island peak

A True Himalayan Climbing Adventure

Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m) is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking peaks—perfect for adventurers looking to take their first step into Himalayan mountaineering. This expedition combines the classic Everest Base Camp trail with a thrilling climb to the summit of Island Peak, offering stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the Everest massif. With proper acclimatization, experienced guides, and breathtaking scenery, this journey is a challenging but achievable adventure for fit trekkers with a sense of adventure.

What Makes Island Peak Expedition Unique?

  • A true Himalayan peak ascent without needing full mountaineering experience
  • Unbeatable views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam
  • A perfect combination of trekking and technical climbing
  • Acclimatization built into the route for a safer experience
  • Experience staying at high-altitude base camp under the stars
  • Immerse in Sherpa culture and visit monasteries along the trail
  • A thrilling adventure for those looking to push their limits

difficulty

Comfort

from €3.225,-

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Expedition duration

16 days
More info

''The Island Peak expedition was hard but really amazing. The views of the mountains were incredible. We walked through small villages, quiet valleys, and snowy paths. Climbing the peak was a big challenge, but our guide helped us every step of the way. He showed us how to use the gear and kept us safe. Our porters were also very kind and strong. We felt supported and well taken care of the whole time. I’m so proud we reached the summit! I truly recommend Sherpa Trekking if you want to try this adventure.''

Eric van der Hoogen, NL

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Your guide will be waiting for you upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. He will bring you to your hotel in the vibrant city centre of Kathmandu; Thamel. Take your time to rest after long travels or go explore around Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation – 1,300m

Today is for acclimatization and getting to know the cultural heartbeat of Nepal. A city guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO-listed sites. You’ll visit ancient temples, bustling marketplaces, and spiritual stupas. In the afternoon, we’ll check gear and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 3: Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – 2,610m

4 hrs | 8 km
A short, scenic flight takes you to the famed Lukla airstrip (2,840m). From here, we begin our trek with a gentle descent through picturesque Sherpa villages and pine forests, arriving at the riverside village of Phakding for our first night in the mountains.

Day 4: Phakding – Namche Bazaar – 3,440m

6-7 hrs | 11 km
Following the Dudh Koshi River, we cross several suspension bridges and pass small settlements before a steep ascent brings us to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. The first views of Everest and Lhotse will appear along the way.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche – 3,440m

We’ll stay a second night here to adjust to the altitude. Take a hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village for better acclimatization. In the afternoon, you can explore the shops and cafés of Namche or rest at the lodge.

Day 6: Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – 3,867m

5-6 hrs | 9.5 km
The trail offers incredible views of Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. After an initial descent, we cross the river and climb steeply through rhododendron forests to the spiritual center of Tengboche, home to a stunning monastery with panoramic mountain views.

Day 7: Tengboche – Dingboche – 4,410m

5-6 hrs | 10 km
We descend through a beautiful forest, cross the Imja Khola, and pass Pangboche village. From here, we climb steadily through alpine terrain to Dingboche, a quiet village in a stunning setting with views of Island Peak ahead.

Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche – 4,410m

A rest day to allow your body to adapt to the altitude. You’ll take a short hike up Nagarjun Hill (around 5,100m) for breathtaking panoramic views. In the afternoon, relax and enjoy the hospitality of the local teahouse.

Day 9: Dingboche – Chukhung – 4,730m

3-4 hrs | 6 km
A shorter day leads us into the beautiful Imja Valley. The trail gradually ascends to Chukhung, a small settlement surrounded by towering peaks, including Lhotse and Island Peak itself.

Day 10: Chukhung – Island Peak Base Camp – 5,100m

3-4 hrs | 4 km
We leave the main trail behind and head to base camp, crossing glacial moraines and barren terrain. Once there, we’ll settle into camp and prepare our equipment for the climb. Rest early—summit day is near!

Day 11: Pre-Climb Training at Base Camp – 5,100m

Today is dedicated to safety and technical training. Our guides will introduce you to the use of crampons, ice axe, ropes, and harnesses. This is also another opportunity to acclimatize before the summit push.

Day 12: Summit Day! Island Peak – 6,189m – Return to Chukhung

10-12 hrs
We begin the ascent around 1 AM. With headlamps guiding us, we climb steadily up the glacier and tackle the final steep section using fixed ropes. From the summit, a majestic 360° view awaits—Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam surround you. After this unforgettable moment, we descend all the way to Chukhung for a well-earned rest.

Day 13: Chukhung – Pangboche – 3,985m

5-6 hrs | 9 km
We descend back through the valley, enjoying easier walking and warmer temperatures. We’ll overnight in Pangboche, with time to visit the local monastery or simply rest.

Day 14: Pangboche – Namche Bazaar – 3,440m

6-7 hrs | 13 km
Retrace your steps through Tengboche and back into greener terrain. The return to Namche feels like arriving back to civilization. Celebrate with your team over a good meal in one of the lively restaurants.

Day 15: Namche – Lukla – 2,840m

6-7 hrs | 18 km
A long day of descent as we follow the Dudh Koshi River, crossing multiple bridges and familiar villages before arriving back in Lukla. Time to celebrate the adventure with your guide and porters.

Day 16: Lukla – Kathmandu – 1,300m

Let’s hope the weather favors us and you can take an early flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the final views of the magnificent mountain range from the plane as you depart, where just recently you stood at one of his peaks. Once back in Kathmandu, you’ll return to your hotel, where you’ll have the freedom to unwind as you please. In the evening, we’ll gather to toast to our incredible journey and the memories we’ve created together. Depending on your departure dates, you’ll bid farewell to your guide over dinner or arrange for it on another day.

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Travel DETAILS

About the Accommodations

In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom, perfect for resting before and after your trek.

During the Island Peak expedition, you’ll stay in trekking lodges along the route, typically located in or near small Sherpa villages. These lodges are often built from natural stone or wood and offer basic but cozy accommodation in private rooms (usually with two single beds). You’ll sleep in your own sleeping bag on a bed with a mattress and pillow. At higher elevations where it gets cold, extra blankets are usually available to supplement your sleeping bag.

Bathrooms and washing facilities are generally shared, and showers – if available – often come at an extra fee. Sometimes you’ll get lucky with warm water, but it’s best to be prepared for cold conditions.

The dining area typically features a central stove or heater fueled by wood or yak dung. It helps take the edge off the cold, but warm clothing, especially a down jacket, is essential.

Electricity and Wi-Fi are usually available for a fee. Wi-Fi connections can be unreliable, especially at higher altitudes. For better connectivity, consider purchasing an Everest Link data card in Lukla or Namche Bazaar, which allows you to use Wi-Fi in many lodges along the route.

Note: Single rooms in trekking lodges cannot always be guaranteed and often depend on availability.

About the Meals

In Kathmandu, breakfast is included. For lunch and dinner, you’re free to explore local restaurants.

During the trek, all meals are included and are served at the lodges where you stay. Breakfast options often include oatmeal, toast, pancakes, or eggs. For lunch and dinner, common choices include Dal Bhat (rice with lentils and vegetables), momos, pasta, fried rice, noodles, soups, and even pizza in some places.

You can fill your thermos with tea for the trek (typically for a small fee not included in the package). To stay hydrated, we recommend purifying tap water with purification tablets or iodine. Increasingly, lodges and shops along the route offer refills of purified water for a small fee – an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water.

Note: While bottled water is widely available, we discourage its use due to the environmental impact of plastic waste in the Himalayas.

Included

  • 3 hotel nights in Kathmandu (2 before the trek, 1 after), including breakfast
  • 11 nights in trekking lodges
  • All meals and tea during the trek
  • Domestic return flight to Lukla
  • Sagarmatha National Park and Island Peak climbing permits (including TIMS)
  • Transfers as per the itinerary
  • English-speaking certified climbing guide and trekking guide
  • Porters for luggage transport (max. 12 kg per person)
  • Use of group climbing equipment (e.g., ropes)
  • Trekking map (provided on-site)

 

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned above
  • Entrance fees to attractions in Kathmandu (if applicable)
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Nepal visa
  • Personal climbing equipment (e.g., crampons, harness, helmet—available for rent)
  • Travel insurance

About the Activities

Trekking to Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m) combines a classic Everest region trek with a non-technical but challenging alpine ascent. You’ll pass through scenic Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, glacial valleys, and stunning high-altitude landscapes. The trek follows the popular Everest Base Camp trail up to Chhukung before veering off toward Island Peak Base Camp.

The ascent of Island Peak involves navigating glaciers and ascending a snowy headwall using fixed ropes, crampons, and an ice axe. Although no prior technical climbing skills are required, a good level of fitness, previous trekking experience, and a strong sense of adventure are essential.

Altitude is a major factor, and we follow a carefully planned itinerary to support acclimatization, including the “walk high, sleep low” principle. Expect cold, wind, and icy conditions above 5,000m. The final summit push begins in the early hours and rewards you with incredible views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Baruntse.

Your experienced climbing guide will instruct and support you throughout the summit attempt.

Additional Days

If needed, additional acclimatization days can be arranged at key locations like Namche or Chhukung. These come at an extra cost for the guide and porter.

You may also extend your stay in Nepal with another trek or cultural activity.

Special Insurance

Climbing Island Peak requires comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking above 6,000 meters, including helicopter evacuation. Please make sure your policy includes these conditions before departure.

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FAQ

The best seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (October–early November). These months offer the most stable weather, clear skies, and optimal climbing conditions. Spring often has slightly warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons along the trail, while autumn offers crisp views and post-monsoon clarity.

Yes, permits are required for all climbing expeditions in Nepal. The specific permits depend on the peak and the region. For popular 6,000m peaks like Mera Peak or Island Peak, you’ll need a climbing permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA),
as well as national park and local area permits. 

When you book trekking with Sherpa Trekking Adventures the needed permits are always included. 

Yes, for all mountains hiring a licensed guide is not only highly recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights but also mandatory.

Porters can carry your heavy bags, allowing you to enjoy the trek with less strain. 

Beyond safety and convenience, hiring local guides and porters also helps support the local economy. Trekking tourism is a major source of income for many Nepali families, especially in remote areas. By choosing to travel with a guide and porter, you are directly contributing to their livelihood, ensuring they have a fair wage and sustainable employment. Many guides and porters have years of experience and valuable knowledge of the mountains, making your trek both safer and more enriching.

Not necessarily. Some 6,000m peaks like Mera Peak are considered non-technical and are suitable for fit trekkers with no prior climbing experience. However, good physical condition and some basic training (like using crampons or an ice axe) are highly recommended. We provide pre-climb briefings and training during the expedition.

For us it is important that you will enjoy the expedition and feel safe. That’s why we can adjust your expedition to your level of fitness. 

We’ll always provide a detailed packing list, but essential gear includes: mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, down jacket, and a good-quality sleeping bag. Technical climbing gear (like ropes and ice axes) can often be rented in Kathmandu.

We’ll help you with everything you need.

To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):

  • Acclimatize properly (take rest days, especially above 3,000m).
  • Hydrate well (drink 3-4 liters of water daily).
  • Ascend slowly (don’t gain more than 500m in altitude per day above 3,000m).
  • Consider medication (Diamox can help, but consult a doctor).
  • Listen to your body (descend if symptoms worsen)

Note that preventing altitude sickness is not always possible. AMS is unpredictable condition even when you take all the necessary measures.

At Sherpa Trekking Adventures, we prioritize proper acclimatization because it is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. Our itineraries are carefully designed to allow your body to adjust naturally to higher elevations, reducing the risk of AMS.

Additionally, our guides are trained to detect early symptoms of altitude sickness and know exactly how to handle the situation. They monitor trekkers closely and will adjust the pace or itinerary if needed to ensure your safety. If symptoms become serious, they will arrange for immediate descent or evacuation if necessary. Your health and well-being in the mountains are always our top priority.

Most 6,000m expeditions take between 16 to 22 days, depending on the peak and route. This includes trekking to base camp, acclimatization days, summit attempts, and return. The length ensures proper adaptation to altitude and maximizes your chances of a safe and successful summit.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. It should cover:

  • High-altitude climbing (up to 6,000m and more).
  • Emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue).
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellations. 

Without the necessary insurance we can’t offer you our services.

Expedition packages include airport transfers, permits, domestic flights, accommodation, meals during the trek, guide and porter services, and logistics support.

Personal and climbing gear, travel insurance, tips, and international flights are not included.

We’ll give you a clear breakdown before you book.