• Duration:23 Nights 24 Days
  • Difficulty: Very Strenuous
  • Max. Altitude: 6189m
  • Group Size: 1-8
  • Activity: Trekking & Climbing
  • Pick Up: TIA Airport

About Three High Passes and Island Peak Climbing

There are several approaches to ascend Island Peak, but Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition highly recommends doing Three High Passes before attempting Island Peak, 6189m as this itinerary will provide the ultimate pre-acclimatization. After crossing theEverest Three High Passes in Khumbu region; Renjo La Pass 5430m, Cho La Pass, 5330m, Kongma La Pass 5535m, you will be physically and psychologically prepared to climb Island Peak in Nepal. Completing the Khumbu Three High Passes Trekking in itself is challenging yet very rewarding experience in the Khumbu Himalaya of Nepal.

Island Peak is a perfect choice for trekkers who are fit and ready to do something more than a challenging trek. Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, lies to the south of Mount Everest like an island rising from valleys on all sides. We start out adventure with a mountain flight to Lukla where we meet up with our crew. We hike up the Dudh Koshi Valley on the well worn Everest trail while enjoying the soaring peaks of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. We reach Namche Bazaar, commercial hub of the Khumbu. This is a great place to stop and acclimatize with great options for day hikes to nearby villages.

Instead of taking the busy trail toward Everest Base Camp, we head off into the Bhote Koshi Valley to Thame. This is a lovely cultural experience as the villages on this old trading route with Tibet are less commercialized and therefore more authentic. We branch off this trail and climb toward the Renjo La, 5430m, and then down to the beautiful Gokyo valley, with its lovely turquoise lakes beside the moraines of Ngozumpa Glacier. We will climb Gokyo Ri, 5357m, to witness a spellinding view of the region's 8000-meter peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho, before we cross the glacier and head toward Cho La, 5300m, we then join the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail nearby Thugla village.

After reaching Everest Base Camp, we climb the famous Kala Pathar for another awesome panorama of Everest and surrounding peaks and return to Lobuche where we take the trail to the Kongma glacier. By this time we feel well acclimatized to head up to Kongma La, 5535m our last pass before we make our attempt on Island Peak from Chhukung.

At Island Peak Base Camp, our Climbing Sherpa will provide a training of climbing techniques to ensure that you are completely confident before you begin the climb. We spend one night at Island Peak Base Camp and one night at Island Peak High Camp before our summit push.

After high camp, the trail climbs up the tricky rocky section before reaching the Crampon Point. We put on our harness, climbing boots and other climbing gears. We walk through the ladders and cross the crevasse section before getting to the base of the popular ice headwall. There is a 300 meter headwall of 45 degree snow slopes leading to the exposed summit ridge of Island Peak. The view from the summit is just magical; one of the best views that you can witness in the entire Khumbu region. We then make a careful descent back to base camp and then trek back to chhukung. We start our trek back to Namche with a great sense of accomplishment, and feeling strong for all the extra red blood cells we have in our system. The next day we catch our flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

The best season for Three High Passes and Island Peak Climbing 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 the mountains are crystal clear and there are fewer tourists around. The duration of the Three High Passes and Island Peak Climbing can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expedition will arrange every detail of your Three High Passes and Island Peak Expedition; lodge accommodation, food, as well as all the necessary climbing and camping equipment.

Planning to climb Three High Passes and Island Peak Climbing in 2023 and 2024 !!

Guaranteed Departures. We are preparing for our 2023 and 2024 dates and groups for Three High Passes and Island Peak Expediiton. Please get in touch for further details and book your spot.

Highlights of Three High Passes and Island Peak Climbing

  • crossing Renjo La Pass 5430 m, Cho La Pass, 5330 m, Kongma La Pass 5535 m
  • excellent acclimatization route for climbing Island Peak
  • visit Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Ri, Everest Base Camp, Kala Pattar en route to the climb
  • a Perfect Khumbu experience with authentic Sherpa culture and tradition
  • well set up logistics and support during camping days
  • trek with our qualified and experienced Sherpa climbing guides
  • view Mt. Everest and other mountains from several vantage points: Renjo La, Gokyo Ri, Cho La, Kalapathar and Island Peak.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1,300 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 towering peaks. After completing the visa formalities in airport, collect your luggage downstairs. As you exit the airport terminal, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives carrying your name on our company’s’ signboard, Annapurna Foothills Treks & Expedition. Moving forward, you’ll be taken to your hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Once you reach at hotel, you’ll be welcomed by them as well and after that you can relax in your room.

  • Hotel

The Managing Director of our company will be there to meet you in the hotel and provide more information about the expedition. Your dues must be cleared before we proceed on the trip. We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip and make a final check of your climbing equipment. In case you need additional trekking equipment, you will have a chance to buy it today. 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

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 Taweche, 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 start trekking from Namche bazaar towards Thame. Thame is at the far end of the Khumbu valley, and you may feel it is almost at the end of earth! The local inhabitants are still untouched by modern civilization. We go past the large prayer flags, the entrance monument, Chorten and the carved Mani stones. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

The trail to Lungdeng today passes though ancient Sherpa villages with stone walls encircling them, such as Tarang. This is an arid region. So, the flora and fauna is different than what you have seen so far. We may also have to share trail with Tibetan yak caravans as this is a trading route from Namche to Tibet. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we rest in preparation for a big day tomorrow. We visit the Nakpa valley, the old trade route to Tibet, and take a short hike to the nearby Darkyachhulung peak and Lake Cho Relmo. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

The trail starts out with steep ups and downs over rocks before leveling out to Yak Kharkas (pastures) and Twin Renjo lakes before reaching the sandy ridge of Renjo La pass. We cross a frozen stream and scramble over boulders on the way down to reach Gokyo Lake. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

In the morning, we climb for around two hours up to Gokyo Peak, 5360m. This is a straight-forward, but steep climb and also tiring due to high altitude. It will be worth the effort as this is one of the best panoramic views in the entire Khumbu region. From the rocky summit, four peaks over 8000 metres can be seen: Mt. Everest, 8848m, Cho Oyo, 8153m, Lhotse, 8511m and Makalu, 8481m and other awesome peaks.

From here, we follow the lateral moraines and walk for two hours on glacial scree across the Ngozumpa glacier, a series of ups and downs. After crossing the glacier, we reach the yak herders' huts and tea houses of Thagnag. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

This day will be a big challenge. You should carry at least 2 liters of water, as it is unavailable to buy in this area. We have to start early in the morning between 4:30-5:30. The first two hours we have a steep climb up to yak pastures which we call the Cho La High Camp, though there aren’t any houses there, rather you will see Buddhist prayers flags blowing in the wind. The next 1.5 hours is not so steep. But because of loose stones and uneven ground, we recommend that you use walking sticks, be careful and take the advice of our well experienced guide. The ascent to the snowy Cho La pass is very steep and it will take about 2 hours. From the pass, there is a superb view of Dzongla Valley and its lake as well as the impressive North face of Jobo Lhaptshan, 6300m. The descent to Dzongla, on the Cho La glacier is an endurance test. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Continuing along the moraine of the glacier, with views of Kalapathar and Pumori, we will reach Lobuche, 4910m.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Today, we start very early, following the Khumbu Glacier northwards to Gorak Shep (5,180 m). After a short rest, we trek across the sandy flat at Gorak Shep and climb onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier. The trail ascends the side of the glacier for a couple of hours before descending onto the rocky glacial moraine itself. The trail winds up and down through fascinating ice séracs to the area known as Everest Base Camp, where in spring, we may see some of the expedition teams as they prepare to summit the mountain. From the Base Camp, we get fantastic close up views of the Khumbu Ice Fall. Nuptse towers above us and Pumori rears up behind us. We retrace our step back to Gorak Shep. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

An early morning climb will take us to our destination peak, Kala Pattar, following the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar, we will see the magical sunrise and relish the superb views of the surrounding mountains. And next step is a hike to Everest Base Camp. After celebrating our efforts and photographing this achievement, we return to Lobuche. We descend to Lobuche, 4915 m.  

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

After gaining the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags,-marks of the pass. Then we descend a gradual walks up the Imja Khola valley to Chhukung, a small summer settlement where we stay overnight.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

From Chhukung, the path climbs steeply towards the South and the turns east, following the valley along the moraine from the 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. After lunch, our Sherpa guides will provide a short training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gear such as ice axes, climbing boots and crampons, harnesses, ascenders and on how to go up and down using ropes. Overnight in Tent: 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

Today, it is a very important day to acclimatize. After breakfast, 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 narrows as you climb up the hill, entering a steep rock channel. We return to Island Peak High Camp for staying overnight.

  • 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 channel. Then the trail leads to the ridge line where you traverse the snout of 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 view, you will descend all the way to Chhukung, 4710m. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Tea House/ Lodge

Since we cannot guarantee favorable weather for the scheduled summit day, we have allowed an extra day in the schedule. If we are unable to summit the Island Peak on scheduled date due to bad weather or some other reason, such as someone in the group having acclimatization problems, it is useful to have an extra day. If the trip goes smoothly and we do not need this spare day, we will continue our return journey to Lukla. 

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Camping

After having early breakfast, we trek down to Dingboche 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 after continuously to Namche. 

  • 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, 4 nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis.
  • Accommodation during Trek ; local lodges 17 nights (twin-share rooms ,beds with comfortable foam mattress and pillows)
  • Accommodation during Camping ; Meals during 2 night camping (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tang juice, fruit, tea and coffee)
  • All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
  • English speaking experienced Sherpa guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
  • All Camping Equipment required during the trek, sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment
  • All required Personal and Group Climbing gears
  • Climbing rope, Ice screws, Snow bar
  • Trekking cook, kitchen staff, Trek Sherpa and other support staff while on Three High Passes and Island peak climbing
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for Two Trekkers basisin 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 Tshirt
  • Energy Supplies;Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc 
  • First aid medicine kit.
  • Three High Passes and Island peak Permit
  • Island Peak Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
  • Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
  • Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu Excess baggage fees
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Three HIgh Passes and Island Peak climbing certificates issued from the respective body of Nepal Government.
     

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 (drinks, 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 Date10 Apr, 2023End Date03 May, 2023AvailableUS$ 2650
Start Date19 Apr, 2023End Date12 May, 2023GuaranteedUS$ 2650

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 Nepal.


We have set dates for departure to the Three High Passes and 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 Three High Passes and 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

Three High Passes and 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 seasons for beginning your Three High Passes and 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 Three High Passes and 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.

Client Reviews

Three High Pass Trek in the Khumbu region of Nepal

- Peggy, United States

My husband and I along with 6 friends did this trek. Annapurna Foothill trekking company arranged the trek for us. We had three guides and 5 porters. There were three very distinct hiking speeds in our group which required more logistics than most trekking groups I am sure. We also had a delay in our luggage which had to be managed by the company. We also had 2 members who had to leave early for health reasons. We had one member who also climbed a trekking peak.

I was impressed at how our head guide handled all of these events and problems without interfering with the progress of our trek. Those of us who could manage the three passes were able to and those who couldn’t were also taken care of well. 

It was generally a very beautiful and challenging trek. 

Annapurna Foothills trekking company did everything in its power to make this trek a success.

Three passes and Island peak

- Mark Nauman, Australia

I would like to thank Ngima for his efforts in organising my trek and for making my stay an enjoyable and stress free time.

I would happily encourage anyone who is interested in trekking or climbing in Nepal to seriously consider using Annapurna Foothills services. 

I found Dendi, my guide, to be very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. He ensured all my needs were looked after and monitored my health as we went along the trip. 

The accommodation was excellent and the food was filling and quite tasty. 

I had an excellent time and as stated previously I'd recommend this company to anyone 

I will be using their services again in the future and thank you once again for a thoroughly enjoyable time in Nepal.

Three High Passes,EBC,Island Peak April 2016.

- Neil Murphy, United Kingdom

Just got back from an awesome trip to Nepal, kindly arranged by Ngima Sherpa from Annapurna Foothills Treks. The organisation of the trip was absolutely flawless, and I can't remember having any problems during my whole month long stay. My Sherpa Dendi (as featured in the new Everest movie),is a living legend, and couldn't have done anymore to make sure my trip was a complete success, and keep me as safe and comfortable as possible. I will definitely be coming back to Nepal after having such a positive experience, and the only company I would use would be Annapurna Foothills Treks. So I would like to give a personal thank you to Ngima and Dendi for making my trip of a lifetime so very special. Thanks for everything !!

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