Generated June 23, 2026Island Peak Climbing
Overview
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.
Trip Highlights
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.
At a Glance
- Summit Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189m) via the standard south face route
- Combine Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with a trekking peak summit
- Fixed rope climbing on the summit ridge above Island Peak Base Camp
- Views from the summit: Lhotse south face, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Baruntse
- Trek through the Khumbu: Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chukhung
- Kala Patthar (5,545m) sunrise over the Everest south face
- NMA trekking peak permit and climbing Sherpa guide included
- Base camp at 5,087m in the Chukhung valley
- Full board accommodation with TAAN-licensed trek guide and climbing Sherpa
- All permits included: Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Municipality, NMA
Elevation Profile
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Fly to Lukla & Trek to 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.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Tengboche
Trek to Tengboche (3,880 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Pheriche
Trek to Pheriche (4,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lobuche
Trek to Lobuche (4,930 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Everest Base Camp & Gorak Shep
Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,300 m) and return to Gorak Shep, approximately 8 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Kala Patthar & Trek to Dingboche
Early-morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,554 m), approximately 3 hours, then trek down to Dingboche. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Chhukung
Trek to Chhukung (4,700 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,050 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek to Island Peak High Camp
Trek to High Camp (5,350 m), approximately 3 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Summit Island Peak & Descend to 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.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Lukla
Trek to Lukla (2,795 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.
Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
What's Included
Included
- 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
- 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.
Equipment Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Island Peak Climbing with EBC cost?
Our 19-day guided package starts from USD 2,175 per person, including Sagarmatha National Park permit, Khumbu Municipality permit, NMA trekking peak permit, climbing Sherpa, mountaineering equipment, full board meals, accommodation, trek guide, and porter.
How hard is Island Peak?
Rated Strenuous. The summit ridge involves 40-50 degree snow/ice climbing on fixed ropes for about 200 meters. Crampon and jumar skills are required. The altitude (6,189m) and early start (2 AM) add to the challenge. Basic mountaineering experience is recommended.
What climbing skills do I need?
Basic crampon walking, fixed rope ascending with a jumar, and comfort on steep snow/ice. No lead climbing or ice axe belaying required. A pre-trip climbing course or gym session is recommended if you have no prior experience.
When is the best time to climb Island Peak?
April to May (pre-monsoon) and October to November (post-monsoon). April and May offer the best snow conditions on the summit ridge. October is colder but drier.
Does this trek include Everest Base Camp?
Yes. After the Island Peak summit, the route returns to Dingboche and continues to Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp (5,364m), and Kala Patthar (5,545m).
What equipment is provided?
Climbing rope, fixed rope hardware, crampons, harness, helmet, and carabiners. You need your own mountaineering boots (plastic or double-walled), warm layers, and sleeping bag rated to -20C.
What is the summit success rate?
Around 60 to 70 percent in good conditions. Weather, snow conditions, and fitness are the main variables. Your climbing Sherpa assesses conditions and makes the go/no-go decision on summit morning.
How is this different from the Island Peak Expedition (16 days)?
This 19-day package combines Island Peak with the full EBC trek including base camp and Kala Patthar. The 16-day Island Peak Expedition (USD 1,975) focuses on the climb without the EBC extension, approaching directly via Chukhung.
Why This Trek
Summit a 6,189m peak AND reach Everest Base Camp on one trip. Two bucket-list achievements in 19 days.
The summit ridge of Island Peak is real mountaineering: fixed ropes, crampons, and exposure with the Lhotse south face across the valley.
Kala Patthar sunrise on day 14 or 15 gives you the iconic Everest view before the climbing section.
Island Peak is the most popular introduction to Himalayan peak climbing. If you want to test yourself above 6,000m, this is the standard starting point.
The Chukhung valley approach passes through some of the quietest terrain in the Khumbu, away from the main EBC trail crowds.
Is This Trek Right for You?
- 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.