The Island Peak Climbing Expedition is an exciting opportunity for adventurers to test their mountaineering skills while exploring the stunning landscapes of the Everest region. Located in the Imja Valley, Island Peak serves as an excellent introduction to high-altitude climbing, with technical sections that challenge both beginners and experienced climbers. The expedition includes a trek through the legendary Khumbu Valley, cultural encounters with Sherpa communities, and a chance to witness some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representatives and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax or explore the city. In the evening, we will hold a briefing about the Island Peak expedition, covering important details about the itinerary, safety protocols, and necessary preparations. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
Today, explore the cultural richness of Kathmandu with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. In the afternoon, we’ll finalize preparations for the expedition, ensuring all gear is checked and permits are secured. This is also an opportunity to shop for any last-minute supplies.
An early morning flight takes us to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas and sets the stage for the adventure ahead. From Lukla, we begin our trek, passing through forests and small villages to reach Phakding. The trail is relatively easy, providing a good warm-up for the days to come.
Today’s trek takes us to Namche Bazaar, the bustling hub of the Khumbu region. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. As we ascend, we enter Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek becomes steeper as we approach Namche Bazaar, where we’ll stay overnight.
Acclimatization is key to a successful climb, so we spend the day in Namche Bazaar to adjust to the altitude. We’ll hike to the Everest View Hotel for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. We’ll also visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Tenzing Norgay Memorial. The rest of the day is free to explore Namche or rest.
The trek from Namche to Tengboche is one of the most scenic days on the trail. As we walk, we’ll enjoy stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The trail winds through rhododendron forests and passes by rivers before reaching Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery. The evening is free to visit the monastery and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Today’s trek takes us higher into the mountains as we head towards Dingboche, a picturesque village surrounded by towering peaks. The trail descends through forests before climbing again as we enter the Imja Valley. As we ascend, the landscape becomes more barren, with stunning views of Island Peak and Lhotse.
We spend another day acclimatizing in Dingboche to prepare for the higher altitudes ahead. We’ll take a short hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) for acclimatization, offering incredible views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. After the hike, the rest of the day is free to relax and explore the village.
Today’s trek is a short but important one as we head to Chhukung, the last settlement before Island Peak Base Camp. The trail is relatively flat and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Upon reaching Chhukung, we’ll prepare for the climb, reviewing gear and techniques.
We leave Chhukung and trek to Island Peak Base Camp. The trail becomes more rugged and challenging as we approach Base Camp, passing through rocky terrain and glacial moraines. Upon arrival at Base Camp, we set up our tents and prepare for the summit push. The views from Base Camp are spectacular, with Island Peak towering above us.
Summit day begins early, with a pre-dawn start to take advantage of the best weather conditions. The climb to the summit is demanding, involving steep sections of snow and ice. Ropes and crampons are required for the final ascent. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and the surrounding peaks. After celebrating at the summit, we carefully descend back to Chhukung.
This extra day is included to account for any delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If the summit attempt is successful on the first try, this day can be used to rest or explore the surrounding area.
We begin our descent back to lower altitudes, retracing our steps to Tengboche. The trek down is much easier, and we can enjoy the views without the strain of high altitude. Upon reaching Tengboche, we’ll stay overnight, with the evening free to visit the monastery or rest.
The trail today is mostly downhill, passing through forests and villages as we make our way back to Namche Bazaar. We’ll take our time to enjoy the scenery and reflect on the journey. Upon reaching Namche, you can relax and explore the town.
Our final day of trekking takes us back to Lukla, retracing our steps along the Dudh Koshi River. The trail is familiar but still offers new perspectives on the landscape. Upon reaching Lukla, we celebrate the successful completion of our expedition with a farewell dinner.
After an early morning flight back to Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, shop, or explore the city. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful climb of Island Peak.
On your final day in Nepal, you’ll have some free time before your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Take with you the memories of an incredible journey and the achievement of summiting Island Peak.
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a popular trekking peak in the Everest region of Nepal. Standing at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet), it offers climbers a challenging yet accessible introduction to high-altitude mountaineering, with spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants.
Island Peak is considered a challenging climb due to its high altitude and technical sections. The ascent involves steep slopes, glaciers, and exposed ridges, requiring the use of crampons, ice axes, and ropes. While it is suitable for climbers with basic mountaineering skills, participants should be in excellent physical condition and have prior experience with high-altitude trekking.
Yes, prior experience with high-altitude trekking or basic mountaineering is recommended for Island Peak. Participants should be familiar with using crampons, ice axes, and ropes. Additionally, good physical fitness is essential for the demands of the climb.
To climb Island Peak, you will need the following permits: Island Peak Climbing Permit: Issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Required for entry into the national park. TIMS Card: The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal. These permits are included in the cost of the expedition package, and our team will arrange them for you.
The best time to climb Island Peak is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making them ideal for trekking and climbing.
Training should begin several months before the expedition and focus on building cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. Hiking with a loaded backpack, running, cycling, and stair climbing are all excellent ways to prepare. Additionally, include strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and core workouts. Regular stretching and flexibility exercises, such as yoga, are also recommended.
During the trek, accommodation will be in teahouses with basic amenities, including shared bathrooms and simple meals. At Island Peak Base Camp, you will stay in tents with sleeping bags and blankets provided. The accommodations are basic but comfortable, and the meals are designed to meet the energy needs of trekkers and climbers.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Island Peak climbing. Your insurance must cover high-altitude trekking and climbing (up to 6,500m), including medical evacuation and repatriation. It’s essential to verify that your policy covers all planned activities and altitudes.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious concern when climbing at high altitudes. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Our itinerary includes gradual acclimatization to minimize the risk, but it’s important to recognize symptoms early and report them to your guide. Staying hydrated, eating well, and resting are key to preventing AMS.
Everest Region
