Island Peak Climbing Highlights

Hike to Everest Base Camp
Panoramic view from Kalapatthar aka Everest viewpoint
Experience Khongma La Pass
Summit Island Peak at 6,189 m
Island peak is the most popular trekking peak
Take in views of Imja Lake, a small glacial lake at the base of Island Peak
Tented overnight accommodation at Island Peak Base Camp
Experience climbing in the Himalayas

Island Peak, known locally as Imja Tse, is the most popular climbing peak in Nepal. It is perfect for climbers with less experience or those who wish to climb for the first time.

The techniques of using climbing gear will be demonstrated by our climbing guide at Base Camp. And with your safety in mind, we provide one climbing guide for 3-4 climbers – based on the climbers’ experience.

This trip starts by flying into the high altitude airport at Lukla and takes you to the well known Namche Bazaar and the highest monastery in the region – Tengboche.

You will get the best views of Mt Everest and surrounding mountains from atop Kalapatthar (also known as the Everest viewpoint) at 5,545 m, and overnight at Gorakshep at over 5,000 m. Naturally, no trip to this area is complete without going to Everest Base Camp, which you will also visit

From here the trip differs from those groups who are heading only to Everest Base Camp. Now the climbing adventure begins! Descend down to Lobuche and cross the Khongma La Pass and on to Chukung Khongma La Pass, considered the most difficult pass among the Everest Three High Passes.

At Island Peak Base Camp, there is only tented accommodation as we prepare for the summit. In order to reach the summit before the high winds set in, climbers will leave Base Camp around 1 am.

Watching the sunrise over the Himalayas after the exhilarating climb is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After descending down the Peak and trekking to Dingboche, the route back to Lukla once again rejoins the route being taken by those on the Everest Base Camp Trek.

The best time to climb Island Peak is April and May, or (followed by) October and November.

Magical Nepal works with local Sherpa based in Dingboche and Chukung. Our Sherpas are highly experienced and know Island peak inside out.

Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Itinerary

Days	Itinerary	Altitude	Time
Day 01	Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02	Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Trek to Phakding	2651 m / 8697 ft	35 min + 3 hr
Day 03	Phakding to Namche Bazaar	3440 m / 11286 ft	5 - 6 hr
Day 04	Acclimatization Day in Namche	3700 m / 12139 ft	4 - 5 hr
Day 05	Namche to Tengboche	3956 m / 12979 ft	5 - 6 hr
Day 06	Tengboche to Pheriche	4,371 m (14,340 ft)	4 - 5 hr
Day 07	Acclimatization Day in Pheriche	4,371 m (14,340 ft)	3 - 4 hr
Day 08	Pheriche to Lobuche	4938 m / 16200 ft	4 - 5 hr
Day 09	Lobuche to Gorakshep (afternoon trip to Kalapatthar)	5160 m / 16929 ft	4 - 5 hr
Day 10	Gorakshep to Lobuche (morning hike to Everest Base Camp)	4938 m / 16200 ft	4 hr + 4 hr
Day 11	Lobuche to Chukung via Khongma La Pass	4,730 m/15,518 ft	7 hr
Day 12	Chukung to Island Peak Base Camp	5,087 m/ 16,690 ft	3 - 4 hr
Day 13	Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and Down to Island Peak Base Camp	5,087 m/ 16,690 ft	10 hr
Day 14	Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche	3,985 m/ 13,074 ft	7 hr
Day 15	Pangboche to Namche	3440 m / 11286 ft	6 hr
Day 16	Namche to Lukla	2860 m / 9383 ft	7 hr
Day 17	Lukla to Kathmandu Flight	1400 m / 4593 ft	30 min
Day 18	Departure

INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

Faqs

Included

Local transfers for your international flight x 2 (arrival/ departure)
Local transfers for your domestic flights x 2
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Park and Local Entry Permits
Peak Climbing Permit
Guide for 15 days
Climbing guide for 3 days (Island Peak Base Camp / return to Base Camp)
Porter for 14 days
Group climbing gear
2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Dream Nepal or similar)
13 nights’ accommodation in mountain teahouses
2 night tented accommodation at Base Camp and High Camp
14 x set breakfasts, 15 x set lunches and 15 x set dinners while on the trek
Packed lunch on the summit day
All cooked meals when camping with complementary hot water, tea and coffee
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff

Excluded

International flight ticket and Nepal entry visa
Personal travel insurance (which should include coverage for trekking)
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner
Personal gear for trekking and/ or climbing (including any you may wish to hire), any personal expenses (i.e. soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks etc.)
Personal climbing gear (can be rented in Chukung/ Dingboche)

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How many days longer is the Island Peak Climbing trip than the regular Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC)?

It is three to four days longer.

Is this climb for me?

Yes, with proper acclimatization and with our expert climbing guide, this peak is for anyone who is fit and can do the EBC trek. Many trekkers make Island Peak their first climbing experience.

Is it technically difficult?

Both Island Peak and Lobuche Peak are more difficult compared to Mera Peak. However, with proper instruction and training at Base Camp by our professional and well-qualified climbing guide to develop your knowledge and use of climbing gear, this Peak can be successfully climbed.

Do I go to EBC on this climb?

Yes, you will go to both Everest Base Camp and to Kalapatthar for acclimatization before climbing.

Are there toilet facilities at the base camp?

Yes, there will be toilet facilities at base camp. You will have a personal sleeping tent, as well as a communal kitchen and dining tent, and a toilet tent.

How many climbing guides will be there?

We provide one climbing guide for three to four climbers, depending on the experience of the climbers.

Will we use fixed ropes?

Yes, you will be using a fixed rope for the climb.

Is it safe to drink the water in the Everest Region?

No. You cannot drink the water from the tap or streams in Everest. Mineral water is available on the trail. It is expensive to buy (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can use a water purifier or SteriPen.

Am I likely to get altitude sickness on this trip?

As the possibilities of getting altitude sickness generally start at elevations over 3,000 m, you should be aware. But in order to avoid this as much as possible, we have designed the itinerary in such a way that it will give you enough time to acclimatize.

Am I at risk and how can I avoid altitude sickness?

There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).

What happens if there is need for emergency evacuation while I am on this trip?

We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek so that in case of an emergency we can coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.

What about simple medical treatment on this trek?

On every trek or climb we will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Here is a checklist recommended by Karen Anderson of things you should bring. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal but to be on the safe side we recommend you comply, where possible, with this list provided by again by Karen Anderson (medical doctor in New Zealand and friend and client of Magical Nepal).

Do I need to buy travel insurance before I come to Nepal?

Yes. Magical Nepal only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance should cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do). We recommend World Nomads.

Where can I leave my belongings in Kathmandu when I am trekking?

Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.

Are your staff insured in case of accidents etc?

Yes. At Magical Nepal we make sure all our staff are well insured.