Island Peak Climbing - 15 days

Things to Know
  • Duration15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Technical Challenging
  • Altitude 6,189m Island Peak
  • Trip Type Trekking/Climbing & Camping
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Mar-May, Sep-Nov
What You’ll Do
  • Summit the Island Peak 6189 meters and witness outstanding views of mountains
  • Discover the eastern Himalayas of Nepal
  • Charming Sherpa Town – Namche Bazaar
  • Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery-largest in the Khumbu region
  • Thrilling adventure with stunning landscapes, rocky terrain, glaciers, and breathtaking panorama.
  • Get to know the famous Sherpa Culture and their lifestyle

The Island Peak Climbing is a spectacular trekking peak in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. Also, Known as ImjaTse, the peak lies beautifully between Ama Dablam and Mt. Lhotse on the top of Chukkung Glacier. Island Peak is rapidly attracting both beginners and experienced climbers delivering the ultimate adventure. The Peak arises through the South from Lhotse Glacier. From the top of the peak, you will get to see superb views of mountain vistas - Everest (8848m/29021 ft), Mt Nuptse (7,879m), Mt Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m), Lhotse Shar (8,383m), Mt Makalu (8,475m) and Cho Polu (6,734m), Mt Baruntse (7,720m), and the majestic Ama Dablam (6,856m). In addition, reaching the summit gives you the feeling of great achievement. It is also considered the preparation climb before climbing 7000 and 8000 meters of mountains. The exciting journey to the top of Island Peak begins from the Kathmandu to Lukla flight. After completing some formalities over there, the walk begins through the villages of Phakding, Namche, Tencgboche, Dingboche, and lastly Island Peak Base Camp. The journey rewards you with beautiful Sherpa villages, landscapes, ridges, suspension bridges, rivers, monasteries, and gigantic mountains. It is the perfect mixture of trekking on the EBC Trail and climbing the peak at the same time. However, if you have enough time you can trek to EBC and climb the Island Peak together.

Iconic Holiday Nepal organizes everything for the peak climbing to Island Peak for our clients. The Climbing Guides from Iconic Holiday will make you ready to overcome all the challenges during the climb. In addition, with the years of experience from our guide, you will have remarkable experience and adventure.

How difficult is Island Peak Climbing?

In comparison to other peaks in the Everest Region, Island Peak climbing is fairly easier. However, at a certain point technical parts come into play which can make it difficult. Therefore, how difficult is Island Peak Climbing? Well, it is not an easy trip for all the beginners. However, even if you are a beginner with skill and knowledge of using the gear and equipment then it’s doable.

Besides the technical part, several factors make climbing difficult. Some of them are:

Altitude Sickness:

Summiting the mammoth altitude of 6187 meters, there is always a chance of altitude sickness. If your body does not adapt to changing altitude, you can feel dizzy and sick. Therefore, you should take care of your body and adapt to the altitude gain. We have set two days for acclimatization in our itinerary that can help you to adapt to the weather.

Weather:

You never know about the weather in higher elevations. Especially above 5000 meters, you can’t predict the weather. The weather at higher elevations is changeable and uncertain. Therefore, summiting the peak before noon is very crucial. Weather can be changeable with strong winds in the noon.

Technical Part of the Climb:

The climb is not as technical as other peaks in the everest region. However, for extreme beginners with zero knowledge of gear, it is going to be difficult in the technical part. Although there are professional guides to help you with zero knowledge.

What makes Island Peak climbing so special?

Climbing Island Peak rewards with a challenging and unique experience to adventure seekers. It is the perfect combination of high-altitude trekking and climbing to the top of the peak. The location of the peak is itself one of the reasons why this peak is special. It offers mind-blowing views of the highest peaks in the world. Likewise, this peak is less difficult in the technical part in comparison to other peaks. In addition, the altitude is perfect for acclimatizing your body before doing any expedition in Nepal. Besides that, the cultural experience of the Sherpa community, amazing scenery, wildlife, etc. makes this trip so special.

Permits Required for Island Peak Climbing

Climbers are required to obtain the following permits to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak

  • NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) Permit
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
  • Local Area Permit (Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit)

All these permits are included in the package cost.

Climbing Season

The best time for Island Peak climbing is during the pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (late September to November) periods when the weather is relatively stable, offering clear skies and favourable climbing conditions.

Essential Tips for Island Peak Ascent

Physical Preparation: Prior physical conditioning, including cardiovascular workouts and strength training, is crucial for the trek and climb.
Acclimatization: Adequate time for acclimatization during the trek significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
Professional Guidance: Engage certified guides and experienced Sherpa teams to ensure a safe and successful ascent.

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1-2 hours

One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

  • Altitude2650 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hours

The second day of your journey will be a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or Ramechhap to Lukla.

Ramechhap to Lukla flight: To catch the flight from Ramechap, you will drive for 4-5 hours from Kathmandu early in the morning around 2 am.

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight: Wake up around 5-6 am and be ready to catch the flight to Lukla. Our staff will escort you to the domestic airport according to your flight schedule.

After reaching Lukla, you will have a short break for breakfast. Till then, the porter will arrange your baggage to carry. Today, you will trek to Phakding following the route of the Dudh Koshi River. Overnight stay at Phakding.

  • Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

The day begins with a delicious breakfast and begins the journey along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Likewise, you will cross the river several times over suspension bridges decorated with prayer flags. As you enter the Sagarmatha National Park, the trail starts to get steep with amazing views. Overnight stay at Namche.

  • Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea House

Namche Bazaar is a beautiful town of Sherpa People with café, lodges, bakeries, trekking gear shops, and many more. You can just explore around the Namche or hike up to Syangboche around the Everest View Hotel. Hiking above Namche is an excellent option to acclimatize your body. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

  • Altitude3860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

Today as well, the trek continues through the Dudh Koshi River with a spectacular view of mountains. Walking for 5 hours, you will reach Tengboche village. Visit Tengboche Monastery which is beautifully decorated with wall hanging, footsteps of Buddha, prayer flags, and musical instruments. Overnight stay at Tengboche

  • Altitude4410 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

At the first phase of the trek, you will descend to Debuche and cross a suspension bridge over Imja Khola. After crossing the bridge, the trail continues to climb to Pangboche. The trek continues uphill for 5 hours leading to the beautiful Village of Dingboche. It is a traditional Sherpa Village that rewards the views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.

  • Altitude4730 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4-5 hours

Leaving the trail of EBC, today we head to Chukkung walking for 4-5 hours. The trekking starts through the stone-walled field and continues to glacier moraine. Throughout the journey, you will see Lhotse and Ama Dablma surrounding you. Likewise, after crossing the village of Bibre, you will enter Chukkung to stay overnight.

  • Altitude5240 m
  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • Time4-5 hours

From Chhukung, we ascend northwards and follow this valley along the moraine from the Lhotse glacier to the east. A short hike by the river leads up to a big rock, and after a 40-minute climb, we reach Island Peak Base Camp. After setting up our tents, you will get short training on peak climbing techniques, including using gear such as ice axes, climbing boots and crampons, harnesses, and rope skills.

  • Altitude5240 m
  • AccommodationTented Camp

Rest day is also a preparation day before the summit of Island Peak. On this day your climbing guide will give you extra training to make sure that you are comfortable with your climbing equipment. You can check all your gear one final time. Overnight stay at tented camp.

  • Altitude6189 m
  • AccommodationTea house
  • Time8-10 hours

It is going to be the longest day as you will leave to summit the peak around 2 am. Initially, you will encounter a rocky section for 150 m, and then navigate across the steeper section. Once you reach 5700 meters, you feel like altitude starts to decrease its pace. The steep rock section seems to be a long way to the top of the summit. Likewise, you must put on the crampons and harness once you reach the crampon point. The climb continues from here through the glacier. Follow the guidance of your climbing guide throughout the climb and be careful in the technical part. Upon reaching the summit, you can spend a significant amount of time and return to Chukkung.

  • Altitude3860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time5-6 hours

After conquering the Island Peak, you will retrace the same trail to get back to Tengboche. You will come across Dongboche and Pangboche village along the way back. Overnight stay at Tengboche.

  • Altitude3440 m
  • AccommodationTea house
  • Time5-6 hours

From Tengboche, the trail descends to Namche via Khumjung. The hike down continues through the forest and the views of mountains on the backside. Khumjung village is just above Namche Bazaar. Along the journey through Khumjung village, you can see some Himalayan wildlife as well. Further trekking down from Khumjung, you will arrive at Namche to stay overnight.

  • Altitude2840 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6-7 hours

You will be trekking for the last time today in the Everest Region. Crossing the several suspension bridges, we will trek down to Lukla. You will pass by different beautiful villages and communicate with Sherpa People and fellow trekkers. Upon arriving at Lukla, you can have a small celebration with your team after a successful trip to the Island Peak. Overnight stay at Lukla.

  • Altitude1400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time25 min flight | 35 min flight

Depending upon the air traffic, you will either fly back directly to Kathmandu or fly to Ramechhap at first. If you fly to Ramechhap, then on the same day you will drive back to Kathmandu in a sharing vehicle. However, if you fly directly to Kathmandu, our assistant will be at the airport to pick you up.

Flight to Manthali
The flight from Lukla to Manthali is 25 minutes flight. After that, it is about a 4 to 6-hour drive to Kathmandu. You’ll be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu on a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the peak trekking season from March to November.

Flight to Kathmandu
The flight to Lukla takes about 35 minutes. After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu via a shared tourist vehicle. This is relevant for the months outside peak trekking months.

    Our assistant from Iconic Holiday Nepal will escort you to the airport in a private vehicle according to your flight schedule.

    FAQs
    • Although it is possible to climb Island Peak throughout the year except during the monsoon months, the best time to climb Island Peak is during spring and fall seasons. March to early June is the spring time and also the busiest climbing season of the year. September to November is the fall season when temperatures are moderate and weather tends to be clear.

    • Island peak climb is recommended for beginners willing to step into the world of mountaineering. Even then, climbing Island Peak requires having an experience of trekking in high altitude.

    • Unless you sign up for a private trip or if we do not have a group on your selected day, you will be climbing with other individuals who share similar passions. You will be led by a highly qualified local climbing guide who has conquered the summit several times. Your guide will help you from day one and provide you with useful advice as well as teach you the skills. The day before the summit, he will also give you pre-climbing instruction at base camp.

    • Climbing at a high altitude is a risky sport. It isn’t simple. At a high altitude, Island Peak is a demanding climb. Before attempting the Island Peak climb, you must be aware of the dangers of ascending to a higher altitude.

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