Island Peak locally known as Imja Tse is one of the best peaks for trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas.
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a famous climbing peak beautifully located on the top of the Chukung Glacier between Mt. Lhotse and Ama Dablam. The Island Peak height rises to 6,189m (20,305ft) above the sea level. Island Peak extends the southern ridge of Lhotse Shar, separated by a small col, and appears to look like an island in the sea of ice. Climbing this peak is physically demanding but not challenging, making it perfect for novice climbers.
For climbing Island Peak, you need to have a high level of physical fitness and a moderate level of technical climbing knowledge. During the trip, we will help you develop your mountaineering skills, and by the end of the Island Peak Climb, you will gain enough climbing skills to overcome the Island Peak difficulty. Your trek to Island Peak starts with a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (Gateway of Everest Base Camp). After landing in Lukla, you will take a short trek to Phakding, taking the first steps of the path to Island Peak. You are free to spend the remaining time as you wish. We suggest you visit the local monasteries. And we trek to Namche Bazaar, where you will spend a day acclimatizing. After acclimatizing at Namche, you will hike to Tengboche. After spending a night at Tengboche, you will reach Dingboche and, finally Chhukung. From Chhukung, the trail goes northwards to the high Imja valley and finally to Island Peak’s south ridge base camp. From here, you will see striking views below the Nuptse-Lhotse wall. We will be camping at the Island Peak Base Camp for the night, aiming to summit the peak the next day.
On the summit day, we will wake up early and climb a rocky ridge. You will be following our lead Sherpa. Just above the rock ridge lies a snow headwall that leads to the summit. We will just follow this snow headwall. From the peak, you will get stunning, surreal views of mountains Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Central (8,410m), and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) that form a semi-circle in the north, you can see Ama Dablam (6,812m) and Baruntse (7,129m) in the south, and Makalu (8,475m) in the east. Therefore: On the top of the Island Peak, you will experience the feeling of accomplishment that will last for your entire life. After enjoying the views to our heart’s content, we will descend to the Island Peak Base Camp and retrace our trekking trail to reach Lukla.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350m) and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,600m) 3-4 hours
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,440m) from Phakding 5-6 hours
Day 4: Rest and Acclimatization at Namche Bazar
Day 5: Trek to Debuche (3720m), from Namche Bazar 5-6 hours
Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,412m), from Debuche 5-6 hours
Day 7: Trek to Chukung (4,730m), from Dingboche 2 hours
Day 8: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m), 3-4 hours
Day 9: Pre Climb Training and Rest day (5,200m) 3-4 hours
Day 10: Summit Island Peak (6,189m) and back to Base Camp
Day 11: Contingency day
Day 12: Trek to Pangboche (3,985m), 6-7 hours
Day 13: Trek to Namche Bazar (3,450m) 6-7 hours
Day 14: Trek to Lukla (2,800m) from Namche Bazar 6-7 hours
Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu (1,350m) from Lukla
Day 16: International departure
All Inclusive cost
Join our Island Peak Climbing Contact us to set up an itinerary as per your preference.
Group Size | Price per Person |
---|---|
Min 2 – Max 12 | US$ 2675 |
Customization Option
If this itinerary does not suit your need or you want to customize it, tell us about your travel needs, there is no fixed departure date, itinerary. Being a local trekking agency in Nepal we can arrange your trip according to any date and time, please Send Us A Message and we will customize it according to your itinerary.
Essential Information
Island Peak Climb Difficult
Grading: 7-8 (Strenuous), Alpine PD+
Climbing Island peak is considered strenuous due to trek/climb in a remote and isolated area that goes above 5500m. You need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m+ for 2-3 days. Climbers are required to have an excellent physical level with fierce determination. Daily walking hours include 6-7 hrs on average and summit day can be 10-14 hrs long. This grade trip involves usages of climbing equipment (Harness, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Ascender). Previous experience is essential and we also provide a climbing course at base camp before the actual climb where.
The Prerequisites for Island Peak
In order to participate in Island Peak climbing, a good physical level is required as previous experience climbing smaller high altitude peaks is very beneficial when climbing a 6000m peak like Island Peak. But our carefully planned itineraries allow even people with no previous experience to join. Because we have given enough time for acclimatization and contingency in this itinerary and there will also be a climbing course at the base camp where your guide will teach you the proper way to use the equipment.
Best Time for Island Peak Climbing
The best seasons for Peak Climb are Autumn (from October till end of November) and Spring (April to May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day. The nights are cold (between 5C to -5C) and the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C). Mornings are usually clear, March, April, October and November are the favoured months.
Accommodation:
Hotel: 2 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 11 Nights, Camping: 2 Nights
On Kathmandu:
In Kathmandu, you will stay at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu. Situated at the foot, of the Great Swayambhunath Stupa. The most peaceful Vajra Hotel in the Kathmandu valley, the hotel also boasts of close Swayambhunath beautiful jungle where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.
Teahouse/Lodges:
Trekking in the (Everest area) does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets but with a wonderful view from your window. All the teahouses/lodges have a spacious warm dining room-lounge. The rooms are fairly basic. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse, but we would request you to bring a sleeping bag.
Island Peak base camp:
At Island peak base camp, your accommodation will be on fully tented camping. A tent will be provided between every 2 climbers. If in case of a single by default, then we will provide a single tent without any additional cost.
Meals On Trek
All meals are included on trekking and climbing. We will provide three meals a day (B, L, D) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.
Meals On Base Camp:
For Island peak base camp, it will be a fully camping style. Our crew will prepare the food for us at the base camp.
Drinking Water:
We provide boiled water for drinking on all our treks. During meals, you can let the staff fill your bottle with hot water. We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. Carrying a hot water bottle is highly recommended.
Typical Day On Mountain
Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided the night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day. Tea will be served at your bed and tent as a wake-up call. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After walk, we stop for lunch mid-day. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea.
Daypack for The Trek
You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items etc.) that you may need during the walk. The porter will carry the rest of your gear. We provide 1 porter for every 2 participants. Similarly, during the climb, there will be 1 support guide for every 3 trekkers, Sherpa guide to client ratio.
Group Size:
Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 1 and the maximum is 12 people.
Safety Measures for Climb
Safety is always a priority when traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions. Our itineraries to the peak of the Island are carefully crafted to ensure safety and success. On our Island Peak Climbing Itinerary, an oxygen system for emergency purposes and a medical kit are also provided on Island peak trip which will be led by qualified guide and we also have a high staff to customer ratio available on our peak climbing.
Approach for Peak Climbing
Our route to Peak climbing follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route, and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With of experience in trekking and peak climbing in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while traveling with AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.
Baggage and Weight Limit
We request customers to ensure that the duffel bag weighs less than 15 kg. Baggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is only 15 kg (10 kg for duffel bag and 5 kg for backpack) but we can offer additional baggage allowance. Therefore, after arriving in Kathmandu, extra luggage or belongings that are not needed during the trek can be stored at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Travel Insurance
It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. More information: Travel Insurance
Training for High Altitude Treks and Climb
High altitude treks and climbs especially in the Himalayas are challenging and requires you to be in the top physical, emotional, and psychological condition. The more fitter you are, the more enjoyable your trip will be. Training well ahead in advance is recommended and after you have signed up for the trip, we will send you our training booklet which provides essential information on how best to prepare yourself. Whilst on the trip before your actual climb, we will conduct a climbing clinic at the base camp where our guides will teach you the required mountaineering skills.
Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements
Passport: All foreign visitors to Nepal must possess a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond their planned departure date. Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport) or you can obtain Nepal visa prior to your arrival through the Nepalese embassies, diplomatic missions and consulates near your location. Nepal Visa is also issued at the entry points if you are entering Nepal by land.
Airport Pickup & Drop:
We will provide airport pickup and drop-off according to your flight schedule. Your airport transfers are organized based on the flight information you provide to us. If there is a change in your flight schedule, please inform us promptly, and we will adjust the transfers accordingly.
Very important information for domestic flights to and from Lukla
In order to avoid air jam at Kathmandu Airport, Lukla flights will be operated from Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport during spring (April 1 to May 31) and autumn (October 1 to November 30). In this case, you need 1 buffer day to arrange all transfers from Manthali airport, i.e. you will have half day visit to Kathmandu and transfer to Manthali by afternoon drive. We suggest you drive to Manthali which is 4 hours away from Kathmandu and spend the night at a hotel in Manthali before taking a flight to Lukla the next morning. After the trek, you can fly to Manthali Airport and return to Kathmandu on the same day.