Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trekking

The Island Peak is located at the heart of Khumbu region which is recognized as a moderate Climbing peak of Everest area. Island peak climbing can be very interested to the climbers who are planning to go for Everest Base Camp Trek and higher altitude peaks afterwards. Island peak climbing can fulfill the dream of the climbers who are seeking the thrill of adventure and wish to widen their experience towards the peak climbing & expedition. Our Island peak climbing itinerary designed very professionally and takes you to the most popular trekking destination of Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar first for the close up views of Mt. Everest and acclimatization before scaling the peak. Island Peak was the name given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton's who thought it to be reminiscent of an island in a sea of ice. Island Peak is also known as "Imja Tse" in Nepali Name. Island Peak is an extension of Lhotse Shar, and is located between the Lhotse and Imja glaciers, standing at 6,189m/20,300ft.

After Trans Himalayan flight, we start our trekking from Lukla slowly up towards the Dudh Kosi valley. We across a Hilary suspension bridge and start climbing up gradually towards a big hill to get Namche Bazaar. We continue trek to Tengboche and Dingboche then accommodate for  high altitude . We get to world's most popular trekking destination Everest Base Camp then we retrace down to Dingboche and Chhukung. After enjoying with magnificent views of Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Amadablam and Island peak in close distance, we prepare for the ascent of Island Peak. After a day of walking from Chhukung we reach the Island Peak Base Camp to prepare to attempt the peak. It may take an additional day or two to scale the peak depending on weather conditions. You will endeavor the summit (6,189m/20,305ft) after one night at the High Camp perched on the South West Ridge where magnificent vistas of the Khumbu can be seen from the top. For some people reaching to the summit from the base camp is a day activity. However, most of the climbers prefer alpine style camping at high camp which adds the joy of climbing and also helps a safe ascent. After a successful climbing, our trip comes back to Lukla and end after flying out from Lukla to Kathmandu in morning.

Fact of this trip

Trip Duration      18 days
Max. Altitude: 6,189m/20,305ft
Minimum Altitude: 2650m./8745 ft.
Grade: Moderate 
Activities: Trekking/ climbing
Accommodation: Lodge/ tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner 
Transportation: Plane
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the week
Group Size: 1 person to 20 persons (maximum)
Best season: March, April, May, Sep, Oct & Nov.
Available Time: All months
Per day trekking: 4 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers and staff everyday
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-on

Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 : Kathamandu-Lukla over flight and trek to Phakding ( 2650m./8745ft.) 3 hours walk
A magnificent 35 minute flight to Lukla and an exciting landing  on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek. We head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail for 3 hours to our first stay at a lodge in Phakding (2650m./8745 ft.) .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 : Phakding-Manju-Joresalle-Namche Bazzar (3440m./11352ft.) 5 hours walk
We continue north following the Dudh Kosi river and on to Jorsale where we enter the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. From here it is a short walk to the confluence of two rivers, the lmja Drangpa (Imja Khola) and the Nangpo Tsangpo (Bhote Kosi) followed by a steep climb (for about 2 hours.) to Namche Bazaar, the main town in the Khumbu region. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa town and an important trading centre with a weekly Saturday market. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 : Rest day for Acclimatization in Namche Bazzar
Rest day and overnight. Namche Bazaar is tucked away between two ridges amongst the giant peaks of the Khumbu. Once named the 'Trekkers Mecca of Nepal’, Namche now boasts plenty of lodges and souvenir shops. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day, acclimatizing to the new altitude before heading off towards Everest Base Camp. Options for acclimatization walks include a visit to Khumjung Village and Khumjung gompa which has a Yeti skull, and also the one hour walk up to the Everest Hotel (3850m./12705ft.) above Namche for the sunset view of Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. Stay at same Lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Namche Bazzar-Phunki Tenga -Tengboche (3850m./12705ft.) 5 hours walk
The trail contours around the side of the valley, high above the Dudh Kosi. Now we get our first really good views of the great peaks - Khumbu, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam, including Everest. Passing by several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an excellent lunch spot, and here we can rest before making the steep climb to Tengboche. Although tiring, the hike up the zigzag path has numerous distractions, with rhododendron bushes, beautiful birds and superb mountain scenery. Tengboche is famous for its legendary monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. We stay near the monastery with Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam framed in the doorway of our lodge. Stay overnight there at lodge .
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:  Tengboche- Pangboche- Somare- Dingboche (4350m./14355ft.) 5 hours walk
Trek to Dingboche. The trail leads past the tiny village of Devuche, crosses the Imja Khola  and, after passing beautifully carved mani stones and a few chortens, we reach Pangboche. Ama Dablam dominates the skyline as we make our way to the village of Dingboche where we stay for two nights at a lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:  Acclimatization
Dingboche is a good place to rest and acclimatize. There are magnificent mountain views and many options for acclimatization hikes. We need to ensure you will be successful on your trek to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar. Today we hike to Nagarjun hill and see the stunning views of Makalu, Island Peak, Ama Dablam and Tawache.  Stay in same lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Dingboche-Thukla- Lobuche ( 4900m./16170ft.) 4 hours walk
We continue up the wide valley beneath the impressive peaks of Cholatse and Tawache on the left. We then turn right and climb more steeply towards the foot of the Khumbu Glacier and Lobuche east peak. At the top of this climb, there are many stone Pyramids, built as memorials to the many Sherpas who have died while climbing Mt Everest. The path then climbs gently along the glacier, to eventually reach the cluster of houses at Lobuche. Stay overnight at lodge. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Lobuche-Gorakshep ( 5130m./16929ft.) 2 hours walk - Excursion to EBC ( 5364m./17701ft.) 5 hours round trip
We continue our trek along the Khumbu Glacier in the early morning for a  wonderful walk to the Everest Base Camp . From Lobuche, it is two hours trek to Gorak Shep  where we leave our bags at the Lodge. After lunch, we hike for 2 hours up the Khumbu Glacier to the EBC. After spending time viewing the famous Khumbu Icefall and wandering through the ‘village’ of climbing groups, we return to Gorak Shep and stay overnight at lodge. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:  Gorak Shep - Kala Pattar - Dingboche (4400m./14520ft.) 6 hours walk
We rise very early in the morning for the hike to Kala Pattar (5550m./18315ft.) Our objective is to reach the summit of Kala Pattar just as the sun rises. After 2 hours of hiking, you will stand on Kala Pattar, just beneath Pumori (7165 m/23644 ft). From here, you have an unobstructed view of the Everest south face, Nuptse and many other peaks.  The scenery is breathtaking and you will want to extend your stay as long  as possible to take picture after picture and enjoy the vast array of mountains that surround you. And, at some moment while you stand looking out over the scene below, you will realize the significance of your achievement and the great feeling of satisfaction of a job well done. Soon, however, we have to leave Kala Pattar and make our way back to Gorak Shep, then trek to Dingboche and  stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Dingboche- Chhukung (4730m./15518ft.) 3 hours walk
Trek to Chhukung. Ama Dablam dominates the skyline as we make our way to the village of Chhukung where we stay for two nights at a lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Preparation Day 
Technical and practical preparation class for climbing Island Peak.
This is a day to check and set up all the climbing gears and do final preparation for the climbing. You can have a little surrounding walk around of the valley for some hours. And have a rest for whole afternoon. Stay over night  there at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Chhukung - Island Peak Base Camp ( 5200m./17060ft.) 3 hours climb
the path from Chhukung leads fairly steep way climbing south then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Continue short pleasant walking along a streamside leads to what we call Big -rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak. We reach Island Peak Base Camp then stay there overnight at tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Island Peak Base Camp - Island peak high Camp (5600m./18372ft.) 3 hours climb
You will move to Island Peak high camp, from where you will climb the Mt. Island peak. The path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel. We reach Island Peak High Camp  then stay there overnight at tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Summit Island Peak ( 6189m./20305ft.) and trek back to Chhukung ( 4730m./15518ft.) 8 hours walk
We Ascent  Island peak, from early in the morning will have to climb the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m(330ft) snow and ice slope (40-45º) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. After enjoying the summit views, you will descend all the way to Chhukungthen stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Chhukung -Phortse ( 3750m./12375ft.) 5 hours walk

The trail leads down the tiny village of Dingboche, crosses the Imja Khola  and, after passing beautifully carved mani stones and a few chortens, we reach Pangboche. After lunch, the trail to Phortse gradually rises above the Imja Khola and the views to the west are spectacular. As you gain elevation, you see in the distance the Tangboche monastery sitting high on hill. Keep an eye open for sightings of musk deer along the way. We arrive at Phortse and stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Phortse -Namche ( 3440m./11352ft.) 5 hours walk
Our trek takes us downhill from Phortse to the Dudh Kosi river. We cross the river and make our way through Phortse Thanga and from there, after many steep switchbacks uphill, to Mong. Again, the views from this elevation are outstanding as you look down the valleys to the west and admire the surrounding peaks. We descend and pass through Kenjoma on our way to Namche Bazzar then stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Namche - Lukla ( 2800m./9186ft.) 6 hours walk
Today the trail steeply descends to the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then continues on an easy natural walk to phakding. After a lunch, trail will lead you back to Lukla . On arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax, stretch those sore legs and celebrate the completion of your trek. Stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Lukla-  Kathmandu flight ( 35 minutes) 
In the morning, we rise early for breakfast, then walk to the airport. Before boarding the flight to Katmandu, you say goodbye to the porters and also goodbye to the mountains. The plane rolls down the short runway, then soars across the Dudh Kosi River and makes its way back to Katmandu. Transfer to you hotel.
Meals included : Breakfast

Trip Ends

 

Island Peak climbing Permit

Island Peak permit is mandatory to climb Island Peak. The fee structure is fixed by Nepal Governtment and Nepal Mountaineering association ( NMA ). US $ 250 per person during spring season March- May, US $ 125 per person during Autmn Septebmer to November, US $ 70 per person during winter December to February and US $ 70 per perosn during Monsoon June to August. You can obtain the permit through government registered and NMA affiliated Trekking agency as Nepal Alternative Treks with certain formalities. We have included permit in our service. 

Sagarmatha National Park fee

You must obtain Sagarmatha national park fee for Island Peak climbing as you will have to enter through national park. It is determined as the world heritage site by UNESCO. It’s main aim is to protect the wild life, flora and fauna in Everest region. We can find there himalayan tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pika (mouse hare), weasel, jackal, black bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard. 193 species of birds including impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, red-billed chough, yellow-billed chough, snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon and lammergeyer birds are found in this national park area.  As the vegetation, pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, while above 3,500 m, forests are dominated by silver fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees . Entrance fees are fixed for SAARC nationals - NPR 1,700 per person per entry, foreigners - NPR. 3,300 per person per entry. Trekkers can apply to obtain it in Nepal tourism board ( NTB) or government registered company as Nepal alternative treks or directly in entry point at Manju. You are required to bring your passport copy, one passport sized pictures and fee in cash. It is included in our service. 

Pasanglhamu Entry fee 

Pashang Lhamu entry fee ( Local government tax)  is collecting at Lukla by Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality after local government is formed. You will have to pay NPR 2000.00 per person at Lukla directly. Passport copy is required to obtain. TIMS has been stopped to execute by local government. So, you don't need it. 

Trekking /Climbing Clothing Equipment

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 

- Light weight pants, shorts

- At night -track top, pants 

-  T-shirts. 

- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 

- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 

- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 

- Vaseline for feet and crutch.

- Water bottle - 2 liters.

- Sunglasses and strap 

- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch

- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 

- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 

- Small daypack - 25 liters. 

- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 

- Small towels 

- Warm down fiber filled jacket - 15 c  ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 

- A pair of gloves 

- Snow glasses and strap 

- Personal climbing gears 

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel insurance companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). If you follow precautious and our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters)
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges and two men north face tents during the trip. We will provide shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, you can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) at lodges and our cook will prepare delicious varities of meals during camping and climbing period. There will be served breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your own choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Island peak climbing with ebv  is moderate trip, Suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 6189 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trip successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past climbing experience would be an asset but no mandatory for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trip.

Maik Reger
Germany

Hi All,
I have a nice trip with my family. My guide Dhan was the best. I will come back. Thank you !

Siobhan Murphy
UK

The trek was excellent. The service has been brilliant from before we left the Uk and the whole trip. I can’t fault the services-problems sorted out immediately Mr. Dillip and Lal porter were excellent, helpful, and always cheerful. We will always remember this trip. I will recommend this company to everyone and I hope you continue to be successful Tej.

Kornkamon Chittreekhun
Thailand

For the whole package is so good. I am very satisfied with the service, guide and porter while trekking. Good guide for sightseeing is also Ok. I will probably come back and use the company’s service again soon! Thanks for everything!

Mr. James and Ms. Mariya
USA

I found my experience in Nepal to be an overall favorable experience.  Our guides were very hospitable, knowledgeable and helpful. This company arrangement for our trip was perfect. I would like to come back again for longer time. Thanks !

Ms. Anna
USA

Thank you –Tej for wonderful trek. Nepalese are great loving, caring people. I will come back again!  I enjoyed it.

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TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

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