Island Peak Climbing

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Hotel in Kathmandu, Tea Houses During Trek & Camping at Basecamp
Grade:	Moderate Trekking and Non-Technical Climbing
Max Altitude:	6,189 m/20,305 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Duration :	17 Nights/18 Days
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size:	1 to 15 People

Highlights of The Trip

Climb Island Peak (6,189 m) and admire the views of Mt. Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Mt. Amadablam and Mt. Makalu
Trek to the World's Inspirational Khumbu, Everest Region and enjoy Sherpa Culture
Witness World's tallest Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and neighbors
Visit Sacred Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung Monastery and Pengboche Monastery
Witness Purported Yeti Scalp in Khumjung Monastery
Visit Khumjung School and Hospital made by Sir Edmund Hillary
Enjoy being in the busting and old salt trade route, Namche Bazaar

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu City Sightseeing

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,880m/9,450 ft)-35 minutes and trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,695 ft)-4 hours

Day 04: Trek to Namche (3,450m/11,320 ft)-6 hours

Day 05: Day at Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization

Day 06: Trek to Debuche via Tengboche Monastery (3,860m/12,665 ft)-6 hours

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft)-5 hours

Day 08: Trek to Chukang (4,730m/15,518ft): 3-4 hours

Day 09: Acclimatization Day and Climb Chukung Ri(5,545 m/18,190 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 10: Trek Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft)-4 hours

Day 11: Pre Climbing Training at Base Camp

Day 12: Island Peak Summit (6,189 m/20,305 ft) & back to Base Camp-11/12 Hours

Day 13: Trek back to Tengboche-6 Hours

Day 14: Trek back to Namche- 5 Hours

Day 15: Trek back to Lukla (7 hours)

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 17: Reserve Day in Kathmandu

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Island Peak which used to be known by Nepali name ‘Imja Tse’ is located in Khumbu (Everest) Region in Eastern Nepal. It is situated on the top of Chukung Glacier which lies between Lhotse and Amadablam Peaks. Imja Tse got its English name, Island Peak in 1952 AD by climbing team of Eric Shipton because of its striking location in the middle of Chukung Valley like an island in a sea of ice. This peak was first climbed by Swiss team in 1956 as the preparation for climbing Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. The height of Imja Tse is 6,189 m/20,305 ft from the sea level. This peak is an extension of the ridge coming down of the south end of Lhotse Shar (Subsidiary mountain of Lhotse) and separated by a tiny col.

This peak is the best option for beginner climbers who want to pursue their mountaineering journey to other peaks. This Trekking Peak is also famous among Nepalese beginner climbers who want to make a career in Mountaineering as it is the easiest peak to climb comparing to other peaks in Nepal. The summit of the peak has thrilling views of the mountain giants with glaciated west face rising from Lhotse Glacier.

Island Peak Climbing starts from Kathmandu sightseeing, flying to Lukla and we follow the same route of Everest Base Camp Trek up to Dingboche which lies in other side of Pheriche. Before pushing ourselves to the summit, we take acclimatization day in Chukung; summit Chukhang Ri at 5,546 m and stay overnight at Chukung. Next day we trek up to Island Peak Base camp which is around 3/4 hours walk. We stay 2 nights in Base camp as we do preparation and training before attempting the final summit. We start very early in the morning. There is about 150/160 meters steep ascend just before the summit ridge which is the most technical part of the climbing but the views of Mt. Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Mt. Amadablam and Mt. Makalu reward the climbers. On our way back from the summit, we rest a while at Island Peak High Camp at 5,800 m before returning to Base Camp.

We, Alpine Holidays make sure the best of the arrangements for your climb to one of the beautiful peaks in Everest region. Our highly Experienced Climbing guides fix ropes, Ascender (Jumar), harness, ladder to ensure the safety and to make sure you summit the peak.

NOTE ON LUKLA FLIGHT:
Due to the congestion in Kathmandu International Airport, Nepal Government has issued notice of flight operation to Lukla Airport from Ramechhap Manthali Airport until further notice to avoid Airport Traffic in Kathmandu. Lukla Flights from Ramechhap (Both ways) will operate from March to May and September to November every year. In other months, Lukla flights will operate from Kathmandu Airport itself. Please write us for the latest updates. Ramechhap Manthali Airport is 136 kms from Kathmandu and can be reached in around 4 hours. Alternatively, we can arrange Helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla if you do not want to drive.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350m/4,430 ft)

Once you land at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative from Alpine Holidays will receive you after you collect your baggage and exit the main terminal building. After you get to hotel, check-in and rest. In the evening, our trek manager along with guides will brief you about the trek and check your equipment. Later on, we will take you to the Nepalese Restaurant to introduce you with Nepalese food habits and culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Kathmandu City Sightseeing

This day, you will be doing guided city tour to few monuments in Kathmandu. Your guide will take you to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swyombhunath Stupa. In the evening, you can buy additional equipments in Thamel if you need.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,880m/9,450 ft)-35 minutes and trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,695 ft)-4 hours

After early breakfast, drive to the domestic terminal to take a 35 minutes flight to Lukla. Lukla is a gateway to Everest Region. After landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport, we will manage our loads among the porters and start our trek to Phakding. This is the first day of our trek which is the easiest flat trail takes you to the beautiful village of Phakding.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Phakding.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Namche (3,450m/11,320 ft)-6 hours

We follow the level path along the bank of river and climb towards the Dudh Koshi valley. We will pass villages of Benkar, Monjo and Jorsele. There is a beautiful waterfall at Benkar. We trek though so many ups and downs, forests and passing by the view of Mt. Thamserku. After a short climb we will have lunch at Jorsele. Soon, we will be at V shaped valley where Dudh Koshi(On left) and Bhote Koshi(On right) meet. After crossing the high suspension bridge over Bhote Koshi, we make a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. This is the biggest town in this area. You can walk around to the town.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Namche

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Day at Namche Bazaar for Acclimatization

This day, you will be staying at Namche Bazaar to get acclimatize and have an excursion to Everest View Lodge (3,800m) at Syangboche. If possible, visit Khumjung Village (3,790m) to see Khumjung School and hospital founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. Evening, you can walk around to the Namche Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Namche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Debuche via Tengboche Monastery (3,860m/12,665 ft)-6 hours

After we leave Namche and climb to the top of the ridge, we get to a level mountain path which offers an excellent view of Thamserku, Kangtega and Kusum Kang. We continue our trail via Thasingo to Phunki Tenga. Enroute, we see the magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Amadablam, Lotse, Nuptse and Tawetse. We descent to the river bank at Phunki for lunch. After rest, we continue steep ascent until the half way and gradually ascent until the stone gate appears build by the Lamas. We are here at Tengboche where a famous Tengboche Monastery is. The view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Amadablam during the sunset time is magnificent. From Tengboche, Debuche is 30 minutes descend through rhododendron forest and long Mani wall.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Debuche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft)-5 hours

After breakfast at Debuche, we cross Imja River before ascending to Pangboche. We spend some time visiting Pangboche Monastery and village. Then we make our moderate way to enter Imja valley. We continue until we reach to the confluence of Lobuche River and the trail goes uphill from the river to Dingboche. As soon as we enter Dingboche, we get to see beautiful fields guarded by stone walls to protect crops like barley, potatoes and buckwheat from cold and animals.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Dingboche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Chukang (4,730m/15,518ft): 3-4 hours

Today is the short day of our trek. We leave Dingboche which is surrounded by Mt. Amadablam, Nuptse-Lhotse Ridge, Cholatse, Tawatche and other peaks. Our trail leads us on a barren wide valley. Before walking on Glacier moraines, we will have surrounded views of Amadablam and Lhotse. After crossing Bibre village, we see Island peak just above us. After a while of walking, we arrive at Chukang which is a small settlement and from here, we see magnificent view of Amadablam and Amphu Lapcha. In Chukang, we meet our climbing members.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Chukang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Acclimatization Day and Climb Chukung Ri(5,545 m/18,190 ft)- 4 Hours

We spend an extra night here for proper acclimatization. After breakfast, we climb to Chukung peak which takes around 4 hours to go and back to Chukung. After lunch we spend time with climbing crew and rest. From the top of the Chukung Ri, we see the jaw dropping views of Amadablam and Amphu Lapcha.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Chukang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft)-4 hours

This day, we trek to Island Peak Base Camp. Our trail goes through steep trail to south and then to east to the main line of the valley. From the moraine of the Lhotse Glacier, we walk to the underneath the south side of the valley. We walk on the easy trail along the stream-side. Southeast trail heads to the Amphu Lapcha. We get to the base camp of Island peak after following zigzag trail through Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp at Island Peak Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Pre Climbing Training at Base Camp

After breakfast, our climbing crews give you the technical knowledge, train you on climbing and demonstrate on using of climbing equipment. As being the easiest peak to climb, generally it doesn’t need pre climbing training but we strongly suggest for extra day in BC if you are new to the climbing activities. It makes sure you summit the peak of your first time climb. We spend the rest of the day walking around and climb up to the high camp and back to Base camp for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp at Island Peak Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Island Peak Summit (6,189 m/20,305 ft) & back to Base Camp-11/12 Hours

This day is the most important day as we are going to make a history of climbing Island Peak. We begin our journey to peak at around 2 am in the morning after having breakfast. It is better to summit the peak as early as we can. After noontime, our summit can be disturbed by the wind. Our climb enters a steeply rock channel as we climb up. After a while, our summit route follows a ridge line which leads onto the snout of the summit glacier. There is about 150/160 meters steep ascend just before the summit ridge which is the most technical part of the climbing but the views of Mt. Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Mt. Amadablam and Mt. Makalu reward the climbers. Our climbing crew will fix ropes, harness, and ascenders and use ladders to cross few crevasses. In a meanwhile, we will be in the summit. From the summit, we get the amazing views of Lhotse on north, Amphu Lapcha and Mera Peak on the south and Amadablam, the most beautiful peak on the west. We spend few times at the summit for photos and admire the beauty of the Himalayan massif. Later on, we get down to the Base camp for our summit where we celebrate to mark the success and victory of our Imja Tse Summit.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp at Island Peak Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek back to Tengboche-6 Hours

From Island Peak Base camp, we walk downhill to the Chukang village and continue to Pangboche. After crossing Imja Khola, we get to Debuche. From Debuche, we ascend for around 45 minutes crossing long Mani wall and through rhododendron forest. Finally we get to the Tengboche. We spend our evening time visiting again Monastery and enjoy the sunset over Mt. Everest and Mt. Amadablam.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Tengboche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Trek back to Namche- 5 Hours

After breakfast, we descent down to the river at Phunki for lunch. After lunch and rest, we ascent up for around 2 and half hours passing by small villages to another side of the valley. We continue along the side of mountain to get to the Namche Bazaar. This is the day we get the last view of Everest, Lhotse and Tengboche before we descend down from Army camp at hill near Namche.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Namche.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Trek back to Lukla (7 hours)

After we leave Namche Bazaar, we steeply descent until the bridge and cross Bhote Koshi River. Our way follows ups and downs, forest and rocky trails. We will have our lunch at Benkar or Phakding. After lunch, we continue gradual trail to Lukla. This is the final/last day of our trek. Farewell and thanks to the crew member in the evening.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lukla.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu

Early breakfast and fly back to Kathmandu. Whole day is free on your own or rest. In the evening, we will host dinner to mark your success of the trek with trek crew.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Reserve Day in Kathmandu

Lukla flight highly depends on weather. So, we keep one day extra if in case flight to/from Lukla get cancelled because of weather. Also we keep this day extra if the weather gets worst before we climb to the island Peak Summit. If the summit and flight happens as planned, we may do some extra sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, our representative from Alpine Holidays will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Program Includes:

Garland welcome arrival and departure transfers with office representative.
4 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
13 Days Trekking in Everest Region with all meals ie, breakfast, lunch dinner and tea/coffee each time at during the meal(Including 3 Nights at Base Camp).
Camping at Base Camp with kitchen staffs, all meals, utensils during the climb for 3 nights.
Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu Airfare with all transfers.
Kathmandu sightseeing as per the program with English Speaking Guide and entrance fees.
Garbage Deposit and 1 Oxygen Cylinder for emergency.
High Experienced Guide for Trekking and Climbing Guide with accommodation, daily allowances and meals.
Insurance for the Trekking and Climbing Crew.
Porters in 2:1 Ratio.
Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
All necessary transfers and sightseeing as per the group size in deluxe vehicle.
All necessary trekking permits like Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS), Everest National Park Permits, Local Village Development permits.
All necessary permits for Mere Peak Climbing.
Duffel Bag and First Aid Kit.
Group Equipment for Climbing.
24/7 Assistance from Kathmandu office.

Program Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal visa fees, USD 40/- for 30 Days.
Meals other than mentioned in the program.
Personal Equipment and Satellite Phone.
Personal expenses like phone call, internet, Wi-Fi, hot shower, phone/camera charge, extra porter, insurance, laundry etc.
Charges for Extra Luggage for Lukla flight more than 15 kgs (10 kgs+5 kgs per person)
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation and Medical Expenses.
Tips for Guide, Sherpa and crew members.
Extra nights during treks or in Kathmandu because of flight cancellation/delay and other unfavorable condition.
Extra services other than mentioned in the include section.
Other than in our include section.