The beauty of Island peak is enchanting as it is surrounded by two notorious mountains Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Island peak climbing in Nepal commonly known as Imja Tse is located in the Khumbu glaciers of eastern Nepal. This peak was named by Sir Edmund Hilary, a famous mountain explorer because it resembled an island in an ice sea when viewed from Dingboche.
Climbing to Island Peak is a beautiful and adventurous experience for all. Taking you to an altitude of 6189 meters, the Peak is comparatively easier to climb than other peak climbing in the areas of Nepal.
So, if you are searching for a peak climbing adventure with beautiful views and great thrilling trails, this route is the one for you. With the 15 days itinerary, you get to explore the beautiful places of the Everest Region.
The Peak, Island was first summited in 1953 AD by the team of the British expedition. This climbing is a moderately difficult activity as the trip progresses and the Everest base camp trekking is included.
Peak climbers from all over the world have been drawn to the popular mountaineering sector known as Island peak in the Everest region as well as the trekkers to Everest Base Camp. It is located between the Himalayas of Everest.
This peak is climbed by most beginners as a training exercise with further hope of climbing mountains above 6000 meters. It requires technical skills like crossing crevasses with ladders and jumars attached to a fixed-line.
With constant support from guides with appropriate training and acclimatization, the Imja Tse climbing would not be harder than you might think. You just need to be strong both physically and mentally.
Although many trekking companies would prefer climbing the Island peak in a single itinerary, trekking to Everest base camp with island peak climbing would be a great activity for proper acclimatization. When you trek through EBC you would experience some enchanting views.
From the Green hills to the Himalayas you will witness the towering mountains which are of great natural beauty all over the world. You will also view the Sherpa villages and meet the people with utmost hospitality.
Your Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trekking begins with a short flight to the Himalayan airport at Lukla. Marching through the upper trail to the glacial River, the trek crosses Phakding and Monjo to ascend the Sherpa heartland of Namche Bazaar.
Similarly, exploring the traditional Sherpa cultural lifestyles and the Himalayan views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and others give positive energy and works as acclimatization.
In the same way, the Kalapatthar hiking adds further charm to this trekking trail. The Kalapatthar is also considered the viewpoint for looking at the surrounding Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest. Before climbing this peak, the Everest base camp trek makes the climbers physically fit and more acclimatized.
After descending from the Everest Base Camp, it is a continual trek to the Island peak base camp. From Lobuche, the trail takes U turns to Chhukung valley. You need cross the small bridge while going to Island Peak Base Camp. En route, you will see the trail to popular Amphu Lapcha trek. From the base camp of Island peak, you can see the views of Nubri, Chop Ulo, Peak 38, Ama Dablam, Kangre mo, and island peak lake. Then the trail goes continues to on-top of Island peak. It is moderately hard climbing trail. You climb to Islaland peak high camp at first and to Japanese high camp, Campoom ice, Fixed line. There is a rock part below Island peak summit. It is quiet hard to skip those falling rocks. Finally, you will summit it and reach on ridge.
Besides, the Island peak is normally covered by a heap of snow. From there, you will explore the magnificent views of Ama dablam, Mera peak, Makalu, Kanchenjungha, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, Lobuche, Cho Oyu, Taboche, Cholatse, Kongde, Nubur , Varutse, Thamserku, Pogaltse, Khangterka, Chop Ulo, Peak 38, Lhotse Saara, Amphu Lapcha, Numri, Island peak lake, Kali Himal Lake, Dingboche Valley, Chhukung Valley, and so on. Peak Climbers get climbing practices and training along the way by using mountaineering equipment. With a gentle climb to Island Peak, it descends to the base camp and continues the trek to Namche Bazaar and Lukla. Then finally you have a flight back to Kathmandu.
Apart from it, we have designed this Island Peak climbing itinerary a bit longer by combining the trek to the foothills of the Mt. Everest trail. If you wish to make it shorter, we can customize it according to your desires.
Rising Adventure Company manages all the required arrangements during this climbing. We are very conscious of the physical condition, altitude sickness, and any problems regarding the fitness of our clients. Hygenic foods and hot drinks are supplied to the climbers.
We can also optimize this climbing package separately without adding the EBC trek package to a shorter itinerary.
In the early morning, you will have an almost 35 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which lies at about 2800 m in the Khumbu region of the Eastern part of Nepal. While on the Aeroplane you can have great views of the mountains and river valleys. After the arrival at Lukla, our guide will introduce the porter if you want to have it or if your package includes it. Then, your trek embarks on to Phakding at almost 2652 m.
On this day, you will continue your trek for almost 7 hours until you won’t reach the Namche bazaar which is taken as the Gateway to Everest. While trekking, you will go on through breathtaking views such as blue pine forests, firs, junipers, and other beautiful sceneries.
You will spend a day here in order to have a rest as well as acclimatize. You can pass your day by exploring the local culture of Namche. You can also visit the museum which describes the traditional customs of the Sherpa and you have an opportunity to visit the highest hotel in the world, named Everest View Hotel.
Your trek will go ahead from Namche to Tengboche along with the magnificent views of the variety of mountains. After reaching Tengboche, you can observe the lifestyle of the local Sherpas as well as their monasteries.
Today your trail will take you to Pheriche after walking for almost 5 hours. At first, you will descend as well as ascend and reach the beautiful village located on the riverbank, known as Pangboche. Then the continuation of your trail will take you to Pheriche.
You will trek for almost 6 hours in order to reach Lobuche, where only a few huts are at the foot of the Himalayan giants. On the way, you will go up to the Khumbu Glacier and pass the row of stone monuments that were built in memory of six Sherpas who died in an avalanche at Lobuche.
This is the most difficult and the most memorable day of this trek. You will walk along the Khumbu Glacier and up to Everest Base Camp at 5340 meters without using mountaineering equipment. From the Base Camp, you can have spectacular scenic views of the Khumbu Icefall. After then you will descend to Gorak Shep for the night.
Your journey will begin early in the morning going on to hike to Kalapathar. So, you will ascend steeply to Kalapathar. After reaching there you will enjoy the incredible views of the towering Himalayas such as Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and so on. You will descend to Gorak Shep following the same route. After having breakfast there, you will return to Lobuche again.
Today is the tougher day of your trekking because you are going to pass the Kongma La Pass. So, you will go through the Khumbu Glacier and reach Kongma La Base Camp. From there, you will go up to Kongma La Pass following the prayer flags, which mark the path. After descending, you will reach Chhukung and meet the climbing guide. En route, you will walk through the Imja Valley as well.
Today your trail will go up steeply. So, you will ascend to the south at first and turn towards the main valley in the east. Then the trail will go ahead along the stream and make your trek glacial through the Imja and Lhotse glaciers. Eventually, you will reach the valley, which offers gorgeous views of the southwestern side of Island Peak. In the valley, you will set up your camp.
Today you are going to meet your final destination. So, you will have to climb very early in the morning. You will ascend beyond the High Camp. Then you will climb on the rocky steps, crevasses, glaciers as well as icy slopes. Finally, you will be succeeded to summit Island Peak, which offers the exotic sceneries of Lhotse, Lhotse Middle Peak, Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, Makalu, Amadablam, and so on. After spending some time on top of the Island Peak, you will descend to Chhukung retracing the route.
Your trail will descend to Dingboche. After almost one and a half an hour of walking from there, you will reach Pangboche amongst the thousands of mani stones.
Today you will walk for about 5 to 6 hours. First of all, you will reach Tengboche following the previous route through the Imja River. Then you will continue your trek through the forests of rhododendron as well as juniper. En route, you will have an opportunity to see the grazing mountain goats, colorful Pheasants, and other wild animals. Finally, you will reach Namche Bazaar passing through Chhorten monastery.
You will go to Lukla retracing the route.
You will have a flight early in the morning to Kathmandu following the previous airways. After your arrival in Kathmandu, you will transfer to the hotel.
This is the combination of two trekking destinations in the Everest region. They are Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing. As a result, the Island Peak Climbing Itinerary becomes longer. The views of Mt. Everest from Kalapatthar are astonishing.
For more information, you can go through our Island Peak Climbing detail itinerary.
This is an optional add-on to upgrade your peak climbing and is also helpful for time-limited climbers.
Hiring either a private or a shared Helicopter helps you to get rid of the airport congestion and flight delays. It adds luxury to your journey.
This option is best for flight cancellation due to weather conditions.
Below are the tentative lists of Island Peak Climbing with EBC trek equipment.
The Island Peak Climbing Permit can be taken from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). NMA has designed mountaineering permit costs based on the season.
| Season | Cost ($) |
| Spring | 250 |
| Autumn | 125 |
| Summer (Monsoon) | 70 |
| Winter | 70 |
As shown above, the Island peak climbing permit cost is relatively higher in the spring season as compared to other seasons. The spring is the peak season for summiting Imja Tse so, you can expect a lot of mountaineers during this period.
Likewise, autumn is another favorable season for mountaineering. Temperature and weather condition is favorable in this season as well. But, climbers seem fewer compared to the spring season.
Winter and Monsoon seasons are listed under the off-season category for peak climbing in Nepal. So, fewer climbers can be expected in these seasons.
Now, it is clear why NMA is charging the variant permit cost.
You might be wondering if paying only the NMA cost is enough but you will also have to pay the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. Permit fee differs for SAARC nationals from other foreign nationals.
The permit fee for SAARC nations is 1500 Nepalese rupees while for foreign nations, it is 3000 Nepalese rupees.
Along with the Island peak climbing permit cost, you need to deposit USD 500 as a garbage deposit. But it is refundable money. You can get back this cash after returning from the peak summit.
In order to climb the Island peak, a local permit is also required as you are going through various local municipalities. If you travel with us, we make the permit ready before your journey commences. You can also get this local area permit in Lukla. The cost to pass around the municipality is around USD 20.
Travel Insurance is mandatory and of utmost necessity. If you want to climb Imja Tse with us you should definitely have one. The insurance should cover accidents, ambulance, and rescue with a helicopter if required.
To make you clear, Rising Adventure does not sell any travel insurance policy. Please, buy your travel insurance with one of the best and most reliable companies.
We provide two-night hotels in Kathmandu. One day is for your arrival and the next one is before your departure after coming back from trekking.
While talking about Island peak climbing with Everest base camp trek accommodation, the tea houses are used for getting rest and for acclimatization. It is a normal hotel in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
You can get everything in these teahouses from private bedrooms, attached bathrooms, Wifi, charging as well as hot water and a shower. You can also find verities of food and local cuisines in the teahouses at lower altitudes.
On the other hand, you can expect a teahouse with basic facilities at a higher elevation. Everest base camp trek teahouse provides a shared room with a shared traditional toilet in high-altitude places. You may get limited seasonal foods only. And the most important thing is you need to pay a little amount for Wi-Fi and mobile charging. For showering with hot water, you will be charged.
For three days of camping, we also provide three times meals, a sleeping tent, a dining tent, and a toilet tent. All of them are included in our package. We also provide you with a sleeping bag and a down jacket if necessary.
The best time to summit Island would be in the spring season of March April and May. The Spring season is the clearer season. The temperature is also favorable with an average ranging from 20-25 degrees below 3500 meters. Above 3500 meters you can expect temperatures to drop below -15 degrees Celsius.
Though it is rainfall in this season, it is not wet as in the rainy season.
Another best season can be in autumn which is also a peak time to climb Imja Tse. The average temperature of elevation over 4000m is 15 degrees Celsius and could be high up to 20 degrees Celsius.
At night time, it can go a minimum of 0 -10 degrees Celsius. In September, you can expect some rainfall as it is the first month after the rainy season but it is not that severe.
Winter and monsoon seasons are off-season. In the winter season climbing is difficult because of the continuous heavy snowfall. The temperatures are freezing. The Summit of Island Peak can be windy which may create a very hard situation for the expedition. That’s why it is advised to not summit in winter.
Monsoon is the rainy season. The continuous rain converts the trails into slippery and muddy. The weather seems unclear. As a result, mountains look foggy and do not see very clearly.
But, it doesn’t rain continuously in the lower region. However, people still avoid trekking around this time because they cannot enjoy their trips as much as in another seasonal period.
Every guide and other support members of Rising Adventure are certified license holders by the Nepal government. All of them are trained and have experience of over ten years.
We have trained guides with over 10 years of experience. They have been with us for a long time and so far we have only got good reviews about them. They will help you in navigating and guiding you throughout the journey and help you if you have any difficulties like altitude sickness or breathing.
However, we are in contact with you 24/7. Our team supports you at every step. So, please do not be worried about any difficulties.
The entire trek was incredible and not forgettable . i dont know how i describe the beauty i saw. We lucked out with perfect weather – blue skies and great visibility almost the entire way....
I had an excellent time with them on the helicopter trip to the everest. Prompt replies, and handling of the tour. We were all impressed.
