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14 Days
Moderate
6,189m
Nepal
2-16 pax
Hotel, Tea House
Bus , Flight
B L D
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The Island Peak Climbing expedition is a magical journey in the Everest region, which gives adventurers the opportunity to experience both trekking and mountaineering. The Island Peak is located in the east of the Khumbu area, just a little bit away from the Imja Valley, in the high mountain area of Sagarmatha National Park.
The primary attraction of this 14-day journey is the Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, which rises above the Imja Lakes like a lone island, standing at 6189 meters. So, this expedition will require having the basic mountaineering gear, like fixed ropes, crampons, and ice axes, to scale the steep ice walls.
The 14-day Island Peak Climb trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla in the Solu Khumbu region from either Ramechhap or Kathmandu. You will then continue your trip from Lukla, passing through the charming Sherpa settlements of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung.
In the mountainous region, you will go hiking in the lively forests of oak, rhododendron and pine besides kettles, rivers, waterfalls, farmlands, hospitable small villages with stunning mountain views being your companion. You will be amazed every time you put your foot on the ground with an incredibly enriching experience.
After reaching Chhukung, the route leads to Island Peak Base Camp. Then, from here, you make the ascent to Island Peak Summit using climbing gear. At the top, climbers will be rewarded with mind-boggling 360° Himalayan panoramas, including Everest, Thamserku, Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Imja Glacier, and others.
Then, you’ll walk back through the same villages, including Tengboche and Namche, to finish the trek in Lukla town, followed by a flight to Kathmandu to complete the Island Peak Climbing Expedition Package. The Himalayan way of life and Sherpa culture will warm your heart because of their humility and kindness.
Whether you’re new to climbing or an accomplished mountaineer, Island Peak Climb promises an unforgettable adrenaline rush at the summit. Morning Star Trek will be at your service 24/7, providing a safe, well-paced, and mesmerizing expedition in the Solu Khumbu region.
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Today marks the start of your 14-day Island Peak climbing itinerary. You will board a plane that flies to Lukla from Kathmandu city in the morning. If you visit Nepal in the peak season, you may not get a direct flight to Lukla, so in that case, you have to drive to Ramechhap in the middle of the night to catch a plane from Manthali Airport.
After landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, you’ll travel to Phakding Village for your first overnight stay in Nepal’s Everest region. When you arrive in Phakding village, you will check into your room and get settled in. So, today, rest properly and acclimate while enjoying the serene settings of the landscapes. Sleep well and early in the teahouse.
Activity: 40 or 20 minutes flight
Max. Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft. (Phakding)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
The day sets off with a mouth-watering breakfast in the teahouse. Afterward, you will set out for the trekking adventure toward the overnight stop at Namche Bazaar town. You will walk through the villages of Monjo and Jorsale, where you will formally be entering the Sagarmatha National Park.
Once you have crossed the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge, the scenic views will greet you one after the other, showing you the splendid panorama of Mount Kongde Ri, Thamserku, and others. Today, you will embark on a charming walk through the breathtaking nature for approximately 5 to 6 hours until you finally reach Namche Bazaar, also known as the gateway to the Solu Khumbu region.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Twin sharing room with attached bathroom
At Namche Bazaar, you will pause for one more day on this 14-day Island Peak Climbing itinerary for the purpose of acclimatization. There are a lot of things to do in this vibrant town of Namche Bazaar. Morning Star Trek of the other side hike trip on this day, like the popular spots such as the Everest View Hotel, the Syangboche Airstrip, or the nearby villages of Khunde and Khumjung.
Once you get back to the town, have fun on a side hike trip, and you can spend your afternoon roaming Namche by visiting the well-known sites, including the Sherpa Culture Museum, Hillary School, and hubs. If you come here on Saturday, you will have the opportunity to visit the busy weekly Haat Bazaar.
Activity: 3 to 4 hours round trip
Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche Bazaar )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
On this fourth day of the Island Peak Climbing Expedition Package, you will depart from Namche Bazaar to hit the trail toward the peaceful Sherpa Village of Tengboche. You will wander, navigating the path of gentle steepness, which alternates between uphill and downhill, taking in the lovely scenery of the landscape.
The route also includes the crossing of a hanging bridge before passing through the forested trail filled with pine and rhododendron trees. After a steep ascent from Phunki Thenga Village, you will finally reach Tengboche, which is home to the iconic Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. (Tengboche)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
You will start your leg toward Dingboche from Tengboche as soon as you finish your tasty breakfast in the teahouse. You will walk through the routes, which are lined up with mani walls, prayer flags, chortens, and the small high-elevation villages like Pangboche, Orsho, and Somare, with the Himalayan views at your side.
As you continue your trek, the tree line will gradually keep fading, giving way to broad alpine meadows. Upon walking for 5 to 6 hours, you will finally arrive at Dingboche village, which is also referred to as the Summer Valley, surrounded by stone walls to protect the agricultural fields on this Island Peak Climbing expedition’s itinerary.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,410m/14,469ft. (Dingboche )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
Today, you hit the trails in the east direction that will take you into the gorgeous Chhukung Valley. You will walk following the Imja Khola River and pass through the stone-walled fields and ascend over the rocky terrain, where you will catch the close-up vistas of gigantic snow-blanketed peaks such as Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
In just three to four hours, you will reach Chhukung Valley, sitting at an elevation of 4730 meters from Dingboche Village. You will stay in this village for two nights to adapt to the altitude and get ready for summiting Island Peak. Enjoy your dinner at a high-altitude village, surrounded by panoramic peaks and a sky full of twinkling stars.
Activity: 3 to 4 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,730m/15,518ft. (Chhukung )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
The 14-day Island Peak Climbing itinerary adventure in the Everest region has now finished its first part. Now, you have one week left in the itinerary to enjoy the mountain adventure to the fullest in Nepal. Before summiting the Island Climb, your Sherpa guide will provide hands-on training in basic mountaineering skills to help you reach the top.
You will learn how to use harnesses, climbing boots, ice axes, and ropes, even though you don’t have any experience. You will have ample leisure time to learn and practice using the gear properly until you are comfortable with it, which will make you feel more confident and safer when climbing this breathtaking peak.
Max. Altitude: 4,730m/15,518ft. (Chhukung )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
After acclimating and having enough training for learning mountaineering skills, you will now resume your journey to the north along the moraine of the Lhotse Glacier to reach the Island Peak Base Camp, following the route through the valley. After trekking for a brief time, you will get to the large rock, where you will continue your final stretch.
From there, you will march upward for about one hour to reach the base camp, which is situated at an elevation of 5200 meters. There are no teahouses in the base camp, so your guide will set up a tent for the overnight stay before attempting to climb the summit. After setting up the tent and taking a brief rest, he will conduct another practical training session to prepare you for a safe and confident Island Peak climb.
Activity: 3 to 4 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 5,087m/16,690ft. (Island Peak Base Camp)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
On the ninth day of the 14-day Island Peak Climbing itinerary, you will finally conquer Island Peak, which stands at an altitude of 6189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level. As today will be the longest journey, you will have to make the ascent before daybreak to reach the top before the afternoon.
You are going to start the climb through the glacier base, where you will use your mountaineering equipment, which consists of ropes, ice axes, harnesses, and crampons, to climb the rocky bridge. The climb will go on through the steep south ridge that needs a cautious approach and careful planning to attain the summit.
Upon reaching the summit, it will shower you with the sweeping vistas of jaw-dropping majestic Himalayas such as Baruntse (7129 m) and Makalu (8455 m). Lhotse (8516 m) and its neighboring peaks, which feel surreal to be at that very moment, taking in this fantastic view.
After soaking in the vistas with countless memories, you will start the careful descent. The descent is also as challenging as the ascent to the peak, so minor negligence can lead to injuries and unforeseen accidents. Then, you will reach base camp, from where you will continue your hike to Chhukung Valley for an overnight stay on this day’s itinerary of the Island Peak Climbing Expedition Package.
Activity: 10 to 12 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 4,730m/15,518ft. (Chhukung )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Camp / Tent
Morning Star Trek has added a backup day to reattempt to climb the Island Peak Summit in case the plan doesn’t go our way due to harsh weather or other circumstances. However, if things go as planned, you can have a rest day in a mountain teahouse, taking in the lovely settings of the Chhukung Valley.
If the climb is delayed, you will have a second opportunity to conquer the summit without risks. Regardless of the activity, this day will be crucial for accomplishing your tasks. Tomorrow, you will head back to Tengboche via the same familiar route for the return trekking journey.
Max. Altitude: 4,730m/15,518ft. (Chhukung )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Camp / Tent
Today, after having a mouthwatering breakfast in the teahouse, you will retrace your steps back to Dingboche from Chhukung Valley. You will still take the route that will lead you through the incredible landscapes of Sagarmatha National Park. You will also walk past the stone-walled village, Dingboche.
On the way, you will also pass by Tengboche Monastery. If you want to visit, you can enter and explore it. The whole-day trek will be enjoyable, even as you descend, offering panoramic views of the ice-capped Himalayas. After reaching Tengboche, you can settle in a teahouse and rest.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. (Tengboche )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
On this eleventh day of the 14-day Island Peak Climbing itinerary adventure, you will descend to the lively Namche Bazaar through the forested trails filled with rhododendrons, pine, and oak trees. You will also hike, passing through the waving prayer flags in the wind, mani walls, monasteries, and chortens.
The trek will be easy and fun, accompanying you with the incredible panoramas of the breathtaking ice-clad mountains. You can have a terrific time exploring the town at your own leisure after arriving in Namche Bazaar.
Activity: 5 to 6 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft. (Namche )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
The Island Peak Climbing Expedition Package has reached its final day of trekking. After breakfast, you will commence your trek to Lukla via Dudh Koshi Valley You will make the ascent on a gentle uphill that stretches from Kusum Stream, followed by a steeper climb heading west.
Then, you will lose elevation passing through the Toktok village, where you can see the panoramic view of mountains and other beautiful landscapes. You will reach Lukla, where your hiking adventure will come to an end, in roughly six to seven hours. To celebrate our successful climb of Island Peak, we will have delicious dinner.
Activity: 6 to 7 hours trek
Max. Altitude: 2,860m/9,383ft. (Lukla )
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with seasonal fresh fruits
Accommodation: Mountain Teahouse
Today, you will fly to Kathmandu after spending about two weeks exploring the Solu Khumbu region. If flights are available, you will fly directly to Kathmandu from Lukla. However, during peak hiking seasons like spring and autumn, you may need to fly to Manthali airport, followed by a five-hour drive to Kathmandu.
Nonetheless, if you want to have a peak aerial experience when returning, you can also book a helicopter to see the spine-tingling vistas of the mountains in the Khumbu region. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, and the Island Peak Climbing Expedition Package ceases.
Activity: 40 or 20 minutes flight
Max. Altitude: 1,324m/4,344ft. (Kathmandu )
If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.
Spring and autumn are the perfect times to climb the Island Peak Summit in the Solukhumbu region. In these seasons, the weather is favorable, allowing a safe climbing path to the top. In spring, the route will be filled with rhododendron, pine, and oak trees at the lower altitudes.
The temperature ranges from 10°C during the daytime to -15°C at higher altitudes at night in springtime. In the same way, autumn offers the unbeatable clear mountain vistas and pleasant trekking conditions with temperatures averaging 5°C to -10°C depending on altitude in the daytime.
Island Peak Climbing is a moderate to difficult trip. It is a two-week journey that provides a wonderful experience. This trip will take you to high altitudes, with a maximum elevation of 6189 meters, requiring a significant mental and physical preparation. Another significant concern of the trek is altitude sickness, which must be closely monitored at all times. Without solid fitness, it would be hard to walk for long hours and navigate steep trails. So, fitness and preparation are a must.
Island Peak is 6189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level, and the thin air is one of the reasons why altitude sickness is a common problem for mountaineers. Besides the lack of oxygen, the trekkers are likely to experience headaches, breathlessness, loss of appetite, weariness, and dizziness, as well as other health disorders that may endanger their lives.
To guard against acute mountain sickness symptoms, it is crucial to identify early signs, ensure correct acclimatization, and stay hydrated. If you are not feeling well, the quickest way to solve the problem is to go down taking your safety first as the priority.
To successfully climb Island Peak, one must be very fit, in good health, possess mental strength, and have some technical skills. The trekking guide will definitely teach you these skills during the trek if you are a newcomer. You will have to learn basic climbing skills like using ropes, ice axes, and crampons.
Conversely, you can physically get ready by creating a training schedule that combines endurance hiking, strength and flexibility training, and stamina-building activities like cycling, swimming, and running.
To enhance mental strength, consider meditating and practicing breathing exercises to help you cope with altitude. Another important aspect of preparation is getting acquainted with the equipment and diet food. Morning Star Trek will also provide you with a training plan if you need it for the correct packing and preparation.
During the Island Peak climbing journey in the Solu Khumbu region, Morning Star Trek will accommodate you in mountain teahouses along the route. Teahouses offer basic amenities such as blankets, twin beds, and shared bathrooms. At Island Peak Base Camp, you will sleep in a tent, as we will provide you with warm sleeping bags for a good night’s sleep.
On the other hand, you will be provided with three meals a day while trekking, which are always fresh and nutritious. The food options available are primarily local and Western dishes in some teahouses, especially at lower altitudes. However, you should avoid eating meat and drinking caffeine and alcohol until the trek ends.
Morning Star Trek offers private transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airstrip and your hotel room in Kathmandu in the Island Peak Climbing Expedition Package. This package also includes the flight tickets from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla and vice versa.
Similarly, if you want to level up your airplane flight to a helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla or on the return, you can gladly customize it with an additional cost. If you have more time in Nepal, you can also take a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley with a guide in our company’s ground transportation.
Connectivity is kept even in the far Everest region. Through mobile networks, internet data, and Wi-Fi, you can be in touch with your family and friends during your trek. To use these facilities, you must have a SIM card from Nepal. We are ready to provide one for you in no time.
Local vendors invariably sell SIMs with ease, most of the time for a small charge. For reliable 4G data and good coverage, the Namaste SIM with the Everest Data package is a great choice. Since Wi-Fi is unreliable at high altitudes, having a SIM is a wise choice.
For the 14-day Island Peak Climbing itinerary, three permits should be with you while trekking in the Everest region, which are the Island Peak Climbing Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. The municipality and national park permit can cost about 30 USD per person, whereas the Island Peak climbing permit can cost 250 USD in spring, 125 USD in autumn, and 70 USD in winter or the monsoon period. The permit peak can vary as per the season.
If you want to embark on the Island Peak Climbing expedition, you first need a tourist visa, which can be received at Tribhuvan Airstrip. Tourist visas are typically issued for 15, 30, and 90 days as per your stay in Nepal. To get a visa, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. The visa fees can vary by duration of stay and nationality. A visa is mandatory before kicking off your climb in the Solu Khumbu region, which will allow you to enjoy the full Himalayan experience.
When you are set to journey on a trip that involves climbing, then the need for travel insurance should be at the top of your list for the trip. Without the insurance, you are prone to different kinds of risks in high-altitude locations, which can cost you a lot of money. So, when buying insurance, it should be able to cover a variety of risks such as injuries, helicopter rescue at 6119 meters elevation, medical bills, and other potential factors. With good insurance, you can embark on the climbing expedition with confidence without any worries.
Though the Island Peak Climbing package accounts for the majority of what is necessary, there are still several additional costs that trekkers should keep in mind. The package does not cover international flights with airport taxes or extra nights in Kathmandu, which are entirely optional if one arrives too early or has a late flight.
In addition to the meals included in the tour package, users are responsible for expenses such as personal shopping, snacks, hot drinks, Wi-Fi, and phone calls. The individual is responsible for paying for their visa, travel insurance, giving money to guides and porters, and buying clothes or gear for the ascent.
Furthermore, the trekker will be asked to pay more in case of over-the-limit baggage, for itinerary changes made for safety or following the rules, and if they want extra porter service.
A private trek offers one-on-one attention from guides, individual pace, and flexibility, making it ideal for climbers seeking a personalized experience. You can also customize the itinerary and food to your preference. Traveling with a group up a mountain trail rewards the trekker with the warmth of friendship, making memories together, as well as saving some money.
Still, they usually have to stick to a particular timetable. On the other hand, a solo or private trek gives the individual freedom and the luxury of making personal choices. At the same time, both options guarantee the safety and assistance during the Island Peak ascent.
General
Island Peak is situated in Nepal’s eastern Everest region, near Chhukung Glacier between Ama Dablam and Lhotse mountains, as well as near Imja Valley, within Sagarmatha National Park.
This journey comprises a flight to Lukla, hiking through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung with acclimatization days, and a summit push from Island Peak Base Camp.
The climb, which is of moderate difficulty, requires the use of basic mountaineering skills as well as the use of crampons and ice axes and good fitness. Besides, having prior experience can be beneficial.
Your main highlights will be walking through Sagarmatha National Park, visiting Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery for cultural experiences, Island Peak summiting, and simply enjoying the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
It usually takes about 14 to 20 days, as per your chosen itinerary in the package and acclimatization needs.
The highest destination is the top of the Island Peak at 6189 meters. From the top, you feel like you are standing at the top of the world.
Definitely, you can. You can rent gear either in Lukla or Kathmandu. We suggest packing your belongings and renting only what you can’t carry.
Preparation & Fitness
If you plan a lengthy hike through the hills and want to climb Island Peak summit, then you must be fit and strong. The primary factors in such a scenario will be your strength, stamina, and well-being.
First, you have to buy hiking clothes and pack warm layers, a sleeping bag, strong boots, and climbing gear that consists of a helmet, an ice axe, a harness, and crampons. Please do not miss the packaging of a few essential items such as a headlamp, trekking poles, sunglasses, and gloves.
Insurance and Visa
Obviously, any tourists except Indians require a visa to visit Nepal, which can be easily obtained upon arrival at Tribhuvan Airport or from a Nepalese embassy located in their respective countries.
Please bring your valid passport, passport-sized photographs, and the visa fee applicable as per your stay or travel in Nepal.
The answer is yes. The climb, which is of moderate difficulty, requires the use of basic mountaineering skills as well as the use of crampons and ice axes and good fitness. Besides, having prior experience can be beneficial.
Guides & Support Staff
Since this is a climbing trip, you will need to hire a guide and porter, which your trekking organization often provides. Having them will allow you to navigate safely and ease the heavy burden, making your trip safer and easier.
No, of course not. They will be your shadow during the journey, guarding you from any dangers. However, Porter may occasionally walk ahead to acquire a lodge. But in case this unusual scenario takes place for some reason, contact us, and we will handle it immediately.
Accommodation and Facilities
You will be provided with lodges and teahouses in the Everest region, with one night in a tented camp for the Island Peak summit. Rooms will be cozy yet straightforward.
Food and Drinks
Your regular meals will consist of three meals per day, such as dal bhat, seasonal vegetables, and other continental or local foods from the teahouse menu.
Weather & Seasons
The most favorable periods for ascent of Island Peak are the autumn and spring seasons. During these times, the climate is generally nice, and you can have a spectacular lookout of the snow-capped mountains.
You can anticipate mild weather, with temperatures reaching 10 to 20°C in autumn and spring, which is suitable for trekking conditions. Similarly, the temperature can rise to 25°C in the monsoon and drop below –20°C in winter.
Morning Star Trek has added an additional day as a backup plan for this kind of situation and is making the itinerary flexible. From this plan, you can wait for safer conditions before attempting the challenging ascent.
Health & Safety
Certainly, altitude sickness is the major risk while climbing to higher altitudes. It is capable of triggering symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. However, the danger of altitude sickness can be minimized to a great extent if you keep yourself well hydrated, climb at a slow pace, and allow your body sufficient time to acclimatize.
Unfortunately, facilities are limited to only basic health posts in places like Namche and Pangboche. For serious issues, a helicopter rescue may be needed.
Booking & Payment
It’s as simple as choosing the package, clicking “Book Now,” filling in your details, selecting dates, and completing the secure payment. After some time, you will receive a confirmation email with trip information, or our representative will contact you by phone.
Yes, solo travelers are also welcome to join the group trips for this 14-day Island Peak Climbing itinerary. He/she will share rooms with a same-gender trekker. If you want a private room, you will have to let us know while booking, and please note that an extra charge can apply for this privilege.
Transportation & Flight
You will take a short 30- to 40-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla with stunning Himalayan views.
You will return by trekking until you reach Lukla and then fly back from Lukla to the capital city of Kathmandu or Manthali, followed by a drive to Kathmandu, depending on the month you visit Nepal.
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+977 9767224414