Island Peak Climbing - 14 Days

Trip Facts
  • Duration:14 Days
  • Difficulty Level: Technical Challenging
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Max. Altitude: 6179 Meters
  • Start at: Kathmandu
  • End at: Kathmandu
  • Group Size: 1 - 14
  • Best Season: Spring - Autumn

Highlights

  • Famous Peak for climbing in the Everest region.
  • Enjoy the aesthetic view of the Himalayas range Include mount Everest from the summit.
  • Trekking through the Incredible landscape and experience the Sherpa culture & hospitality.
  • Impressive culture, century-old Monastery, and wildlife.
  • Explore Imja Lake and the glacier near Island Peak.

Island Peak Climbing Overview 

Island Peak Climbing is considered a trophy for trekkers in Nepal because it offers an unmatched close view of Mount Everest and many other Himalayan ranges. The Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse lies between Mount Ama Dablam and Lhotse at the center of the Chukung glacier – making it almost like an island.

Island Peak is a tough feat due to topographical conditions. But considering the thrill and the view it provides, it remains one of the hottest trekking peaks in the Everest region in Nepal. The peak is mostly used by climbers who want to scale Mount Everest or other peaks for practice because it is relatively hard for trekking for easier scaling.

Almost all the goodies that Nepal offers to its tourists: A walk through the alleys of Kathmandu’s rich cultural, ancient, historical heritages and diverse lifestyle; an amazing mountain flight that passes across some of the world’s tallest peaks, trek through the Sagarmatha National Park, the hospitality of the Sherpa people, climbing a peak and above all – takes you to so close to nature that you feel it in you.

Peak Climbing Difficulty Who Can Climb Island Peak?

The Island peak climbing is quite difficult because it involves technical climbing. During the trip, you will spend an average of six hours hiking each day. And the average trek time will be doubled on the summiting day.

Therefore, you must engage in strength and aerobic exercises to maintain optimum physical health. Although the climb is relatively simple compared to other peaks like Island Peak certain areas feature large fissures in the glaciers.

Advice: Previous climbing experience can be an additional benefit as the ascent to the summit will be a lot easier for you.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

Well literally speaking – options are unlimited. If you have already visited the Everest base camp and this time just want to climb the Island Peak then we can arrange a straight-to-the-island package for you. And if you want to immerse yourself in the highlights of Nepal treks, then just leave the planning to us and you can enjoy your well-earned holiday. We will take care of the rest.

Itinerary
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Climbing Island Peak begins as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu is a melting pot of diverse Nepali cultures. It’s a metropolis in the making but a living museum that imbibes the lively lifestyle and history of this Himalayan nation. We will assist you with the transfer to the hotel after you arrive at the airport. In the evening we can discuss and prepare for the trip.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/4329ft
  • Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel
  • Meals:Welcome Dinner

When you head for an adventurous trek, you should be prepared for an off-the-beat routine. On this morning it’s an early wake-up call to board a 30-minute mountain flight through the Himalayas to the land of Sherpas: Tenzing Hillary Airport in Solukhumbu. Known as one of the most extreme airports in the world, you will love the feel of the area as soon as you touch it down. It smells of adventure. From here you will join the rest of your team members for the journey and head out for Phakding. En route, you will pass through Rhododendron, Magnolia, and pine forests, small Sherpa settlements, prayer flags fluttering between highland trees and the cold wind, Mani walls, and adorable and hospitable tea houses. Overnight in Phakding.

  • Max. Altitude:2655M/ 8708FT
  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will start trekking to Namche Bazar right after our breakfast. The trail to Namche Bazaar – the main trading center in the region - passes through the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, we will enjoy the scenic view of the snow-capped Mountains Kushum Kanguru (6369m), and Thamserku (6623m). The last leg of the trek involves a steep incline all the way to Namche Bazar. It will be challenging to hike mostly on uphill trails. However, the experience of passing through the small Sherpa settlement with their warm greetings and seeing the mountains in all their glory will be breathtaking.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/ 11284ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

One thing that is important while trekking to the Everest region is easing altitude sickness. Today we will acclimatize by hiking up and around the Namche Bazar, enjoy the views it offers of the mountains of Everest Himalayan Range from the nearest viewpoint, and learn more about the Sherpa people and their culture.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/ 11284ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The first leg of today’s trek is to reach Phunki Thanga. On the trek, we take a wide trail with some uphill climbs at the beginning. On our way to Tengboche, we may be able to see some wildlife like Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and multicolored pheasants. After passing through the beautiful Sherpa town of Kayangjuma, the trail descends all the way to Phunki Thenga, where we can have a break for lunch. From here, the trek becomes more challenging, but hiking through pine and rhododendron forests while taking in scenic mountain views will balance out the challenge. Tengboche is a well-known place that is home to one of the biggest and oldest ancient monasteries in the Khumbu region. Tengboche offers a stunning panorama of the valley and surrounding mountains, including Everest. Overnight in Tengboche. 

  • Max. Altitude:3790m/ 12694ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We will start our hike to Dingboche after having breakfast at Tengboche. It is an amazing feeling to trek through familiar vegetation, prayer flags, Mani walls, Chortens, and the majestic view of Ama-Dablam and the Everest Himalayan Range. After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail will begin ascending to the beautiful Sherpa village of Pangboche, and another 45 minutes of hiking will bring you to Somera. As a reward for all the hard work, we will enjoy our lunch in front of Mount Ama Dablam.

After a hearty lunch, we will trek on a moderate ascent trail, and pass some beautiful terrace farms enclosed with high stone walls to protect the harvest from animals. As we reach Dingboche, the last Sherpa farmland, it offers views of Ama-Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many other mountains, as well as the first glance at Island Peak - the destination of our trek.

  • Max. Altitude:4410m/ 14464ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we start our trek to Chhukung. The initial trail leads along with Imja River, and the stone wall covered terrace farms of the Imja valley. After a few hours of further hiking, we will walk through glacier moraines and the tree-less tundra region. As we ascend, a shortage of oxygen slows down our trekking speed and we slowly make our way up to Chhukung. We will take our lunch and rest there for the day to acclimatize to the high altitude. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude:4730m/15514ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, we continue the ascent to Island Peak Base Camp. The initial leg of the trek is a steep ascent up the mountain on a winding trail. To avoid altitude sickness, we walk slowly, steadily, and gradually. As we ascend the steep hill, we have a wonderful view of Island Peak, Mount Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and many others. From here onwards we will hike on a pleasant trail that leads into the beautiful valley of Pareshaya Gyab which acts as the base camp for Imja Tse (Island Peak). Here we will set our tents for the night and enjoy the dinner cooked by our team. The menu won’t be elaborate, but it will be delicious to the palate and the stomach.

  • Max. Altitude:4970m/ 16,302ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Throughout the day today, we will prepare ourselves for the ascent tomorrow. The drill involves trekking higher up in the altitude and learning technical details on using climbing gears such as ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, ascenders, etc from the peak climbing expert of our team. The training will also include using a rope as we believe that the drill helps to build your confidence and increase your skills to scale the summit. Overnight again at the Island Peak Base camp.

  • Max. Altitude:4970m/ 16,302ft
  • Accommodation:Tent
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

To scale the summit without many hassles we will head out at 1 am in the morning. Heading out early is important because strong winds in the afternoon make it hard to climb the summit. The trail goes several hundred meters up beyond the base camp and soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb uphill, we will see the slope narrow ad the trail enters a steep rock channel. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to exhilarating and exposed climbers onto the snout of the summit glacier. From here we use rope wherever necessary and continue climbing onto the summit ridge. After a hard struggle through mountain ridges, we finally make it to the summit.

The top of the Island Peak offers a stunning view of the Everest Himalayan Range and the Khumbu Valley. After spending some time over the summit celebrating the ascent, we will trace our steps back to the base camp. After a short snack break, we continue our trek to Chhukung.

  • Max. Altitude:6180m/ 20270ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This is an extra day included in case our summit to the Island Peak is deterred by bad weather. If our trip goes as planned then on this day we will head for Namche (given below) or else will reach Chukkung in the evening.

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We will head out to Namche Bazaar today. With the altitude gradually decreasing we will feel much better and will be able to walk with better strides. In Tengboche, we will sit for breakfast with a beautiful view of the Himalayas. After that, we will continue tracing our steps back down to Phunki Thanga with rhododendron bushes and fir trees. Cross the Dudh Koshi River and ascend to the villages of Tashinga and Sansa then Kyangjuma before reaching Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a teahouse.

  • Max. Altitude:3440m/ 11284ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Though on our ascent we had made it to Lukla in two days, our way back is much easier with fewer paths to ascent. So, by the end of the day, +we will make our way into Lukla – ending our journey into the Khumbu region and enjoying the facilities at Lukla.

  • Max. Altitude:2800m/ 9184ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a long memorable journey in the Khumbu region and its splendid mountains, today we will fly back to Kathmandu – seeing the mountains from the window of our flight. Back in Kathmandu with the day remaining, you will have plenty of time to explore Kathmandu, buying souvenirs. At night we will have a farewell dinner and share our experience during the tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1320m/ 4329ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Cost Details
Includes
  • Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
  • Welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant.
  • Two-Night Deluxe Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flight fare and airport tax.
  • Teahouse/ Lodge accommodation during the trek.
  • All camping equipment (Tent, table, Kitchen set, sleeping mat).
  • General Climbing equipment (Rope, Ice Screw, Snow Bar, etc).
  • Full board meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) with tea, and coffee during the trek.
  • An experienced and knowledgeable trained English-speaking Govt. registered trekking/climbing guide.
  • Assistance Guide for the group of 5 or above.
  • Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
  • All Food, Accommodation, Insurance, equipment, and transportation for the guides and porters.
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permits Fees.
  • Peak Climbing permits fees.
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit.
  • Garbage Deposit Fee.
  • Trekking equipment such as the Sleeping bag, and down jacket.
  • Accompanying snacks: energy bars and cookies. 
  • Seasonally available fresh and canned fruits as dessert after dinner.
  • Green Society Adventure complimentary free hiking T-shirt, duffel bag, and route map.
  • A comprehensive first aid box includes an Oximeter to measure your oxygen and Pulse level during the trek in the mountain.
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
  • All government and local taxes if necessary.

Note: If you are traveling solo then an extra USA 250 will be added to the trip cost. 

Excludes
  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
  • International Air fair
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch & evening meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal Mountaineering gears
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses e.g., phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
  • Tips for Guides and Porters
Departure Dates
PLAN TRIP
Useful Information

Permit & Cost for Island Peak Climbing

To complete this excursion, several permits are required. The Nepal Mountaineering Association climbing permits cost $250 in the spring, $125 in the fall, and $70 in the winter and summer.

In addition, a local area permit costs $ 20 per person, and a $ 30 Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.

Even though the cost of permits is lower during the off-season, Climbing the Island peak is difficult. Due to the wind and cold weather, other months have been challenging. There could be heavy snowfall, which will require gear and equipment adjustments.

Preparation For Island Peak Climbing

Two to three months earlier to your journey, you should begin a strength training program for your trip to Island Peak. Include a lot of exercises that increase your stamina and endurance. Preparation for your peak climbing should include frantic cardio workouts, weight training, and extended hiking or trekking on difficult terrain. To strengthen your muscles, consider wall climbing as well as climbing stairs.

Insurance For Climbing Island Peak

insurance plan should pay for losses like emergency rescue, evacuation, flights canceled, hospital expenses, etc. Please confirm that high-altitude rescue above 6000 meters is covered by your insurance. Your insurance should provide coverage for high-altitude mountain rescue and evacuation since the highest elevation you will reach is 6189 meters.

Peak Climbing Equipment List

Group Climbing Gears

  • Rope
  • Snow bar
  • Ice screw
  • Ice hammer

Personal Climbing Gears

  • Crampons
  • Ice axe
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Plastic mountaineering boots
  • Prusik rope
  • Tape slings (2)
  • Screwgate karabiners (2 locks, 2 unlock)
  • Descender/eight-figure
  • Ascender/Jhumar

Medical List

  • Light and simple personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
  • First-aid tape, Band-Aids, and aspirin
  • Skin-blister repair kit
  • Paracetamol
  • Throat lozenges
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Cough and/or cold medicine
  • Altitude sickness pills - Diamox or Acetylzolamide
  • Stomach antibiotic - Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring and use sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
  • Sunscreen
  • Earplugs
  • lip guard
  • Eye drops
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
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