Island Peak Climb with Everest Base Camp Trek

  • Duration19 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty LevelStrenuous
  • Max Altitude6,189m

About Trip

What better way is there to experience the Khumbu (Everest) region than to summit a peak after visiting the famous Everest Base Camp (5,380 meters)? Island Peak (6,189 meters), commonly known as Imja Tse, is one of the best and most popular peaks to climb in Nepal. The high peak towers over Sagarmatha National Park, the highest national park in the world. During this nearly 20-day epic adventure, you will see the world’s highest mountains from dozens of perspectives, getting the best views of Mount Everest (8848m) and more.

Imagine yourself walking on snow and ice along the narrow ridge up to Island Peak. The only things holding you to the mountain are your crampons and the fixed rope. With your heart pumping, take step by step up the mountain ridge up to the summit. There are few greater thrills in life than summiting a Himalayan peak. Equally powerful is the well-deserved feeling of accomplishment when you make it to the top and safely back down. It is not every day that you get to climb a mountain, let alone one in the renowned Everest region.

Before ascending through the desolate, winter wonderland, there is some trekking to be had – about a week and a half of much needed acclimatization. Begin the adventure by flying to Lukla, a proper start to any Everest region trek/climb. Hike up to Namche Bazaar – a Sherpa center for trade and tourism. Stroll the streets of bakeries and handicrafts as you spend the day acclimatization.

Take a half day to explore Tengboche Monastery and receive some good luck blessings for the upcoming peak climb. Within days, you will be standing at the base of the world’s tallest mountain, after trudging through the barren mountain landscape of Lobuche and Gorakshep. The day after base camp, hike up to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters), the absolute best view of Everest on the Everest Base Camp trial.

After days of proper acclimatizing, it is time to get ready for the final ascent. We set up camp at Island Peak Base Camp (5,200 meters). Sleeping outside amid the highest peaks on the planet is quite the sensation. Before the first light of the day, we wake up and prepare for the summit. While it is still dark, we head towards the top. When we reach, we are full of smiles. Meditate on the beauty of this moment and take photos to remember it. From here, we head back down to Lukla, ecstatic about our successful climb. In Kathmandu, we host a celebration for you with the team.

It is possible to climb Island Peak all throughout the year, though there are certainly better times than others. The most suitable times are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons provide the best weather and the clearest views. Beyond that, the safest climbing conditions are during these times. Ashmita Trek and Tours arranges the climb with full management, including transportation, meals, etc. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions!

Highlights

  • The feeling of arriving to the top of Island Peak (6,189 meters) and the views that come with it.
  • Explore the markets of Namche Bazaar and learning about Sherpa culture.
  • See the most astonishing view of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar (5,545 meters).
  • Trek to the historical Everest Base Camp (5,380 meters), from where Everest expeditions leave.
  • Learn about Sherpa culture and hospitality.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival to TIA, we pick you up and take you to your hotel. In the evening, we brief you on the upcoming adventure. Overnight in hotel.

    Take breakfast in the hotel and then join us for a sightseeing tour of some of Kathmandu’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Throughout the day, we visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Our knowledgeable guides will tell you all about the historical and cultural significance of each spot. Spend your evening as wish, wandering around and preparing for the trek. Overnight in hotel.

      Take a flight to Lukla in the early morning to begin the adventure! From the window, stunning mountain views exist in each direction. Following the fast flight, we start on the lovely trail. The trail goes through Sherpa villages, their fields of crops and Tibetan Buddhist monuments. As we reach Phakding, Kusum Kanguru and other shining peaks make their presence known. Overnight at the guest house.

        A memorable day lies ahead. Leave Phakding and stroll through refreshing forests. Today we cross several sturdy suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River and its streams. Reach Monjo and check into Sagarmatha National Park. Follow the Dudh Koshi as it goes higher in elevation. Just before Namche Bazaar, Mount Everest peeps into vision and brightens the scene. Overnight at the guest house. 

          Spend the hiking around the wonderful surroundings to acclimatize. The elevation is hard on our bodies, but we can prevent problems by ascending slowly. It helps to climb high and then sleep low. So, we hike up to Khumjung and visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum. From here we getcrisp views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Spend the rest of the day exploring Namche Bazaar, which is full of shops and bakeries. There is lots to see today! Overnight at the guest house.

            Wake up and have breakfast. Hike back up past Khumjung and again admire the stunning views. When we reach Phungi Thanga, the trail splits. One way goes to Gokyo and the other to Everest Base Camp. We of course take the latter and head uphill. Pine and rhododendron forests lie on each side of the path. Soon, we arrive to Tengboche, where there is a massive monastery. Overnight at the guest house. 

              We see a drastic change in scenery today as we ascend about 600 meters. Move past the tree line into the desolate, rocky alpine area. Throughout the day, we enjoy sweet mountain vistas, including views of Everest, Lhotse, and the iconic Ama Dablam. After passing the Imja River, we reach Pangboche, a beautiful place to have lunch. Hike through the Imja Valley and then one final ascent takes us to Dingboche, after one last ascent. Overnight at the guest house.

                Dingboche is our second acclimatization stop. Again, we climb high and sleep low. Up the Chhukung Valley we go. During the hike, pristine peaks surround us. The hike is steep and strenuous, but well worth it. When we are finished, we head back down to Dingboche and rest. Overnight at the guest house. 

                  The Island Peak with Everest Base Camp Trek keeps moving higher! Though it’s a short distance to Lobuche, the high altitude wearson down. Until Thukla, though, the trail is relatively flat. We can have lunch here torefuel. Make a final push to Lobuche and enjoy the stellar views. Overnight at the guest house. 

                    Today is unforgettable! From Lobuche, we go to Gorakshep and drop our things off at the guest house. With our day packs, we hiketo Everest Base Camp on the steep, rocky trail. You’ll never forget this moment. Take some photographs and soak in the feeling of being at this historical place. Check out the Khumbu Icefall, Mt. Khumbutse and Pumori. When you have had your fill, descend back to Gorakshep. Overnight at the guest house.

                      Today is arguably even more stunning than the day before. Kala Patthar offers the best view of Mount Everest in the Khumbu region. It’s a tough time getting there, but it is definitely worth it. Besides Everest, you can see several more of the highest peaks in the world. Then, descend all the way to Lobuche. Overnight at the guest house. 

                        After breakfast, we retrace our steps part of the way to Chhukung. After a while, though, we start on a new path up to Chhukung village. The village is quiet, with few trekkers around. By this point, we have departed from the Everest Base Camp trail. We check into one of the guest houses and have a delicious plate of dal bhat, Nepal’s traditional dish, which includes heaps of rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry. Rest for the rest of the day/night. Overnight in guest house.

                          We begin to get excited for the climb as we reach Island Peak Base Camp. Begin the hike after breakfast. It is a strenuous climb of about 500 meters. It is not the condition of the trail or the distance that makes it difficult, but the thin air. When we arrive, we set up camp and make sure all our gear is ready to go for the ascent. Overnight in tent camp. 

                            Today’s climb will be marked on your memory forever. Begin the climb well before the sun comes up and move closer to the mountain. It’s a steep ascent for about three hours. As we near the snowline, we prepare our gears and trudge further. Using our crampons and the fixed rope, we make a final ascent on the ridge. Slightly less than five hours of uphill climbing takes us to the summit of Island Peak. When we arrive, it’s all smiles and excitement. Despite our exhaustion, we are beyond happy to reach the top. Soon after, we must head down, due to the possibility of quick weather changes. Back to base camp for the night. Overnight in tent camp. 

                              Head down on the same trail back, past Lobuche, to Dingboche. Our enery is still high because of the successful climb we have just completed. Have a nice filling dinner and nice rest in Dingboche for the night. Overnight in guest house. 

                                Have breakfast and trek down to Namche Bazaar, still admiring the mountains looming in the distance. Trekking near the world’s highest mountains is a true delight. Spend some more time wandering around Namche Bazaar, buying some souvenirs or simply admiring the beauty of this mountainous town. Overnight in guest house.

                                  The final day of trekking brings us back to Lukla as we enjoy the last mountain views. Cross six suspension bridges before reaching there, as well as typical Sherpa settlements. Stop in Phakding for lunch and then hike for a couple more hours to Lukla. Overnight at the guest house. 

                                    After breakfast, stroll on over to Tenzing-Hillary Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the day in Kathmandu as you wish! Farewell dinner in Kathmandu in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. 

                                      We pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Airport. Thank you for trekking with Ashmita Trek and Tours! We hope to see you soon.

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                                        What's Included

                                        • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan International Airport.
                                        • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis.
                                        • All transportation during the itinerary.
                                        • Guest house accommodation during the trek.
                                        • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
                                        • Sagarmatha National Park Fee
                                        • Camping tent, kitchen tent, etc. for camping
                                        • All necessary peak climbing gear
                                        • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
                                        • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
                                        • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
                                        • All necessary trekking equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
                                        • First Aid Kit
                                        • Maps
                                        • Service charge and government taxes
                                        • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
                                        • International Airfare
                                        • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast).
                                        • Personal expenses (shopping, extra snacks, etc.)
                                        • Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu.
                                        • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses.
                                        • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
                                        • Tips for guide and porter
                                        • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
                                        • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)