Island Peak Climbing

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Trip Grade: Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu
  • Trip Area: Khumbu
  • Trip Style: Climbing
  • Age Group: 16+
  • Trip Type: Private/ Group Sharing
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Confirmation
  • Max. Altitude: 6165m
  • Best Season: March-May, September-November
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

Climb Island Peak in the heart of the upper Everest region, a memorable summit in a sea of regal peaks. Get 360-degree panoramic mountain views with Mt. Nuptse and Lhotse to the north, Makalu in the east, and Baruntse and Ama Dablam in the south.

Island Peak Climbing Highlights

  • Experience an adventurous journey summiting Island Peak, crossing through its challenging terrain and crevasses, and ultimately enjoying the view from the summit.
  • Trek through a picturesque trail with vibrant rhododendron blooms, diverse flora and fauna, and stunning mountain vistas.
  • Visit the iconic monasteries of Khumjung, Tengboche, and Pangboche, and interact with Sherpa communities, connecting with their local traditions, hospitality, and the profound spiritual bond between the Sherpa people and their mountainous homeland.

Island Peak Climbing in Nepal is a popular climbing trip that appeals to adventurers of all kinds. In the Island Peak expedition itinerary, you will trek the classic Everest trail, deviate to the Chhukung valley with elaborate mountain views, and eventually scale the glorious Island Peak at 6,165 m (20,226 ft).

Climbing Island Peak is the perfect introduction to the rigors of Himalayan climbing. If you’re embarking on Himalayan climbs, an ascent of Island Peak with Sublime Trails is a great place to start.

Mountaineers choose Island Peak as a preparatory climb to higher peaks (Mt. Everest, Lhotse, etc.). Thanks to its moderate difficulty, Island Peak also serves as a transitory journey that converts adventurous trekkers to daring peak climbers.

Island Peak 3D Rendering of Surroundings

Imja Tse was nicknamed Island Peak by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s 1953 Mount Everest Expedition. The peak, properly called Imja Tse, got its nickname as it appears as an island surrounded by a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche.

Although an introductory climbing trip, Island Peak is no walk in the park. It does require a certain level of physical fitness and training in climbing techniques. When you climb with Sublime Trails, you will be in the hands of mountaineering veterans with years of climbing experience. Many of our guides have summited higher peaks like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and more.

We carefully design the right itinerary for you to ensure optimal chances of success. You will sleep at the best local teahouses and savor delicious and energizing local Nepali-Tibetan cuisines. Sublime Trails will guide you through every step of the journey, right from packing for your trip to summitting the peak. While climbing Island Peak won't put you in the headlines, it sure will mark the start of something significant in your life. After all, it is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.

Island Peak Climbing Cost

The cost of climbing Island Peak with Sublime Trails is USD 1,950 per climber for a 16-day itinerary. This includes the compensation for guides and porters, food, teahouse stays, permit costs, and all transportation during the trip.

If you are a trekker already in the Everest region and want to climb Island Peak, we can also arrange for a mini-package starting from Dingboche. This 2N, 3D trip from Dingboche to the summit of Island Peak (and back) costs USD 800 per individual.

Island Peak Summit Day Route Map

Island Peak Climbing Gallery

Climbing Island Peak
Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak Climb In Nepal
Island Peak SummitSee All Photos
Climbing Island PeakIsland Peak ClimbingIsland Peak Climb In NepalIsland Peak SummitIsland Peak With SunriseOn The Way To SummitReaching SummitIsland Peak Summit Day Route Map

Island Peak Climbing Itinerary

  • Day 1:Arrival in KathmanduAltitude: 1,400 m (4,600 ft)
  • Day 2:Fly to Lukla and Trek to PhakdingAltitude: 2,610 m (8,560 ft)
  • Day 3:Trek to Namche BazaarAltitude: 3,440 m (11,290 ft)
  • Day 4:Acclimatization Day in Namche BazaarAltitude: 3,440 m (11,290 ft)
  • Day 5:Trek to Tengboche MonasteryAltitude: 3,860 m (12,660 ft)
  • Day 6:Trek to DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 m (14,470 ft)
  • Day 7:Acclimatization Day in DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 m (14,470 ft)
  • Day 8:Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung ValleyAltitude: 4,730 m (15,520 ft)
  • Day 9:Trek from Chhukung Valley to Island Base CampAltitude: 5,100m (16,732 ft)
  • Day 10:Summit Island Peak and Return Trek to DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 m (14,470 ft)
  • Day 11:Spare Day for Climbing in case of bad weather or issues
  • Day 12:Trek from Dingboche to NamcheAltitude: 3,440 m (11,290 ft)
  • Day 13:Trek from Namche Bazaar to LuklaAltitude: 2,860 m (9,383 ft)
  • Day 14:Fly from Lukla to KathmanduAltitude: 1,400 m (4,600 ft)
  • Day 15:Leisure Day in KathmanduAltitude: 1,400 m (4,600 ft)
  • Day 16:Departure from Kathmandu

Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

  • Max Altitude1,400 m (4,600 ft)
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel

If you’re just arriving in Nepal for the climb, a Sublime Trails representative will pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you’re already in Nepal, you can have us pick you up from your hotel for the orientation session.

We will brief you about the entire trip and have a rundown of equipment and gear needed. You can then spend the rest of the day strolling around or stocking up on needed stuff.

Day 2:Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

  • Max Altitude2,610 m (8,560 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

An early morning flight to Lukla (either from Kathmandu or Ramechhap) starts the day. After an epic 45-minute mountain flight, you will land at Lukla.

Our porters will collect your baggage and you will set off for a light, 3-hour introductory trek to Phakding.

Day 3:Trek to Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3,440 m (11,290 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Your first morning in the Everest region introduces you to the true beauty of this region. The blissful sunrise and an energizing breakfast should prepare you for the day’s trek to Namche Bazaar.

The trek to Namche takes 5 to 6 hours. The route passes through the Dudh Koshi River with a few ups and downs, and the villages of Monjo and Jorsalle.

Day 4:Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3,440 m (11,290 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From Kathmandu (1,400m) to Lukla (2,860m) and Namche (3,440m), the altitude gain has been quick. It's now time to acclimatize to the Khumbu region's weather and altitude with a side conquest.

The day trip to the renowned Everest View Hotel is a popular choice. Similarly, the villages of Khumjung and Kunde also attract trekkers and climbers acclimatizing in Namche. You can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery, the latter renowned for housing the skull of the Yeti.

Day 5:Trek to Tengboche Monastery

  • Max Altitude3,860 m (12,660 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today's trekking trail features scenic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. You will first trek around the side of the valley and then descend approximately 300m/984 feet to the Dudh Kosi River, passing through several villages.

Reaching Tengboche requires a steep uphill climb of 700m/2,296 feet in the final phase. Home to the renowned Tengbouche Monastery, we can visit the monastery in the afternoon to observe the ceremony.

Day 6:Trek to Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4,410 m (14,470 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail winds through birch, conifer, and rhododendron forests with tranquil mountain views. You will descend to the village of Deboche, cross the Imja River, and trek up to the village of Pangboche, also probably visiting the Pangboche Monastery.

Moderate trekking through the Imja Valley leads to the confluence of the Lobuche River. You will descend into the river and climb up to Dingboche to be finally greeted by the village's stone walls and fields of barley, buckwheat, and potatoes.

Day 7:Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4,410 m (14,470 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Our Island Peak Climbing itinerary includes an additional acclimatization day at Dingboche. 

Today, we will ascend to 4,900m/ 16,000 feet for some of the most beautiful views of the eight-thousanders: Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. Ascending to this altitude and sleeping lower at Dingboche provides the perfect acclimatizing opportunity for your trip.

You'll have the entire day for yourself after lunch in Dingboche. Feel free to stroll around or sleep in.

Day 8:Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung Valley

  • Max Altitude4,730 m (15,520 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The itinerary till here followed the well-worn path of the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. You will now deviate from the classic trail and head on a 2-hour trek to Chhukung. We will first transition into the Imja Valley with detailed views of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.

We will then progress towards Bibre, a camp utilized by yak herders that features scenic landscapes featuring step rocks and the snow-covered south face of the pyramidal Island Peak. A 30-minute hike from Bibre will take us to Chhukung, our final destination for the day.

Day 9:Trek from Chhukung Valley to Island Base Camp

  • Max Altitude5,100m (16,732 ft)
  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trek from Chhukung to Island Base Camp takes around 5 hours. After ensuring that your harness, crampons, Jumar, and all climbing equipment are properly fitted and prepared for use, you can rest at base camp for the remainder of the day. You should also attend a training session to use the equipment properly and climb a nearby wall to prepare. You will sleep in a tent today.

Day 10:Summit Island Peak and Return Trek to Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4,410 m (14,470 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Waking up at 12:30 am is not easy, but it is what it takes to summit Island Peak at sunrise. You will ascent in darkness with head torches. This part is slow and light.

After reaching the high camp, you will have to scramble to an open gully. The final stretch to the summit is the hardest and requires climbing with fixed ropes and the Jumar technique.

Day 11:Spare Day for Climbing in case of bad weather or issues

  • AccommodationTea House/ Tented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Although rare, weather conditions may cause the first summit attempt to be postponed. In this case, having a spare day on the itinerary allows you to undergo your attempt on the second day.

If your summit attempt is successful on Day 10, you can either use this day to trek and explore more sites in the Everest region or descend early for your eventual flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Day 12:Trek from Dingboche to Namche

  • Max Altitude3,440 m (11,290 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trek back from Dingboche to Namche follows the same picturesque route. Remember to hydrate well and control the pace, as descending has its own set of challenges and is not always easier than the ascent.

Day 13:Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

  • Max Altitude2,860 m (9,383 ft)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We will have to reach Lukla to confirm the flight booking back to Kathmandu. Once you reach Lukla early, this may be the time to celebrate with a beer or two and share your epic adventure stories with other trekkers and climbers resting on their way up.

Day 14:Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

  • Max Altitude1,400 m (4,600 ft)
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

Irrespective of whether you booked a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap, the return trip will always take you straight to Kathmandu. Sublime Trails will shuttle you from the airport to your hotel.

Day 15:Leisure Day in Kathmandu

  • Max Altitude1,400 m (4,600 ft)
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast and Farewell Dinner

If you wish to tour the valley of Kathmandu with its rich cultural and historical heritages, we can arrange for a guided tour.

The day will be filled plentifully with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.

Day 16:Departure from Kathmandu

  • MealsBreakfast

If your trip to Nepal is done and dusted, our representative will shuttle you to the airport for a flight back home. Otherwise, you can have us arrange for the next adventurous trips in the land of the Himalayas.

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Cost Details

Included

  • Airport shuttle to and from the hotel
  • All ground and domestic air transfers for the trip
  • 3-Star Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Teahouse and tented accommodation
  • Meals in Kathmandu as specified on the itinerary
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for the entire trip duration in the Khumbu region
  • Climbing permits, trekking permits, National park permits
  • Certified and qualified English-speaking trekking/ climbing guide (with a supporting crew of assistants and porters)
  • Compensation, meals, accommodation, and insurance for the guide and supporting crew
  • Comprehensive first aid kit, communication equipment, and medical evacuation coordination
  • Duffel Bag, Down Jacket, Sleeping Bag, Tent, Ropes and Harness
  • 24-hour administrative and online support to monitor the trip conditions, prepare for emergencies, and contact insurance companies

Excluded

  • Visa Fee
  • International Airfare
  • Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft, or damage to baggage (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
  • All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Tipping for the Sublime Trails crew
  • Personal clothing and all other climbing gear not mentioned in the includes section

Dates, Prices & Booking

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Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStart: TuesdayApr 30, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayMay 15, 2024PricePriceUS$1900StatusStatusAvailable

Trip Essential Information

Best Time to Climb Island Peak

Spring and autumn are the best times to summit Island Peak. During spring, weather conditions are perfect and the trail from Lukla to Island Peak Base Camp features beautiful rhododendron blooms and mountain views. The temperature during the day can get to 15 to 17 degrees Celsius. At higher elevations, it can drop to -10 degrees at night.

Similarly, autumn also provides good visibility on the trail and a long enough window to summit the peak successfully. Daytime temperature ranges from 0 to 15 degrees Celsius while it can get as cold as -15 degrees at night.

Climbing Island Peak in winter is also possible although it requires meticulous planning and the right team.

Island Peak Climbing Difficulty

We recommend Island Peak climbers to have prior high-altitude trekking experience to climb Island Peak. The trek to Base Camp is similar to other trekking routes in the Everest region. Look forward to trekking 5-6 hours per day. Hydrating and acclimatizing well should eliminate complications.

Meanwhile, climbing Island Peak is one of the easier peak climbs, although it certainly is not a walk in the park. It is better to have prior trekking experience and an understanding of the Jumar climbing technique. Fixed ropes are set out for you, and you’ll cross the crevasses section on already laid-out ladders.

The final 100m climb to the summit is the toughest section of the entire trip. You will need a decent level of physical fitness is required.

Permits and Cost for Island Peak

Nepal’s government requires climbers to have the following permits to climb Island Peak:

1. Island Peak Climbing Permit Cost (Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit) (Spring: USD 250, Autumn: USD 125, Summer: USD 70, Winter: USD 70)

2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: USD 30

3. Local Area Permit (Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit): USD 16 per person for the first four weeks. After four weeks, the cost of the permit goes to USD 19 per person.

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Price Per PersonUS$190016Days
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Island Peak Climbing Reviews

5.0based on 4 reviews
  • J
    Jonathan BrownJanuary 03, 2024
    TripAdvisor

    Loved the focus on safety

    My group of friends from the UK and I had an incredible time climbing Island Peak with Sublime Trails. From the warm hospitality to the breathtaking scenery, every moment was memorable. We felt safe and supported throughout the expedition.

  • L
    Liu MingNovember 24, 2023
    TripAdvisor

    Good Guidance in the Himalayas

    Island Peak Climbing with Sublime Trails was an unforgettable experience. The guides were attentive, the logistics seamless, and the views from the summit absolutely stunning. I highly recommend Sublime Trails to anyone seeking adventure in the Himalayas!

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