Maximum Altitude

6189 m
Departure City

Kathmandu
Arrival City

Kathmandu
Guide

Professional Guide
Best Season

Spring & Autumn
Accomodation

Tea Houses & Hotels

Overview

Island Peak Climbing is one of Nepal’s most sought-after adventures, ideal for energetic and physically fit climbers with a taste for excitement.

Island Peak, also known locally as Imja Tse, stands at 6,189 meters above sea level. The name “Island Peak” was coined by English mountaineer Eric Shipton in 1951 because the peak appears isolated, surrounded by glaciers descending from towering mountains over 7,000 and 8,000 meters high.

Over the years, Island Peak has attracted numerous climbers, including legendary mountaineers like Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, and has become a favorite for those seeking a challenging climb.

The peak emerges from the southern end of the Lhotse glacier, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its summit. From here, climbers are treated to a close-up view of Mount Everest and a stunning perspective of the surrounding peaks.

Island Peak is also an excellent training ground for those aspiring to climb peaks over 7,000 meters. While the climb is physically demanding, it is not technically difficult, making it a great option for those looking to gain more mountaineering experience.

Reaching the summit of Island Peak is a rewarding achievement, providing climbers with incredible views of Everest’s southern face, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu.

The adventure begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek through Phakding, the Dudh Koshi valley, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche. From there, we descend to Chhukung before ascending to the Island Peak Base Camp to prepare for the climb.

Climbing Island Peak requires careful preparation and practice, including crossing crevassed glaciers and using equipment like ladders, jumar, and ropes to navigate the snowy terrain. Our 17-day journey includes a dedicated day for practicing climbing techniques before summiting the peak on the following day.

Trip Highlights

The Island Peak Summit at 6189 meters and the views from the peak
Side trip to Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters & Kalapatthar at 5545 meters
Amazing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche & Lobuche from Kalapatthar
The biggest monastery in the Everest Region, Tengboche Monastery at Tengboche
Magnificent vistas of Khumbu Icefalls & Glaciers
Discover the unique flora and wildlife on the trail inside the Sagarmatha National Park

Day 1 :

Kathmandu Arrival

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you are suppose to complete all the
custom formalities and meet our representative outside who will be welcoming you in our
traditional way with flower garland. The representative then will transferred you to hotel where
you can have rest or visit around and get refreshed.

Day 2 :

Sight visit in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we will be visiting the World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. At the end of the day, discussion for the trip
along with your guide will be wrapped up session and you will be drove to the hotel.

Day 3 :

Fly to Lukla and treks to Phakding.

Early morning, we take a short yet stunning flight to Lukla along with all the crew members.
After the landing, all the crews are prepared to trek to Phaking (2.610m), a small village that lies
in Dudh Koshi River Valley.

Day 4 :

Trek to Namche

After a day on Phaking, we head towards Namche(3440m/11283ft) with ascend walk for 5-6
hrs. During the trek you we can interact with the people from Sherpa village and enjoy the
stunning view of Mt. Everest.

Day 5 :

Rest day

It’s important for body to have rest on such extreme atmospheric environment to avoid the
mental and physical stress. We can prepare well for the successful climbing of Mera peak and
can enjoy our evening having dinner together.

Day 6 :

Treks to Tengboche (3860m) 5-6 hrs

After keeping our body at rest for a day now we are completely ready to continue our trek.
Walking 5-6 hrs, we reach Tengboche. The trail initially crosses Dudh Koshi River and further
climb leads to Tengboche monastery; where we can have panoramic view Himalayan
Mountains and very well known peaks.

Day 7 :

Treks to Dingboche (4,410 meters/14,470 ft)

From Tengboche we head to Dingboche. It is the immense experience of the vast landscape. A
kilometer of stone walls is one of the unique features of this place.

Day 8 :

Trek to Chukhung (4,730 meters/15,518 ft)

Leaving Dingboche we gradually trek to Chukhung enjoying Imja Khola flowing through. As this
place is popular as trekking peak, we will have rest of the time to acclimate and in very early
morning head to Chukhung RI.

Day 9 :

Rest high Chukhung Ri

From Chukhung, we take a steep climb to Chukhung Ri. After walking few hours we manage to
get to the top where breathtaking 360 degree view of surrounding mountains. While trekking, if
you are having any difficulties, you are suggest to share with the guides you are with.

Day 10 :

Island Peak Base Camp

Heading 3-4 hrs walking distance from Chukhung, we finally reach to Island Base Camp. We
will have enormous views of the mountains from the peak and settle ourselves to have rest for the
summit climb in next few days.

Day 11 :

Trek to High Camp

Above 200m from base camp, it is a short ascent to high camp. We move onwards with little
extra supplies of water as the access to water at high camp is rarest.

Day 12 :

Trek to Summit

We start a day very early so that we can successfully make our trek by afternoon as strong
winds agitate our effort in climbing. Encountering the rocky and icy landscape we head up and
overcome with one or two crevasses using a ladder and ropes depending on season. Gradual
ascend to summit mesmerize us with the wonderful views. Then, we will be tracing our
footsteps back to the camp.

Day 13 :

Trek back Tengboche

Descending the hills for hours, we finally reach to Tengboche. You can enjoy the breathtaking
view of sunset and sunrise as well as significant view of the Mt. Everest includinDg other
Himalayas from Tengboche. Tengboche monasteries is one of the beautiful monasteries in
Solukhumbu region as well as the most religious center for whole Sherpa community. We will
haave overnight stay at Tengboche.

Day 14 :

Trek to Namche.

Today we trek back along the Dudh Koshi River through a magnificent rhododendron forest and
past brilliant waterfalls. Shortly before reaching Namche, the trek take us throuug us a pine
forest, where musk deer often gaze in the early morning. Arriving town, we may see lowland
porters, highland Sherpa’s and Tibetan people and we reach Namche Bazar.

Day 15 :

Trek to Lukla

After overnight in Namche we head back to Lukla. We will have rest at Lukla after all way from
Namche to Lukla. This will be end of our trip; thus, we can have one last night to celebrate our
success climbing and can have dinner together. Next day early morning we will be flying back to
Kathmandu.

Day 16 :

Fly back Kathmandu

Early morning we will take a flight to Kathmandu from Lukla which will be interesting scenery
flight. After the flight you will be dropped to the hotel

Day 17 :

Depart Home Country

This the final day, a day to say goodbye to the land of mountains and fly back to home. Hope
you enjoyed the trek with us and hoping you visit again back to us for another trip in Himalayas
age.

FAQs

Expand all

How long is the Island Peak Climbing Trek?

The trek, including the climb, typically takes around 18 to 20 days, depending on acclimatization and weather conditions.

What is the best time to climb Island Peak?

The best times to attempt Island Peak are during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is stable and clear.

Do I need previous climbing experience for Island Peak?

While prior mountaineering experience isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended to have some experience with high-altitude trekking and basic climbing skills (such as using crampons, ice axes, and harnesses).

What permits are required for Island Peak?

You’ll need the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, a TIMS card, and an Island Peak climbing permit.

How difficult is the Island Peak climb?

The trek is moderately difficult, but the climb itself is challenging due to steep ice and snow sections. Good physical fitness and basic mountaineering skills are essential.

What is the altitude of Island Peak?

The summit of Island Peak is 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level.

Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?

Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern due to the high altitude. Proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent are crucial to avoid serious symptoms.

Do I need a guide for Island Peak?

Yes, a guide is highly recommended for safety during the climb. The trek involves technical sections, and having an experienced guide ensures better navigation and support.