Overview
This package is a perfect combination of two marvelous adventures found in the Khumbu region of Nepal: trekking and climbing. You have the chance to take on both activities in a world-class environment. Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing includes all the highlights of the EBC Trek with a special added bonus. Island Peak (6189m), locally known as Imja Tse, is the most popular climbing peak in Nepal. The climb is challenging, but accessible enough that a beginner could participate. In fact, it is often referred to as a ‘climbing peak,’ as it requires very little technical climbing. Beginners and experienced climbers alike will enjoy this thrilling adventure.
After a short, scenic flight from Lukla, we begin our journey through the Khumbu Valley, exploring its natural and cultural diversities. We enjoy our time in the Sherpa villages. The Sherpa ethnic group is known for their mountaineering skills as well as their neighborliness towards guests. The trail to Everest Base Camp (5364m) is the standard trail found in the Everest Base Camp Trek. We stay in Namche Bazaar, the trading and tourism center of the area, and Tengboche, home to the largest monastery of the region. It is suggested to take our time in these places, not only to acclimate to the altitude, but also to enjoy their attractions and build excitement for the trek ahead. From Tengboche, we follow our path through the pristine, striking alpine landscape. The beautiful Sherpa villages along the way add much charm to our hike. Who knows, maybe we’ll run into one of the many exotic species that inhabit Sagarmatha National Park.
We eventually arrive at Everest Base Camp and feel a pure, natural Himalayan high. It is necessary to spend some time taking in the incredible views of surrounding peaks and the notorious Khumbu Icefall. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand at the base of the world’s tallest mountain, so make sure you snap some photos. Next, mentally prepare to climb Kala Patthar (5540m). The views from the top take our breath away. We can see several of the world’s tallest peaks, as well as a clearer view of the Khumbu Glacial Valley. Then, we reach Island Peak Base Camp (5200m) and stay there for the night. We wake up the next morning full of anticipation to climb to the summit. A hot drink and the sunrise over the mountains warm our spirits. If the weather is bad, we may have to descend and try again the next day. Following the icy trail of Island Peak, we reach the summit and are rewarded with mind-blowing views of the top of the world, Mt. Everest (8848m), as well as Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding peaks. The sights from the peak are unforgettable and well worth the challenge. Following the same trail, we climb down to Island Peak Base Camp to sleep. The following days, we trek at a leisurely pace all the way to Lukla.
Climbing is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather with an awesome view. During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley Trek require fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management, including Island Peak Climbing Permit. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
Note: If you have done Everest Base Camp already or have only two weeks in Nepal and still looking for Island Peak climbing, please contact us. We can organize 12 days safe Island Peak Climbing from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Trip Highlights
Unforgettable Island Peak Climbing experience in the Himalayas, non-technical and suitable for both novice and expert mountaineers
Constant mountain sceneries, from Everest Base Camp to Kala Patthar to Island Peak
Explore Sherpa culture and religion at Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, etc.
Extraordinary Himalayan views, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Ama Dablam
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
- Day 02: Fly to Lukla (2860m), trek to Phakding (2610m) – 30-minute flight, 2-3 hours trek
- Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) – 6-7 hours
- Day 04: Acclimatization and exploration day in Namche Bazaar
- Day 05: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3860m), visit Tengboche monastery – 5 hours
- Day 06: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m) – 5-6 hours
- Day 07: Day 08: Acclimatization day in Dingboche, hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5083m).
- Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m). – 4-5 hours
- Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5164m), hike to Everest Base Camp (5364m) and back to Gorakshep – 7-8 hours
- Day 10: Hike to Kala Pattar (5540m) in the morning, backtrack to Lobuche – 6-7 hours
- Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung Village (4730 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours.
- Day 12: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp, 4 hours. Overnight at tent camp.
- Day 13: Climb from Island Peak Base Camp to Summit (6189m) and back to Base Camp. Overnight at tent camp.
- Day 14: Trek from Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche, 5 hours.
- Day 15: Trek from Pangboche to Namche, 6 hours.
- Day 16: Trek from Namche to Lukla, 7 hours.
- Day 17: Early morning fly back to Kathmandu.
- Day 18: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Trip note
Accommodation
Island Peak Climbing package includes accommodation in the cost. This accommodation is included only during the set itinerary. While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2/3 star hotel for you. During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group. We spend two nights at Island Peak Base Camp in a tent. Our guide will fix the tent in a safe place.
Food
Everest region has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs. If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time. During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own. On the trek and climbing period, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided. For teahouse treks, we will order our meals from teahouses. While camping at Island Peak base camp, we will prepare the meals for you. After our successful Island peak climbing, we celebrate a happy moment within a typical Nepali restaurant at Thamel.
Guide & Porters
A government-licensed guide will lead the trek and the trail to Island Peak summit. All our guides have tremendous experience on the Himalaya and are passionate about the trekking/ climbing industry. Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking /climbing in Nepal a memorable one. If there is any worry during your trek and climbing ,our guides will address it. Your safety is our number one priority. For groups of more than six people, there will be two climbing guides.
Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience
As many of our peak climbing lead us high into the high Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude. Our peak climbing have acclimatization days built into the itinerary. It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. The level of fitness necessary for Island Peak Climbing. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial. Generally, this peak can be climbed with an average level of fitness. More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the climbing.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going for Island Peak climbing. We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control. In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance. You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country. Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains.
Best Time to Travel
The peak seasons for Island Peak Climbing in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season.
Domestic Flights
Flights to and from Lukla can be delayed due to weather conditions and delays may last up to several days. It is best to book flights to and from Kathmandu with a several day margins to avoid missing a flight back to your home country. If flights go smoothly, we will help arrange activities for you during your margin days. In the case that you have a tight schedule and the flights out of Lukla are delayed, it is possible to take a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu for an additional cost. Again, we recommend added a couple of extra days to your arrival and departure dates to prevent any problems.