Island Peak Climbing
The Khumbu's classic first Himalayan summit
Duration
19 Days
Max Altitude
6,189 m / 20,305 ft (Island Peak summit)
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group Size
2–8 (private trips available)
Overview
Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189 m) is the most climbed of Nepal's trekking peaks, prized for delivering a real Himalayan summit experience — including a headwall requiring fixed-rope jumar ascent — without demanding prior technical mountaineering experience. Our itinerary follows the classic Everest Base Camp approach through Namche and Dingboche before basing at Chhukung for the climb, giving proper acclimatization time before summit night. A qualified climbing Sherpa leads the technical sections and all climbing equipment is provided.
Trip Highlights
- A genuine 6,189 m Himalayan summit — no prior technical climbing required
- Combines the classic Everest Base Camp trekking approach with a real climb
- Fixed-rope headwall climb under expert climbing Sherpa guidance
- Summit views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam
- All climbing equipment and a pre-climb training day included
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Airport pickup and climbing gear check.
Day 2
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Flight to Lukla, short trek to Phakding.
Day 3
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m).
Day 4
Acclimatization in Namche
Day hike for altitude adjustment.
Day 5
Trek to Tengboche
Walk to Tengboche Monastery.
Day 6
Trek to Dingboche
Continue to Dingboche (4,410 m).
Day 7
Acclimatization in Dingboche
Hike to Nangkartshang viewpoint.
Day 8
Trek to Chhukung
Short walk to Chhukung (4,730 m), the climb's base village.
Day 9
Climbing training day
Practice with fixed ropes, jumar and crampons near Chhukung.
Day 10
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp
Move up to base camp (5,087 m) beneath the peak.
Day 11
Summit climb and descend to Chhukung
Pre-dawn summit push on Island Peak (6,189 m), descend same day.
Day 12
Contingency day
Weather buffer for the summit attempt.
Day 13
Trek to Dingboche
Rejoin the main EBC trail.
Day 14
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Continue the descent.
Day 15
Trek to Lukla
Final descent to Lukla.
Day 16
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 17
Kathmandu buffer day
Contingency for flight delays.
Day 18
Kathmandu leisure day
Free day for rest or sightseeing.
Day 19
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flights
- Licensed guide & climbing Sherpa
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- All climbing equipment and permits
Cost Excludes
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (incl. high-altitude rescue)
- Meals in Kathmandu
- Personal climbing clothing
- Tips
Permits Required
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Island Peak Climbing Permit (NMA)
Island Peak Climbing — FAQs
No prior technical climbing experience is required, but good physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience are strongly recommended. Our climbing Sherpa trains you on the fixed ropes, jumar and crampons before the summit attempt.
