Island Peak Climbing
Trip Duration:
17 Days
Trip Code:
PIL
Trip Grade:
Strenuous
No. of Pax:
2 - 16
From
$ 3300/person
Overview
Itinerary:
One of the most popular trekking peaks in the Everest region, technically less challenging, this climbing trip can be combined with Everest base camp trek, one can enjoy close-up views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku from the summit, one can do a climbing practice on the Island Peak before Everest expedition, any climbing enthusiasts can opt for this peak, one can explore Sherpa culture & Buddhist monasteries during the trip
Program Warning
Island Peak climbing requires a bit mountaineering experience and equally needs to be physically fit. If you are fit enough and have a sense of adventure you will enjoy both trekking and peak climbing. This program is designed to acclimatize you gradually and to protect you from high altitude sickness. However, you are requested to check your health, altitude fitness before the trip begins. We suggest you to strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents.
Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue on to Patan Durbar Square to take in ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour with a lunch. After that you will visit ancient Nepalese art in the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu.
A very early morning wake up and transfer to the domestic airport to board our flight to Lukla. We take off to our destination on a 35 min scenic mountain flight to Lukla. After a cup of tea at local Lodge in Lukla we are treading on the legendary “Everest Highway” which heads downwards through the alpine valley following the “Dudh Kosi” or milk river (named after its milky colour from glacial silt). We reach Phakding after 3hrs walk and end our first day here.
The next day we will be walking mostly uphill through the alpine valleys. We will be crossing Dudh Kosi River a few times before we reach Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of the Khumbu region. On a clear day you get views of Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, Kwangde and Taweche on the way to Namche.
Acclimatization is important before proceeding to higher altitudes. This is the first acclimatization day in Namche bazaar that everyone should make into their trekking itinerary. You can explore the important sites around or relax in the lodge.
Today the landscape changes dramatically. The trail is more open and wide and it reveals the great depths of the surrounding mountains. We descend to the Dudh Kosi River and stop for lunch at Phunki Tenga. From here we climb steeply through a beautiful rhododendron and birch forest for 2 hours that will take us to Tengboche. We will visit the monastery and watch the monks performing their rituals.
Dingboche can be used as the stopover en route to Kala Pattar. The route is less windy and sunnier. More village activities can be observed around the area. We continue heading east into the Imja valley, climbing gently to reach Dingboche.
Following the path with stone walls through the farm fields, we trek through the kharka and reach on the bank of the Imja Khola. There are many mani stones scattered around. Cross the Imja Khola and continue walk through big boulders. After crossing two small streams, you will come across a bigger stream of 4-5 meter wide. Cross it, climb up on the moraine hill, and you will see a kharka. You have reached Chhukung (7430m). Chhukung is the remotest kharka on the Imja Khola. To the west you will see the soaring Numbur (6973m), one of the holy mountains of the Sherpas and to the south, Kang Leyamu with its glistening ice flutings. In the north, the imposing rock faces are towering between Lhotse (8516m) and Nuptse (7855m).
Today, we head further on a steep southern climb then turn east to the main line of the valley. A short pleasant walk along a stream leads to the Big Rock. The route to Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A cross-route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking of Island Peak. We’ll reach Island Peak Base Camp and overnight at tented camp.
After breakfast and packing camping stuff, we’ll head on to the High Camp from where we start our climb. As you climb, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enters a steep rock channel nearby where we’ll camp overnight.
This is our extra day of the trip as a contingency day. In case of bad weather and many other unfavorable circumstances, we might need to use this day to get the situation in our favor. You may be tired and need rest and relax day. Whether or not to use this day depends on how much the circumstance favors us for our climbing expedition…
Early morning we start our climb through the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty to a 100m/330ft snow and ice slope (40-45 degrees) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. You can enjoy your success in reaching the summit, and after some picture taking of the scenic view will descend all the way to Chhukung for overnight at a teahouse.
The next day we trek through a beautiful rhododendron forest for about an hour and cross the Imja river. Then we follow an open high trail to Upper Pangboche. This village is one of the highest permanent villages in the Khumbu region. We will stop here for lunch and also visit the monastery which is the oldest monastery of the region.
After breakfast we trace back along the Dudh Kosi River through a magnificent rhododendron forest and past beautiful waterfalls. Shortly before reaching Namche Bazaar, the trek takes us through a pine forest, where musk deer often graze in the early morning. After Namche you are walking descend and reach to the village of Monjo.
The next morning we head for Lukla. In the end we spend more time ascending this day since the elevation of Lukla is at least 1000 feet higher than Monjo. During this day we see many new groups on the trail heading out to Namche. At a teahouse at Lukla we will toast over a beer the incredible trip we just finished and spent some time reflecting over our experiences.
We pack up early and head for the airstrip to catch a flight back to Kathmandu Upon arrival in Kathmandu the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel.
Note: Flights into Lukla are sometimes delayed due to weather conditions either in fog-bound Kathmandu or windy Lukla; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimize the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the trying circumstances, which can occur, will be greatly appreciated
Trip Map:
What is included
What is Excluded
Island Peak Climbing 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
Trip Code
Arrival Date
Departure Date
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Price
Nitty Gritty
Video
General Information
Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, and Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
Your trip preparation
Island Peak climbing requires a bit mountaineering experience and equally needs to be physically fit. If you are fit enough and have a sense of adventure you will enjoy both trekking and peak climbing. This program is designed to acclimatize you gradually and to protect you from high altitude sickness. However, you are requested to check your health, altitude fitness before the trip begins. We suggest you to strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents.Regulations
Compared to expedition peaks, the regulations pertaining to trekking peaks are relatively simple. A permit is required, which is issued by the NMA upon payment of a royalty fee. Generally, Trek Himalayan will arrange the trekking peak permit within 24 hours.Preparation
Preparation for climbing a trekking peak is far simpler than for an expedition. The climbing period for most of the trekking peaks rarely exceeds more than a few days so large amounts of base camp equipment are not usually required. Also, due to their relatively low altitude, the amount of climbing equipment required is proportionally less. In general, preparation for climbing a trekking peak is little different from preparing for a trek.
Seasons
The lower altitude of a trekking peaks means that the ascent on some of them is possible during the winter season as well as during the spring and autumn.
Peak Permit/Garbage FeeUS$ 250 per person. This permit fee will be collected upon arrival in Kathmandu. The Permit Fee is variable as per the policy of NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association)
US$ 250.00 should be deposited to NMA as garbage deposit. The refund shall be made as per the provisions made by NMA. (Deposit fee of Garbage will not be refunded if the clients (climbers) do not take back their garbage to Kathmandu.)Pre-Trip Meeting
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel if yuo have booked this facility at the time of booking this trip or directly meet you at pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your trekking guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the trek and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your trekking/climbing trip.Tea House Lodge Trek
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis during the trek in family-run teahouse (lodge), with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag.Meals
Trek Himalayan Nepal generally do not offer meals in the trip. There is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups can eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your trekking guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.Food Items
Most lodges/tea houses offer muesli, porridge, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner typical Nepalese dal, bhat, lentil soup and Sherpa/Tibetan cuisines and western food.
Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited.Bathroom facilities
Most lodges offer hot showers and a bucket of hot water with extra cost. Above Lukla we find many western toilets and in some places there are usually just the Asian squat type toilets.4 – Nights Full Board Camping During Climbing Period
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing tents. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag. During the camping trek we offer muesli, porridges, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner dal, bhat, lentil soup and other cuisine.Small Groups
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Sherpa guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this trek/climb is 12 people. The minimum is 2 people.Trekking Guide, Climbing Sherpa and Crew
All our trek leaders and crew come from different parts of Nepal with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, but we all share our valuable experience, accept each other beliefs and work together to give our clients the best experience in Nepal. Whatever the ethical background they belong to, differ in sex or age all members of our team work together as a family that makes us what we are.A Typical Trekking Day
At 6.30 am your guide wakes you up. Then it’s time to have breakfast, tight up your bag pack and head off for today’s trekking for the next three to four hours then stop for an hour at pleasant spot along the way for a well-prepared hot lunch. Afterward, walk another three hours or so, before you stop for the overnight. The evening can be spent reading or chatting with your fellow hikers or trekking crew about the trip of the day. Pack of games can be an asset to these nights; your trekking crew love teaching various Nepali card games and learning new Western games. Eventually, it’s time to bed for a well-deserved night.Flora in the Everest region
Rhododendron and Magnolia give way to birch groves and conifers as you approach the tree line. At higher altitudes blue pine is usually more common than chir pine. You will see how the pines become shorter and stockier as you gain altitude. Junipers are also found in a dwarfed form in the sub-alpine region at altitudes to 4000m. Junipers in full sized tree form are found around Thame. Also, fleshy, berrylike fruit- Hemlock and silver fir are also found in the Everest region.Fauna in the Everest region
The Golden eagle, Eurasian Kestrel goshawk are the most common resident birds in the Everest region. Pheasants are probably the most spectacular birds seen on the ground while trekking. Around the Tengboche monastery you will see two different species of pheasants – Blood pheasant and the Impeyan pheasant digging for tubers in the stark winter fields in the Khumbu area. You can also spot the crimsonhorned pheasant with reddish legs. Tibetan snow cocks, hawk- sized raven are also visible on the ground around Gorakshep. The bark of Muntjak, a small, reddish mammal with short antlers is found at altitudes up to 2400m. The musk deer are sometimes visible in the areas between Phortse and Tengboche. The Himalayan tahr which look like a mountain goat are also visible in spring and autumn season.Possible views of Mountains
During the trek Everest(8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7896m), Pumori (7145m), Amadablam (6812m.) Thamserku (6800m), Khumbila (5751m), Kwangde Ri (6187m), Cho Oyu(8201m), Tawache (6542), Kangtenga (6645m), Kusum Kanguru (6369), Makalu (8463m), Island Peak (6189m), Chhukungri (5845m), Lobuche East (6119m), Lobuche West (6145m), Khumbuste (6640m), Cholatse (6640m), Cha Kung (7020m), & many other attractive snow-capped peaks.INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.Climbing Insurance:
We strongly recommend you to have High Altitude (above 3000 meters) Insurance that covers all unseen incidents during the climb.Rescue/Evacuations
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.Domestic Flight Cancellation
If scheduled flight gets cancelled due to bad weather from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu. In such situation, we need to send chartered helicopter. Helicopter cost has to be borne by the clients as per the prevailing cost.A Typical Trekking Day
At 6.30 am your guide knocks on your door and greets with a cup of tea. Then it’s time to have breakfast, tight up your bag pack and head off for today’s trekking for the next three to four hours then stop for an hour at pleasant spot along the way for a well-prepared hot lunch. Afterward, walk another three hours or so, before you stop for the overnight. The evening can be spent reading or chatting with your fellow hikers or trekking crew about the trip of the day. Pack of games can be an asset to these nights; your trekking crew love teaching various Nepali card games and learning new Western games. Eventually, it’s time to bed for a well-deserved night.Money Exchange
We recommend you to exchange at least USD 450 for meals during the tea house/lodge trek.Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Many hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.Climbing Safety
Safety has always been Trek Himalayan’s top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. Our experienced team of guides and Sherpa always focus on the successful climb without compromising safety. Our guides and staff are highly trained in emergency mountain medicine and work to maintain our strict standards of safety. Our camps are stocked with comprehensive medical kits and we have two Gamow bags on the mountain throughout the expedition.When problems arise on the mountain away from medical facilities, the level of training and experience Trek Himalayan guides have makes them some of the most sought-after guides in the profession. Careful planning and vigilant care are taken as we venture into high altitudes. Our well-planned use of climbing oxygen dramatically improves a climber’s chance of success in 8,000 high mountains. Our supply of oxygen is well stocked and designed to meet any climber’s anticipated, and unanticipated, needs.
Porter Welfare
Many trekking porters come from villages. They live hard and frugal lives and work to carry heavy loads using the traditional ‘doko’ (the bamboo latis basket supported from the forehead). Heights up to 3,500 m are part of everyday life and they resist wearing what they consider to be unnecessary personal equipment. Above that altitude, Trek Himalayan urges them the use of kit suited to the varying levels of more extreme conditions. It’s an incredible job that they do and we really appreciate their working nature and try to reward accordingly.Trekking Equipment
Here are some recommended Equipment’s List for trekking in Everest region- Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Day pack (Used for daily excursions)
First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
Fleece top/sweater
Sleeping Bag
Footwear Hat
Locks for bags
Long pants/jeans
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cell phone, etc.)
Reusable water bottle
Shirts/t-shirts
Sleepwear
Small travel towel
Sunglasses
Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cover
Windproof rain jacket
Down Jacket
Note: It is possible to buy or rent the above gear in Kathmandu
Climbing Equipment
- 1 pair plastic shell mountaineering boots with high altitude liners
1 pair of crampons (steel, no aluminum)
1 Alpine climbing harness
1 Mountaineering an axe with leash (sized properly for your height)
1 Ascender (right or left handed as appropriate)
1 Belay device (Black Diamond ATC or ATC Guide is a good option)
2 D-Shaped locking carabiners
2 Non-locking carabiners
1 Pair expedition style gaiters (ensure fit over your boots)
Neck gaiter
Climbing Helmet
General
4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary)
Day-pack
Down jacket (that suits high altitude weather condition)
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat (We will provide you a complimentary Ace the Himalaya hat)
Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection
Headlamp
Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
T-shirts (2)
Lightweight expedition thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
Synthetic sports bras (for women)Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
Nylon hiking shorts
Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
Water/windproof trousers
Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
Heavyweight socks
Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
Light shoes/sneakers
Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Note: Above equipment are available for Rent. If you want to rent these equipment, please contact us.
- Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. At least, you need to spend one or two nights in Kathmandu before and after your trekking trip. We can arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget.
- In Kathmandu, we provide clean and basic standard hotel with breakfast. During the trek we provide basic clean tea house/lodge & full board camping during Peak climbing.
- In Kathmandu, we do provide you breakfast. All meals on full board basis will be provided during climbing. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepali meals are available in all places). Three meals a day will be provided. During the tea house/lodge trek we will provide only breakfast.
- This trip can be extended and there are many options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Following trips are suggested for your holiday extensions. The extensions trip cost based on your request after the trip below our advised. Optional Programs: Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting, Meditation & Spa/Yoga, Bungee Jump
