Island Peak

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Challenging

Country

Nepal

Duration

21 Days

Altitude

6189 M

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge/Tent

Trip Start From

Kathmandu

Trip Ends At

Kathmandu

Overview

Island Peak, locally known as Imja Tse, is one of the most sought-after trekking peaks in the Everest region. It offers an exhilarating mountaineering experience, combining a classic trek through the Khumbu Valley with a challenging climb that includes a steep ice wall and a spectacular summit ridge.

The Climbing Experience

Island Peak is the perfect “entry-level” 6,000m peak. While it is physically demanding, it provides climbers with a true taste of Himalayan mountaineering.

The Trek: The journey begins with the legendary trek to Everest Base Camp or the Chhukung Valley, providing world-class acclimatization.
The Approach: From Chhukung, the trail leads to Island Peak Base Camp (4,970m) and then to High Camp (approx. 5,600m) for the summit push.

The Summit: The final ascent involves crossing a glaciated area (often requiring ladders over crevasses) and scaling a 100-meter headwall of ice and snow (40-50 degrees) using fixed ropes to reach the narrow, airy summit ridge.

Technical Details

Elevation: 6,189m / 20,305 ft
Difficulty Grade: PD+ (Peu Difficile+) / Alpine Grade 2B.
Technical Requirements: Basic knowledge of crampons, ice axe, jumar (ascender), and descender (figure-8) is required.
Terrain: Rock scrambling at the start, followed by glacier travel with crevasses, a steep snow/ice headwall, and a narrow summit ridge.

Best Time to Climb

Spring (March to May): * Pros: Warmer temperatures and stable weather.
Autumn (October to November): Crystal clear skies and the best panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. The air is crisp and the weather is generally very stable.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 2:

In Kathmandu for official procedures and preparations
Day 3:

Schedule flight Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m) via Ramechap airport. Trek to Phakding (2610m)
Day 04:

Namche Bazar (3440m)
Day 05:

In Namche Bazar for acclimatization
Day 06:

Tengboche Monastery (3860m)
Day 07:

Trek to Dingboche (4410m)
Day 08:

At Dingboche. Rest day for acclimatization: hike to Nakartse peak 5100m
Day 09:

Trek to Lobuche (4910m)
Day 10:

Trek to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and trek to Gorek Shep (5140m)
Day 11:

Hike up Kala Pattar (5550m) and trek back to Pheriche
Day 12:

Chhukung (4730m)
Day 13:

Chhukung – Island peak Base Camp (5100m) – O/N Camp
Day 14:

High Camp (5600m) – O/N Camp
Day 15:

Island Peak summit (6160m) – Return back to Chukung
Day 16:

Trek to Pangboche (3901m)
Day 17:

Trek to Namche Bazar
Day 18:

Trek to Lukla
Day 19:

Schedule flight to Kathmandu via Ramechap airport transfer to hotel
Day 20:

In Kathmandu
Day 21:

International departure

Challenging

Strenuous trekking and climbing
May require carrying bag packs (12)
Elevations from 2800m to 5500m
Moderate to intermediate terrain with short scrambling and descent on moraine/scree sections
Terrain might be snow or ice or rock or all mixed including glaciers
Few nights are spent in tent at high altitude during peak ascent
Nights are spent in tents or lodge
Involves travel in remote areas
Trek duration of two to three weeks
Includes several high passes trek and 6000m peak ascent
Minimum seven hours of average trek per day

Package Details

Cost Includes:

All arrival and departure transfers for international and domestic flights.
Round-trip flight (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu) via Ramechap Airport.
Hotel accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis with breakfast, as per the itinerary.
Standard lodge accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis with three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Services of an experienced, government-licensed trekking/climbing guide and porters.
All wages, accommodation, meals, and comprehensive insurance for guides and porter support.
High-altitude tents, cooking equipment, food, fuel, and all necessary climbing gear (ropes, ice screws, etc.) for Island Peak.
Applicable climbing permit for Island Peak, national park and local entry fees.
All applicable government and local taxes.

Cost Excludes:

International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal Tourist Visa fees (can be obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport).
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu.
Expenses of a personal nature, including phone calls, laundry, bar bills, and internet access.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water, hot showers, and snacks like coffee/tea between meals during the trek.
Gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers.
Personal travel and medical insurance mandatory to cover medical, hospitalization, and rescue evacuation charges.(; must cover emergency evacuation and high-altitude trek and climbs).
Personal trekking and climbing equipment (e.g., sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, etc.).