-8)
  • Tapes / slings

Personal Equipments for Island Peak Climb

  • Climbing boots: plastics boot/or similar quality Need fixed crampons.
  • Long-sleeved cotton /woolen shirts
  • Wool long underwear
  • Long cotton hiking shirts
  • Warm climbing trousers
  • Lightweight fleece
  • Fleece/ wool for climbing
  • Down high altitude sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad (carry mat)
  • Light cotton athletic socks and wool climbing socks
  • Lightweight thermal/ insulated climbing gloves
  • Head torch /batteries /bulbs
  • Waterproof climbing jacket
  • Down jacket /trousers/vest
  • Climbing sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Gaiters

FAQs

Yes, the domestic flight to Lukla and return are included in our Island peak climbing itinerary and price. We book these flights for you and our staff once you book the trek.

No, our Island peak climbing is a land package only, and it does not include the international flight to Nepal and to return from Nepal. So, you need to book these flights yourself.

Yes, you need to have travel insurance when coming for Island peak climbing. In case of a sickness or injury, while you are on Island peak climbing, we do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. And, You will be entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the evacuation/rescue. So, make sure that these expenses are covered by the insurance policy.

The twin otter airplanes are the only form of transport to and from Lukla on island peak climbing. Occasionally, flights to and from Lukla may be delayed or canceled due to unpredictable mountain weather conditions. We have kept one extra free day at the end of the Island peak climbing to use in the case of a flight delay or cancellation. We use this day if the flight is a delay or cancel for a day.

Or, if the flights cancel for two or more days, we then charter a helicopter flight to ensure that you are on a scheduled flight to your home or other destination. The cost of this extra service is payable directly to our office in Kathmandu in US Cash, or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards only).

A receipt of payment will be provided from which you can claim from your insurance policy. The minimum cost will be US$ 500 and a maximum of US $3500 depending on the number of people.
Or, we offer some alternative treks in Nepal, Such as Annapurna Circuit Trek or Langtang Circuit Trek.

Yes, You have to tip for Island Peak Climbing Staff. However, the tipping for all services is always a matter of personal discretion. However, please be aware that tipping is considered to be an of their remuneration, and they may approach you for payment, and there is no need to be intimidated by request.

We recommend, US $ 5  for the tour guide and $3 for the driver on day two, and a total of US $300.00 from each member for the rest of the part to divide guides and porters. (it depends on the size of the group you traveling with). Our trek guide will give you a clearer idea when the trek come to end).

We wish, that you won’t have AMS or any other sickness while on Island peak climbing. However, there is always a risk of AMS (Altitude mountain sickness) while going on a high mountain trek or climbing. So, we have to be careful about it.

Our guide will provide you information to avoid AMS. However, if in case if you or any member of the group get AMS, then we do everything to bring you back safely.
The action against AMS depends on the situation and the place people get sick. As such, if someone gets AMS and still able to walk, then we take a day rest (while others continue the trek/climb) with one of the porter/guides. We see how the situation will improve, and we continue to trek/Climb from the next day if the situation gets better.

Or, if there is not any improvement or even worse, we do not have other options rather than return the same trail as descending is the only way to avoid AMS or if the situation gets worse. We then rescue/evacuate and bring you back to Kathmandu to visit a doctor.

The cost of evacuation by helicopter is expensive in Nepal, and it is almost impossible to pay by the people so, we strongly suggest you buy an insurance policy that covers the evacuation in the worst situation.

No, you do not have to carry your main luggage on Island peak climbing yourself. We provide a porter who will carry your luggage on the trek and simply carry a day bag pack with a water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc.

Yes, you need to have some extra amount for your expenses on Island peak climbing, and the personal expenses depend largely on your habit. Most of the meals on this package are included in the price. So, you only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages), snacks while trekking, tips, souvenirs, hot shower (you have to pay in some places).

If you do not drink alcohol and shopping, then the US $12-15 per day per person should be enough for these expenses.