Island Peak Climbing

Duration: 16 Days
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Climbing and Trekking
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Food: Full Board Plan
  • Accommodation: Hotel, Guest House & Tented Camp
  • Group Size: 1+10
  • Max Elevation: 6,189 m./20,200 ft.

Lifetime achievement-Island peak climbing (6,189 m./20,200 ft.)

Island Peak is one of the most popular climbing peaks in the Khumbu, Everest base camp trail of Nepal. Standing 6,189m in height, it is almost always the first choice for mountain climbers before taking on bigger expeditions. Island Peak is locally known as Imja Tse Peak in the Sherpa language. See the full video until the end about the Island peak details info.

How difficult is Island peak climbing?

Island Peak Summit has an impressive and highly glaciated West Face that rises from the Lhotse Glacier and is an extension of the ridge coming down off the south end of Lhotse Shar. The route to the summit includes a steep slope and a narrow ridge. Island Peak offers magnificent close-up views of the world's highest mountains including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and many others. The peak was named by a British expedition team in 1953 Island Peak because it appears as an island in the sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. The first two hours are easy walking from Base Camp but afterward, it is a vertical Ice wall climbing for about 500 meters. 

Island Peak Climbing Highlights

  • Island Peak standing at an altitude of 6189 m./20,330 ft. the sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche
  • Combination of EBC trek and Sunrise view from Kala Patthar
  • Follow the footsteps of the classic Everest Base camp trek route
  • Reach the height of Island Peak 6,189 m./20,330 ft. situated between Lhotse (8,383 m./27,496 ft.) and Ama Dablam (6,812 m.22,345 ft.)
  • Great opportunity to accomplish Everest Three Pass Trek (Kongma-la (5,535m), Chola Pass (5,420 m), and Renjo La Pass (5,340m)

Island Peak is the most famous trekking peak in Nepal. Standing at an altitude of 6189m above sea level. This is an NMA Peak and the climbing permit will be issued by NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association). The permits can be issued only by the member agency of NMA. The Climbing permit fees depend on the season to season. The fee structure is as below:

  • Autumn Season (September-November):- 150 USD per person.
  • Winter Season (December-February):- 70 USD. Per person.
  • Spring Season (March-May): 250 USD per person.
  • Summer Season (June to August):- 70 USD per person.

Island Peak is the most popular climbing peak in Nepal straddling Chukung Valley between Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft) and Lhotse Shar (8,383 m./27,496 ft.)  Mountains. Part of the climbing experience involves trekking through the famous Everest region and reaching Everest Base Camp plus Kala Patthar. En route, you will be able to experience Sherpa culture and hospitality. Combining island peaks with Everest Base camp trekking in Nepal is another rewarding activity in your lifetime.

The best time for Island peak climbing

The best time for climbing Island Peak is during the Spring Season (March-May) or Autumn season (September- December). However, the Winter season offers beautiful scenery with no clouds but it will be too freezing cold. The summer season (June to August) has poor visibility due to rain and clouds.

What is the cheapest way to accomplish Island peak climbing?

Island Peak is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. Here is the 2-day island peak climbing itinerary. You have to reach Chhukung before going to base camp. met the GAT team at Chhukung, the guide will brief you in detail about the climbing in the evening. Base Camp to Base Camp Services is the cheapest option to accomplish Island peak climbing. Here is the 1N/2D program below.

Day 01: Chhukung treks to Island Peak base camp. Overnight at tented camp. Meals: Full Board plan

Day 02: Base Camp to Summit and Back to Chhukung:- 2 AM Start the climbing, it is 4/5 hrs walking to the summit, and back to base camp is another 4 hrs. After having lunch at base camp trek to Chhukung. 

The cost of the 2 days of Island peak climbing includes a climbing guide, Island Peak equipment, a Tented camp with mattresses, All meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch), Base camp staff, and Climbing permit and gear. The total amount for the Island Peak 1N/2D package cost -675/ USD per person on a sharing basis. Before or after taking the Island peak course, you may explore Everest Base camp or the Gokyo Valley trek on your own.

Outline Itinerary

Open All Days Close All Days
Day 01: Kathamndu fly to Lukla 130 km. and trek to Phakding (2,620 m./8,595 ft.) 4 hrs.

Morning iconic fly to Lukla and begins the trek through the Tamang and Sherpa villages. Lukla is mostly inhabited by Sherpa tribes. The trail goes gradually flat to Phakding. Overnight at G

Flying Air Distance- 130 km./80 miles

Altitude Descend- 200

Trekking Distance- 9 km.

Trekking Duration- 4 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Snowland (attached bath)

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Snowland
  • 2,620 m./8,595 ft.

You are approaching the Himalayas closely. Viewing the all-mountain and pine forest and following the yak takes you to Namche Bazar. On the way, you will have your first encounter with Mount Everest, Amadablem, Themserku, and many more. Overnight at Hotel Namche or Similar.

Distance Cover-10 km.

Altitude Gain- 820 m.

Trekking Duration- 7 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Namche or Similar(attached bath)

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Namche or Similar(attached bath)
  • 3,440 m./11,285 ft.

Rest day in Namche for acclimatization - Optional hike to Thame/Khumjung Monastery/Everest view Hotel. Over night at Guest house. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Namche or Similar
  • 3,440 m./11,285 ft.

Trek begins very easily first part then the trail goes downhill to Phunki Tanga on the river side. From here Buddhism was introduced into the Khumbu valley. Then ascends about 800 m. to Tengboche through the pine forest. Over night at Hotel Himalaya.

Distance Cover- 11 km.

Altitude Gain-240 m.

Trekking Duration- 5 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Himalaya or Similar

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Himalaya or Similar
  • 3,680 m./12,070 ft.

Tenboche is the best place to view Mount Everest Amadablam and Thanserku in the back. Tenboche monastery is another attraction of tourists so GAT staff take you there in the morning to participate in Puja and descend through the Rhododendron. Facing always giant mountain range towards Pheriche. Overnight at Hotel Pumori 

Distance Cover- 10 km.

Altitude Gain-520 m.

Trekking Duration- 5 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Pumori or Similar

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Pomori or Similar(attached bath)
  • 4,200 m./13,767 ft.

GAT planned this itinerary to make our clients more safe from the altitude. The way will be harder than before but Mane, Chortens, and prayer flags give you the power to go Lobuche. Over Night at Hotel Oxygen 

Distance Cover- 6 km.

Altitude Gain- 500 m.

Trekking Duration- 4 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Oxygen or Similar

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Oxygen or Similar
  • 4,700 m./15,416 ft.

You're almost on the lap of the Himalayan range. Gorekshep is the initial base camp of Everest. Until the 1950s climber set their camp at this place. Optional hiked up to Everest base camp and back to lodge. Overnight at Hotel Snowland.

Distance Cover-6 km. +7 km. to EBC

Altitude Gain-430 m.

Trekking Duration- 3+4+ 7 hrs

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Sonw Land or Similar

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Snow land or Similar
  • 5,130 m./16,826 ft.

After taking the Summit of Kala Patthar, Descend back to Gorak Shep to pack your things and have breakfast, then descend to Dingoche via Lobuche and Dhukla, crossing the Glacial Moraine and fragile path. This is a moderate day hike spend the night at the Hotel Good Luck.

Distance Cover- 13 km.

Altitude Descend- 1125 m.

Trekking Duration- 7 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Good Luck or Similar

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Good Luck or Similar
  • 4,420 m./14,490 ft.

From here you are going towards Chhukung Valley for the Island peak summit. Chhukung Valley is another beautiful valley with its landscapes and mountain views, Overnight at Guest House. 

Distance Cover- 5 km.

Altitude Gain- 280 m.

Trekking Duration- 3 hrs

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Namaste Hotel or Similar

  • Full Board Meals
  • Namaste Hotel or Similar
  • 4,700 m./15,416 ft.

We always make sure that you are drinking and having enough water with you as there are no Guest houses. Along the way, only glaciers and mountains can be seen. Overnight at Tented camp. 5,400 m. 

Distancer Cover- 4 km.

Altitude Gain- 400 m.

Trekking Duration- 4 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Tent

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 5,100 m./16,732 ft.

On the summit day, the climbers ascend the ice and rocky path to the top and descend to base camp, it is a long and physically demanding day. The duration of the climbing depends on various factors such as individual fitness, weather conditions, and technical difficulties. Climbers always should prepare mentally and physically. Always listin' you climbing Sherpa instruction. Come back to base camp for the celebration of the summit.

Distance Cover- 7 km.

Altitude Gain-1,089 m.

Climbing Duration- 8 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Tent

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 5,100 m./16,732 ft.

Additional day for the weather window

  • Full Board Meals
  • Tented Camp
  • 5,100 m./16,732

Coming down is always easy due to the emotions of the people as you meet your final destination. Overnight at the Himalaya Hotel

Distance Cover- 12 km.

Altitude Descend- 1420 m.

Trekking Duration- 7 hrs

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Hotel Himalaya or Similar

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Himalaya
  • 3,680 m./12,070 ft.

Walking through the wide valley offers you great views of the Himalayas and take your time to visit the giant Sherpa village, we pass Namche and descend to Manjo through the pine forest, cross the longest suspension bridge, and continue your journey to Manjo spend the night at the Manjo Guest House

Distance Cover- 16 km.

Altitude Descend- 845 m.

Trekking Duration- 7 hrs.

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation- Manjo Guest House

  • Full Board Meals
  • Manjo Guest House
  • 2,835 m./9,301 ft.

The distance from Manjo to Lukla depends on the individual trekking pace. Typically, it takes about 5 hours to trek from Manjo to Lukla, covering a distance of approximately 12 kilometers. The trek involves descending from the higher elevation of Manjo down to Lukla, passing through scenic landscapes, and Sherpa villages, and crossing suspension bridges along the way. Approaching Lukla and spending the last night at Khumbu Resort

Distance Cover- 8 km.

Altitude Descend- 35 m.

Trekking Duration- 5 hrs

Meals- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

  • Full Board Meals
  • Khumbu Resort or Similar
  • 2,800 m./9,184 ft.

This is a short and iconic flight over the magnificent views Himalayas. Once you arrive at the domestic airport of Kathmandu, transfer to Thamel to Buddha Hotel/Guest. 

  • Full Board Meals
  • Hotel Buddha
  • 1,350 m./4,428 ft.

What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services
  • Flight ticket (KTM-LUK-KTM)
  • English Speaking Trekking Guide and porter while you are tea house trek
  • Climbing Guide and support team while you are peak climbing
  • All Food and accommodation while climbing and the tea house lodge trek (Meals: full board plan)
  • 2/3 night tented camp and 13 nights in tea house accommodation
  • Two men's tents and foam mattresses will be provided while you are in our camp
  • All kitchen equipment, climbing guide, and staff their insurance
  • Climbing gears: Rope, Harness, Ice-axe, Carabinas, Crampons, F-8, Jummer, Helmet, Ice-Bar, and Ice-screw
  • Permit: National park entry permit,
  • Island Peak Climbing permit,
  • TIMS and all government TAX
  • Sleeping bag(3-4 seasons) and climbing boots
  • Your personal warm clothes for Trekking/ climbing/climbing boots
  • Personal High rescue Medical insurance
  • Helicopter evacuation if needed any emergency Case
  • Beverage: coke, beer, Mineral water, bar bills
  • Foods and accommodation in case of early return back from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary
  • Tips for your trip staff
Request a Private Date

Useful Info

  • you must acclimatize to the oxygen deficiency gradually along the trail.
  • A 50 – 65 degree angle with our own fixed ropes on challenging terrain at high altitudes. 
  • A 6-month valid passport is required while traveling to Nepal.
  • Join and prepare for this Island Peak Challenge, we assemble the group for you.
  • Be on the top of the Island in the sea of Ice/Glacier