• Duration 21 Days / 20 Nights
  • Price from $2299 / person
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 6189 Meter

Our famous Island Peak Climbing Itinerary first follows classic Everest Base Camp Trek route. Island peak is also known as “Imja Tse” one of Nepal's most famous trekking peaks. Island Peak the most frequently climbed peak in the Everest Region is 6189 meter high. It is easy access to the Island Peak regularly combined with the ascents of other nearby trekking peaks such as Mera Peak, Pokalde, and Labuche East. The name Island Peak is given by Eric Shipton's party in 1951 because it appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. The peak was afterward renamed in 1983 to Imja Tse but Island Peak remained the well-liked choice. Actually, the peak is an extension of the ridge coming down off the south end of Lhotse Shar.

Island peak is labeled “Trekking Peak” and originally applied by the Nepalese authorities to mountains that were felt to be accessible without the logistics of a major expedition and didn’t require an extensive knowledge of winter alpine skills. Although the majority of these peaks can be climbed in just one or two days from a trailhead, their technical difficulties and objective dangers vary enormously. Whilst climbing a “trekking peak” is not as challenging as an 8000m summit, these mountains should not be taken lightly: a considerable amount of time often needs to be spent above 5000m, often in difficult weather, on slopes that need a good range of mountaineering skills. Island Peak was first climbed by a team of mountaineers that included Tensing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, as training and acclimatization for the first climb of Everest in 1953.

For Island Peak Expedition, one has the option of starting from a base camp at 5,087 meters (16,690 ft) called Pareshaya Gyab and starting the climb between 2 and 3 am. Another popular option is to ascend to High Camp at around 5,600 meters (18,400 ft) to reduce the amount of effort and time needed for summit day. However, proper water supply and worries about sleeping at a higher elevation may dictate starting from base camp. Base camp to high camp is basically a hike but just above high camp, some rocky steps require moderate scrambling and up through a broad open gully. At the top of the gully, glacier travel begins and proceeds up to a steep snow and ice slope. From here, fixed ropes will be set up by our mountain guide for the laborious ascent of almost 100 meters to the summit ridge. The climb to the summit is somewhat difficult due to steep climbing. On top, while Mount Everest is a mere ten kilometers away to the north, the view will be blocked by the massive wall of Lhotse, towering 2,300 m (7,500 ft) above the summit. Wilderness Excursion offers most competitive trip cost with carefully designed Island Peak climbing itinerary with bucket list inclusive services.

Highlights

  • An opportunity to join an expedition to climb Island Peak and to visit famous Everest Base Camp,
  • Suitable for a climber visiting the Himalayas for the first time or keen hill walkers with previous mountaineering experience using,  crampons, ice-axe etc,
  • Wilderness Excursion's carefully designed itinerary to help acclimatization process, Competitive cost, Island Peak Summit at 6,189m.
  • Spectacular views of Everest, the highest mountain in the world, Range of other classic peaks including Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kang Tega. 
  • The region home of Sherpa and their unique Culture and tradition very similar to Tibet. 

Itinerary

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"Our paramount concern is your safety" while traveling with Wilderness Excursion. Please note that your leader has the authority to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is supposed necessary due to safety concerns. Our every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary as it is; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous areas, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Land in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). After customs, you will pass out of the restricted area and into the Passenger pick-up area outside the building. You will see a Wilderness Excursion sign board and our representative will be waiting to welcome you to Nepal. After transferring to your hotel, you will be given a chance to catch your breath and then be given a full briefing. The rest of the day will be yours to explore and to shop for any items that you require. Today you will hear the Nepalese word for hello ‘Namaste’, you will probably never forget that word after this trek. Overnight in Kathmandu, No food included. 

After breakfast, we will drive 3 kms far from Kathmandu to Nagarjun hill site for rock climbing course, this will last for 3 to 4 hours and this is the time for you to learn some of the useful climbing technique along with our climbing experts. Instead, you may take our half day guided sightseeing tour. Evening pre-trip discussion and introduce with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip. Overnight at Kathmandu 

We take an exciting morning flight by Twin Otter aircraft takes us to Lukla, the most renowned mountain airstrip in the world. Originally conceived by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust, Lukla is now one of the busiest runways in Nepal. On the flight we watch the rugged foothills give way to the snowline of the Himalaya; many of the world’s highest mountains, including Cho Oyu (8,153m), Lhotse (8,516m), Gauri Shankar (7,145m), Menlungtse (7,181m) and of course Mount Everest may sometimes be seen from the window of the plane. After an exciting landing at Lukla and a warm welcome you will meet your porters that will carry your luggage every day until you return to Lukla. Make sure you make time to get to know them and to acknowledge them even if it is through smiles and hand signs. After a cup of tea in Lukla giving the porters a chance to load up we then depart Lukla on the typically stony path that descends from the forested terraces of Lukla which takes us right into the Dudh Kosi (river of milk) valley. Along the way the trail offers tantalising views and you will pass large stones carved and painted with prayers, carved mani stones and prayer wheels which are typical of Sherpa Buddhist country. Buddhists hold these sacred and you must as a sign of respect, pass these in a clockwise direction. After passing through the small hamlets of Chaurikharka and Ghat we arrive at the small hamlet of Phadking which is situated right next to the Dudh Kosi river. The trail from Lukla to Phadking is moderately easy walking and follows undulating terrain. Memories of the first day will include the sounds of porters, a cacophony of different languages, and strange sounding birds, the sights of porters with loads resting on sticks outside tea houses, tired trekkers on their way back to Lukla, prayer flags, the gaudy colors of the tea houses and of course the dramatic scenery. Overnight at Phakding (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.)

Today; we trek to Namche Bazaar, Sherpa capital and heart of the Khumbu.You will now be becoming familiar with the local protocol for passing chortens, mani stones, yaks and spinning prayer wheels and enjoying the hustle and bustle of trekking and everyday life that exists in the Khumbu. Walking up the hill to Namche will be one of the harder days of the trek but we take it slowly (or the Nepalese word for slow is “bistarai”). Walking slowly at altitude is the key to acclimatize so this will become the norm for the trek. From Phakding its about 2 or 3 hours walk to Monjo, the trail follows the Dudh Kosi valley north, staying on its west bank and soon there is a good view of Thamserku (6,608m). After a walk uphill and over a ridge there is a traverse high above the river to Benkar, and a little further on you cross over a suspension bridge to the east bank of the Dudh Kosi to reach the small hamlet of Monjo at the entrance to the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. As you enter into Everest National Park area entry formalities have to be completed. We then follow the right bank of the river to where it starts to climb to the Hilary Bridge which is a tremendously impressive suspension bridge spanning a deep chasm. To reach Namche from here there is a long ascent which zig zags up through the forest, but with a slow plod and several stops to catch our breath, we make our way steadily upward. Half way up there is a view point and cloud permitting should give us our first view of Everest appearing majestically behind the great ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse. We then pass through another entry point and as we traverse the hill we get our first views of the capital of the Khumbu- Namche Bazaar which is built on the steep sides of a sloping mountain bowl. It really is an impressive sight of colourful houses and lodges and prayer flags. Namche is a prosperous, busy and vibrant Sherpa village as most treks pass through here. Overnight at Namche Bazaar (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

Almost everyone heading to Everest Base Camp or doing any peak climbing expeditions group spends at least a day acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar the largest village in the entire Khumbu Region. We typically organize our Everest Base Camp Trek followed by Island Pak so that you can take a rest/acclimatization day in Namche and our guests usually hike up to the Everest View Hotel for a great panorama of the Himalayas which includes Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse. While this is a great excursion, it’s good to know what the options are. If you’re trekking with us to Base Camp and one of these sounds more appealing than the Everest View Hotel hike. To extend the day hike by few hours; there are two beautiful Sherpa villages also known as “Twin Sherpa Village” Khunjung and Khunde to visit and one can visit vibrant Buddhsit monasteries and Khunde Health Post supported by Late. Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust. Walk back to Namche for Overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). 

This morning after a short, steep climb we leave Namche on the classic approach route to Everest which contours the hillside high above the Imja Khosi. Today’s walk continues to contour the hillside with short steep sections as it crosses over ridges. There are spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse and also the beautifully shaped Ama Dablam (6,812m). Ama Dablam means ‘Mothers necklace’, the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother protecting her child, and the hanging glacier thought of as the dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of gods worn by Sherpa women. There is no doubt that the majestic Ama Dablam is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Passing by several villages and tea houses we will cross a tributary of the Dudh Kosi river on a suspension bridge at a place called Phunki Tenga before beginning a climb with a steep ascent for about two hours all the way up to the monastery. This part of the trek is forested by rhododendron and pine so it is well shaded and should be quite cool. The setting of Tengboche monastery is nothing short of magical and is a spectacular building and incredible to think that the temple was burnt down only a few years ago and re-built largely through the efforts of the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. At 3pm every day the monks have their prayers and it is a special experience to watch this ceremony. Stay overnight at Tengbohe (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

Today start our trek with easy walk and descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron and coming to lovely spot at Deboche 3,650m with magnificent views and the path is gradual up to the Pangboche village, from here onwards the lush vegetation and tree lines vanishes. Our further walk up to the ridge can be seen the Pheriche valley and continuing descend to the river will reach at Pheriche but this place is most windy valley so we plan to stay in Dingboche. 

Today we rest for acclimatization at Pheriche valley, you may have full day rest or there are some places where you can hike for a day up to the Nagarjuna peak (5,050 m) from where you can see the breath taking views of High Mountain including, Towering Mt. Lhotse, Amadablam, Mt. Makalu, Island peak and many more. 

From Dingboche we climb the ridge and cross the flat plain above the Pheriche valley. The trail leads to the bridge crossing a small stream immediately before the small hamlet of Dughla. From Dughla the trail climbs steeply onto the terminal moraine of the Khumbu glacier for a short section to Chukpo Lari, a beautiful, yet poignant place where there is a line of memorials in tribute to the climbers who have died on Everest. The panorama of all the peaks from this point is beautiful. From the memorial the route descends a little and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche. Lobuche is a cluster of lodges, teahouses and shops and can be very busy. Taboche and Nuptse Peaks are particularly spectacular from Lobuche, towering almost two kilometres directly above you. Overnight at Lobuche. Meals included: Brekafast, Lunch and Dinner)

It is challenging today but will no doubt be very rewarding and the highlight of the trek as you walk to Everest Base Camp. After an early start we follow the undulating trail along the western side of the broad Khumbu valley and glacier. The views today are magnificent as you are totally surrounded by towering snowy peaks. The conical peak of Pumori soon comes into view, it is on a lower ridge of this mountain that we will be going tomorrow morning for the Everest view point of Kala Patar. After approximately 2 to 3 hours the trail descends onto sandy basin to reach Gorakshep. After a light lunch we will set off to walk to Everest Base Camp which is approximately 5 to 6 hour return trek back to Gorakshep where we sleep tonight. After crossing the sandy flat at Gorak Shep the trail climbs onto the lateral moraine of the Khumbu glacier and ascends the side of the glacier for two hours before finally descending onto rocky glacial moraine. The trail then winds up and down and through ice seracs to Everest Base Camp where there are fantastic close up views of the Khumbu ice fall. In spring season this Base Camp will be packed with many nationalities attempting to climb Everest. After a short stop we will retrace our trail back to Gorakshep. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 

Our Guide will arrange time for this morning to start early hike up to Kala Pathar for the most wonderful sunrise views of the Everest. It takes about 2 hours to reach this hill top (the famous view point). This small peak offers the best views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam along with the entire mountain views of Khumbu Himalayan range. Being here for some hours, we walk down to Gorekshep, breakfast and continue head down to Dingboche.

We have a very short day and after breakfast we head further eastern side to 2-3 hrs gentle uphill to Chhukung, which is a hidden valley near the base of Island peak. We'll have full day rest at Chhukung and last place to prepare for camping and climbing gear, overnight at Hotel. 

Today, we head further on to the steep way climbing southern part then turning east to the main line of the valley. Continue short pleasant walking along a streamside leads to the big -rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking of Island peak. We'll reach at Island peak base camp and overnight at tented camp. 

After breakfast and packed camping stuff, we'll head on to the High camp from where we start our climb. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel nearby where we'll overnight at camp. 

Early morning through the rock gully we start our climb. 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 follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m/330ft snow and ice slope (40-45 Degree) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. You can enjoy with success and brave to get a summit and after some picture taking of scenic view will descend all the way to Chhukung for overnight at teahouse. 

The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Chhukung all the way to Tyangboche. Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful place in the Himalaya the first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards north east and more peaks all around you. 

Trek down to Phungithanka a small settlement with couple of teahouses. The trail leads down hill through the forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron and some few magnolia and birch trees and with a great memories and after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river trek onwards to the Sanasa and re-track to Namche bazzar for the overnight stay. 

After a long trekking trip today we'll have long and last day trek back to Lukla. We trek back with enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. After your arrival at Lukla you have time to stroll around the areas and guide will re-confirm your flight ticket and enjoy the last celebrate dinner with your crew member. 

At around 08:00AM fly back to Kathmandu our guide transfer you to your hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel with ending your Himalayan trip with us. 

It's also spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla. This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and evening company will meet you for the farewell dinner. 

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.

Customized Trip

What's Included

  • Pick and drop off from international airport.
  • 4 Nights sharing twin bed room in 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with buffet breakfast.
  • 1 Govt. registered, fluent English speaking and friendly guide and necessary porters.
  • Climbing guide for Island Peak Expedition.
  • All meals: lunch, breakfast and dinner during the trekking.
  • Tea, coffee and cookies 3 times a day during the trekking.
  • Tents, food and other necessary things for one night camping in Island Peak BC.
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight worth USD 350 per person.
  • Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight of your guide per person.
  • Airport transfer for domestic flights.
  • Trekking lodge accommodation during the trip.
  • Island Peak Climbing Royalty fees.
  • TIMS Card and Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Permit.
  • Salary, Accommodation and food for your guide and porters.
  • Insurance and gear for climbing/trekking guide and porters.
  • Garbage deposit fee (refundable after the trip)
  • Government tax, vat and Office service charge.

What's Excluded

  • Hotel, sightseeing and food in Kathmandu.
  • The entire bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water.
  • Client's personal climbing gear.
  • Hot shower and hot water during the trekking
  • Personal travel insurance, internet, phone calls and laundry service.
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Gratitude and tips for guide and porters.

Availabilities

Wilderness Excursion (P) Ltd is a local tour operator so we guaranty small private groups departures any dates that suits your date and time.  
Start Date End Date Status Note Price  
March 23, 2024 April 12, 2024 Available US$2299
March 30, 2024 April 19, 2024 Available US$2299

Useful Information

Accommodation
Wilderness Excursion will provide 4 Nights deluxe bed room in 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with buffet breakfast on twin/double sharing basis. The lodges in the Everest region are pretty good, clean and tidy; beyond Tengboche; there are mostly triple or four bed rooms only, no single bed rooms when we go higher. But Single rooms are readily available in lower elevation. You may have to share the room with other trekkers if you are trekking solo as the lodges get full of visitors in Peak seasons. It is better to trek in group and friends. Hot showers are readily available in most of the places.

Island Peak Climbing Cost?
The cost of Island Peak Climbing will be as per group size, season, and the mode of accommodation include in Kathmandu and the lodges we comprise on the trail head. The price we have offered USD 2275.00 is standard trek price on double occupancy basis. The cost climbing in autumn and winter will be respectively 2175 and 2050 per person on minimum group size of two and single supplement will cost extra USD 375.00. The package cost includes accommodation in Kathmandu will be twin/double sharing deluxe room in Samsara Resort with buffet breakfast. Star hotel in Kathmandu and deluxe lodges in trail head can be upgraded in client’s request. Garbage deposit fee is extra USD 500 (sharing in group) and fully refundable after the trip.

How hard and difficult is Mera Peak Climbing
Island Peak Climbing is not for you if you easily get nervous but easy peak climbing expedition for well-experienced trekkers and climbers. This means that the technical condition is very basic and involves use of ropes, ice axe and crampons. You are also required to have good cardio-vascular fitness. Island Peak is not categorized as a very technical peak but a bit of technical knowledge would be beneficial for a small section of the climb which is about 50m. This will probably be the toughest part of the climb as the slope is around 40 degrees of ice/snow. Previous experience with using ice axe and crampons is preferred, although not mandatory because a basic ice-climbing training will be given prior summiting it. Lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh conditions, reasonable fitness and good health will help in making this expedition successful. It is essential that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions should be informed to Wilderness Excursion at the time of booking.

Expedition Team
Guide. The most important thing that makes your Mera Peak Climbing trip winning, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and climb leader and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trekking/climbing leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities Wilderness Excursion employs Nepalese staff members who have proficient knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trek/climb leaders of Wilderness Excursion are also trained with following trainings to educate them on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc: Porter Care: As we believe that hard working local porters are back bone of entire trekking and expedition industry in Nepal. It is their untiring determined efforts carrying supplies, equipment and baggage that make journeying to these remote areas possible. So it's very unfortunate that they have endured a history of misuse and abuse at the hands of the industry. In an effort to combat this, we are firmly committed to porter rights. We ensure all our porters are well treated, well paid and we provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other team members and we have previously used helicopters - at our expense - to rescue porters from dangerous situations. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters. (International Porters Progress Group

Hazards & Threats
Participants should be conscious trekking, mountaineering and travelling in a developing country are activities that involve a risk of personal injury or death. As a condition of booking you must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather and last minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in team is an important aspect of all of our trips.

As a part of our planning process we have performed a detailed threat and risk assessment for our Island Peak Expedition. It is worth pointing out all of our trips have a certain degree of risk, this is of course part of the attraction of adventure travel and why so many people choose to join this type of holiday. However by identifying the potential hazards on Island Peak Expedition we can assess the level of risk and implement control measures to reduce this happening.

  • Fall down and trips resulting in physical injury eg. slipping on ice or falling off the path.
  • Altitude sickness including but not limited to AMS, HACE and HAPE.
  • Getting lost or becoming separated from group eg. summit day in whiteout.
  • Climatic injuries (dehydration, sun burn, heat exhaustion, hypothermia or heat stroke).
  • Crossing a river with no bridge resulting in drowning and/ or a fall.
  • Rock fall and landslides.
  • Snow and ice avalanches eg. on Island Peak.
  • Lightning strike.
  • Wildlife, pack animals (eg. donkeys or horses) or stray dogs. Pack animals have been known to knock people off the path. Dogs can attack and bite, we advise you discuss rabies vaccination with your doctor.
  • Earthquake.
  • Risk of fire in the hotel or lodge.
  • Endemic local diseases. We advise you discuss vaccinations with your doctor before departure.
  • Physiological injury such as heart attack, appendicitis, hernia, toothache etc. in a remote area.
  • Contaminated food and/ or water.

This trip visits a remote area where you are away from normal emergency services and medical facilities. In case of a serious injury requiring hospitalization evacuation could take up to several days and may impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are the most usual means of evacuation, however they are not always available or they may be hindered by poor weather and flying conditions.

Meals
There will buffet breakfast in Kathmandu and in our Island Peak climbing trip, we can enjoy Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian and the more common continental cuisines. All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available during the trekking and climbing sections. A farewell dinner is also included in the package. Farewell dinner will be in one of Authentic Nepalese Restaurant with Live culture dance.

Responsible Tourism Practice
Nepal is strikingly beautiful, but similarly fragile as well. Future generations have just as much of right to appreciate it as we do. So, the tourism industry has a commitment to protect and preserve it. We employ a 'zero impact' policy on the natural environment.

Travel Insurance
Wilderness Excursion highly recommends its clients of joining any of adventure activities to bring travel insurance that must provide and cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency rescue services and personal liability. It is a condition upon joining any of Wilderness Excursion’s trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don't arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization
Acclimatization is particularly important medical consideration while trekking and climbing high Himalayas of Nepal to the high altitude in order to prevent High Altitude Sickness known as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) which can be lethal if one is not careful. Mild symptoms of AMS are; headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder. For a safe trekking and climbing experience, it is extremely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatization. The itinerary for Mera Peak Climbing moves onward in a gentle pace so as to allow plenty of time for acclimatization.

Best Time for Island Peak climbing
The best time to climb Mera Peak is Spring in April and May. Second best time to climb is from Mid September to November. The best months has been defined on the basis of visibility and weather condition.

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