Island peak, a well-received trekking peak of Nepal lies at an astounding elevation of 6189m also known as Imja Tse lies on the Himalayas of Eastern Nepal. The peak was named Island in 1951 by Eric Shipton’s party, because the peak is surrounded by glaciers from the 7000m and 8000m peaks which makes it like an island of ice. The peak is actually an extension of the ridge coming down off the south end of Lhotse Shar. The summit is spectacular and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier.
The Island peak has been tremendously approved by the trekkers and mountaineers who wished to feel the adventure of climbing a peak with some of the technical skills yet not compulsory, but the experience of the trek is definitely a hand advantage. A 6000m peak is a suitable peak for starting to test your physical abilities for higher sets of peaks respectively. The Island peak was actually a training peak used by Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa before attempting a summit on Everest. There is quite a bit of technical use in crossing crevasses with ladders, jumpers on fixed-line and many more, all of these skills will be taught and passed on by a professional guide to you.
During the climb, you can expect some extraordinary views of the Himalayas in the Khumbu region. The peak can be seen in a pyramid-like structure through the traditional village settlements of the Everest region, that falls under the UNESCO heritage site of Nepal. The climbing duration is around 19days where the trip will start with a tour of UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and a scenic ride to one of the adventurous airports of Nepal in Lukla. The climbing requires acclimating your body to multiple levels of elevation, that's when you will be able to explore the magical village of Namche Bazaar.
Stargazing views of Lhotse Shar, Makalu, and Ama Dablam can be experienced through the island peak. The peak remains constant and full of adventure thorough out the trip however you are strongly recommended to look after your physical fitness before 7-8 weeks of climbing the Island peak, that is when you will realize your physical and mental strength in order to successfully summit the peak. Running up and down the hills before the climb is extra helpful in order to be ready for the expedition.
On route to the peak, you will encounter numerous villages of similar living styles. The aura of those villages is the similar culture and rituals they have been following for decades and decades. You will be able to understand how Himalayan settlements have been possible for this long period of time. The village settlements will welcome you with their warm hospitality which remains forever in your memory.
The island peak resides in the conserved area of Sagarmatha national park which is enlisted on the UNESCO world heritage site meaning that you will be having a chance to observe multiple UNESCO sites including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan durbar, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Changu Narayan respectively. These sites are to witness once in a lifetime which holds decades and decades of history.
Island Peak Climbing is a beautiful and adventurous experience for all. The peak was early known as Imja Tse, an island within an Ice Sea as seen from is a famous trekking peak one can summit in easy fashion. Peak Climbing is an adventurous experience for all. The Peak, which rises to a height of 6189 meters, is a very comparatively easy way to conquer the peak however it requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
Many wonders about the perfect time for climbing a peak, the right period of time is when you are physically and mentally stable to climb however to add on the success for climbing Island peak the month of April, May, September, October, November are considered the supreme period which falls under Spring and Autumn respectively.
If you are looking for similar trips in the Everest region, we also offer Chulu West Peak Climbing, Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek, Lobuche East Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp, Mera peak climbing and many more.
If you need any further information, please contact us.
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Luxury Holidays Nepal will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you may take a rest or visit Luxury Holidays Nepal’s office. In the evening, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your tour and trekking guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trip. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, two copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
During the 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (9,186ft), you will enjoy one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating on a hillside surrounded by high mountainous peaks. At Lukla, a gateway destination from where your trek begins, you meet your other trekking crew members and begin packing and arranging with them. From Lukla, you start trekking. At one hour’s gradual descent, you will be at a Cheplung village from where you have a glimpse of Mt. Khumbila (18900 ft), a sacred mountain that has never been climbed. From Cheplung, you then gradually descend until you reach Phakding and spend the night.
Overnight at Phakding.
Walking through a beautiful pine forest, you follow the trail north up the valley of Benkar. Then, you cross the Dudh Koshi River and go on passing Chumoa to Monjo, the entrance to Everest National Park. Then crossing a suspension bridge, you pass Jorsale village and walk alongside the Dudh Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. A steep ascent brings you to the prime heartland of Sherpa village - Namche Bazaar. At one hour’s distance to reaching Namche Bazaar, if the weather permits, you can view the sights of Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse.
Overnight at Namche.
There are plenty of things to do around Namche Bazaar, and you can spend a day here acclimatizing. Namche Bazaar is the main center of the Khumbu region and has government offices, ATMs, Internet cafes, shops, restaurants, and a colorful market. Your guides can take you to explore the real charm of Namche Bazaar. Hiking to Sagarmatha National Park rewards trekkers with a sunrise view and the views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. If you are interested in a day hike, you trek to Khumjung village (12401 ft)-a beautiful village with a Sherpa settlement. In exploring Namche Bazar, you observe traditional Sherpa life, at Khumjung Hillary School and enjoy the flora and fauna found at such altitude.
Overnight at Namche.
This segment of the trek includes the famous descent to the Dudh-Koshi River and the equally famous ascent along with the rhododendron forests to Tengboche. While descending to the Dudh Kish River, you enjoy the views of mountain tops like Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde and so on. Upon reaching Tengboche, you will visit the Tengboche Monastery-the largest monastery in the region and soak in the views of Everest, Ama Dablam and other peaks.
Overnight at Tengboche.
You descent and trek through forests filled with a variety of lush trees – birch, conifers and rhododendrons. This journey again rewards with tremendous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The picturesque trail dips down to Devuche, crosses the Imja River and takes to Pangboche. The upper Pangboche trails reward you with a more pristine view of the Himalayas and the Pangboche Monastery. The trek moves ahead towards the Imja Valley, Lobuche River and ultimately begins climbing up to Dingboche. At Dingboche, you see a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals.
Overnight at Dingboche.
Dingboche is a summer settlement and here the great peaks of Ama Dablam, the ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse, Tawache and Chalotse surround us. Begin trek to Chhukung by walking through stone-walled fields, Imja Khola valley before walking in glacier moraines. On your walk, you will be surrounded by Lhotse and Ama Dablam mountains. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We will reach Chhukung, a small settlement in about half an hour from Bibre. From here, directly across the valley is the fantastic Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa mountains.
Overnight in Chhukung.
After breakfast Climbing Chhukung Ri helps your body adjust to the high altitude. Chhukung Ri is a peak located directly above the Chhukung village. The climb to Chhukung Ri involves some easy scrambling near the summit. From the top, you can look directly across the valley for a fantastic view of Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa peaks.
Overnight in Chhukung.
The trek trail to Island Peak Base Camp is fairly steep. First, climb south, then turn east to the mainline of the valley. Then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Labtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak.
Overnight at Island Base Camp.
Begin your pre-climb training after breakfast. Your guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. Usually, you will be climbing on rock surfaces for up to around 5770m. After that, climb on ice and use ropes when necessary. However, the use of the rope and the length depends upon the season and the crevasses. You can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb.
Overnight at Island Base Camp.
Wake up early at around 12 to 1 am and have breakfast before beginning your climb. It is important you reach the summit before noon in the afternoon because the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier to a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming a boulder-strewn. As you climb up the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. Climb 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 then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads you onto the summit ridge. Both fixed rope and man rope will be used during the climb for safety. You use a fixed rope after successfully climbing on rock. The length of the rope will usually be of 350m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3 and 4 meters long. You will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views, and taking pictures, descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of your crew is waiting for you. then celebrate your successful Island Peak climb.
Overnight at Island Base Camp.
The trek will be much easier as descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages Orsho and Shomare. You can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse River flowing through the wide fertile valley.
Overnight at Pangboche.
From Pangboche you retrace your steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, you can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, your trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa. You keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc. while passing through the forest. After passing a Chorten, reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar.
The trail descends steeply downward so you need to walk cautiously as your shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After your arrival in Lukla, you stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks.
Overnight at Lukla.
Catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after your long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, you can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, you may do that. Your guides can help you with both souvenir shopping. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of your journey.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
After a few days of fun and excitement, the day to bid farewell has arrived. Our representatives will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport as per your flight time.
After the wonderful opportunity to organize this tour for you we wish you a safe and happy journey ahead.
Trekking Grade:
The Island Peak Climbing trip is a challenging journey. It is moderately long trekking that goes into the country's most elevated mountain. So travelers require more energy and the trip is actually tiring which includes 5-8 hrs. (approx.) of walking per day in the rocky edges. It doesn't require previous experience, but you must be physically healthy and better if you do regular exercise. If you love walking at high altitudes, then this trip is for you.
Accommodation:
Luxury Holidays Nepal will provide you with 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, a standard Lodge during trekking and a tented camp during climbing. Lodge has the rooms with just the basics, normally with a bed, blanket and pillows. We will provide you and your group with the lodge which is locally available every day. If you want to upgrade accommodation in cities, then contact us for cost detail. Accommodation in Kathmandu(Hotel Holy Himalaya or Arushi Boutique Hotel).
Transportation on Journey:
Luxury Holidays Nepal will offer you a private luxury vehicle for airport transferal, sightseeing tours and flights from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu.
Luggage:
Throughout the trip of Mountain Trekking, your luggage is carried and moved by the porters. You should carry a water bottle, sunscreen, camera, spare jacket, etc. Your main luggage will be your trekking bag and you can carry a small lockable bag that will provide safety. You are provided with a free locker room in the hotel of Kathmandu. The weight allowance in domestic airlines of Nepal is up to 15kg and for more weight, you have to pay US$1 per/kg depending on the area.
Group Leader during the journey:
Luxury Holidays Nepal will facilitate you with the trained travelling guide in your group. There will be a single porter for a couple of people.
Payment of the Due Balance:
The rest amount of your trip can be paid for in our office after your arrival or via online payment before your arrival in Nepal (Online payment). If you choose to settle your holiday balance by credit card a handling charge of 4% on the outstanding balance is made. There is no handling charge for payment by bank transfer.
Vouchers:
If you have purchased a voucher for the tour, please inform us which tour date suits you as soon as you are certain. We need time to purchase your domestic air ticket and make other arrangements so please confirm your spot on a tour at least 2 months prior to the commencement of the tour. Your booking on a particular tour date is subject to the availability of spots. Also, please send us your redemption code and voucher number through this link (Voucher Redemption).
Visa:
You can get a visa at Kathmandu airport upon arrival. Please bring 2 photos for the visa. Expect to have some waiting time in the queue for obtaining your visa. You can also get your visa prior to coming on the tour by contacting your closest Nepali embassy.
Tourist Visa Fee Details |
|
Days |
Updated Tourist Visa Fees |
15 Days (Multiple Entry) |
USD 30 |
30 Days (Multiple Entry) |
USD 50 |
90 Days (Multiple Entry) |
USD 125 |
Visa Extension (Within Valid Visa Period) |
USD 3 per day |
Visa Extension (With Multiple Entry) |
Additional USD 25 |
Visa Extension (After Visa Expiration) |
Late fee USD 5 per day |
For more details please click here.
Booking your international flight:
If you don't have a regular travel agent then you can check for international flight options at one of these sites.
makemytrip.com, www.kayak.com, www.vayama.com
They usually have good offers. For more details: (See the international flights page)
When and where should you arrive?
Please book your international flight to arrive and depart from Kathmandu international airport. The tour starts with an orientation meeting at about 5 pm on the first night of the tour and ends after the scheduled trip after breakfast.
You will be received outside the Kathmandu international airport terminal by representatives holding a "Luxury Holidays Nepal" sign card and he will escort you to the Hotel.
If you plan to arrive early or depart late, please make sure you make extra hotel arrangements by contacting [email protected]
After you purchase your international air ticket, please contact us to give your flight details.
Currencies accepted in Nepal:
Some major currencies (USD, AUD, and EURO) are accepted for both visas and in general. There are plenty of ATMs in Kathmandu and credit cards are accepted in limited shops and many restaurants. Please note that only Nepali rupees are accepted on the trek.
Health Issues:
We advise you to visit your doctor at least 60 days earlier before beginning your journey to Island peak climbing. Altitude sickness (AMS) is the main health issue. You may feel mild altitude sicknesses like nausea, lethargy, and headache but they will get less in a couple of days or. To be protected from (AMS) you can take Diamox pills or you can consult the doctor and use medicine as referred and purchase them from Kathmandu. For your information, your traveling guide will also have pills for (AMS) and other basic medicine, but we suggest you carry your own medicine. We recommend you take pills for diarrhea, cold, fever and nausea.
Insurance/Evacuation:
We do not hope that there may arise any serious problem for you in your journey, but if you get caught by a serious illness, then we will do our best to take you to the nearest hospital possible. But you will be responsible for all the expenses that take place in the evacuation process. So, it is good for you to have insurance which will cover your cost. Be insured (As you will reach up to 6200meter). (See the travel insurance page)
Trip Extensions/ Add on trips:
If you like our service and you want to extend your trip, then we can further organize your trip to India, Bhutan and Tibet. And other trekking and activities of Nepal like the Annapurna trek, Langtang Trek, Manaslu Trek, Bunjee Jumping, Rafting, Peak Climbing, Tours, etc.
Tips:
A general rule of thumb for tipping is to USD 40 to USD 70 per Traveler, depending on the length of the trek. Porters do appreciate a personal tip, although it is not uncommon for the Guide and his Porters to pool the tips they have collected before splitting it amongst themselves, with the Guide is getting a little more for overseeing the welfare and safety of both the Travelers and Porters as a whole. That said, this is just a guide and you may tip however much you think is appropriate for the services rendered which made your trip a memorable one.
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Note:
1. Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits either at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We will do our best to avoid such delays, and arrange the next flight for you. We also organize Helicopter rescue in such conditions, if it is available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 3500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. Still, we suggest you to be prepared for possible delays/cancellations, and if possible to come with some extra days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. If everything runs smoothly and you still have extra days then you may even engage yourself in optional activities that can be arranged by Luxury Holidays Nepal upon request. The optional activities may include visiting places/landmarks of your choice, adventure sports, shopping, etc.
In case the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of the trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other region. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However, please note that there will be no refund if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitations. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you with accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of a flight delay/cancellation after finishing the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transportation, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.
2. During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered. If alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect.
Island Peak climbing is one difficult expedition in the Everest region. However with proper and adequate gears, equipment, and professional guidance and assistance of Climbing guides and Sherpa Porters. Although extreme cold, unpredictable weather, heavy Snow falls, low air pressure, and low oxygen level, etc. make Island Peak climbing challenging but not an unsafe one.
Island peak is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges in Everest Region and it rises up in the mid and that is why this peak is called island peak. Island peak Climbing is recognized as the safe one but there are lots of challenges. Unpredictable bad weathers, heavy snowfalls, heavy clouds and fogs almost blocking the vision, extreme cold and chilly wind, low air pressure and oxygen level, etc. are the challenges Island Peak is climbing.
The best time for Island Peak Climbing is the months of Autumn and spring. During these months, there is no or low snowfall and the weather is stable. Sky and vision are clear and clouds are very thin. So the months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are recognized as the best time for Island Peak Climbing.
For more questions, check out All FAQs.