20 Days

Island Peak Climbing with EBC

Price per person $2490

Altitude 6189m

Difficulty Hard

Group size 2-10

Climb Style Normal

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Inclusion & Exclusion
Travel Notes

Overview

The Island Peak Climbing and Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is one of the best adventure combos in Nepal. Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a famous trekking peak located in the heart of the Khumbu region. It offers stunning Himalayan scenery and a manageable mountaineering challenge, making it ideal for beginner climbers looking to experience high-altitude trekking and peak climbing in Nepal.

This Island Peak expedition begins with the classic Everest Base Camp trek, where you follow in the footsteps of legendary climbers. Along the way, you’ll explore Sherpa villages, visit ancient monasteries, and enjoy views of iconic peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is a dream for many trekkers, and combining it with Island Peak climbing takes the adventure to the next level.

Island Peak (6,189m) rises dramatically from the Chhukung Valley and appears like an island surrounded by glaciers, which is how it got its name. The Island Peak climbing route includes glacier travel, rope work, and a final push to the summit via a steep snow slope. While the climb is physically demanding, it is achievable for fit trekkers with some basic mountaineering training. It’s a great way to gain climbing experience in Nepal.

From the summit of Island Peak, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of massive peaks like Lhotse (8,501m), Nuptse (7,879m), Makalu (8,475m), Baruntse, and Ama Dablam (6,812m). These breathtaking views make the effort truly worthwhile. The feeling of standing on a Himalayan summit is unforgettable and deeply fulfilling.

The best seasons for Island Peak climbing with Everest Base Camp trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is clear and stable. This expedition is a perfect introduction to Himalayan mountaineering and prepares you for more challenging Nepal peak climbing adventures in the future. Whether you’re aiming for Ama Dablam or even an 8,000-meter peak one day, Island Peak is the perfect place to start.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. You'll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and explore nearby attractions.

Day 2

Trip Briefing and Expedition Preparation

Meet your guide and team for a comprehensive trip briefing. Finalize permits, gear checks, and preparations for your adventure ahead.

Day 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Manthali, then flight to Lukla (2,800m), and trek to Phakding (2,651m)

Begin with a drive to Manthali, Ramechhap (approximately 4-5 hours by vehicle), followed by a scenic 25–35 minute flight to Lukla. From Lukla, trek for around 3 hours downhill to the village of Phakding.

Day 4

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Hike for about 6 to 7 hours along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges and climbing through pine forests to reach the bustling Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 5

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Spend the day acclimatizing at Namche. Hike to the Everest View Hotel or nearby ridges for panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

Day 6

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Phortse (3,800m)

Trek for 5 to 6 hours through rhododendron forests and along dramatic ridgelines to reach the quiet Sherpa village of Phortse.

Day 7

Trek from Phortse to Dingboche (4,410m)

Continue trekking for 6 to 7 hours, crossing the Imja Khola and ascending steadily through alpine landscapes to the settlement of Dingboche.

Day 8

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m)

A 4 to 5 hour trek through barren terrain, passing memorials for climbers and reaching the glacial moraine village of Lobuche.

Day 9

Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5,170m) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m)

Trek for around 7 hours, reaching Gorakshep for lunch before continuing to the legendary Everest Base Camp and returning to Gorakshep for overnight.

Day 10

Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and back to Lobuche (4,940m)

Start early and trek for 6 to 7 hours. Climb to Kala Patthar for stunning sunrise views of Everest and descend back to Lobuche.

Day 11

Trek from Lobuche to Chukung (4,730m) via Kongma La Pass (5,535m)

This is a challenging day involving a 7 to 8-hour trek over the high Kongma La Pass. Enjoy dramatic landscapes before descending to Chukung.

Day 12

Chukung – Pre-climb Training and Rest Day

Spend the first half of the day undergoing mountaineering training. Rest and acclimatize in the afternoon to prepare for the summit attempt.

Day 13

Trek from Chukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m)

Trek for 3 to 4 hours through rocky terrain to reach the Island Peak Base Camp. Settle in and prepare gear for the summit day.

Day 14

Climb from Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit (6,189m) and return to Base Camp

Start early for a challenging 10 to 12-hour climb to the summit of Island Peak. Use fixed ropes and crampons on icy sections, then descend back to base camp.

Day 15

Trek from Base Camp to Tengboche (3,870m)

Descend for 6 to 7 hours, retracing your steps through the Imja Valley and stopping overnight at the scenic village of Tengboche.

Day 16

Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Trek for about 4 to 5 hours, mostly downhill, passing forests and monasteries, back to the familiar town of Namche Bazaar.

Day 17

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m)

Trek for around 6 to 7 hours along the Dudh Koshi River and through Sherpa villages to reach Lukla. Celebrate your journey with the team.

Day 18

Fly from Lukla to Manthali and drive to Kathmandu (1,350m)

Take an early morning flight (25–35 minutes) to Manthali, followed by a 4–5 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Relax and unwind after your expedition.

Day 19

Contingency or Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Use this extra day in case of flight delays or for sightseeing around Kathmandu. Visit heritage sites or enjoy leisure time at your hotel.

Day 20

Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable expedition in the Everest region.

Cost Inclusion & Exclusion

Airport pick-up and drop-off
Hotel in Kathmandu 4 night
All lodges on trek (twin-sharing)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trek
Domestic airfare
Expert climbing guide during trek
Guide and porter’s insurance
Porters (1 porter per two trekkers)
Company duffel bag and sun had
A first aid kit
All necessary permit
All local government taxes
Oxygen set (if in case you got sickness you can use but it will charge 300 USD extra)

Group equipment like fixed rope (static rope) main rope (dynamic rope) snow bar, some rock pitons

Individual travel insurance
International airfare
Visa fees upon arrival
Personal expenditures, like hard and cold drinks
Hot shower during the trek
Personal trekking equipment
Charges for internet and telephone usage
Gratuity for the trekking team members, guide, porters

Travel Notes

Key Attractions

Summit of Island Peak (6,189m): A classic Himalayan climbing objective with a dramatic summit ridge and an exhilarating headwall ascent. The summit offers breathtaking views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Baruntse.

Everest Base Camp Integration: Combine the world-famous Everest Base Camp trek with an alpine summit. Visit Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m) before heading toward Island Peak, making this an immersive trekking and climbing experience.

Scenic Glacier and Ice Climbing: Navigate glaciated terrain, fixed ropes, and a steep snow/ice headwall using crampons and an ice axe—perfect for sharpening your mountaineering skills in a controlled yet challenging setting.

High-Altitude Landscapes: Walk through lush pine forests, high alpine meadows, moraine valleys, and stunning glacial amphitheaters. Each section offers changing perspectives of the Khumbu Himalayas.

Sherpa Culture and Monasteries: Pass through iconic villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Pangboche. Visit Tengboche Monastery—the spiritual hub of the region—and witness the hospitality and resilience of Sherpa communities.

Best Climbing Seasons: Spring (March–May) brings clear skies, moderate temperatures, and flowering rhododendrons. Autumn (September–November) offers crisp mountain views, stable weather, and high summit success rates.

Base Camp Experience at 5,087m: Island Peak Base Camp is a scenic and strategic location for final gear checks, glacier training, and acclimatization. An Optional High Camp setup increases summit efficiency and success.

Preparation

Begin physical training at least 3–4 months before departure. Include cardio (hiking, running), leg/core strength exercises, and altitude conditioning if possible.
Prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 4,000m) is highly recommended. Treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or Langtang Valley help with acclimatization awareness and mental preparation.
Master basic mountaineering techniques: walking with crampons, using an ice axe, attaching to fixed lines, and handling a harness on steep snow or ice sections.
Follow a staged acclimatization plan with rest stops in Namche Bazaar (3,440m), Dingboche (4,410m), and Chhukung (4,730m) before ascending to Base Camp.
Know the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)—headache, nausea, shortness of breath—and respond promptly. Hydrate often, pace conservatively, and eat regularly.
Pack quality gear: insulated mountaineering boots, down jacket, glacier sunglasses, harness, helmet, crampons, summit gloves, and layered technical clothing.
Bring energy-rich snacks and hydration tablets. Summit day begins before dawn and can last 10–12 hours—fuel and stamina are essential.
Secure all necessary permits:

Island Peak Climbing Permit (via NMA)
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Travel with licensed climbing guides and a trained support team. Their expertise in rope setup, glacier safety, and weather judgment is critical to summit success.
Purchase comprehensive insurance that covers climbing up to 6,500 meters. Ensure it includes helicopter evacuation, trip delays, and medical emergencies. Share your insurance details with your guide.
Mentally prepare for early alpine starts, cold temperatures, and unpredictable weather conditions. Flexibility, patience, and a strong team dynamic will carry you through summit day.
Respect local customs and traditions—greet locals respectfully, dress modestly, and maintain silence inside monasteries. Sherpa hospitality and culture are highlights of the experience.