Overview
Island Peak (Imja Tse) is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal. It offers a spectacular climbing experience in the Everest region, requiring crampons, harness, and ropes to ascend a thrilling snow headwall to a narrow summit ridge overlooking Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Trip Highlights
- Summit Island Peak (6,189m) for unmatched panoramic views of high peaks
- Learn and practice basic mountaineering skills on glaciers
- Acclimatize on the beautiful Everest Base Camp trek route first
- Walk across high crevasses using aluminum ladders
- Trek through historic Sherpa monasteries and high alpine passes
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Airport pickup, equipment check, and climbing permits briefings.
Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
Fly to Lukla airstrip and begin the trek along the Dudh Koshi valley.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Hike uphill through Sagarmatha National Park boundary check to Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar Acclimatization Hike
Hike to Syangboche and Everest View Hotel. Rest and adapt.
Trek Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)
Trek with views of Everest and Ama Dablam. Visit Tengboche Monastery.
Trek Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
Descent to Deboche, then a steady climb through Pangboche to Dingboche.
Trek Dingboche to Chhukung (4,730m)
A short trek up the Imja Valley to Chhukung village. Gear check and training.
Trek Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,087m)
Walk along the Lhotse glacier moraine to reach Island Peak Base Camp. Tent camping.
Pre-Climb Training & Rest at Base Camp
Review single rope technique, abseiling, jumaring, and gear fitting with your climbing Sherpa.
Summit Day: Base Camp to Summit (6,189m) & Back to Chhukung
Wake up at midnight. Climb the rock gully, traverse the crampon point, ascend the 45-degree snow wall using fixed ropes, and walk the summit ridge. Descend back to Chhukung.
Trek Chhukung to Tengboche (3,860m)
Descent through Pangboche. Celebrate a successful summit!
Trek Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Retrace steps through forests back to Namche Bazaar for hot showers and burgers.
Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860m)
Final day on the trail. Back to Lukla for a celebratory team dinner.
Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
Flight back to Kathmandu. Shopping and free time.
Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Namaste!
Cost Details
What's Included
- NMA Peak Climbing Permit fees
- Experienced climbing Sherpa guide (certified by NMA)
- Group climbing gear (harness, crampons, ice axe, ropes, carabiners)
- High-altitude tent camping during the climb
- High camp food, kitchen crew, and porters for camp setup
- Airport pickup and drop services in a private vehicle
- Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All necessary permits (TIMS Card, National Park or Conservation Area permits)
- An experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed guide
- Local porters/crew to carry luggage or manage logistics
- First aid kit, including pulse oximeter carried by the guide
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All government taxes, office service charges, and paperwork
What's Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal and airport departure taxes
- Nepal entry visa fee (obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
- Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (mandatory)
- Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, laundry, telephone, Wi-Fi)
- Electricity/Battery charging and hot shower fees in tea houses
- Personal trekking or climbing equipment (sleeping bag, boots, jacket)
- Tips and gratuities for trekking guide, climbing guide, porters, and driver
- Climbing Sherpa summit bonus (customary but optional)
Gear & Packing List
Apparel & Layers
6 items- Moisture-wicking base layers (2-3 sets, merino wool)
- Heavyweight down jacket (-15°C rated or down suit)
- Waterproof & windproof Gore-Tex outer shell
- Warm fleece mid-layers & insulated climbing trousers
- Balaclava, thick wool hats, & glacier glasses (Cat 4)
- Insulated climbing mittens & thin liner gloves
Mountaineering Boots
5 items- Technical high-altitude double boots (standard NMA approved)
- Automatic/semi-automatic crampons matching your boots
- Merino wool mountaineering socks (4 pairs)
- Waterproof high-altitude gaiters
- Comfy camp shoes/sneakers for Base Camp
Technical Climbing Gear
6 items- Climbing harness, ice axe, safety helmet, & locking carabiners
- Ascender (Jumar) & descender (Belay device / Figure 8)
- 4-season expedition sleeping bag (-25°C rated)
- 50-60L technical climbing pack & rugged duffel bag
- High-power headlamp with extra lithium batteries
- Thermos flask (1L) & water purification tablets
Technical climbing gear can be rented or purchased in Thamel (Kathmandu) or at last-stop gear hubs like Namche and Chhukung. Make sure double boots are well-fitted before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need technical climbing experience to climb a peak?
Prior trekking experience at high altitudes is essential. Technical climbing experience is helpful, but we conduct basic mountaineering training (rope management, crampon walking, jumaring, and abseiling) at Base Camp led by our climbing Sherpas before the summit attempt.
What permits are required for peak climbing?
We secure NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) climbing permits, local government clearances, and national park entries. All of these permit fees are fully covered and included in the package.
How are high camp accommodations and logistics managed?
Our climbing crew establishes a secure high camp with high-altitude alpine tents and insulated mats. Our high-camp crew serves nutritious high-energy meals and hot beverages to prepare you for the summit push.
What group gear do you provide and what must I bring?
Adventure Paradise Nepal provides all group gears including static/dynamic climbing ropes, snow bars, ice screws, and medical oximeters. You must bring (or rent in Kathmandu/Chhukung) personal double climbing boots, harness, crampons, ascender (jumar), and safety helmet.
How do we handle emergency high-altitude rescue?
In case of severe altitude issues or injuries, our climbing guides are trained to descend immediately. We coordinate 24/7 emergency helicopter evacuation through your travel insurance provider.