Island Peak Climbing

Duration : 21 Days
Accomodation : Kathmandu: Hotel / Trekking: Lodge
Group Size : 2+

In Nepal, there are 263 mountaineering peaks with an altitude below 6,650 meters, including old and new ones. Since 1978, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) obtains the authorization to issue the permit for 28 trekking peaks.

Most of the peaks are easy to attempt but among them, some peaks are technically difficult like mountaineering expeditions. Professional mountaineers can't try it easily either, they need a lot of effort with a lot of technical mountaineering skill. The best season to summit Island peak is on spring (March – May), autumn (September – November). 

Imja Tse, known as Island Peak, is a mountain located in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal. The peak was named Island Peak in 1951 by the Eric Shiptons Party as it appears as an island in a sea when viewed from Dingboche. Hikes to Island Peak at 6,160 meters reward us with brilliant views of Ama Dablam, the south face of Lhotse and Makalu. The return trek continues with the bold essences through impressive mountainous landscapes, geographically diversified landscapes and unique Nepalese culture. 

Note: The itinerary can be customized according to your duration of holiday. Similarly hotel can be upgraded or downgraded depending on your requirement.

Itinerary Highlights


Day 01: Kathmandu (1350 m)

Day 02: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding (2650 m) 2.40 h.

Day 03: Phakding - Namche Bazar. (3.450 m) 4/5 h.

Day 04: Namche Bazar. (3.450 m)

Day 05: Namche Bazar – Phortse Tenga (3575 m) – 4 h.

Day 06: Phortse Tenga – Machermo (4375 m) 4/5 h.

Day 07: Machermo – Gokyo Ri (5340 mts) – Gokyo (4750 m) 8 h.

Day 08: Gokyo – Thagnag (4640 m) 2.30 h.

Day 09: Thagnag – Chola Pass (5400 m) – Dzonglha (4830 m) – 8 h.

Day 10: Dzonglha – Gorakshep (5140 m) – 4.30 h.

Day 11: Gorakshep - Kala Pattar (5.550 m) – Dimboche (4400 m) 8 h

Day 12: Dhimboche – Chukkung (4730 m) 3/4 h.

Day 13: Chukkung- Island Peak Base Camp (5100 m) 4/5 h

Day 14: Island Peak Base Camp – Summit Island Peak (6160 m) – Chukkung

Day 15: Extra Day

Day 16: Chukkung- Tengboche (3860 m)

Day 17: Tengboche - Namche Bazar (3440m) 3 h

Day 18: Namche Bazar (3.440m.)- Lukla (2900 m)

Day 19: Lukla – Kathmandu

Day 20: Kathmandu (1350 m)

Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu

Detail Itinerary for Island Peak Climbing


Day 01: Kathmandu (1350 m)

Arrival at Kathmandu airport, pick up by our correspondent and transfer to the hotel. (At the foot of the Himalayas, where they assure that their gods live, Nepal stands, a land of spectacular landscapes, temples and cities with a rich cultural heritage. These seem to transfer the traveler to medieval times on their walks through KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATAN, the three urban cities that represent the backbone of the country. Stay overnight at hotel.


Day 02: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding (2650 m) 2.40 h.

After breakfast we will head towards airport for the early morning flight to Lukla. This is a mountain flight that depends greatly on weather conditions, therefore the flight could be delayed until more favorable situations. After arrival in Lukla, we will begin the trek. After about two and a half hours of walking we arrive at Phakding. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 03: Phakding - Namche Bazar. (3.450 m) 4/5 h.

After breakfast we will head towards Namche Bazar which will take around 5 hours. At the beginning of the stage, the road is up-down and we will cross the Dhud Khosi River several times. Upon reaching the town of Monjo (3000 m), after completing the required paperwork and permits, we will enter the Sagarmatha National Park (Everest), to continue with a strong zig-zag climb, and where we will not cut short since in one of the curves we will observe Mount Everest. After almost 5 hours of walking we will arrive at Namche Bazar, capital of the Sherpa people. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 04: Namche Bazar. (3.450 m)

In the morning we will make a circuit of about 4 hours, which will help us to acclimatize and where we will enjoy magnificent views of Everest. In the afternoon free time to wander around and visit the Tibetan markets. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 05: Namche Bazar – Phortse Tenga (3575 m) – 4 h.

Today, we will start the day with a strong climb until we reach Mon la Pass (3972 m). This is a wonderful place and from where we can see the Ama Dablan and the Tiamboche Monastery. Here we will stop for a while to acclimatize, and continue downhill to Phortse Tenga. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 06: Phortse Tenga – Machermo (4375 m) 4/5 h.

After breakfast we head towards Machermo which takes about 4 and half hours. As soon as we leave Phortse Tenga, there is a steep climb up to 4000 m. where it softens. After passing through the towns of Labharma and Luza we will arrive at Machermo. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 07: Machermo – Gokyo Ri (5340 mts) – Gokyo (4750 m) 8 h.

From Machermo we head towards Gokyo. After our arrival in Gokyo, we will continue to Gokyo Ri, where we will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Himalayas, we will be able to observe Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and other himalayas. Then we will descend to Gokyo. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 08: Gokyo – Thagnag (4640 m) 2.30 h.

In the morning, if the previous day, the weather conditions were adverse and we couldn't, we will ascend to Gokyo Ri, and then we will continue to descend Thagnag. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 09: Thagnag – Chola Pass (5400 m) – Dzonglha (4830 m) – 8 h.

This day is very important. We start the day with a steep climb, and after an hour and a half we reach a pass at 5000 m from here we can see the Chola Pass. We continue climbing for 3 hours and if the snow allows us, we will pass the Chola Pass (5,400 m) from where we will see the panoramic views of Cho Oyu and several mountains over 7,000 m. We will then descend through a long valley until we reach Dzonglha. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 10: Dzonglha – Gorakshep (5140 m) – 4.30 h.

After breakfast, we leave from Dzonglha to reach Gorakshep. After 2 hours and a half we will arrive at the town of Lobuche. We continue up the left bank of the glacier until we reach Gorakshep. After next 2 hours of walk we will reak Gorakshep. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 11: Gorakshep - Kala Pattar (5.550 m) – Dimboche (4400 m) 8 h

This is the big day of the Everest trek, in which we are going to enjoy, if the weather allows it, the best views of Everest and its surroundings. We will go to Gorakshep (5,150 meters), a settlement inhabited only in season. After regaining strength here, we will climb the 400 meters that separate us from the top of Kala Pattar (translated as "Black Stone"). The views of both the Everest massif and the south face of Pumori are spectacular. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 12: Dhimboche – Chukkung (4730 m) 3/4 h.

We enter the spectacular Imja Tse valley to reach the base camp of Island Peak in two days. In about 3/4 hours we will reach Chukung (4,700 m), a small group of old shepherds' huts, and we will begin to enjoy the spectacle offered by the silhouettes of Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m). Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 13: Chukkung- Island Peak Base Camp (5100 m) 4/5 h

We will continue ascending to the base camp of Island Peak (4/5 hours), located at an altitude of 5,050 meters at the foot of the mountain in a comfortable area. Stay overnight camping tent.


Day 14: Island Peak Base Camp – Summit Island Peak (6160 m) – Chukkung

Ascent to the summit, going down to the base camp to collect the material and continue to Chukung. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 15: Extra Day

We reserve this day for any weather setback that prevents us from attempting the climb, or for another reason in previous days. Extra day for unforeseen events.


Day 16: Chukkung- Tengboche (3860 m)

The route descends through Dingboche, the Imja Khola Valley, then we will cross a wooden bridge and the path turns uphill until we reach Tiamboche. We will take advantage of this day to visit the famous Tyangboche Monastery, an emblematic place of local Buddhist culture. We will be able to visit it in the afternoon and meet the lamas that live in it. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 17: Tengboche - Namche Bazar (3440m) 3 h

We will start the day with beautiful views of Everest and Lhotse. It begins with a strong descent until crossing the river in the town of Phumki. We continue climbing to Namche Bazar for about 3 hours. We will head to Namche Bazar. We will have the afternoon free. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 18: Namche Bazar (3.440m.)- Lukla (2900 m)

We will continue along the path that we already know until Phakding. From here we will continue to Lukla. Stay overnight at lodge.


Day 19: Lukla – Kathmandu

We will take a small plane from the dizzying airport of Khumjung (an “eagle's nest”) to fly to Kathmandu. The time of the flight will depend on the weather conditions. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Stay overnight at hotel.


Day 20: Kathmandu (1350 m)

We will get visit the different places which are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath today. Stay overnight at hotel.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: (World Heritage Site): Kathmandu Durbar square is one of the popular place which is liked by many visitors due to its exquisite architecture and artistic embellishment. It consists of Huge Royal Palace with different temples dating back from the 15th to the 18th century. The house of the living goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red monkey god, the Hanumandhokha palace, the Ashok Binayak temple, Kasthamandap, the Temple Taleju and hundreds of erotic carvings are some few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architecture in this area are exceptionally fine.

Swoyambhunath: Swoyambhunath is one of the most glorious Buddhist stupa. It is said to be 2000 years old. Swoyambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and it’s worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks and Brahman Priests to lay Buddhist and Hindus. Swoyambhunath provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu valley.

Bouddhanth: Boudhhanath stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. The Stupa 100 meters in diameter, was built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels by the Lichchivi King Mana Deva in the 15th century. The pinnacle of this stupa represent the stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty, compassion, knowing and nirvana. There are many myths about the origins of the Stupa. Early morning and evening are the times to visit Bouddha to join the local residents in Kora. There is an enclosure with several monasteries of the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred temples in Nepal. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double roofed pagoda of brass and gilt gold; the gateway is plated with silver. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the temple complex. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia offering worship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only. However, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the vantage point across the bank of the Bagmati River.


Day 21: Departure from Kathmandu

Enjoy your last day on Kathmandu before departure. At your mentioned departure time our correspondent will pick you up from hotel and transfer to airport and depart you with warm hearts.


Cost Includes

  • Transfers airport-Hotel-Airport, including domestic flights
  • Hotel in Kathmandu as per client’s choice under B.B plan
  • Plane tickets Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu, including the guide and airport taxes.
  • Accommodation in hostels and camping tents during the trek and ascent
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea-coffee) during the trek and the ascent
  • Hiring and equipment of Montana guide
  • 1 Guide and 2 porters (24-25 kilos) for each porter during the trek
  • Hiring of 1 extra porter for 10 days, transporting the climbing infrastructure
  • Fixed rope, screws and ice stakes, one camping tent for every two people, kitchen tent, and bathroom tent and kitchen utensils during the climbing period.
  • Everest National Park entrance fee + Khumbu fee + Climbing permit.
  • Insurance, equipment, food, lodging, and salary of the guide and porters
  • Government taxes and fees

Cost Excludes

  • Personal equipment
  • Personal and/or Medical Insurance
  • Helicopter emergency rescue (if necessary)
  • Main rope, Ice Ax, Carabiners, Jumar, Eight, Harness, Crampons, Boots, Helmet, etc….
  • Bar and beverage bills (mineral water, soft drinks, beers, etc.)
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
  • Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, atmospheric conditions, natural disasters, altitude sickness,...
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • Any other expense not mentioned in INCLUDED