Island Peak Climbing

Duration: 16 Days

Island Peak Climbing
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Island Peak Climbing Overview

Island Peak Climbing Entrenched in the Everest region of the Himalayan trail is one of the famous peak climbing destinations around the globe. Mesmerizing panoramic views of Himalayas lined up-to form a bewitching alignment are the obvious highlights of the climbing journey, along with the revered hospitality of the mountain-guardians, the Sherpas. The Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries at Tengboche and Pangboche further add the religious touch to this journey. Summing all the qualities of the Everest realm of mystical Nepal, the Island Peak Climbing is a must for each mountain lover and traveler alike.

Our journey starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. After a day's preparation for the trip, we take a flight to the beautiful Lukla in the Solukhumbu District. Observing the amazing town, we trek to Phakding and then to Namche Bazaar. We stay at Namche for acclimatization and we experience the warm hospitality of the locals and observe the unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle that this place has to offer. We head towards Tengboche from Namche Bazaar with amazing views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Amadablam (6856m), Mt. Lhotse (8414m), Mt. Nuptse (7861m), and many more. From there, we head towards Dingboche as we observe beautiful Gumbas and Mani walls on our way. From there we move towards Chhukung and finally to the Island Peak Base Camp. Our guides will give detailed guidelines to climb the peak and also give small climbing training. We start our climb very early climbing the rocky trail and steep narrow paths. The feeling of stepping at the top of the peak and witnessing the most amazing panoramic view of the majestic mountains is an unforgettable experience. After spending a few moments at the summit, we head back to the base camp. We head back the same trail to Pangboche, return to Namche Bazaar, and then to Lukla to take a flight back to Kathmandu.

At Himalayan Recreation, we have many years of experience in serving our customers with the best service possible. Our experienced staff and guides will help you throughout the journey. We assure you to provide the best transportation, accommodation, and other necessary facilities. Come to join us for this exciting journey to the Island Peak Climbing and get the best experience. 


Why do you have to climb Island Peak?

 

Advance your trekking experience to peak climbing.

The Island peak climbing is considered to be the easiest among all other peak climbing in Nepal. This is a great option for experienced trekkers who wants to advance their trekking journey to another level. There cannot be a better way to challenge yourself and commence on a journey to correspond to your ability. 

Trace your step above 6000m.

This journey of peak climbing takes you above the elevation of 6000m. Starting with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the expedition follows the same trail to other Everest treks halfway and then switches its way to Island base camp. Leading you to the summit of the peak at an elevation of 6189m. 

Get breathtaking views of the highest peaks.

You can get panoramic views of several mountains all along the journey during this trip. But the view from the summit is worth every challenge as you get to witness breathtaking views of the southern faces of Everest and Lhotse along with mountains like; Ama Dablam and Makalu.

Have an adventure of a lifetime. 

This expedition trip without a doubt is an adventure of a lifetime. Although physically demanding and challenging, the trip is full of adventure and thrills with the uphill climbs in the lowlands to the climb in the snow-filled peaks above 5000m. If you're looking for an adventure different from usual trekkings, the trip is perfect for you.

Start At Kathmandu Airport
End At Kathmandu Airport
Transportation Plane and Private Car
Trip Grade Serious

Travellers should be comfortable participating in physically-demanding activities for extended periods of time.

Max Altitude 6189 Meter
Accommodation 3 Star Hotel, Tea house & Camp
Tour Type Private

Island Peak Climbing Highlights

  • An additional experience on trek traversing above 6000m.
  • Breathtaking views of the highest mountain like; Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Mount Cho Oyo, etc.
  • Be on the summit of Island peak (6,189 meters)
  • Explore several Sherpa settlements on the way.
  • Experience the Sherpa culture and lifestyle closely.
Island Peak Climbing Itinerary

Our staff from Himalayan Recreation will be waiting to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. After your arrival, you will get a brief experience of the commercialized capital city on the way to the hotel. You can relax for the rest of the day or take a stroll around the vibrant streets of Thamel in the evening. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.


Things to look out for:

  • Meet and greet at the airport.

  • Stroll around the Thamel area.

Accommodation
Three star
Meals
No meal
Altitude
1400 M

We prepare for our journey as our guides will give a detailed explanation of the requirements and gears. The rest of the day we explore the various tourist attractions in the valley. We visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square for a tour around the valley. After a fulfilling day touring beautiful places in Kathmandu, we head back to our hotel and rest. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.


Things to look out for:

  • Visit famous landmarks of the city.

  • Briefing session regarding the trip.


Keep in mind: 

After exploring the city, you'll have a briefing session with your guide about the trip where you'll have a detailed explanation regarding the plans and gears you need to use during the climb. 

Accommodation
Three star
Meals
Breakfast
Altitude
1400 M

The next day, we take a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Lukla is a small town located in the Khumbu region of the Solukhumbu District. From Lukla, we trek for approximately 4 hours to reach Phakding. The view of the peaks in the Everest vistas will make the journey more wonderful. We pass through Chauri Kharka Village and walk along the banks of Dudh Koshi River until we reach Phakding. Overnight stay at Phakding.


Things to look out for:

  • Scenic flight to Lukla.

  • View of giant mountain vistas.

Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Altitude
2610 M
Duration / Distance
3-4 Hrs Walk, 6.2 Km

The next morning, we trek from Phakding passing through a beautiful pine forest rich with a wide range of birds. As we walk, we will reach the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park and reach Jorsalle. We pass through small Gumbas and Mani walls on the way as we move uphill towards Namche. We reach Namche Bazaar which is a big Sherpa village and a market town for the residents of this region. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.


Things to look out for:

  • Enter Sagarmatha National park.

  • Small mani gumbas and walls on the way.


Keep in mind: 

As you move toward Namche Bazaar, you'll go through Sagarmatha National park entrance. On the way, you also pass through several Mani walls and Gompas.

Accommodation
Tea house

As the air is thinner, we stay at Namche for a day for acclimatization. We explore the beautiful village of Namche, interact with the local Sherpa people there and learn about their unique culture and tradition. Namche is a shopping hub where equipment and gears for mountaineering and trekking can be widely found. You can also opt for a short hike to the Everest viewpoint from where the mesmerizing view of the majestic Mt. Everest (8848m) can be seen. You can also pay a visit to a small Sherpa Museum at Namche Bazaar to learn about the great mountains and mountaineers. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.


Things to look out for:

  • Explore the beautiful village, Namche Bazaar.

  • Optional hike to the Everest viewpoint.


Keep in mind: 

This is your first acclimatization day of the trip. Today you can either stroll around the village and explore the attractions of the village or go for a short hike to the viewpoint. You can get mesmerizing views of several mountains ranges from the viewpoint. 

Accommodation
Tea house

This day, we head towards Tengboche from Namche Bazaar. We pass through a forest and walk on stone-paved trails with some steep slopes. Tengboche is a beautiful village famous for the view of Mt. Amadablam. There is the largest Monastery in this region- the Tengboche Monastery that we can visit. A lot of trekkers and mountaineers who go to the Everest Base Camp also stop at this place for rest. Overnight stay at Tengboche.


Things to look out for:

  • Stone-paved trail through forests.

  • Tengboche monastery.

Accommodation
Tea house

After breakfast, we move towards Dingboche walking through the dense Rhododendron Forest, the thought of the journey ahead will fill our hearts with excitement. We cross the Imja River through a wooden bridge and after a few hours of walk, we reach the Pangboche Village. Home to Pangboche monastery, we can the area and experience the Buddhist culture and lifestyle. Overnight stay at Dingboche.


Things to look out for:

  • Buddhist culture and lifestyle are on the way.

Accommodation
Tea house

We take a day’s rest for acclimatization at Dingboche. We can explore the nearby valleys of Chhukung and Imja. The Imja valley is famous as it links the Island Peak, the high passes of Amphu Lapcha (5663m), and Makalu Barun National Park. We can visit the nearby valleys and experience amazing views of the Island Peak, standing tall and majestic. We stay overnight at Dingboche.


Things to look out for:

  • Chuukung and Imja village.

  • Amazing views of several mountains along with Island peak. 


Keep in mind:

It is the second acclimatization day of your trip and you'll be going for the exploration of the nearby villages, Chuukung and Imja.

Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner

We move from Dingboche after breakfast and head towards Chhukung. The amazing view of the mountain range on our way will melt our hearts as we move ahead of the trail. After 6-7 hours of trek, we reach a small settlement of Chhukung. We can rest and prepare for heading to the base camp the next day. Overnight stay at Chhukung. 


Things to look out for:

  • Spectacular view of the mountain range.

Accommodation
Tea house

We trek on our way to the Island Basecamp. We reach the base camp near the south slope of the Island peak. At the base camp, our guides will give a detail about the climb. A small session on using the gears will be demonstrated. We fix our camps and rest at the base camp. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.


Things to look out for:

  • Short session about the climb.

  • Demonstration on using the gears.


Keep in mind:

Make sure to listen carefully to all the things regarding the climb and don't hesitate to ask your guides in case of any confusion.

Accommodation
Camping

We start our climb before dawn walking up the rocky trail. As we move ahead, the climb becomes steeper and tougher. Passing through the icy glacier and crossing many crevasses, we climb to the summit of the Island Peak. The picturesque panoramic view of the mountains and small beautiful villages below will be an experience of a lifetime. The Everest Mountains like Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8414m), Nuptse (7861m), Amphu Lapcha (5663m), and many more. After spending some amazing moments at the summit, we descend towards the base camp. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.


Things to look out for:

  • Challenging ascends through icy glaciers.

  • Panoramic views of mountains.


Keep in mind: 

It might be a tough day for you as you head toward the summit of the peak. The walk today includes challenging ascends through the icy glaciers but remember to take in slow and enjoy your time to the summit.

Accommodation
Camping

We head back from the Island Base Camp towards Chhukung. Walking the rocky trail with beautiful views of the mountains and small villages we reach Dingboche. The trail is rocky as we head towards Pangboche from Dingboche. We reach the small Sherpa village of Pangboche and spend the rest of the day interacting with the local people and enjoying their display of unique culture. Overnight stay at Pangboche.

Accommodation
Tea house

On this day, from Pangboche, we trek along the Rhododendron forest and head towards Tengboche. Experiencing the great hospitality of the residents at Tengboche again we descend towards Namche Bazaar. We stay and explore Namche Bazaar and you can also buy some locally made things as souvenirs from here. We enjoy delicious Nepali food at Namche. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.

Accommodation
Tea house

From Namche Bazaar, we move ahead passing the Hillary Suspension Bridge walking on the stone trails. We pass through beautiful villages as we arrive at Lukla. We reflect upon the memories of the journey to the summit, beautiful villages, and experience of the unique culture and tradition while doing so. The day, being our last stay in the Himalayan region of the country can be spent celebrating the success of our journey. Overnight stay at Lukla.

Accommodation
Tea house

The next day, we move to Tenzing Hillary Airport to take a flight back to Kathmandu. We enjoy the beautiful mountain views as we fly to Kathmandu. Our staff will be there to receive us at the airport and transfer us to the hotel. We can enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and in the evening enjoy the special farewell dinner. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.


Things to look out for:

  • Scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.


Keep in mind:

After you arrive in Kathmandu, in the evening you'll have a farewell dinner with our team.

Accommodation
Three star

Our 16 days trip comes to an end as we take you to the airport. We hope that your experience has been adventurous and thrilling. You have made some amazing memories. With best wishes for your future endeavours, we bid you goodbye and hope to see you again.

Meals
Breakfast

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Island Peak Climbing Map
Island Peak Climbing Includes / Excludes
  • All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport transfers

  • Three nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu

  • Kathmandu city tours, including tour guide, and private transportation

  • 3 standard meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) during the trip

  • Snacks of seasonal fruits during the trek

  • Best available twin sharing lodge for accommodation during the trek. We provide private bathrooms with hot showers in Lukla, Phakding and Namche.

  • Tented accommodation during the climb

  • Domestic flights (From Kathmandu - Lukla or Manthali - Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu or Lukla to Manthali) including airport departure tax and transfers. (Note: If you want to take a shared helicopter, it will cost you an extra amount.)

  • Himalayan Recreation’s experienced, government licensed, English speaking Climbing guide Sherpa during the Island Peak trip.

  • Porters and Supportive staffs services (1 porter = 2 trekkers).

  • All costs of staff which includes food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment’s and medicines.

  • Duffel bag use while trekking & Trekking map and trip achievement certificate

  • Required Sagarmatha National Park Permit fee, TIMS Fee, Garbage Deposit and Island Peak Climbing Permit

  • First aid medicine Kit

  • Farewell dinner with Cultural show in a fine restaurant on second last day.

  • Government taxes & office service charge

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the above itinerary

  • Personal Travel insurance, which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.

  • Personal trekking equipment or expenses

  • Alcoholic drinks and beverages.

  • Tips for trekking guides, porters (tipping is expected)

  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.

Before You Go

Best time to summit Island Peak

Unlike trekking, when it comes to peak climbing you need to be extra careful about the weather and climate conditions. As it involves climbs above 5000m, there should be no place for any risks and mistakes. As for the Island peak climbing, It is not a technically difficult mountain to scale so, it is possible to summit throughout the year except for peak monsoon time, as the monsoon time invites landslides and avalanches. 

The most suitable times of the year for Island Peak Climbing are during spring and autumn. During these seasons the mountain tends to be clear and you can get some of the finest views of mountains and landscape without much hassle. The sky is usually clear with moderate temperature favourable for trekking and mountaineering. These two seasons are also the busiest climbing season of the year. So, the trail is filled with trekkers and climbers during most of the time these seasons. 


Food during Island Peak Climbing

As the trip takes you through the trail of classic Everest treks, you can enjoy the menu that generally includes traditional village foods consisting of traditional bread, eggs, potatoes, and soup for breakfast. For lunch and dinner items, you can enjoy Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and veggies), fried rice, noodles, etc depending on the lodge and destination. At the beginning of the trek up to Namche Bazaar, you can enjoy some western and Asian cuisine as well. 


Accommodation during Island Peak Climbing

During the first half of the journey, you may be able to enjoy the hotel rooms with in-room showers, western-style flush toilets, a Free WIFI connection, and in-room plugs to charge your stuff.  But as you ascend to a higher elevation, the area gets remote and you won’t be getting high-quality hotel rooms. The rooms in higher elevation come with general facilities like warm Beds and washrooms, etc. Also, during your climb, you will be staying in camps on the Island Peak Base Camp.


Island Peak Climbing Difficulty

Island peak climbing falls under a challenging sport. As the Island peak is a difficult climb at an altitude above 5000m, it is obvious that the climb involves a risk to a certain level. Also, During the trek/climb, the level of oxygen in the air becomes less at high altitudes. The first part of the ascent is physically demanding as you trek through rugged terrain at over 5000m. Once you reach the glacier domain, you must rope up and wear crampons. The ascent is very steep and challenging physically however the ascend to Island peak is regarded as the easiest technically. You must have past trekking experience in the high altitude and be physically fit if you are to commence on this expedition journey. 


Permits required for Island Peak Climbing

Different permits are required for the peak climbing adventure in Nepal. The permits required for Island Peak Climbing along with their costs are as follows.

  • Nepal Mountain Association Permit 

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has a separate Island Peak climbing permit fee. The climbing permit charge varies according to the season which is mentioned below;

  • USD 250 in the Spring 

  • USD 125 in the autumn.

  • USD 70 in summer and winter. 


  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit 

As the climb lies inside the Everest region premises, you are also required to have Sagarmatha national park entry permit. The permit costs USD 15 for SAARC nationals and USD 30 for other nationals. Besides that, the Garbage Deposit fee for all the 27 NMA Peaks including the Island peak is US$ 500.


  • Local Area Permit

The local area permits are also required for the Island peak climb as you enter Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. You can get a local area permit at Lukla on arrival which is USD 20. 

Island Peak Climbing Dates & Prices

All our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don’t match with your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help plan your tailor-made trips in your dream destination.

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Island Peak Climbing FAQs

Island peak climb is a challenging climb recommended for novice climbers keen to begin their mountaineering journey. Although a short one, it is a real climb requiring experience with crampons, ice axes, fixed ropes, and trekking in high altitudes. With its height being more than 6000m, it is a peak, difficult climb with an abrupt ascent and thin air to breathe. The most difficult point of the climb is the foot of the headwall. However, the climbing route is safe with fixed lines all the way to the summit.

There are several different routes to climb Island peak, which can take from 15-20 days depending on the route you choose to take. You can either choose to directly climb the peak without any detour if you are an experienced climber with an understanding of high-altitude climbing techniques. The climb without the detour can be achieved in 15 days. But it is a very bold plan for which you must be well-prepared and experienced. Another route is trekking to Everest Base Camp before the climb, which will help you with acclimatization. The route through the Everest Base Camp will take around 20 days including your stay in Kathmandu. You are free to choose the route, which can be customized according to your preference.

The cost for the Island peak climbing depends on the route you choose to take and the facilities you select to use. The more features you choose to use, the costlier it gets, but in general, the price for Island peak climbing ranges from $2500-$4500.

It is crucial to choose the right time for any Himalayan activities in Nepal. Although, Island Peak can be climbed throughout the year except during the monsoon months, the best time to climb Island Peak is during the spring and autumn seasons. The springtime from March to June is the best time to commence on this climb which is also the busiest climbing season of the year. Another suitable time is from September to November when the weather is usually clear with moderate temperature. 

Both Island Peak and Mera Peak are considered to be the peaks suitable for beginner climbers carrying out distinct flavours of peak climbing in Nepal. When we look at the climbing aspects, there are some noteworthy differences between Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing. The height of the Mera Peak is slightly higher than Island Peak but Island Peak has more vertical ice climbs and is regarded as additionally technical. Thus, in terms of climbing and technicality, Island peak is harder than Mera peak. But, if you look at the altitude and climbing days, Mera Peak is a little tougher than Island Peak. 

Island Peak climbing has numerous challenging areas technically, although its height is just 6160 m. The peak climbing includes headwall, the narrow ridge to the top, and several icefalls making it somewhat difficult climbing technically. Island Peak climbing demands mountaineering skills with technical knowledge of walking on the rocky ridge, glacial walk, tapering summit, and ice walls. Hence, for climbing, the Island peak can be considered as a technical peak.

Compared to other peaks in Nepal, the Island peak is not as high located at an elevation of 6160 m from the sea level. 

Yes, As mentioned earlier, there are two routes you can choose to complete the Island peak climbing. One is a direct climb to the peak, without taking any detours. While the other route takes you through Everest Base Camp. So, it all comes down to your preference on which route you choose to take for the Island peak climb. 

We must always be well-prepared and stay alert while on the climbing expeditions as it involves a certain amount of risk and danger. In case there happens to be a need for emergency evacuation during the Island peak climb, we have a variety of communication devices, including mobile and satellite phones to connect with the teams in the base camps. Through the communication devices, we can communicate with the rescue team and call for emergency evacuation. 

Since Island Peak is a mountain above 6,000m, it is a must to have insurance. Search, rescue, and advanced medical insurances are mandatory while commencing climbing expeditions. We recommend mountain air ambulance at least up to the altitude of the Island Peak. And other insurance like; medical, trip cancellation due to pandemics, political riots, natural calamities, and flight delays or cancellations.

Yes, as Island Peak is situated at an elevation of above 6000 m, everyone is likely to get altitude sickness during the climb. Exposure to higher elevations means the lack of enough oxygen and more dry air in the atmosphere which can cause an increase in your metabolism. And you may face symptoms like; loss of appetite, vomiting, headache, nausea, lethargy, dizziness, cough, disturbed sleep, pneumonia, and hyperthermia. However, it also depends on the people, their fitness level, and experiences in high altitudes. Thus, if you take it slow without any rush and listen to your climbing leader following his instructions you'll most likely be fine. 

As you might have already looked up by now, there are numerous operators offering peak climbing in Nepal with different price tags. The multiple-choice can make it hard to determine the right one. So, while choosing the operator for Island peak climbing, always look at the detailed itinerary, price included, and the past experiences and history of the company. Never go for the cheapest one but instead look at the quality and security the operator has to offer.

Island Peak climbing is a peak suitable for beginner climbers who want to switch from trekking to actual climbing. So, as long as you are fit and healthy enough to walk several hours for several days on mixed terrains with the knowledge of holding the ropes, using an ice pick, harness, and ice boot on the slopes. You most likely do not need other mountaineering experience but you must have high-altitude trekking experience. You can also have pre-climb training including climbing techniques and the proper use of climbing equipment in case you are not much familiar with those.

You need to be fit and healthy without any pre-existing medical conditions for Island peak climbing. But, just being healthy and fit is not enough as climbing involves some technical parts as well. We recommend you make climbing a regular part of your daily routine or start outdoor hiking carrying around 20-25 pounds of a backpack to build up your stamina. You can also try free weight training and other bodyweight exercises to build your body strength. 

We, Himalayan Recreation, have some of the best and most experienced guides with us. For the Island peak climbing, you'll be guided by experienced climbing guides or Sherpa climbing leaders who have summited the peak successfully multiple times before. You'll be provided with tips and guidance from day one for the successful summit of the peak. You'll also get pre-climbing training the day before the summit at the base camp by your guides. So, rest assured of the guidance if you choose to complete the climbing journey with us. 

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