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Island Peak(6,189m), or Imja Tse, is a well-known trekking peak in Nepal. Perched in the northern part of the Khumbu Region, Island Peak is the ultimate destination for climbers, mainly beginners. It is less technical and strenuous hence suitable for all.
Simply put, Island Peak Climbing is one of the best things in the Everest Region. The peak, which looks like an Island of the sea, invites you to do a fantastic expedition. It starts with a worthwhile flight to Lukla. Landing in Lukla, you walk through the paved trail of Everest Base Camp Trek.
Passing Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, you will first go to Everest Base Camp. Yes, this Island Peak Climbing is a complete walk in the region. You will visit Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. These visits are fabulous for mountain views. However, you can choose a straight route if Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar are not on your list.
Only after that, the real walk to Island Peak begins. The journey reaches Island Peak Base Camp via Chhukung. Next, you climb the famous Island peak and experience everything from the top. The glorious views of peaks like Lhotse, Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and others are entirely worth it. Every hardship will make sense.
After this incredible climb, you will retrace Lukla via Tengboche, Namche, and Phakding. And with one flight to Kathmandu, you will finish the expedition. When you reach Kathmandu, your mind will be full of memories, experiences, and takeaways from the climb.
Undoubtedly, Island Peak Climbing is a fantastic climbing expedition. You can reach the top with basic climbing training, knowledge, and good preparation. Our experienced Sherpa guides will help you on this journey.
If you want this expedition, reach us in Spring and Autumn. The climbing is excellent during these two favorable weather windows.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel Transfer
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Tour Preparation
Day 3: Fly to Lukla(2,800m) and Trek to Phakding(2,610m)
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche(3,400m)
Day 5: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Trek from Namche to Tengboche(3,874m)
Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche(4,400m)
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Day 9: Trek to Lobuche(4,900m)
Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep(5,180m) and Hike to Everest Base Camp(5,364m)
Day 11: Morning Hike to Kala Patthar and Trek to Lobuche(4,900m)
Day 12: Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung(4,730m) via Kongma La(5,535m)
Day 13: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp(5,200m)
Day 14: Island Peak Summit(6,183m) and Return to Chhukung
Day 15: Trek back to Tengboche(3,870m)
Day 16: Trek back to Namche Bazaar(3,400m)
Day 17: Trek back to Lukla(2,850m)
Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu(1,350m)
Day 19: Departure
You will arrive in Nepal at Kathmandu Airport to do Island Peak Climbing. We will be at the airport to receive you. After a lovely welcome, we will head to your hotel. Upon reaching there, we will leave you to rest and relax. Later, we will have a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant. We will introduce each other and talk about Island Peak.
We will take a free day in Kathmandu before we leave for Island Peak. On the one hand, we will visit the major tourist attractions in the city, like Pashupatinath Temple, Monkey Temple, Bouddhnath Stupa, and Basantapur Durbar Square. We will learn about Nepal’s rich history, art, and culture. Likewise, we will arrange things for Island Peak Climbing. We will buy/rent climbing gear and clothing. In this way, we will spend the day in Kathmandu.
Flight Duration: 30 minutesTrek Duration: 4-5 hoursThe Island Peak adventure finally begins. We will come to Kathmandu Airport’s domestic terminal in the morning for a flight to Lukla. We will soon land at Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport. After the landing, we will get ready for our walk to Phakding. The trek eventually begins from here through the alleys of Lukla. We will descend from there to join the riverbed of the Dudh Koshi River. In 4 hours, we will reach Phakding for the night.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hoursBy taking the sides of the Dudh Koshi River again, we will progress towards Namche Bazaar. We will cross several suspension bridges throughout the day along with the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. In the meantime, we will also get the first glimpses of peaks. We will take several more uphills, downhills, suspension bridges, and villages to reach Namche. Namche, the region's hub, will be an excellent place for our evening.
It will be the first acclimatization day of Island Peak Climbing in Namche. The place is perfect for getting used to the altitude and exploring. Thus, we will do acclimatization while exploring Namche Bazaar. We have several alternatives like the Everest View Hotel visit, Khumjung & Khunde village visit, or Local Museum visit. As per our time, we will choose one or maybe two of the options. In this way, we will spend a free day in Namche.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hoursThe following day, we will leave Namche by heading upwards. The path will lead us to the headwalls of the elevations. While walking on the flat road, we will see majestic Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, and other beauties. Soon, we will take a downhill that runs through lush woods. We will reach the banks of the Dudh Koshi River again. One vertical uphill from the banks of the river will lead us to Tengboche. We will have a blissful night in the village of Tengboche Monastery.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hoursWe will start with a down going trail through a lush forest. It will be an easy walk until we reach the river bed of Imja Khola. After the river, our walk will head upwards to Pangboche. In Pangboche, we will cross several monasteries and mani walls. We will enter Imja valley from the Lobuche River. Then, gradually trekking on a steep trail, we will reach Dingboche, where we will sleep well.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hoursNow it is time for some more acclimatization on Island Peak Climbing. Thus we will stay and wander around Dingboche only. Located several hours away from Dingboche, Nagarjun Hill(5,100m) is the perfect hike option for the day. It is just a short distance from Dingboche and offers fantastic mountain views. We will climb the hill and see Mt Lhotse, Island Peak, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and others. Following the conditioning hike, we will return to Dingboche for the night.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hoursIn the morning, watching amazing views, we will start the walk to Lobuche. It will start on an easy and flat trail. Afterward, we will cross Khumbu Glacier’s terminal moraine to reach a memorial site for climbers who died in the region's mountains. We will pause for a while at the place. Following, we will resume walking on the terminal moraine until Lobuche
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours It is a special day of the trip. We will wake up and begin our hike to Gorak Shep. The view while walking is awe-inspiring. Enjoying the picture, we will cross the rocky and rough path to reach Gorakshep. At Gorak Shep, we will take lunch and rest at a teahouse. Then, leaving our belongings there, we will do an evening hike to Everest Base Camp. At Everest Base Camp, we will celebrate the promenade and the view of EBC. We will return to Gorak Shep for the night after the view.
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours We will wake up early to hike to Kalapathar, the best place for mountain views. Upon reaching the site, we will watch a breathtaking sunrise view and a lengthy mountain panorama. It will be one of the best memories of Island Peak Climbing. After this, we will descend back to Gorak Shep to have breakfast. Next, we will take a long route that brings us to Lobuche. It will be a restful night in Lobuche.
Trek Duration: 7-8 hoursAfter breakfast, we will begin walking towards Kongma La Pass. The walk will be strenuous as it is rough and steep. We will overcome this part to reach the top of Kongma La Pass, one of the three Everest passes. Next, we will take a downhill trail that ultimately ends in Chhukung. Across the day, we will see several glaciers and many astonishing peaks. Arriving in Chhukung, a bit more exhausted than before, we will take a worthy sleep.
Trek Duration: 4-5 hoursIt is time for Island Peak Camp. Carrying our backpacks, we will head up from Chhukung. The path is moderately steep. Firstly, we will head towards the South before moving to the east in the valley. Our walk will wind up along the way via the moraine of Lhotse glacier. Next, our walk will happen on a comfortable trail by a Himalayan stream. Imja Glacier’s moraines will also come before we reach Island Peak Base Camp. In this way, we will get to the campsite. Before it is night, we will do some climbing practice and training. Then we will spend the night in a camp tent.
Trek Duration: 10-11 hoursThe day to climb Island Peak is here. We will start this day quite early to give ourselves enough time. Following the lead of the climbing guide, we will take an ascend of a rocky ridge.After the ridge, we will climb across a glacier using crampons, axe, and ropes. Then we will climb gradually for 1-2 hours to reach the headwall of Island peak. The guide will set a string to climb the headwall and reach Island Peak. Using the rope, we will reach summit Island Peak. A mouth-opening view of the mountains and vicinity will be our reward. Following the summit, we will descend to Chhukung via High Camp and Island Base Camp. Chhukung will await us with a celebration evening. We will have a memorable time there.
Trek Duration: 6 hoursFrom Chhukung, we will walk to refind Tengboche. Our promenade will happen via Pangboche, Debuche and Dingboche. The walk will also become easy as we are losing altitude. Walking through the region and enjoying the sceneries, we will reach the town of Tengboche Monastery to spend the night.
Trek Duration: 6 hoursNow we will embark towards Namche Bazaar. The route goes via lush vegetation and several Sherpa villages. As it is a retracing trek, we will come up to the same places and pictures from different angles. Overall, it will be a picturesque walk with several ups and downs. Namche Bazaar will host a good evening.
Trek Duration: 6 hours After the night in Lukla, we will start our final day of walking on Island Peak Climbing. The trek will begin with a downhill walk to the Dudh Koshi River. We will have more uphills than downhills. So it is going to be a long walk. Just like the first day of the trek, we will use suspension bridges several times. In this way, we will reach Lukla to complete the walk. A time to celebrate the journey will be in Lukla.
Flight Duration: 30 minutes We will take a scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu in the morning. It will be an exciting flight over the mountains. Shortly, we will land in Kathmandu. With many good experiences from the trip, we will reach our hotel and rejuvenate.
The trip ends here. We will take you to the airport for departure. With the hope of seeing you shortly, we will bid farewell.
Will I get WiFi on this trek?
Yes, but not in all the places. The teahouses of the lower areas have WiFi services. But the higher areas teahouses may lack the service.
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Yes, a visa is necessary to visit Nepal for all tourists except Indian nationals. You can get a visa from the Nepalese Embassy in your country or an on-arrival visa from Kathmandu (TIA) Airport. For that, you will need a valid passport before 6 months, some passport-sized photos, and a visa fee.
How much is a Nepalese Visa fee?
The up-to-date visa fees (as of 6/6/2024) for a Nepalese visa is: US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days. For Visa Extension: 3 USD per Day(minimum 15 days) 5 USD per day as late fine in the case of delay
Which time is best for a Nepal tour?
The best times to visit Nepal are September to November and March to May. If you are not doing any high-altitude tours, you can visit Nepal all year round, including Monsoon and Winter.
What is Nepal best known for?
Nepal is known for multiple reasons. The country is geographically, culturally, architecturally, and religiously a gifted one. It is the birthplace of Buddha, home of Mt Everest and eight other world & highest peaks, the world best trekking trails, the land of brave Gurkhas, and more. Therefore, multiple reasons make Nepal popular across the globe.
I had an amazing experience with Sabbatical Explore Nepal when I visited Nepal during my Gap year 2018. Our guide and driver were so experienced and helpful. I remember seeing many animals like tigers, deers, rhinos during Jungle Safari in Chitwan. I even went to the Elephant Breeding Centre and that was amazing. In Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha I visited Maya Devi Temple and other monasteries. I was mesmerized by the architectural designs of the Temples and Monasteries built by different countries. I was a little sad that I couldn't visit other amazing places but the 6 days I spent in Nepal were very meaningful and memorable. I am looking forward to my next trip to Nepal.
Felix
I went to Upper Mustang Trek with them, which I can vividly remember even after 2 months now. I found out about this team from one of my friends. I'm glad he suggested it. Everything went well during the trek. The guide was so humble and good. He showed me things that I could never have if I was traveling solo. I feel a deep connection with the landscapes of Mustang. Thanks to the guide and the team. The trip was a great experience!
Ruben Jonas
“I had a lot of fun on this trek. We had a seven days trek to Langtang from Kathmandu. My guide Sabin karki was super awesome. He was motivating, fun, and the perfect companion for the given situation. I am more than happy with the service provided on this trip. They organized the whole trek in a way that allowed me to both acclimatize progressively and enjoy the Langtang valley beauty. I had a blast and had the time of my life. Thank you so much, Sabbatical Explore Nepal, and Sabin karki for making this trip possible :).”
Steve Smith
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