Island Peak Climbing

Island Peak aka Imja Tse (6,189 meters) is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal situated at the heart of the Everest region. It offers an incredible mountaineering […]

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Overview

Island Peak aka Imja Tse (6,189 meters) is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal situated at the heart of the Everest region. It offers an incredible mountaineering experience to travelers who are looking for adventures to push their limits. Island Peak Climbing is suitable for both experienced trekkers and those new to mountaineering. While the climb requires the knowledge of using climbing equipment such as ropes, crampons, and ice axes, Island Peak is not technically a difficult peak to climb. Therefore, it is a perfect choice for climbers looking to take their first steps in the world of peak climbing in Nepal and the perfect milestone for trekkers looking to experience high-altitude climbing.

The local name for the peak in the Sherpa language is Imja Tse which means “the island in a glacial sea”. Therefore, the peak gets its name because it accurately looks like an island amidst a sea of glaciers when viewed from above. Situated deep within the Chukkung valley, this stunning peak looks like an island, obscured on both sides by the immense Lhotse/Nuptse South Wall to the north and Baruntse to the south.

The itinerary for Island Peak Climbing is generally about two weeks long and the journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, we will be heading to Phakding and then follow the Everest trekking trail towards the famous Namche Bazaar which is also the gateway to the Everest region. Namche is an important stop for acclimatization during our trek because we will be trekking towards higher elevations in the upcoming days from here. Thus, the Island Peak Itinerary mostly has two nights here to adjust to the altitude while exploring the village and visiting the local market.

After leaving Namche, the trail leads us through the Khumbu Valley passing beautiful villages like Tengboche and Dingboche with their incredible views of Everest ranges including Ama Dablam and the mighty Everest. We will then make our way towards Chhukung, a small settlement in the Imja Valley which is perfect for further acclimatization before heading to Island Peak Base Camp.

From Chhukung, the real adventure of our journey begins. We will be trekking to Island Peak Base Camp where we will undergo the climbing preparation. From here, the summit push starts early the next morning. The route to the summit involves crossing glaciers, using ropes, and climbing steep snow slopes so we have to be extra prepared at the base camp. The Nepal Mountain Guide crew will also provide you with equipment usage training at the Island Peak Base Camp to ensure a safe and successful ascent.

We will be heading towards our ultimate destination and our primary goal, Island Peak Summit, which is also the peak that Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing climbed in 1953 as a training peak before climbing Mt. Everest. Reaching the summit of Island Peak at 6,189 meters is a thrilling moment with spectacular views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and other Himalayan giants surrounding you. After celebrating the success of reaching our ultimate destination i.e. the Island Peak Summit, we will descend back to base camp and rest and relax.

Following the climb, the trail takes us back down through the villages of Dingboche, Tengboche, and finally Namche Bazaar. The trek ends with a flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, with the remarkable memories of the Island Peak adventure.

Island Peak is located within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects the Khumbu region’s unique flora and fauna including rare and extinct wildlife like musk deer, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahr. Therefore, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit is a must to trek in the Everest region of Nepal. And since it is a trekking peak managed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), a peak climbing permit from the NMA is also required to reach the Island Peak Summit. Whereas, other permits like Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Tax and TIMS card are also essential for Island Peak Climbing. We at Nepal Mountain Guide will be handling all the paperwork and procedures for the permits and operation before embarking on the trail.

The best time to climb Island Peak is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather conditions, which are crucial for safe climbing. During the Spring, the temperatures are mild ranging from 10°C to 15°C at lower altitudes, while higher elevations can see temperatures drop to -10°C. Spring also brings blooming rhododendrons along the trail. On the other hand, Autumn is the most popular season for trekking and peak climbing in Nepal with clear skies and excellent visibility. During this time, the temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C during the day at lower altitudes, but nights at higher camps can be cold, dropping to -15°C. Whereas, Winter and monsoon seasons are not ideal due to heavy snowfall and unstable weather conditions. But for a well-experienced climber, it is also possible to climb Island Peak during winter

Itinerary

If you want tailor-made trip or want to personalize this itinerary, just feel free to contact us. We are always there to help you to make your holiday plan. Contact us

Day 01

Fly to Lukla 2,820 m and trek to Phakding (2,640 m) – 04 hrs.

Today, we embark on a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a thrilling 40-minute journey offering breathtaking views. Upon landing in Lukla, we begin our trek to Phakding, where we will spend our first night in the Khumbu region. As we walk, we’ll be surrounded by stunning views of terraced landscapes and river valleys, with the majestic peaks of the world’s highest mountains towering above. We’ll reach Phakding (8,700 ft / 2,650 m) and overnight at a lodge.
Day 02

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m ) – 05/6 hrs.

On the second day of your journey, you'll traverse the stunning rhododendron forest, concluding your day in the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar after a 7-hour trek from Phakding. Namche Bazaar, the capital of the Khumbu region, is renowned for its breathtaking views and is surrounded by towering white mountains. Along the way, you'll pass through scenic landscapes filled with blue pine forests, fir trees, and much more.
Day 03

Acclimatize at Namche Bazaar

Today is a relaxed day, where we take a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Namche, soaking in the beauty of the surroundings and the warm hospitality of the local Sherpa people. We’ll visit the local museum, which showcases the native flora and fauna of the region, as well as the rich history of the Mount Everest area. For those who wish, we have the option to hike up to Everest View Lodge, offering an up-close view of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Lhotse, and more. It’s a stunning viewpoint that provides a breathtaking perspective of the Khumbu region!
Day 04

Trek to Tengboche(3,855 m/12,850 feet) – 4/5 Hours

After breakfast, our journey begins with breathtaking, unforgettable views of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cholatse, Kantaiga, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. The first part of the trail is relatively easy, with smooth, flat terrain followed by an hour-long descent. After that, we will ascend for two hours towards Tengboche. Along the way, we will cross several suspension bridges. Upon reaching Tengboche, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Tengboche Monastery, which is conveniently located near your hotel!
Day 05

Trek to Dingboche(4,460 m / 14,290 feet) – 5/6 Hours

We’ll start by enjoying breakfast, then begin our trek towards Dingboche, passing through several Sherpa villages, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and of course, stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Today’s hike will take about 5-6 hours, with a lunch stop in Somare. The trail gradually ascends through the mountain terrain and desert-like landscape, with occasional trees and plants along the way.
Day 06

Rest day at Dingboche for acclimatization

After breakfast, we hike through the high pastureland above the village of Dingboche, heading towards Nagarjuna Hill, which stands at an elevation of 5455 meters. The hike from our hotel to the top takes about 2-3 hours at a slow pace. The view from the summit is breathtaking, offering panoramic 360-degree vistas. After soaking in the views, we descend back to Dingboche and spend the night at our hotel. This day serves as our second crucial acclimatization day. After breakfast, we take a hike above the village. It's an important opportunity to assess how well we are adjusting to the altitude.
Day 07

Trek to Chhukung (4,730 m/15,518 Ft & 2hrs)

Today, we have a leisurely 2-hour walk to Chhukung village. Upon arrival, we'll spend some time with our climbing guide, who will provide us with valuable insights and instructions to prepare for the climbing adventures over the next two days.
Day 08

Trek to Island Peak Base camp (5,200 m/17,060 Ft & 3-4hrs)

After breakfast, we gradually ascended toward the small settlement of Chukhung. Along the way, we were treated to stunning views of Island Peak, reminding us of the challenge ahead. Our destination for the day was Island Base Camp. It was another relatively easy hike, with the trail crossing a river and following the valley for about 2-3 hours, passing beneath the impressive south face of Lhotse. The base camp itself sits beside the Imja Glacier, nestled below steep grassy slopes that mark the beginning of the climb to Island Peak.
Day 09

Preparation day at Island peak base camp

Today marks the toughest yet most thrilling day of our journey. The climb begins early in the morning, crossing the gully above the camp. The trail ascends for another hour, leading to a narrow ridge that takes us onto the glacier. It's time to rope up and don our crampons as we approach the most exciting part of the climb—the glacier crossing. This is followed by a steep snow slope that leads us onto the summit ridge, which offers a breathtakingly airy experience. Upon reaching the summit, we are rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the Everest region. After a few minutes for photos and celebrations, we begin our descent to base camp. If we're feeling strong, we'll continue our descent to Chhukung, where we can enjoy hearty food and a well-deserved rest.
Day 10

Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp then descend to Chhukung (5,600m/18,372ft & 9hrs)

We descend along the same trail we’ve been climbing for the past few days, passing through several villages and navigating the ups and downs of the hills as we make our way to Namche Bazaar.
Day 11

Trek to Namche Bazaar& 6-7hrs

We will trek back to Namche Bazaar, a journey that will take approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival, we will have free time to explore the local market and enjoy a hearty meal to help us recover. Afterward, we can relax and take in the beautiful evening views from the hotel. We will spend the night at a comfortable trekking lodge, with meals provided, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner (B+L+D).
Day 12

Day 12: Trek to Lukla (2,800 m/9,186 Ft & 6-7hrs)

We begin our drive back to Lukla after breakfast at our hotel. We pass through picturesque local villages such Jorsalle, Manju, and Phakding before arriving at Lukla, which marks the conclusion of the hike. Go to the lodge and check in. The remainder of your time will be spent exploring Lukla and enjoying some good Americano at the local coffee shops. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner with our Lukla crew, and we will spend the night at the best trekking lodge possible, which will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 13

Fly Lukla/Kathmandu 35minutes.

On our final day in the Everest region, we’ll savor the last views of the majestic mountains in the morning. A scenic 35-minute flight will take us back to Kathmandu, where we’ll drive to our hotel. You can then relax or shop for souvenirs for family and friends. Service includes: Breakfast (B) Optional: If you wish to extend your trip, there are plenty of exciting adventure activities available, such as a Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting, paragliding, mountain flights, mountain biking, and more. Note: All trekking hours and distances are approximate and provided for general reference only. Thank you for choosing us for your holiday in Nepal. We strive to take great care of you and ensure that your trip is enjoyable and unforgettable. Wishing you all the best and may your adventurous spirit continue to thrive!

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