Island Peak with Everest Base Camp
Highlights of the Trip
Overview
Island Peak (Imja Tse)
One of the most popular trekking peaks in the Everest region of Nepal is Island Peak or Imja Tse as it is commonly referred to in Nepal. It stands at an altitude of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) and provides an exciting start to Himalayan climbing to the trekkers and mountaineers who seek something beyond the typical trekking process. The peak is surrounded by giants covered with snow that makes the peak look like an island in an ice-sea, this is how it got its famous name.
Where Island Peak Is Located
Island Peak is situated in Khumbu in eastern Nepal and is directly near some of the most renowned mountains across the world. It is a very appealing target of people who want to have a scenic trek in the Himalayan range and also a Himalayan range summit challenge. Because it is set within the Everest area, the journey to the peak often becomes part of a larger Everest expedition experience, allowing climbers to enjoy both cultural exploration and alpine adventure.
Why Island Peak Is So Popular
The reason behind Island Peak being a favorite among adventure seekers is its ability to provide the right mix of a trekking, climbing, and mountain beauty. It is regarded as one of the most appropriate mountains to be used by climbers who do not need to struggle with an 8,000-meter giant to enter the world of mountaineering. It is exciting and rewarding as the climb incorporates a combination of glacier travel, limited level of rope work and an exhilarating summit push.
Island Peak is an experience to many travelers. It is a full Himalayan adventure, which is comprised of a mixture of physical challenge, personal triumph and unforgettable natural beauty.
Spectacular Mountain Views
The spectacular view of the summit and the trail adjacent to it is one of the largest attractions of Island Peak. Climbers are treated to a spectacular mountain views of some of the renowned peaks in the Himalayas which include:
These grand views make the climb especially appealing for those dreaming of an authentic Everest expedition atmosphere without taking on the extreme demands of the highest mountains.
The Journey to the Peak
It is as memorable as the peak of the adventure of Island Peak. The trip usually starts with a hike into the gorgeous Everest valley with the sightseeing of traditional Sherpa villages, old monasteries, suspension bridges and mountain paths. Trekking along, the local people are treated with a warm hospitality by trekkers and they are also provided with an understanding of the rich culture and tradition of Khumbu region.
It is an approach of trekking that assists the climbers to acclimatize themselves to the elevation as they revel in one of the renowned mountainous landscapes in the world.
Climbing Experience
Island Peak is the best place to visit in case the trekker wishes to go beyond hiking and to encounter some actual mountaineering. Although not the most technical peak in Nepal, it also needs good fitness, strength and adequate acclimatization. Crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses are examples of climbing gear used by climbers in the final ascent.
The high point day is very difficult and very satisfactory. The summit provides the climbers with a sense of accomplishment and a personal close-up view of the high Himalaya that cannot be compared to many other adventures.
Most Ideal Adventure Tourists.
Island Peak is a good destination to be visited by those who desire:
- a real Himalayan mountaineering experience.
- a mountain fit to amateurs with preparations.
- astounding Everest area view.
- Sherpa village cultural encounters.
- a step to greater mountaineering heights that will be remembered.
Because of these features, Island Peak is often recommended as an excellent training climb for those planning a future Everest expedition or other major Himalayan adventures.
A Memorable Himalayan success story.
Island Peak (Imja Tse) is far much more than a trekking peak. It is both a trip into one of the most well-known mountain areas on the planet, an opportunity to feel the Himalayan spirit and a possibility to be high above glaciers and valleys with Everest in the vicinity. Island Peak is a place that no one would forget and those who want adventure, beauty and a significant challenge of climbing, this is the place to go.
Explore our journey on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok for photos, videos, and stories
Would you like to ask us in email info@himalayanmountaineering.com.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu and meet with our representative at the airport and transfer to Hotel. Welcome drink and short briefing about Island Peak Climbing.
Overnight in Hotel - 1400 meter
Day 02:
Paper work, gear preparation and more briefing about the trip.
Overnight in Hotel – 1400 meters
Day 03:
Drive to Ramechhap 4 Hour and Fly to Lukla 20 minutes and Trek to Phakding.
Overnight in Lodge – 2610 meters
Day 04-05
Trek to Namche Bazaar for 6 hours and acclimatize one more day in Namche.
Overnight in Lodge – 3440 meters
Day 06:
Trek to Tengboche which will be another 5 hours trek following Phungi Thangna.
Overnight in Lodge – 3860 meters
Day 07:
Trek to Dingboche following rhododendrons forest and suspension bridge.
Overnight in Lodge - 4410 meters
Day 08:
Trek to Lobuche. We will see Nuptsem Amadablam, Pumori and Khumbutse during the trek.
Overnight in Lodge – 4910 meters
Day 09:
Trek to Gorak-shep which will take 2 hours and after lunch in Gorak-shep we will visit Everest Base Camp (5364 meters) following small up and down through the glacier.
Overnight in Lodge - 5140 meters
Day 10:
Hike to Kala Patthar 5550 meters which will be around 2 hours hike. Kala Pathar means Black rocks. Now we have an excellent view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Changtse (Chinese mountain), Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche peak and other peaks all around. There is also unobstructed view of sunrise and sunset. Then we climb down till our hotel and it takes about 1 hour. We will have our breakfast. After breakfast we continue our trek passing the Changri glacier until reaching Lobuche which takes about 2 hours. Then we continue again until reaching Thukla which takes about 1 hour. We will have lunch there. After lunch, the trail continues gently descent till reaching Dingboche.
Overnight in Lodge - 4240 meters
Day 11:
Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung for 4 hours. Today we have a day off to acclimatize. So, our trail continues in the Yak grazing land until reaching Chhukung village which takes about 2 hours.
Overnight in Lodge – 4730 meters
Day 12:
Trek to Island Base Camp with 7 hours side trip to Chhukung-Ri 5550 meters. We continue our steep ascent trail till Chhukung-Ri which takes about 2 and half hour. After that we will have a close view of Lhotse, Makalu, Island Peak and Baruntse Himal as well.
Overnight in Tent - 4970 meters
Day 13:
Climb from Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp which will be approx. 3 hours and stay overnight in tented camp.
Overnight in tent - 5600 meters
Day 14:
Climb from High Camp to Island Peak Summit 6183 meters and back to Chhukung which will take around 5 hours.
Overnight in Lodge - 4730 meters
Day 15:
Trek from Chhukung to Pangboche for 4-5 hours.
Overnight in Lodge – 3930 meters
Day 16:
Trek to Namche Baazar.
Overnight in lodge - 3440 meters
Day 17:
Trek to Lukla which will be around 7 hours.
Overnight in Lodge – 2840 meters
Day 18:
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Overnight in Hotel – 1400 meters
Day 19:
Reserve day in case of flight delay from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Overnight in Hotel – 1400
Day 20:
Final departure from Kathmandu after breakfast.
Include
Our Island Peak Climbing Package Includes:
1. All airport and hotel transfer domestic and international.
2. 4 nights' accommodation at 3-4-star hotel with breakfast.
3. Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Back.
4. Kathmandu city sightseeing tour as per the above itinerary and entrance fees.
5. Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek, base camp and all other places than Kathmandu.
6. Lodge during trek and tented accommodation during climbing period on sharing basis. We will have a well settled base camp and high camp service.
7. Climbing and trekking guide during the trek and climbing.
8. Cook, helper, porters and their food & accommodation, salary, equipment’s & insurance for high camp services.
9. Camping Equipment’s, Tents, Kitchen Utensils and Mattresses with high foods.
10. 1 Duffle Bag, Radio Set, Satellite Phone, Map, Weather Report, Solar or Generator in base camp and high camp for charging mobile, laptop etc.
11. Climbing and Trekking permit of Island Peak, National park fees, Rural Municipality Fees.
12. Waste, members stool and garbage management fees and all necessary permits.
13. Training of using gears, rope and other important knowledge and sharing experience of the expedition.
14. First Aid Medical Kit box, frequent medical checkup and necessary emergency equipment’s.
15. Office Service charge and Certificates.
Exclude
Our Climbing Package Cost doesn't include:
1. Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu except breakfast in hotel.
2. Travel insurance that should cover your accidental, medical and emergency rescue evacuation in case of worst case.
3. International air fare to and from Nepal.
4. Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
5. Items and expenses of personal nature like beer, Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
6. Personal Trekking and climbing Equipment’s needed for climbing. We recommend you to check all gears before heading to expedition in Kathmandu. Our guide will help you in organizing gears.
7. Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
8. Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
9. Summit Bonus to Climbing Sherpa of minimum 300 USD to climbing guide.
10. Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
11. Horse renting and porters during the trek.
12. Tips for guide, porters, driver, cooks and other staff.
Customize Your Climbing Experience: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailor-made”. This package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, for more information please email us at info@himalayanmountaineering.com.
Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Himalayan Mountaineering Expeditions. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
Gear Checklist
Essential Climbing Gear
-
Climbing Equipment:
- Climbing harness
- Carabiners (locking and non-locking)
- Ice axe
- Crampons compatible with your boots
- Ascender (Jumar) for rope climbing
- Descender (figure-eight or ATC)
- Climbing helmet
-
Technical Gear:
- Fixed rope
- Dynamic and static ropes (provided by most guides)
- Snow anchor or ice screws (if needed)
-
Footwear:
- Insulated mountaineering boots (double boots recommended for warmth)
- Gaiters to keep snow out
- Thick wool or synthetic socks (3–4 pairs)
-
Accessories:
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Trekking poles (adjustable and collapsible)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Backpack (30–40L for day use)
- Waterproof duffle bag for carrying gear
Clothing for Island Peak
-
Base Layers:
- Thermal top and bottom (moisture-wicking)
-
Insulation Layers:
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Down jacket (high-fill power for summit push)
-
Outer Layers:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (GORE-TEX or similar)
- Waterproof pants
-
Mid Layers:
- Lightweight hiking shirts
- Softshell pants
-
Head and Hands:
- Insulated gloves (outer) and liner gloves
- Balaclava or buff
- Warm hat/beanie
-
Sleeping Gear:
- Sleeping bag (rated for -20°C/-4°F)
- Lightweight sleeping bag liner (optional)
Miscellaneous Items
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Energy bars, snacks, and electrolyte powders
- Personal first-aid kit
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm
- Toiletries and quick-dry towel
Having the right equipment and clothing ensures safety and comfort while tackling Island Peak's technical sections and unpredictable weather conditions.