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Island Peak Climbing
  • Duration
    19 Days
  • Max. Altitude
    6,189m.
  • Trip Grade
    Very Strenuous
  • Activity
    Tours, Hiking, Expeditions
  • Group Size
    6 People Max

Island Peak Climbing

Island Peak (6,189m/20.305′) is probably the easiest and therefore most affordable way to climb Himalaya experience and see how you feel 6,000m above the sea level. For an experienced trekker who has already done a high-altitude trek, this is the perfect introduction to full alpine mountain climbing. We don’t recommend you try this trip as your first high-altitude trek.

The climb is physically very difficult due to the altitude and the steep headwall at the final moment of the summit. You don’t need any prior technical climbing experience, however, as we can teach you all the skills that you need while you’re on the expedition.

It’s also a magical place to take a close look at the high peaks around Mount Everest, including the famous south face of Lhotse, Makalu, and the north side of Ama-Dablam. Our suggested itinerary enables acclimatization, training, practice and rest.

This trip includes a fun trek to Everest Base Camp, as well as a trek to the top of Kala Pattar (optional). Most of the nights on this trek are in lodges, but the last 3-nights will be fully organized by camping where all meals are provided.

You’ll get away from this trip with a great appreciation of the Sherpa way of life, a chance to experience their unique mountain culture and traditions. We also spend time in the main city of Nepal, Kathmandu. This vibrant city is a melting pot of ethnicity and a perfect contrast to the relaxed pace of mountain life.

Highlights

  • Island Peak (also known as Imja Tse) is the perfect start to Himalayan Mountain climbing.
  • Breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and 7,000m+ peaks.
  • Combine the classic journey with the Everest Base Camp trek.
  • Experience the traditional High-Himalayan Sherpa culture.

    Useful Info

    Accommodation

    Accommodations are provided on the twin-sharing basis. If you are a solo traveler, a single supplement will be served. Accommodations during the trek in the Himalayas, you will be staying at basic mountain lodges where you’ll have a nice and clean room with the warm blankets, pillows, and comfortable matrices (matrices may not be very thick size but they’re comfortable).

    Meals

    During the trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking, there will also be farewell dinner.

    Best Time to Climb to Island Peak

    For the Everest region as whole and, you can trek anywhere from September to the end of May. If bad weatheron a base camp trek may be uncomfortable, but it could be very dangerous on Island Peak. We only run trips in mid-September to November and March until May in order to climb Island Peak safely.

    During these seasons, the temperatures are pleasant, and the mostly dry and sunny. The strong winds accompanying the monsoon die during these times, and there are periods of time of relative calm which is ideal for climbing peaks in Nepal.

    How difficult is climbing Island Peak

    Climbing Island Peak is a challenging, but we can get you to the summit if you are physically in great shape. If you’ve been trekking to altitude already, this is a perfect next challenge.

    The first part of the climb is physically very difficult because at over 5000m you trek up rough terrain. This part is certainly non-technical, though. Then you reach the field of the glacier and you will need to rope-up and wear crampons. There is a danger of falling into snow-covered crevasses throughout this section. This can be exhausting, but you’re on safety lines at all times. Finally, you reach the base of the headwall.

    This is the hardest part of the climb, as this ascent is steep and the air is very thin. Fixed lines make the climbing route safe, but it will take a lot of determination to reach the summit. There is a relatively easy ascent from the summit ridge to the top.

    The expedition is ideally suited for hikers with some experience of high-altitude trekking and fixed ropes and crampons. This is not essential, as the training will be provided.

Itinerary

1

Arrive in Kathmandu

Welcome to the Himalayas, one of our representatives will pick you from the Airport and drive you to your respective hotel.

Once you reach the hotel you will check in and rest for a while. The remaining day you can discover Thamel looking at shops and eating at a restaurant.

  • Accommodation
    optional
  • Meal
    No
  • Max. Altitude
    1,400m
  • Time
    Rest day
2

Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Island Peak climbing adventure starts on the second day with a scenic flight from Manthali,airport to Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla (2,804 m).

Update: Kathmandu to Lukla flight has been shifted to Manthali airport, Ramechhap. During peak seasons spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) due to increased traffic as well as renovation in Kathmandu airport since March 2019. Manthali airport can be reached within 4 to 5hour drive from Kathmandu.

This means you need to wake up very early in the morning around 2:30 am to go for a drive and catch your early morning Lukla flight from Manthali. Night travel is required as there are only few hotels available in Mathali and the flights to Lukla all leave in the morning.

The flight is itself a remarkable and exciting 20 minutes across the mountain range. On arrival in Lukla, we start our trek with a 3-hour hike to Phakding Village.

Note: if you wish to avoid the night road journey to Manthali talk to us about taking a helicopter directly from Kathmandu to Lukla.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    2,800m
  • Time
    3 hours
3

Trek to Namche Bazaar

On day three, we will cross and re-cross the river a few times pass high suspension bridges. If you were scared of heights, you wouldn’t be climbing the Himalayas, would you?

The last part of the journey to Namche is steeper, but it’s the first sight of Mount Everest in the distance.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,450m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
4

Trek to Tengboche

The trail leads from Namche high along the Dudh Koshi Valley, giving us an incredible view of the Khumbu peaks almost all of the way.

Then we will face a steep passing to the bridge at Phortse Thanga and a steep climb to Tengboche.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,867m
  • Time
    5 hours
5

Trek to Pheriche

Day five starts with a steep descent through the forested hillside, then crosses Imja Khola and a stable, even ascend to the village of Pangboche.

The Mount Ama Dablam rises just above village, and this is one of the best places to see. About 2 hours of relatively easy walk take us to Pheriche.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    4,252m
  • Time
    5 hours
6

Trek to Lobuche

Today’s journey will take us much higher, and we’ll have to stay alert to the signs of AMS as we close the Khumbu Glacier.

We will cross the terminal moraine at the base of the glacier, and pass between many memorial cairns built to honor the many Sherpas who have died in Everest over the years.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    4,930m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
7

Trek to Everest Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep

Today we will continue along the Khumbu Glacier, with Everest and the other Himalayan giants towering above us. Before the trip to Everest Base Camp, there will be a lunch break at Gorak Shep.

We’ll return to Gorak Shep to stay overnight, but along another way that takes us into sight of the Khumbu Icefall.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    5,165m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
8

Trek to Dingboche

Our guide wakes us up very early in the morning to see the sunrise from the summit of Kala Pattar (optional).

Later, we will come back to Gorak Shep for breakfast and heading to Dingboche village.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    4,360m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
9

Trek to Chukhung

Day ten will take us to the Imja Valley to the small village of Chukhung. From here we can see the next challenge, Island Peak itself.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    4,710m
  • Time
    4 hours
10

Trek to Island Peak Base Camp

This is a short hike up the Imja Valley to the Island Peak Base Camp, which is 5150 meters above sea level.

The last 2-days have been short and gradual ascents which should prepare you for the next two days of climbing. Still, making sure to rest up!

  • Accommodation
    Tent Camp
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    5,150m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
11

Rest and acclimatization / final preparations

We’ll spend a day in order to acclimatize and adjust to the thinning of the air. As well as a short trek around the base camp to prepare us for the 6000-metre adventure the next morning.Overnight at tent camp.

Summit day is tomorrow, so make sure you’re ready for it!

  • Accommodation
    Tent Camp
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    5,150m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
12

Summit of Island Peak, descent to Chhukung

Two weeks into our journey, and we’re finally ready to tackle Island Peak.

A few hours after midnight our guides will wake us and give us much breakfast we can have – today, we will need energy. After an hour of climbing, we’ll be at the glacier area.

Crampons, harnesses and ropes will be needed until we reach the summit ridge. After taking the view for a bit, we will make our way down the same day to Chukung. Overnight at lodge.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    6,189m
  • Time
    10 hours
13

Extra day

Day 14th is officially an extra day, giving us a second opportunity at the summit just in case bad weather conditions or misadventure prevent us from making the summit on first attempt.

If we’ve already made a summit, we can start a trip back to Kathmandu a day early.

  • Accommodation
    Tent Camp
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    5,150m
14

Trek to Pangboche

We will retrace our journey back down the Imja Khola Valley and Dingboche and rejoin to the main Everest route prior to actually stopping at Pangboche for the night.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,950m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
15

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Today will be a long journey, once again crossing the rivers and going through the forest to reach Tengboche.

We’ll walk down to Namche Bazaar after lunch, passing Phunki Tenga along the way. Illy coffee and some of the best chocolate brownies in Asia are waiting for you at Namche.

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,450m
  • Time
    5 - 6 hours
16

Trek to Lukla

Our final day of trekking will take us back to Lukla, following the Dudh Koshi (milk river in Nepali) just like we did on the way up.

Once we reach at Lukla, a goodbye party with the trekkers and team, celebrating another successful expedition!

  • Accommodation
    Lodge
  • Meal
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    2,804m
  • Time
    6 hours
17

Fly to Manthali and then drive to Kathmandu

Flights from Lukla to Kathmandu are usually scheduled early in the morning to avoid strong winds.

Please note that the flight may sometimes get delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. In that case, we expect the guest to be patient.

We’ll take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu or Manthali across the Himalayas. Arrive in Kathmandu, you can take a rest or spend the rest of your day strolling around Thamel.

In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with culture show.

  • Meal
    Breakfast, Dinner
  • Max. Altitude
    3,450m
  • Time
    25 min. Flight / 4 – 5 hours drive
18

Free day / Fly to home

You can either stay back in Kathmandu today and enjoy a free day or leave for your respective countries.

As per your flight schedule, our representatives will drop you off at the Airport.

What to Expect

What's Included

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
  • Airfare both ways(Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu).
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
  • All accommodations during the trek.
  • English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
  • Island Peak climbing permit fees and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.
  • Tentcamp during the climbing period. (twin sharing trekking tent, dining tent, toilet tent, Kitchen tent, staff tent, chairs and Kitchen utensil etc.).
  • Peak climbing a native Sherpa guide with his equipment.
  • Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staffs.
  • Everest National park entry permit and local entry permits.
  • Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Magical Summits duffel bag.
  • Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
  • Trek map.
  • Farewell dinner including a cultural show.

What's Excluded

  • International airfare and Nepal visa.
  • Personal trekking and peak climbing gears.
  • Climbing rope, crampons, climbing shoes, raincoat.
  • Personal clothing and equipment, down jacket, Gore-Tex jacket, available on hire in Kathmandu.
  • Any personal medical or evacuation expenses incur.
  • International Travel insurance which included rescue.
  • Tips for the guide & porters (tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Included’ section.

FAQs

1. What is the height of Island peak?

The Island Peak is 6,189 meters above sea level.

2. I have never climbed the peak before. Can I go for Island Peak climbing?

3. Do I need travel insurance to climb Island Peak?

US$ 1875 per pax
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Magical Summits is your key to seeing the Himalayas through a local lens. Being a native Sherpa-owned active holiday company, by providing unparalleled and personalized customer service, Magical Summits is born to the top of Nepal’s very competitive travel market.

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