20 Days

Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp (6,189m)

Price per person $3200
Altitude 6189m
Difficulty Hard
Group size 2-10
Climb Style Normal

Overview

Island Peak (6,189 meters)—also known as Imja Tse—is one of the most iconic 6,000-meter trekking peaks in Nepal, located in the heart of the Khumbu (Everest) region. Rising dramatically from the Chhukung Valley, Island Peak offers a classic introduction to Himalayan mountaineering combined with the legendary Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek.

This expedition blends high-altitude trekking, glacier travel, and technical peak climbing into a single, well-paced journey. The approach follows the historic Everest trail, passing through Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung, providing excellent acclimatization and cultural immersion before the climbing phase begins.

Although classified as a trekking peak, Island Peak is a true alpine objective. The ascent involves glacier crossings, fixed-rope sections, and a steep snow and ice headwall leading to a narrow summit ridge. Strong physical fitness, disciplined acclimatization, and basic mountaineering skills—such as crampon use, ice-axe handling, and rope movement—are essential.

The combination of the Everest Base Camp trek and Island Peak summit makes this one of Nepal’s most complete introductory mountaineering experiences. It allows climbers to adapt gradually to altitude while gaining real expedition exposure in a controlled but demanding environment.

From the summit, climbers are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam, with Everest towering nearby. For many climbers, Island Peak becomes the gateway to more ambitious Himalayan objectives such as Lobuche East, Ama Dablam, Himlung Himal, or even 8,000-meter expeditions.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You'll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore nearby attractions.

Day 2

Meet your guide and team for a comprehensive trip briefing. Finalize permits, gear checks, and preparations for your adventure ahead.

Day 3

Begin with a drive to Manthali, Ramechhap (approximately 4-5 hours by vehicle), followed by a scenic 25–35 minute flight to Lukla. From Lukla, trek for around 3 hours downhill to the village of Phakding.

Day 4

Hike for about 6 to 7 hours along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and climbing through pine forests to reach the bustling Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 5

Spend the day acclimatizing at Namche. Hike to the Everest View Hotel or nearby ridges for panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

Day 6

Trek for 5 to 6 hours through rhododendron forests and along dramatic ridgelines to reach the quiet Sherpa village of Phortse.

Day 7

Continue trekking for 6 to 7 hours, crossing the Imja Khola and ascending steadily through alpine landscapes to the settlement of Dingboche.

Day 8

A 4 to 5 hour trek through barren terrain, passing memorials for climbers and reaching the glacial moraine village of Lobuche.

Day 9

Trek for around 7 hours, reaching Gorakshep for lunch before continuing to the legendary Everest Base Camp and returning to Gorakshep for overnight.

Day 10

Start early and trek for 6 to 7 hours. Climb to Kala Patthar for stunning sunrise views of Everest and descend back to Lobuche.

Day 11

This is a challenging day involving a 7 to 8-hour trek over the high Kongma La Pass. Enjoy dramatic landscapes before descending to Chukung.

Day 12

Spend the first half of the day undergoing mountaineering training. Rest and acclimatize in the afternoon to prepare for the summit attempt.

Day 13

Trek for 3 to 4 hours through rocky terrain to reach the Island Peak Base Camp. Settle in and prepare gear for the summit day.

Day 14

Start early for a challenging 10 to 12-hour climb to the summit of Island Peak. Use fixed ropes and crampons on icy sections, then descend back to base camp.

Day 15

Descend for 6 to 7 hours, retracing your steps through the Imja Valley and stopping overnight at the scenic village of Tengboche.

Day 16

Trek for about 4 to 5 hours, mostly downhill, passing forests and monasteries, back to the familiar town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 17

Trek for around 6 to 7 hours along the Dudh Koshi River and through Sherpa villages to reach Lukla. Celebrate your journey with the team.

Day 18

Take an early morning flight (25–35 minutes) to Manthali, followed by a 4–5 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Relax and unwind after your expedition.

Day 19

Use this extra day in case of flight delays or for sightseeing around Kathmandu. Visit heritage sites or enjoy leisure time at your hotel.

Day 20

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable expedition in the Everest region.

Cost Inclusion & Exclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

  • Hotel in Kathmandu 4 night  

  • All lodges on trek (twin-sharing) 

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek 

  • Domestic airfare  

  • Expert climbing guide during trek 

  • Guide and porter’s insurance  

  • Porters (1 porter per two trekkers) 

  • Company duffel bag and sun had 

  • A first aid kit 

  • All necessary permit 

  • All local government taxes

  • Oxygen set (if in case you got sickness you can use but it will charge 300 USD extra) 

  • Group equipment like fixed rope (static rope) main rope (dynamic rope) snow bar, some rock pitons 

 

  • Individual travel insurance 

  • International airfare 

  • Visa fees upon arrival 

  • Personal expenditures, like hard and cold drinks 

  • Hot shower during the trek 

  • Personal trekking equipment 

  • Charges for internet and telephone usage 

  • Gratuity for the trekking team members, guide, porters

Travel Notes

Key Attractions

  • Island Peak Summit (6,189 m):
    A dramatic Himalayan summit featuring a steep headwall and exposed ridge, offering panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Baruntse.
  • Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar:
    Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), enhancing acclimatization and providing classic Everest viewpoints.
  • Glacier & Snow Climbing Experience:
    Glacier travel, fixed ropes, and a final snow-ice ascent provide genuine mountaineering exposure.
  • Khumbu Valley Landscapes:
    Trek through forests, alpine meadows, moraine valleys, and glacial basins in one of the world’s most dramatic mountain regions.
  • Sherpa Culture & Monasteries:
    Visit Tengboche Monastery and experience the hospitality and traditions of Sherpa communities.
  • Island Peak Base Camp (≈5,087 m):
    A scenic staging area for acclimatization, technical preparation, and summit planning. Optional High Camp improves summit efficiency.
  • Progression Peak:
    Widely regarded as one of the best stepping stones toward more technical 6,000–7,000 m climbs.

Route & Terrain Characteristics

  • Trekking approach with progressive altitude gain
  • Glacier crossings and crevasse awareness
  • Fixed ropes on the headwall
  • Steep snow and ice slopes near the summit
  • Summit day typically 10–12 hours round-trip

The main challenges are altitude, endurance, and exposure, rather than advanced technical climbing.


Preparation & Experience Requirements

  • Prior trekking experience above 4,000 m is strongly recommended
  • Strong cardiovascular fitness and leg strength
  • Basic mountaineering skills (crampons, ice axe, rope travel)
  • Commitment to staged acclimatization and rest days
  • Mental readiness for early starts, cold conditions, and changing weather
  • Comprehensive insurance covering climbing above 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation

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