Island Peak (6,189m / 20,305 ft) is one of the easiest and most affordable peaks to climb in the Himalayas. It offers a fantastic high-altitude climbing experience combined with breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam. This trek is perfect for those looking to develop their climbing skills while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery.
Island Peak Climbing offers the perfect introduction to Himalayan mountaineering by combining trekking through the iconic Khumbu Valley with an exciting technical ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse) at 6,189 meters. This adventure provides a well-planned acclimatization route to help you prepare for the summit push, surrounded by stunning glaciers and towering peaks like Lhotse’s south face, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.
Your journey follows the classic Everest Base Camp trail, passing through Sherpa cultural hubs such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. This allows for gradual altitude adjustment while immersing in breathtaking landscapes and local traditions. The climb phase starts in Chhukung, where you’ll receive essential mountaineering training to prepare for the technical challenges ahead.
From Island Peak Base Camp, the ascent includes steep ridge climbs, glacier crossings, and a final push along a narrow ridge and headwall. This part requires the use of fixed ropes and careful navigation around crevasses, testing your skills and determination.
Reaching the summit of Island Peak is a remarkable achievement, standing tall at over 6,000 meters with panoramic views of the Himalayas’ legendary giants. After summiting, you’ll safely descend to Chhukung, then retrace your steps through Tengboche and Namche Bazaar, ending with a scenic flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu or Manthali, followed by a drive to Kathmandu.
This 14-day expedition strikes the perfect balance of challenge, preparation, and breathtaking adventure — ideal for anyone looking to take their mountaineering experience to new heights.
Important Notes
Tribhuvan International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Trek Distance: 6.2 km / 3.8 miles
Flight Duration: 40 minutes (Kathmandu) / 20 minutes (Manthali)
Highest Altitude: 2,850m / 9,350 ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Your flight to Lukla will depart either from Kathmandu or Manthali, depending on the trekking season. During peak trekking months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights from Kathmandu may be redirected to Manthali Airport due to heavy air traffic at Tribhuvan International Airport. In such cases, we will pick you up from your hotel around 12:30 AM and take you on a 5-hour drive to Manthali Airport. From there, you’ll take a short 20-minute flight to Lukla.
To skip the drive, a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla is an alternative, though it costs around USD 550 per person (with five people sharing).
If you’re trekking during off-peak months—December, January, February, June, July, or August—you’ll fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Upon arrival in Lukla, the trek begins through the bustling village and continues to Phakding. Today’s walk is relatively short, giving your body time to begin acclimatizing. If time permits, you can explore local monasteries around Phakding and mentally prepare for the trek ahead.
Trek Distance: 7.4 km / 4.6 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,440m / 11,285 ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Today’s journey continues along the banks of the Dudh Koshi River. You’ll cross several suspension bridges, beautifully decorated with prayer flags, and pass through pine forests and local settlements. After reaching the Sagarmatha National Park entrance, the trail steepens as it winds uphill, revealing increasingly dramatic mountain views.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Namche Bazaar—the vibrant heart of the Khumbu region and gateway to Everest. This bustling Sherpa town features cozy lodges, bakeries, gear shops, internet cafes, and panoramic Himalayan views. It’s the perfect place to rest and acclimatize before heading further into higher elevations.
Today is reserved for acclimatization, helping your body adjust to the rising altitude. Although it’s a rest day, we recommend light activities such as exploring the Sherpa Culture Museum or taking a short hike to Syangboche Airport and Everest View Hotel.
The Everest View Hotel, at 3,880m, offers a sweeping panorama of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other surrounding giants—especially breathtaking during sunrise and sunset. This acclimatization hike not only rewards you with unforgettable scenery but also strengthens your stamina for the coming days.
Trek Distance: 9.2 km / 5.7 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,855m / 12,850 ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 5 hours
After breakfast, the trail climbs steadily out of Namche and soon reveals remarkable views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Island Peak. You may also encounter local wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and colorful pheasants along the way.
The trail descends through pine forests to the settlement of Phunki Thenga, before ascending steeply to the spiritual hub of Tengboche. Here stands the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region.
Originally built in 1923, the monastery has been rebuilt twice due to natural disasters—first from an earthquake in 1934 and later from a fire in the 1990s. Thanks to the support of the Sir Edmund Hillary Fund, it was restored. You’ll have time to explore the monastery and possibly observe a Buddhist prayer ceremony.
Trek Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
Highest Altitude: 4,360m / 14,290ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Today’s trek begins with an uphill climb through rhododendron forests and continues past mani walls, chortens, and small Sherpa settlements. The trail gradually opens into alpine landscapes as you approach Pangboche. From this point, Island Peak begins to emerge clearly on the horizon.
Following the Imja River, you’ll enter the picturesque Imja Valley, walking alongside its winding path before ascending steeply toward Dingboche. The scenery becomes increasingly stark and dramatic, with panoramic views of Island Peak (6,812m) and the immense south face of Mt. Lhotse (8,516m) dominating the skyline.
Trek Duration: Approx. 3 hours
After a hearty breakfast, the trail heads east into the Chhukung Valley, meandering through dry stone-walled fields and glacial moraines of the Imja Khola. As you gradually ascend, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse towering to the north.
This short yet important trek helps your body adjust to the elevation. Once in Chhukung, you’ll check in at your lodge and meet with your climbing guide, who will brief you on the upcoming climb and necessary preparations.
Today is a crucial acclimatization day before moving higher toward base camp. Your Sherpa climbing guide will lead a skills training session, introducing you to the climbing gear such as ice axes, crampons, climbing boots, harnesses, and ropes.
While prior mountaineering experience is not required, this training helps build your confidence for the summit day. You’ll learn how to safely ascend and descend on ice and snow using fixed lines and other techniques necessary for Island Peak.
Trek Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Highest Altitude: 5,200m / 17,050ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Today’s journey begins with a steady northward ascent out of Chhukung, following the glacial moraine originating from the Lhotse Glacier. The trail is scenic and remote, tracing the valley edge with views of snow-covered ridges and ice formations.
A brief walk by the riverside leads to a prominent rock outcrop, after which a 40-minute uphill stretch takes you to Island Peak Base Camp. After reaching the campsite and settling in, your guide will provide a final technical briefing. You’ll rehearse key climbing techniques, including rope management, use of ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and glacier travel skills—vital for your summit attempt tomorrow.
Trek Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Highest Altitude: 6,189m / 20,305ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 10–11 hours
Summit day begins well before dawn to ensure you reach the peak before afternoon winds pick up. The initial climb is a rocky trail that eventually leads to the glacier base. Using ropes, you’ll ascend along the glacier toward the south ridge, then continue your final push along a steep snow and ice wall to reach the summit.
Standing atop Island Peak is a rewarding and emotional moment, offering unmatched views of towering giants such as Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), Baruntse (7,129m), and Ama Dablam (6,856m).
After enjoying the summit and taking in the views, you’ll descend back to Base Camp and further down to Chhukung to rest and celebrate your achievement.
This additional day is included as a buffer in case the summit push on Day 9 was delayed due to poor weather or unfavorable climbing conditions. If the summit was already achieved, this day offers well-earned rest and recovery time in the beautiful Himalayan setting of Chhukung.
Having this contingency ensures flexibility and improves your chances of a successful summit without rushing or compromising safety.
Trek Distance: 12.9 km / 8 miles
Highest Altitude: 4,730m / 15,518ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Today, you’ll retrace your steps from Chhukung to Dingboche and then descend toward the lush and spiritual village of Tengboche. The trail winds through alpine terrain and stone-lined paths, revealing familiar landscapes that now feel more rewarding after the summit experience.
As you re-enter Sagarmatha National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—you’ll pass through rhododendron forests and hilltop viewpoints before reaching Tengboche. This village is home to the region’s largest and most revered monastery, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection.
Trek Distance: 5.9 km / 3.6 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,870m / 12,304ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 6 hours
The route back to Namche takes you through forests brimming with wildlife—keep an eye out for Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and vibrant pheasants. The trail includes several steep descents and ascents, weaving past carved mani stones and fluttering prayer flags.
While descending, take time to capture photos of Everest’s tip and Lhotse’s striking rear profile. Upon arrival at Namche Bazaar, you can enjoy the lively mountain atmosphere and rest from your descent.
Trek Distance: 13.5 km / 8.3 miles
Highest Altitude: 3,440m / 11,285ft
Trek Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Your final trekking day takes you down through the Dudh Koshi Valley on a trail that now feels familiar. The journey is mostly downhill, passing villages, suspension bridges, and forested stretches.
After reaching the small settlement of Toktok, the surroundings begin to shift as you re-approach Lukla. The trail rises gently toward the town, where you’ll spend your last evening in the mountains, reflecting on your incredible achievement and the days gone by.
Flight Time: 40 minutes (Kathmandu) / 20 minutes (Manthali)
Drive Time (if via Manthali): Approx. 5 hours to Kathmandu
Depending on the season, your flight will be either a direct journey to Kathmandu or a short hop to Manthali, followed by a drive back to the capital.
During peak trekking months—March, April, May, September, October, and November—flights typically go to Manthali, with an early morning drive required. Off-season, you’ll likely fly directly to Kathmandu.
For those wishing to avoid the Manthali transfer, a helicopter option is available at an additional cost (~USD 550 per person with a group of five).
Once you land, you’ll return to your hotel in Kathmandu and have the rest of the day free to relax, shop, or celebrate your summit success.
We recommend you bring the essential clothing and accessories needed for the trek. Your main luggage will be carried by porters, but please keep your personal luggage weight limit to 9 kg. Two trekkers share one porter, and the porter’s maximum load is 18 kg. Additionally, carry a small backpack with your essential documents and valuable items.
You can buy or rent gear and equipment in Kathmandu, but be sure to get the right sizes if you decide to do so.
Below is a helpful packing list to guide you:
Head
Face
Hands
Body
Footwear
Essentials
Toiletries
Personal Accessories
Extra Items
Arrival, Welcome, and Trek Start
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, an Everest Destiny Treks representative will warmly welcome you. Our team member will hold a placard with your name and present you with a traditional garland as a gesture of hospitality. You will then be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle.
To ensure smooth final preparations, please plan to arrive in Kathmandu by 3 pm at least one day before the trek begins.
On the trek departure day, you will fly to Lukla. During peak trekking seasons (March, April, May, September, October, and November), flights from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to Lukla may be redirected to Manthali Airport due to air traffic congestion. If your trek is during these months, our guide will pick you up from your hotel around 12:30 am and drive you approximately five hours to Manthali Airport. From there, you will take a 20-minute flight to Lukla.
In the off-peak months (December, January, February, June, July, and August), you will enjoy a direct 40-minute flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. On these days, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport early in the morning.
Accommodations
The 14-day Island Peak Climbing expedition includes 13 nights in trekking lodges and 1 night camping at Island Peak Base Camp.
Most lodges provide Wi-Fi, electricity for device charging, and hot showers; however, these services are typically available for an additional charge.
Accommodation in Kathmandu is not included in the package, giving you the freedom to select hotels according to your preferences and budget.
Meals
You will be served 14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 13 dinners during the trek on a full-board basis (one main course per meal).
Meals are nutritious and hygienic, featuring a variety of options, including traditional Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat and Western favorites like pasta, noodles, burgers, and pancakes. Fresh vegetables and hot beverages like ginger tea, green tea, and garlic soup are emphasized to help maintain health at high altitudes.
Please note, this package does not include beverages (hot drinks such as coffee and tea, cold drinks, or alcoholic beverages).
Luggage
Each trekker is allowed a maximum luggage weight of 9 kg, with two trekkers sharing one porter who carries a combined maximum load of 18 kg.
You can safely store excess luggage at the Everest Destiny Treks store in Kathmandu for the duration of your trek. Since porters are shared, we recommend teaming up with another trekker and packing your belongings in a duffle bag with a capacity of 60 liters or more. Additionally, please carry a small daypack for personal essentials such as important documents and valuables.
The prime seasons for Island Peak Climbing are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), offering clear skies, stable weather, and pleasant temperatures. At high altitudes, spring temperatures typically range from 20°C to -5°C, while autumn temperatures vary between 25°C and -10°C.
During the summer monsoon season, temperatures range from 27°C to 5°C, and in the winter months (December to February), temperatures can drop sharply from 15°C down to -20°C. Despite seasonal changes, Island Peak Climbing expeditions are conducted year-round.
Flight Delays
Flights to and from Lukla are highly weather-dependent and can be delayed or canceled due to adverse conditions. To avoid inconvenience, we recommend adding buffer days to your itinerary. For urgent departures, helicopter transfers are available, but this option typically costs between USD 550 and 1,000, based on sharing with five passengers.
Each trekking day starts with an early breakfast, followed by 3 to 5 hours of trekking before lunch. After a break, the trek continues to your next destination, generally concluding by late afternoon. Evenings are free for you to explore the area, relax, socialize, or enjoy leisure activities. Dinner is served around 6–7 pm, after which the guide will brief you on the plan for the next day.
Communication during the trek
Local SIM cards are easily available in Kathmandu; however, mobile connectivity can be unreliable in remote high-altitude areas. Our office maintains daily communication with all trek groups through the guide’s mobile phone. We are also ready to provide immediate support should any issues arise during your trek.
You can purchase a local Nepalese SIM card in Kathmandu for improved communication; however, signal strength is generally weak above 3,000 meters.
Water
Staying well-hydrated is crucial throughout the trek. While bottled water is available at lodges and shops along the route, it tends to be costly and creates environmental waste. We highly recommend carrying reusable water bottles and purchasing filtered or bottled water from lodges. Additionally, using water purification tablets or filtration systems is advised to ensure safe drinking water. Upon request, we can provide purification pills. Please avoid drinking directly from local water sources such as taps, wells, or rivers.
All international visitors, except Indian nationals, require a valid visa to enter Nepal. Tourist visas are obtainable on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, as well as at designated land border entry points.
Requirements for visa application include a passport valid for at least six months, a recent passport-sized photo, and the visa fee (currently US$50 for 30 days, payable in major currencies). Children under 10 years receive a free visa. Nationals of China and SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) enjoy visa-free entry.
Some countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan) may not be eligible for on-arrival visas. If you hold citizenship from these countries, please contact your nearest Nepalese embassy for guidance.
Visa regulations are subject to change; please consult the official immigration website at https://www.immigration.gov.np/ for the latest updates.
We advise allotting a few extra days beyond your trek duration to accommodate possible delays and avoid missing your international flight.
Private Treks
We organize only private treks, so your group will not be joined by strangers. For larger groups, we offer group discounts. Additionally, groups of 12 or more will be accompanied by an assistant guide to ensure safety and comfort.
Safe Booking Process
Everest Destiny Treks is a Nepal government-authorized trekking operator and proud member of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Booking with us is simple and secure:
Last-Minute Bookings
We accept last-minute bookings; however, full payment must be settled at least 24 hours before your trek departure. Please note that last-minute bookings may be subject to unforeseen delays, and we cannot be held responsible for these.
Flexible Schedule
While our treks have fixed departure dates, we are happy to customize your trek schedule based on your preferences. Just let us know your desired dates.
Throughout your Island Peak Climbing expedition, you will be accompanied by our dedicated team of experienced, licensed, and locally trained guides and Sherpas, whose goal is to make your journey safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. For every two trekkers, we assign one porter with a combined weight limit of 18 kg. We strictly follow ethical practices and never overload our porters. For larger groups (12 or more trekkers), we also provide an assistant guide to ensure better support and coordination.
Our entire crew comes from the remote high Himalayan regions of Nepal. Growing up in these demanding environments has equipped them with a natural ability to adapt and perform exceptionally well in high-altitude conditions.
At Everest Destiny Treks, we view our staff as family. We ensure their well-being by providing fair wages, insurance coverage, proper clothing, nutritious meals, and comfortable accommodation throughout the expedition. In the event of illness or injury, we guarantee access to prompt and adequate medical care. We firmly believe that happy team members create memorable and positive experiences for our guests.
Our Professional Guides Hold:
Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, and our guides are fully prepared to support you every step of the way.
Visa
All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will need a valid passport (minimum six months validity), a passport-sized photo, and the visa fee. A 30-day visa currently costs USD 50. Nationals of some countries must secure a visa in advance. For detailed information, please visit the official immigration website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/en.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for the Island Peak Climbing expedition. Your policy must cover healthcare expenses and emergency helicopter rescue at altitudes up to 6,000 meters. We strongly advise confirming directly with your insurance provider that your plan includes emergency helicopter evacuation, as website information alone may be insufficient.
Currency Exchange
The official currency is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). The approximate exchange rate is 1 USD = 133 NPR. It is best to bring major currencies such as USD, Euro, or GBP to Kathmandu for currency exchange. Exchange services are available at banks and authorized centers throughout Kathmandu, and ATMs are widely accessible. Please carry new, crisp notes, as old, torn, or faded bills may not be accepted by banks or exchange counters.
Extra Expenses
Some costs are not covered in the package, including:
We recommend budgeting approximately USD 10–20 per trekking day to cover these expenses.
Farewell Dinner
Upon completing the trek, we host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your achievement and share memorable experiences. During this event, you will also receive an official trek achievement certificate.
Departure
On your departure day, Everest Destiny Treks provides complimentary transfers from your hotel to the airport. Please share your hotel details, room number, and flight information with us to ensure smooth coordination.
After completing your trek, you might want to extend your stay in Nepal for a few extra days. During this time, we can arrange various activities for you, including Kathmandu Valley tours, scenic trips to Nagarkot, Chitwan jungle safaris, paragliding, rafting, and canoeing.
Feedback
Upon finishing the Island Peak Climbing expedition, Everest Destiny Treks will host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. At this event, you will receive your trek/climbing achievement certificate (hard copy). It’s also a perfect opportunity for you to share your feedback with us, which helps improve our services for future guests.
We strongly recommend adding at least two extra days to your itinerary as a safety buffer for your return flights. Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are often delayed or rescheduled due to weather or air traffic. Delays can sometimes last a day or more, and if that occurs, we will reschedule your flights accordingly.
If you face such delays and want a quicker return, we can arrange a helicopter transfer at your request, which typically costs between USD 500–1000 per person, depending on availability and demand. Alternatively, if no delays occur, we can help organize additional activities to make the most of your extended time in Nepal.
Please Note: The Island Peak Climb follows fixed departure dates from Kathmandu. However, we are happy to accommodate your preferred schedule when possible. Review your designated departure dates carefully, and if they do not suit you, please inform us. We can arrange your trek and climb at a time that works best for you.
The itinerary provided is a general guideline and may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions, trail accessibility, lodging availability, government regulations, or trail conditions.
While itinerary changes are unlikely, Everest Destiny Treks cannot be held responsible for delays or adjustments caused by such events.
If any modifications are necessary, your guide will make the final decision in consultation with the group, always prioritizing the safety and interests of the entire party.
At Everest Destiny Treks, responsible trekking and environmental stewardship are core values. We emphasize minimizing waste, conserving natural resources, and supporting local communities. We proudly collaborate with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize eco-friendly treks that promote sustainability. Our commitment is simple: leave only footprints along the trails.
Tipping is customary and appreciated in Nepal’s trekking industry. We recommend that you tip collectively at the end of your trek, considering the quality of service, trek length, and overall cost. Your generosity motivates guides and porters to continue providing excellent service.
