Overview

Island Peak Climbing (6,189m), locally known as Imja Tse, is one of the most popular and rewarding trekking peaks in Nepal. Nestled in the heart of the Everest region, this climb offers the perfect introduction to Himalayan mountaineering for aspiring climbers seeking their first 6000-meter summit.

Organized by Peaceful Treks, this professionally guided Island Peak expedition combines the iconic Everest Base Camp trekking route with a technical yet achievable summit climb. The journey takes you through legendary Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking alpine landscapes, all while gradually preparing you for the summit push.

Our experienced climbing guides, certified in high-altitude mountaineering and first aid, ensure a safe and well-paced ascent. With proper acclimatization, rope training, and the use of essential climbing gear, even beginners with good physical fitness can successfully summit Island Peak.

From crossing crevassed glaciers to ascending fixed ropes to the summit ridge, Island Peak offers a true Himalayan climbing experience with stunning panoramic views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.

Best Time for Island Peak Climbing

The best seasons for Island Peak climbing are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, climbers can expect stable weather, clear skies, and optimal summit conditions.

Spring offers warmer temperatures and vibrant rhododendron blooms, while autumn provides crisp mountain views and excellent visibility, making both seasons ideal for a successful climb.

 

Who Can Climb Island Peak?

Island Peak is ideal for trekkers looking to step into mountaineering. While prior climbing experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. With proper guidance, training, and physical preparation, beginners can confidently take on this adventure.

A good level of fitness, determination, and the ability to walk 5–7 hours daily at high altitude are essential for success.

 

Start Your Island Peak Adventure

Island Peak Climbing with Peaceful Treks is more than just a climb—it’s a transformative Himalayan experience. From cultural immersion in Sherpa villages to standing atop a 6000-meter summit, this journey offers both challenge and reward in equal measure.

Book your Island Peak climbing package today and take the first step toward conquering the Himalayas with a trusted local expert.

Itinerary

Day
1
Arrival Kathmandu Airport & Transfer to Hotel.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative of Peaceful Himalaya Trekking at Kathmandu International airport and then you will be transferred to hotel. You can relax for the rest of the day and in the evening you can enjoy dinner with Nepali cultural dance. Overnight at hotel.

Day
2
Sightseeing Pashupatinath, Bauddhanath, Monkey temple, Basantapur Durbar, Patan Durbar and Back to Hotel

Today, you will be go around different world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; the sacred temple of Hindu, Pashupatinath; the world’s biggest Stupa, Boudhanath; Swoyambhunath Stupa which is also known as the monkey temple; and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square where you will also visit Kumari broadly known as Living Goddess in Basantapur, Kathmandu. You will also go around Patan Durbar Square which is rich in historical art and architecture. Overnight at hotel again.

Day
3
Fly to Lukla (2800 m)

We will take a 40-minute flight to Lukla from Kathmandu which is one of the most amazing flights in the world since it rewards you with the views of the stunning peaks of the Khumbu region and includes Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam. We will then land on the tiny airfield at Lukla (2,800 m). After that, we walk on the track to Everest Base Camp. Now, we walk north-west and move down to the river at Phakding (2,652 m). Overnight in Phakding.

Max Alt: 2800 m
Day
4
Walk to Namche Bazaar.

Today we will trek to reach Namche Bazaar taking around 5 to 6 hours. We will follow the river prior to climbing the vertical hill to Namche Bazaar. Expectantly, we may get the first views of Everest and Lhotse as we move toward Namche. Namche is the most affluent and largest community in the Khumbu. It is the capital region of the Sherpa inhabitants, a people who very much look like the Tibetans in appearance and culture. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day
5
Rest day at Namche Bazaar.

To be accustomed with the environment, we will have a rest day at Namche Bazaar. We can either relax for the whole day or go around Namche Bazaar to explore Sherpa culture and their way of life. Namche is a vivacious town having numerous shops and more than a few lodges and restaurants. Terrific mountain panorama makes a striking back-drop.

Day
6
Trek 5-6 hrs to Tengboche (3860 m)

Today we will trek to Tengboche from Namche Bazaar taking around 5 to 6 hours. And after reaching Tengboche, we will visit the local monastery. You will get to view a prayer rite. Overnight stay at guesthouse in Tengboche.

Max Alt: 3860 m
Day
7
Trek 5-6 hrs to Dingboche (4400 m)

On this day, our path moves down all the way through a striking forest, then traverse the Imja River and passes via the village of Pangboche. The way continues through summer meadows where we can see yaks grazing until we arrive at Dingboche at 4400m. Overnight stay at guesthouse in Dingboche.

Max Alt: 4400 m
Day
8
Dingboche – Acclimatization day (4400 m)

Dingboche is an arresting variety of small pasture encircled by rock walls shielding the crops of barley and potato from the cool winds. Alternatively, you can go around Chhukung. You will observe the amazing view in this valley- Island Peak at the centre of the valley; the ice walls of nameless peaks lay in a chain in the southern end; and the very tall south face of Lhotse to the north will also appear.

Max Alt: 4300 m
Day
9
Trek 5-6 hrs to Lobuche (4915 m)

We keep on walking through the wide vale underneath the striking peaks of Tawache and Chola Tse on the left. We then move right and take a vertical climb to reach at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier and then to Dugla. The path moves crisscross through the rock of the glaciers. At the top of this ascend there are many rock cairns, built as monuments to a lot of Sherpas who have died while mountaineering Mt. Everest. We keep on climbing to reach Lobuche, at 4910 m, from where you will observe the breathtaking Mt. Pumori Peak lying at an elevation of 7220m. Overnight stay at guesthouse in Lobuche.

Max Alt: 4915 m
Day
10
Ascent to Kala Pattar(5545 m) and descent 5hrs to Lobuche(4915 m)

On this day, early in the morning we will go up will which take us to our target peak, Kala Pattar, following via the Khumbu Glacier. From Kala Pattar we will observe the sun rise and enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. We go down for lunch at Lobuche ( 4915m). Overnight stay at guesthouse.

Max Alt: 5545 m
Day
11
Lobuche - Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft)- Chhukung [4,730m/15,518ft]: 6-7 hr

After having our breakfast we will trek via Khumbu Glacier to reach Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m) continues climbing to Kongma pass, the way up is difficult part. At the Kongma La, we see cairn enveloped in prayer flags. Then we move to the Imja Khola valley to reach Chhukung, a summer settlement. Overnight in Chhukung.

Max Alt: 5535 m
Day
12
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (4970 m), overnight at tented camp.

We will begin ascending to get there at the base camp. And our route now gets difficult and once we arrive at the foot of the pointed icefall below the peak, Island Peak Base Camp which lays at an elevation of 4970m our trek for today completes. Overnight at the tented camp.

Max Alt: 4970 m
Day
13
Stay at Base Camp, overnight at tented camp.

We have a day to have a rest at the base camp just not to jumble up our timetable because of unfavorable weather. Overnight again at the tented camp.

Day
14
Ascent High Camp of Island Peak (5,600m), overnight at tented camp.

Moving up from the base camp we will arrive at the Island Peak High Camp (5,600m). From this point, we can see semicircle view of cliffs that go up in the north to the rocky peaks of Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m), Lhotse (8,501m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383m). To the east, we will view the iced up waves of the Lhotse Shar Glacier above which towers Cho Polu (6,734m) and we will also witness Makalu (8,475m). From the south of the Imja glacier, we will be rewarded by Baruntse (7,720m) and Ama Dablam (6,856m). Overnight at tented camp.

 

Max Alt: 5,600m
Day
15
Summit Island Peak (6160 m) and back to Base Camp to Chhukung

In the early morning, we will begin our climbing to arrive at the summit. In order to reach at the summit we need to have great caution. After we reach the summit, and enjoy the breathtaking views of surrounding peaks, we will be return back to the Base Camp. From then we descend down to Chhukung. Overnight at Chhukung and celebrate for reaching at the summit.

Max Alt: 6160 m
Day
16
Trek 6-7 hrs to Namche (3441 m)

Gradually, today we will pass through the settlement of Pangboche, the same track we walked for moving to Everest Base Camp. The trail leads downward to a river. After going across the river, we march for about an hour up all the way through the forest and get to Tengboche and proceed to Namche. Overnight at lodge in Namche Bazaar.

Max Alt: 3441 m
Day
17
Trek 7-8 hrs to Lukla

We are on the 17th day of our trek retracing our steps back all the way through Tengboche, Namche Bazaar and Phakding to reach Lukla. Overnight in Lukla.

Day
18
Take a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, Overnight at Hotel

On this day early in the morning; we take a picturesque flight from Lukla for the returning back to Kathmandu. We will transfer you back to our hotel in Kathmandu.

Day
19
Rest day in Kathmandu, Overnight at Hotel

Today we have a day rest in Kathmandu. Optionally, you can stay in the hotel and relax. Or, you can also go around the historical and world heritage sites in Kathmandu that you couldn’t go for on the second day of your trek. Or, you can go around for shopping. Overnight at hotel.

Day
20
Departure for Your Final Destination

You will drive to airport by our representative and take the flight to reach your destination from Kathmandu.

Map Route

Island Peak Climbing

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • All domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
  • Accommodation in teahouses during trekking
  • Tented accommodation during climbing phase
  • All meals during trekking and climbing period
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and climbing guide
  • Island Peak climbing permit and necessary government fees
  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
  • Porters for luggage carrying (1 porter for 2 climbers)
  • Climbing gear (group equipment: ropes, ice screws, anchors)
  • First aid medical kit and emergency support
  • Insurance for staff (guides and porters)

Excluded

  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Personal travel insurance (mandatory for high-altitude climbing)
  • Personal climbing gear (boots, harness, crampons, etc.)
  • Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging during trek
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Any personal expenses or unforeseen costs (weather delays, rescue, etc.)

Gear List

    • Base layers (moisture-wicking tops and bottoms)
    • Insulating layers (fleece/down jacket)
    • Waterproof and windproof jacket & pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
    • Heavy down jacket (for summit push)
    • Thermal gloves and insulated mittens
    • Warm hat and balaclava
    • UV protection sunglasses and goggles
    • Mountaineering boots (compatible with crampons)
    • Trekking boots
    • Gaiters
    • Warm socks (multiple pairs)
    • Climbing harness
    • Helmet
    • Crampons
    • Ice axe
    • Ascender (Jumar)
    • Descender (Figure 8/ATC)
    • Carabiners and slings
    • Sleeping bag (-15°C to -25°C recommended)
    • Headlamp with extra batteries
    • Trekking poles
    • Backpack (30–40L) & duffel bag
    • Water bottles / hydration system
    • Personal first aid kit and medications
    • Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF)
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