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Island Peak Climbing
Trip Type
Climbing In Nepal
Accomodation
Tea House
Destination
Nepal
Start Point
Kathmandu
Region
Everest Region
Duration
16 Days
Island Peak Climbing (also known as Imja Tse) is one of Nepal’s most thrilling and scenic climbing experiences. Standing tall at 6,189 meters, this expedition offers a perfect introduction to Himalayan mountaineering – ideal for beginner climbers aiming for their first peak. From stunning glacier ascents to cultural immersion in Sherpa villages, this journey is both a physical and spiritual high.
Located in the Khumbu region, the Island Peak Climbing route takes you through the iconic Everest Base Camp trail, offering views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Makalu, and Everest itself. The climb combines classic trekking experiences with alpine climbing challenges using crampons, ice axes, and ropes.
Best Time for Island Peak Climbing
The best seasons for climbing are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). Clear skies, mild temperatures, and safer trail conditions make these months perfect. 🌸🍂
Avoid the monsoon (June–Aug) due to slippery trails and the winter (Dec–Feb) because of extreme cold and heavy snow.
Accommodation and Food
There is availability of tea houses along the trek. You’ll get to camp at Base camps. For breakfast you get coffee, eggs, pancakes, oats, pudding, bread, paratha, cornflakes etc. Likewise during lunch and dinner, you get Dal bhat tarkari, noodles, pasta, potato, sandwiches, dumplings, thukpas, Tasampa, Tingmo, Shyphale, Yeak stew etc. The quality of accommodation may differ depending upon the cost of the expedition. In general, the tea houses offer beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets with attached bathroom and shower facilities.
Preparation for Island Peak Climb
Clothing & Gear Essentials
- Down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, gaiters
- Ice axe, crampons, harness, mountaineering boots
- Sunglasses, headlamp, trekking poles, sleeping bag
Sustainability and Responsibility
The ecosystem of Everest region has been significantly impacted by increasing tourism. Trekkers have some responsibilities towards the environment to preserve the beauty of the Himalayas for our own good and for the future generation. Here are some ways to practice environmental responsibility:
- You can carry garbage bags with you or dispose of trash in designated areas.
- Avoid using single use plastic water bottles.
- Choose accommodation that follows sustainable practice.
- You can purchase local goods to uplift/ support the local economy.
- Travel in groups to reduce ecological strain.
Highlights of the Island Peak Climbing
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You can witness the panoramic views of mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.
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You can explore Namche Bazaar, which is the capital of the sherpa community.
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You can explore the famous Tengboche Monastery.
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You can explore the culture of Sherpa people and enjoy their warm hospitality.
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You can use ladders, ropes, and glacier crossing for higher climbing sections.
Short Itinerary ( 16 days )
You arrive in Kathmandu transfer at a hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel.
Arrival in Kathmandu. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After that a short trek to Phakding. This trail takes you through lush forest, crossing suspension bridges and passing by sherpa villages. Stay overnight at a tea house. Distance : 7km, walking hours : 3-4 hrs
Now trek to Namche Bazaar. This route takes you through the Hillary suspension bridge. The entry gate of Sagarmatha National Park. Reaching Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight at a tea house. Distance: 10km, walking hours: 6-7 hrs, altitude gain: 830m
Day 3 is all about resting and exploring Namche Bazaar. A short trek to Syangboche or you can visit the sherpa museum. You can explore the culture of the sherpa community. Thi is also an opportunity to witness a panoramic view of Mount Everest.
The trek takes you to Tengboche. It offers the view of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. You can visit Tengboche Monastery for an authentic experience. Distance: 10km, walking hours: 5-6 hrs, altitude gain: 420m
Moving forward to Dingboche. The trail passes through alpine meadows and forest. You can see Mount Ama Dablam with other mountains. Stay overnight at a tea house in Dingboche. Distance:12 km, walking hours: 5-6 hrs, altitude gain: 500m
Acclimatization day continues at Dingboche. You can hike to Nangkartshang peak for a panoramic view of mountains.
You’ll enter Imja Valley. Once you enter the valley, you can see the closer views of Island Peak. Distance: 4-5km, walking hours: 3-4, altitude gain: 320m.
You’ll have a training session on glacier travel, ice axe usage, and techniques. Stay overnight at Base Camp. Distance: 4-5, walking hours: 3-4, altitude gain: 357m.
You’ll steep ice and rock climbing. After that you can enjoy the stunning summit views. Then you’ll return to base camp and stay overnight at a camp. Distance: 10-12 km, walking hours: 10-12 hrs, altitude gain and loss: 1102 m
Now you’ll trek back to Pangboche trough valley. Stay overnight in Pangboche. Distance: 14-15 km, walking hours: 6-7 hrs, altitude loss: 1102 m
You’ll have a final view of Ama Dablam and Everest mountains. You’ll trek back to Namche Bazaar going through Tengboche. Distance: 12-14 km, walking hours: 6-7, altitude loss: 545m.
You’ll trek to Lukla. You’ll cross the Hilary bridge. Once you reach Lukla, stay overnight at a tea house. Distance: 16km, walking hours: 6-7, altitude loss: 580 m.
You’ll take a flight to Kathmandu and you can enjoy the aerial view of mountain flight.
You can explore the Kathmandu city, go shopping, or visit cultural sites or you can take a rest for the day.
You’ll transfer to the International Airport for your departure. This concludes your journey.
Cost Includes
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Cost of Domestic flights
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Cost of Sagarmatha National Park entry Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit, Island Peak Climbing Permit.
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Standard meals during the trek
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Accommodation in Teahouses.
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First aid and medical service
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Cost of Guide.
Cost Excludes
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International Airfare
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Nepal Visa Fees
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Cost of Travel Insurance
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Cost of personal expenses
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Extra accommodation in Kathmandu
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Tips for guide or porters
Trip FAQS
More Trip Informations
📞 Ready for the summit?
Join our Island Peak Climbing packages with certified guides, full support crew, and safety-first plans. Book now or contact us for a tailored climbing experience!
