Island Peak Climbing

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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 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 climber over the year. The Island peak stands 6,189 meters above the sea level and 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 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 take 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 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.

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. 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, you scale the Island Peak and reach its top.

One of the attraction of island peak is thrilling flight to Lukla. The 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 trek in Sagarmatha national park and this park is one of the UNESCO World natural heritage site. This national park is home to numerous Himalayan flora and fauna. The trail from Monjo goes through the national park and ascends all the way up 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 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 in 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 of 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 Tengbuche 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 baes 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 help 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 surely 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 on climbing, however with the help of our professional Sherpa climbers, you reach the summit & return back 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), Mt. Kantega (6,782 m), etc 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 hotel and help you to check into the hotel, your evening is free to explore yourself.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

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

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

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After an early breakfast at 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 lodge, You start trek and the trek 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 national park entrance ascends steeply and also can be tough, however, steeping your feet in beautiful Namche Bazar make 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 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 Tengbuche monastery in the evening.

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

After having breakfast at lodge, you begin trek 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 lodge, 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 trek after breakfast at lodge. Today, you are going to trek up to Everest Base Camp. The Trek 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 a lunch. You then start the final trek to reach the Everest Base Camp. Spend some time to take photo 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 view point. Upon reaching here, you get to witness striking sunrise along with 360-degree views of Mt. Everest and other surrounding mountains. You return to Gorekshep to have breakfast then trek  all the way down to Dingbuche.

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

You start the trek after breakfast at lodge. The trek goes through the stone wall field and ascend 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 lodge. 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 teach you basic uses of gears that is 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 help 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 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 to 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 lodge. You actually trek the same trail that you used on the way up. The trail ascends and descends mostly through many forests and small villages that leads you to Namche Bazar. 

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

After having breakfast at 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 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

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

If everything goes as per our planned itinerary, then 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, Dakshinkali - Pharping tour ect if you want.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

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

  • B

What's Included

  • All the airport transfers by private vehicles.
  • 4 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 climb.
  • An experienced, helpful and friendly guide and porters (1 porter for each 2 trekkers) for the trek and climbing guide for the climb.
  • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and Insurance for the guides 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 (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu).
  • Your Travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Food (lunch and dinner) while you are in Kathmandu.
  • Personal expenses and all the alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
  • Sweet things like chocolate bars and hot shower during the trek.
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Tips for the guide and staffs.

Check Available Dates

  • We have set date to departure the Everest base camp- Island Peak Climbing. So, select your date and book the trek.
  • If preferred date is not listed then contact us for the further process to book the trek on your own date as the trek is available on any date of the year.
  • 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 further process to book the trek.
  • 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 Date20 Sep, 2020End Date09 Oct, 2020AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$2100

Useful Information

Extra nights in Kathmandu pre or post the Island peak climbing

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

Electricity and battery charge service in Island peak climbing

Electricity available in Kathmandu and in most of the villages of Island peak till the Chukung village where you are able to charges your camera/mobile batteries and it may have to pay some fee to charge them.

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

FAQs

Yes, the flight to Lukla from Kathmandu 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 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 journey involves 6 to 7 hours of walk each day. Good health, strong physical fitness, and determination are needed to successfully reach the summit of Island peak.

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.

You need to have some permits to trek to Everest Base Camp and summit island peak which are Island peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha National park entry permits, TIMS (Trekkers information management system) permit and another entry permits 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 land package only and it does not include 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 you coming for Island peak climbing. In case of a serious sickness or injury while you are on Island peak climbing, we do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital.

You will be entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the evacuation/rescue, so, please make sure that these expenses are covered by your insurance policy.

The twin otter airplanes are the only the form of transport to and from Lukla. Occasionally, flights to and from Lukla may be delayed or cancelled 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 delay or cancel for one day.

Or if the flights are cancelled for 2 or more days, we then charter a helicopter flight to ensure that you are on 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 maximum US$ 3000 depending on the number of people.

Yes, however tipping for all services provided on Island peak climbing is always a matter of personal discretion, however please be aware that tipping is considered to be a of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.

To give you an idea, US $ 5 from each member (of group) for tour guide and US $3 from each member for driver on day 2 and total of US $250.00 from each member of the group for the trekking and climbing part to divide to trekking and climbing guide and porters (it depends on the size of the group you traveling). Our trek guide will give you 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 risk of AMS (Altitude mountain sickness) while going on high mountain trek or climbing, so, we have to be careful about it.

Our guide will provide you information to avoid the AMS however if incase if you or any member of 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 get AMS and still able to walk up then we take a day rest (while other continue the trek/climb) with one of the porter/guide. We see how the situation will improve and we continue trek/climb from next day if the situation gets better.

Or if there is not any improvement or even worse, we do not have other option rather return the same trail as descending down is only way to avoid AMS or if the situation gets really worse and you either can go up or down then we rescue/evacuate and bring you back to Kathmandu to visit 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 to buy 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 porter who will carry your luggage on trek and simply carry a day bag pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc.

Yes, you need to have some extra amount for your personal 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 t some places).

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

Island peak trekking/climbing 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 map. The map is designed precisely including the major facts and highlights in it.

Find the Island peak climbing map on this link.

Meals get served according to the menu available on lodges. You get three meals a day. 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 member cook and serve you 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 usually with common/private washrooms depending on the place. The dining area is the warmest space in the lodge and 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 Island peak as you should not pack anything that you do not need for the trek and pack all things that you need for the climb. We have given some idea that you should pack while you come for Island peak climbing.

Group Equipment that we provide

  • 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 (Jummer)
  • Descender (F-8)
  • Tapes / slings

Personal gear that you need to have your own for the climbing

  • Climbing boots: plastics boot/or similar quality Need fixed crampons.
  • Long sleeved cotton /woolen shirts
  • Wool long under wear
  • Long cotton hiking shirts
  • Warm climbing trousers
  • Light weight fleece
  • Fleece/ wool for climbing
  • Down high altitude sleeping bag (3, 4 session)
  • Sleeping pad (carry mat) or thermo mat
  • Light cotton athletic socks and wool climbing socks
  • Light weight thermal/ insulated climbing gloves
  • Head torch /batteries /bulbs
  • Water proof climbing jacket
  • Down jacket /trousers/vest
  • Climbing sunglasses
  • Sun screen
  • Sun hat
  • Gaiters