Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek

Trip Highlights

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Total Duration:21 Days
  • Trip Grade:Moderate To Challenging
  • Best Time:Spring/ Autumn
  • Max Elevation:6,187 m
  • Accommodation:Hotels in Kathmandu/ Teahouse/camp in a trek
  • Transportation:Fly in / Fly out

Tour Overview

Island Peak is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal also known locally by Imja Tse Peak. From Dingboche, it looks like an island in a sea of ice. The summit is spectacular and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak. Besides that, Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular training peak for Mount Everest Climbers.

The extension of this ridge descending south-west is the part of the normal route leads to the South Summit. From the summit of this interesting Peak, all the giant mountains of Everest region; which includes Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak and Lhotse Shar can be vividly seen.

Journey to Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek starts from Lukla; you then follow the trail through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, Kalapathar, Everest Base Camp; and finally Island Peak Base Camp. Routes to Imja Tse Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek passes through amazing viewpoints such as Kalapathar and EBC; from where you can close panoramic views of Mount Everest along with Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, etc.

Enjoy the rich vegetation, wildlife, rhododendron, and oaks forest of Sagarmatha National Park (a World Heritage Site). Feel the touch of cool fresh air coming from the glacier lakes and forests. Religious prayer flags along the suspension bridges, stone-carved chants, religious prayer wheels, stupas, etc make this trip divine and spiritual.

Climbing Imja Tse (Island Peak) has two options; start climbing from Base Camp (5,087m) called Pareshya gyab around 2 A.M. Next is ascend from High Camp (5,600m) to reduce extra efforts.

Besides Imja Tse Climbing, you can also have Mera Peak Climbing.

Detail Itinerary

Our team representative will meet you at Kathmandu International Airport and drop you to your hotel at Thamel. In the evening, we will have a small meeting on Island Peak Climbing; later you can explore the streets of Thamel.

You need some permits to climb Imja Tse as well as to enter the Everest Region. Our team member will take care of this for you while you can have amazing Kathmandu City Tour. This exciting city tour takes you to ancient, religious and historical sites of Kathmandu Valley; which are enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites.

 It will take you to Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square or Patan Durbar Square. After completion of Nepal Day Tours, you will transfer to your hotel and overnight there.

Duration: 35 minutes of flight,

Your  Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek journey starts from an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu Airport to Lukla Airport (Tenzing Norgay Airport). On the way to Lukla, you can have a wonderful glimpse of the hilly region of Nepal. From the air, you can see a beautiful green forest, water streams, and rivers flowing, ethnic settlements, clouds flowing across the hills. Landing on Lukla, you can have your first glimpse of Everest along with other peaks. From Lukla, you start trek to Phakding. You walk along the Dudh Kosi river, crossing sacred stone carved chants, religious wheels, and stupas. After 3-4 hours of walking, you reach Phakding for overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 5-6 hours

From Phakding after having breakfast our day starts off walking along the ridge of Dudh Kosi river. Trails to Namche Bazaar is full of nature; you pass across alluring oaks, pines, junipers and rhododendron forest. You cross multiple suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi and Imja river and reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. Entering Sagarmatha National Park requires permits, entering here showcase the unique wildlife ecosystem of this region. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to numerous flora and fauna of the Everest region. After crossing the highest suspension bridge of Hillary, you make a steep climb to the street of Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the capital of the Khumbu District. Overnight at Namche Bazaar lodge/hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

It is a day for resting as well as acclimatization. Namche Bazaar is the largest Sherpa settlement in Nepal. At Namche, you can explore the local markets, mountain view cafes, and restaurants, museums, etc. From Namche, you can wonderful views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, etc. Today you will hike to Everest View Hotel at Syanboche where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch of your lifetime. Enjoy your food with beautiful snow-capped Himalayan Ranges. You can even visit Khumjung Village where you can explore this remote village’s culture and lifestyle. Overnight at Namche Lodge/Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 5-6 hours

After having breakfast at Namche, we head towards the land of the largest monastery of Khumbu district. The trails start with a decent walk through the woods and off beaten roads to Phunki. From here, the path rises up to the village of Tengboche. Upon reaching Tengboche, you can observe more snow-capped peaks even closer than Namche. You can visit the Tengboche Monastery and pray for the success of this trip. Overnight at Tengboche Lodge/Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 6 hours

Today we walk downhill across the mixed forest of rhododendron and oaks then an uphill walk towards the village of Pangboche. Finally, walking a few more distances we reach Pheriche. It is a beautiful village that resides at an elevation of 4,371m above the Tsola river.

Overnight at Pheriche lodge/hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Today we take a day off to rest and acclimatization. After having breakfast, you can visit the local village areas, farmlands and meet local people there. You can enjoy the amazing scenery of mountains, landscapes, and clear blue sky. Overnight at Pheriche Lodge/Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 5 hours.

We start off with an early breakfast with a slight walk to Dugla from where we take a steep walk along the Khumbu Glacier’s moraine. The Khumbu Glacier is the highest altitude glacier of Nepal. After passing this gorgeous glacier, we arrive at Lobuche. From here, we can view amazing peaks of Khumbutse, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Overnight at Lobuche Lodge/Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 7 hours

Early morning breakfast at Lobuche, we trek to Gorak Shep from where Everest Base Camp Trek and Kala Patthar viewpoint trails separate. On reaching Gorak Shep, we trek to Kala Pathar. Basically, it is a large black rock on the south ridge of Pumori (part of Himalayas), which is the highest point one will reach without climbing gears and permits. It resides at an altitude of 5,644m. The views from Kala Patthar is breathtaking as it offers 360° views of the great Himalayan Ranges. Kala Pathar is one of the best place in Nepal for sunrise and sunset views. Today, you will have a once in a lifetime opportunity of sunset views along with remarkable mountain summits. Then, you return back to Gorak Shep for overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 7-8 hours

After having breakfast, we start our journey to Everest Base Camp. Everest Base Camp is a popular destination for Everest Base Camp trek / EBC Trek.  EBC is the closest point where you can have face to face encounter with Mt. Everest without climbing. On reaching Everest camp, you can see the smiles and happiness on trekkers face, some taking photographs and videos; while some are just enjoying the eternal beauty of Everest. Then, you return back to Lobuche and overnight there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 6 hours.

Our day to Chukkung starts walking along the edges of the Khumbu glacier until we reach Kongma La Pass Camp. From here, we take a difficult steep walk over the Kongma La Pass. Kongma La Pass is the most difficult one among the Three High Passes of Everest region. This pass lies on a famous trail of Everest Three Passes Trek/ Everest High Passes Trek. From the Kongma La Pass, we descend gradually and take a final steep climb to the village of Chukkung.  This small village lies in the Chukkung valley on the slope of Lhotse and Nuptse peak. As Imja Tse Climbing is getting more popular these days, Chukkung acts as a perfect place for acclimatization. Just above the village, there is Chhukung Ri (5,550m), famous for wonderful views of Himalayas. Overnight at Chukkung lodge/hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 4 hours.

Trails to Island Peak Base Camp is a steep walk and consists of walking on the moraine of Lhotse and Imja Glaciers. On the way, you will encounter routes to popular Amphu Labtsa Peak Climbing. Continuously walking through the steep, winding, rocky and snowy path we arrive at the wide valley of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Preparation is very important before climbing to higher altitudes. Today after breakfast, our guides, peak climbers will guide and teach you about peak climbing and how to use climbing gears. Today is the pre-training day before the actual climbing. Completion of pre-training, you can explore nearby surroundings or rest for tomorrow. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 10-12 hours.

The ultimate day has arrived. Today we climb the Island Peak. We start early around 2 A.M. after breakfast in the dark so we can reach Summit Peak before noon; as afternoon there will be strong winds blowing which might cause difficulties while climbing. We walk along the rocky ravine with a gradual increase in elevation until we reach the foot of a glacier. From here, our team will set up ropes on climbers for their safety and starts climbing up to the glacier until we reach the ridge of Island Peak. From the top of this summit, you can have lifetime unbelievable views of Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse. After storing these marvelous views and scenery on your eyes and cameras. We descended towards Chhukung. Overnight at Chhukung hotel/lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 6-7 hours.

We will follow the same routes with a downhill walk towards the Khumbu river, passing through Orsho and Shomare sherpa villages until we reach Pangboche which is home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Imja river and forest of pines, oaks, and rhododendrons we reach the Tengboche. You can visit the Tengboche Monastery to explore this religious holy site. Overnight at Tengboche hotel/lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 5 hours.

Today after breakfast, we descended towards the rhododendron forest crossing the suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi river until you reach the Khumjung village. This village is famous for Yeti Scalp preserved in Khumjung Monastery. From here, we pass through the deep forest where you can encounter rare animals of this region; That includes snow Leopards, Blue sheep, Himalayan goats, red pandas, etc. Finally, we reach the street of Namche Bazaar. Overnight at Namche Bazaar hotel/lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 5 hours.

Routes from Namche to Lukla is a steep downhill walk. So, require caution while stepping down the rocky pathway. After crossing through multiple suspension bridges over Dudh Kosi river we arrive Lukla from where we started our eternal journey. Overnight at Lukla hotel/lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Duration: 35 minutes of flight

We take an early morning scenic flight to Kathmandu. Once landing on Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Today you can visit places you missed out before. Later on, you can go for shopping or spas to relax your tired muscles and mind. Preparation for departure. Overnight at the hotel.

Our team representative will drop you to Kathmandu International Airport and wishing you a safe flight back home.

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick up and transfer upon arrival
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with bed & breakfast
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight Kathmandu -Lukla - Kathmandu
  • Flight tickets with 20Kg. cargo per member
  • Trekking from Lukla to Island Base camp & back to Lukla on lodge accommodation Sagarmatha national park permit
  • Island Peak Climbing permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card
  • Food for trekking & climbing period
  • Porter / Yak Lukla to Base Camp & back to Lukla
  • 1 tent for 1 person for the Base Camp
  • Dining tent, toilet tent, Mattresses for the climb
  • Climbing guide's flight tickets, insurance, daily wages, accommodation
  • Other crew member's insurance, daily wages, food, accommodation
  • Safe drinking water purified by Iodine tablet or sterilized by steripen
  • Medical kit bag
  • All transfers airport-hotel-airport
  • All necessary taxes
  • Farewell dinner

Cost Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • High altitude climbing food, fuel, Gas above base camp
  • Personal climbing gears
  • Personal accident insurance and emergency evacuation by helicopter
  • International airport departure tax
  • Nepal custom duty for import of climbing gears arriving into Nepal
  • Cargo custom clearance
  • Bar bills & beverage
  • Personal Satellite phone with email & internet permit
  • Waki talkies permit
  • Extra expenses of personal nature
  • Medical/ emergency oxygen with regulator and mask
  • Garbage Deposit (Sharing of the total person) and Deposit fee will be refunded after the climb

Cost and Dates

Visitor requires permits to enter Everest Region as well as to climb Island Peak. Paying some fees you can have the permits. You need

Garbage Deposit: $500 USD.

Local Area permits: $20 USD.

 

Depending on the season permits for Island Peak Climbing Costs;

Spring season: $250 USD

Autumn season: $125 USD

Winter season: $70 USD

Summer/Monsoon season: $70 USD

Find Dates
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Additional Info

Best Time for Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek

Except for Monsoon season, Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek  is possible throughout the year. Well, Spring and Autumn season is considered the best season for Imja Tse Climbing; as Everest Expedition also coincides with it.

Autumn season is the best among all season for Island Peak Climbing together with Everest Base Camp Trekking, Nepal tours, and other trekking too. March-April falls under the autumn season; and during these months, the weather is the clearest as the monsoon rain clears out the sky. As a result, the views and scenery are magnificent. During days the temperature ranges from 0°C-15°C whereas -5°C to -10°C at night.

Similarly, the spring season is only the best and peak season for climbing Island Peak. The weather is clear and moderate and offers wonderful views of mountains peaks. The trails are full of new grown plants and flowers of rhododendrons.

Climbing to Imja Tse is very difficult as the weather is freezing cold there. There are high chances of frostbite if proper care is not given. Even Though, experienced peak climbers choose this season for extra challenges and to avoid crowds of spring and autumn season.

How Difficult is Island Peak Climbing

As compared to other high mountain climbing in Nepal, Island Peak Climbing is moderate. Climbing at higher altitudes requires physical and mental strength equally. You have to walk across trails that are above 5,000 m. During this journey, you have to walk for 5-6 hours a day carrying your backpacks.

The main issue while climbing Imja Tse is the altitude. Island Peak (Imja Tse) is one of the highest trekking peaks which is enough to kill if taken wrong step/decision. Thus, requires proper rest and acclimatization to saves energy for the next day.

The headwall to the summit is the most challenging and difficult task as it is a steep ascent. 

Hence, recommended taking physical training such as rock climbing, hiking, ice walking along with mental training. Trekkers do not need to have advanced technical knowledge or training about Peak climbing; basic knowledge on Peak climbing accompanied by physical and mental fitness is enough for a successful climb.

Essential Tips for Island Peak Climbing

  • Avoid climbing during winter snowfalls and monsoon rainfalls.
  • Prepare yourself physically and mentally before the actual journey starts.
  • Backpack essential equipment and tools.
  • Well dressed clothing.
  • Slow and Steady walk.
  • Have knowledge of Climbing gears.
  • Follow guides rules and regulations.
  • Take care of your health.