Island Peak Climbing 

Island Peak climbing is a top choice for novice mountaineers aiming to tackle some of the world’s highest peaks. This 16-day expedition will take you to the summit of Imja […]

16 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Tea House
Start from Kathmandu and End to Kathmandu
Min 2 to Max 10 Pax in a group
Domestic Flight (KTM - Lukla - Kathmandu) and Private Vehicle
challenging

Highlights

  • A remarkable 6000-meter peak in the Everest region.
  • Physically demanding but not technically difficult.
  • Perfect for first-time climbers.
  • Develop climbing skills and mountain awareness.
  • Experience the stunning Himalayan environment.

Overview

Island Peak climbing is a top choice for novice mountaineers aiming to tackle some of the world’s highest peaks. This 16-day expedition will take you to the summit of Imja Tse, commonly known as Island Peak, one of the most sought-after peaks for climbers.

Along with the climb, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the famous Everest region. Have you heard of Lukla Airport and Namche Bazaar? You’ll pass through these iconic spots as you embark on your Island Peak adventure.

Many climbers opt to hike to Everest Base Camp before tackling Island Peak. If you’d like to add an Everest Base Camp excursion to your journey, check out our Island Peak climbing with the EBC trek package.

Island Peak, located in the heart of the Chhukung Valley, boasts an impressive, heavily glaciated west face that rises from the Lhotse Glacier. While the climb is challenging, the breathtaking views from the summit make it all worthwhile.

With years of successful Island Peak expeditions under our belt, we’ve designed this itinerary to ensure maximum safety and a high chance of success. Before attempting the summit, you’ll spend two acclimatization nights—one in Chhukung village and another at Island Peak Base Camp.

Additionally, our itinerary includes a hike to Chhukung Ri, located at 5,546 meters (18,195 feet) above sea level. This exposure to high altitude will significantly aid your summit attempt and give you the best chance of reaching the top.

Itinerary

If you're looking for a tailor-made trip or wish to customize this itinerary, feel free to reach out to us. We're always here to help you craft the perfect holiday experience. Contact us today!

Day 01

Welcome to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel

The Elite Sherpa Adventure Team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in a private car. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Kathmandu. Wander through the lively streets of Thamel before settling in for the night.
Day 02

Sightseeing tour in the morning and later prepare for the trek

The day is split into two parts. In the morning, you'll embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu's top attractions, offering a perfect introduction to Nepal. Visit the iconic Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. In the afternoon, you'll get ready for your Himalayan adventure. Meet your mountain guide for a climbing briefing, ensure your gear is all set, and take care of any last-minute shopping.
Day 03

Fly from Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla airport and trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft)

In the morning, you'll take an exciting flight to Lukla, offering stunning views of the mountains from the sky. Upon arrival in Lukla, you'll be joined by porters. From there, begin your trek downhill to the village of Phakding. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, crossing numerous suspension bridges and passing small settlements along the way.
Day 04

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

The trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar is mostly uphill. Continue along forested trails until you reach Monjo, where you'll register your permits before gradually climbing higher. Along the way, you'll cross the impressive Tenzing Hillary Suspension Bridge. The final part of the day includes a challenging steep ascent to Namche Bazaar.
Day 05

Acclimatation day in Namche Bazaar. Hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung Village (3,790 m/12,434 ft)

Take the day to rest and acclimatize. Start with a scenic morning hike to the Hotel Everest View, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, and more. From the hotel, you can either continue the hike to Khumjung village or return to Namche Bazaar to spend the night.
Day 06

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche Monastery

The trail continues on to Kyangjuma, then descends to Phungi Thanga. After crossing a suspension bridge, follow the uphill path to Tengboche village. Here, visit the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Everest region. From the village, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Ama Dablam.
Day 07

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche via Pangboche (3,985 m/13,074 ft)

Begin your descent from Tengboche village towards Deboche. From there, continue your hike down to Imja Khola. Cross the bridge, then take an uphill path through the rhododendron forest leading to Pangboche village. Stop to explore the Pangboche monastery before ascending past terraced fields on your way to Dingboche.
Day 08

Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung

From Dingboche, you’ll veer off the main EBC trail and head towards Chhukung village. The path becomes rockier, steeper, and more uneven as you progress. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Nuptse, Lhotse, and more. The trail winds past stone walls, glacier moraines, and icy streams, offering truly breathtaking scenery.
Day 09

Acclimatization day in Chhukung: hike to Chhukung Ri (5,546 m/18,195 ft) and prepare for Island Peak summit

Today marks our second acclimatization day. We’ll start early and hike to Chhukung Ri, an off-the-beaten-path trek. The mountain views from the summit are absolutely stunning. This hike is an essential step to help prepare for the climb ahead.
Day 10

Climb from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp

The trail climbs steadily, providing stunning views of the mountains and glaciers as we make our way to Island Peak Base Camp. We’ll follow a rugged, steep path that gradually leads us to the camp. Our support team will be waiting at the base camp to greet us. Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed with a warm drink. After settling into our tents, we’ll prepare and strategize for the summit day ahead.
Day 11

Climb Island Peak (6,189 m/20,305 ft), return to Island Peak Base Camp, and descend to Chhukung

Today, we’ll begin our climb of Island Peak at dawn, starting from the Island Peak Base Camp. Our guide will lead the way as we tackle a steep, rocky trail up to the high camp. From there, we’ll continue for another three hours, reaching the crampon point where we’ll equip ourselves with crampons. The route ahead is snowy and icy, and our guides will secure it with fixed ropes for our safety. We’ll navigate a narrow ridge that leads us to Imja Glacier. From this point, we’ll ascend steep slopes of 40-45 degrees to reach the top of the glacier. The final stretch involves scaling a vertical wall and crossing two crevasses with the help of ladders. Along the way, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of peaks like Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Mera Peak, and Chamlang. After soaking in the summit views, we’ll retrace our steps back to Island Peak Base Camp, then descend further to Chhukung village, where we’ll rest for the night. It will be a long but unforgettable day.
Day 12

Trek from base camp to Chhukung to Tengboche

We’ll retrace our steps back to Tengboche from Island Peak Base Camp. First, we’ll trek to Chhukung, then continue on to Dingboche village. From there, we’ll descend through terraced fields and lush forests, making our way back to Tengboche.
Day 13

Trek from Tengboche to Monjo via Namche Bazaar

Leaving Tengboche, we’ll descend to Phungi Thanga. From there, the trail climbs up to Namche Bazaar. After a break in Namche Bazaar, we’ll continue along a steep downhill path through the forests, heading toward Monjo.
Day 14

Trek from Monjo to Lukla

The trail from Monjo to Lukla follows the same route, passing through small villages along the way. It winds alongside the Dudh Koshi River, weaving through rhododendron forests. You'll cross all the suspension bridges again before reaching Phakding, from where a final uphill walk leads to Lukla.
Day 15

Morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport

Take a morning flight back to Kathmandu, soaking in the final breathtaking views of the mountains from the air. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.
Day 16

Final departure

Your Island Peak climbing adventure comes to an end today. Fly back home as our team escorts you to the international airport terminal for your departure.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Airport transportation as per your arrival date to join the expedition.
  • 5-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a B/B plan for 2 nights before and 1 night after the expedition (If clients return early from their expedition, they will be responsible for their extra Kathmandu hotel bookings).
  • Kathmandu to Manthali and Lukla to Kathmandu airfare as per the expedition itinerary.
  • Each member will have one climbing guide with ample experience.
  • Bottle of oxygen and mask regulator for clients and climbing Sherpa guide (For Everest: 10 bottles of oxygen, other 8000m peaks: 5 bottles of oxygen).
  • 7000m peak only emergency oxygen mask regulator available at base camp.
  • Korean fixed rope, dynamic and static rope, carabiner, ice crew, and snow bar.
  • Expedition mountain climbing permit, national park and local government area permit, and all government taxes.
  • Full-board high-altitude meals while trekking to base camp and during the climbing period.
  • Liaison officer with all his expenses covered while on the expedition.
  • Expedition manager, expedition cook, support crew, and porters with their equipment, daily wages, food, insurance, etc.
  • All camping gear, including base camp and high camp: single box tent at Baruntse Base Camp.
  • North Face dome tent for two people at higher camp.
  • Pillow and luxury foam mattress in the tent, table, chair, carpet, green grass, and heater in the dining area.
  • Solar panel for light in every tent and battery charging.
  • Hot washing water as required, warm hot bag for members, etc.
  • EP Gas, EP gas stove, JetBoil, and Kofel set.
  • Sherpa Altitude Adventure company duffle bag or outer cover bag, cap, Khata, Lungdar, Kungbu, Ting, Dalda, Dhup, etc., for Puja prayer at base camp.

Safety & Security

  • Walkie-talkie for communication during the expedition and emergency oxygen with regulator mask available at base camp.
  • Satellite phone available at base camp in case of emergency (pay-per-call).
  • Medical kit box for first aid.

What's not included

  • Medical and personal high-risk insurance
  • Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu): $30 USD for 15 days, $50 USD for 30 days, and $125 USD for 90 days.
  • The main meals in Kathmandu (Lunch and Dinner)
  • Summit bonus: $1500 USD for climbing Sherpa guide. If, for any reason, the summit is not reached due to health issues or any other reason, the client will pay 60% of the summit bonus to the climbing Sherpa guide.
  • Optional tip for the climbing Sherpa guide, cook, kitchen staff, and porter staff: minimum $250 each. The guide will collect the tip at base camp, and they will divide it among the staff by themselves.
  • Personal equipment and climbing gear.
  • International airfare and airport tax.
  • Bottled drinks and beverages, laundry, phone services, and personal expenditure transactions.
  • Tea breaks, chocolates or other snacks, and any meals besides breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
  • Delays and cancellations due to natural phenomena.
  • Sherpa Altitude Adventure will manage helicopter rescue or other required services if necessary.
  • Applicable permit fees and custom charges for satellite phones, communication equipment, and commercial filming during the Baruntse expedition.

Departure Dates

From 15 Apr 2025
To 01 May 2025
Days 16

Frequently Asked Questions about Island Peak Climbing 

1. What is Island Peak climbing?

Island Peak climbing is an expedition to the summit of Imja Tse, a popular peak in the Everest region, offering an excellent challenge for novice mountaineers.

2. What is the highest point of the expedition?

The highest point of the climb is the summit of Island Peak at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level.

3. What is the best time to climb Island Peak?

The best times to climb Island Peak are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when weather conditions are most favorable.

4. How do I prepare for the high altitude?

Our itinerary includes carefully planned acclimatization days to help you adjust to the altitude. It’s also recommended to stay in good physical shape before the climb to reduce the risks associated with high altitude.