Island Peak Climb
Price Details
On Request
On Request
Guaranteed Best Price for Island Peak Climb
Register Now!
Register Now, and get the Guaranteed Best Price
Social Share
DESTINATION
Island Peak
DURATION
14 Days
GRADE
Challenging
START/END POINT
Kathmandu
REGION
Khumbu
MAX ALTITUDE
6, 160 m
GROUP SIZE
1-12
ACTIVITY
5 - 6 hrs
Overview
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse by locals, is a magnificent mountain nestled among the giants of the Himalayas. Located in the Chukkung Valley, this peak lives up to its name, resembling an island overshadowed by the massive Lhotse, Nuptse, Shartse, in the north and Baruntse to the south. The Island Peak climb provides breathtaking vistas, made much more memorable by the exhilarating ascent up a narrow, exposed slope. As you travel through the Khumbu region along the Island Peak route, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas from settlements like Namche, Khumjung, Tengoboche, Pandboche, and Dingboche. The valley is dominated by Island Peak, a spectacular pyramid of ice and rock that rises to an impressive Island Peak elevation. This appropriate moniker was given by explorer Eric Shipton, who compared the peak to an island amid a sea of glaciers.
This is our regular Island Peak Climb plan; if you’re looking for our 17-day plan with EBC or our 3-day Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung plan, please contact us.
Departure Dates
Island peak climb fix departure dates, 2025: 29-Mar, 5-Apr, 19-Apr, 26-Apr, 03-May, 10-May, 17-May, 04-Oct, 11-Oct, 18-Oct, 25-Oct, 01-Nov, 08-Nov, 15-Nov, and 22-Nov-2025.
Trek Description
For climbers seeking a technical challenge on a Himalayan peak above 6,000 meters, the Island Peak trek could be the perfect choice. This iconic mountain was even used by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay as a training ground for their historic Everest summit in 1953. The route they established is still the one used today. The Island Peak mountain remains a popular training climb for aspiring Everest summiteers because it hones essential skills like crossing crevasses with ladders and using jumars on fixed lines – techniques crucial for tackling the world’s tallest mountain.
The Island Peak expedition usually lasts roughly 17 days, including 14 days spent walking and climbing in the highlands. This 17-day Island Peak climbing itinerary includes your time in Kathmandu, and it’s usually a good idea to plan for some extra days in case of flight delays. Also, you can cover Everest Base Camp in these 17 days period; if you do not wish to include Everest Base Camp, the Island Peak trekking journey can be completed in 14 days, including your stay in Kathmandu.
The walk gradually ascends through the Khumbu Valley, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. This approach is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. During the Island Peak tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to climb Chukhung Ri at 5,550 meters for further acclimatization and breathtaking views of Lhotse’s south face. There are also potential add-ons to consider when climbing Island Peak with We Ramblers, such as tackling the Kongma La pass with its stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier, Lhotse, Makalu or climbing Pokalde mountain at 5, 806 meters for an added challenge.
The first section of the Himalaya Island Peak ascent follows the well-known Everest Base Camp trekking path. This indicates you’ll be following a familiar path, albeit it may be bumpy and uneven at times. The Island Peak trek itinerary includes walking the same trail through Namche, Khumjung, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakhshep, and Kala Patthar; however, the trail after Chukhung is different. The hike to Island Peak base camp is basic; after base camp, you will face a stretch of hard stones until you reach the crampons point. After crampon point, it’s almost all glacier climbing with crevasses to cross.
Reaching the snow line (crampon point) along the Island Peak climbing route marks the transition to a completely different terrain – glaciers. Here, you’ll be roped together in groups of 3-4 for safety as you cross numerous crevasses (deep cracks in the ice). Some crevasses are quite deep, requiring the use of ladders to navigate them. It adds to the Island Peak climbing difficulty level. While not technically difficult, these sections demand alertness and caution. The route is typically well-marked, and everyone follows one designated path to avoid hidden dangers.
At the base of a steep, 300-meter rock face or headwall, you’ll switch to fixed lines for ascent. It’s crucial to check the sturdiness of these lines, particularly in the afternoon when they can become loose due to the sun. As you climb the Island Peak Himalaya, the gradient of the headwall varies, with some sections steeper (around 40 degrees) than others. The entire ascent typically takes about 1.5 hours, with plenty of opportunities to rest. Be prepared for potential delays if other Island Peak Mount Everest climbing groups are ahead of you.
The final stretch to the summit involves a narrow and exposed ridge, often crowded with climbers. There’s usually only one fixed line leading to the top, with limited space on the summit itself (enough for about 5 people). During this phase of the Island Peak climb, communication and cooperation with other climbers are essential. While the route itself isn’t technically difficult in good weather, a few sections of the Island Peak route require extra caution due to exposure. Remember to prioritize safety by always clipping your carabiner to an anchor before moving your jumar.
Reaching the Island peak summit is a challenging but rewarding experience, typically taking between 9 and 12 hours depending on weather conditions. To the north, you’ll see breathtaking sights: Nuptse (7,879 meters), Lhotse (8,501 meters), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410 meters), and Lhotse Shar (8,383 meters) forming a majestic semi-circle. But that’s not all! Look east and you’ll be greeted by the mighty Makalu (8,475 meters), Shartse (7,591 meters). Turning south, your eyes will land on the stunning peaks of Baruntse and Ama Dablam. This incredible view from Island Peak and panorama showcases some of the world’s highest mountains, all within your view.
The Island Peak climb does not require prior mountaineering experience. Basic training on how to use crampons, axes, harnesses, ropes, jumars, and carabiners is sufficient to climb it. The only thing that matters is the climbers to Island Peak climbing guide ratio; we supply a climbing guide for two climbers, which increases your chances of summiting. Of course, you must be in decent physical shape to climb it. If you wish to succeed at the summit during the Island Peak trek, you must follow the guide’s instructions. While crevasses are passable and ladders have railings, some people may find traversing them intimidating. The headwall itself is not as scary as it appears, with numerous resting areas. The summit ridge is narrow and exposed, requiring concentration and a strong head for heights, reflecting the Island Peak climb difficulty. Ridge trekking and familiarity with crampons and axes are required. The trek itself is easy with lodge accommodations, but once you leave base camp, a strong mindset and collaboration are required to succeed.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary
Itinerary of Island Peak Climb
Altitude: 1, 400 m / 4, 594 ft.
Night stay: In a Hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu.
On the day of your arrival in Nepal’s capital city, we will pick you up at the airport and bring you to our hotel, where you will meet your fellow climbers. We will hold a briefing session today to inform you about the Island Peak climbing expedition. After the session, you are free for the rest of the day. You can shop, visit the Basantapur durbar, which is a short walk from the hotel, or stroll through Thamel’s colorful streets.
Altitude of Lukla: 2, 860 m / 9,383 ft.
Altitude of Phakding: 2, 652 m / 8, 700 ft.
Flight Duration to Lukla: 35 minutes.
Distance to cover: 7.8 kilometres.
Trekking duration to Phakding: 3 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Phakding.
We will fly to Lukla this morning. It takes 30 minutes to reach Lukla, the starting point for the Island Peak Climb. During your trip, you may see many high Himalayan peaks on your left and numerous mountaintop villages below. After arriving in Lukla, you will meet your support team and begin your first walk to Phakding. The Island peak itinerary includes a walk from Lukla to Phakding which is straightforward and passes through multiple villages. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach. Phakding is a large village located on the banks of the Dudhkoshi River.
The Lukla flight is now mostly operational from Manthali, Ramechhap Airport, especially during high Island Peak climbing seasons. If the airplane to Lukla is operational from Ramechhap, you must go to Ramechhap by road from Kathmandu, which takes approximately 4.5 hours. In this situation, we leave Kathmandu around 1:30 a.m. and arrive in Ramechhap by 6 a.m., after which we board an airplane bound for Lukla.
Altitude of Namche Bazaar: 3, 440 m / 11, 286 ft.
Distance to cover: 10.7 kilometres.
Trekking duration to Namche Bazaar: 6 to 7 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Namche Bazaar.
Today, we trek to Namche Bazaar, a prominent place in the entire zone. The majority of the trail follows along the Dudhkoshi River. The first section of the trail passes through several villages; you will cross a few hanging bridges and enjoy a spectacular view of Mt Thamserku, which becomes visible shortly after you begin your Island Peak high camp trip from Phakding. You will enter Sagarmatha National Park from Monjo village and eat lunch in Jorsalle village, which is the last settlement before Namche Bazaar. After lunch, we will go a little way along a flat track alongside the river before gradually ascending to Namche’s twin hanging bridges. The trail leads uphill from the bridge till Namche Bazaar. At this point of the Island Peak trek, if the weather is good, you can catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest from a resting area before the Namche checkpoint. You will need to climb several steps, particularly after the checkpoint, to reach your Namche tea house.
Altitude to Khumjung: 3, 790 m / 12, 430 ft.
Distance to cover: 2.7 kilometres.
Trekking Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Khumjung.
Today we will travel a short distance to Khumjung village, which is located above Namche Bazaar. This is the largest Sherpa village in the entire Nepal. We will begin by visiting the Namche Museum, from which you can see Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and other peaks. After the museum, as outlined in the Island Peak climbing itinerary, we will hike to Syangboche airstrip and then to Khumjung village via Everest View Hotel (which is located on the outskirts of the village). After leaving the Syangboche airport, you will have a better and more visible perspective of all of the major mountains. It’s a leisure day once you get to Khumjung; you can go to the Khumjung monastery if you like.
Altitude of Debuche: 3, 800 m / 12, 467 ft.
Distance to cover: 8 kilometres.
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Debuche.
Today we will travel to Debuche village, the next village after Tengboche. The first section of the trail is easy until we reach Phungi Thanga, where we will eat lunch before continuing uphill to Tengboche Monastery. The trail to Tengboche after Phungi Thanga is entirely uphill, comparable to what you encountered before Namche Bazaar, and is part of the Island Peak climb distance. Tengboche is famed for its monastery and is located on a level mountainside. You can spend some time at Tengboche Monastery before heading to our tea house in Debuche. After the monastery, it’s all downhill through rhododendron forests to the accommodation. Tengboche to Debuche takes 30 minutes.
Altitude of Dingboche: 4, 410 m / 14, 468 ft.
Distance to cover: 11 kilometres.
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Dingboche.
Today we will trek to Dingboche; the initial walk will be beside the river until we reach a hanging bridge (the last hanging bridge on our journey), where we will cross the river to the opposite side and then continue uphill to the entrance of Pangboche village. The trail provides an excellent view of Ama Dablam, particularly when hiking the steps following the hanging bridge. During the Island Peak trekking journey, we will pass through the entire Pangboche village, which is also a prominent sherpa village in the Khumbu zone. The village offers a wonderful view of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
After Pangboche, we will stop in Shomare for lunch because it is the last settlement before Dingboche. After lunch, we must adequately cover ourselves because it is windy and cold after Shomare. The trail becomes treeless and leads through small juniper shrubs before becoming completely desert. Following our Island Peak itinerary, we’ll take a right off the main trail, cross an iron bridge, and then trek uphill until we reach the Dingboche village. Dingboche is one of the largest communities in the zone, with the majority of the establishments being mountain lodges. Dingboche offers spectacular views of Lhotse and Amadablam.
Altitude of Chhukung: 4, 730m / 15, 518 ft.
Distance to cover: 4 kilometres.
Trekking Duration: 2 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Chhukung.
Today’s trek is easy, taking two hours to reach Chhukung via a gradually ascending and level trail. The trail leads within the Imja valley, with the Imja River flowing to your right. Along the Island Peak climbing journey, you’ll notice many rock fences where villagers keep their Yaks. Chhukung is a small village in the Imja valley, surrounded by many mountains, including Ama Dablam, Taboche, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Island Peak. Take a short hike before settling at the tea house.
Today is a complete rest day, so acclimate and conserve your energy for the next climbing days.
Altitude of Island Peak Base Camp: 5, 100 m / 16, 732 ft.
Distance to cover: 5.5 kilometres.
Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
Night stay: In a Tent at Iceland Peak Base Camp.
Today, we will arrive at Island Peak Base Camp and conduct pre-climbing training before our final summit. The trail from Chukhung to Island Peak Base Camp is moderate, with some sections passing over the moraines of Imja Tse and Lhotse Glacier before arriving at the camp. Today, our professional Island peak guides will teach you about climbing techniques and how to use ropes, ice axes, boots, crampons, harnesses, and other equipment. Today we’ll be staying in a tent.
Altitude of summit of the Island Peak: 6,165 m / 20, 226 ft.
Expedition Duration: 10 to 12 hours.
Night stay: In a Tea house at Chhukung.
Today, we will wake up early and begin our climb about 12 or 1 p.m., based on your lead guide’s briefing on the Island Peak climb last evening. The initial climb is steep, followed by stones before the track narrows and reaches the crampon point.
The climb to the Island Peak is lengthy and challenging. The guides will fix the rope as needed. We will cross crevasses using ladders. The final Island Peak summit is undoubtedly intense because you have to scale a nearly 100-meter-high wall, but don’t worry, the highly trained guides will help you out. You’ll need to utilize your jumar to pull yourself up the wall. After the wall, the climb becomes less strenuous, and the last ascent to the summit is narrow but safe.
The peak offers a superb view of Lhotse, Makalu, Sharitse, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and many other mountains. Everest is covered behind Mount Lhotse, therefore it is not visible from the Island Peak Summit. It is critical to reach the summit by 8 or 9 a.m.; else, it will be strongly windy and tough. After reaching the summit, we will take group and individual photos before returning to base camp. The descent is simple, taking only 2 to 3 hours to reach the base camp.
We will enjoy a light meal at the Island Peak base camp before returning to our tea house in Chhukung. The trek from the base camp to Chhukung is simple.
Altitude of Namche Bazaar: 3, 440 m / 11, 286 ft.
Distance to cover: 24 kilometres.
Trekking duration to Namche Bazaar: 7 to 8 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Namche Bazaar.
Today we’ll travel to Namche Bazaar via Dingboche, Pangboche, Debuche, Tengboche, and a few other villages.
Altitude of Lukla: 2, 860 m / 9,383 ft.
Distance to cover: 18.5 kilometres.
Trekking Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
Night stay: In a tea house in Lukla.
On the final day of Island Peak trekking in the Khumbu zone, we will return to Lukla via Jorsale, Monjo, Phakding, and other villages we passed through on the way.
Altitude of Kathmandu: 1, 400 m / 4, 594 ft.
Travel Duration: 35 minutes by flight (if flight is operational from Ramechhap then you must travel by road to Kathmandu from Ramechhap and it takes 4.5 hours).
Night stay: In a hotel in Kathmandu.
The last day of our fantastic Island Peak climbing expedition. Depending on air operations, we will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap or Kathmandu. If we fly to Ramechhap, we will have to travel 4.5 hours by road to Kathmandu. It’s a day at leisure after arriving in Kathmandu.
The final goodbyes to Nepal and we will drop you off at the Kathmandu airport for your return journey.
Inclusion & Exclusion
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
- Tented accommodation during the climb.
- Airport pickups and drops (from Kathmandu international/domestic airport).
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the climbing day.
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu, or Ramechhap – Lukla – Ramechhap).
- Ramechhap transportation (both side).
- Certified experienced trekking guide (leader).
- Assistant guide (for 5 or more people).
- Certified climbing guide (we provide one climbing guide for every two people).
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
- Staff costs include their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation.
- Climb Guide Insurance.
- All necessary trekking permits (Khumbu Nagarpalika & Sagarmatha National Park entry).
- Climbing Permit from NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association).
- Climbing certificate from NMA (only after successfully summit the mountain).
- Group climbing Gears.
- Travel expenses to reach and return from Kathmandu.
- The island peak climb cost does not include additional accommodation and food expenses if the expedition is delayed due to weather, flight cancellation, health, or other reasons.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.) are not included in the island peak trek price.
- Health Insurance, Personal Insurance, and other travel insurance.
- Expenses for evacuation and rescue operations due to natural calamity, mishaps, injury, or any health problem are not included in our island peak climb cost
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s).
- Anything not particularly mentioned in “Inclusions” section.
Essential Items to Bring
- Trekking bag (60-80 litres).
- A small daypack (knapsack / backpack / rucksack) for carrying your valuable.
- 2 light weight waterproof trekking/hiking pants.
- 1 thick lightweight windproof warm pant.
- 3 – 4 light weight trekking/hiking t-shirts/shirts.
- Non-cotton underwear briefs.
- 6-7 pairs trekking socks.
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or woolen socks.
- Thermals – top and bottom.
- Good quality jacket to protect from cold (preferably down jacket, minus 20 degrees Celsius).
- Climbing gears (Helmet, Harness, Carabiner Lock, Carabiner Un Lock, Safety Rope, Ice Axe, Climbing Shoe, Crampons, Figure 8, Jummar).
- Light weight fleece jacket.
- Bandana or head scarf.
- Warm hat that covers your ears.
- Windcheater.
- Sleeping bag (-20 degree Celsius).
- 1 quick drying towel.
- Poncho (for rain and snow).
- Gaiters for hiking in winter.
- Good quality gloves (with extra inner layer).
- Best quality hiking shoes (preferably waterproof).
- 1 pair lightweight sport shoe or sandal.
- Trekking poles.
- UV protected polarized sunglasses (preferably dark shade).
- Water disinfection drops / tablets.
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each).
- Hand sanitizer.
- Moisturizer.
- Sun blocks (SPF 50 and above) and lip salve with sun blocks.
- Toilet paper.
- Wet-tissue papers/ baby wipes.
- Headlamp, torch with spare batteries.
- Dry fruits and chocolates.
- Small, basic first aid kit (cough and/or cold medicine, headache pills etc.).
FAQ
FAQ of Island Peak Climb
The Island Peak climb is undoubtedly difficult because it is a strenuous ascent from the base camp that demands considerable technical skills. During the climb to the summit of Island Peak, you will cross glaciers, a narrow icy ridge, an ice wall, and crevasses by a ladder.
It takes three days to climb Island Peak from Chhukung. However, an entire Island Peak climbing trip from Kathmandu to Kathmandu with We Ramblers takes at least 14 days to complete.
The Island peak trek costs (journey to Island Peak from Kathmandu) between USD 1200 and 1900. This fee includes the Island Peak climbing permit, trekking permit, climbing guide, guide insurance, flight to Lukla, and food. Contact us today for a detailed cost breakdown.
The success rate of Island Peak climbing is 80% or higher. Most of the failures occurred because people were not adequately acclimatized and did not get enough rest before climbing Island Peak. If you are fully acclimatized to the altitude and have rested properly, you have an almost 100% probability of summiting the Island Peak.
No, Island Peak is difficult to climb. It is not particularly technical, but climbing it requires a high level of stamina. After the Island Peak base camp, the ascent is difficult for anyone.
Yes, a beginner can climb Island Peak, but you must be physically fit and prepared for the climb. To reach the Island Peak, you don’t need much technical talent, but you do need a lot of stamina.
The permit cost for climbing the Island Peak varies depending on the season. Island Peak climb permits cost USD 250 per person in March, April, and May, USD 70 in June, July, and August, USD 125 in September, October, and November, and USD 70 in December, January, and February.
The cost of the entire package for Island Peak is USD 1900 per person. This Island peak price includes accommodation, food, a trekking guide, a porter, trekking permits, a climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association, a return flight to Lukla, an Island Peak climbing guide with insurance, and climbing gear rental.
The best time to climb Island Peak: April and May (spring), and October and November (fall). During this time, the weather is clear, there is little possibility of a Lukla flight cancellation, and the view is spectacular during the expedition.
To climb Island Peak, you must be physically strong; throughout the expedition, you will walk for long hours, so focus on cardiovascular, strength, and breathing exercises. You must also have basic mountaineering skills, such as how to use a rope, jumar, and ice axe. To ascend Island Peak and enjoy your holidays to the fullest, you must have a high level of stamina, so focus on it.
Yes, insurance is essential for the Island Peak climbing expedition. Many climbers become ill during the ascent, and having insurance allows you to arrange a helicopter evacuation quickly and without having to pay a high fee. Additionally, your hospitalization expenses are covered.
If you want to Climb Island Peak in Nepal and are wondering if it’s worth it, then you need to know that the trek is definitely worth it for adventure seekers and experienced trekkers looking for a challenge. The climb offers breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. However, it’s important to consider the Island Peak expedition cost, which typically includes permits, guides, climbing equipment, and logistics.
Please follow our popular social media pages, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter (X) to find the breathtaking photos and videos of our previous tours.
Customer Reviews
MAP
No map available.
Price Details
On Request
On Request
Guaranteed Best Price for Island Peak Climb
Register Now!
Register Now, and get the Guaranteed Best Price
Social Share
