The Island Peak Expedition is a thrilling adventure in the Himalayas, ideal for trekkers looking to start journy into mountaineering. Standing at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet), Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, offers spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Located in the Everest region, the journey combines trekking through iconic trails with technical climbing skills like using crampons, ice axes, and ropes. The expedition is led by experienced guides and Sherpas from Nepal Tour and Trek, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.
$2300
per person
$2100
per person
$1950
per person
$1700
per person
Arrive in Kathmandu.
Transfer to hotel.
Explore Thamel, a popular tourist district.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Rest day in Kathmandu meeting Guides,Checking permits,Bokking rentals gear if necessary etc .
Or drive to Rammechhap
Fly to Lukla airport
Trek from Lukla to Namche and Acclamize in Namche Bazzar
Trek from Namche to Dingboche
Trek to Chukkung Village at 4700 meters.
Trek to Island Peak basecamp at 5100 meters
Rest in Island Peak basecamp and train to ascend and descend fixed ropes.
Summit Day, camp in basecamp.
Trek to Pangboche. Stay at teahouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar. Stay at teahouse.
Trek to Lukla
Return flight to Kathmandu.
Departure from Nepal
The Island Peak (Imja Tse) Expedition is the perfect introduction to Himalayan mountaineering, combining trekking through the stunning Khumbu region with an exhilarating climb to 6,189 meters. This iconic peak offers aspiring mountaineers the chance to test their skills on glacial terrain while surrounded by breathtaking views of Lhotse, Makalu, and Baruntse.
Unlike standard treks, Island Peak provides genuine mountaineering challenges including a steep headwall, glacier crossing, and fixed rope sections - all while being accessible to climbers with basic technical skills. The expedition follows the classic Everest Base Camp route before branching off toward the Imja Valley, allowing you to experience both world-class trekking and climbing in one unforgettable journey.
Our carefully designed itinerary includes essential acclimatization and training days where our expert guides will teach you crucial mountaineering techniques. You'll learn ice axe arrest, crampon techniques, rope skills, and glacier travel - all while surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on Earth.
The Island Peak Expedition combines the best of Himalayan trekking with authentic mountaineering challenges. Here's what makes this adventure truly special:
1. Island Peak Summit (6,189m): Standing atop this iconic peak offers unparalleled views of Everest's south face and the surrounding giants. The sense of achievement when you plant your ice axe on the summit is indescribable.
2. Technical Climbing Sections: Experience genuine mountaineering on the 45° headwall and glacier sections, using crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes - perfect for developing your alpine skills.
3. Everest Base Camp Visit: Our route includes time at EBC (5,364m), where you can witness the bustling climbing activity during season and see the infamous Khumbu Icefall up close.
4. Kala Patthar Sunrise: The pre-dawn climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) rewards with what many consider the best sunrise view of Everest in the entire Khumbu region.
5. Mountaineering Training: Learn essential skills from our expert guides during dedicated training days at Island Peak Base Camp, including crevasse rescue and fixed rope techniques.
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful and enjoyable Island Peak climb. Here's what you need to know:
1. Physical Fitness: Begin training 4-6 months in advance with a focus on endurance (long hikes with weight), cardiovascular fitness (running/cycling), and strength training (especially legs and core).
2. Technical Skills: While we provide training, prior experience with ice axe and crampon use is beneficial. Consider taking a basic mountaineering course before your expedition.
3. Essential Gear: In addition to standard trekking equipment, you'll need mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, and cold-weather clothing suitable for -20°C temperatures.
4. Altitude Acclimatization: Our itinerary includes strategic rest days at Namche (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m) to help your body adjust. Never rush the ascent.
5. Travel Insurance: Must cover climbing up to 6,500m and include emergency helicopter evacuation. We recommend Global Rescue for their expertise in high-altitude rescues.
Our comprehensive Island Peak package includes everything needed for a safe and successful expedition:
1. Inclusions:
2. Exclusions:
Total package cost ranges from $2,300-$1,700 depending on group size and services selected. Contact us for detailed pricing at : info@nepaltourandtrek.com.
The optimal climbing seasons for Island Peak are:
Spring Season (April-May): Offers stable weather, good snow conditions on the climbing sections, and vibrant rhododendron blooms at lower elevations. This is the busiest season with Everest teams.
Autumn Season (October-November): Features crisp, clear skies and excellent visibility. Temperatures are colder than spring but with generally stable conditions ideal for climbing.
Winter ascents (December-February) are possible but extremely cold, while monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rain and poor visibility, making climbing dangerous.
A: Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) is graded as PD (Peu Difficile) in alpine grading. While technically moderate, it requires good physical fitness, basic mountaineering skills, and the ability to handle steep snow/ice slopes up to 45 degrees.
A: Our comprehensive package includes: round-trip flights Kathmandu-Lukla, all accommodations, licensed trekking guide, experienced climbing guide, porter (20kg limit), all meals during trek, staff insurance, all permits, airport transfers, expedition tents and food, and rental climbing gear (ice axe, crampons, harness, ropes, helmet, etc.).
A: Exclusions are: international flights, Nepal visa, personal travel insurance, personal expenses, tips for guides/porters, extra meals in Kathmandu, and personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, backpack, etc.).
A: While beginners can attempt Island Peak, we strongly recommend prior trekking experience and basic mountaineering skills. We provide training on glacier travel, rope techniques, and ice climbing during the expedition.
A: We recommend Global Rescue as they specialize in high-altitude rescues and have extensive experience with helicopter evacuations from Island Peak. Your policy must cover climbing up to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation.
A: The standard itinerary is 16-18 days from Kathmandu, including 12-14 days of trekking/climbing with proper acclimatization, plus buffer days for weather.
A: The prime seasons are April-May (spring) and October-November (autumn). These offer stable weather, good snow conditions, and clear views. Winter climbs are possible but extremely cold.
A: We provide: climbing boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, carabiners, ascender, descender, ropes, and expedition tents. You'll need personal gear like sleeping bag (-20°C), trekking poles, and clothing layers.
A: Summit day begins around 1-2 AM from High Camp. After 5-7 hours climbing through the glacier and headwall, you'll reach the summit by late morning, then descend to Chhukung the same day.
A: With proper acclimatization and good weather, our clients have an 80-90% success rate. The main challenges are altitude, weather conditions, and individual fitness levels.
A: Our itinerary includes strategic acclimatization days at Namche (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m). We monitor oxygen levels and symptoms daily, with contingency plans for anyone needing to descend.
A: During the trek, tea houses serve Nepali and Western meals. At higher camps, our cooks prepare high-energy meals. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
A: We maintain a 1:2 guide-to-client ratio for the climbing section, ensuring personalized attention and safety during technical sections.
A: Yes! Many clients opt for our 21-day EBC + Island Peak combo, which follows the classic EBC route before branching off to Island Peak.
A: You should be comfortable hiking 6-8 hours daily with a backpack, with prior high-altitude experience recommended. We suggest 3-6 months of cardio and strength training preparation.
A: At High Camp (5,600m), nighttime temperatures can drop to -15°C to -20°C. Proper cold-weather gear (down jacket, thermal layers, insulated gloves) is essential.
A: AMS is a real concern above 3,000m. Our guides are trained in recognition and treatment, and we carry emergency oxygen. The itinerary allows gradual ascent to minimize risk.
A: Each porter carries up to 20kg of client gear (shared between 2 clients). You'll carry a daypack with essentials (water, snacks, layers, camera).
A: We build buffer days into the itinerary. If flights are delayed, we may arrange helicopter transport (additional cost) or adjust the schedule accordingly.
A: You'll need: passport with 6+ months validity, Nepal visa (available on arrival), travel insurance documents, 4 passport photos, and signed liability forms.
