Home of the majestic Mt. Everest (8848m), the Everest region boasts a wide range of trails leading deeper into the Himalayas amongst which Island Peak climbing is one of the most frequented and also one of the most loved. Surrounded by a sea of ice, the mountain peak hosts a surreal view of the entire Everest Himalayas whilst filling you in with the adventure of standing on a Mountain Top.
Combining this with the classic Everest Base Camp Trek gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Everest Region in all its glory. Island Peak is located at Imja Tse Valley. This is the most popular climbing peak in Nepal. It prefers those climbers with less experience or those to climb for the first time to go over six thousand m altitudes.
Island Peak climbing is the Himalayan journey that commences with an exhilarating mountain flight to the renowned airstrip of Lukla. Following the banks of the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding, the trek begins from Lukla through lush green forests covered with rhododendrons, fir, and magnolia trees. Past the hamlets of Thulo Ghamela, Bengkar, and Monjo, the trail reaches Jorsalle and enters Sagarmatha National Park in the process.
You then reach the picturesque town of the Sherpas, Namche, where you take a day off for acclimatization before setting off to Tengboche. Visiting the sacred Dawa Choling Monastery in Tengboche, you continue the trek through the settlements of Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep to then traverse along the lateral moraines of Khumbu and Lhotse glaciers to reach Everest Base Camp (5364m) where you get to marvel at the unforgettable beauty of the Himalayas.
An early journey to Kalapatthar offers you a gorgeous Himalayan sunrise and then takes you back to Lobuche, from where you leave the classic EBC trekking route and cross the arduous Kongma La Pass (5535m) to reach Chhukung. Taking a day off to acclimatize and also practice some climbing techniques, you summit the majestic Island Peak (6,189m) through ice and snow, experiencing every bit of the unique Himalayan experience. As you retrace your trail to Pangboche, Namche, Lukla, and Kathmandu, the feeling of accomplishment starts to sink in leaving you to want for more.
We here at High Route Adventure have been accompanying trekkers and thrill-seekers for over a decade making sure we provide our clients with the very best of services enabling them to enjoy their adventure to the fullest. Please be advised that trips into the Everest Region are subject to changes resulting from the weather conditions. Adverse weather prevents flights heading to and from Lukla which stretches our itineraries, so make sure you plan for such contingencies.
Upon touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the representatives from our office who will guide you directly to the hotel. After freshening up from the day's journey, you will be further introduced to other members of the staff including your guide for the trip. After a short briefing session, we conclude all the activities scheduled for the day and you are free to head down into the local area to enjoy a pleasant evening.
Today you stay back at the capital city preparing for your long journey ahead. In the due course, we will gather all the necessary permits required for the trip and also any additional equipment you might need on your journey can be bought today. Time allowing, a short tour around the capital city can be arranged to explore the cultural beauty of the valley radiated in the UNESCO world heritage sites.
An early start to the day, we begin our Himalayan adventure heading toward the picturesque town of Lukla. High above the lush green valleys the 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu takes us closer to the majestic Himalayas before giving a proper introduction of the thrilling Lukla airstrip. Reaching Lukla, we take a brief rest before beginning our journey tothe hamlet of Phakding. The trek follows the banks of Dudh Koshi River heading past the vibrant Koshi Gaun and Ghat before ascending to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding.
Following the banks of Dudh Koshi River once again, we exit Phakding before following a trail through the lush green forests to reach Thulo Ghamela. On the pleasant hilly trail, the journey takes us past the vibrant hamlets of Bengkar and Monjo to reach Jorsalle, which also marks our entry into the stunning Sagarmatha National Park. The final stretch of the journey allows us to be accompanied by the snow-capped summit of Kusum Kanguru (6367m) until reaching the Sherpa settlement of Namche for the night.
The first of our acclimatization days, today we take some time off at Namche making sure we are well prepared for the next stretch of the journey. As the Gateway to Everest, the Himalayan town of Namche is always filled with trekkers and locals heading in and out of the region. For our acclimatization hike, we make our way to the hamlets of Khumjung and Khunde relishing the display of Sherpa culture and way of life. The journey also boasts picturesque Himalayan views and allows us the chance to visit the Yeti Skull Monastery which is said to house the skull of a real-life Yeti. Overnight in Namche.
Back on the trail once again, we exit the town of Namche following the hilly trail leading tothe village of Tengboche. Past Namche the trail ascends to reach Sanasa and Lawi Schyasa before meeting up with Dudh Koshi River. Crossing the river on a suspension bridge, we reach Phungi Thenga beyond which the trail gently ascends to Tengboche. The quaint hamlet hosts the famed Dawa Choling Monastery and is well known for the celebration of Mani Rimdu Festival during November. Overnight in Tengboche.
One of the shorter days of the trek, today we make our way over to the hamlet of Pheriche for the night. As the mountains keep us company, we make our way out of Tengboche heading tothe small settlement of Deboche. On the classic Everest Base Camp trail, we continue our journey due to north meeting up with Imja River at Milingo. Reaching the village of Pangboche, we take a brief rest before beginning one final ascend past the hamlets of Shomare and Worshyo to reach Pheriche.
Exiting Pheriche, we begin our ascending run heading toDughla through a ragged trail amid alpine hills. High up in the Himalayas, we trek with the majestic views of snow-laden summits of Ama Dablam (6812m), Lingtren (6812m), Lhotse (8,516m), and Nuptse (7,861m) on the horizon. The final stretch of the journey is a gradual ascend through uninhabited lands to reach the settlement of Lobuche for the night.
One of the more thrilling days of our journey, today we make our way to the famed Everest Base Camp (5364m). Exiting Lobuche, the trail takes us to Gorakshep and then ascends through the lateral moraines of Khumbu Glacier with the awe-inspiring Himalayas keeping us company. Navigating past the icy rocky trail, we reach the monumental grounds build in homage to fallen mountaineers. Reaching the base camp of Mt. Everest (8848m), we take some time off to live the thrilling experience and to marvel at the stunning Himalayan panorama. We then head back to Gorakshep for the overnight stay.
Today we start our day early so that we can make our way to the viewpoint of Kalapatthar (5545m) to enjoy a scenic Himalayan sunrise. The ascending journey takes us to Kalapatthar just in time to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas. Spread across the horizon are the snowy summits of Ama Dablam (6812m), Lingtren (6749m), Lhotse (8516m), Changtse (7543m), Nuptse (7861m), Cho Oyu (8201m), and the majestic Mt. Everest (8848m). After spending some time gazing at the mind-blowing Himalayan panorama, we begin our descending journey heading back to Gorakshep before setting off to Lobuche. Overnight in Lobuche.
One of the more challenging days of our journey, today we make our way over to the hamlet of Chhukung crossing Kongma La Pass (5535m) enroute. From Lobuche, the trail gradually ascends through the rocky Himalayan landscape stretching to meet the majestic Himalayan summits in the horizon. Alongside the mesmerizing views of the Everest Range, we navigate our way through the well-marked route ascending steeply towards the summit of Kongma La (5535m). Traversing on the glacial moraines of the Khumbu Glacier, we reach the summit to enjoy a stunning Himalayan panorama stretched out in front of us. After a brief stop at the summit, we begin our descending journey to the small settlement of Chhukung for the night.
Leaving Chhukung early, we begin our ascending journey to Island Peak Base Camp (5200m). The trail is fairly steep as we make our way further south before heading east to reach the moraines of Lhotse Glacier. The journey then winds through the rugged Himalayan landscapes crisscrossing the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines before reaching Island Peak Base Camp (5200m). Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
Today we take the day off trekking at Island Peak Base Camp to indulge in some pre-climb training for a successful summit on the Island Peak (6189m). For our practice, we use the south-western face of Island Peak (6189m) heading up to a considerable altitude. We will also map out all the routes for our journey tomorrow and get familiar with the use of all the equipment needed for a trouble-free summit. Overnight at the base camp.
Today is the day we conquer the gorgeous Island Peak (6189m) and add one more chapter in our book of adventures. Navigating through several boulders, we make our way over to the summit of the majestic mountain enjoying a scenic Himalayan sunrise en route. As the trail gets steeper and difficult, we use ropes at places to conquer difficult ascends through the mountain crevasses. Reaching the summit of Island Peak (6189m), we take in the mesmerizing Himalayan panorama comprising of the entire Everest Himalayan Range before dropping back down to chhukung for the night.
With the Himalayas to our backs, we begin our descending journey heading back to the hamlet of Pangboche. Unlike the ascending routes,we find the descending route rather familiar and easier as we make our way through the old settlements of Worshyo and Shomare to reach the Sherpa village of Pangboche. Located on the banks of Imja River,Pangboche is a perfect place to relish our Himalayan journey.
Back on the classic Everest trail, we continue our descending journey heading to Monjo for the night. Leaving behind Pangboche, the trail accompanies the Imja River leading to the hamlet of Milingo before dropping down to Deboche. Upon reaching Tengboche, we again enter the lush green forests heading past Phungi Thenga, Lawi Schyasa, and Sanasa to reach the vibrant town of Namche. Taking a brief rest at Namche, we head south past Jorsalle to reach Monjo.
Bidding farewell to Sagarmatha National Park, we leave Monjo and follow the banks of Dudh Koshi River to the town of Lukla. The trail takes us back to the villages of Bengkar and Thulo Ghamela beyond which lies the hamlet of Phakding. Retracing our steps through the lush green forests of rhododendron and magnolia, we continue our descending journey past Ghat and Koshi Gaun before ascending to reach Lukla for the night.
Today we relive the thrill of Lukla airstrip once again as we setoff on our flight back to the capital city. Bidding goodbye to the majestic Himalayas, the 40 minutes flight brings us back to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. Touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport, we make our way directly to the hotel wrapping up all the scheduled activities for the trip. For the rest of the day, you are free to head down to the local area or stay back at the hotel recuperating from days of journeying.
Our representatives will drop you back at Tribhuvan International Airport a few hours before your scheduled flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.
Getting to the Himalayan region can sometimes become a hassle due to its geographic location. The weather can be uncertain at any moment. Due to this, there are frequent flight delays for the travel between Kathmandu and Lukla back and forth.
However, flight delays/cancellations can be covered with extra days other than the planned itinerary. Remember that flight delays and cancellations are fully dependent on the airlines not on our trekking agency.
For this reason, it is highly recommended to schedule 2 extra days and hence avoid issues regarding international return flights. On the other hand, we can arrange a helicopter ride in case of delays. But, this comes with a cost of around USD 500-1000 per person depending on demand.
If the trip goes without any delays, we can arrange additional city tours or side trips to accommodate the extra days.
Reminder: Island Peak Climbing has fixed departure dates from Kathmandu, In case of a change in the plan, we can arrange specific date requests. Otherwise, we can prepare an ideal date depending on your flexible time. Make sure to notify us prior to booking if possible.
Weather unpredictability is a frequent thing while traveling to the Everest region. In addition to flight delays, there are unforeseen circumstances such as inaccessibility, lodging issues, strikes, trail conditions, etc. These factors can greatly affect the itinerary of the trip.
The Island Peak Climbing Itinerary mentioned above is a general guideline. Due to unforeseen situations, modification in the itinerary can be mandatory. At such times, our experienced guides take the authority to decide on itinerary adjustments.
Our guides make this decision after consulting with the group. Consequently, the group interests can lead to any redirections to other trails during the journey.
Regarding accommodation during Island Peak Climbing, there are three phases. First during the stay in Kathmandu, second during the trekking days, and the third while making the ascent.
Staying in Kathmandu can be a bit lavish since you have multiple options for hotel accommodation. Our trip includes 3-star hotel accommodations for our guests with quality service and amenities. One can upgrade the stay in a 3-star hotel but need to pay extra costs as per the hotel level of standard. You’ll be staying for 2 nights in Kathmandu.
As for the trekking days, teahouses are the only options available for your overnight stay. The teahouses are basic with twin sharing rooms run by local families along the trekking trails. However, looking at the brighter side, trekkers get to experience local culture and hospitality while enjoying the mountain vistas. Staying in a teahouse is an integral part of trekking in Nepal.
While getting closer to peak climbing, there are no lodges. So, the camping tent is built at Island Peak Base Camp by our trek leader. As for the meals, our cooking guide will take over preparing the required nutrition necessary enough for the climb.
The Best season for the Island Peak Climbing is autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May). It is considered to be the best time of the year for any kind of traveling in Nepal. This season is a perfect atmosphere and the temperature is cool. This autumn season Clear skies and stunning mountain views are Breathtaking.
In the spring season, wildflowers will be blooming. The spring is flowering rhododendrons blooming entire the trekking trail and hills. It is a combination of blooming rhododendrons, clear skies, and the white mountain is a wonderful experience in your lifetime. In both seasons is the best time to explore any kind of mountain activity.
Climbing Island Peak requires proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness, a common but preventable issue among trekkers. The itinerary is designed for a slow, steady ascent, allowing your body to adapt gradually.
You'll spend time acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar, exploring its surroundings while adjusting to the thin air. At Chuukung and Island Peak Base Camp, you'll climb ridges for stunning peak views and have plenty of rest days for recovery before the summit.
During these days, focus on eating, drinking, reading, relaxing, and light strolls. Our well-trained, experienced guides prioritize your safety, having completed extensive wilderness first aid training.
If severely affected by altitude sickness, immediate descent is necessary, and your trek leader has the authority to decide on continuation or descent based on the team's condition.
