Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Peak Climbing
  • Transport: Domestic Flight
  • Food: American Plan Basis
  • Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge & Camping Tent
  • Group Size: 2-12 Pax
  • Max Elevation: 6,160 M

Island Peak Climbing is one of the popular peaks climbing in Nepal. Summiting Island Peak is a great choice for beginner trekkers. Moreover, many trekkers and mountaineers summit Island Peak before summiting major peaks like Everest and Kanchenjunga as a warm-up. Island Peak Climbing is little challenging than the Everest Base Camp, yet the view it presents is totally worth climbing. 

This adventurous journey will include beautiful dense forests of rhododendrons, juniper, oak, birch & conifer, lovely small rivers, thrilling suspension bridges, picturesque villages & valleys, moraines, and lots of ascends & descends on steep, rugged, icy, and rocky paths. You will get to see panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Pokalde (5,806 m), and many more. Locals of this region are generally Sherpa, Rai, Limbu. They have their own dialect, tradition, culture, and way different lifestyle than us.

In 1953, the southwest summit of Imja Tse (Island Peak) was first climbed as part of a training exercise by a British expedition team that went on to summit Mt. Everest. However, the main summit was climbed by Hans-Rudolf Von Gunten and two unknown Sherpas (member of Swiss team who second climbed Everest after Tenzing & Eadmund and first climbed Lhotse) in 1956.

Best Time to Summit Island Peak 

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) is the best time to summit Island Peak. During Spring and Autumn, the region presents captivating views of the mountain landscapes and trail also become extremely beautiful. You can also go on this trip during winter but the harsh cold weather might not fit for everyone.

Food and Accommodation during Island Peak Climbing

During Island Peak Climbing, you will stay in 2 or 3 stars hotel in Kathmandu and in lodge/camp during the Island Peak Climbing. All the rooms will be on twin sharing basis. You will only get breakfast in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu. While on the trek the food will be served according to the menu of the lodge. During your stay in camp, food will be prepared and served by the crew members. 

Similarly, drinking water is easily available everywhere. You can carry reusable water bottle and water purification tablets to double check the quality of waters. We highly encourage you not to buy water bottle during the trip as it helps in preservation of the region.

Is Island Peak Climbing difficult?

Island Peak Climbing is a strenuous journey in the Himalayas. Island Peak Climbing will provide you with the ground knowledge and experience before going on an expedition to the world's highest mountains. 

You don't need to have prior trekking experience to do this climbing. However, every day you have to trek for around 5 to 6 hours, and on the day of the summit, you are also needed to trek 8 to 10 hours a day, which does require strong physical fitness, determination, and good stamina. We will also provide you with pre-climbing training where you will learn proper use of gears like harness, crampons, rope, are, extra that will help you boost your confidence.

Achievement after Island Peak

Island Peak Climbing will let you know the basic mountaineering skills. You will get to experience the enchanting beauty of this isolated region along with the tradition and lifestyle of the locals. You will learn to work as a team player, survive in the extreme region, and make new friends. You will return with the lifelong memories that will stay with you forever.

Highlights

  • Namche Bazar and glorious views of the world's highest mountains from the Everest View Hotel
  • Beautiful trail covered with rhododendron, pine, oak & juniper forests
  • Gorgeous landscapes
  • Tengboche Monastery
  • Island Peak Base Camp
  • Panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,816 m), Island Peak (6,189 m), and many other mountains

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
  • Day 235 Minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840) and trek to Phakding, 4 hours
  • Day 3Trek to Namche Bazar, 5-6 hours walk
  • Day 4Rest, Explore and acclimatization day at Namche Bazar
  • Day 55-6 hours walk to arrive at Tengboche
  • Day 6Around 4-5 hours trek to Dingboche
  • Day 73-4 hours walk to reach at Chhukung
  • Day 8Rest and acclimatization with climb Chhukung Ri (5550m)
  • Day 9Ascent to Island Peak Base Camp, 3-4 hours
  • Day 10Summit Island Peak Climbing (6,160m) and back to Chhukung
  • Day 11Trek back to Pangboche, 4-5 hours walk
  • Day 124-5 hours trek down to Namche Bazar
  • Day 13Around 5-6 hours trek down to Lukla
  • Day 14Flight back from Lukla to Kathmandu
  • Day 15Reserve Day for Summit otherwise Free day at Kathmandu
  • Day 16Final Departure Day

What's Included

  • Transportation Service
    Arrival and Departure: Transfer from Airport to Hotel / Hotel to Airport & “Welcome Farewell Dinner with Drinks” in Kathmandu.
    Domestic Flight: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu with Personal Baggage.
     
  • Accommodation & Meal Service
    Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu: 2 Night star category Hotel at Kathmandu on Twin Share Room and Breakfast, B/B plan basis. (Possible to arrange Single Room)
    Lodge Accommodation during Trek: 11 Night Local Lodges on Twin Share Room and Full board meals a day Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trekking, AP plan basis. (Possible to arrange Single Room)
    Tent Accommodation during Climb: 1 Night Tented Camp, High food, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during climbing period, AP plan basis. (We have fix tented camp at Island Peak Base Camp)
    Drinks & Beverage: Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Hot Milk, Juice (Lemon, orange, mango, etc) and hot drinking water as required.
     
  • Manpower Service
    Guide: One Nepali experience guide of Government trained / Licenses holder.
    Climbing Sherpa Guide: 01 Climbing Sherpa guide for 1 to 3 Member and 02 Climbing Sherpa Guide for 4 to 8 Member and 03 Climbing Sherpa guide for 9 to 12 Member.
    Porter: Porter for each member to carry their luggage and necessary porter to carry camping equipment and climbing equipment during Trek and Climbing period.
     
  • Government Taxes
    Island Peak Permit: Mt. Island Peak permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry fee with all local government taxes during the trek.
    Garbage Management: Stool Shipment Transfer, Garbage Deposit Fee
     
  • Camping Service during Climbing Period
    High Altitude Tent: North face dome tent, wall / cabin Kitchen tent for member and Sherpa guide
    Grouping / Fixing Gear: Main Rope, Fix Rope, Snow Bar, Ice Screw, Rock Pitons, etc.
    Camping Equipment: Required cooking utensils or gear, Fuel, EP Gas, Stove, Mattress, Light, etc.
     
  • Safety and Security
    We Provide one Duffle Bag for each member with full information of Island Peak Climbing.
    Emergency Heli Rescue Arrangement on the spot as per your insurance.
    Oxygen, Max Regulator / Gamow Bag, First Aid Medicine Kid.
    Pre information about Acute / Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) & High Altitude Cerebral Edema Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Medication Treatment etc.
  • Lunch & Dinner: Lunch and Dinner at Kathmandu with extra night stay at Kathmandu due to any reason than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, laundry, any alcoholic beverage, and shopping and personal clothing etc
  • Insurance: Travel and high altitude rescue insurance of member which is bringing from own country by member.
  • Tips: Tips for guide, porter and driver as yourself (Tip is expected).
  • International Round Trip Airfare and Nepelese visa fee and any expenses that are not mentioned in price included part.

Useful Information

Why to climb Island Peak with Sherpa?

Since, Sherpa homeland is at the Himalayas, they are stronger than us at altitude. They live at the high altitude for their daily process. Their body supports well at high altitude, so they are very well suited for the alpine style expeditions in the Himalayas. You will need them to carry your gears and to guide you on the summit push. Mera Alpine Treks provide a well trained and experienced guide during the Island Peak climb.

The Sherpa are usually happy and easy going. Sherpa are a valuable aid to us, as the climb is hard enough for you anyway, if not being genetically adapted to that kind of altitude by birth. They are experienced and skillful about the consequences of the mountains. Sherpa are the people who will always look for your safety first while climbing.

What safety measures do we need to follow while climbing Island Peak?

Climbing to reach the top of a mountain is a rewarding experience. Along with the thrills of climbing itself, mountain summits often offer sweeping views and uniquely solitary environments.

However, it’s very important to understand the physical reaction of your body while at high altitude. Some of the important tips are to use the right gear while climbing and to have enough time for acclimatization and to climb cautiously. Also, to have proper medications that you may need while climbing.

How long does it take to climb the Island Peak?

Trekking and climbing to Island Peak depends on the itinerary that you would like to follow. Basically, it can be done within 13 days plus arrival and departure day. The journey for the island Peak begins with a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Then, you will trek to Namche Bazaar via Phakding. The Island Peak lies in the Khumbu region at Chukung Valley. You will reach there after passing through rhododendron forests, bamboo forest as well as pine forest which adds pleasant and pleasure to your trek. You can add 3 to 4 Days more for sight trip of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp treks can be complete within 17 Days and more than that too.

Is there any facility of Wi-Fi, device charge and hot shower?

Since you will be in the remote areas as well as mountain region, Wi-Fi might not work everywhere. However, most of the lodges offer Everest Link Wi-Fi with a little charge. Mera Alpine Treks suggest you not to rely on Wi-Fi during Island Peak Climbing

You can charge your mobile phone, camera, and electronic device in lodges. But you need to carry your device charger. In most of the lodges provide running hot shower facility during Island Peak Climbing. Also know that there will be common washroom in the lodge and tea house.

What permits are needed to climb the Island Peak?

You need a climbing permit to climb the Island Peak. You will need permits to enter the Sagarmatha National Park too. On the route, there are regular check points and you have to show your permits to pass through them. You will need these two permits as well Local Everest Region Area permit and Island Peak Climbing Permit.

Is there any chance of getting altitude sickness?

Yes, there are risks of getting altitude sickness, as you will be reaching above 6000m. It depends on the person, how s/he is going to react to high altitude regardless of their fitness and experience. Therefore, we recommend that you should possess the knowledge about altitude sickness and its symptoms. And, be cautious about how your body is going to react while gaining altitude. We Mera Alpine Treks provide information about High Altitude Sickness Advice.

Is it necessary to have insurance while climbing the Island Peak?

As it involves climbing above 6000m, it does make various risks which all need to be considered when deciding on what insurance to buy for the duration of your visit. Travel insurance is must for any travelers who decide to climb the Island Peak as even small injuries can create a nightmare that proves to be quite costly. So, please make sure your travel insurance policy covers all the events and environment associated with the Island peak climbing. Nonetheless, you need to send us your copy of insurance policy or carry it with you while you are on the trip. So to enjoy your trip without any worries, your travel plans should always incorporate with insurance policies.

How Mera Alpine will help you if flight get delayed or cancellation?

Domestic flights can be delayed or get cancelled due to the bad weather. If such case happens, we Mera Alpine Treks helps to take next possible flight ticket. If your trek is disturbed by flight, you can choose other alternative options. If you wish to make alternative arrangement such as a helicopter flight, Mera Alpine Treks helps for booking. But you need to pay yourself for extra charges while the flight get delayed or cancelled.

What are the equipments that are needed for climbing the Island Peak?

You should bring all your travel documents and clothing as well that are essential for climbing. Some of the equipments that you carry may not meet the standard for the cold weather temperatures you will face on the trek. So, it is better to consult with experienced travelers. Also, if you forget to bring something, you can hire or buy after arrival. You can hire your require climbing gear at Chhukung. Here, are the lists of equipments that are essential for climbing the Island Peak.

What preparations should I make before climbing Island Peak?

For a successful climb, your physique plays a crucial role. It might take you a year or a month to prepare yourself for the climb. Your previous experiences on mountaineering are also important. A secret to success is your ability to adapt to the lack of oxygen and your technical experiences. While adapting to a mountain environment, you must cope up to live in a tent at cold weather and maintain your health. Keep your mindset positive and determined, and then you will get succeed.