Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak â Conquer New Heights, Live Your Himalayan Dream

Trip Overview:
Location
Nepal
Region
Everest
Max-Elevation
6,183 m
Duration
19 days
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge/Camp
Best Seasons
Spring and Autumn
Group
Min. 1 Pax
Difficulty
Challenging
Start Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Permit
Required
Food
Three Meals/Day
Introduction Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak Climbing, also known as Imja Tse, is one of the most popular and rewarding peak climbing adventures in Nepal. Standing proudly at 6,183 meters (20,285 feet), Island Peak is situated in the heart of the Khumbu (Everest) region, surrounded by a spectacular amphitheater of glaciated peaks, including Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam. The peak was first named "Island Peak" by explorer Eric Shipton in 1952, as it appeared like an island rising from a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche.
Officially classified as a moderate trekking peak, Island Peak is the ideal choice for those seeking to combine a challenging yet achievable alpine ascent with the rich cultural and natural beauty of the Everest region. Its accessible height, well-defined route, and support from experienced guides make it suitable for fit trekkers and beginner climbers aiming to gain experience at altitude.
The climb involves glacier travel, a steep snow headwall, and a final push using fixed ropes to reach the summit ridge â all of which provide a real taste of Himalayan climbing without requiring extensive mountaineering experience. Because of its technical sections and impressive setting, Island Peak is often used as a training peak for future 7,000 or 8,000-meter expeditions, or as a standalone adventure for those seeking a serious challenge within a compact itinerary.
Whether combined with the Everest Base Camp trek, the Three Passes route, or approached directly, Island Peak offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience with panoramic summit views that are among the finest in Nepal.
Highlights of the Island Peak Climbing
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Transfer to your hotel and a short travel briefing will be given at the hotel/office, and you will be requested to pay the travel dues. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, enjoy a cultural tour of Kathmanduâs most iconic landmarks: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. These sites offer a glimpse into Nepalâs religious and architectural heritage. You may also use this day for gear shopping and final preparations. Overnight at hotel.
Early in the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Kathmandu airport for your flight to Lukla (30-35 minutes). Upon arrival at the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport, youâll meet your porter staff and begin the trek to Phakding. The trail is mostly downhill, passing through small villages like Chheplung and Ghat, with views of prayer flags, mani stones, and the Dudh Koshi River. The trek takes around 3â4 hours to reach Phakding, where youâll rest for the night. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Phakding, trek towards Namche Bazaar. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several suspension bridges, including the one at Jorsale. The ascent becomes steeper as you pass through forests and villages, with stunning views of peaks like Thamserku and Kantega. As you approach Namche Bazaar (3,440m), youâll be rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. Namche Bazaar is a bustling Sherpa town with shops, cafes, and markets, where you'll rest for the night and have time to explore. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
Today is a rest day in Namche Bazaar to help with acclimatization. You can take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for amazing views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam or visit the Sherpa Culture Museum. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or relaxing. Staying active with light walks will help your body adjust to the altitude. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, begin your trek to Tengboche. The trail gradually ascends through pine forests, offering stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse. After crossing the Dudh Koshi River, youâll continue to climb to Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Tengboche, begin your trek to Dingboche. The trail descends through forests and crosses the Dudh Koshi River before gradually ascending towards Pangboche. From there, the path continues to Dingboche, with stunning views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse along the way. Dingboche is a small village at a higher altitude, offering a peaceful environment and breathtaking mountain views. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Dingboche, start your trek to Lobuche. The trail gradually ascends, passing through the villages of Dughla and Thukla, where youâll have views of Cholatse and Tawoche. From Dughla, youâll face a steady climb to the memorials of climbers who have passed away in the region, providing a moment for reflection. Continuing on, youâll arrive at Lobuche, a small village with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Pumori and Nuptse. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Lobuche, begin your trek to Gorak Shep. The trail ascends through rocky terrain, passing Lobuche Glacier and offering stunning views of Pumori and other peaks. Once you reach Gorak Shep (5,140m), youâll drop off your main gear before continuing on to Everest Base Camp. From Gorak Shep, itâs a 3-4 hour round trip to Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Upon reaching the base camp, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. After spending some time at the base camp, return to Gorak Shep for the night. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
Early in the morning, hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), the best viewpoint for a close-up of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and the surrounding peaks. The climb is steep but rewarding, especially at sunrise when the mountains glow in golden light. After enjoying the views and taking photos, descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast. Afterward, begin your trek back down to Dingboche. The trail retraces your steps past Lobuche and Thukla, eventually leading to the peaceful village of Dingboche. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Dingboche, begin a short and gradual ascent to Chhukung, a small village nestled in the upper Imja Valley. The trail is relatively easy and offers stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Island Peak. As you move deeper into the valley, you'll notice the landscape becoming more rugged and glacial. Chhukung is often used as an acclimatization stop for those attempting Island Peak. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or taking a short acclimatization hike around the area. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Chhukung, begin your trek to Island Peak Base Camp. The trail climbs steadily through the Imja Valley, crossing glacial moraines and rocky terrain. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with towering peaks like Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse surrounding the trail. As you approach base camp, the altitude becomes more noticeable, so itâs important to move slowly and stay hydrated. Once at Island Peak Base Camp (5,150m), you'll rest, have a briefing, and prepare gear for the summit attempt. Overnight at Tent Camp.
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek â summit day. Starting around 1:00â2:00 AM, youâll begin the climb with headlamps, ascending rocky terrain and icy slopes. The route includes glacier travel, fixed ropes, and a steep headwall near the summit. Using crampons, harness, and ice axe, youâll make the final push to reach the summit of Island Peak (6,187m), where you're rewarded with breathtaking views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and more. After a short time at the summit, descend carefully back to Base Camp, where youâll rest and celebrate your achievement. Overnight at Tent Camp.
After a well-deserved rest, begin your descent from Island Peak Base Camp back to Tengboche. The trail retraces your steps through Chhukung and Dingboche, offering final views of the high peaks before you descend into greener terrain. The walk is long but mostly downhill, passing through familiar villages and landscapes. Once in Tengboche, you can relax and revisit the beautiful Tengboche Monastery, surrounded by views of Ama Dablam and Everest. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After breakfast in Tengboche, begin your descent to Namche Bazaar. The trail drops through rhododendron and pine forests, crosses the Dudh Koshi River, and then ascends gradually before reaching Namche. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and surrounding peaks. Arrive in Namche Bazaar by afternoon and enjoy some rest, coffee shops, or last-minute shopping in the lively town. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
Today is your final day of trekking. After breakfast in Namche Bazaar, begin the long descent back to Lukla. The trail passes through Monjo, Phakding, and other small villages, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Although mostly downhill, there are some short uphill sections toward the end. Arrive in Lukla by late afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy your last night in the mountains, and celebrate the completion of your journey.
After an early morning breakfast, youâll head to Lukla Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The scenic flight takes about 30â35 minutes, offering one last aerial view of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport, youâll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, shopping, or exploring the city at your own pace. Overnight at Hotel
Today, you have leisure day for relax or shopping in Kathmandu, so you can do your own activities by yourself or consult with company to arrange extra activities. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy your last morning in Kathmandu before transferring to Tribhuwan International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable adventure journey in Nepal.
Not Satisfied with the above itinerary? We also offer flexible, tailor-made trips according to your preferences and specification.
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Customer Reviews:

Thad Ball and Timothy Litzenburg
A Memorable 5 day Trek with Alpine Adventure
My friend and I booked a 5-day trek in the Annapurna region and had a fantastic time. Binod of Alpine Adventure Club is very professional and guided us through all the requirements of trekking in Nepal. He created an itinerary based on our interests and we could not be happier...

David & Wendy Galloway
A Highly Recommended Everest Adventure
I goggled companies that do the trekking in the Everest region and 3 came up immediately. I replied to them all and Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition answered me straight away. They were excellent with informing me with what you would expect and what we needed to bring etc....

Jack Richeson
Memorable Annapurna Adventure with Expert Guidance
This was my first trip to Nepal and my first time trekking. I was only able to spend a short time here and there was a lot that I wanted to do. The Alpine Adventure Club Treks & Expedition group was very helpful in planning my trip to make the...

Flavia and Alexandre
Great Service! Highly Recommended
Namaste! Our 6 days trekking was amazing. It was wonderful to walk through out the lovely villages, meeting people and also the breathing views of the mountains.We loved the guest house too. And the staff is very very good. Our guide and porter were great!! We are happy to say...