Island Peak Climbing
- Trip Overview
- Trip Highlight
- Itinerary
- Include / Exclude
- Fixed Departure
- Faqs
Trip Overview
Island peak (6,189m) climbing is the most popular and preferred peak climbing among experienced mountaineers as well as beginners. It follows the Everest Base Camp route which is busy trekking route of Khumbu region and welcomes hundreds of climber groups in a year for adventure. It lies on Sagarmatha National Park, first name is ‘Island’ named by a British Mount Everest Expedition team’s Eric Shipton in 1953 and in 1983 it was named ‘Imja Tsen’. Island peak is the great summit for first time climbers because it is not technical, do not require advanced climbing skills. South west of Island peak was first climbed in 1953 but the main summit in 1956. The summit offer the breathtaking views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Lhotse Shar, Lhose middle, Makalu, Baruntse in east and Amadablam in the south.
Island peak climbing provides exciting climbing experience beyond simple trekking in Himalaya as well as make your trip memorable by exhilarating flight to Lukla, trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Kalapathar. The peak is usually climbed in a round trip from Kathmandu in 19 days which passes through the villages Phakding, Namche Bazaar; modern village of Khumbu and gateway to Mount Everest, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Dzongla; a small village between Gorko and Chhukung and Chhukung village.
The best time for the Island peak climbing is spring and autumn because temperature is moderate and favorable for trekking and peak climbing. Winter and summer are not suitable for climbing due to cold weather and monsoon rain for many day causing landslides and avalanches in danger zone respectively.
Island peak climbing is graded as Alpine PD+ which is excellent natural destination without great technical difficulty. We need Island Peak Climbing Permit and Everest National Park Permit. You can join to us for outstanding trip to Island Peak of Khumbu region and trip can be modified according to your available time, Physical fitness and desire. You feel free to contact us any time for any information about trip.
Trip Highlight
Get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains in the high Khumbu valley around Everest region.
Explore the Sherpa museum in Namche Bazaar.
Be at the Tengboche Monastery and gaze at the chortens, colorful prayer flags, and stupas along the way.
Visit the world’s highest Everest Base Camp & viewpoint Kalapathar.
A chance for you to get the majestic view of the sunrise from between the mount massifs
The warm hospitality and friendly nature of the Sherpas and observe their Buddhist culture.
Trip Itinerary
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Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu
A representative of Mission Nepal Holiday waits your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport with play card of company name for welcoming you to the land of Himalayas. When you arrive at airport you will be greeted by representative and transferred to your hotel as per itinerary. After short rest in hotel, you can visit Thamel (tourist hub of Kathmandu) and at evening, you can enjoy the welcome dinner (typical Nepali meal) hosted by Mission Nepal Holiday with cultural songs and dance. You spend your night at hotel.
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Day 02:
Kathmandu Sightseeing seeing tour and preparation for trek
Today we explore four UNESCO world heritage sites; Pasupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa. After having breakfast at hotel, first we visit Pasupatinath Temple which is the pilgrimage site of Hindu, offer opportunity to learn birth, death and reincarnation of Hindus. The temple is built in pagoda style with four doors of silver where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Then, we drive to Bouddhanath Supa which lies just 2 kilometer north of Pasupatinath Temple. Bouddhanath is the ancient and biggest stupa as well as pilgrimage site of Tibetan Buddhist people. It is surrounded by many temples and gompas and it symbolize the journey of people from birth to death. After visiting Bouddhanath, we drive 9.5 kilometers to Swaymbhunath Stypa. It is also a famous pilgrimage site of Buddhist known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, offer peace and freedom to the whole world as well as magnificent view of Kathmandu valley. Our last destination of day tour is Kathmandu Durbar Square which is the best place for exploring traditional architecture of Nepal. On this place, we visit Kumari Ghar; living Goddness, Taleju Temple, King Mahendra Memorial Museum, Hanuman Dhoka, Kasthamandap, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Tribhuvan Museum, Mini Pasupatinath Temple and so on.
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Day 03:
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Today is the most exciting as well as memorable day of our journey because of flight to high altitude and world’s dangerous airport, Tenzing- Hillary. After having breakfast at early morning, we transfer you to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for grabbing the first flight to Lukla which takes only 30 to 35 minutes. During fly on the 4500m altitude, we enjoy breathtaking views of mountains; Mount Everest in front of us, different beautiful villages, landscapes and lush valleys. When landing at the Lukla airport, we start our trek through stone- paved descending trial. We reach Chheplung village after short walk then slow descent with forests and beautiful landscape to reach Phakding. We spend our night at Phakding village.
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Day 04:
Trek to Namche Bazaar
After having breakfast at Phakding, we hike through beautiful pine, fir and juniper forest and follow the Dudh Koshi River to reach Namche bazaar; Gateway to Mount Everest, entrance to Everest National Park and ancient trading hub. After 1 hour walk, we can enjoy the view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on right side and sacred Khumbila peak. If weather assists us, we can catch the glimpse of Mount Everest peering over the Lhotse- Nuptse ridge. Our trek passes through different Sherpa villages; Chumoa, Manjo and Jorsale. Today, we cross five suspension bridges when crossing Hillary (last bridge) bridge, trial is uphill, a steep ascent from here brings us to Namche Bazaar. We stay overnight at lodge of Namche Bazaar.
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Day 05:
Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Today is the first acclimatization day of Everest region and take rest from walking and climbing and adapting with decreasing oxygen level in the air. On this day, there are three options for us; first option is to climb up to famous Syangboche airstrip for visiting Syangboche Monastery and Everest View Hotel which offer magnificent view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Amadablam, second option is to hike up to Khumjung, Thame and Kunde village which need longer walk (5-6hrs.) where we visit Khumjung Hillary School and Khumjung Monastry and third option is to explore Namche Bazaar Where we can visit traditional Sherpa life, mountaineering museum, restaurants and lodges, market and flora and fauna available in this region. We spend our second night at lodge in Namche Bazaar.
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Day 06:
Trek to Tengboche
After breakfast, we leave Namche Bazaar and hike to Tengboche. After short walk with old-fashioned settlement and along Dudhkoshi River, we reach Punki. Crossing Dudhkoshi River near the Punki Tenga brings us to Imja Khola Valley then trek ascends towards Tengboche which takes 2 hour. In Tengboche, we explore Tengboche Monastery (open at 3:00pm); largest monastery of Khumbu Region and famous monastery for celebrating Mani Rimdu Festival, a huge Statue of Lord Buddha, traditional musical Instruments, intricate wall printing and attire of the local monks. This village located on Everest National Park, greeted us by panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam Kongde and Thamserku. We stay overnight at lodge of Tengboche.
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Day 07:
Trek to Dingboche
We enjoy the view of sunrise over mountains at early in the morning, take breakfast at Tengboche village and trek to Dingboche. We descend downhill in the easy path through birch, conifer and rhododendron forest, cross the Imja Khola and climb steadily to the village of Pangboche; traditional Sherpa village. We cross Imja Khola before reaching Pengboche, visit Pangboche monastery and hike to Pheriche village; located on river side. Then we descend along bank of river and begin climb up to Dingboche. We spend our night at lodge.
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Day 08:
Acclimatization in Dingboche
Today is the second acclimatization day of our journey, take rest from the walk and climb. We have two options; fist on is hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung; small Sherpa village or Nagarzhang Peak, offer wonderful view of Island peak, Lhotse, Amadablam and Amphu Lapcha Pass; return back to lodge and another option is hike to the hill behind Dingboche, explore the village and return back to lodge for adjust with altitude after acclimatization hike. We spend our second night in Dingboche.
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Day 09:
Trek to Lobuche
After having breakfast, we leave the Dingboche and start hike to Lobuche. We walk on the shattered and creaking ice and steep terminal moraine of Khumbu Glacier; the longest (32km) glacier of Nepal. On the top of this climb we can see stone cairns; built as memories to the Sherpa who have died while climbing Mt. Everest and great view of the mountains covered with snow. We spend our night at Loubche.
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Day 10:
Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Today, we take breakfast at Lobuche and start our trek to GorakShep and Everest Base Camp (EBC). Our first destination is Gorakshep; the small semi- permanent Sherpa inhabitant. The trek passes through rocky ridges, moraine and streams and along Khumbu Glacier with gradual inclined trial. Before reaching the Gorakshep our trial is downhill, on the way, we cross a large moraine of the Changri. When we reach Gorakshep, we take lunch and a brief rest break before heading to EBC. The trial is very rocky and less defined, takes 1 – 2 hours to bring us to the base camp. On the way, we enjoy the panoramic view of Khumbu Range; Amadablam, Pumori and Nuptse on the right side and other mountains. We spend our night at EBC.
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Day 11:
EBC to Kalapathar and Chhukung
On this day, we need to wake up early in the morning and climb to Kalapathar for beautiful sunrise view over the Himalaya. Kalapathar is the famous view point of the Mt. Everest as well as Nuptse, Changtse and Lhotse. After capturing the magnificent view of mountain in mind as well as in Camera, we return back to the Gorakshep and hike to the Dingboche village. From Dingboche, we enter to the Imja Khola valley, that needs 2 hour walk to Chhukung village; beautiful valley settled between Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam and island peak which offers close views of these mountain and their glacier. We stay overnight at Chhukung.
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Day 12:
Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp
We take breakfast at Chhukung and start our trek to Island Base Camp. We follow a moderately steep trial, trek towards south, turn east and enter the main valley to reach base camp. Before reaching Imja Valley, we hike along stream, Imja pass and Lhotse glacier moraine. We take lunch and rest in the valley as well as hike around valley with view of Amphulapcha, Choplu and Baruntse and Imja Tsho (lake). When we reach Base Camp, we can see south western face of Island peak. We spend our night in a tent at Island Base Camp.
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Day 13:
Acclimatization and peak climbing training
Today is the third and our last day for acclimatization and rest from walking. After having breakfast, we begin pre climb training. The professional guide provides training of peak climbing technique, use of implements such as Ice Axe, Climbing Boots, Crampons, Harness, ascender and use of rope to go up and down. The training helps to boost your confidence and climbing skill. We spend the remaining day by hiking to High Camp and resting in the tent for next day climb. We spend our second night in tent at the base camp.
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Day 14:
Island peak summit and back to Base Camp
Today is the great day of our life as well as highlighted day of our journey. We wake up at 12 – 1 am to reach summit around noon. The total distance of our day trek is 7 kilometers from the base camp to summit and back to the base camp. We start our 10 to 12 hours climb towards the summit around 1 -2am with head lamp in thin light of dawn. We need minimum 2hrs of walk in a steep green terrain to reach high camp then climb in right side of the rock gully and steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. When we reach summit, we celebrate a success climb, take photographs and spend memorable time with the view of mountains; Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam and Mt. Everest. After that, we descend to the base camp and spend our third night in tent.
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Day 15:
Trek to Pengboche
Today we leave the Island Peak Base Camp and trek to Pangboche. We hike on easier trial and descend down to lower altitude. We pass through beautiful Sherpa settlements; Orsho and Shormare along Khumbu Khola Valley. On the way we have the option to visit Pangboche Gompa; oldest gompa of Khumbu region in upper Pangboche. When we arrive at Pangboche, we explore the village surrounded by Mt. Everest, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kangtaiga, Kongde range and Imja Tse River.We stay overnight at Pengboche.
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Day 16:
Trek to Namche Bazaar
We take breakfast in Pengboche and leave for Namche Bazaar. From Pengboche, we steps down to Imja Khola and cross the suspension bridge. After that, we ascend to Tengboche village where we take lunch and have option to visit Tengboche monastery. From Tengboche, we continue our steps down hike to Punik Tenga through Rhododendron and Juniper forest. When we cross the bridge over Dudhkoshi River, we walk along the gorge of this river and descend to reach Sansa. On the way to Namche, we can see wildlife; Mountain Goat, Snow leopard and colorful Pheasants. We pass chorten and reach army camp of Namche. We spend our night at lodge of Namche.
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Day 17:
Trek to Lukla
Today is the last day of our trek. We trek breakfast at Namche Bazaar and start our hike along the Dudhkoshi River to reach Lukla. The trial is steeply downwards. On the way, we cross many suspension bridge over Dudhkoshi, pass several Sherpa village and few monasteries. When we reach Lukla, we stretch those painful legs and recall our journey of the last weeks. We prepare for the next day flight and spend night at Lukla.
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Day 18:
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Today, we catch early morning flight to Kathmandu. The flight is brief but more exciting,which takes 30- 35 minutes. After arriving at Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel for rest. If you want to explore nearest tourist area of Kathmandu and do shopping, guide can assists you. At the evening, you can enjoy the farewell dinner for celebrating the completion of journey hosted by Mission Nepal holiday.
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Day 19:
Final Departure
This is the last day of our journey to Khumbu region and Island Peak. A representative of Mission Nepal Holiday will transfer you to the airport, before 3 hours of your flight time. We hope to see you again in your next adventure in the country of Himalayas, Nepal and pray for your nice and safe journey.
Include
- Hotel in Kathmandu on breakfast basic
- Arrival and departure transfers
- KTM – LUKLA – KTM Airfare
- All meals during trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park Entrance fees
- Peak Climbing Permits
- Climbing Guide
- Climbing gears
- English speaking guide and necessary number of porters
- Trekking crew salary, food and insurance
- All accommodation during trekking (best available lodge)
- Sleeping bag and down jacket if required
- Company branded T-shirt
- Nepali SIM Card during your Nepal trip
Exclude
- International airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Emergency Evacuation service
- Extra Hotel night in Kathmandu in needful
- International calls
- Bar bills and personal nature expenses
- Tips for guide and porter
Faqs
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Where is the Island Peak trekking region?
The Island Peak also known as the “Imje Tse”is located in west-central Nepal about 50 miles from Kathmandu.
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How difficult is the Island peak trekking?
The Island peak trekking may appear to be a short climbing trail, but it is not that easy as one might assume. It is a real climb that not only requires experience, but trekking equipment such as crampons, ice axes and fixed ropes. As it comprises of vertical ice crevasses and potential avalanches along the route so care must be taken.
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When is the best time to climb the Island Peak circuit?
The best time to visit the Island peak trekking region is during the Spring and Autumn season. These seasons fall in the month of February-May and September-October.
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What are the major highlights of the Island Peak region?
Some of the major highlights of Island Peak climb are:
Get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains in the high Khumbu valley around Everest region.
Explore the Sherpa museum in Namche Bazaar.
Be at the Tengboche Monastery and gaze at the chortens, colorful prayer flags, and stupas along the way.
Visit the world’s highest Everest Base Camp & viewpoint Kalapathar.
A chance for you to get the majestic view of the sunrise from between the mount massifs
The warm hospitality and friendly nature of the Sherpas and observe their Buddhist culture.
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What kind of food do I get in the Island Peak Trekking area?
During your Island Peak climbing, you will have the three-course meal in the lodges or tea houses you will be staying in. You will be served standards of organic and hygienic fruits and vegetables. It includes rice noodles, potatoes bread porridge eggs cheese milk juice coffee or tea.
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What type of accommodation do I get during the Island Peak Climbing?
The type of accommodation you get while trekking in the Island Peak circuit are Eco Lodges. During your actual climbing journey you will be staying in a tented Camp with a minimum 2 people in one tent.
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How long does it take to climb Island Peak?
The hike up to Island peak base will take 3 to 4 hours. There is an amazing glacier and lake with more stunning views of the Imja valley.
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Do I really need a guide for the Island Peak journey?
Trekking or climbing alone or in too small of a team is never a good idea. Climbing guide is required and for the safety and technical assistance you need a climbing guide from Island base camp.
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Do I need a permit for the Island Peak Trek?
It is mandatory for all the visitors to get a special local permit. And, to climb to the Island Peak you need to obtain climbing permits. You can obtain these permits at Tourism Board, Kathmandu or at the trailhead. You will need to pay US$350. You will also need to pay in addition to a permit for the Sagarmatha National Park as well as a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card. For these permits, you have to submit a copy of your passport and two passport size photos.
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What about the security during the island peak trekking?
Your safety and security is of paramount concern to us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Government of Nepal. They are very honest and reliable. So you need not worry about your well-being at all.
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What happens in case of an emergency situation?
In the event of a serious sickness or a casualty, you will be rescued by a helicopter. You only need to get in touch with the contact person, and upon receipt of the exact location help will arrive as early as possible.
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Can I change the itinerary if I want to?
Yes you can always change the itinerary that best suits your interest. However, the date of your trek completion should always be in line with the original itinerary.
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What is the standard of water, and sanitation while trekking in the Island Peak region?
As trekking is done in different landscapes and trails, those routes are far away from pollution. Water here is drinkable but taking into consideration our client’s health and hygiene we provide mineral water which is purified and filtered.
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How can I avoid blisters while trekking?
Shoe and socks should be comfortable, select the right size, thick sole and matter of inner sole. If you have sweating feet then you have to change your socks frequently to keep your feet clean and dry. You should carry blister prevention tape; skin tape can be helpful.
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Do I need a trekking pole?
Yes you do need a trekking pole, it helps you save energy in high ascend and descend, if you have weak hips and knees and it helps to reduce the strain.
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How will you help me if I suffer from altitude sickness or an accident?
Depending on the seriousness of the accident we provide first aid if not then the company can arrange the evacuation operation to the nearest medical facility accordingly.
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What is the guide's qualification who guides us?
We have a government certified and experienced guide who can speak English very well. We have a fleet of expert friendly guides that know the region like the back of their hand.
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Is there tipping compulsory for guides and porters?
Tipping is not a compulsion for staff members, although tipping for guide and staff is good practice, porter and guide expect tip, your tip helps their family.
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How can we contact you if we need more information?
We are a local trekking company based in Kathmandu. You can contact directly with the following numbers and email addresses:
Landline: +977-01- 4438165 Or +977 9802072870
Cell-phone: +977-98020-72870
Email: info@missionnepal.com
Why book with us?
- More then 20 years of experience
- A professional and responsible travel company based in Nepal
- Specialist group adventure tours and treks in the Himalayas – India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan
- Fully customisable itineraries and dates
- Professional & friendly local guides – supporting the people of Nepal
- Guaranteed Departures
- No negotiations in giving best quality
Trip Details
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Difficulty: Adventures
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Altitude: 6189m
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Trip Start From: Kathmandu
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Trip End From: Kathmandu
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Min-Max Participants: 1-16 Pax
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Duration: 19 Days
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Transportation: Car / Jeep / Flight
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Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu. Lodge and teahouse during trekking
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Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Best Season: Spring & Autum
Quick Inquiry
Ask An Expert
If you have any queries kindly contact
Sales & Suppport- Mobile: +977 9802072870
- Tel: +977 01 4438165
- Email: info@missionnepal.com