TICINO TREKS

ISLAND PEAK (6,189 M)
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ISLAND PEAK (6,189 M)

ISLAND PEAK (6,189 M)

Country

Nepal

Duration

20 days

Max Altitude

6,189 m

Group Size

2+ Person

Difficulty

hard

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Description

Island Peak (6,189m), also known as Imja Tse, is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking peaks. Situated in the Everest region, it offers an excellent introduction to Himalayan mountaineering. The peak gets its name because it appears like an island rising from a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. It is a challenging yet achievable climb for those with basic mountaineering skills, offering breathtaking views of Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m). The Island Peak climb is a highlight of any 20-day itinerary in the Khumbu region.

The journey to Island Peak takes trekkers through the famous Everest Base Camp trail, passing through legendary Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. The trek also provides a chance to visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m), known for the best panoramic views of Everest. Starting with a Lukla flight from Kathmandu, the adventure immerses you in Sherpa culture, with stops at iconic landmarks like the Tengboche monastery.

The climb itself involves a mix of high-altitude trekking and basic peak climbing, including glacier travel, fixed ropes, and a steep snow/ice headwall before reaching the Island Peak summit. Despite its non-technical nature, it requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. 

Island Peak is a perfect choice for trekkers looking to combine Himalayan trekking with a base camp trek and a Himalayan summit adventure. Whether you're drawn by the stunning Himalayan views or the rich Sherpa culture, Island Peak offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Everest region.

Travel Notes:

Best Time to Climb & Trek

  • Spring (March-May): Stable weather, moderate temperatures, and clear skies.
  • Autumn (September-November): Best season with excellent visibility and ideal climbing conditions.

Permits Required

  • Island Peak Climbing Permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)
  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Experience Needed

  • Prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended.
  • Basic mountaineering skills (use of crampons, ropes, and ice axe) are beneficial.
  • Good physical fitness is essential for endurance and stamina.

Acclimatization

  • Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
  • The itinerary includes rest days and gradual ascents.

Route Overview

  • Follows the Everest Base Camp trail before branching off to Island Peak Base Camp.
  • Includes an optional visit to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m).
  • Summit climb involves steep snow slopes, glaciers, and a fixed rope ascent to the peak.

Duration

  • The entire expedition, including trekking, acclimatization, and summit attempts, typically lasts 16-18 days.

Base Camp & High Camps

  • Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m): Located in the Imja Valley with stunning glacier views.
  • High Camp (5,500m) (Optional): Used for better acclimatization before the summit push.

Safety Tips

  • Allow proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.
  • Hire experienced climbing guides and use a reliable trekking agency.
  • Monitor weather conditions and follow guides’ instructions.

Cultural Highlights

  • Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region.
  • Explore Namche Bazaar, the vibrant trading hub of the Khumbu Valley.
  • Experience the unique Sherpa culture and traditional hospitality.

 

Itineraries

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, a scenic 40-minutes flight over the mountains. Upon arrival, you will start your trek to Phakding, which takes 3-4 hours. This marks the beginning of your journey into the Khumbu region.

Today’s trek will take you 6 hours to Namche, the gateway to Everest. You’ll pass through beautiful forests, cross suspension bridges, and get your first glimpse of the towering peaks.

This is a rest day for acclimatization. You will hike to the Everest View Point for stunning views of Everest and surrounding peaks. You’ll also visit Khumjung village, a traditional Sherpa village, before returning to Namche for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll trek for 6 hours to Dole. The path gradually ascends, offering great views of the peaks as you climb higher into the Khumbu region.

Today’s trek takes about 6 hours, and you’ll arrive at the serene Gokyo Lake. The scenery is simply stunning, with the clear blue lake surrounded by towering peaks.

Start your day with a 5 hour hike to Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of the Everest massif. After soaking in the sights, you’ll trek 2 more hours to Thangnak, where you’ll camp for the night.

Cross the challenging Chola Pass today, reaching an altitude of 5,420 meters. After descending, you’ll arrive at Zhongla, where you will set up camp after a 6-7 hours trek.

Today’s trek is about 4-5 hours to Lobuche, a small settlement at a high altitude. The views of Everest and the surrounding peaks become even more impressive as you continue your ascent.

You’ll trek for about 4 hours to Gorakshep, the last stop before Everest Base Camp. After lunch, you’ll hike to Kalapathar for a stunning sunset view of Everest and surrounding peaks.

Today, you will trek for 7 hours to Everest Base Camp. After soaking in the dramatic views of the world’s highest peak, you’ll return to Lobuche for the night.

Today’s trek to Dingboche takes about 5-6 hours. Dingboche is a beautiful village with incredible views of the surrounding peaks, and it’s a great spot for a rest.

Trek for 4 hours to Chhukung and after lunch, take a hike to Chhukung Ri for fantastic views of Island Peak and the surrounding Himalayas.

A 4 hours trek will take you to Island Peak Base Camp, where you will prepare for the upcoming summit attempt.

This is the summit day. You will reach the top of Island Peak at 6,189 meters, enjoy the panoramic views, and then descend back to Base Camp.

Today’s 6-hour trek brings you back to Dingboche, where you will rest and recover from your summit attempt.

You will trek for about 6 hours from Dingboche to Tengboche, a village famous for its monastery and stunning views of Everest and other peaks.

Today’s trek will take you 6 hours to Namche, retracing your steps through the lush forests and past the stunning landscapes.

The trek today is about 6 hours, descending back to Phakding. The route offers some of the best views of the entire trek, with cascading rivers and stunning landscapes.

A 4 hour trek will bring you back to Lukla. This is your final trekking day as you make your way back to the starting point of your adventure.

Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla in a 40 minute scenic flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable adventure in the Everest region.

Cost Includes

Accommodation & Permits

  • Accommodation in lodges and tea houses during the trek as per the itinerary
  • Island Peak Climbing Permit
  • Everest National Park Permit
  • TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card

Transportation

  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu) for both clients and staff
  • Ground transportation (Kathmandu - Manthali - Kathmandu) in a private vehicle
  • Cargo transport (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu)
  • Airport transfers (International & domestic)

Expedition Logistics & Personnel

  • Island Peak Climbing Guide
  • Assistant Climbing Guide (1 per client)
  • Porters to carry loads & baggage
  • Porter’s equipment & insurance
  • Insurance (medical & rescue) for all staff & porters
  • Salaries, lodging, food, and wages for staff & porters

Accommodation & Tents

  • Individual tent (with mattress & pillow)
  • Dining tent, kitchen tent, store tent, toilet & shower tent

Food & Supplies

  • All meals for members & staff during the trek and expedition
  • Quality high-altitude dried food & individual packet food
  • EPI gas with burner for high camps
  • Oxygen cylinder & mask regulator for emergencies
  • Duffel bag for packing climbing/trekking gear

Climbing & Safety Equipment

  • All necessary climbing gear (excluding personal climbing gear)
  • First Aid Kit for all

Communication & Power Supply

  • Walkie-talkie set
  • Satellite phone (pay call basis)
  • Solar panel for charging (camera, sat phone, dining tent lighting)

Cost Excludes

Accommodation & Meals

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
  • Additional food and drinks beyond standard meals include snacks, packed food, energy drinks, aerated drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, and chocolates.

Personal Equipment & Gear

  • Clothing, packing bags, personal trekking/climbing gear
  • Personal medical kit

Communication & Technology

  • Landlines, mobile phones, satellite phones, internet
  • Walkie-talkies & filming permits (if using special cameras)

Insurance & Medical Costs

  • Rescue, repatriation, hospitalization, medical tests & medicines
  • Travel insurance, medical insurance & emergency rescue evacuation
  • Helicopter rescue services

Additional Transportation & Services

  • Only transportation listed in the itinerary is covered
  • Extra travel distances will be charged
  • Any additional staff not mentioned in the package

Customs & Nepal Visa Fees

  • Nepal customs duty for expedition equipment import
  • Nepal entry visa fee (easily available on arrival)

Miscellaneous Expenses

  • Laundry services
  • Gifts, souvenirs, and tips
  • Airfare for international flights
  • Any extra services, products, or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

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