Island Peak Climbing

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Island Peak climbing is an exhilarating adventure in the Everest region of Nepal. It involves ascending a stunning peak, known for its resemblance to an island in a sea of ice. This challenging expedition offers breathtaking views and a rewarding mountaineering experience.

Duration
19 DAYS
Max Altitude
5550 meters
Group Size
4-15 persons
Difficulty Level

Trip Highlight

  • Stunning vantage point at 6189 meters to behold from the summit of Island peak.
  • Side trip to Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters and Kalapatthar at 5545 meters.
  • Traditional Sherpa settlements, friendly Sherpa people and their vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture, customs and their distinct way of life.
  • Unique flora and fauna on the trail inside the Sagarmatha National Park.
  • Visit Tengboche Monastery, biggest monastery in the Everest region.
  • Magnificent vistas of Khumbu icefalls and glaciers.
  • Kalapatthar offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche, and Lobuche.

Island Peak (6189m), also known as Imja Tse locally, is a highly sought-after trekking peak in the Everest Region of Nepal. Renowned for its popularity among climbers, it holds the distinction of being the most frequently climbed trekking peak in the area. The mountain earned its name, Island Peak, due to its location as an extension of the Lhotse and Lhotse Shar, forming a distinctive ridge at the southern edge of the Imja Valley. When viewed from Chhukung or Dingboche valley, it appears like an island emerging from a sea of ice.

The first ascent of Island Peak was accomplished by a British Expedition team in 1953 as part of their preparation for the renowned Mt. Everest Expedition. Led by Eric Shipton, the climbing team named the peak "Island Peak" during their expedition from 1951 to 1953.

For novice climbers, Island Peak serves as an ideal introductory experience to Himalayan mountaineering before embarking on more challenging climbs in the 7000-meter range. The climb entails traversing glaciers and gaining ice climbing expertise. Reaching the summit of Island Peak rewards climbers with breathtaking panoramic views of towering peaks such as Lhotse (8501m), Lhotse Shar (8383m), Nuptse (7879m), Baruntse (7219m), Makalu (8475m), and Ama Dablam (6812m).

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Places Visited:
Kathmandu

Kathmandu

kathmandu, Nepal

Activities:

 

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Himalayan Walkers will warmly greet you and accompany you to your designated hotel. Once you have completed the check-in process, you can take some time to rest before we convene for a brief discussion regarding the Island Peak Climbing. Afterwards, if you wish, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, Kathmandu's largest commercial and tourist center. Thamel is adorned with an array of shops selling trekking and climbing equipment, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, hotels, and handicraft stores. As you wander through Thamel, you may also come across small temples, stupas, and monuments that add to its charm. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

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Places Visited:
Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath

kathmandu, Nepal

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath

kathmandu

Activities:

 

In the morning, you will have free time to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will take you on a guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley, where you will visit significant cultural and historical sites. Our tour includes visits to the Pashupatinath Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the city, the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the city, and the Boudha Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the city.

 

For those who are interested in trekking or climbing, we offer indoor wall climbing practice sessions. Our experienced climbing guide will provide support and help you learn the basics of climbing, including the use of ropes and harnesses. In the evening, you can enjoy leisure time at your hotel.

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Places Visited:
Lukla airport

Lukla airport

Solukhumbu

Phakding

Phakding

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

We will board a morning flight to Lukla. If we're fortunate enough and the weather is clear we will have a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Otherwise, we will drive to Rammechhap and continue our journey to Lukla by air. However in tourist season, most of the domestic flights to Lukla are diverted from Kathmandu to Manthali, Ramechhap because of pressure of to many flights during those days. In such case, you will be transferred early morning directly from Kathmandu to Manthali by a luxury private vehicle and will catch a flight from there to Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla, our Island Peak Trek will commence. Our initial destination for the day is Phakding village, which is a relatively brief 3-hour walk. Along the way, you will be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the picturesque countryside and Himalayan peaks, such as Kusum Kanguru. Once we arrive, the remainder of the day can be dedicated to exploring the village and engaging with its welcoming inhabitants.

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Places Visited:
Namche Bazar

Namche Bazar

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

Following breakfast, we will cross the Dudh-Koshi River to commence our hike. Within a few hours, we will reach the charming village of Monjo, navigating through some undulating terrain. Subsequently, we will proceed towards Jorsalle village after completing the necessary paperwork at the Sagarmatha National Park office gate. Continuing on for approximately 4 hours, we will pause for a well-deserved lunch before reaching the renowned Namche Bazaar. Throughout the journey from Jorsalle to Namche, you will be treated to magnificent vistas of majestic peaks such as Kwande Peak, Kusum Kanguru, and the iconic Mount Everest. Additionally, glimpses of Nuptse, Lhotse, and Taweche Peak may also be witnessed from select points along the way.

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Places Visited:
Tengboche

Tengboche

Tyangboche, Khumjung 56000, Nepal

Activities:

 

We resume our trek and set our sights on Tengboche, a picturesque village situated at an altitude of 3,867 meters. This charming village treats us to an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan giants, including the majestic Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The village's crowning jewel is the renowned Tengboche Monastery, the largest and most renowned monastery in the Everest region, captivating visitors with its grandeur and spiritual significance.

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Places Visited:
Pheriche

Pheriche

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

We make descend for approximately thirty minutes, passing through a pleasant forest, until we reach the riverside. After crossing the river, we begin our trek uphill towards the opposite hill, where the landscape gradually transitions into a drier and more desert-like terrain. Along the way, we will come across a traditional and culturally rich Sherpa village called Panboche, offering us the opportunity to observe the Sherpa people's daily activities up close. Following this, we continue our ascent towards a small hill, and the trail then leads us to the expansive mountain valley of Pheriche. Situated by the riverside, Pheriche is a picturesque village that provides a wide range of amenities. Here, there is a small helipad available for emergency helicopter rescues, and daily classes on high-altitude mountain sickness are conducted by experienced mountaineering specialists. We will spend the night at a lodge in Pheriche.

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Places Visited:
Pheriche

Pheriche

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

Today, we have a whole day dedicated to acclimatizing in Pheriche and exploring the surrounding area through a hike. It's a leisurely afternoon where you can unwind and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. This marks our second day of acclimatization during this trek, which greatly aids our bodies in adapting to the altitude. We will spend the night at a mountain lodge.

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Places Visited:
Lobuche

Lobuche

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

Today, we embark on a relaxed stroll up to Duglha (4,620m/15,158ft) with a pause for lunch. Afterward, we continue our trek towards Lobuche. The trail leads us from Duglha, ascending directly to the Khumbu Glacier, which takes approximately an hour. We then turn left into the memorial area before finally arriving at the village of Lobuche (4,930m/12,894ft) where we will spend the night. At this point, the effects of the altitude may become noticeable, and the nights are expected to be quite chilly. Our accommodation for the night will be at a mountain lodge.

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Places Visited:
Gorakhshep

Gorakhshep

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

From Lobuche, the journey to Gorekshep takes around 2 hours, involving a gradual ascent over the Khumbu Glacier's moraine. Upon reaching Gorekshep, we will check into our mountain lodge and either have a quick lunch or pack it for later. Our next objective is to trek to Everest Base Camp. The trail from Gorekshep to Everest Base Camp is mostly straightforward, passing through rocky dunes and moraines, with occasional ups and downs along the Khumbu Glacier's lateral moraine. Eventually, we will step onto the glacier itself. Take the opportunity to explore this remarkable region surrounded by the stunning Himalayan glaciers, including a visit to the famous Khumbu Icefall. Capture memorable photos and videos during this auspicious time. If it's the climbing season (March to May), you might even witness climbers with their colorful tented camps at the base camp. In the late afternoon, we will return to Gorakhshep for an overnight stay.

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Places Visited:
Activities:

 

Early in the morning, your trek leader will wake you up for an early start. You'll embark on a challenging ascent to Kala Pattar, a famous viewpoint situated at 5,545m/18,192ft. It will take a couple of hours to reach the summit, but the effort is rewarded with unparalleled vistas of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lotse, Pumori, and Ama Dablam. As the sun rises, the views become even more captivating, casting a golden glow over the majestic peaks before they return to their pristine white snow-capped appearance. Take your time to soak in the sunrise spectacle with Everest in sight before descending back to Gorekshep. Enjoy breakfast at Gorekshep before starting our afternoon trek. We will descend to Lobuche and stay overnight here.

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Places Visited:
Kongma La Pass

Kongma La Pass

Solukhumbu

Chhukung

Chhukung

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

Kongma-La-Pass is one of the three major passes in Everest region. We will journey from Lobuche and traverse the Khumbu glacier, navigating through icy and glacier-covered terrain. Afterwards, we will face a challenging ascent on a rocky trail until we reach the summit of Kongma La (5535m), a climb that typically takes approximately 3 hours. At the top of Kongma La, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of majestic peaks such as Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Thamserku, and Amadablam. From Kongma La, our descent will lead us through loose scree and boulders, passing frozen lakes with steep slopes that require caution due to potential slipperiness. As we continue descending along the hills, we will eventually arrive at the Chhukung valley. It is important to note that this particular section of the trail can become quite treacherous during rain or snowfall, as it tends to be slippery. Nevertheless, the views of the Imja valley, Chhukung, and Dingboche from this route are truly awe-inspiring

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Places Visited:
Chhukung

Chhukung

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

You will enjoy a relaxed morning and have breakfast at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will embark on a trek to the picturesque Chhukung Valley, a pleasant two-hour walk through the stunning Himalayan landscape. Upon reaching Chhukung, you will have the entire day to explore and immerse yourself in the surroundings. In the evening, there will be a meeting with your Climbing Guide/s to discuss the upcoming climb, perform equipment checks, and address any necessary preparations. You will spend the night in Chhukung.

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Places Visited:
Activities:

 

After enjoying breakfast, we proceed onwards, tackling a steep ascent along the southern section before turning east to follow the main path of the valley. As we continue, a delightful stroll alongside a stream awaits us, leading us to a prominent Big Rock. From there, the route to Amphu Lapcha can be found in the southeast direction. Crossing the challenging terrain of the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines, we navigate through a series of rocky ridges until we reach a spacious valley that runs alongside Island Peak. It is in this valley where we will establish our base camp, where we will spend the night.

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Places Visited:
Chhukung

Chhukung

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

Today, we have an early morning breakfast around 1:00 am and prepare our day packs with water and snacks. We begin our trek at 2:00 am, emphasizing the importance of an early start for extra time and safety precautions. The initial hour involves navigating a rock gully with some short rock steps. We then follow a ridgeline, donning climbing boots and crampons, leading to a thrilling traverse onto the summit glacier. We will rope up to navigate the glacier's crevasses, eventually reaching a 100m snow and ice slope (40-45 degrees) where our climbing guide will secure a safety rope. From there, three rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge will lead us to the pinnacle of Island Peak. The summit of Island Peak rewards us with stunning views of the Himalayan panorama and valleys, offering a truly spectacular experience. After enjoying the summit briefly, we descend along the same trail back to the high camp, where we have a packed lunch. Following a short rest, we make our way down to the Chhukung Valley in the evening. Overnight accommodation will be provided at a mountain lodge in Chhukung.

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Activities:

 

We will take this day as a reserve day for any unintended circumstance might arise on our way to Peak climbing due to bad weather, in such case we will have to wait for a good weather and try next day. If everything goes smoothly, we can utilize this day on the way to Lukla or in Kathmandu for sightseeing as per your interests.

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Places Visited:
Namche Bazar

Namche Bazar

Solukhumbu

Dingboche

Dingboche

Dingboche

Pangboche

Pangboche

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

Descending from Chukkung, we pass through Dingboche and continue our gradual descent towards Panboche. We then cross a bridge and embark on a short walk through a sub-tropical forest, followed by a 30-minute uphill stretch that leads us to Tengboche, where we will take a lunch break. Afterward, we descend through the forest until we reach the riverside, which takes approximately 2 hours. Crossing the river, we begin a two-hour uphill climb towards a prominent hill, followed by a pleasant walk that brings us to Namche. We will spend the night in Namche.

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Places Visited:
Lukla airport

Lukla airport

Solukhumbu

Activities:

 

After enjoying breakfast, we begin our hike by descending steeply on a trail that leads to the Hillary Suspension Bridge. From there, we continue walking through various local villages, immersing ourselves in the serene surroundings of the Dudh Kosi valley. Although it is the last day of our trek, the journey is relatively long, primarily consisting of a descent through villages, farmlands, and river valleys, with the occasional crossing of suspension bridges. This day's hike may already be familiar to you. Upon reaching Lukla, we will freshen up at our hotel and take the opportunity to relax. In the evening, you can celebrate your successful climb of Island Peak and bid farewell to your trekking crew with a Himalayan drinks party. We will spend our final night in the mountains in Lukla.

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Places Visited:
Kathmandu

Kathmandu

kathmandu, Nepal

Activities:

 

The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is a thrilling and scenic experience. Departing from Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport, you'll board a small aircraft that takes you on a breathtaking journey through the Himalayas. The flight duration is approximately 25 minutes, during which you'll witness mesmerizing aerial views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and picturesque landscapes. As you approach Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be greeted by the sprawling cityscape. It's an exhilarating and efficient way to travel between the Everest region and the bustling capital city of Nepal. Once you check in to your accommodation you might have leisure time for shopping around the street of Thamel. In the evening, we will organize a farewell cultural dinner program for you.

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Activities:

 

Today marks the conclusion of our journey. There are no planned activities except for exchanging emails with newfound friends, organizing your photos, and bidding farewell to Nepal. Based on your departure flight schedule, we will arrange for your transfer to the airport, and thus our trip comes to an end.

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Inclusions & Exclusions

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  • Airport pick up & drop off in private vehicle
  • Three star category Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with BB plan.
  • All necessary paper works
  • Government registered experienced licensed Trekking Guide.
  • One high altitude porter for two travelers (Max.weight 15kg).
  • Neat & clean basic level accommodation with BLD plan during Trek
  • Salary, food & accommodation for your guide & porter
  • All local taxes.
  • Domestic flights.
  • All necessary ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle
  • Kathmandu valley sightseeing with professional English speaking Tour Guide
  • First air kit box.
  • Climbing Gears
  • Trek & Climb Meals
  • Mera Peak Permit & Fee
  • Climbing Guide
  • Sleeping Bags & Trek Druffle Bags
  • Peak Climbing Accommodation Tent
  • Nepal entry visa fee & international airfare.
  • Lunch & dinner while you are in Kathmandu.
  • Hotel upgrade & any other add on.
  • Extra stay in Kathmandu.
  • Personal travel insurance and insurance covering medical & high altitude rescue costs.
  • Personal expenses: phone calls, internet, laundry, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks.
  • Personal equipment: clothing, bags, personal medical kit & all kinds of personal trekking materials.
  • Heritage sites entry fees in Kathmandu valley sightseeing.
  • Private & customized trip.
  • Tip for guide & porter.
  • Filming devices: camera, drone, permit fee.
  • All those not included in the list of inclusions.
  • Personal Climbing Gear
  • Oxygen

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Additional Info


Some FAQs about Island Peak Climbing

 

Island Peak considered a technically challenging climb? Can beginners attempt it?

Island Peak presents a physical challenge, but it is not excessively technical. However, due to the impact of global warming and glacier melting, the climb has become slightly more technical over time. On the summit day, there are crevasses along the route that require the use of ladders. Additionally, fixed ropes are used on steep snow slopes and an ice headwall during the climb.

Even if you are a beginner with little or no experience in Himalayan climbing, you can still undertake this adventure climb with us as long as you are energetic, in excellent health, and physically fit. However, we highly recommend that trekkers gain some basic experience in rope work and mountaineering skills before embarking on this climb in the Himalayas.

During your trek and climb in the Himalayas, you will be exposed to different environments and mountain conditions. Therefore, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for safety and success.

 

Itinerary and Acclimatization:

As part of our trip, you will spend two nights in Kathmandu before flying to Lukla to begin the trek. This allows you to relax and recover from any jet lag. During the trek, we have planned for slow and steady walking, which aids in better acclimatization. We have also included two nights of acclimatization in Namche and two nights in Pheriche to ensure a thorough acclimatization process throughout the journey.

Our Island Peak climb includes visits to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and Kalapathar (5545m) before heading to the actual climbing section. This approach allows you to fully acclimatize and adapt to the altitude conditions before your summit attempt on Island Peak.

 

Who will be guiding me?

Your Island Peak climbing experience will be guided by our local expert Sherpa Guides, who have over 15 years of experience in climbing in the Nepal Himalayas. Our guides are fluent in English, trained in eco-friendly practices and altitude management. They are licensed by the Nepal Government's Department of Tourism, certified by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and trained by the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association. Our guides have successfully climbed major 8000m mountains in Nepal and Tibet, including multiple ascents of Mount Everest. Rest assured, you will be in the most professional and safe hands while climbing Island Peak with us.

 

Do we need a climbing permit for Island peak? Who will issue the permit? How much does it cost to get a climbing permit to Island Peak?

A climbing permit is required for ascending Island Peak, and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is the authorized organization responsible for issuing such permits for all 27 trekking peaks in Nepal, including Island Peak. As a national alpine association, the NMA plays a crucial role in promoting mountain tourism in Nepal. The permit fee varies depending on the season, with a cost of US$250 per person during the spring months, US$125 per person in autumn, and US$90 per person during both winter and summer. Additionally, apart from the NMA permit, trekkers and climbers also need to obtain the Everest National Park permit and the Khumbu Rural Municipality permit for their journey to Island Peak.

 

If you require any information regarding Peak Climbing in Nepal, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat or directly call at: +9779851350078, E-mail: info@himalayanwalkers.com

 

Also Read:

 

Introduction of Nepal                                                                                      

Before Planning A Nepal Trip                                                       

About Nepal Visa                                                                                

Best Time To Travel   

 

 

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