Country | Nepal | Max-Altitude | 6,189m/20,305ft | ||
Trip Start | Kathmandu | Trip End | Kathmandu | ||
Group Size | Min 2, Max 12 | ||||
Meals | Breakfast in Kathmandu and full board meals during the trek/climbing | ||||
Accommodation | Deluxe 3 star hotel in Kathmandu, standard tea house during trek and tent during the climb |
Island peak is one of the most popular climbing peaks in Nepal, an ideal first Himalayan climb which is perfect for experienced trekkers and novice climbers. The spectacular views from the Island peak summit are mystical, astonishing and truly unforgettable as you see some of the highest peaks in the world over 8000 and 7000 meters. Island peak is named so as it seems like an island on a sea of ice, in the middle of Chhukung valley. Imja Tse mountain standing tall at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) is a bit challenging but not too technical and does not require advance climbing skills. Extollo’s well-acclimatized itinerary is led by highly experienced Island peak climbing guides who will provide important climbing training and take utmost care of you throughout the journey.
Island Peak Climbing adventure begins with a scenic mountain flight to Lukla, followed by a short hike to Phakding. Island peak expedition follows much of the classic Everest Base Camp trek route through Namche, Tengboche and Dingboche. Enter the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, trek through beautiful rhododendron forests and swinging suspension bridges draped with colorful flags. Meet the friendly locals on the way, discover ancient Buddhist monasteries and learn more about the unique Sherpa culture. The second phase of your adventurous journey continues to Chhukung with an optional hike to Chhukung Ri peak and then to the Island Peak Base Camp. After a strenuous 10-12 hour climb from the base camp, it is a true rewarding experience at the summit of Island peak with glorious views of Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu and Baruntse.
Extollo makes all the necessary arrangement including Island Peak climbing permit so that you can enjoy your adventure without any hassle. Those who want to experience only trekking journey in the Everest region, please check our Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar trek.
The best time for Island Peak climbing is during seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these times, you can enjoy moderate temperatures and have the most amazing views throughout the trip. It is not recommended to climb during winter due to very cold weather conditions.
Distance: 25 minutes drive from airport to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Welcome to the land of Himalayas! On arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Extollo will be there to greet and escort you to your designated hotel. After resting for a while, there will be a pre-trip discussion for the last minute preparation at your hotel. Everybody will be informed before while about the meeting time and venue at your hotel. Here you will meet your leader and other members of your group. This is the moment when you can seek answers and clear your doubts with your leader. Time permitting, you can take a lazy stroll around the streets near your hotel and observe the contemporary life of the bustling city without getting any cultural shocks. Have a good night’s sleep to revive your freshness in the morning to commence a vivid adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Distance: 25 minutes drive from airport to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Distance: 30 minutes flight; 3 - 4 hours trek (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpa
After breakfast, you will take a 35-minutes scenic mountainous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest. During the flight, you get beautiful views of the terraced landscape and lush valleys and hills below along with up-close perspectives of some of the world’s highest mountains on your left. In Lukla, you will meet local staff who will be accompanying you on your journey. Today, you will have to hike for a short while for acclimatization, to Phakding after making a steep descent to Chheplung village past stone walls. Overnight in Phakding.
Distance: 30 minutes flight; 3 - 4 hours trek (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpa
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek (10.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Our trekking today continues along the majestic Dudh Koshi River towards the ancient trading hub. After walking for about an hour, you come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku and the sacred Khumbila peak. You will also see beautiful Sherpa villages and experience the serenity of pine, fir, and juniper forests along the way. If the weather is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. You continue walking until you reach Namche Bazaar, which is famous for being the buzzing Sherpa town. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Distance: 7 - 8 hours trek (10.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Today is the first of our three acclimatization days on the trip. It is essential for adapting with diminishing oxygen level in the air as we climb higher altitudes. Namche, in particular, is the Sherpa capital and economic hub of Everest region with government offices, Internet Cafes, restaurants, shops, ATMs and a famous ‘Saturday Market’. You may visit the Tourist Visitor Center to find souvenirs related to the first Everest ascenders, the Sherpa culture and a variety of flora and fauna of the Everest region. Then, you climb up to the famous airstrip at Syangboche. Just above the airstrip is the Everest View Hotel, which provides marvelous views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the beautiful Ama Dablam. From here, you return back to Namche via Khumjung valley. On the way, you visit a sacred monastery that supposedly houses a yeti scalp and the Hillary School. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Distance: 6-7 hrs trek (10 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Delek Lodge
We begin our trek immediately after a fulsome breakfast. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki crossing the Dudh Koshi River and passing several bridges and quaint hamlets. From Phunki, you ascend for about two hours towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest monastery in the Everest region. This monastery is famous for celebrating the Mani Rimdu festival, a huge Buddha statue, and intricate wall paintings. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kantega, Thamserku and Ama Dablam. Overnight in Tengboche.
Distance: 6-7 hrs trek (10 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Delek Lodge
Distance: 6-7 hrs trek (10 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Countryside
Leaving behind the magnificent sunset and sunrise, we shall proceed further to another village of Dingboche. First, you trek for 3-4 hours through birch, conifer and rhododendron forests on an easy path where you may see musk deer and blue sheep grazing. This picturesque trail then dips down to Deboche village crossing the Imja River before climbing up to Pangboche. Here, you visit the Pangboche monastery. The trail is fairly moderate as you enter the Imja Valley. The valley gradually unfolds as you approach the confluence of the Lobuche River. You descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.
Distance: 6-7 hrs trek (10 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Countryside
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Countryside
Today is the second acclimatization day which will be utilized by short hikes to higher altitudes to adapt ourselves to the heights. You hike up the Imja Khola to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak, a small summer settlement from where stunning views of Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the fluted ice walls flanking the Amphu Lapcha pass can be seen. These views are one of the highlights of the entire trek. Short hike to the hill behind Dingboche is another option which provides you with the view of a couple of six thousanders. Then return back to your tea house at the lower altitude after the acclimatization hike. Overnight in Dingboche.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Countryside
Distance: 3 - 4 hours trek (5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sunrise
Today we shall arrive at Chhukung, which marks the start of your walk to the Island Base Camp and the eventual summit climb. But first, commence your journey from Dingboche through stone-walled fields and entering the Imja Khola valley. With lovely views of the mountains, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, walk in the glacial moraines and arrive at Bibre village. A gentle walk further and we shall reach a small settlement of Chhukung in the afternnon. You may have an optional hike to Chhukung Ri, which is situated above the village. Climbing this small peak helps our body adjust to higher altitudes. One can have marvelous views of Amphu Labsa and Ama Dablam mountains from the valley. Overnight in Chhukung.
Distance: 3 - 4 hours trek (5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sunrise
Distance: 3 - 4 hours trek (4 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping
After having breakfast, our climbing guides will have your final equipment checking including hiring so that everyone has the necessary equipment for upcoming summit in two days. Today we will follow a moderately steep trail to reach the Island Base Camp. Walk along the main line of the valley followed by a winding path below the moraine from Lhotse glacier. Trek along a streamside and through Imja & Lhotse glacier moraines which leads to the wide valley at the south west side of Island peak. Enjoy the pleasant environment of Imja Tsho (lake) where we stay around and take a rest for a while. After lunch, you may have a short hike around the region enjoying beautiful mountain views of Choplu, Amphu Lapcha and Baruntse. It is a fantastic place for photography too. Overnight in a tent at Island Peak Base Camp.
Distance: 3 - 4 hours trek (4 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping
It is the final of our three acclimatization days. Today we will be necessarily utilizing the day at Island Base Camp having some important pre-climb training. It is recommended everyone have the prior training for Island peak climbing including experienced climbers too, because it helps boost up your confidence and develop climbing skills to successfully summit the peak. Our highly experienced climbing guides will provide training on proper uses of climbing gears like ice axes, harness, ascend-er, climbing boots and crampons which will help a lot on your Island peak scaling. Similarly, you will be thoroughly taught about peak climbing techniques. We will spend the day taking enough rest to energize ourselves for the next day’s summit. Overnight in a tent at Island Peak Base Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping
Distance: 10 - 12 hours climb (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping
The highlight day of the whole trip has finally arrived. It is the peak climbing day. We will wake up early at around 12-1 AM. It is because we should reach the summit at around noon as in the afternoon the strong winds might hinder our peak climbing. After having breakfast, we gear up for the adventurous Island peak climbing. We shall cover a total distance of around 7 km from the base camp all the way to the summit and returning back to the base camp.
We follow a steep green terrain until the High Camp, and then followed by a rocky trail. As we climb up the hill, we see narrow slopes and follow the steep rock channel. We step on several short rocks and emerge on the right side of the rock gully to climb it.Thereafter, the terrain filled with snow and ice begins. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. We shall carefully climb the peak applying the techniques we learnt the previous day. Our climbing guides will help us through this. There are four newly formed crevasses which are approximately 2-5 meters long. We shall use ropes of about 300m in length and walk through ladder to cross the crevasses. However, the length depends on the time of season and crevasses.
After the adventurous climb, we finally reach the summit of Island peak and celebrate your success taking photographs. Embrace the pleasant atmosphere from the top with magnificent views of some of the highest peaks of the world including Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and the mighty Everest. After spending some quality time at the top of Island peak, descend down to the base camp. Overnight in tent at Island Peak Base Camp.
Distance: 10 - 12 hours climb (8 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tent Camping
Distance: 5-6 hours (12 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Om Kailash Hotel
After the successful Island peak climbing, it is time to head back Lukla. Our return journey first takes us to Pangboche. We descend to lower altitudes now, which is relatively easier. We pass through beautiful villages of Orsho and Shomare along the Khumbu Khola valley. In addition to the regular trail to arrive at Pangboche, we may opt for an alternative trail visit the oldest Gompa in Khumbu region, to Upper Pangboche. Spend some quality time in the village admiring the beauty around as we are surrounded by Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtaiga, Kongde range and the pristine Imja Tse river flowing through the lush valley. Overnight in Pangboche.
Distance: 5-6 hours (12 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Om Kailash Hotel
Distance: 6 - 7 hours trek (13 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
From Pangboche, we head towards Namche, first walking through a short suspension bridge over Imja Khola, followed by a gradual ascent to Tengboche. Then, we walk down to Phunkitenga passes through wonderful juniper and fir forests. At the end of the descent, walk along a long suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river, perhaps coming across yaks. Finally, arrive at Namche where we will spend the night. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.
Distance: 6 - 7 hours trek (13 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Khumbu Lodge
Distance: 7- 8 hours trek (18.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lukla Numbur Hotel
Today is our final day of trekking on our Island peak climbing trip. Retrace your steps to Lukla, an ideal place to relax and celebrate your trip to the base camp. Walking through the banks of Dudh Koshi River and crossing several suspension bridges, passing various Sherpa settlements and few monasteries, you arrive at Lukla. As the local staff will, further on, not be accompanying you to Kathmandu, today is the last day you celebrate your victorious accomplishment together. Overnight in Lukla.
Distance: 7- 8 hours trek (18.5 km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lukla Numbur Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Today, after an adventurous journey at the Island peak, you take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Your trip leader will drop you off at your hotel and you will have the rest of the day at your leisure. You may stroll around in the streets of Thamel, a popular Tourist hub in Kathmandu for some worthy souvenir shopping. You may also visit surrounding popular tourist attractions nearby. Either way, there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate your achievement in the evening for successfully climbing the Island peak. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight
Included meals: Breakfast
Your journey to in the beautiful Khumbu region and Island Peak comes to an end today. A representative from Extollo Adventures will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Our representative shall assist you with your departure. On your way home you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. We hope that the adventure in this mystic land created a strong and positive impression about our country, enough to bring you back again. Have a happy and a safe journey ahead!
Included meals: Breakfast
While you travel, we will follow three types of accommodations. You will spend 2 nights in Kathmandu at a deluxe 3-star hotel, 10 nights in standard tea houses at various mountain villages and 3 nights camping in a single personal tent at Island Peak base Camp. All accommodations for the trip will be on a twin-sharing basis. Single supplement will be provided on request, at an additional cost (400 USD). However, a single supplement may not be feasible all the time.
During our Island peak climbing trip, you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as the common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner are served from the tea-houses or from a lodge menu where you spend the night. Whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking whereas only breakfast will be available while in Kathmandu. There will also be a Farewell Dinner hosted by Extollo Adventures upon your return from the successful excursion.
We provide our professional and technical expertise services in remote areas in the Himalayas. Every effort will be made to stick to the original itinerary. However, since the weather and climatic conditions up in the mountains are sometimes unpredictable, we cannot guarantee that we will follow the original plan. The health condition of a group member or unexpected natural disaster, etc. can also contribute to unplanned situations. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to the plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required. For any unexpected occurring and challenges in the mountains, our Himalayan guides are entirely reliable and superbly jovial people. With their skill and knowledge of the region, they will readily devise a new plan and propose to you.
Yes. A representative, preferably the guide along with driver will be there at the airport’s arrival sector to meet you and escort you up to your hotel room. We include all airport pick up and drop offs as a part of your travel program. We will be with you the entire time of your stay in Nepal.
There are telephones (landlines) in most of the villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Mobile phone services are available throughout Nepal but the quality of the reception varies from location to location. Internet facilities can be found in only a few villages. However, these facilities can be expensive. Our guides will carry high quality satellite phone to make sure of good communication during the climbing part too.
You need to be in good shape with some trekking experiences and have the ability to walk 8 – 9 hours uphill and downhill per day. It is suitable for passionate trekkers and challenge seekers hence positive attitude, excellent health, and strong determination is required. Besides, it is advisable to climb with a highly reputed trek operator like us, with experienced guides and their significant mental preparation with a personal touch.
Regarding the difficulty, the challenging factors are high altitude and few technical skills we will teach you during our pre-climb training. Our Island Peak Expedition itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. This peak is suitable for first time climbers willing to experience the height of mountains in Himalayas.With good physical shape, regular exercise, positive attitude and no medical conditions related to lungs or the heart can easily complete this adventurous trip.
Flights between Lukla and Kathmandu are generally reliable, though bad weather conditions may cause flight delay or even cancellation. In such scenario, Extollo Adventures will attempt to get you on a chartered helicopter to avoid flight delays. All additional cost would be your responsibility which could be $800 USD or more depending on the number of people on the flight.
We already schedule one extra day into your trip as a buffer day in Kathmandu in case of such flight delays or cancellations. However, we also suggest you add a couple of additional days at the end of your trip in case of any delays.
It is mandatory for joining any of the Extollo Adventures trips is that all clients must be insured, it is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. There could be comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we do not arrange or sell insurance.
Extra personal expenses on the trip may include showering,
recharging batteries, bottled/boiled water, soda, alcoholic beverages, tipping,
visa fees, recreational expenses and other services not listed. Typically
trekkers spend around $10 to $20 USD on a daily basis. Following are the items
with extra costs during the trek:
All foreign nationals are required to arrange a visa in order
to enter Nepal. A Nepalese Visa can be obtained either prior to your arrival at
a Nepalese embassy abroad or on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport. It can be
also secured at entry points at Nepalese borders.
Following are the fees either in US dollars cash or the equivalent Nepalese currency:
You can use this full address while filling up your visa application:
Street: Amrit Marg
Ward No: 19
VDC/Municipality: Kathmandu
District: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
For further information please visit: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa
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