Island peak has an altitude of 6189 meters and is one of the popular trekking peaks in Nepal. This peak lies in the Solukhumbu district of eastern Nepal and has neighbors such as the Mouth Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Yu, Amadablan and many other high peaks. Island peak is located at the top of Chukung glacier between the Lhotse and Amadablan peaks. Its name was given in 1952 AD because of its prominent position in the middle of Chukung valley.
The peak looks like an island in a sea of ice. Island peak was first ascended by a British group in 1953 AD as a training climb before they attempted Mount Everest. The Island Peak expedition fulfills the dream of every beginner and serious climbers, who are in search of thrilling adventures and wish to do adventure climbing expedition in the Everest region. Island peak is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. The summit is fascinating and striking because the glaciers in the west are expanding rapidly from the Lhotse Glacier. The views from the summit are spectacular and amazing.
Trip Highlights
- Suitable to climb to learn mountaineering techniques
- The least expensive trekking peak among the rest
- Located in the Everest Region
- Incredible views of the snowcapped mountains including Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho-Yu, Mt. Lhotse and many others
Itinerary Outline
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu
Upon the arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla then trek to Phakding.
Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
Day 04: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche.
Day 06: Tengboche to Dingboche.
Day 07: Dingboche to Chhukung.
Day 08: Acclimatization: Climb Chhukung Ri.
Day 09: Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp.
Day 10: Pre-Climb training on Island Peak Base Camp.
Day 11: Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp.
Day 12: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche.
Day 13: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar.
Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu
Upon the arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu, one of our representatives will be there for a pick up and takes you to the hotel you’re staying.
Day 02: Fly to Lukla then trek to Phakding
Transfer to the domestic airport for a scheduled flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and trek to Phakding the same day.
Day 03: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Trek begins with a walk through pine forest and along with Dudhkoshi River. If the weather is clear then one can see a glimpse of Mt. Everest peeking over the ridge of Lhotse-Nuptse. On the way there are five suspension bridges and the last one before the final climb to Namche is named as Hillary Bridge.
Day 04: Namche Bazaar: Acclimatization Day
On this day you can stroll around Namche Bazaar and experienced the Sherpa culture and tradition. If someone likes to hike a little longer then Khumjung village is just few hour far from here. In Khumjung village trekkers can visit Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery. Khumjung Monastery is famous for housing the head of the Yeti. Overnight at NamcheBazaar.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
From Namche to Phunki the walk is easy. After reaching Phunki the trail ascends to Tengboche. Tengboche is famous for Tengboche Monastery which is also the biggest monastery of this region. Tengboche village has got a perfect location with a panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse-Nuptse, Amadablam and Thamsherku.
Day 06: Tengboche to Dingboche
Trekking begins with an easy walk through forest of rhododendron, conifers and birch with a perfect view of Himalayas to Pangboche. In Pangboche trekkers can visit Pangboche Monastery. From Pangboche the walk is quite pleasant when we enter the Imja Valley. As we come close to the confluence of Lobuche River, the valley gradually unfolds. The trail then descends to the river and ascends to Dingboche.
Day 07: Dingboche to Chhukung
Dingboche is a summer settlement and is surrounded by the peaks like Amadablam, the ridge of Lhotse-Nuptse, Tawache and Chalotse. The trial begins with walking through the stone-wall fields, Imja valley before walking in glacier moraines. Shortly beyond Bibre, trekkers will see Island Peak towering above them. From Bibre it will take half an hour to reach Chhukung.
Day 08: Acclimatization: Climb Chhukung Ri
This day will be another day set for acclimatization. Chhukung Ri with a total altitude of 5,546m is just above Chhukung village. Climbing Chhukung Ri will help us to adjust in high altitude.
Day 09: Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp
The journey to the Base Camp of Island Peak is a gentle steep trail. Trekker climbs steeply to the south first and later turns east to main trail of the Chhukung valley. Maintain pleasant walking along the streamside. Here, the route to Amphu Lapcha is on the southeast side. A crisscross trail passes through Imja and Lhotse moraine which takes us to wide valley adjoining the southwest side of Island peak. Walk for the day ends here.
Day 10: Pre-Climb training on Island Peak Base Camp
The guide will give you some pre-climbing guidance on peak climbing techniques and correct way of using climbing equipments like ropes, ice axe, crampons, climbing boots etc. Even though the training is not compulsory but having this training will boost the climber’s confidence and will help a lot more to scale the summit.
Day 11: Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp
It is important to wake up early and reach the summit before the noon because the strong wind in the highlands will be an obstacle to reach the summit. The trail follows the ridgeline which takes us to the thrilling and bare traverse on top of the snout of the glacier. The guides will fixed the rope for the glacier as there are many crevasses that lead to the summit ridge through the snow and ice slope easily. And the summit ridge will eventually lead you to the top. You can enjoy the summit view and take plenty of pictures before descending to the base camp.
Day 12: Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche
Trekking back to Pangboche will be easier as the trail descends to the lower altitude through the Khumbu Khola valley.Day 13: Pangboche to Namche Bazaar
From Pangboche the trail dips down to Imja Khola and ascends to Tengboche. After Tengboche the trail continues to Namche Bazaar through juniper and rhododendron forest.
Day 14: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
The trial descends to Hillary Suspension Bridge and after crossing the bridge the walk will be more level and natural.
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
Take a flight back to Kathmandu early in the morning.
INCLUDED
Airport pick up and drop off service by a private tourist vehicle
Twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (2 nights).
Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (14 nights).
Tented camp accommodation during the 1-2-nights stays at the Island Peak Base Camp (We will provide fully water/wind-proof twin-share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, etc).
All meals while on Island Peak.
Local Ace the Himalaya licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
Sherpa climbing guide.
Group climbing equipment (climbing rope, ice screw, snow bar and ice hammer).
Local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (one porter for every two guests.)
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
All permits and documents necessary for climbing the Island Peak.
Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
Official expenses.
EXCLUDED
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
All three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the part of the trek where you will stay at the guesthouses
Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation.
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa
Beverages
Personal trekking and climbing equipment.
Rental of down jacket and sleeping bag, if needed (70USD p/p)
Tips for trekking staff and driver
