Island Peak Climbing

Duration: 16 Days   |   Trip Photos  |   Trip Map
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel + Teahouses + Lodges
  • Max Elevation: 6189m
  • Group Size: Min 2 pax

Island Peak ClimbingIsland Peak, also known as Imja Tse is one of the most alluring peak in the nation of Himalayas. Situated in the heart of Khumbu valley, the peak is actually an extension of the ridge coming down off the south end of Lhotse Shar, standing at an elevation of 6189m above the sea level. It is popular among the novice climbers as it is less technical and can be climbed by anyone with decent physical fitness. Scaling Island peak offers thrilling climbing experience accompanying a phenomenal trek to Everest base camp at one go.

After a brief sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley, a scenic flight of around 35 minutes next day will take you to Lukla from where the trekking starts. Walking along the Dudhkoshi River crossing two suspension bridges, you reach to Sagarmatha National Park, the World Heritage Site. Various rare floras and faunas can be seen in the national park. A steep ascent takes you to Namche Bazaar where you are greeted with warm hospitality and striking mountain views.

After a rest day in Namche, the trek to Everest Base Camp continues through Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche where you can visit the Buddhist monasteries and experience the rich culture of the indigenous Sherpa people. It is until the 10th day when you reach to the base camp of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Moreover, you will be rewarded with the stunning sunrise view of Mt. Everest along with the panoramic mountain views from the top of Kala Patthar.

After the successful trek to Everest Base Camp, the majestic Island Peak is what awaits you ahead. After relishing the spectacular view of Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks, the trail continues through Chhukung to  the base camp of Island Peak. It was back in 1951 when Eric Shipton named the peak as Island Peak since it appears as an island in a sea of ice. In the early morning of the 14th day, you will summit the Island Peak with the assistance of professional mountain guide.

The joy of reaching to the top of Island Peak is overwhelming which indeed will remain in your memory for the rest of your life. Furthermore, the hard work is well rewarded with the 360 degree view of mountains like Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse and Nuptse. After scaling the peak successfully, we trace our way back to Lukla from where we will take a return flight to Kathmandu.

Marvel Adventure organizes Island Peak climbing led by professional mountain guides along with all the necessary arrangements. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for peak climbing. For the best of the holiday experience in Nepal, contact us and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 Fly to Tenzing Hillary Airport at Lukla (2800m) and Trek to Phakding (2610m)
    You will take a scenic flight to Lukla from the capital. Once you reach there, you will have quick breakfast. Then you will proceed towards Phakding which is slightly downhill from Lukla, so it will be comparatively easier day in your trek.
    • Day 2 Trek to Namche (3440m)
      It will be interesting day of your trek starting along the banks of Dudhkoshi River which you will have to cross back and forth through 5 suspension bridges. The 5th one will be even more interesting as it is world's 123rd tallest bridge. After walking for about 3 hours we will enter Sagarmatha National Park which was established in 1976. Later it was listed in World Heritage Site. After that you will walk steep uphill to Namche.
      • Day 3 Acclimatization Day at Namche
        You will have a day hike to National Park Headquarter where there is perfect view point for several beautiful mountains including Mt.Everest and observe a museum as well. Then we will walk to Hotel Everest View (3880m). Then we will walk down to twin village, Khumjung and Khunde (3700m) and back to Namche by lunch time.
        • Day 4 Trek to Tengboche (3874m)
          Its’ going to be around 5 hours walk. Its’ quite small area with few hotels and the biggest monastery of the region. You will have a close view of Mt. Ama Dablam (6853m) which is one of the most beautiful mountains of this region.
          • Day 5 Trek to Dingboche (4400m)
            Trek goes slightly downhill for about an hour till you cross a wooden bridge. Then you will have to walk uphill to Pangboche (A Big Sherpa Village) and head towards Somare just above 4000m which will be the lunch spot. As you walk above 4000m there will be no more vegetation. Trek continues up to Dingboche.
            • Day 6 Acclimatization Day at Dingboche
              You will have an interesting day hike to Nagarjuna hill (5100m) which is straight up from Dingboche which provides stunning view of mountains such as Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Makalu, Island Peak, Lhotse and many more. After enjoying the scenario you will walk down to Dingboche, have lunch and spend some easy and free time till dinner.
              • Day 7 Trek to Lobuche (4940m)
                Trail slightly begins with gentle walk till Thukla (4600m) where you can enjoy tea break or even lunch as there is no possibility in between Thukla and Lobuche. Then it will be a sharp climb to Thukla pass (4800m).It's a place of memorial of great climbers from around the globe who lost their life during Everest expedition.
                • Day 8 Trek to Gorakshep (5180) and Everest Base Camp (5364m)
                  It is going to be interesting day as you are going to enjoy some time at the Base camp. Gorakshep is the last place where we can get lodging and fooding. So we will drop our bags in the hotel rooms, have quick lunch and walk to Everest Base Camp. We will be returning back to Gorakshep to spend a night.
                  • Day 9 Trek to Kalapatthar (5400m) and Back to Dingboche
                    You will walk up to Kalapatthar from Gorakshep. You will be rewarded with the most spectacular, panoramic views from the top of Kalapatthar. In addition you will have closer views of Mount Everest, Nuptse and Changtse.  We will make a quick descent to Gorakshep and then trek down to Periche. Overnight at lodge
                    • Day 10 Trek to Chukkung (4760m)
                      It will be an easy day in your trek as you head towards Chukkung, a valley decorated by mesmerizing views of various mountains such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Imja Tse. You will be exploring the Imja and Lhotse Shar glaciers as well. Overnight at lodge
                      • Day 11 Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5100m)
                        We will be heading towards the south and then towards the main valley in the east.  From the camp we can see the southwestern face of the Imja Tse (Island Peak). Overnight at tents in Base Camp
                        • Day 12 Summit Island Peak (6189m) and Trek down to Chukkung
                          You will be summiting the Island Peak in the early morning. A professional mountain guide will be there to help you climb the mountain. You can get scenic views of mountains like Baruntse Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse and many more from over there. It will be the moment of pride being on the top of the beautiful Imja Tse. After spending some good times there, you will be heading down to Chhukung.
                          • Day 13 Trek back to Tengboche (3860m)
                            We walk down to Pangboche and then ascend through Debuche up to Tengboche. Overnight at lodge
                            • Day 14 Trek to Namche
                              You will be heading towards Namche, the vibrant Sherpa town. Here you can buy souvenirs, tokens and many more. You can relax and enjoy the views as it provides a lot of options for refreshment. Overnight at  lodge
                              • Day 15 Trek to Lukla
                                Retracing our paths, we will walk down to Lukla. We will be celebrating the completion of the trek, especially that of your joyous summit to Island Peak. Overnight at lodge
                                • Day 16 Early Flight to Kathmandu
                                  We will fly back to Kathmandu in the early morning. On your flight back to Kathmandu you can have breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers, forests and many more. As you arrive to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel by a private vehicle.

                                  What to Expect

                                  • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                                  • All Domestic flights and airport tax as listed in the itinerary
                                  • Standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
                                  • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card
                                  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
                                  • Peak climbing permit 
                                  • Professional mountain guide
                                  • Stong and helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
                                  • Salary,food,accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
                                  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
                                  • One night tent accommodation in Island Base Camp with hygienic meals.
                                  • Necessary peak climbing equipments
                                  • Comprehensive first aid kit
                                  • Government taxes and official expenses
                                  • International airfare and taxes
                                  • Nepal entry visa fee
                                  • Your Travel Insurance (compulsory)
                                  • Your personal expenses
                                  • Any kind of drinks and desserts during the trek
                                  • Tips to guide and porter (Tipping is expected)
                                  Request a Private Date

                                  Useful Information

                                  1. Insurance

                                  Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients undertaking any trip. It should provide adequate security for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue and loss of luggage. Make sure that your insurance policy covers up to 2500-5000 meters of altitude.

                                  2. Packing List

                                  • Sunglasses
                                  • Sun-Cream and Lip Balm with high SPF
                                  • Hat/Cap
                                  • T-shirt, Vests and Shirt
                                  • Fleece/Sweater
                                  • Fleece Jacket
                                  • Down Jacket
                                  • Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
                                  • Warm Gloves
                                  • Hiking Boots
                                  • 3-4 pairs of socks
                                  • Day pack (30-40 liters)
                                  • Torch light
                                  • Water bottle (Minimum 2 liters)
                                  • Small Hand Towel
                                  • Sleeping Bag for up to -15 Degree Celsius

                                  3. Guide and Porter

                                  We provide experienced, knowledgeable and honest guide with good communication skills in English language to make your trip wonderful. The guide will provide all the information about the mountains, different histories, cultures, traditions and many more. We will provide 1 porter for 2 people. The porters are helpful as well as strong and will carry a maximum of 25 kgs combined. After giving the best services along with the hard works up in the mountains, guides and porters expect some tips from your side. Tipping culture is very common in tourism sector.

                                  4. Altitude Sickness

                                  Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 3000 meters. It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". However, most people can ascend to 3000 meters without difficulty.

                                  Primary Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

                                  • Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
                                  • Fatigue or weakness
                                  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
                                  • Swelling of hands, feet, and face
                                  • Insomnia
                                  • Shortness of breath upon exertion
                                  • Nosebleed
                                  • Persistent rapid pulse
                                  • Drowsiness
                                  • General malaise

                                  Prevention:

                                  Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. Avoiding strenuous activity such as skiing, hiking, etc. in the first 24 hours at high altitude reduces the symptoms of AMS. Alcohol and sleeping pills are respiratory depressants, and thus slow down the acclimatization process and should be avoided. Alcohol also tends to cause dehydration and exacerbates AMS. Thus, Marvel Adventure strictly suggests avoiding alcohol consumption in the first 24–48 hours at a higher altitude.

                                  Guides and porters from Marvel Adventure are very much familiar with this problem due to their experience. All of them are trained with basic medical trainings and hence they definitely can help you.

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