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


Embark on a thrilling 16-day expedition to conquer Island Peak at 6,189 meters, defying gravity and pushing your limits, leaving you with an overwhelming sense of triumph and the most remarkable memories.
Embark on a thrilling 16-day expedition to conquer Island Peak at 6,189 m, pushing your limits and walking away with remarkable memories.
This expedition offers the fastest route to the summit, combining efficient logistics and expert guidance, allowing you to reach the top and savor the panoramic vistas of the Himalayan giants in record time.
Dare to dream, challenge yourself, and discover the true strength within you as you scale Island Peak. Every step unlocks new depths of determination, resilience, and the joy of standing atop a Himalayan peak.
The name “Island Peak” was given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton’s team. One year later, in 1953, Island Peak (Imja Tse) was first climbed by a prestigious team in preparation for the ascent of Everest.
Whatever your reason, climbing Island Peak is a lifetime experience waiting for you. Mountain Hawk’s sensible 16-day itinerary is the best option to fully appreciate the experience. You will not only reach the summit of the magnificent Island Peak but also experience trekking in the most coveted Everest region.
The climbing package includes a 15-night, 16-day trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. All treks are escorted by professional mountain Sherpa guides with experienced support crews. Our professional approach to trekking and expeditions was developed over 17 years specializing in adventures to remote and exotic locations in Nepal.
We also provide a 4-day Base Camp guiding service from Dingboche to the Island Peak summit. Please contact us if you would like to join us from Base Camp.
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.
Summit a real 6,000m Himalayan peak while also visiting Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Experienced climbing Sherpa fix the lines on the upper mountain and guide the summit push.
Full teahouse comfort on the approach trek with tented camps only on climbing days.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You should be in excellent general fitness and comfortable on steep snow with crampons. Prior high altitude experience helps but is not required with our conservative acclimatisation schedule.
There is a genuine risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on any trip with multiple overnight stays above 3,500m. Your climbing guide will monitor O2 and pace daily.
Teahouses on the approach are simple and basic. Electricity and hot showers may cost extra in the higher villages.
Travellers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.