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  • Duration:19 Nights 20 Days
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Max. Altitude: 6189m
  • Group Size: 1-8
  • Activity: Trekking & Climbing
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Island Peak Climbing

About Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak (Imja Tse), 6189m, is an exciting and challenging climb in the Khumbu Himalaya and, therefore, within reach of the average fit person who wants to have a genuine high-altitude climbing experience on snow and ice. Previous climbing experience will be helpful as our highly experienced Sherpa climbing guides will also provide training and practice of relevant skills such as using jumour, abseiling, and mainly crossing the ladders section on Island Peak. If you have previous knowledge and experience in Rock and ice climbing and have already done high-altitude trekking, it will be very beneficial for your Island Peak Expedition. Our Island Peak Climbing combines the classic trek to the Everest Base Camp and a stunning 6000m peak climb. Island Peak Base Camp is easily accessible from Chhukung village, just off the Everest Base Camp trail. The climb segment starts from the Chhukung Valley and takes only 2 Nights and 3 Days to climb the Imja Tse, Island Peak.

Kathmandu to Island Peak Climbing Route

Island Peak Climbing begins at Lukla and follows the Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail up the Dudh Kosi valley through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar. This trekking journey to Everest Base Camp is already an extraordinary experience; there are beautiful pine and rhododendron forests, monasteries, excellent trekking trails, and magnificent views of Khumbu Himalaya such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Pumori, to name a few and of course the heart and soul of Khumbu, i.e. Sherpa people, their culture, work and hospitality. By now, we will be much more acclimatized to the cold weather and altitude on Island Peak. Returning to Dingboche, the trail branches off into the Chhukung Valley, where our next adventure begins.

From Chhukung village, the trail follows the moraine of the massive Lhotse Glacier, then the Imja Tso Khola (river) to Island Peak Base Camp at 5100 m. We spend time hiking around base camp for acclimatization and learning the climbing skills required for Island Peak. There are slabs and boulders to clamber over to reach Island Peak High Camp (5500m) where we will spend our second night at tents before we approach our summit push of Island Peak.

Island Peak Summit Day

After high camp, there are more rocks and scree at first, and then we get to Crampon Point, where we put on our harness, climbing boots and other climbing gear. We need to walk on the Ladders to cross the Crevasses section in a couple of places. After the Crevasses section, walk on the flat glacier section before we get to the foothill of the Ice headwall. A 300-meter headwall of 45-degree snow slopes leads to the exposed summit ridge of Island Peak. From the summit, the incredible view of the Himalayas includes Nuptse, 7879m; Lhotse, 8501m; Lhotse Middle Peak, 8419m; and the unclimbed Lhotse Shar, 8383m. To the east, the perfect pyramid of Makalu, 8475m and the frozen waves of the Lhotse Shar Glacier, and to the south, Baruntse and alluring Ama Dablam.

The best seasons for Island Peak Climbing 

The best season for climbing Island Peak in Nepal is from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). However, the winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December, the views of the mountains are crystal clear, and there are fewer trekkers around. The duration of Island Peak Climbing can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition will arrange every detail of your Island Peak Expedition; lodge accommodation, guides, food, and all the necessary climbing and camping equipment.

Planning to climb Island Peak (Imja Tse) in 2024 and 2025

Guaranteed Departures: We are preparing for our Autumn 2024 and 2025 dates and groups for Island Peak Expedition. Please get in touch for further details.

Highlights of Island Peak Climbing

  • stunning summit views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam and others beautiful Peaks
  • climbing expereince of a peak is a joy that you will cherish a lot
  • shortest and most affordable of the 6000m peak climbings
  • base camp is easily accessible from the classic Everest Base Camp Trekking Trail
  • logistics and well managed camp set-up at Island Peak Base camp and High camp
  • basic training for climbing on snow and ice by experienced and certified Sherpa Climbing Guide
  • spending a night at Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp before your summit push

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1300 m/4,265 ft

For day-to-day itinerary in detail 

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • 3
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping / Tea house / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping / Tea house / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea house / Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea house / Lodge
  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • Breakfast

Trip Map

Island Peak Climbing map

What's Included

  • Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
  • Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu: Four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis
  • Accommodation during Lodge / Tea House: 13 nights (twin-share rooms, beds with comfortable foam mattresses and pillows)
  • All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • Accommodation during camping: one night  at Base Camp and one  night at High Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tang juice, tea and coffee)
  • English speaking experienced and certified Sherpa Guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • All Camping Equipment required during the trek, sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment
  • Climbing rope, Ice screws, Snow bar
  • Necessary camping staff, all Camping Equipment, sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if the group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for Two Trekker basis in all of our Climbing Trips
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothills Duffle Bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothills Souvenir
  • Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Island Peak Climbing Permit
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Island Peak Climbing Certificate issued by the respective body of the Nepal Government.
  • All required Personal and Group Climbing Equipments and Gears.
     

Personal Climbing Gear includes:

  • Mountaineering/Climbing Boots
  • Crampons
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Ice Axe
  • 2 x Screwgate Carabiners ( Lock and Unlock)
  • Descender ( Figure 8, Belay Device)
  • Ascender (Jumar)
  • Prussic Loops
  • 2 x Tape slings

What’s Excluded

  • Your Personal Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to $ 14 per meal in Tourist restaurants.
  • Beverages (All drinks, Tea, Coffee, mineral water, boiled water and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in the above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek foro any reason) then the planned itinerary.

 

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date27 Mar, 2024End Date15 Apr, 2024AvailableUS$ 2350

Departure Note:

Guaranteed- We already have trekkers booked for those dates and you can join the group.

Available - The date is available to book and once you confirm your trip it will be guaranteed.

Limited - The departure date is filling fast and only limited seats are available to join.

Closed- The Trip cannot be booked on that specific date. Contact us for customized dates.

 

The departure dates are your arrival dates in Kathmandu, Nepal.

We have set dates for departure of Island Peak Climbing. So, pick your preferable date and let the adventure begin.

If the date you prefer is not listed on our departure dates then you can contact us directly to book the trip on your own desired date.

We have listed the price up to 08 trekkers at maximum. If you are more than 08 trekkers, then please feel free to contact us for amazing discounted group price and further booking process.

Private Trips to Island Peak Climbing is possible. Contact us to design your own private trips with you loved ones.

Solo Trips: Single trekkers are always welcome to join the climb. On your arrival at Kathmandu, you’ll have a single room in Kathmandu Hotel as per your requirement and have to share a room at the local teahouses during the trekking.

Useful Info

Island Peak Climbing Packing List:

“There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Alfred Wainwright

Are you planning your dream trip to the Himalayas of Nepal? If so, pack appropriately for hiking, trekking, and climbing experiences. The best trekking seasons for Island Peak Climbing are spring, March–May, and autumn (September–November). The weather is mild during these seasons, with clear skies and outstanding mountain views. However, nights can get cold at higher elevations. So, packing appropriate clothing, gear, and equipment is essential for a memorable and safe climbing experience.

Packing Strategy

A strategic way to pack for Island Peak Climbing is to divide your belongings into a daypack and a duffle bag. You will carry the daypack on your back, so keeping it as light as possible is important. Pack only the essentials you'll need daily during your hike, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and toiletries. The duffle bag will be carried by your porter from the beginning to the end of your trek. This is where you'll pack your sleeping bag, clothing, hiking boots, trekking poles, and any other climbing gear you need.

 

Upper Body:

  • Warm beanie hat
  • Tubular Headwear (buff)
  • Sun Hat or Cap (cap and buff all fit under your hood)
  • Polarized Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Headlamp (Black Diamond / Petzl) with spare batteries
  • Sunscreen with factor 50+
  • Upper Body (Core body):
  • 3 Light and trekking weight thermal tops
  • 3 T-shirts or cool-max trekking shirts
  • 1 Fleece Jacket or pull over (Merino, soft shell)
  • 1 Waterproof shell jacket with hood (lightweight, breathable)
  • 1 Down Jacket

Lower Body:

  • 2 Thermal base layers (merino or polartec power dry)
  • 2 Pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • 1 Heavy weight hiking trousers (wind proof soft shell for warmth at higher altitude)
  • 1 Waterproof/ Rain pants
  • 2 Light Hiking shorts
  • 2 Fleece Pants
  • 4 Under wears (merino)

Hands:

  • 1 Lightweight gloves or liner gloves
  • 1 Pair shell gloves (Gore-Tex)
  • 1 Waterproof outer glove

Feet:

  • 3 Warm Trekking socks (smart wool)
  • 3 Pairs of liner socks
  • 2 Pairs of thick/ warm socks
  • 2 Thick wool socks to wear at night in lodges
  • Trekking Boots (waterproof, ankle support with rigid sole)
  • Lightweight Rubber Shoes / Trainers / Trail Runner to wear at the Tea Houses

Accessories:

  • 1 Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) 40 - 50 Liters
  • 2 Water bottle or camel bag, 1-liter (one with an insulated cover is recommended)
  • Large duffle bag (and a lock as the porters will carry this)
  • A pair of adjustable Trekking Pole
  • Camera with extra battery
  • Sleeping bag (- 15 C depending upon trips)
  • Sleeping Bag liner
  • Ear Plugs
  • Portable Solar Charger
  • Smart Trekking Watch

Personal First Aid Kit:

Please do note that our trekking guides will be too carrying the first aid kit with them especially for the guests and the entire team as a whole. Still, we suggest the following items to be carried with you while trekking in the Himalaya of Nepal.

  • Personal Medication
  • Diarrhea Stopper (e.g. Imodium)
  • Paracetamol Tablets
  • Small Swiss Army knife (which has knife, scissors and tweezers)
  • Diamox for altitude (consult your doctor about this)
  • Water Purification tablets or drops
  • Blister kit / Zinc Tape
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Dressing Gauze
  • Antibiotic Cream

FAQs

1. Can I hire only Guide and a Porter from you for climbing Island Peak?

Yes, you can hire Trekking and Climbing Guide and Porter services from us. We can offer customizable services of Guides, Porters, Domestic Flights and Documentation.

Excellent!

We’ll be happy to welcome you soon in Nepal and provide you our expert team to do the magnanimous Island Peak Climbing in Himalaya of Nepal.

Please, go through this link for booking procedure.

https://www.annapurnafoothills.com/how-to-make-bookings

Regarding cancellation, if a guest voluntarily or involuntarily terminates/cancels the trip once the trip has started, no refund will be given for missed or unused services of the trip regardless of the reason i.e. sickness, or any other unfortunate events.

 

Well, it depends upon the kinds of emergency you’re going through. If you have to leave the expedition due to ill health or severe injury, we will arrange an emergency air rescue immediately which will fly you out of the mountains to Kathmandu for medical attention. Make sure your insurance covers high altitude mountain search and rescue.

If you are able to walk down, one of the assistant guides will guide you down to a lower elevation where you can wait for the rest of the team or fly out to Kathmandu ahead of the group.

Even if you leave the expedition beforehand, we are committed to pay the porters and guides for the duration of the trip for which they are hired. So, refunds for the unused days for your trip will not be given. We can provide something complementary depending upon the cases

Not just because we are a Nepal based local operator but our Sherpa climbing guides are experienced, competent, professional and all of them have numerous high altitude experiences including Mount Everest and other 8000m in the Himalaya of Nepal. Our guides in Himalaya are provided with satellite phone communication allowing us to maintain excellent emergency contact capabilities and keep your friends and family informed of our progress during the long weeks away from home. We focus on safety, quality and value for money by providing good equipments, gears and logistics required for your trip, things that many lower cost programs don’t facilitates with.

Nepal should be on top of your BUCKET LIST for trekking and climbing adventures. For climbing a 6000m peak as well because Nepal comprises 1400 trekking peaks above 6000m and 8 of the 14, 8000m peaks in the world. With the rich variety of flora and fauna, landscapes, the hospitality of the Nepalese locals, the favorable climatic and geographical conditions, the rich cultural spirit which represents a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism, it is fair to say that your mountaineering ambitions can be taken to a new level here in the Himalaya of Nepal.

We value and operate eco friendly trips and are highly committed to Leave No Trace. Our guides and staffs are well aware of their responsibility toward environment. Garbage which is burnable are sorted and burnt and those which can be recycled are taken back to Lukla and handover to Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).

If our domestic flights to or from Lukla get cancelled because of bad weather, we’ll have two major options;

Reschedule your flight next day. Additional expenses like accommodation, food etc. need to be paid by guests.

Other option will be a Helicopter flight which will be expensive compared to regular flights. Cost will depend upon availability, number of members and baggage weight.

The luggage limit for Porter is around 25 KG. We will provide one porter for two trekkers during the trip. Porter are those staffs who not carry only your luggage but also lift your spirit to reach new heights and your affection and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination.

Lukla flights weight limit is 10 KG. Extra baggage can be taken with additional costs.

You won’t be spending much on trail as the cost of accommodation and 3 meals a day are included in your trip cost while booking with Annapurna Foothills. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per person per day will be enough since you have to personally pay for items such as beverages, cold and hot drinks, charging electronic devices, Wi-Fi, hot showers at the tea houses.

At most villages along the Island Peak trail, the tea houses will have internet facility. You need to purchase internet recharge cards. The internet speed will be very basic. You can also purchase Nepalese SIM cards (NCEL or NTC) but their coverage will be limited. And our climbing guide will also carry a satellite phone for emergencies with minimum cost.

You can get hot shower services throughout your Mera Peak Trip. However, the higher you climb the less pleasant it will be. It’s better to be on the safe side of things and we suggest not taking shower on a regular basis when you’re above 3000m. Hot showers also refers to Hot water bucket provided not the real showers.

Food during your trek can be one of the major highlights. Meals around the mountains consist of a diet rich in carbohydrates because our bodies do not process fat and protein efficiently at higher elevations and to compensate the increase in caloric need that high-altitude climbing involves. We try to make meals and breakfast varied and as normal as possible. Typical meals are rice, noodles, pasta, potato dishes along with vegetable and egg dishes. Lunches will also consist of cooked meals. Above Base Camp, climbing food mainly consists of dried meals such as pastas or rice. Basically, you will have dinner and breakfast at the lodge where you stay overnight and lunch will be at the tea houses on the way.

Island Peak (Imja Tse) 6189m is located just over the ridge from Mount Everest and Lhotse. You can reach there by trekking through the Khumbu valley, following the classic Everest Base Camp trekking trail until Dingboche village. It is listed as a trekking peak by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and can be climbed as a person's first Himalayan experience depending upon their previous trekking and climbing history. Most trekker flies from Kathmandu to Lukla and take about a week to trek to Island Peak base camp.

There is no requirement to join a group or departure dates to climb a 6000 meter peak in Nepal. We always try to be flexible with our trips for our guest’s convenience. We are open to changes on the trip details as long as the proposed itinerary or suggestions does not harm your own chances of acclimatization.

Private or Solo Trips is possible but a bit more expensive compared to joining a fixed date. We highly recommend hiring a reputable guide service for a safe and secure climbing experience. With Annapurna Foothills, there is absolutely nothing to worry about if you wish to do a private solo trip or join a departure date. We assign local professional guides, porter etc whom you could trust with your life as they are highly experienced and give first priority to your safety.

Annapurna Foothills requires that all participants on our Himalayan climbs and treks purchase Travel Insurance that includes coverage for search, evacuation, repatriation and medical expenses for the duration of climbing Island peak or any other peaks in Himalaya of Nepal.

Climbing permit for trekking peaks is a legal document issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) authorizing the climber to attempt the climb on designated peak or route. Yes, climbing permit is a must for Island Peak. The climbing permit is included in the package cost and we will arrange the climbing permit and transport service.

We mainly focus on small groups. We take up to 10 trekkers in a group so that we can provide personal care to each of our members. If you have group of more than 10, please contact us for amazing group discounts and customized services.

We provide your personal gears required during the Island Peak Climbing. We can recommend some good stores where you can rent or buy good down jackets or sleeping bags.

The first and foremost advice is to gain all the essential experience and climbing skills as instructed. Acclimatization is the key. We highly suggest taking enough time along the trail. Before you start your trek trainings back home, strength and endurance, physical training, multi day hiking experience and we suggest previous trekking experience above 4000m for Island Peak. Right gears and equipments is also a must. With that said, we will provide best possible logistics and support during your trip, our experienced, competent and friendly Sherpa guides are always there to provide you guys maximum chances of making the summit.

We spend one night at Base Camp and another night in High Camp before our summit push for Island Peak. We will return down to Chhukung on the same night. We will have one reserve day just in case of bad weather or any other reasons. In that case we will spend another night at High Camp.

There is really only one standard route i.e. from Dingbuche - Chhukung village to Island Peak Base Camp –Island Peak High Camp – Crampon Point- Island Peak Summit. Till Dingbuche village, you will follow the classic Everest Base Camp trekking trail. We will spend one night at Island Peak Base Camp and one night at Island Peak High Camp before attempting for the summit of Island Peak.

The best time to climb Island Peak is during autumn season (September to November) and spring season (March to May). Winter climbs is also possible.

Island Peak is a good ice and rock climbing experience at altitude which requires experience with equipments such as mountaineering boots, crampons, abseiling, glacier trekking, crossing ladders, ice axe and climbing fixed ropes. The route to Island Peak is a bit technical and involves crossing crevasses on ladders and using fixed rope to reach the summit. The real crux of climbing Island Peak is the final 150 meters (Ice Head Wall) as it can be a bit steep. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition, well acclimatized and equipped to push for the summit of Island Peak which might take approx. 10-14 hours depending upon climbers. 

SUMMIT DAY is the main day of your climb. Obviously it will be the tough, challenging, long day and equally rewarding day. We start the climb early in the morning let’s say around 2 or 3 AM in the morning depending upon the situation on the mountain. Generally, the climb will take around 10- 14 hours depending upon the climber.

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