Island Peak Expedition
Mountain Hawk Trek
Peak Climbing RegionStrenuous

Island PeakExpedition

Summit Island Peak (6,189m) on a focused 16-day expedition via the Chukhung valley. No EBC extension. Direct approach, base camp at 5,087m, summit ridge with fixed ropes. NMA permit and climbing Sherpa included. From USD 1,975.

View Itinerary
16
DaysTotal trek duration
6189m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$1,975
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

The focused itinerary puts you at base camp faster. By day 10 you are at 5,087m with the summit attempt on day 11 or 12. Less trekking, more climbing focus.

The summit ridge of Island Peak is a narrow snow arête with dramatic exposure. Lhotse's south face rises 2,300 meters directly across the valley. The fixed rope section is 200 meters of 40-50 degree ice.

The Chukhung valley is quieter than the main EBC trail. The approach from Dingboche to base camp passes through yak pastures with Ama Dablam and Island Peak visible the entire way.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Island Peak Expedition is a focused 16-day climb of Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m) via the Chukhung valley without the Everest Base Camp extension. The route follows the standard EBC trail through Namche and Tengboche to Dingboche, then branches to Chukhung (4,730m) and Island Peak Base Camp (5,087m). This shorter itinerary is designed for climbers who want the summit without the additional EBC trekking days.

The climbing route follows the standard south face: glacier approach, a steep headwall, and the summit ridge at 6,000m with fixed ropes. Summit day starts at 2 AM from base camp. The climb takes 8 to 10 hours round trip.

Permits: Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Municipality, NMA peak permit. All included.

To combine Island Peak with Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the Island Peak Climbing package is 19 days (USD 2,175). For a different Khumbu peak, Lobuche East Peak Climbing (6,119m) follows the EBC trail in 18 days.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
6,189m4,978m3,767m2,556m1,345mKathmanduLuklaNamcheTengbocheDingbocheChukungIsland Peak Base CampIsland Peak SummitPangbocheNamcheLuklaKathmandu6,189m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

16 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding

Phakding

Fly to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,795 m) from Kathmandu, then trek to Phakding (2,610 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

2,610m3h trekGuesthouse1,265m
Day03

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480m5h trekGuesthouse870m
Day04

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480mGuesthouse
Day05

Trek to Tengboche Monastery

Tengboche

Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,860m5h trekGuesthouse380m
Day06

Trek to Dingboche

Dingboche

Trek to Dingboche (4,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,200m5h trekGuesthouse340m
Day07

Rest Day at Dingboche

Dingboche

Rest day at Dingboche. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,200mGuesthouse
Day08

Trek to Chhukung

Chhukung

Trek to Chhukung (4,700 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,700m3h trekGuesthouse500m
Day09

Trek to Island Peak Base Camp

Island Peak BC

Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,050 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

5,050m3h trekTented Camp350m
Day10

Island Peak Climbing (Day 1)

Island Peak

Island Peak climbing period. Overnight at tented camp.

6,189mTented Camp1,139m
Day11

Island Peak Climbing (Day 2)

Island Peak

Island Peak climbing period. Overnight at tented camp.

6,189mTented Camp
Day12

Trek Down to Pangboche

Pangboche

Trek down to Pangboche (3,950 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,950m6h trekGuesthouse2,239m
Day13

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480m7h trekGuesthouse470m
Day14

Trek to Lukla

Lukla

Trek to Lukla (2,795 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

2,795m6h trekGuesthouse685m
Day15

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel1,450m
Day16

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 1,575
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

10

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights), breakfast included.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse accommodation during the trek, including tents, ropes, and climbing gear.

A government-licensed English-speaking climbing guide, the required number of porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers), and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Island Peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park permit, TIMS card, and all other necessary permits.

Flight fare from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu, including airport departure taxes.

Surface transfer from Kathmandu.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge and VAT.

Not Included

8

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, laundry, and hot showers.

Personal trekking and climbing equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Fastest route to an Island Peak summit. 16 days from Kathmandu to the top and back.

Thrill

Same summit, same ridge, same Lhotse view as the 19-day package but without the EBC detour.

Connection

At USD 1,975 this is USD 200 cheaper than the combined EBC + Island Peak package.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You want to climb Island Peak efficiently without the EBC extension.

You have basic mountaineering skills: crampon walking, jumar ascending, and comfort on steep snow/ice.

You can handle 6 to 7 hours of trekking per day plus a 2 AM summit day of 8 to 10 hours.

Prior experience above 5,000m is recommended. Base camp is at 5,087m.

You have 16 days and want to maximize climbing over trekking.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

33 items

Climbing boots

Harness

Crampons

Ice axe

Tapes and slings

Carabiners

Ice screws

Snow bars

Rock pegs

Helmet

Climbing rucksack

Day bag

Kit bag

Ascenders

Descenders

Base layer t shirts

Long sleeved cotton and woollen shirts

Long wool underwear

Cotton hiking shorts

Warm climbing trousers

Lightweight fleece

Fleece or wool mid layer

Down high altitude sleeping bag

Sleeping pad or thermarest

Light athletic socks and wool climbing socks

Lightweight thermal and insulated ski gloves

Head torch with spare batteries

Waterproof climbing jacket

Down jacket and trousers

Climbing sunglasses

Sun cream

Sun hat

Gaiters

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
Trail Stories

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