Arrival in Kathmandu
KathmanduArrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.


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.
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.
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.
16 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
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.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Tengboche Monastery (3,860 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Dingboche (4,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Rest day at Dingboche. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Chhukung (4,700 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,050 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Island Peak climbing period. Overnight at tented camp.
Island Peak climbing period. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek down to Pangboche (3,950 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lukla (2,795 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
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.
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.
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.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
Fastest route to an Island Peak summit. 16 days from Kathmandu to the top and back.
Same summit, same ridge, same Lhotse view as the 19-day package but without the EBC detour.
At USD 1,975 this is USD 200 cheaper than the combined EBC + Island Peak package.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
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.
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.
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.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.