Himalayan Peaks for centuries have attracted climbers, adventurers and nature wanderers. The extreme temperatures, rugged terrains, frozen glaciers and above all, the sky touching mountains weave a magic that engulfs a traveler into the serene beauty of the majestic Himalayan territory.

Standing tall at 20,305ft (6,189m), the Island Peak in Nepal is one of the most popular peaks for climbing in the expansive Everest Region. Apart from its incomparable natural beauty, this expedition offers climbers with limited experience the opportunity to be a part of the mighty Himalayas.

As the name suggests, Island Peak or ‘Imja Tse’ derives its name owing to the glaciated West Face arising from the Lhotse Glacier. Inarguably one of the best opportunities for beginner climbers to climb above 6000m glaciated peaks, the Island Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the biggest mountains in the world including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Ama Dablam and Nuptse. Another aspect that makes Island Peak a popular climbing destination is the opportunity to trek the world famous Everest base camp, which is en route to the Island Peak.

Although the Island Peak is smaller when compared to its mightier over 8000-meter cousins, trekking the Island Peak offers the same thrills when compared to these gigantic peaks. Apart from the demanding geographical conditions, treacherous climbs and expansive snow clad peaks, climbing the Island Peak offers mesmerizing clear views of the various peaks such as Lhotse (8516m) and Amadablam (6856m), climbing the Island Peak also allows tourists to familiarize with the breathtaking serene monasteries and colorful Sherpa villages spread through the valley.

The Island Peak trek allows tourists to participate in the several century old Nepalese and Tibetan culture. The journey to the Island Peak makes its way through one of the most breathtaking sceneries in Nepal. Climbing the Island Peak is a blend of adventure and spiritualism. The magical village of Dingboche, replete with numerous Buddhist shrines has an ascetic aura that enlightens and guides the climbers on their endeavor.

Although Island Peak is not one of the tallest Himalayan peaks, climbing this scenic peak is one of the highlights of the Himalayan mountain climbing expedition. With no technical mountaineering skill required to climb this enchanted peak, Island Peak is an ultimate destination for climbers who look for something more than just adventure in their climbing expedition.

Itinerary in Details

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu
You will be welcomed by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will explain the program upon arrival. Overnight at hotel

Day 02: Trek preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Sightseeing of World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley including: Kathmandu Darbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast

Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2652m) 3 hours
Early morning transfer to airport for Lukla flight. The flight into Lukla is a lifetime experience in itself. The airfield is at high evaluation and the difference between the two ends of the runway is about 60 meters! Trek to Phakding with green landscape & view of Kusum Kangraru. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m) 6 hours
We follow the Dudh Kosi, ascending through Himalayan pine and Doedar cedar forests, to the celebrated village of Namche Bazaar. The village of Namche is a historic trading post where Nepalese and Tibetan traders exchange salt, dried meat and textiles. Besides being a superb place to shop for traditional crafts, Namche remains the central trading post in the Khumbu, attracting Himalayan and lowland merchants. You will spend two days in Namche for acclimatization, visit local markets and spend time with your team. On the hike we capture our first glimpses of Everest and neighboring peaks. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 05: Acclimatization, hike to Everest view hotel (3900m) 3 - 4 hours
This is a day for acclimatization; we will hike to Syangboche Airport (3700m), the supposed highest airport in the world. Then continue climbing to Mt. Everest View Hotel for great panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache etc. On the way back after lunch or before we will visit the Sherpa Culture Museum and Everest photo Gallery. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 06: Trek to Dole (4200m) 5 hours
The trails easy in the begging up to Kyangjuma & climb steeply out of the valley through rhododendron forests, which give way to fragrant stands of juniper and large conifers as the elevation increases. This trek is especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming. The trails pass many Kharkas, summer settlements used when Sherpa bring herds of yaks to graze in these high pastures. The route passes through the settlement s of Tongba (3950m) and Gyele (3960m) to Dole where there're few hotels. The views of Khumbila and Tawache (6542m) are incredible throughout the day!! Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4400m) 5 hours
Trail climbs to Lambara at (4220m) and Luza at (4360m). The tails is steep in most places as it climbs through brush junipers. There're Kharkas whenever there is a flat spot and the slightest hint of water. The trails continue to climb along the side of the valley, high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to Machhermo at (4410m). Here was in Machhermo in 1974 that Yeti killed three yaks and attached a Sherpa woman. This is the most credit yeti incident ever reported. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 08: Trek to Gokyo Lake (4700m) 4 hours
We climbs a ridge for an excellent view both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho-Oyu (8201m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Pangka at (4390m) then descends to the riverbank before beginning of climb on to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It's a steep climb up the moraine, switch backing alongside the stream to the first small Lake at (4650m), where a family of green Brainy ducks resides. The trail now becomes almost level at (4690m). Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 09: Hike to Gokyo RI (5360m) 4 hours
Early wake up and climb up to the Gokyo-Ri, for panoramic view of Mahalangur Himalayan range, it takes approximately 2hrs climb to the top of the peak, providing a panoramic view of Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse and Tawache & a great looking of Ngozumpa glacier a largest glacier in Nepal. Then decent to Gokyo and relax with your Lunch & hot tea. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 10: Trek to Thangna (4500 meters) 4 hours
Trekking to the foot of Cho La pass for our overnight stay at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 11: Cross Cho La pass (5300m) then trek to Dzongla (4710 meters) 7 hours.
Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at 4/5 am to reach the pass by 9-10 am otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect our journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5300 meters we could be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. We start to climb steeply that is regularly used and easy to follow. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. It often causes terrible problems to cross the pass if it is covered by snow. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent views, and then we descend to the Dzongla at noon. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 12: Trek to Lobuche (4910 meters). 4 hours
Today, we will take easy and short trekking route as we had big and hard trekking day yesterday. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 13: Trek to Gorekshep (5180m) 3 hours
After a short climb through meadows, look down on the Khumbu Glacier. Straight-ahead is Kalapattar - the best vantage point to view the entire south face of Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. Trek to Gorekshep and prepare for tomorrow's Everest Base Camp Expedition 5400 meters. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 14: Hike to Everest Base Camp (5400m) and return Gorekshep (5180m) 7 hours
In the morning starts your Mount Everest Base camp Hiking though on the rocky trail. It is not much elevation different but there is lots of up and down it makes your body very tiring but don't harass, this is your dream since you were very young. Approximately 3 hrs of hiking you will have been Base Camp, Enjoy the view of Khumbu glacier and icefall from where Everest Expedition starts. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 15: Hiking to Kalapattar (5545m) - Gorekshep - Dingboche 7 hours
The day starts with a hike up to Kalapattar (5545 mtrs.), an excellent viewpoint to observe the Mount. Everest and innumerable spectacular mountains views. Then trek back to Gorekshep for hot breakfast and trek descend to Dingboche (4410m). Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 16: Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp (5240m) 6 hours
From Dingboche we make a leisurely start following the Imja Valley with great views of Ama Dablam dominating the skyline and follow the moraines that flow from Lhotse (8501meters) towards the sand flats at Pareshaya Gyab. We will reach in the mid-afternoon. Will be tented camp for next two days and you will be having camp food cooked by our professional cook. Overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meals

Pre-Climb Training: After lunch, our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and using climbing gears such as ice axe, climbing boot and crampons, harness, ascender, etc and on how to go up and down using ropes. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training experience for Island Peak Climbing, we believe that some training experience will boost up your confidence and climbing skills, thus increasing the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience.

Day 17: Island Peak Base Camp to summit Peak and back to Chhukung 10 – 11 hours
Island Peak Ascent (6,189m), we begin our climb early in the morning, generally around 1 AM. In the beginning, we climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. We need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses. The guides will fix a rope wherever necessary. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Chhukung for overnight, inclusive of full board meals

Day 18:  Reserve day for contingency
There is no such guarantee that we can get quite a favorable weather on our planned day for the summit (day 13), so this day is used as a contingency in case if we are unable to summit the Island Peak on day 13 due to bad weather condition or some other reasons. If weather gets exceptionally unfavorable we wisely have to postpone the program of summiting the peak. Sometimes somebody in the group may get some problems in acclimatizing well enough to make the ascent; the day can be used in that condition too. If the trip goes smoothly, we do not need this spare day. Overnight at tented camp or guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 19: Trek to Tengboche (3860meters). 6 hours
Leaving the mountains behind us our descent takes us through various towns of Dingboche, Orsho, Shomare and Pangboche to reach the suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River to ascend gradually through Debouche and then to Tengboche. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 20: Trek to Khumjung (3900m) 6 hours
Descend to Pungki Thanka and complete steep to climb Khumjung, famous for observing the Yeti scalp and the Hillary school. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 21: Trek to Jorsale (2740m) 6 hours
The trail accends slightly to the Syangboche airport and then descends to Namche Bazaar 3440m. After relaxing with tea coffee or lunch, trek down to Jorsale. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 22: Trek to Lukla (2800m) 5 hours
The trek continues along the Dudh Kosi River to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla where you will catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at guesthouse, inclusive of full board meals

Day 23: Fly back to Kathmandu (1310m)
30-minutes amazing scenic fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast

Day 24: Breakfast at hotel, ransfer to airport for your home departure. "Farewell!"

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by private car / van
2. Three nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
3. All your standard meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
4. Island peak climbing permit fee
5. Lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek and tented accommodation during climb
6. Government licensed holder english speaking guide during the trek and climb, require porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance
7. General climbing equipment such as rope, ice screw, snow bar etc.
8. Round trip flight to/from Kathmandu inclusive domestic departure tax
9. Nepal Hiking Team duffle bag, down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek
10. Nepal Hiking Team T - shirt (yours to keep)
11. First aid medical kit
12. Sagarmatha national park permits fee
13. TIMS fee- trekkers' information management system
14. Government taxes & office service charge

OUR SERVICES EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:

1. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
   
2. Your travel insurance.
   
3. Garbage deposit fee US$ 250.00 (Refundable)
   
4. Your travel insurance.
   
5. International airfare and airport departure tax.
   
6. Nepal entry visa , you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International
7. Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entry for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.) (US$ 40 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue.
   
8. Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
   
9. Personal trekking and Climbing Equipment.
   
10. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
    
11. Tips for trekking/climbing staff and driver.