Island Peak Climb

Duration: 22 Days

The Island Peak Climb (formally known as Imja Tse), is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal. The majestic peak stands at a towering 6189 meters and offers incomparable views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse. Protruding from a choppy sea of ice and snow-clad peaks, Island Peak is a must for any adventure lover visiting the Everest region. This awesome package combines a visit to Everest Base Camp (5364m) as well, combining one of the most legendary mountaineering spots in the world with a thrilling climbing expedition.

Island Peak is not as high as other climbing peaks in the country, but it is a bit more technically challenging than most. However, with proper training, which we happily provide, you will successfully summit this spectacular peak. Have the adventure of a lifetime with us and summit Island Peak soon!

The first five days of the journey, we follow the Everest Base Camp trekking trail, starting with a standard, though anything but average, flight to Lukla. Trek up to Namche Bazaar, the largest town that the trail passes. Here, bakeries, trekking shops, and guest houses line the foot-trafficked streets. A little bit further lies Tengboche Monastery, the religious center of the Khumbu region. Throughout the trek, you will notice the vibrant spiritual energy, but the spirit of Buddhism is especially alive in Tengboche.

From Tengboche, we head up the desolate, lunar-like Chhuking Valley. Greys, blues, and whites of all shades paint the scene. Our anticipation builds as we near Island Peak Base Camp. When we arrive, our Sherpa guides give you the lowdown on the process of summiting Island Peak, as well as make sure the gear is in tip-top condition. During this 2-night preparation period, we sleep in a tent. There is nothing that says adventure more than sleeping in a tent at 5000 meters under the Himalayas.

The time comes to summit Island Peak. We wake up around 2 in the morning and start in the dark of night. Just above High Camp, a few rocky parts necessitate some scrambling. When we get to the steep slope, fixed ropes are set up by our guide for the ascent of almost 100 meters to the summit ridge. Walk along the thin ridge with steep snow walls on each side. The climb is difficult due to the steepness, but the view from the top is simply unbelievable. The memory of climbing a Himalayan peak will be cherished forever.

The adventure is still not over. We descend and climb back up to Everest Base Camp, a pilgrimage destination for trekkers and mountaineers across the world. Eventually, it is time to say goodbye to the mountains and descend back to Lukla. We hope to see you on our Island Peak Climb soon!

To take the Island Peak Climb, you must have previous trekking experience and a moderate degree of fitness. Most important, though, is your will and determination to make it to the summit. 

Book the Island Peak Climb all throughout the year. Though the climb is available anytime, certain seasons provide the best weather. During autumn (September to November), skies are clearest and mountain views are best. The spring season is also a suitable time to take the journeyl. If you have any questions, please contact us!

Trip Highlights

  • Summit Island Peak (6189 meters) with awe-inspiring views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and more
  • Reach Everest Base Camp (5364 meters), a bucket list spot for trekkers and mountaineers
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery and receive some blessings before the ascent of Island Peak
  • See the out-of-this-world landscape of Chhukung Valley 
  • Spend time with the kindhearted, hospitable Sherpa people

 

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02:Take care of permit formalities and Kathmandu sightseeing.
  • Day 03:Fly to Lukla (2840 Meters) and trek to Phakding.
  • Day 04:Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 Meters).
  • Day 05:Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar.
  • Day 06:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m).
  • Day 07:Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4360m).
  • Day 08:Rest day at Dingboche.
  • Day 09:Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m).
  • Day 10:Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (4970m).
  • Day 11:Prepare at Island Peak Base Camp.
  • Day 12:Summit Island Peak (6200m) and back to Chhukung.
  • Day 13:Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche (4940m) via Kongma La Pass (5535m).
  • Day 14:Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5160m), then up to Everest Base Camp (5340m), back to Gorakshep.
  • Day 15: Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche (4240m).
  • Day 16:Trek from Pheriche to Kyangjuma (3570m).
  • Day 17:Trek from Kyangjuma to Monjo (2840m).
  • Day 18:Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2860m).
  • Day 19:Fly back to Kathmandu.
  • Day 20:Relax day in Kathmandu
  • Day 21:Relax day in Kathmandu.
  • Day 22:Departure from Nepal.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel. A representative of Roar Himalaya Adventure heartily welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Take a rest or wander around the winding streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, we give you the lowdown on your upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 02:Take care of permit formalities and Kathmandu sightseeing.We guide you through the process of getting permits quickly and without any stress. Then, we take you on a full sightseeing tour around Kathmandu’s most famous and beloved heritage sights. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.

  • Day 03:Fly to Lukla (2840 Meters) and trek to Phakding.Hop on a flight to Lukla from the Kathmandu domestic airport and begin the adventure. On the flight, we see some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. After landing, we begin the foothill journey. Hike through friendly Sherpa villages, their cultivated agricultural fields, Buddhist chhortens and mani walls until we get an awesome view of Kusum Kanguru before arriving in Phakding. Overnight in a teahouse lodge.
  • Day 04:Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440 Meters).A scrumptious breakfast gives us energy to begin the journey to Namche Bazaar. The lush trail takes us across several suspension bridges, while enjoying amazing views of Thamserku and flowing rivers. Follow along the Dudh Koshi River to reach Monjo, where we officially enter Sagarmatha National Park. Keep walking along the Dudh Koshi and climb with it as it stretches into higher altitude. Wobble across the highest suspension bridge in the Everest region just before catching our first glimpse of Mount Everest. Trek a little further and reach Namche Bazaar. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 05:Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar.Today is set aside for exploration of the trade and tourism hub of the Everest region. Namche Bazaar is a busy little town, with cafes, guest houses, and trekking gear shops. Wander the streets as we meander up to Everest Viewpoint Hotel, where there are spectacular views of the Himalayas. Have a cup of tea at the world’s highest 5-star hotel and then head back to Namche for the night. There are lots of other alternative day hikes in the area, so if you have any other suggestions let us know! Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 06:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m).After breakfast, we begin today’s journey. Soon after leaving Namche, we pass the Sagarmatha Nation Park museum with has an awesome mountain backdrop. Near Phungi Thanga, we reach a junction, and hike up the steep trail (continuing along the EBC trail). The rhododendron and pine forests around us are full of life and fresh air. After a couple more hours, we arrive to Tengboche, where there is a massive monastery – the religious center of the area. The sunset behind from this charming village is something you will never forget. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
  • Day 07:Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4360m).Today is a memorable day on the Island Peak Climb expedition. We proceed past the tree line, to become surrounded by pristine mountain peaks. First though, we pass through verdant forests to witness Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam in the distance. Crossing the Imja River to reach Pangboche. Keep going and walk through the Imja Valley before finally climbing to Dingboche, a nice village with lush fields of potato, barley and buckwheat. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 08:Rest day at Dingboche.Dingboche is a perfect place to spend a day acclimatizing and exploring. As the climber’s mantra goes, it is best for the body to climb high and sleep low. After breakfast, we start our day hike to Chhukung Valley, about 2 hours slowly uphill. We eat lunch in the Chhukung Valley with mesmerizing views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse and Nuptse. After our wonderful walk, we descend back to Dingboche. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
  • Day 09:Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m).After breakfast, we head up the same way we went the previous day to Chhukung. Wander into the upper Imja Valley. The winds can get powerful up here, so pack your clothes so you are able to conveniently get them at some point during the day. Mountain peaks are visible throughout the day, distracting you from the exhaustion of being this high. Pass the sole tea shop in Bibre and hike another 30 minutes to the village of Chhukung. Overnighit in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 10:Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (4970m).With a hearty breakfast in us, we hike along the Lhotse Glacier past Imja Tso (Lake) to Island Peak Base Camp (4970m). It’s a strenuous journey, but the jaw-dropping alpine landscape makes it more than worth the effort. Overnight in tented camp.
  • Day 11:Prepare at Island Peak Base Camp.Our team prepares breakfast for the group high in the mountains here. Sit in awe throughout the day at this marvelous scenery. Spend the day preparing, training, and exploring with our Sherpa guides. Dinner is prepared early in the evening because we’ll start our climb around 2am. Overnight in tented camp.
  • Day 12:Summit Island Peak (6200m) and back to Chhukung.We begin moving towards the summit even before the crack of dawn. Starting out, we climb the rock gully. It is not too difficult, but because there is little light, we must be careful. The path then leads to a ridgeline – a thrilling traverse onto the lip of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses and slippery terrain. Fixed ropes are used when necessary. A final steep incline leads us onto the summit ridge. After snapping some photos and being at the awe-striking summit, we trek back down all the way to Chhukung. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 13:Trek from Chhukung to Lobuche (4940m) via Kongma La Pass (5535m).We hit the trail early in the morning to reach the Kongma La Pass early enough. There are two options for getting to Lobuche. One option is take a trail over a hill northwest of Chhukung which goes over the Nuptse Glacier moraines. The second option is to walk back to Bibre and trek on the trail above the Niyang Khola. The Kongma La Pass is decorated with wind-torn prayer flags and cairns. For many, the descent is even more challenging than the way up. After a few more hours, we reach Lobuche. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 14:Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5160m), then up to Everest Base Camp (5340m), back to Gorakshep.The adventure does not stop! Eat an early breakfast and start hiking on the rocky trail towards Gorakshep. We leave our belongings at our guest house and hike up to Everest Base Camp with some water and snacks. It’s a steep and rocky trail, which adds some excitement. We eventually arrive to base camp, which is situated on the Khumbu Glacier. From here, you cannot see Everest, but you can see the Khumbu Icefall, Mt. Khumbutse and Pumori. The stunning view of Everest comes the following day. Take some photos and savor the precious moments before descending to Gorakshep. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 15: Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche (4240m).If you want, we can wake up extra early and make the climb to Kala Patthar for a show-stopping view of Mount Everest. Otherwise, start the descent to Pheriche. Compared to the rest of the trek, today’s walk is easy and mellow. We walk through a desolate landscape of boulder fields and sparse vegetation. Continue through the valley floor all the way to Pheriche. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 16:Trek from Pheriche to Kyangjuma (3570m).After a freshening day, we prepare for another awesome one. Cross a pleasant stream and then the trail joins with the typical Everest Base Camp Trek path, going through several villages such as Tsuro Wog, Orsho and Shomare, and then Pangboche. Stop in one of these villages for a lunch/tea. Proceeding further, we make short stops in Dingboche and Tengboche. A final descent of about 500 meters through the rhododendron bushes and fir trees awaits us. After that, we cross the bridge over Dudh Koshi River and moving through the small settlements of Tashinga and Sansa, we arrive to Kyangjuma, another peaceful village. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
  • Day 17:Trek from Kyangjuma to Monjo (2840m).Still thriving on that pure mountain high, we trek the winding trail back to Namche Bazaar. Keep your eyes open for mountain goats and blue sheep which make their home in the area. From Namche Bazaar, we trek steeply downhill and cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River to reach Monjo. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 18:Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2860m).Departing from Monjo, we go down along the Dudh Koshi River, eventually crossing it via a high suspension bridge. Then, take a short, easy, level walk to Benkar. After Benkar, reach Phakding, from where the trail descends. Then, a short, steep ascent leads you past a few Buddhist chhortens and mani walls at Ghat village. After several more suspension bridges, and verdant forests, arrive to Lukla. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 19:Fly back to Kathmandu.It is time to say goodbye to the Everest region. Rather, it is a “see you later.” It is hard not to want to come back again after trekking in the Everest region of Nepal. The morning flight takes us to Kathmandu, arriving in the morning. Spend the rest of the day exploring, buying some souvenirs, or resting. Overnight in hotel.

  • Day 20:Relax day in KathmanduThe last two or so weeks may have been the most exciting ones of your life! A final rest day in Kathmandu is much needed after this adventure. Sleep in if you want to, wander the streets, see cultural sights, or buy some keepsakes to remember our country by. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 21:Relax day in Kathmandu.Have another day to chill out in Kathmandu before leaving. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 22:Departure from Nepal.Before your flight, we take you to the airport to say farewell. We hope you had a blast with us and we appreciate you choosing Roar Himalaya Adventure as your Island Peak climbing guide! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Cost Includes:

  • Airport transfers before and after trek
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (on Bed & Breakfast basis) as per itinerary
  • Domestic Airfare
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead as per itinerary
  • Accommodation at local teahouse lodges during the trek
  • All necessary permits
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance and wage for guide and porters
  • Tent camping setup (sleeping tent, kitchen tent, toilet, etc.). 
  • Necessary climbing gear
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Roar Himalaya Duffle Bag
  • First Aid Kit
  • Service charge and government taxes
     

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Insurance (must cover rescue evacuation in case of emergency)
  • Meals and drinks in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
     

Trip Fact

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Technical Challenging
  • Trip Style: Peak Climbing
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge + Camping
  • Max Elevation: 6189 meters