Island Peak Climbing
Mountain Hawk Trek
Peak Climbing RegionStrenuous

Island PeakClimbing with EBC

Summit Island Peak (6,189m) and reach Everest Base Camp on a single 19-day expedition. Kala Patthar sunrise, Chukhung valley approach, summit ridge with fixed ropes. NMA permit and climbing Sherpa included. From USD 2,175.

View Itinerary
19
DaysTotal trek duration
6189m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Sep–Nov · Mar–Jun
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$2,175
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Island Peak's summit ridge is the highlight: a narrow snow arête with Lhotse's massive south face directly opposite and Ama Dablam behind. The fixed rope section gains 200 meters on 40-50 degree ice. At the summit you stand higher than anything visible except the 8,000-meter peaks.

Combining the climb with EBC and Kala Patthar gives you two summit experiences and one base camp in a single trip. The trek-to-climb transition at Chukhung is seamless.

Island Peak is classified as a "trekking peak" by the NMA, but the summit ridge is real mountaineering. Fixed ropes, crampons, harnesses, and jumar ascending are all part of the summit day. It is the most popular introduction to Himalayan climbing.

Trip Overview

A closer look

Island Peak Climbing with EBC is a 19-day expedition that combines the Everest Base Camp Trek with a summit attempt on Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m), Nepal's most popular trekking peak. The route follows the standard EBC trail through Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche, then branches to Chukhung for the Island Peak approach. After the summit, you return to the EBC trail for Gorak Shep, base camp, and Kala Patthar.

Island Peak Base Camp sits at 5,087m in the Chukhung valley below the peak's south face. The climbing route follows a glacier to the summit ridge at 6,000m, then a steep snow/ice ridge to the top. Fixed ropes are placed by your climbing Sherpa. Basic mountaineering skills (crampon use, jumar ascension) are needed. The summit panorama includes the Lhotse south face, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Baruntse.

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

For the EBC trek without the peak climb, the Everest Base Camp Trek is 15 days (USD 1,675). For Island Peak without the EBC extension, the Island Peak Expedition focuses on the climb in 16 days. For a higher summit, Mera Peak Climb Via Zatra La Pass reaches 6,476m in 18 days.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
6,189m4,978m3,767m2,556m1,345mKathmanduLuklaNamcheTengbochePhericheLobucheEBCKala PattharChukungIsland Peak Base CampIsland Peak SummitNamcheLuklaKathmandu6,189m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

19 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

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

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
Day04

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

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

3,480m5h trekGuesthouse870m
Day05

Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,480mGuesthouse
Day06

Trek to Tengboche

Tengboche

Trek to Tengboche (3,880 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

3,880m5h trekGuesthouse400m
Day07

Trek to Pheriche

Pheriche

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

4,200m5h trekGuesthouse320m
Day08

Trek to Lobuche

Lobuche

Trek to Lobuche (4,930 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,930m4h trekGuesthouse730m
Day09

Trek to Everest Base Camp & Gorak Shep

Gorak Shep

Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,300 m) and return to Gorak Shep, approximately 8 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

5,180m8h trekGuesthouse250m
Day10

Kala Patthar & Trek to Dingboche

Dingboche

Early-morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,554 m), approximately 3 hours, then trek down to Dingboche. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,350m6h trekGuesthouse830m
Day11

Trek to Chhukung

Chhukung

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

4,700m3h trekGuesthouse350m
Day12

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
Day13

Trek to Island Peak High Camp

Island Peak HC

Trek to High Camp (5,350 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

5,350m3h trekTented Camp300m
Day14

Summit Island Peak & Descend to Chhukung

Chhukung

Early-morning climb to the summit of Island Peak (6,173 m), then trek down to Chhukung (4,700 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

4,700m7h trekGuesthouse650m
Day15

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

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

3,480m7h trekGuesthouse1,220m
Day16

Trek to Lukla

Lukla

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

2,795m6h trekGuesthouse685m
Day17

Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel1,450m
Day18

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day19

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 2,175
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

11

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 (4 nights), breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

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

Summit a 6,189m peak AND reach Everest Base Camp on one trip. Two bucket-list achievements in 19 days.

Thrill

The summit ridge of Island Peak is real mountaineering: fixed ropes, crampons, and exposure with the Lhotse south face across the valley.

Connection

Kala Patthar sunrise on day 14 or 15 gives you the iconic Everest view before the climbing section.

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 your first 6,000m peak combined with the Everest Base Camp experience.

You have basic mountaineering skills: crampon use, fixed rope ascension (jumar), and comfort on steep snow/ice. No lead climbing required.

You can walk 6 to 7 hours a day for 15 trekking days plus 1 summit day starting at 2 AM.

Prior experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended. You sleep at 5,087m (base camp) before the summit attempt.

Budget is USD 2,175 or higher. Includes NMA permit, climbing Sherpa, and all mountaineering equipment.

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

What trekkers say

Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.

5.0/ 5
1 verified review
Lindsay McDonald
AustraliaMay 2018

Gokyo Ri, Cho La pass and Island Peak

Prem is a weather god, protector of stomachs, and guide extraordinaire. I cannot speak highly enough of Prem and Mountain Hawk Trekking. He had everything organised and quickly adapted plans when things needed to change. He managed our acclimatisation well, taking us up slowly and monitoring our O2 each day. In years to come I will bring my children to see the beauty of Nepal and I will definitely go with Prem.

Verified trekker