FAST ISLAND PEAK
Island peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a prominent peak in the Khumbu region of Nepal’s Himalayas, renowned for its accessibility to climbers with intermediate experience. Island peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal!
Island peak summit climb, lesser known as the Imja Tse climb with Everest base camp trek is a fantastic experience in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is designed for energetic and physically fit trekkers with little or no experience in mountain expeditions. Island peak (6,189m/20,305ft) is one of the main climbing peaks in the Everest region with an impressive and highly glaciated west face that rises from the Lhotse glacier. Being one of the ‘trekking peaks’ with very little technical aspects, Island peak climb’s difficulty level is mediocre for a beginner climber wishing to enter the incredible world of mountain climbing. Our adventure journey takes us into the heartland of the Khumbu valley and Sherpa culture. Before scaling the peak, we also visit, possibly the most popular trekking destination in the world – Everest base camp and Kala Pathar – for the up-close views of Mt. Everest and other high mountains.
BESTS
- Providing a unique and challenging experience compared to other Everest routes
- The trek offers spectacular panoramic views of mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many other towering peaks, showcasing the grandeur of the Himalayas
- Trekkers experience the rich Sherpa culture, passing through vibrant villages like Namche Bazaar
- Tengboche and Gokyo, with opportunities to visit monasteries and interact with locals
- A helicopter returns from Island peak base camp or Chhukung significantly reduces descent time, making this ideal for those with limited days
- This option is designed for experienced trekkers and climbers looking to summit Island peak quickly
- Possibility of custom modification of the trip program with other activities or visits as well
COST
2,800 USD per person with 3 participants with local guide
Private trip possible every day. Contact us to receive a customized quote for 1 or 2 people. Contact us to receive a customized quote with european guide speaking english, french, italian.
Outline Itinerary:
- Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02. Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850m/9,350ft) by plane and trek to Phakding (2,800m/9,187ft), 3-4 hours
- Day 03. Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280ft), 5-6 hours
- Day 04. Namche Bazaar: acclimatization day
- Day 05. Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,697ft), 5-6 hours
- Day 06. Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m/14,305ft), 5-6 hours
- Day 07. Dingboche: acclimatization day
- Day 08. Dingboche Trek to Chhukhung (4,730m/15,519ft), 3-4 hours
- Day 09. Chhukung to Island peak base camp (5200m/17,519ft), and pre-climb training, 3-4 hours
- Day 10. Island peak base camp to Island peak summit (6,189m/20,306ft), and back to base camp, 10-12 hours
- Day 11. Island peak base camp to Lukla by helicopter and to Kathmandu by plane
- Day 12. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping
- Day 13. Final departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu you will be picked up from airport representative and transfer to hotel. Presentation of the staff, briefing with the guides and verification of the equipment. We will serve authentic nepalese cuisine with cultural show in the evening.
Meals included: dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 02. Kathmandu to Lukla (2,850m/9,350ft) by plane and trek to Phakding (2,800m/9,187ft), 3-4 hours
It takes 30 minutes of pleasant flight through the mountains to make it to Tenzing-Hilary airport at Lukla. Once we land at the airport, we will get engaged in the thrilling trek whereby we will take walk to arrive at Phakding village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 03. Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,438m/11,280ft), 5-6 hours
We will walk along the Dudh Kosi river and pass-through Himalayan pine and deodar cedar forests to make it to Namche Bazaar which is the hub of Everest region. Namche Bazaar is the trading post in between Tibet and Nepal where salt, dried meat and other consumable and textile items are bartered.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 04. Namche Bazaar: acclimatization day
Acclimatizing is a necessary step that helps in synchronizing your body movements with the high altitude of Namche. Experts recommend a gentle walk for proper acclimatization. So we will walk freely through the busy market area of Namche. If you feel like exploring more, we can arrange a brief visit to local village around Namche that offers views of Everest and Lhotse among many other mountains.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 05. Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,697ft), 5-6 hours
Our walk begins with the path that overlooks mountains and wildlife views. We will descend to Kayangjuma and move through Sansa to cross the bridge at Dudhkoshi river which will take us to Phuki Thena. Bit further from Phukui Thena is located Tengboche which holds the largest monastery in entire Khumbu region.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 06. Tengboche to Dingboche (4,360m/14,305ft), 5-6 hours
The Himalayas as its backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche is in a perfect location to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan landscape. We visit the monastery in the morning and take pictures of the amazing landscape. Then we begin our trek by walking through lush forests of birch, conifers and rhododendrons on an easy path. This picturesque trail then dips down to Debuche, crossing the Imja river before climbing up to Pangboche. We are most likely to choose the upper Pangboche trails as it provides more pristine view of the Himalayas. We also visit the Pangboche monastery. From here onwards, the walk is fairly moderate as we enter the Imja valley. The valley gradually unfolds as we approach the confluence of the Lobuche river. We descend into the river and begin the climb up to Dingboche. On arrival at Dingboche, we are greeted by a beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold wind and grazing animals.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 07. Dingboche: acclimatization day
On the Dingboche acclimatization day, the trek to Nangkatshang peak offers a rewarding challenge and spectacular views. Starting from Dingboche, hikers ascend to the Nangkatshang viewpoint at about 5,083 meters. The hike provides an excellent opportunity to acclimate to higher altitudes while enjoying panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail is steep but manageable, allowing for frequent rest breaks to adjust to the thinning air. After reaching the viewpoint, trekkers return to Dingboche, their bodies better adapted to the elevation. This day is crucial for preparing for the upcoming, more demanding sections of the trek.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 08. Dingboche Trek to Chhukhung (4,730m/15,519ft), 3-4 hours
Dingboche is a summer settlement and here the great peaks of Ama Dablam, the ridge of Nuptse-Lhotse, Tawache and Chalotse surround us. We begin today’s trek to Chhukung by walking through stone-walled fields, Imja Khola valley before walking in glacier moraines. On our walk, we will be surrounded by Lhotse and Ama Dablam mountains. Later, beyond Bibre village we see Island peak soaring above us. The trail ahead is intersected by icy streams. We reach Chhukung, a small settlement in about half an hour from Bibre mountains.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.
Day 09. Chhukung to Island peak base camp (5200m/17,519ft), and pre-climb training, 3-4 hours
After having breakfast, we will climb from the southern edge of the valley and head east. We will follow the rocky terrain and arrive to the cross route through Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines. The trail will take us to Island Peak Base Camp We will hike further up to High Camp from the Island Peak Base Camp. It takes about 4hours of perilous ascent to take us to High camp of Island Peak. Once we reach the high camp, we will begin the preparation for the next day to reach the summit. We will stay overnight at the tented camp.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: try.
Day 10. Island peak base camp to Island peak summit (6,189m/20,306ft) and back to base camp, 10-12 hours
It is the day that we finally arrive at our ultimate destination. Once we conquer the summit, we will enjoy the gratifying views of Pumori (7,161m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Lobuche (6,145m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) and then lower down to the Island peak base camp where we will celebrate our victory and stay overnight in a camp.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: try.
Day 11. Island peak base camp to Lukla by helicopter and to Kathmandu by plane
Today we fly from island Peak base camp to Lukla by helicopter is a quick and scenic option, an idea for us to save time and energy after a challenging climb. The flight offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, a long trek back while still enjoying stunning landscapes.
Meals included: dinner. Overnight: hotel.
Day 12. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping
After breakfast take an excursion visit. Today we will go for sightseeing Swyambhunath, Pasupatinath temple, Bouddhanath and Patan. world heritage site and freely shopping day. evening there will be a typical nepali dinner organized for you in the typical nepali restaurant with cultural program.
Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.
Day 13. Final departure
You will have breakfast and you will be free until your departure. A representative will take you airport for your final departure.
Meals included: breakfast.
INCLUDED
- Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
- Overnight stays in common lodges during the trek, double room accommodation
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu
- Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period in the lodges/restaurants
- Surface transport to and from Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Twin sharing accommodation at the tea house lodges
- An experienced certified guide and one trekking helper between 2 persons
- Personal luggage transport during the trek with porters/yaks/ponies up to 12 kg
- Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu/Ramechhap and Lukla
- Helicopter charge Island peak base camp to lukla
- Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)
- Trekking permits
- All government taxes and our service charges
- An English speaking experienced trekking guide recognized by Government of Nepal
- Highly experienced trekking porters to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Assistance during the trek by qualified staff and 24 hr. telephone with our office staff
- Food, transfers, insurance and equipment for accompanying staff
NOT INCLUDED
- Visa fee for Nepal
- International flight to and from Nepal
- Personal trekking equipment
- Travel and medical insurance (if any rescue and evacuation needed)
- Meals and extra night (more nights than stated in itinerary) accommodation in Kathmandu
- Soft and hard drinks
- Personal insurance and other personal expenses
- Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected)
- Anything not specified under “INCLUDED”
ON REQUEST
- Single room
- Sleeping bag rental on site
- Guide with knowledge of Italian or French
- Travel insurance
- Superior hotel accommodations in town
- Tour extensions