Overview
Island Peak Climbing (Imja Tse), 6,189m, is an exciting and challenging climb in the Khumbu Himalaya, within reach of the average fit person who wants a genuine high-altitude climbing experience on snow and ice. Our expedition combines the classic trek to Everest Base Camp with a stunning 6,000m peak climb. While technical skills like using jumars, abseiling, and crossing ladders are required, our experienced Sherpa climbing guides provide essential training at Base Camp.
The peak is situated in the heart of the Everest region, and the climb segment starts from the Chhukung Valley, taking only 2 nights and 3 days to summit. If you have previous knowledge and experience in rock and ice climbing and have already done high-altitude trekking, it will be very beneficial for your Island Peak Expedition.
Island Peak was named in 1953 as the peak resembles an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche, and later in 1983, it was renamed as Imja-Tse. The climb offers you stunning views of many snowcapped mountains such as the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, as well as Lhotse, Makalu, Pomari, Nuptse, Cho-Yu, and the most attractive Ama Dablam.
The best seasons for climbing Island Peak in Nepal are from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). However, the winter is also a great time to climb if you are well-prepared for the cold weather. Trailblazers Nepal will arrange every detail of your expedition, including accommodation, guides, food, and all the necessary climbing and camping equipment.
Trip Highlights
1
Stunning Summit Views
Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, and other beautiful Himalayan peaks.
2
Genuine Climbing Experience
A joy that you will cherish, combining a high-altitude expedition with technical mountain challenges.
3
Accessible Expedition
One of the most affordable and shortest 6,000m peak climbs, with base camp easily reached from the classic Everest Base Camp trail.
4
Expert Support & Logistics
Well-managed camp setups at Base Camp and High Camp, supported by experienced and certified Sherpa climbing guides.
5
Technical Skills Training
Basic training for climbing on snow and ice, including the use of crampons, jumars, and ladders by professional guides.
6
Strategic Acclimatization
Properly prepared with nights spent at Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp before your final summit push.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Transfer to Hotel
- Expedition preparation and gear check
- Welcome Dinner
- Overnight at Hotel
- Flight to Lukla (3 hrs trek)
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trek duration: 6-7 hours
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trekking around Namche for acclimatization
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trek duration: 5-6 hours
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trek duration: 5 hours
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Hiking Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Valley
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trek duration: 5 hours
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Hike to EBC (3 hours trek)
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trek duration: 6-7 hours
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trek via Chhukung (3-4 hours)
- Overnight at Camping
- 3 hours trek
- Overnight at Camping
- Summit ascent and descent (10-12 hours)
- Overnight at Camping/Tea House/Lodge
- Reserve day for unfavorable weather
- Trek duration: 7-8 hours
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Trek duration: 7-8 hours
- Overnight at Tea House/Lodge
- Flight back
- Overnight at Hotel
- Leisure day
- Overnight at Hotel
Includes / Excludes
What's Included
- Transfer from Airport – Hotel – Airport: Car, Van, Hi-ace or Coaster in a private vehicle.
- Authentic Nepali welcome dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu: Four nights on Twin share Bed and Breakfast Basis
- Accommodation during Lodge / Tea House: 13 nights (twin-share rooms, beds with comfortable foam mattresses and pillows)
- All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trekking
- Accommodation during camping: one night at Base Camp and one night at High Camp (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tang juice, tea and coffee)
- English speaking experienced and certified Sherpa Guide (Govt. Trained/License Holder).
- All Camping Equipment required during the trek, sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment
- Climbing rope, Ice screws, Snow bar
- Necessary camping staff, all Camping Equipment, sleeping tents/mattresses, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment
- One Sherpa guide-assistant if the group size is more than 4 Trekkers.
- Porters: One porter for Two Trekker basis in all of our Climbing Trips
- Personal insurance for Nepalese staff.
- Duffle Bag for Trekking.
- Trailblazers Nepal Foothills Souvenir
- Energy Supplies; Snickers, Mars, Bounty etc
- First aid medicine kit.
- Island Peak Climbing Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation.
- Round-Trip airfare between Kathmandu and Lukla (Airport Tax Included)
- All government and local taxes.
- Island Peak Climbing Certificate issued by the respective body of the Nepal Government.
- All required Personal and Group Climbing Equipments and Gears.
- Mountaineering/Climbing Boots
Not Included
- Your Personal Travel Insurance.
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
- Lunch & Dinner in cities - allow $ 10 to $ 14 per meal in Tourist restaurants.
- Beverages (All drinks, Tea, Coffee, mineral water, boiled water and beer).
- Tips for guide, porters and driver (customary).
- Any personal expenses not mentioned in the above services.
- Additional night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early return from Trek foro any reason then the planned itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous climbing experience for Island Peak?
While previous high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended, Island Peak is considered an excellent choice for those looking to advance into mountaineering. Basic training on crampons, ice axe, and fixed-line climbing is provided by our guides before the summit push.
What is the summit height of Island Peak?
The summit of Island Peak (Imja Tse) stands at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet). It offers spectacular views of massive peaks like Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Makalu.
How difficult is the Island Peak climb?
Island Peak is a moderately challenging climb. The ascent includes a steep section leading to the summit ridge, requiring fixed-rope climbing techniques. Good physical fitness and stamina are necessary for the long summit day.
What permits are required for Island Peak Climbing?
Climbers require an Island Peak Climbing Permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit.
What is the accommodation like during the expedition?
During the trekking portion, you will stay in comfortable local teahouses or lodges. During the climbing phase, including Base Camp and High Camp, you will stay in mountain tents.
Is there a risk of altitude sickness?
Yes, like any climb above 5,000 meters, there is a risk of altitude sickness. We follow a carefully planned itinerary with proper acclimatization days in Namche and Dingboche to ensure safety.
When is the best time to climb Island Peak?
The best seasons for climbing Island Peak are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as these months offer the most stable weather and the best climbing conditions.
