Indulge in an extraordinary adventure of Island Peak with Nepal Horizon Treks.
Towering at 6,165 meters (20,226 feet), Island Peak, or Imja Tse as it is officially known, is a trekking peak in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Its height makes it an aesthetic venture into Himalayan mountaineering. Island Peak was named in 1951 by Eric Shipton, who noted how it appeared to be an island on a sea of ice when surrounded by the nearby sea of ice. Its proximity to Everest, along with mind-blowing views of other mighty peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam, makes this a must-visit for mountaineers.
Considered as one of the peaks of the Khumbu region, it is also recognized as ‘imja-tse’. The peak was first climbed in 1953, along with the ascension of Everest and Lhotse. It also has religious significance to the Sherpa people as it stands defiant on the lap of Everest. Trekking to the peak is moderately challenging and usually amalgamates with a trek towards Cape Everest or other peripheral valleys. Most tourists from India, the US, or any global citizen fly to Lukla first, proceed to trek through Namche Bazar and Dingboche, and finally reach Island Peak base camp via the Imja Valley. It is customary for climbers to set out for the summit well before dawn. For most tourists from the US, India, or around the globe, climbers usually set out to summit before dawn.
This climb is associated with multiple permits; one of them is an issue form the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Island Peak, whether serving as an introductory climb or a warm-up for attempts on taller mountains, provides an incredible experience of combining a superb challenge, adventure at high altitudes, and the magnificent heritage of the famous Sherpa region.
Island Peak is located in the Khumbu region near Everest and is among the most climbed trekking peaks in Nepal. It has an elevation of 6,165 meters (20,226 feet) and offers a thrilling yet achievable mountaineering adventure. Island Peak is less challenging than Everest or other 8000-meter peaks, but it requires a strong skillset and endurance. Add peak combines the arrears of mountaineering, such as multicultural immersion, high altitude trekking, and climbing into one activity. The technical climbing route attracts trekkers to the summits and has basic climbing features, which are sufficient to assist in climbing.
The climb consists of glaciers along with steep snow and ice which includes fixed tropes and ladder cross crevasses. It has flexible ice peak which makes it easier to introduce new high altitude features. It has the ability to offer ice axe, crampons and self arrest . The journey towards the alluring panoramic views is Island peak serves incredible motivation.
The prime seasons for climbing Island Peak are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The weather during spring is clear and skies, along with temperature, are moderate, which makes it great for high-altitude climbing. The region is filled with flowering rhododendrons and vibrant green foliage, which enhances the mountain's visibility. Many climbers take advantage of this time to complete their Everest Base Camp trek, as it's great for acclimatization, and they have the option for an extended expedition.
Autumn is equally favorable, offering post-monsoon dryness, clear weather, and crisp mountain winds. Views during this time are incredibly clear with refreshed vistas and bright blue expansive sky. It is cool, but stable which supports trekking and climbing in this region. This time of the year also overlaps with Dashain and Tihar, which are major festivals in Nepal — climbers can enjoy rich cultural festivities along with the journey.
Unlike other periods, we don’t recommend climbing Island Peak during the summer/monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February). During this time, the region experiences relentless rainfall, leeches infest the area, trails turn muddy, and clouds ground flights, making the area utterly inaccessible and fraught with danger. During the winter months, the region faces subzero temperatures, heavy snow, and heightened risk of avalanches, particularly on the glacier and summit ridge. The combination of these factors vastly increases the risk of difficulty, so it is best to avoid expeditions.
|
Day |
Activity |
Altitude (m) |
Highlights |
|
1 |
Arrival in Kathmandu, trip briefing |
1,400 |
Welcome, gear check, meet your guide |
|
2 |
Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding |
2,610 |
Scenic mountain flight, first trek in the Everest region |
|
3 |
Trek to Namche Bazaar |
3,440 |
Enter Sagarmatha National Park, cross the Hillary Suspension Bridge |
|
4 |
Acclimatization in Namche, hike to Everest View Hotel |
3,880 (hike) |
Panoramic view of Everest & Ama Dablam |
|
5 |
Trek to Tengboche |
3,860 |
Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, with stunning Himalayan views |
|
6 |
Trek to Dingboche |
4,410 |
Pass through beautiful forests and Sherpa villages |
|
7 |
Acclimatization hike to Nagarjun Hill |
5,100 (hike) |
Amazing views of Makalu and Lhotse, altitude adaptation |
|
8 |
Trek to Chhukung |
4,730 |
Reach the last village before base camp, Imja Valley views |
|
9 |
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp |
5,087 |
Walk through moraines, prepare climbing gear |
|
10 |
Summit Island Peak, return to Chhukung |
6,165 |
Glacier walk, summit with 360° Himalayan views |
|
11 |
Contingency/reserve day |
— |
An extra day for weather delays or rest |
|
12 |
Trek to Pangboche |
3,985 |
Visit Pangboche Monastery, and descend through the alpine zone |
|
13 |
Trek to Namche Bazaar |
3,440 |
Enjoy local bakeries, relax in the Sherpa capital |
|
14 |
Trek to Lukla |
2,840 |
Final day of trekking, farewell to Khumbu |
|
15 |
Fly back to Kathmandu |
1,400 |
Scenic flight, leisure time in the city |
|
16 |
Final departure |
— |
Trip ends with lifelong memories |
Island Peak Climbing is a thrilling 16-day adventure in Nepal's Everest region, ideal for trekkers aiming to summit a 6,000-meter Himalayan peak. The journey begins in Kathmandu and includes a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a trek through iconic Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche. Acclimatization hikes offer stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Makalu, preparing you for the ascent. From Island Peak Base Camp, climbers tackle a glacier climb to the summit at 6,165 meters, rewarded with breathtaking 360° mountain vistas. The trip concludes with a return trek and a flight back to Kathmandu, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
|
Stage |
Location |
Altitude (m) |
Route Movement |
Notes / Highlights |
|
Start |
Kathmandu |
1,400 |
Arrival |
Capital city, trip briefing |
|
Fly In |
Lukla |
2,840 |
Flight |
Scenic flight into the Everest region |
|
Trek 1 |
Phakding |
2,610 ↓ |
South to North |
Easy walk along Dudh Koshi River |
|
Trek 2 |
Namche Bazaar |
3,440 ↑ |
Enter Khumbu Valley |
Sherpa hub, acclimatization stop |
|
Acclimatize |
Everest View Hotel |
3,880 (hike) ↑ |
Day hike |
First view of Everest |
|
Trek 3 |
Tengboche |
3,860 ↓↑ |
Trail climb |
Monastery and mountain views |
|
Trek 4 |
Dingboche |
4,410 ↑ |
Higher valley |
Wide fields, alpine zone |
|
Acclimatize |
Nagarjun Hill |
5,100 (hike) ↑ |
Day hike |
Altitude training, views of Makalu |
|
Trek 5 |
Chhukung |
4,730 ↑ |
Approach to Island Peak |
Last village, glacier views |
|
Trek 6 |
Island Peak Base Camp |
5,087 ↑ |
Glacier zone |
Climbing prep and gear session |
|
Climb |
Island Peak Summit |
6,165 ↑ |
Midnight ascent |
Glacier climb, summit success |
|
Return |
Chhukung |
4,730 ↓ |
Descent begins |
Rest after the summit |
|
Trek 7 |
Pangboche |
3,985 ↓ |
Back down the valley |
Cultural village, monastery visit |
|
Trek 8 |
Namche Bazaar |
3,440 ↓ |
Return route |
Celebratory stop |
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you'll meet your guide for a trip briefing, go over the itinerary, and check your gear to ensure you're fully prepared for the adventure.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
Start your journey with a scenic 30–35 minute flight to Lukla, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. After landing, you begin a gentle trek along the Dudh Koshi River toward Phakding. This 3–4 hour walk eases you into the trek and introduces you to the beauty of the Khumbu region.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
Today’s hike leads you through pine forests and across suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge. After entering Sagarmatha National Park, a challenging uphill climb brings you to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant Sherpa town and cultural center of the region.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
To help your body adapt to the altitude, you'll take a short hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m), which offers your first panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. You can also visit the Sherpa Museum and explore the local market in Namche.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
Leaving Namche, you follow a scenic trail with fantastic mountain views. After a descent and another climb, you reach Tengboche, home to the region's largest monastery. You’ll have time to explore the monastery and soak in stunning vistas of Everest and Ama Dablam.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
Descend through lush forests and cross the Imja River before climbing into the open landscapes of the alpine zone. Dingboche, known for its stone-walled fields and stunning views, is an important stop for acclimatization.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
To further acclimatize, you’ll hike up Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) with sweeping views of Makalu, Island Peak, and the Imja Valley. After returning to Dingboche, the rest of the day is free to rest and prepare for the upcoming higher altitudes.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
A short trek through a wide glacial valley brings you to Chhukung, the last village before Island Peak Base Camp. The surrounding mountains grow closer, and the environment becomes more rugged, offering striking views of icefalls and ridgelines.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
Today’s trek takes you over rocky terrain and glacial moraines to reach Island Peak Base Camp. In the afternoon, your climbing guide will conduct a gear check and a short training session on rope handling, crampon use, and other essential techniques.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
You'll begin the summit push around midnight. Using headlamps and gear, you’ll ascend steep ice and snow slopes, cross crevasses with ladders, and use fixed ropes to reach the summit. From the top, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. After celebrating briefly, you'll descend safely back to Chhukung.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
This is a buffer day in case of bad weather or to allow additional rest if needed. If not used, it can be spent relaxing or exploring the nearby ridges of Chhukung.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
After the summit, the descent continues through alpine meadows and across suspension bridges to Pangboche. You may visit the ancient Pangboche Monastery, believed to be the oldest in the region.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
You’ll retrace your steps past Tengboche and descend through rhododendron forests. After a full day of trekking, you return to Namche Bazaar for a hot shower, internet access, and a celebratory drink.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
On your final day of trekking, you make your way back to Lukla via Phakding. It’s a great time to reflect on your journey, thank your porters, and enjoy your last evening in the mountains.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
Catch a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you're transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for shopping, relaxing, or exploring the city.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, Lunch
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Your Island Peak adventure ends here, filled with unforgettable memories and achievement.
MEALS
Breakfast, dinner, LunchIsland Peak Climbing is a popular trekking and climbing adventure in Nepal's Everest region, reaching a height of 6,189 meters. Also known as Imja Tse, it offers a mix of trekking and non-technical mountaineering, making it ideal for beginners aiming for their first Himalayan summit. The climb provides stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, and is often used as training for higher expeditions.
To climb Island Peak, you need good physical fitness, basic mountaineering skills, and proper gear. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended, though not mandatory. Essential requirements include climbing permits, a licensed guide, appropriate clothing and equipment (like crampons, harness, helmet), and travel insurance that covers high-altitude climbing. Training in the use of ropes and ice axes is also helpful for a safe and successful ascent.
Yes, beginners can climb Island Peak, but they should have good physical fitness and some high-altitude trekking experience. While the climb is non-technical, basic mountaineering skills—like using crampons and an ice axe—are helpful. With proper training and guidance, many first-time climbers successfully summit Island Peak.
Yes, beginners can climb Island Peak, but they should have good physical fitness and some high-altitude trekking experience. While the climb is non-technical, basic mountaineering skills—like using crampons and an ice axe—are helpful. With proper training and guidance, many first-time climbers successfully summit Island Peak.
Island Peak is considered moderately difficult. While it doesn't require advanced technical climbing skills, the high altitude, steep sections, and use of basic mountaineering gear make it physically demanding. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and guidance are key to a successful and safe ascent.
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is located in the Everest region of eastern Nepal within the Sagarmatha National Park. It lies near the village of Chhukung, along the popular trekking route to Everest Base Camp, and sits at an elevation of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet).
If you're dreaming of standing on a Himalayan summit and experiencing the thrill of high-altitude adventure, Island Peak is the perfect choice and Nepal Horizon Treks is here to make it happen. With years of experience in the Everest region, our dedicated team offers expert guidance, personalized support, and a deep commitment to your safety and success. Whether you're a beginner climber or an experienced trekker looking to take the next step, we provide everything you need for a memorable and successful expedition. Let Nepal Horizon Treks be your trusted partner on this incredible journey to the top of Island Peak, where adventure, challenge, and achievement come together in the heart of the Himalayas.
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