What to Expect

  • Allows the scaling of Island Peak (6,189 mt.).
  • Everest Base Camp (5,359 mt.) and Kalapathar (5,545 mt.) as a part of the trip.
  • Offers magnificent views of more than 40 peaks including three of the world’s highest peaks above 8000 mt. : Mt Everest, Mt Lohtse and Mt Makalu.
  • Takes to Khumbu Glacier (14 km long and 420 mt deep).
  • Passes through a number of Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazar the gateway to the Everest.

About Island Peak (Imja Tse) Climbing

The Himalaya of Nepal are the world’s most exciting destination for climbing. 414 peaks are open to mountain climbing in Nepal and summiting a Himalayan peak can be an adventurous challenge and exhilarating experience of a lifetime.

Island Peak (6,189 mt / 20,305 ft), locally known as Imja Tse, is the most popular climbing peak in Nepal. It was first ascended in 1953 by a British team. The mountain is located in an easily accessible location not far from Everest and the trek to Everest base camp. It is often included as a side trip on a trek in the Khumbu if you are fit and looking for something beyond the ordinary. It is usually scaled by Everest climbers as a warm-up peak before attempting the highest peak in the world.

The highland terrain with a spectacular array of snowy mountains, remote Sherpa villages and elegant Buddhist monasteries will be unforgettable. Although Island Peak is the most popular peak for climbing in the Himalaya, it is still a worthy challenge and higher than most summits around the planet.

The summit offers an astonishing view of the surrounding peaks and beyond into remote valleys in Nepal and Tibet. Island Peak Climbing is technically straight forward and can be attempted by all comers, even people without mountaineering know-how and experience, and we will brief you on the use of equipment. Still, it will be demanding and should be attempted only by people fit and acclimatized to high elevation.

The Everest Region is entered by an enchanting weeklong hike from the lowlands or a quick and picturesque flight to the high altitude air field at Lukla from Kathmandu. Our team assembles in Lukla and together we ascend through the famous locations of the region, namely the sprawling Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche village and more. After ascending to Dingboche, we depart from the main trail and take a side valley trail to Chukung where we meet more crew and refresh our climbing skills. From Chukung we make a day hike up to more remote highlands as we climb to base camp. Along the journey we include adequate rest days to ensure acclimatization. On these days, we take the chance to explore the beautiful surrounding area while we become accustomed to the altitude.  

The side valley to Chukkung offers many options for exploration and this area has fewer visitors than other areas of the Everest Region. Therefore, it will be a less crowded and a more peaceful experience with accompanying peaks towering in all directions.

Island Peak Base camp is at 5200 mt / 17,050 ft. We spend a night here and very early the next morning we have a warm drink and snack before we push on to the summit. Most people make it to the summit and return to Base Camp in a day. Along the way and on top of the mountain we can enjoy an unforgettable sunrise that lights up the Himalaya!

The Island Peak Climbing timetable is planned by veteran climbers with special attention to season and safety. We always adhere to the highest safety standards and ensure that this trip is designed for comfort and well-being, especially by following a graded ascent with proper acclimatization.

There are no set departure dates for Island Peak Climbing although the best period for reliable weather and views is March through May followed by September through November.

Please contact us anytime with questions and concerns and for booking. Let us know your preferred schedule, and we will arrange a climbing trip according to your timetable.

Island Peak Climbing includes camping and is fully supported. You carry only a light pack, and we arrange a crew of porters and sometimes yaks to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent and personal sleeping tents. Our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

There is a lot to explore in the area that can be easily combined with Island Peak climbing. Please let us know if you have the time and interest and would like to extend your journey in this area.

We look forward to guiding you on the adventure of a lifetime to the top of the Himalaya!

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Fly to Lukla (2,804 mt.), trek to Phakding (2,610 mt.). Walking 3 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 3Phakding to Namche Bazar (3,441 mt.). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 4Acclimatization day in Namche Bazar. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 5Namche Bazar to Tengboche (3,860 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 6Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 7Acclimatization day at Dingboche. Explore around the valley. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 8Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 mt.). Walking 4-5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 9Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,153 mt.) to EBC and back to Gorakshep. Walking 7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 10Hike up to Kalapatthar (5,545 mt.) in the morning and retreat trek to Lobuche (4,910 mt.). Walking 7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 11Lobuche to Chhukung Village (4,730 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 12Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp. Walking 4 hours. Overnight at tent camp.
  • Day 13Island Peak Base Camp to summit (6,189 mt.) and back to Base Camp. Overnight at tent camp.
  • Day 14Island Peak Base Camp to Dingboche. Walking 5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 15Dingboche to Namche. Walking 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 16Namche to Lukla. Walking 7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 17Early morning fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 18Leisure day in Kathmandu (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 19Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Explore Detail ItineraryPrint Pdf

What's Included

Price Includes

  • Pick up & Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Three nights accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfasts included).
  • Transportation as per the itinerary (including airfare).
  • Tea-house and tented camp accommodation during the journey.
  • Standard Meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Expert Guide (registered and licensed by the government) with accompanying porters (generally, one porter for every two clients). (High Camp Adventure covers the staffs’ meals and accommodations as well as wages, transport,insurance, and essential gear.)
  • Climbing Permits and National Park entry fees.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Trekking Map.
  • Medical kit.
  • Government taxes.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your international departure.

Price Excludes:

  • International plane ticket to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast).
  • Personal Expenses including laundry, telephone calls, bar bills, drinks and snacks.
  • Personal clothing and climbing gears.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Shower fees at lodges, fees for recharging electronic equipment, and personal expenses along the trail.
  • Tips for Guides, Porters and Staff.
  • Expenses incurred by cancellation and events beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail detours, political unrest, illness and et cetera.

Useful Information

Essential Gears from Climbing
Climbing Boots, Harness, Jumar, Crampons, Ice Axe, Tapes / Sling, Karabiners, Ice Screws, Gaiters, Snow Bars, Deadmen, Ascenders, Descenders, Figure Eight, Rope for Climbing, Snow Hammer, Helmet (Crash Hat), Sleeping Bag, Head lamp, Swiss Army Knife etc.

Accommodation

All the accommodation as per the itinerary is included in the package cost. We have chosen 2/3 star hotel in the cities for your comfort and safety. The hotels can be upgraded to more deluxe ones upon your request. While trekking/climbing in the Mountain, our guides will choose the best available lodge of the village from their past experience. As some villages have limited number of lodges, in a peak season like in Spring and Autumn, you may have to share room with some stranger trekker as well. Comfortable two men tent with mattress and four seasons sleeping bag will be provided for the climbing days. Our crew will try to set the camp in a scenic place. All the hotel and camping accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and lunch will be served on the way to next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. Only breakfast is served in Kathmandu whilst fare well dinner on the eve of your international departure is served from our side. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the trek.

Trekking and Climbing Crew

An experienced and government licensed climbing guide and necessary porters will assist you during the trek. In a group with more than 4 clients, 2 guides will be provided for the betterment in service. Generally one porter is provided for every two clients who carries between 15 to 20 kg. However in a camping journey, more porters are required. All the camping equipments such as kitchen, dining, dome and toilet tents, kitchen equipments, fuel and all consumable goods has to be carried from Kathmandu which needs more manpower. All of our guides and porters are fully insured so you dont' have to worry about them in case of emergency. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Physical Fitness and Experience

Island Peak Climbing is a technical challenging activity which is fit for those who has ability to walk 5-6 hours of walking up hill and down hill in a day carrying personal day pack. Climbing days are longer with 7- 8 hours of walking as well. Island Peak Climbing is high altitude adventure which demands more physical, however having strong determination, positive vibe and average physical fitness can complete this trip. Some time mental aspect also play vital roll in an altitude. Doing some physical exercise few weeks prior to the trip is better and some technical skill is required for this climbing. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to High Camp Adventure.

Travel Insurance

This is a real adventure in high altitude so obtaining a travel insurance is always a good idea for your safety and is highly recommended too. Your travel insurance policy should cover helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in an emergency. There is not any Nepalese insurance company to sell travel insurance policy so you better buy good one from home. There are some insurance policies which covers only in low altitude below 4000 mt. and some only in high altitude above 4000 mt. So before you purchase it, please double check the policy what it covers and where are you going.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Island Peak Climbing. Where normally days are sunny, temperature is perfect, sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. This trek can be done in Monsoon (June to August ) but you should not expect the great weather and Mountain view. Winter (December to February) is not recommended for this trip.

Domestic Flights

Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. Air travel between Lukla to Kathmandu is frequently delayed due to weather conditions and poor visibility. Flights often get behind schedule and delays can even last for days. Under these situations, High Camp Adventure will do its best tore-schedule flights to and from Lukla at first availability. However, the possibility of postponements of flights and even cancellations is a real possibility. We therefore advise that you schedule at least an extra two days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, We can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home. 

Ground Transportation

Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We therefore advise that you schedule at least an extra days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, We can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.