Trip Overview
The Island Peak Climbing is one of the most popular climbing journeys in Nepal. This Journey is perfect for energetic and physically fit climbers having a desire for adventure.
Island Peak, located at 6189 meters above sea level is also known as Imja Tse in the local language. The name Island Peak was given by English mountaineer – Eric Shipton in 1951. The name Island Peak is justified as the peak is located isolated in the center surrounded by glaciers that are descending from tall mountain peaks above 7,000 m and 8,000 m.
Island Peak has been climbed by many people since time immemorial (including Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary) and at some point in time, became the preferred climbing peak who seek a challenging route.
The peak rises from the Lhotse glacier from the southern end and from the peak summit, captivates you with its marvelous panoramic beauty and most appreciably, you will get a standardized viewpoint to peek at Mount Everest up close.
Island Peak climbing expedition can also be considered as the training grounds for peaks above 7000 meters. Climbing Island Peak is physically hard but not technically challenging and is perfect for those who wish to expand their experience toward mountain expeditions.
Standing on the summit of the Island peak gives you a feeling of accomplishment. From here you get stunning views of the southern faces of Everest and Lhotse. You also get to see Ama Dablam and Makalu.
Our journey starts with an adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The walking begins right away from Lukla and goes through Phakding to the Dudh Koshi valley following through Namche, and then Tengboche to Dingboche. Finally, we move downwards to Chhukung and upwards to the Island Peak Base Camp and prepare for our venture.
Peak climbing requires lots of practice as well as involves crossing the crevassed glacier and extensive use of gears such as ladders, jumar, ropes, and traversing through the snowy terrain. On our 17 days itinerary, the 10th day is dedicated to practicing climbing techniques using proper gears, and the following day we summit the peak.
Island Peak Climbing Difficulty
The Island Peak Climbing is considered a moderately challenging journey. It is especially appropriate for individuals who enjoy trekking and want to start mountain climbing.
Depending on the detours, the journey will take 14 to 19 days to accomplish, with only one or two of those days set off specifically for climbing. On a daily basis, the trip on hills and difficult terrains takes an average of 4 to 6 hours. Another difficulty is crossing the glaciers, rivers, rough terrain, and mountain passes. You will have to climb for 12 to 13 hours on the actual summit day, covering a distance of around 10 miles. Hence, the climbers need prior high-altitude trekking experience. No prior climbing expertise and proficiency in fundamental mountaineering techniques are mandatory because the team will provide pre-climb instruction.
The highest altitude you will reach during the Island Peak Climb journey is at the Island Peak top at 6189 meters above sea level. Also, you will be spending many nights above 3,000 meters in elevation. As a result, there are chances of being affected by the symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Hence, we should intake measures of prevention such as acclimatizing, hydrating, getting enough sleep, etc. The use of Diamox or any other altitude sickness medication recommended by a doctor also helps. But if the symptoms are severe, your guide will take the right decision for you.
Bad weather also adds challenges to your trip. So, you should always choose the best time for your trip’s success.
Best Time to do Island Peak Climbing
When traveling, choosing a good time to travel always helps, increasing the likelihood of success and creating happy memories that last a lifetime. Island Peak Climbing is possible all year long but we advise embarking on this trip in either the spring or fall when the splendor of this trek is at its most stunning.
In spring, the trekking trail offers breathtaking views of mountains, dense woods, vivid meadows, and blooming rhododendrons. The weather is sunny, warm, and pleasant, with a clear view of the Himalayas and a beautiful blue sky. The temperature rises to 15 to 17 degrees Celsius during the daytime while it drops to -10 degrees Celsius during the nighttime above 4,000 meters.
Autumn is also the best season because of its dry and stable weather. Being the post-monsoon season, autumn/fall provides clear vistas of the valleys and the Himalayas. It is a little colder than the spring especially but is bearable. The temperature is pleasant, ranging from 0 to 15 degrees. By the end of November, nighttime lows of -15 degrees are not uncommon.
The summer/monsoon is not the ideal time for the Island Peak Climbing due to the muddy and treacherous routes caused by the heavy rain. The summer trekking is unproductive in terms of weather too. Similarly, avalanches and landslides are the two potential natural calamities that can occasionally make the trip dangerous.
The months of December, January, and February are considered winter as well as off-season months for the Island Peak Climbing. But, with the right preparation, equipment, and assistance from a qualified climbing guide, it is possible, especially during December. In fact, December is the ideal month if you enjoy trekking in isolation and prefer peaceful terrain.
For details: Best Time to do Island Peak Climb.
Accommodation during the Island Peak Climbing
Himalayan Trekkers provides 3-star standard category hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on a twin/double sharing basis. However, you have a wide range of selections from 3 to 5-star hotels, basic lodges, and even hostels. You can also opt. for the single supplementary at an additional cost.
During the trek and Island Peak Climbing, you will be spending the nights in the trekking teahouses with minimal amenities. The rooms will be furnished with a bed, mattress, blanket, and pillow as a bare minimum on a twin-sharing basis. In the upper locations, you might have to share the restrooms and toilets.
Similarly, in areas where trekking lodges and teahouses are not available, we provide lodging in tent camps.
Meals during the Island Peak ClimbingHimalayan Trekkers will offer all three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with the exception of the lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, which have a wide variety of dining options.
After Namche Bazaar, your options become increasingly limited. The most well-known dishes in Nepal are noodles, dumplings, flatbreads, potatoes, fried bread, mushroom soup, butter tea, and the staple, Dal-Bhat-Tarkari (lentils, steamed rice, and seasonal vegetables).
Whenever we use tented accommodations, our tent cooks will provide you with freshly cooked meals.
Drinking Water during the Island Peak Climbing When trekking for more than 4 to 5 hours each day is high altitudes, drinking water is crucial. Fluid intake should be increased because dehydration is a very typical occurrence. Bottled water is available, although it can cost twice as much at higher altitudes. You can thus bring a filtering flask or purification pills in addition to a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the various natural springs and taps you come across along the way. Boiling water is available in tea shops, although it costs extra per liter or pot.
Highlights
- The Island Peak Summit at 6189 meters and the views from the peak
- Side trip to Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters & Kalapatthar at 5545 meters
- Amazing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche & Lobuche from Kalapatthar
- The biggest monastery in the Everest Region, Tengboche Monastery at Tengboche
- Magnificent vistas of Khumbu Icefalls & Glaciers
- Traditional Sherpa settlements, friendly Sherpa people, and their unique and rich Tibetan Buddhism culture, tradition, custom, lifestyle, and hospitality
- Discover the unique flora and wildlife on the trail inside the Sagarmatha National Park
Short Itinerary
Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02:
Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Briefing & Preparation
Day 03:
Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Day 04:
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 05:
Rest Day & Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Day 06:
Trek to Tengboche
Day 07:
Trek to Dingboche
Day 08:
Trek to Chhukung
Day 09:
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp
Day 10:
Acclimatization & Climbing Preparation Day at the Base Camp
Day 11:
Island Peak Summit day & return to Chhukung
Day 12:
Spare Day
Day 13:
Trek to Tengboche
Day 14:
Trek to Monjo
Day 15:
Trek to Lukla
Day 16:
Fly to Kathmandu
Day 17:
Final Departure from Kathmandu
DETAILED ITINERARY
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of the representatives from Himalayan Trekkers will welcome you and escort you to your designated hotel. After the check-in formalities, you can take a brief rest before we start our short discussion regarding the Island Peak Climbing. After all those, you can opt. to stroll around the streets of Thamel which is the biggest commercial/tourist neighborhood in Kathmandu. The streets are lined with trekking/climbing gear shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, hotels, handicraft shops, etc. You can also see small temples, stupas, and monuments occasionally on the corners of Thamel.
After breakfast, we will start your full-day guided sightseeing of Kathmandu from Boudhanath Stupa. It is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu valley that houses the relics of Lord Buddha. The dome-shaped semicircle stupa with the golden pinnacle and giant Buddha eyes in every direction sits on a giant Mandala. Boudhanath represents Tibetan Buddhism; even that particular area is called “the little Tibet”. This biggest stupa in the county is flocked by thousands of local and international visitors including pilgrims.
Then, we will visit Pashupatinath Temple which is one of the four most revered Hindu sites in the world. The temple complex sits on the bank of the holy Bagmati River and the main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main temple is restricted to non-Hindus but there are more than a hundred other temples and monuments there to explore. You can also witness the open-air cremation ceremony, interact with the colored Jogi babas, and take pictures of the mischievous monkeys there.
Following the tour, there will be a briefing on the trip, an introduction to the climbing guide, and a last check of the climbing gear for the trek to ensure that everyone is ready for the thrilling journey that lies ahead.
We will drive to the airport after an early-morning breakfast to catch the 35-minute flight to Lukla. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the vistas of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including Cho Oyu and Everest.
We will begin our Island Peak Trek after we get to Lukla. The goal for today is Phakding village, a relatively short 3-hour stroll that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Himalayan peaks like Kusum Kanguru. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the hamlet and mingling with the residents.
After breakfast, we cross the Dudh-Koshi River to begin the hike. In a few hours, we will arrive in the village of Monjo with a few ups and downs. We will then proceed to the Jorsalle village after completing the necessary paperwork at the office gate of the Sagarmatha National Park. After a further 4-hour walk from here, where we will have lunch, we will arrive at the well-known Namche Bazaar. There are some beautiful mountain views along the route from Jorsalle to Namche, including Kwande Peak, Kusum Kanguru, and Mount Everest. Mountains like Nuptse, Lhotse, and Taweche Peak are also visible from some locations.
You get the day off to relax and adjust to the higher altitude before continuing your journey. We can spend the day on various activities and side trips. The most well-liked day trip from Namche is the hike to Syangboche and the Everest View Hotel. The Everest View Hotel is the tallest hotel in the world, with the Himalayas on all sides. Visits to the nearby Khumjung Village and Kunde Village, where you can see the Yeti Skull and Hillary Hospital and School, are another well-liked side trip from here. Or, if you’re motivated and interested, you can combine these two excursions into one.
After spending a day off, we again continue with our trek. Today we trek to Tengboche, a beautiful village located at 3,867 meters. The village offers an amazing panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks such as Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The largest and most famous monastery in the Everest region, Tengboche Monastery is the prime highlight of the village.
The trail begins with a gradual descent into a rich forest of birch, conifers, and rhododendron trees. As we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the various Himalayas, including Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Makalu, today’s walk is also regarded as the best day on the Everest journey.
Before leading us to the Pangboche village, our trek route passes through Debuche and crosses the Imja River. As we go to the upper Pangboche Valley, we can see Tabuche Peak and the Pangboche Monastery in addition to the better Himalayan vistas. We continue on in the direction of the Imja Valley, from where we ascend to the Dingboche village where we will spend the night.
It’s only a short walk today. Only about two hours will take us to walk from Dingboche to Chhukung. Our journey begins and ends in delightful hilly scenery with stone-walled meadows. We move into the Imja Valley, where Lhotse and Ama Dablam may be seen in stunning detail. We will eventually reach Bibre, a camp for yak herders, when we travel further. Beautiful landscapes may be found on the step rock and snow-covered south face of the pyramidal Imja Tse. Up ahead, the trail is traversed by chilly streams. We finally arrive in Chhukung after a 30-minute hike from Bibre.
We will reach one step closer to our destination today. After walking for 5 hours from Chhukung, we reach the Base camp (5150m) of Island Peak. We rest for the remainder of the day to acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Acclimatization & Climbing Preparation Day at the Base Camp
Finally, the day we have most awaited has come, climbing Island Peak. We start very early in the morning as we have to reach the top by noon because, after the afternoon, there may be high winds that will make climbing more challenging. The ascent will be somewhat difficult as we have to climb through the steep and uneven terrain. And after a lot of time pushing and pulling, we will finally reach the Island Peak Summit.
We will spend a significant amount of time on the peak taking in and appreciating the spectacular scenery and adventure before returning to the base camp. From the base camp, we will further walk down to Chhukung for the night.
Note: If you feel like spending the night at the base camp, we will stay there and move forward the next day.
A spare/contingency day in case of bad weather or any other factors affecting the Island Peak summit the other day.
With the immense pleasure of conquering the Island Peak, we retrace back our route to reach Tengboche. Today, we celebrate our success in climbing Island Peak once we reach the village.
From Monjo, our trail makes a steep descent towards the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. From here, we walk on a leveled trail until we reach Lukla.
It is time to say goodbye to Sagarmatha Region and enter Bagmati Region. After breakfast at the lodge in Lukla, we take a 40 minutes scenic flight to Kathmandu. We will transfer you to your hotel to freshen up. You can have a long spa day to get rid of your tiredness from the trek. Then, in the evening we offer you a complimentary dinner from our side.
After breakfast or 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight to your home country or onward destination, we will transfer you to the airport and bid farewell.
Include
Includes
- All Airport transfers as per itinerary
- Ground Transfer as per the itinerary mentioned above
- 3* Standard Category accommodations in Kathmandu
- Daily Breakfast at Hotel in Kathmandu
- Tea House/Lodge Accommodations during the Hike and Base Camp
- Meals - Breakfast Lunch and Dinner along with Tea/Coffee during the Trek and Climb
- National park permits and Trekking permits
- Peak Climbing Permit/Royalty
- An Experienced Trekking & Climbing Guide as per Itinerary
- Well-equipped English-speaking trekking guide
- Certified & Experienced Climbing guide and supporting crew
- All Wages, food, accommodation, and travel insurance for the guides and support crew
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit
- Welcome/farewell dinner
- All applicable taxes and surcharges
Exclude
- Nepal Visa Fees
- International Airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Meals (Lunches & Dinners) in the city
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, etc.
- Tipping/ gratitude
- Any extra cost arising from bad weather, unfavorable circumstances (road blockage, landslide, flight delay, etc.)
- Personal Trekking/Climbing Equipment
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the includes section
Gallery
FAQ'S
Island peak is located in the Khumbu region of northeast Nepal lying just over the ridge from Mt. Everest and Lhotse. It is situated in the Sagarmatha National Park as well.
It is located at an altitude of 6,189 meters above sea level.
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) is the best time to ascent Island Peak due to good weather conditions, mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, and the lowest chances of unforeseen contingencies.
Island peak is a moderate to fairly difficult climb but not a technically challenging peak. Previous climbing experience is not required for climbing this peak but one must be physically and mentally healthy and we suggest engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, cycling, swimming, etc. before the trek.
Reviews
REVIEW REQUESTS
Enter a recent customer’s contact info and we’ll ask them to leave you a review.
