Island Peak Climbing
- Duration
- 15 days
- Max altitude
- 6,187 m
- Difficulty
-
Very strenuous
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $2,020.00
Overview
Imja Tse, 6,189 m, the most climbed trekking peak in Nepal, approached through the Khumbu so that acclimatisation is genuine. A training day on real ice with your climbing sherpa comes before summit day.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- Summit at 6,189 m
- Ice training day before the climb
- Everest Base Camp on the approach
- Climbing sherpa, fixed rope and group gear included
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1,400 m/4,593 ft) 1,400 m Hotel
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting at the office with our trekking guide in the afternoon.
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Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840 m) from Kathmandu – 35 minutes or drive to Manthali/Ramechhap (474 m) by shared tourist vehicle – 5 to 6 hours and a 20 minutes flight to Lukla, and then trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 to 4 hours 2,840 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Manthali to Lukla Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
During peak seasons, such as March, April, May, October, and November, the flight to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap/Manthali due to air traffic expansion. The Manthali/Ramechhap airport is about a 5 to 6 hours drive
away from Kathmandu. On this day, we wake up between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, take an escorted shuttle to Manthali Airport in a shared tourist vehicle, and board a 20-minute flight to Lukla.Kathmandu to Lukla Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
The flight to Lukla is typically operated from Kathmandu during nonpeak seasons, which include January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Please be aware that the decision regarding the
operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. On this day, we wake up between
5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. On this day, we wake up between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport terminal in Kathmandu, where you will board a 35-minute flight to Lukla.
Today we trek to Phakding. The trail is straightforward. We head out of Lukla and follow the Dudh Koshi River downhill. The route connects to the Namche Bazaar trail, just above Chaurikharka (2,713 m).
Continuing, we come across the small village of Ghat. After a brisk hike, we arrive at Phakding. -
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,287 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 3,440 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
We begin the 5 hours trek along the banks of the Dudh Kosi, crossing this majestic river many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. After entering Sagamartha National Park, the trail climbs steeply with breathtaking views.
Namche Bazaar, known as the “Gateway to Everest,” is home to many quality restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, a money exchange, internet cafes, and a bakery. Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) is one of the biggest villages along the whole Everest trail.
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Day 4: Acclimatization at Namche (3,440 m/11,287 ft) 3,440 m Teahouse
A day will be spent in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. We’ll go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa people.
We will also hike up the Syangboche Airport around Hotel Everest View. From this point can be seen rewarding views of the Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks.
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Day 5: Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m/12,664 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 3,860 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
The trek continues along the rushing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi, with magnificent views of the mountains. After 5 hours we’ll reach Tengboche, where the local monastery can be seen.
Inside the monastery are incredibly ornate wall hangings, a twenty foot sculpture of Buddha, and the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas. The group will be taken to observe a prayer ceremony in either the evening or morning, depending on how the day’s trekking progressed.
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Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,470 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 4,410 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
From Tengboche, the trail drops to Debuche, crosses suspension bridge on the Imja Khola, and climbs to Pangboche amongst thousands of mani stones. Our uphill trek continues for six hours, taking us to the quaint traditional Sherpa village of Dingboche,
with its exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam. -
Day 7: Trek to Chhukhung (4,730 m/15,518 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 4,730 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
On this leg of our island peak climbing journey, we have a four-hour walk ahead to Chhukhung. Acclimatizing to the high altitude is crucial for the impending Island Peak climb.
During this stretch, our guide will furnish essential insights about the island peak climbing process and outline the schedule for the following day’s endeavors.
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Day 8: Trek to Island peak base camp (5,240 m/17,191 ft) – 4 to 5 hours 5,240 m 4-5 hrs
Today is another short trek of 4 hours to the Island Peak base camp. Starting from today, accommodations will be in tented camps for the next two days, with food prepared by our professional chef.
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Day 9: Rest and Acclimatization day Camping
We will spend a day here in adjusting to the thinning of the air. We’ll also make a short trek around the Island Peak base camp to prepare us for the 6,000 m adventure tomorrow morning.
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Day 10: Summit to Island peak (6,187 m/20,299 ft) and return to Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 ft)- 9 to 10 hrs 6,187 m Teahouse
Today is our main adventure day. Weather permitting, we’ll start early in the morning for a climb up the Island Peak (6,187 m/20,299 ft).
After Camp 1, we ascend through a gully and traverse to the right. After making our way up a wide stone field, we cross the ridge to the glacier and crevasses. After a safe trip to the top, we make our way back down the same day and return to Chhukung.
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Day 11: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft) – 6 to 7 hours 3,860 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Today we follow the same route back down to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft). Passing through Dingboche, Pangboche, and Diboche, the day’s trek will take six hours.
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Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,287 ft) via Khumjung (3,780 m/12,401 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 3,780 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
Leaving the mountains behind, our descent takes us from Tengboche Monastery to the town of Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). We arrive back at Namche Bazaar in the afternoon, a 5 hours walk. We’ll enjoy an evening of talking with fellow trekkers over a nice meal.
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Day 13: Trek to Lukla (2,840 m/9,317 ft) – 6 to 7 hours 2,840 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
Finally, we make the 5 hours return to Lukla (2,840 m), where the trek began. We’ll take time to reflect on the trek as a group, and on the personal achievements of all who took part.
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Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu – 35 minutes or Manthali/Ramechhap – 20 minutes from Lukla and same day drive to Kathmandu by shared tourist vehicle – 5 to 6 hours 5-6 hrs Hotel
Lukla to Manthali Flight (March, April, May, October, and November)
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is a 20-minute flight. After that, it is about a 5 to 6 hour drive to Kathmandu. Please note that the driving hours may vary according to the highway traffic condition. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle.Lukla to Kathmandu Flight (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December)
The flight from Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. Please be aware that the decision regarding the operation of flights solely depends on the airline and is influenced by the volume of travelers during a specific month. -
Day 15: Transfer to international airport for your final departure
Today we conclude our trip. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home. We bid you farewell and hope you’ll travel to Nepal again.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $2,425.00 | Comfortfrom $2,861.50 | Luxuryfrom $3,516.25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel for 2 nights in Kathmandu including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Included: Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek for 10 days in Everest region with attached toilet in Lukla, Phakding & Namche
- Included: Tented camp accommodation and all meals during the 1/2-nights stay at the Island Peak Base Camp (We will provide fully water/wind-proof twin-share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, etc.)
- Included: All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including a tea or coffee.
- Included: Fresh seasonal fruits each day after dinner during the trek.
- Included: During camping, meals will be prepared by the climbing guide
- Included: A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- Included: Purified drinking water during the trek using water filter or water purification tablets.
- Included: All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Included: Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Manthali and Lukla
- Included: Kathmandu – Manthali – Kathmandu transportation by shared tourist vehicle
- Included: Sagarmatha/Everest National Park Permit
- Included: TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
- Included: Island Peak Climbing Permit
- Included: Experienced, wilderness first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, locally recruited trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people).
- Included: Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Included: Climbing Sherpa from Island peak base camp for the summit and back to base camp.
- Included: Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Included: Group climbing equipment (Climbing rope, ice screw, snow bar and ice hammer)
- Included: 1 duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter)
- Included: A comprehensive first aid kit, including an Oximeter to check pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
- Included: Trip completion certificate
- Included: All administrative expenses and government taxes
Not included
- Not included: Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Not included: Travel insurance
- Not included: International airfare
- Not included: Nepal entry visa fees
- Not included: Hot showers for the trek
- Not included: All kinds of cold drinks, such as bottled water, Coke, Fanta, juice, and similar beverages
- Not included: Device charging and WiFi internet
- Not included: Personal trekking equipment
- Not included: Tips for trekking staff and driver
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $2,425.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $2,020.00 | $405.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $1,900.00 | $525.00 |
| 7 or more | $1,780.00 | $645.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
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