• Duration:19 Nights 20 Days
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Max. Altitude: 6189m
  • Group Size: 2-8
  • Activity: Trekking & Climbing
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Island Peak Climbing

Island Peak (Imja Tse) 6189m, is an interesting 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 jumor, abseiling and mainly crossing the ladders section on Island Peak. Though if you have knowledge and experience of rock and ice climbing, already done high altitude trekking, then it will be very beneficial for your Island Peak Expedition.

Our Island Peak Climbing combines the classic trek to the Everest Base Camp and climb of a stunning 6000m peak. 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 period to do the climb. 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, amazing trekking trails, magnificent views of Khumbu Himalaya such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Pumori to name a few and of course the heart and soul of Khumbu i.e. Sherpa people, thier culture, work and hospitality. By now we are much more acclimatized for 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 at5100m. We spend time hiking around base camp for acclimatization and learning climbing skills required for Island Peak. There are slabs and boulders to clamber over to reach Island PeakHigh Camp 5500m where we will spend our second night at tents before we approach for our summit push of Island Peak.

After high camp there are more rocks and scree at first, then we get to the Crampon Point, where we put on our harness, climbing boots and other climbing gears. Couple of places, we need to walk on the Ladders to cross the Crevasses section. After the Crevasses section then walking on flat glacier section before we get to the foothill of the Ice headwall. There is a 300 meter headwall of 45 degree snow slopes leading to the exposed summit ridge of Island Peak. From the summit, the incredible view pf Himalaya 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 season for climbing Island Peak in Nepal is from March to May (Spring) and from 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 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, as well as all the necessary climbing and camping equipment.
 

We offer various routes and itinerary options to climb Island Peak in Nepal.

  1. Island Peak Climbing 3 Days (Chukung - Island Peak - Chhukung)
    Price from US$ 750  per person
  2. Gokyo Cho La Pass Island Peak Climbing 19 Day
    Price from US$ 2280 per person
  3. Island Peak Climbing via Pokalde Peak 22 Days 
    Price from US$ 2700  per person
  4. Three High Passes and Island Peak Climb 24 Days
    Price from US$ 2650  per person


Planning to climb Island Peak (Imja Tse) in 2023 and 2024

Guaranteed Departures. We are preparing for our Autumn 2023 and 2024 dates and groups for Island Peak Expediiton. 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

Flying to Kathmandu is in itself an exciting and memorable experience. On a clear day you will get a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. In the airport, after completing the visa formalities collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be met by our representative carrying your name on a signboard as well as our company signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. You will be taken to your hotel in our vehicle, where you will be staying before commencing the trip.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. Afterward, you are free to relax or explore around the city. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it. Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley are also an option.

  • Breakfast and Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel

We head to the domestic airport for our early morning flight to Lukla. From the twin otter plane, we will enjoy some amazing views of several of the world’s highest mountains including Cho Oyu, 8153m, Lhotse, 8516m, Gauri Shankar, 7145m, Menlungtse, 7181m, and Mount Everest.

At Lukla, our support crew will be waiting to welcome us. After distributing our luggage among the strong Sherpa porters who will so cheerfully carry our burdens for the trip, we set out downhill into the Dudh Koshi (milk river) Valley. The trails in these parts reflect the large roll Tibetan Buddhism plays in the lives of the Sherpa people. There are many mani stones, which are large stones with Tibetan prayers chiseled into them, all along the trails. You will soon become familiar with the customary way of passing chortens, mani stones, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. We reach Phakdingma, a small village beside the Dudh Kosi River. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge
  • 3

Today will be one of the hardest days of the trek. So, we take it slowly, giving our body a chance to acclimatize and our senses a chance to take in the sights into the heart of Khumbu. From Phakding, the trail follows Dudh Koshi valley north for 2-3 hours to Monjo, the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There is a good view of Thamserku, 6608m. We follow the river to the Hillary Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge that spans the deep chasm over the confluence of the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi. From here, it is a tough climb to Namche. The trail continues to climb through pine forest. About half way up there, is a vantage point that provides our first view of Mt. Everest rising majestically from behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse.

Namche is a beautiful village in itself with colorful houses and lodges and prayer flags, and the setting is majestic as it is spread on the steep sides of a horse-shoe shaped valley facing the beautiful Kongde Ri Peak. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

If we are acclimatizing well, we will want to walk up a hill for spectacular viewpoint where we can see all the way up the Imja Khola Valley to where the glacial moraine begins below the towering Mt Everest, 8848 m. Other spectacular peaks vosoble from here are Tawache, 6542m, Thamserku, 6808m, Kantega, 6685 m, Ama Dablam, 6856m, Nuptse, 7896m and Lhotse, 8511m. Besides, the great bazaar with a wonderful variety of shops to visit, today gives us a chance to visit the Sherpa Cultural Centre which has an interesting collection of mountaineering items and photographs. There is also the option of a day walk to the pretty village of Khumjung where Sir Edmund Hillary built his “Schoolhouse in the Clouds” and the famed Khunde hospital. We can see the “scalp of a yeti” at Khumjung monastery.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we follow the Classic Everest Base Camp trail and enjoy one of the most scenic days of our trek. We start with a short, steep climb out of Namche up to a ridge which meanders above the Imja Khola. As we hike along, we get spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and also the beautiful Ama Dablam. We descend through rhododendron forest to Phunki Tenga near the Dudh Kosi where we will have our lunch. A suspension bridge takes us across the river and we start an ascent of about 1 hr through pine and rhododendron forest. We will likely spot some wildlife such as Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer and pheasants while passing through the forests. The trail becomes less steep after leaving the forest. We climb for another 1.5 hours through grassy meadow to reach the Tengboche monastery on the crest of a long ridge which stretches to the summit of Kantega. Sir Edmund Hillary helped to re-build this famous monastery after it was destroyed by fire in 1989. From Tengboche, the views of the Everest massif as well as all the other major peaks of the area will be totally spellbinding.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

The trail descends through a beautiful forest then crosses the Imja Khola (river) and passes through the village of Pangboche. The route continues through summer pastures where the yak graze, to Dingboche, 4400m which is the second place to stop and acclimatize.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

A second acclimatization day with optional hikes to Nagarjun Hill or Chukung village, with fine views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and other peaks, interspersed with lakes and glaciers.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

We continue our trek through the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on left. We then turn right and take a steep climb towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier to Dugla. The trail switchbacks through the boulders of the glacier's terminal moraine. At the top of this climb, you'll see many stone cairns built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt. Everest. We continue to climb to Lobuche, 4910 m, from where you will see the awesome Mt. Pumori Peak, 7220 m closely.

NOTE: Some breathing problems may arise today due to the altitude. To prevent altitude sickness, a good rest and plenty of water is necessary. You will crave some Chocolates or Snickers at this point. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we trek on past Gorak Shep to reach Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this significant achievement, we return to Gorak Shep. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar (5545m/ 18,192ft) following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the elegant sunrise and enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding mountains. Then we descend for lunch at Lobuche, 4915m, and continue descending down to Dingboche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we trek to Chhukung which takes 2 and half hour approximately. From Chhukung, the path climbs steeply towards South and turns East following the valley along the moraine from Lhotse glacier. We continue a short yet pleasant walk along the river side which leads to Big-Rock. From this point, a 40 minute climb will take us to Island Peak Base Camp. We set up tents at base camp for sleeping overnight. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, it is a very important day to acclimatize. After Breakfast, our Sherpa guides will provide a short training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gears such as ice axes, climbing boots and crampons, harnesses, ascenders and on how to go up and down using ropes, After Lunch, we head up the steep hillside towards the Island Peak High Camp, 5600 m. At the beginning, the path is sandy but soon it turns rocky before becoming boulder strewn. The slope arrows as you climb up the hill entering a steep rock channel.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, we have to start early in the morning to climb through the rock channel. Although it is not difficult, there are many short rock steps to be crossed before you come across the other side of the channel. Then the trail leads to the ridge line where you traverse the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses which leads with little difficulty to a 100 m snow and ice slope (40-45 °) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge will take you to the top. After enjoying the summit 6189 m/ 20,305 ft view, you will descend all the way to Chhukung.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping / Tea house / Lodge

Gradually, we trek down to Samre and again pass through the Pangboche village, the same trail we used on the way up. The trail leads down to a river. After crossing the river, we walk for an hour up through the forest and reach Tengboche.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping / Tea house / Lodge

From Tengboche, we descend to the bridge over the Dudh Kosi at Phunki Tenga where there are water driven prayer wheels before making our way to Namche. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea house / Lodge

Boosted by all our new red blood cells, we rush down the footpath toward Sagarmatha National Park gate, in Jorsale. Later, Lukla's footpath leads us back to the first villages we saw two weeks ago: Gumila, Phakdingma, and Choplung. The high peaks disappear behind the hills. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with your sherpa guides and porters, and a good chance to sample some chhang, try Nepali and Sherpa dance and look back on the memorable trekking experiences. The staff will be hoping for some precious and well deserved tips. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea house / Lodge

You take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

After breakfast, there will be free time for souvenir shopping and other independent activities. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel

We will accompany you to the International Airport in time to board your flight. 

 

  • Breakfast

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 Trek ; local lodges 13 nights (twin-share rooms, beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • Accommodation during Camping ; Meals during One night at Base Camp and One night 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
  • Trekking cook, kitchen staff, Trek Sherpa and other support staff while on Island peak climbing
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for Two Trekker basis in all of our Climbing Trips
  • Trek Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
  • Annapurna Foothill’s Duffle bag for Trekking.
  • Annapurna Foothill's T-shirt
  • 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 certificates issued from the respective body of Nepal Government.
  • All required Personal and Group Climbing Equipments and Gears
     

Personal Climbing Gears 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 for 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 above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.

 

Departure Dates

FromToStatusPrice  
Start Date02 Apr, 2023End Date21 Apr, 2023AvailableUS$ 2390
Start Date11 Apr, 2023End Date30 Apr, 2023AvailableUS$ 2390
Start Date21 Apr, 2023End Date10 May, 2023AvailableUS$ 2390

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 Himalaya of Nepal? Make sure you have packed well for your hiking, trekking and climbing experiences in Nepal. The time period of your visit also determines your packing list. The best trekking seasons for beginning your Island Peak Climbing are spring and autumn. During these seasons, maximum flow of trekkers can be witnessed. Weather during spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) are likely to be mild with clear blue sky and outstanding mountain views. But nights can get freezing cold at higher elevation. So, packing appropriate clothing, gear, and equipments for your Island Peak Expedition is a must for lifetime memorable trekking and climbing experience in Everest region of Nepal.

A strategically way of packing will be keeping in mind that your stuffs will be packed in two bags. One will be the daypack that you carry every day on your trek. Pack your daypack as light as possible by carrying only the essentials so that you can relish your moments in wilderness freely. Pack anything you may need each day during your hike in your daypack. Other bag will be your duffle bag which will be carried by your Porter from the very beginning of your trek till the end.

 

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.

In case if any guests wish to cancel their trip prior to their departure for any reasons then a written application should be sent by the guests to us, two weeks prior to the trip starting date. If the cancellation is made beyond the time limit then USD 200 per person will be charged. As per our company policy, deposit amount is non- refundable and can be utilized with the timeframe of one year from the trip confirmation date.

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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