ISLAND PEAK CLIMBING 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 is one of the most popular and adventurous climbing in the Himalayas that has attracted thousands of trekkers and climbers over the year. The Island peak stands 6,189 meters above sea level and is also widely known as Imja Tse peak. Island peak is one of the most stunning mountains in the Himalayas and climbed in 1953 AD by a British expedition team for the first time. 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 the Island peak. Back in 1953 AD, 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. The journey takes you to the next level as climbing Island peak also includes exploring the base of the world's highest mountain- The Everest base camp. Island peak is located near the Chukung glacier between Ama Dablam and Mt. Lhotse, and this Island peak adventure takes 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.

The Island peak climbing begins 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. And, This ascends help you in acclimatization as well. You then move to Chhukung valley and gradually ascend towards the Island peak base camp. From here, follow the steps of your Sherpa guide, and you scale the Island Peak and reach its top.

One of the attractions of the island peak is the thrilling flight to Lukla. Lukla is the starting point of the Island peak climbing, and to reach Lukla, you take a breathtaking flight that offers aerial views of the Himalayas. The flight is short but stimulating. The next attraction of Island peak is a trek in Sagarmatha national park and this park is one of the UNESCO World natural heritage sites. 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.

You spend a day in Namche Bazar for acclimatization purposes. You get to explore the village and go on short excursions to nearby areas from Namche. 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.

The attraction of Island peak climbing is to explore and experience the culture and lifestyle of Sherpas. 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. 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, and you visit this Monastery in Tengboche while you trek to Island peak climbing.

You also visit the Everest base camp on this Island peak climbing adventure. The Everest base camp is the base of Mt. Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. Everest base camp 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. Before heading towards the Island peak base camp, you ascend to Kala Patthar from Gorekshep to witness gorgeous sunrise and 360-degree views of Mt. Everest and Himalayas. This short hike also helps you in acclimatization. Kala Patthar is 5555 meters just above the Everest Base Camp and a very famous viewpoint in the Khumbu region.

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

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), and Mt. Kantega (6,782 m) will fuel you to move ahead.

We offer fixed departure group trek for the Island peak and tailor-made and private departures as well. Our experienced and professional crew assist you during the trip. We make sure everything goes smoothly during the trekking and climbing period.

Itinerary

Open All DaysClose All

On your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Our driver/representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel and help you to check into the hotel. Your evening is free to explore yourself.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After having breakfast at the hotel, you go on a full-day guided tour in Kathmandu, and the tour includes a visit of UNESCO World heritage sites - Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple.

The guide explains the major events that happened in these sites, and also tells the history and stories behind them. You will return to the hotel after the tour is complete, and you have time to shop for trekking gear in Thamel if you need any.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After an early breakfast at the hotel, Our guide will come to collect you at your hotel to fly Lukla. The flight is going to be the most thrilling and memorable. On landing at Lukla, you meet with crew members and begin trekking towards Phakding. The trail ascends through dense forests along Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding.

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

After having a warm breakfast at the lodge, You start the trek, and the trekking goes along the Dudh Koshi River valley by 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 entrance ascends steeply and also can be tough. However, steeping your feet in beautiful Namche Bazar makes you forget the pain you had earlier.

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

Today is the rest at Namche Bazar and spend the day exploring around. You can go on a short hike to Everest view Hotel or Khumjung village as well. Both places are good to observe excellent views of snow-capped mountains. Trek back to Namche Bazar, and can also visit Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum if time permits.

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

After breakfast at the lodge, The trek starts for today and goes along with enjoying superb views of Mt. Kantega, Kusum Kanguru, and Mt. Thamserku. The trail descends to a river and leads to Phunki Tenga.

You ascend through lush forests of rhododendron Phunki Tenga to reach Tengboche. Check in to the lodge and visit the Tengboche monastery in the evening.

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

After having breakfast at the lodge, you begin the trekking by descending through lovely forests of rhododendron. The trail takes to Imja Khola and crosses a suspension bridge on it. You walk passing by a long mani wall to reach Pangboche from here. You trek further through summer pastures and reach Dingboche.

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

Today is another acclimatization day in Dingboche. You can 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.

You can also go on a short hike to Nagarjan Peak to acclimatize and beautiful views.

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

You start the trek after breakfast at the lodge, and the trail moves north until you come across a Stupa. Then continue trekking and cross a small wooden bridge over a river to reach Dugla.

You further ascend to reach Lobuche. You see stunning views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Pumori, and many other mountains.

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

You start trekking after breakfast at the lodge. Today, you are going to trek up to Everest Base Camp. The Trekking today goes on a rocky moraine to Gorakshep, and you see views of icy glacial ponds and icebergs from the way.

You check into the lodge in Gorekshep and have lunch. You then start the final trekking to reach the Everest Base Camp. Spend some time to take photos and excursion in Base camp and trek back to Gorakshep for a night stay.

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

You will wake up early in the morning to hike up to the famous Kala Patthar viewpoint. Upon reaching here, you get to witness a striking sunrise along with 360-degree views of Mt. Everest and other surrounding mountains. You return to Gorekshep to have breakfast, then trek down to Dingboche.

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

You start the trekking after breakfast at the lodge, and the trek goes through the stone wall field and ascends along Imja Khola valley. You see wonderful landscapes while ascending. You reach Bibre and cross a cold stream to reach Chhukung.

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

You start the trek after early breakfast at the lodge, and the trail gradually ascends to Island Peak Base Camp. The route up to base camp is not technical. At the base camp, you set the tent along with other team members and stay overnight.

The guide also teaches you the basic uses of gears that are helpful to summit the peak in next day.

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

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

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

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

Today 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

You start the trek for today after breakfast at the lodge. You trek the same trail that you used on the way up. The trail ascends and descends mostly through many forests and small villages that lead you to Namche Bazar.

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

After having breakfast at the lodge, you start to trek back to Lukla. Today is the last day of Island peak climbing. Most of the trail today 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

We transfer you to Kathmandu airport to take your flight home. It was our pleasure to met and serve you. Good Bye and have a safe flight back home.

  • 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

  • We have set a date to depart the Everest base camp - Island Peak Climbing. So, select your date and book the trek.
  • If the preferred date is not listed, then contact us for the further process to book the trek on your date.
  • 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 the trek.
  • The private trek is available on any date of the year, contact us for the booking.
  • The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.
Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityPrice 
Start Date05 Mar, 2021End Date24 Mar, 2021AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$2100
Start Date20 Mar, 2021End Date08 Apr, 2021AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$2100

Useful Information

Extra nights in Kathmandu pre or post the Island peak climbing

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 service in 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.

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.

Climbing the Island peak is very challenging, and the trail is marked strenuous plus by the expert climbers. The trekking trail includes rough terrain and steep sections. You have to use different shorts of gears to cross the technical parts. The adventure involves 6 to 7 hours of walk each day. Good health, strong physical fitness, and determination are must for the summit of Island peak.

The best time for the Island peak climbing is the Spring (March to May) 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.

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.

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.

Meals get served according to the menu of the available on lodges. You get three meals a day. Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and Continental dishes are on the menu. Among all the options, the Dal bhat tarkari is the most affordable and filling, and our crewmember 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.

During Island peak climbing, you stay overnight in lodge and camps. The lodge is available up to Gorakshep, and from there onwards, the climbing period begins. Lodge offers a twin-sharing room with the 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.

Equipment is very important to have comfortable and successful trekking and climbing of Mera 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 that we provide for Mera Peak climbing

  • 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 gear that you need for the Mera peak climbing

  • 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