The classic Everest trek, and then a first Himalayan summit at the head of the Imja Valley.
Island Peak, or Imja Tse, is where a great many Himalayan climbing careers begin.
This itinerary gives you both halves of the Khumbu. First the famous trail to Everest Base Camp and the sunrise viewpoint at Kala Patthar, through Namche Bazaar, the monastery at Tengboche and the high alpine villages beyond. Then you turn east into the Imja Valley, where the trekking stops and the climbing starts.
At 6,189 metres, Island Peak is an introduction to Himalayan mountaineering rather than a walk with a view. Depending on conditions the route involves snow, glacier travel, a headwall of fixed ropes and a corniced summit ridge. What makes it achievable is the order of the itinerary: by the time you reach base camp you have already spent two weeks acclimatising, including a night at Gorak Shep and a morning at 5,545 metres on Kala Patthar.
Our local staff are paid a decent living wage, get provided with all the right gear and are always well looked after. We pride ourselves on this.
You climb with a dedicated climbing guide as well as your trekking guide, and you get a full training day at base camp with the equipment you will actually use on summit morning. No previous mountaineering experience is needed. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Highlights
- Island Peak, also called Imja Tse, at 6,189 m
- Everest Base Camp at roughly 5,364 m
- Sunrise on Kala Patthar at roughly 5,545 m
- The mountain flight in and out of Lukla
- Namche Bazaar and the Sherpa heartland
- Tengboche Monastery
- Sagarmatha National Park
- Views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Baruntse
- The Khumbu Glacier and the high Imja Valley
- A full climbing training day at Island Peak Base Camp
- Snow, glacier and fixed-rope climbing with an experienced climbing guide
- Proper acclimatisation days and contingency time built in
Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu 1400
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. You will meet your trekking and climbing team, run through the plan for the coming weeks and complete the preparations for the journey.
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding 2610
An early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the most memorable flights you will ever take. After meeting the local team at the airstrip, begin walking towards Phakding through mountain scenery and small Sherpa settlements.
Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3440
Follow the Dudh Koshi River and cross several suspension bridges before the long climb up to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu.
Acclimatisation day at Namche 3440
A day spent letting your body catch up with the altitude. Take a short hike to a higher elevation and return to Namche. There is time to explore the town and enjoy views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 3860
Trek the beautiful hillside trail with views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam, then climb through rhododendron forest to Tengboche and visit its famous monastery.
Tengboche to Dingboche 4410
Continue towards Dingboche, gradually leaving the treeline behind and entering the higher alpine environment.
Acclimatisation day at Dingboche 4410
Another acclimatisation day. A gradual hike to a higher elevation is recommended before returning to the village for the night. This is an important part of preparing for the elevations ahead.
Dingboche to Lobuche 4940
Continue towards the Khumbu Glacier, passing the memorial area dedicated to climbers who lost their lives in the Everest region.
Everest Base Camp, night at Gorak Shep 5164
Walk from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and continue along the rugged moraine trail to Everest Base Camp. Take in the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding mountains before returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
Kala Patthar, descend to Dingboche 5545
Wake early and climb Kala Patthar, one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region, for spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Lhotse. Then descend the valley to Dingboche.
Chhukung and Island Peak Base Camp 5200
Trek to Chhukung and continue through the Imja Valley to Island Peak Base Camp. The mountain becomes steadily more prominent as you approach the climbing area.
Climbing training at Base Camp 5200
The day is spent preparing for the summit. Your climbing guide will run practical training according to current conditions, covering the appropriate use of crampons, harness, ice axe and climbing rope, ascending and descending technique and basic snow and glacier travel.
There is also time to rest and get your equipment ready for the summit attempt.
Base Camp to High Camp 5600
Begin climbing towards Island Peak High Camp. The trail steepens as you gain altitude. After reaching High Camp, rest and prepare for the early morning start.
Island Peak summit, descend to Base Camp 6189
The main climbing day. The summit attempt starts very early in the morning and, depending on conditions, involves snow, ice, glacier terrain and fixed-rope sections.
From the summit at 6,189 m there are spectacular views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Baruntse and the surrounding Himalaya, before the descent back towards base camp.
Down the Imja Valley to Pangboche 3985
With the summit behind you, descend through the beautiful Imja Valley towards Pangboche. The thicker air at lower elevation is a welcome thing after summit day.
Pangboche to Namche Bazaar 3440
Continue through the Khumbu landscape, passing traditional villages and forest, before reaching Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2840
The final trekking day. Descend through the Dudh Koshi Valley and continue on to Lukla.
Fly back to Kathmandu 1400
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, subject to weather and flight conditions. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in the city.
Departure from Nepal
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight.
How hard is it?
Island Peak is a climbing peak, not simply a trekking destination. At 6,189 metres you have to be ready for cold, altitude, snow and glacier terrain, and depending on conditions for fixed ropes and steeper snow or ice sections.
Proper acclimatisation, appropriate equipment, climbing training and an experienced climbing guide are all essential, and this itinerary provides them. What it cannot provide is your fitness. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Best time to climb
The main climbing seasons are spring, March to May, and autumn, September to November. These months generally offer the better conditions for both the trek and the climb, although Himalayan weather can change quickly at any time of year.
Our support
A successful Himalayan climb needs good preparation, proper acclimatisation and a flexible approach. Our local trekking and climbing team supports you from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and the summit of Island Peak, and before the summit attempt your climbing guide will get you ready with the equipment and the techniques you need.
We never encourage clients to rush at a summit. Safety, acclimatisation and the actual conditions on the mountain always come first.
What it costs
US$3,000 per person. Island Peak climbing permits, local regulations, fees and route requirements can change, so we confirm what is current before your departure.
What's included
- Airport pick up and drop off in Kathmandu
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- Return Kathmandu to Lukla flights
- All required trekking and climbing permits
- Climbing gear
- Guide and porter
- Climbing guide
- Insurance for your guide and porter
- Three meals a day, hot drinks and accommodation throughout the trek and the climb
What's not included
- International flights and Nepal visa fees
- Trekker's travel insurance, which must cover climbing at altitude
- Cold drinks and alcohol
- Bottled water
- Hot showers
- Chocolate and snacks
- Tips for your guides and porters
