Island Peak - 16 Days

Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak Climbing
  • Duration16 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous (Grade 5)
  • Trip Destination Island
  • Max. Altitude 6,165 m
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu

Experience the thrill of climbing Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, in the heart of Nepal's Sagarmatha zone. It's the perfect peak to climb before tackling Mount Everest, as it requires low technical skills and can be climbed by anyone who hasn't climbed a peak before. Island Peak can be climbed all year round, and the breathtaking views from the summit make the journey worth it. At over 6000 meters, this peak demands physical involvement, but the snow-covered trails and rocky paths make the journey entertaining and memorable.

You'll feel the breathtaking air in your whole body as you climb towards the top, and the stunning scenery will leave you in awe. The summit day is challenging, with steep paths and snow trails, but it's also fun and interesting, with no technical involvement required.

Our Island Peak climbing itinerary is perfect for adventurers who want to tackle the peak without any detours. With fewer days needed than other treks, you can enjoy the climb without sacrificing any of the fun. Join us for an unforgettable journey to the top of Island Peak.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a popular trekking peak in the Everest region of Nepal.
  • It stands at an elevation of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) in the Himalayas.
  • Island Peak climbing is a challenging adventure that combines trekking and mountaineering.
  • Highlights include stunning views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other Himalayan giants.
  • The climb requires technical skills like ice and rock climbing.
  • Trekkers can experience the unique culture of the Sherpa people in the Khumbu region.
  • The journey typically starts from Lukla and passes through beautiful villages like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.
  • Climbers often acclimatize at Everest Base Camp before attempting Island Peak.
  • The summit day involves a challenging ascent, and the reward is breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Island Peak climbing is an excellent way to test your high-altitude mountaineering abilities.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at the airport, the NTA staff will warmly greet you and transfer you to your comfortable three-star hotel. Take some time to rest and relax before meeting the NTA team in the evening. They will provide you with all the necessary information related to the trek, so you can start your adventure feeling well-informed and prepared.

    After a delicious breakfast, you will tour Kathmandu with NTA’s expert guide. Discover the charm of the capital city and explore its UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, including historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath temple, and the Buddhist shrine of Swoyambhunath and Bouddhanath. In the afternoon, you will receive a briefing about the peak climbing and get to meet your trek leaders and other team members. The guide will also help you prepare your climbing equipment and ensure you have everything you need for the adventure ahead.

      Today, the real adventure begins! After an early breakfast, we will take a scenic flight to Lukla from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. This breathtaking route is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is known to be one of the best air routes in the world. Upon landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, you will meet your trekking guides and make trekking arrangements to Phakding. Enjoy the short but beautiful trek to Phakding, where you will have the chance to see a nearby monastery and get a taste of the local culture. Spend the night at a cozy lodge in Phakding.

        Wake up to the serene atmosphere of the mountains and get ready for an exciting trek to Namche Bazaar. On the way, you will cross a beautiful pine forest and walk along the Dudh Koshi River, offering stunning views of Mt. Thamserku. If the weather is kind, you may even catch a clear glimpse of the mighty Mt. Everest. After crossing five suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, you will reach Namche Bazaar. It is the gateway to Mt. Everest and the main commercial area of the region.

          Today is a well-deserved rest day to help you acclimatize to the altitude. Take the opportunity to explore Namche Bazaar and immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture. Visit the local museum to learn more about the Sherpa people, their culture, and the history of Mount Everest. If you feel up for a bit of adventure, you can hike to Khumjung village. This scenic six-hour trek will take you to the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery, famous for housing the head of the Yeti.

            We begin our journey towards Tengboche from Namche Bazaar after having breakfast. Our first stop is Phunki, from where we start ascending towards Tengboche. Tengboche Monastery is the largest in the Everest region and located at the heart of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery offers a panoramic view of mountains such as Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. We will spend the night at Tengboche.

              After exploring Tengboche and capturing its breathtaking landscapes, we start walking through birch and rhododendron forests towards Debuche. Crossing the Imja River, we reach Pangboche, where we visit the Pangboche Monastery. Further, we enter the Imja Valley and reach the confluence of the Lobuche River. After a descent trail, we climb up to Dingboche, where we will stay overnight.

                Surrounded by many peaks, including Ama Dablam, the ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse, Tawache, and Chalotse, Dingboche offers a spectacular view. We pass through stone walls and the Imja River before walking in glacier moraines towards Chhukung. During the walk, we witness the stunning Island Peak rising towards the sky from Bibre village. After another half-hour walk, we reach Chhukung, where we will spend the night.

                  Today is a rest day, and we will practice climbing Chhukung Ri to acclimatize to the high altitude. Located above Chhukung village, the peak offers a heavenly feeling, especially when viewing Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa peaks. After spending some time here, we return to Chhukung and spend the night.

                    Our next destination is the steep trail towards Island Peak Base Camp. First, we head towards the south and take an eastward direction before reaching the south-west face of Island Peak, where we will spend the night.

                      After breakfast, our peak climbing guides will provide training regarding peak climbing techniques and gear usage, including ropes. Although not compulsory, peak climbing training is essential for boosting confidence and ensuring safety. We will spend the night at the camp and enjoy the surroundings.

                        On this day, we will retrace our steps while descending through the Khumbu River. We will pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages of Orsho and Shomare on the way. If we take an alternative route, we can visit the Gompa located at Upper Pangboche. This monastery is one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites in the Khumbu region. Eventually, we will reach the picturesque Pangboche village, surrounded by stunning peaks such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtaiga, Kongde, and the Imja Tse River. We will spend the night in Pangboche.

                          Following the same trail, we will descend to the Imja River and then ascend to Tengboche, where we will have lunch. After crossing the Dudh Koshi River and a leisurely walk, we will reach Sansa. If we are lucky, we may even spot snow leopards and mountain goats on the way. Finally, we will reach Namche Bazaar, where we will spend the night.

                            We will begin our steep descent to Lukla from Namche Bazaar, crossing a few suspension bridges along the way. We will arrive in Lukla by evening, where we will stay for the night.

                              We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, you will have some time to relax or explore the city. In the evening, NTA will host a farewell dinner for you.

                                On the last day of your trip, after breakfast, you can do some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We will make sure that you arrive at the airport a few hours before your scheduled flight. After reaching the airport, we will bid you farewell but not before leaving you with some of the best memories of your life. 

                                  Includes
                                  • Costs related to all airport and hotel transfers. Domestic flights and airport departure taxes.
                                  • 3-night accommodation in Kathmandu at three-star or similar hotels
                                  • 17 days adventure in which 13 days include three meals (Breakfast Lunch Dinner).
                                  • All nights in local lodges/tea houses during the trek
                                  • Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
                                  • All accommodation and meals during the trek
                                  • Trekking certificates
                                  • Experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
                                  • Only 20 kgs baggage is allowed on the flight and trek
                                  • All climbing gear like a down jacket, sleeping bag (on hire or purchase), etc, and trekking map.
                                  • All permits and necessary paperwork (National park permit, TIMS).
                                  • First aid kit.
                                  • All taxes, be it local or government
                                  Excludes
                                  • Visa fee for Nepal (bring accurate USD cash and 2 passport size photographs)
                                  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
                                  • All conservation area and cultural heritage site entrance fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu.
                                  • Excess baggage charges
                                  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
                                  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from trekking than the scheduled itinerary)
                                  • Travel and rescue insurance
                                  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
                                  • Tips for guides and porters
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