Island Peak Climbing

20 Days Trekking / Peak Climbing / (SKILL LEVEL: hard)

ABOUT THIS TRIP
  • PRICE:
  • DURATION: 20 Days
  • ACTIVITY: Trekking / Peak Climbing
  • BEST SEASON: / autumn / spring 
  • START: Kathmandu
  • FINISH: Lukla
  • ACCOMMODATION: Tea House / Camping
  • GRADE: hard
  • AVAIABILITY: Yes
  • GROUP SIZE: +2
  • MAX ALTITUDE: 6,189m/20,305ft

OVERVIEW

  • SKILL LEVEL
    hard
  • DURATION
    20 Days

Climbing Imja Tse, also known as Island Peak, at a height of 6189 meters is one of the more noteworthy Himalayan challenges. Because of its proximity to Mt. Everest and Lhotse, as well as its relatively easy climb, the peak has acquired a name among a diverse range of climbers. The trek and ascent of Imja Tse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience due to the transit through the Sherpa heartland communities of Khumbu and the breathtaking vistas of nature. The real beauty of the Himalayas can be appreciated by the mountaineer all the way up to the peak as they make their way to the top. Among the sights to see are Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
Imja Tse can be thought of as the geographical continuation of Lhotse Shar’s southern slopes. Right at the foot of the mountain is where you’ll find the infamously dangerous Imja Glacial lake. This mountain was given the name “Island Peak” because it is also a mountain that emerges from the ocean like Imja Lake.

More Detail

Island Peak Climbing

20 Days Trekking / Peak Climbing / (SKILL LEVEL: hard)

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1330 m (4364 ft)

Day 02: Rest / Trip briefing, documentation, and preparation

Day 03: Flight to Lukla 2845 M (9,334 ft) and trek to Phakding 2610 m (8,563 ft)

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazar 3440 m (11,286 ft)

Day 05: Acclimatization day (Day hike around Namche Bazar)

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche 3864 m (12,677 ft)

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche 4410 m (14,468 ft)

Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Dingboche 4410 m (14,468 ft)

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche 4915 m ( 16,125 ft)

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep 5130 m ( 16,830 ft) and hike to Everest Base Camp 5354 m (17,598 ft)

Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar 5545 m ( 18,192 ft) and descend to Dingboche 4410 m (14,468 ft)

Day 12: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp 5200 m ( 17,060 ft)

Day 13: Pre-Climb training and trek to High Camp 5420 m (17,782 ft)

Day 14: Ascend Island Peak 6189 m (20,305ft ) and descend to Chukung 4710 m(15,452 ft)

Day 15: Reserve Day (in case of unfavorable weather)

Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazar 3440 m (11,289ft)

Day 17: Trek to Lukla 2810 m (9219ft)

Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu 1300 m ( 4266 ft)

Day 19: Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Day 20: International Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 & 02 Arrive Kathmandu and Rest/Preparation 1330 m (4364 ft)
Our crew meets expedition members at Kathmandu’s airport, so you won’t have to worry about anything when you arrive. Members spend two nights in 4- or 5-star hotels with breakfast before embarking on our adventure. The free day in Kathmandu can be used to prepare pre-trip equipment. After completing paperwork and gear/equipment preparation, the team can relax at the hotel or take a stroll through Thamel’s streets and enjoy the nightlife.

Day 03 Flight to Lukla 2845 m and trek to Phakding 2610 m (8,563 ft)
After a filling breakfast at the hotel, fly from Kathmandu to Lukla; the trip from Tribhuvan International Airport to Tenzing Hillary Airport should take about 30 minutes. From above, you can see towns and hill stations, as well as the breathtaking landscape below. The trip to Lukla provides some of the best views of the Himalayas.
After arriving in Lukla, your trip to Phakding will begin. Your journey will lead you down stone-paved streets, past a variety of charming hamlets, and, in the distance, snow-capped mountains, beginning at Lukla’s main market.

Day 04 Trek to Namche Bazar 3440 m (11,286 ft)
After breakfast, we will begin early in the morning and move towards the north along the river banks of Dudh Koshi. During this day, while moving up to Namche Bazar, we will be crossing the famous landmark known as Hillary Bridge and head towards Monjo where we will need to present our permit before entering Sagarmatha National Park.

Day 05 Acclimatization day (Day hike around Namche Bazar)
After a hearty breakfast, the team will set out on a short acclimation walk around Namche Bazar, eventually making its way to the Everest View Hotel for a brief tea or coffee break in the company of some of the world’s greatest mountain vistas, including those of Everest. After that, the team will head to Syangboche Airport, one of the highest STOL Airports in Nepal and the world, and during the rest of the time in Namche, the team can relax and get ready for the coming days.

Day 06 Trek to Tengboche 3864 m (12,677 ft)
The next stop on the journey is Tengboche, which is located beyond Namche. Trail from Nmache to Tenchboche is easy and takes around 5 – 6 hours for average paced trekker. The trail to the right is wide open and views of Himayan giants can be enjoyed through out the trail. You’ll be able to rest and eat lunch in the settlement of Phunki Tenga after about two hours of trekking. The path sharply ascends from Phunki Tenga, through a grove of juniper trees and over a tiny creek. Another hour of climbing will bring you to Tengboche, a tiny village best known for its monastery.

Day 07 Trek to Dingboche 4410 m (14,468 ft)
After breakfast, the team will depart for the monastery for experience and prayer. The monastery is also the biggest in the Khumbu region. Early dawn vistas of Ama Dablam and other mountains can be seen from Tengboche. The path from Tengboche descends through a dense Rhododendron forest before ascending steadily through hamlets and yak fields after reaching Imja Khola. Beautiful mountain views can be seen from Dingboche.

Day 08 Acclimatization Day at Dingboche 4410 m (14,468 ft)
After arriving in Dingboche, we will spend the next day relaxing and adjusting to the altitude in preparation for ascending Island Peak. You have the choice of going on a short acclimatization hike and then spending the rest of the day resting and hydrating.

Day 09 Trek to Lobuche 4915 m ( 16,125 ft)
The route from Dingboche to Khumbu Glacier steadily ascends, providing stunning views of the nearby mountains. After two hours of walking, the team will arrive at Dugla, where they will take a brief break. The path from Dughla ascends steeply to the top of a hill, where there is a monument to Everest climbers who passed. The route then descends slightly before ascending once more to reach Lobuche.

Day 10 Trek to Gorak Shep 5130 m ( 16,830 ft) and hike to Everest Base Camp 5354 m (17,598 ft)
The team will leave Lobuche on the route that leads north to Gorak Shep. The route steadily ascends through the rocky territories, providing views of the nearby mountains such as Nuptse and Pumori. Gorak Shep is the last village before reaching Everest Base Camp, and it provides breathtaking views of Mount Everest as well as other summits such as Nuptse and Khumbutse.
After resting in Gorak Shep, the team begins their trek to Everest Base Camp. The path is rocky and difficult, but the vistas of the Khumbu Glacier, icefalls, and soaring summits are stunning. After approximately 3-4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Everest Base Camp, which is situated at an elevation of 5,364 meters. The team will be spending some time at the Base Camp and will be heading back to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 11  Hike to Kala Patthar 5545 m ( 18,192 ft) and descend to Dingboche 4410 m (14,468 ft)
The team will follow the route that leads up to Kala Patthar from Gorak Shep. Due to the high altitude and steep topography, the trek takes about 2-3 hours and can be quite challenging. Once you arrive in Kala Patthar, consider some time to admire the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the neighboring summits. Before descending to Dingboche, you can also snap pictures and take a well-deserved rest. the team then returns to Gorak Shep and proceeds on the route to Dingboche after descending from Kala Patthar.

Day 12 Trek to Island Peak Base Camp 5200 m ( 17,060 ft)
Early morning after breakfast, the team will head east towards Chukung. Chukung can be easily reached after a few hours of trekking from Dingboche. The team continues on the trail to Island Peak Base Camp from Chhukung. The trail follows the Imja Khola River and gradually ascends through rocky terrain.
After about 3-4 hours of walking, you’ll reach Island Peak Base Camp. The Base Camp is a beautiful campsite surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Day 13 Pre-Climb training and trek to High Camp 5420 m (17,782 ft)
Every member must participate in the pre-climb training that will be provided to all team members for their safety in the Himalayas. On this day, the lead guide will share basic technical skills for your convenience during the summit.
The team will depart in the afternoon for the high camp, where you will be served warm and nutritious food. During your stay at high camp, you will spend some time resting and preparing for the summit push.

Day 14 Summit Island Peak 6189 m (20,305ft ) and descend to Chhukung 4710 m(15,452 ft)
The day has arrived. You’ll be making the ascent to Island Peak today. A day is needed to travel from High Camp to Island Peak and back to Chukung. A long day lies ahead of us. Make your way cautiously down the ridge and onto the glacier’s front. The guide will assist you in attaching the rope and harness as you make your ascent. Island Peak requires ropes and a guide in order to reach the peak. Incredible vistas await you at the peak. The surrounding peaks and breathtaking glaciers can be admired from the peak. We will return to Chukung after quality time spent at the summit.

Day 15 Reserve Day (in case of unfavorable weather)
You will have one extra day as your reserve day for the entire trip. Having an extra day for the trip adds value because weather conditions are likely to change dramatically in the high Himalayas.

Day 16 Trek to Namche 3440 m (11,286 ft)
As you make your way down from Chukung, you may take in the sights around you and see the remarkable shift in landscape that occurs as you go through the terrain. You will be moving from an open, desolate country to an area with Juniper trees that have a pleasant aroma as you make your way there.

Day 17 Trek to Lukla 2845 m (9,334 ft)

This is the last day of the trek. Lukla connects your expedition to Kathmandu via scheduled flights. Timely arrival at Lukla gives us time to relax and grab anything from the last point of Solukhumbu.

Day 18 Fly to Kathmandu 1330 m (4364 ft)
We will head to Lukla Airport after breakfast and wait for our flight back to Kathmandu. Due to the short duration of favorable weather at Lukla airport, we must remain there until our scheduled departure time.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a private tourist vehicle will transport you away to your hotel, where you may unwind in your comfortable accommodations.

Day 19 Leisure Day in Kathmandu 1330 m (4364 ft)
You’ll have one more day to do any activity you choose in Kathmandu—shop for souvenirs to bring back home, take a stroll through the city, have a massage, or even just rest at a spa. Your leisure day will be followed by a farewell meal in an authentic Nepali restaurant, complete with a cultural show.

Day 20 Final Departure
Our employees or an agent will be present to assist you with your departure. You’ll be transported to the airport and offered heartfelt goodbyes by your flight’s departure times. Before taking off on an international trip, passengers must check in at the airport at least three hours in advance.

  • Kathmandu-Lukla Kathmandu Airport Transfer.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu: Four nights on a twin-share basis with Bed and Breakfast.
  • Complete accommodation during the trek: Local lodges providing breakfasts, lunches, dinners, tea, coffee, twin-share rooms, comfortable foam mattresses, and pillows.
  • Accommodation during camping: Meals in Base Camp and High Camp including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tang juice, fruit, tea, and coffee.
  • English-speaking experienced and certified Sherpa Guide (Government Trained/License Holder).
  • All camping equipment required during the trek: Sleeping tents, mattresses, kitchen tent, and kitchen equipment.
  • Climbing rope, ice screws, snow bar.
  • Trekking cook, kitchen staff, trekking Sherpa, and other support staff during Island Peak climbing.
  • One Sherpa guide-assistant if the group size is more than 4 trekkers.
  • Porters: One porter for every two trekkers in all of our climbing trips.
  • Trek staff costs, including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation.
  • Personal insurance for Nepali staff.
  • Energy supplies (Snickers, Mars, Bounty) and fresh/canned fruits on the trek.
  • First aid and emergency medical kit.
  • Island Peak Climbing Permit.
  • Sagarmatha National Park Fee, and all required permits or official documentation.
  • Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included).
  • All government and local taxes.
  • Island Peak climbing certificates issued by the respective body of the Nepal Government.
  • All required group climbing equipment and gears.
  • Your Travel Insurance.
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
  • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, boiled water, and beer).
  • Tips for guide, porters, and driver (customary).
  • Any personal expenses not mentioned in the above services.
  • Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek (due to any reason) than the planned itinerary.
  • Tips for the staff as a gratitude
  • Any extra cost arising out of natural calamities or cancellation of the program
  • All other items not mentioned in the list of ‘Inclusions’

Gears and Equipment

The following gears are recommended for the Island Peak Expedition.

Climbing Gears

  • Ice Axe with Leash
  • Crampons
  • Climbing Harness
  • Carabiners
  • Ascender (Jumar)
  • Belay Device
  • Prussiks
  • Trekking Poles
  • Helmet

Headwear

  • Headlamp (min. 200 lumens) with sufficient batteries (Li-Ion batteries)
  • Sunglasses (Polarized/ UV Protected)
  • Woolen Cap
  • Sunhat
  • Buff Scarf
  • Balaclava

Bodywear (Clothing/Layering)

  • Down jacket
  • Down pants
  • Gore-Tex set \ Hardshell set
  • Insulated mid-layer
  • Fleece jacket
  • Thermal set
  • Quick dry (half and full-sleeved)
  • T-shirts
  • Trekking trousers
  • Additionally as per necessity

Handwear

  • Liner gloves
  • Fleece gloves
  • Expedition Gore-Tex gloves (heavy duty)
  • Mittens

Footwear

  • Trekking shoes
  • Expedition climbing shoes (6000er series)
  • Camp shoes/ slippers
  • Gaiters
  • Liner socks
  • Woolen socks/ trekking socks
  • Summit socks (6000er series)

Personal Kit

  • Trekking backpack
  • Expedition day pack
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Hygiene kit (toiletries)
  • Sun screen (min. 50 SPF)
  • Lip Guard
  • Water bottle
  • Thermos

First Aid Kit

  • Personal medications
  • Personal first aid kit

Miscellaneous

  • Camera and associated gears
  • Camp knife/ multi-tools
  • Binoculars/ magnifiers
  • Personal reading accessories
  • Games and entertainment mediums
  • Dry bag/ compression bags