1 daysEasy5,364 mEverest Base Camp Helicopter Tour — 1 Day
From / person
$1,680
ClimbingExtreme
Island Peak Climbing — 18 Days
18 days6,189 mFrom Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Photo by Jungsik Kwak on Pexels
01 / 09
Duration
18 days
From
$3,600/person
Max Altitude
6,189 m
Difficulty
Extreme
Starts
Lukla (fly from Kathmandu)
Group Size
2–8 People
Stay
Tea House + High Camp
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Island Peak summit (6,189 m) — highest success rate with extra acclimatisation
Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar combined: maximum Khumbu experience before the climb
Pre-climb Chhukung Ri (5,550 m) acclimatisation peak — excellent summit preparation
4 extra acclimatisation days vs 14-day programme — safest possible approach
Technical mountaineering: fixed ropes, crampon glacier approach, ice axe skills
Summit panorama: Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu in one astonishing view
Sagarmatha UNESCO wilderness combined with a genuine 6,000 m summit
Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m) is Nepal's most popular trekking peak.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(18 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 6,189 m · Day 13Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel. Evening welcome dinner with your lead guide covering the full expedition plan, gear check, and permit documentation.
1,400 m––DHotel
Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189 m) is the Khumbu's most popular technical climbing objective — and with good reason. Approached through the heart of the Everest trekking region via Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche, Island Peak offers a genuine high-alpine climbing experience on a mountain that rises like an island above the surrounding glaciers (hence the name, coined by Eric Shipton's 1952 expedition). The summit ridge is a knife-edge of ice and snow; the fixed ropes on the upper headwall require crampon work, jumar technique, and commitment. The view from the top — Lhotse's 3,000 m south face filling the north horizon — is extraordinary.
The 18-day itinerary includes the full EBC approach trek (Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung) for acclimatisation, two nights at Island Peak Base Camp (5,087 m), and one high camp night (5,600 m) before the summit bid. The descent returns to Namche via Tengboche for the Lukla flight. This itinerary is designed to maximise acclimatisation time — the difference between a 78% and a 55% summit success rate is almost always adequate preparation time above 4,000 m.
Included in the package: Island Peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha NP permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality permit, Lukla flights, all teahouse accommodation on approach, base camp and high camp tents, -20°C sleeping bag, crampon/harness/ice axe rental, and one climbing Sherpa per two climbers on summit day.
Island Peak vs Mera Peak: Technical Comparison
Mera Peak is higher (6,476 m vs 6,189 m) but more straightforward — a snow walk-up with fixed ropes. Island Peak is lower but more technical — crampon work, jumar ascent on 45-60° headwall, and an exposed summit ridge. For climbers with no prior technical experience, Mera is recommended first. For those who have completed Mera or have alpine climbing background, Island Peak is the natural next step. Both peaks are regularly done by non-professional mountaineers — neither requires professional expedition experience.
Best seasons: October–November and April–May (spring preferred for snow conditions). Max altitude: Island Peak summit 6,189 m.
What's Included
Included
- Island Peak climbing permit ($250 spring / $125 autumn)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
- TIMS card
- Government-certified senior guide + high-altitude climbing Sherpa
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu round-trip flights
- All teahouse accommodation on approach; base camp and high camp tents
- 3 meals per day throughout
- Altitude illness kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen
- Climbing equipment rental (harness, crampons, ice axe, jumar)
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation (mandatory for climbing)
- Personal climbing gear not listed in included items
- High-altitude medication beyond the included kit
- Tips for guides, climbing Sherpas, and porters (USD 10–15/day for climbing Sherpa)
- Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Costs from extended summit bids, weather delays, or early descent
Best Time to Go
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Best season. Stable weather and clear summit views. Extended itinerary allows thorough acclimatisation.
Low: -10–-5°C at BC High: 5–12°C at BC
Spring (Mar–May)
Excellent season. Pre-monsoon window reliable until mid-May.
Low: -8–-3°C at BC High: 5–15°C at BC
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Not recommended. Extreme cold and dangerous summit conditions.
Low: -20–-15°C at BC High: -5–2°C at BC
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Not recommended. Avalanche risk and poor visibility on upper slopes.
Low: -5–0°C at BC High: 8–15°C at BC
Permits Required
Island Peak Climbing Permit
USD 250 (Sep–Nov) · USD 125 (other seasons)Arranged by us before departure.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
USD 30Required for all trekkers in the Khumbu region.
TIMS Card
USD 20Required for all Nepal treks.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
NPR 2,000 (approx USD 15)Local municipality entry fee.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Moisture-wicking base layers (top + bottom)
Insulating mid-layer fleece or down
Down jacket (800+ fill — essential)
Hardshell jacket and pants
Trekking trousers (2 pairs)
Merino wool socks (6 pairs)
Liner socks (3 pairs)
Warm hat and balaclava
Sun hat
Lightweight liner gloves
Insulated climbing gloves
Neck gaiter (2×)
Thermal underwear
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the trail · Island Peak Climbing
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