Island Peak (and Everest Base Camp)

At a glance

This expedition combines a trek to Everest Base Camp with a climb of Island Peak at 6189m. The first 10 days of our Island Peak expedition is identical to our Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary. Over this period we take in all the highlights of a classic Everest Base Camp Trek.

With a solid acclimatisation in place, we return to Dingboche and start preparing for our climb. The next day we trek to Chhukhung and that afternoon we practice ascending fixed ropes, abseiling and the mountaineering techniques we’ll need when we get higher.

The climb

The next morning we move up to High Camp and make final preparations for our summit attempt the next day.  Leaving at around 3.00 a.m. the next morning will see us safely on the summit around 6 – 7 hours later. The views from the summit of Island Peak are stunning and we celebrate a fantastic achievement.  After enjoying our time on the summit (around 30 minutes is typical if the weather is fine) we begin the long descent back to Base Camp. If time and energy levels permit, we may even return to Chhukhung this same day.

Island Peak with us

Our expedition itinerary includes plenty of rest days allowing for safe altitude acclimatisation. This is a challenging high altitude trek combined with an introductory mountaineering experience that assumes guests have no previous climbing experience. Guests with previous climbing experience will also find this expedition challenging, particularly if they are new to high altitude mountaineering. Fit and determined people that are looking for a more challenging undertaking than a trek only should consider this trip.

We have a good collection of Island Peak climbing videos on our YouTube channel. Watch through our playlist and get a great feel for what’s required to be successful on this mountain. 

Itinerary

Climbing Island Peak in Nepal

Day 1
Arrive early at Kathmandu International Airport and be transferred by Trek Climb Ski Nepal staff to your hotel accommodation. Welcome by your trip leader and issue of down clothing, sleeping bag and kit bag. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks hosted by your expedition leader and guides.

Day 2
A fantastic buffet breakfast followed by a morning sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Our staff will be available in the afternoon to assist any guests that may need to make last minute purchases. Evening at leisure.

Day 3
Our staff will meet you very early this morning and you’ll travel by private vehicle to Ramechhap airport (approximately 5 hours). Any luggage or personal possessions you won’t need during your Everest Base Camp Trek will be able to be stored (free of charge) at your hotel. They will be waiting for you when you return. From Ramechhap you’ll enjoy an incredible mountain flight to Lukla. Here your Everest Base Camp Trek truly begins! You’ll enjoy a hearty Sherpa breakfast at Namaste Lodge then commence your trek to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding (2600m).

Day 4
Today is a longer day on the trail as we start early for Namche Bazaar. After crossing the final suspension bridge above the Dudh Kosi (river), we begin up the famous Namche hill. If the weather is clear you’ll get to enjoy some brief views of Mt Everest en route. It’s a solid “up” to Namche but the rewards are great. Here we’ll spend 2 nights at the Namche Hotel which is home to the finest food, hot showers and hospitality in the Khumbu. Our hosts Ang Maya and Dorje Sherpa have been looking after us for years and our time at the Namche Hotel is a real highlight. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 5
Today is an important acclimatisation day for us in and around Namche Bazaar given we’ve now crossed the 3000m mark. We’ll set off for an early morning walk up to the Everest View Hotel for stunning traditional views of Mt Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. An hour or so here at 3800m will really help us with our acclimatisation to come. We’ll also visit the Namche Bazaar Monastery and receive a blessing from the buddhist Lama. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the local markets, bakeries and shops in Namche which is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 6
Today we leave Namche Bazaar and we trek to Deboche via Thyangboche. We’ll explore the famous Thyangboche Monastery (and the famous Thyangboche bakery) en route to Deboche. Overnight in Deboche (3710m).

Days 7 & 8
Slowly ascend further up valley to Dingboche (4410m). Dingboche sits at the base of Ama Dablam and from here you’ll take in stunning views of Lhotse and Island Peak. You’ll enjoy a well-earned rest and acclimatisation day in Dingboche. Two nights in Dingboche at 4410m.

Day 9
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m). Overnight in Lobuche, right next to the magnificent Khumbu Glacier – the world’s highest glacier. Lobuche is our second last overnight stop before reaching Everest Base Camp. Overnight in Lobuche (4910m).

Day 10
From Lobuche we trek alongside the incredible Khumbu glacier on our way to Gorak Shep (5140m). We stay overnight at Gorak Shep, which is actually a frozen lakebed covered with sand. Our goal for today is to arrive at Gorak Shep in plenty of time for lunch. Then, weather permitting, at around 3.30 pm we’ll ascend Kala Pattar to witness a spectacular sunset over Mt Everest and Nuptse. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5140m).

Day 11
Today we’ll have a slightly later start and everyone will relish the opportunity to sleep in. After breakfast you’ll receive a pack lunch and we’ll set-off for Everest Base Camp. At a nice casual pace the trip takes us around 3 hours and you’ll have plenty of time for photos along the way. You’ll marvel at the stunning (and deadly) Khumbu Icefall and feel an overwhelming sense of achievement having reached Everest Base Camp. After the obligatory high-fives, we’ll trek back to Gorak Shep for a big dinner and a final night above 5000m. Overnight in Gorak Shep (5140m).

Day 12
A well-earned cruisy downhill day all the way to Dingboche (4410m). Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 13
From Dingboche to Chhukhung. We’ll spend the afternoon learning and practicing the essential mountaineering techniques necessary for Island Peak. Overnight at Chhukhung (4730m).

Day 14
Trek from Chhukhung to Island Peak Base Camp and commence final preparations for our summit attempt. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp (4970m).

Day 15
Move from Base Camp and establish our High Camp at 5600m. Overnight at Island Peak High Camp (5400m).

Day 16
Leaving at around 4.00 a.m. we’ll climb and summit Island Peak and return to our Base Camp or Chhukhung. In the event of poor weather, our itinerary provides enough time for an additional day/night at High Camp and a further summit attempt the following day.

Day 17
A relaxing and well-earned walk back down valley to Dingboche. Overnight at Dingboche (4410m).

Day 18
From Dingboche to Pangboche for unsurpassed views of Ama Dablam. Overnight at Pangboche (3910m).

Day 19
Today we trek to Khumjung and Khunde and enjoy a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary School and Khunde Hospital. Overnight at Khumjung (3780m).

Day 20
Another relaxing day as we trek down valley to Phakding. Overnight at Phakding (2600m).

Day 21
From Phakding to Lukla and farewell party with our guides and porters. Overnight at Lukla (2800m).

Day 22
Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and then travel by private vehicle to Kathmandu. Re-check into The Radisson Hotel. Party and final celebrations in Kathmandu.

Day 23
Trip concludes. All guests will be conveyed to Kathmandu International Airport to meet their respective international flights.

What's included

3 nights accommodation at The Radisson Hotel (or equivalent) in Kathmandu with breakfasts

Welcome dinner and drinks in Kathmandu

All ground transfers in Nepal

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (includes entry fees and guide)

Return flights from Ramechhap to Lukla (includes taxes)

National Park entrance fees, trekking and climbing permits

All meals while trekking and climbing

Lodge accommodation at Namche Bazaar and Lukla

All camping facilities (tents etc.) while trekking and climbing

Exceptional leaders and guides

Porters to carry all personal and group equipment

Porter’s insurance

Emergency medical kit and gamow bag

All necessary personal climbing equipment (includes harness, ice-axe, boots, crampons, prusiks & carabiners)

Down jacket, sleeping bag and sleeping mattress

Complimentary Trek Climb Ski Nepal kit bag

All Nepalese tourist taxes and fees

Note: Tips for porters and guides are NOT included

Accomm + meals

Our Island Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp Trek includes 3 nights at the Radisson (or equivalent standard) Hotel in Kathmandu. Trek Climb Ski Nepal also provide a complimentary welcome dinner with drinks in Kathmandu on the first evening of your trip. While trekking in the mountains, you will stay in lodges along the route and you will be camping for the nights at Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp.

This trip includes all meals while you are on trek in the mountains. Morning and afternoon tea is also provided each day you are trekking. Unlimited safe (thoroughly boiled) drinking water is also provided each day you are in the mountains.

Meals in the Everest region of Nepal are not cheap. If you were to purchase your own meals from the lodges we stay at on this trek, your total food cost would be around AUD $1,500.

We proudly employ an all you can eat food and fluids policy on all our trips. Proper food intake and regular hydration are critical to safe altitude acclimatisation. In our opinion, trekking companies that leave food decisions and the purchase of food for their clients to manage (when trekking at altitude) are grossly irresponsible. Trekking companies often do this because it enables them to advertise a much lower (but unrealistic) trip price. Be sure to choose a tour operator that includes all your meals and safe drinking water in your trip price.

Gallery

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  Island Peak

  43 photos

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  Climbing Island Peak

  7 videos

Map

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