# Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp

> Island Peak climbing with Everest Base Camp is an 18-day guided expedition that combines the classic Everest Base Camp trek with an ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,165 m), the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. You acclimatise on the way to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), then move to the Imja valley for a day of climbing training and a summit push up a glacier, a fixed-rope headwall and a narrow ridge to a summit facing the south face of Lhotse.The climb is graded challenging (Alpine PD) and suits fit trekkers who are comfortable at altitude; previous climbing experience is helpful but not essential. The best seasons are April–May and October–November. The climbing permit, an experienced climbing guide, group climbing equipment, Lukla flights, permits, lodges and base camp tents are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Nepal
- **Duration:** 18 days
- **Difficulty:** Challenging
- **Activity:** Trekking and peak climbing
- **Max altitude:** 6,165 m / 20,226 ft
- **Best season:** Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- **Group size:** 2–10 people
- **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges, tents at base camp
- **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek and climb
- **Price:** from US$2,450 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/island-peak-climbing
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=island-peak-climbing

## Overview
**Island Peak**, known locally as **Imja Tse**, rises from the Imja valley above Chhukung like an island in a sea of ice, which is how the British climbers of the 1953 Everest expedition named it. Today it is the most climbed of Nepal's so-called trekking peaks and the classic first Himalayan summit. From the top you look across to the vast south face of **Lhotse**, with **Makalu**, **Baruntse**, **Ama Dablam** and the Imja glacier all around.

This itinerary combines the climb with the **Everest Base Camp trek**, which provides the best possible acclimatisation. By the time you reach Island Peak Base Camp, you have already spent several nights above 4,900 m and stood at 5,545 m on Kala Patthar, giving you the strongest chance of a safe and successful summit.

### Island Peak climb at a glance

Trip factDetailsDuration18 days from KathmanduSummitIsland Peak (Imja Tse), 6,165 m (20,226 ft)Also visitsEverest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m)GradeChallenging; Alpine PD with a fixed-rope headwallSummit day10–12 hours from base camp and backAccommodationHotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges, tents at base campPermitsIsland Peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permitsBest timeApril–May and October–November### Why climb Island Peak?

- **Your first 6,000-metre summit** in the Himalaya.
- **Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar** on the same trip.
- **Summit views** of Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse and Ama Dablam.
- **Training day** at base camp with an experienced climbing guide.
- **A real mountaineering experience**: glacier, crampons, fixed ropes and a summit ridge.
- **Reserve day** for weather on summit week.

### The route

The trip follows the **Everest Base Camp trek** from Lukla through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche, with acclimatisation days, to Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. You then descend to Dingboche and walk up the Imja valley to **Chhukung** and **Island Peak Base Camp** (about 5,087 m).

On summit day you leave base camp in the early hours, climb a rocky gully to the **crampon point**, rope up and cross the glacier, weaving between crevasses, to the foot of the **headwall**. A steep snow and ice slope of about 100 metres is climbed on fixed ropes with an ascender, leading to the narrow **summit ridge** and the top at 6,165 m. You descend the same way, abseiling down the headwall, and return to base camp or Chhukung.

### Do I need climbing experience?

Previous mountaineering experience is **helpful but not essential**. You should be a fit, experienced trekker who is comfortable at altitude. On the training day at base camp, your climbing guide teaches or refreshes the essential skills: fitting and walking in crampons, using an ice axe, clipping into fixed ropes, climbing with an ascender (jumar) and abseiling. A winter skills course or a guided climb at home before the trip will add confidence.

### Fitness and training

Start training at least three to four months before the trip. Focus on long hill walks of six to eight hours with a loaded pack, ideally on consecutive days; cardiovascular training four or five times a week; and strength training for the legs and core. The summit day is long and cold, so mental stamina matters as much as fitness.

### Climbing equipment

Group climbing equipment, such as fixed ropes, snow bars and ice screws, is provided. You need personal gear: **mountaineering boots** compatible with crampons, **crampons**, **harness**, **helmet**, **ice axe**, **ascender**, **descender** and carabiners, plus warm down clothing. Most technical gear can be rented in Kathmandu or at Chhukung; we provide a full list when you book.

### Safety and weather

Your climbing guide is experienced on Island Peak and follows strict turnaround times. The itinerary includes a **reserve day** in case weather or conditions delay the summit attempt. Your insurance must cover mountaineering to at least 6,500 m and helicopter evacuation.

### Best time to climb Island Peak

**April–May** is the most popular season, with warmer temperatures and stable weather. **October–November** brings clear skies and excellent views, but colder summit days. Winter and the monsoon are not recommended.

### Why climb Island Peak with Himalayan Hiking?

- **Full acclimatisation** via Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
- **Experienced climbing guides** and a training day at base camp.
- **Reserve summit day** built into the itinerary.
- **All permits, flights and logistics** handled by our Kathmandu team.

## Highlights
- Summit Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,165 m), Nepal's most popular trekking peak
- Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
- Climb the fixed-rope headwall and summit ridge facing Lhotse
- Climbing training day at Island Peak Base Camp
- Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery and Sherpa villages
- Reserve day for weather on summit week

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Preparation day in Kathmandu
Climbing permit formalities, equipment check and rental, and a briefing with your climbing guide.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Scenic flight to Lukla and an easy walk to Phakding.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8 km_

### Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb to Namche Bazaar.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche
Hike to the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung and return to Namche.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,880 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)
Balcony trail with views of Ama Dablam, then climb to Tengboche Monastery.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)
Through Pangboche into the Imja valley to Dingboche.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,410 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Hike up Nangkartshang for views of Island Peak, Makalu and Lhotse, then return to Dingboche.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 5,080 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m)
Past Thukla and the climbers' memorials to Lobuche.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 4,940 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 8.5 km_

### Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
Walk along the Khumbu Glacier to Gorak Shep and on to Everest Base Camp, returning to Gorak Shep.
_Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 5,364 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_

### Day 11: Kala Patthar (5,545 m), trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)
Sunrise climb of Kala Patthar, then a long descent to Dingboche.
_Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 5,545 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_

### Day 12: Trek to Chhukung (4,730 m)
A short walk up the Imja valley to Chhukung, beneath Lhotse's south face and Island Peak.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 4,730 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 5 km_

### Day 13: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,087 m), climbing training
Walk along the Imja glacier moraine to base camp. Afternoon training on crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes, ascending and abseiling.
_Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 5,087 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Tent · Distance: 6 km_

### Day 14: Summit Island Peak (6,165 m), return to Chhukung
Leave in the early hours, climb to the crampon point, cross the glacier, climb the headwall on fixed ropes and follow the ridge to the summit. Descend to base camp and on to Chhukung.
_Walking: 10–12 hours · Altitude: 6,165 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 15: Reserve day
A spare day in case weather or conditions delay the summit. If not needed, it is used to descend at a relaxed pace.
_Altitude: 4,730 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_

### Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
A long descent via Pangboche and Tengboche to Namche Bazaar.
_Walking: 7–8 hours · Altitude: 4,730 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 20 km_

### Day 17: Trek to Lukla, fly to Kathmandu
Trek to Lukla and, weather permitting, take an afternoon flight, or fly early the next morning. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
_Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 18 km_

### Day 18: Final departure
Our driver takes you to the airport for your departure.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles
- 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla
- Island Peak climbing permit and garbage deposit arrangements
- Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits
- Teahouse lodges on the trek and tents with kitchen service at base camp
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek and climb
- Licensed trekking guide and experienced climbing guide
- Porters with their wages, food, lodging and insurance
- Group climbing equipment: fixed ropes, snow bars and ice screws
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and satellite or radio communication
- All government and local taxes

## Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering mountaineering to 6,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory)
- Personal climbing equipment (boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender), available to rent
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi on the trek
- Summit bonus and tips for guides and porters
- Extra nights caused by weather, flight delays or early return
- Helicopter evacuation or charter

## Useful information
### Fitness and preparation

You need excellent fitness for long trekking days and a 10–12 hour summit day at altitude. Train for three to four months with long hill walks carrying a pack, cardio and leg-strength work. Previous experience above 5,000 m is recommended.

### Altitude sickness

You will reach 6,165 m on the summit of Island Peak, after acclimatising at Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip.

### Weather and temperatures

Summit mornings are very cold, often well below −15°C with wind, even in spring. Days in the lower valley are mild. Weather can delay the climb, which is why a reserve day is included.

### Domestic flights and baggage

Lukla flights depend on weather; keep flexible plans for your international flight. The baggage limit is around 15 kg on the flight, so we recommend renting heavy climbing gear in Kathmandu or at Chhukung.

### Permits

The Island Peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit are included.

### Money, charging and Wi-Fi

Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful.

### Drinking water

Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle.

### Travel insurance

We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 6,500 m, including mountaineering and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel.

### Visa

Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits.

## Packing list
### Clothing

- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece jacket or mid-layer
- Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers and shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat and buff
- Liner gloves and insulated gloves
- Trekking socks

### Footwear

- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges

### Equipment

- Sleeping bag rated to about −20°C (can be borrowed from us)
- Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Power bank and charging cables
- Mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
- Crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe (rentable)
- Ascender, descender and carabiners (rentable)
- Down suit or expedition down jacket and insulated trousers
- Glacier glasses and ski goggles
- Warm mittens

### Personal items

- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit and medication
- Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes
- Snacks such as energy bars and nuts
- Passport, insurance details and copies

## Frequently asked questions
### How high is Island Peak?
Island Peak (Imja Tse) is **6,165 m (20,226 ft)**.

### Do I need climbing experience for Island Peak?
It is helpful but not essential. You should be a fit trekker comfortable at altitude. A training day at base camp covers crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes, ascending and abseiling.

### How difficult is Island Peak?
It is graded **Alpine PD** (slightly difficult). The hardest section is a steep snow and ice headwall of about 100 m on fixed ropes, followed by an exposed summit ridge. Altitude and cold are the main challenges.

### Why combine Island Peak with Everest Base Camp?
The Everest Base Camp trek and Kala Patthar provide excellent acclimatisation, greatly improving your chances of a safe summit.

### How long is summit day?
Usually **10–12 hours** from base camp to the summit and back, starting in the early hours of the morning.

### What permits are needed?
An **Island Peak climbing permit** plus the Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permits. All are included.

### What equipment do I need?
Mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender, descender and warm down clothing. Group equipment such as fixed ropes is provided; personal gear can be rented.

### What is the best time to climb Island Peak?
**April–May** and **October–November**. Spring is warmer; autumn has clearer skies but colder summit days.

### What if the weather is bad on summit day?
The itinerary includes a reserve day. If conditions are unsafe, the guide will postpone or turn back; safety always comes first.

### Is there a summit certificate?
Yes. Successful climbers receive a summit certificate for this Nepal Mountaineering Association peak, subject to its rules.

### What insurance do I need?
Insurance must specifically cover **mountaineering up to at least 6,500 m**, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation. Many standard policies exclude climbing.

### How much does Island Peak climbing cost?
It's priced per person, and groups get a discount; the price box has the details. It includes the climbing permit, climbing guide, group gear, Lukla flights, permits, lodges, tents and meals.