21 Sep 2023 Prakash Devkota
Mountaineering has been very popular since the early 1900s. And Nepal comes in the frontline more than any other country regarding mountaineering. Whether it is from the first expedition of George Mallory or the recent ones from Kristin Harilla, the Himalayas of Nepal have called mountaineers from all around the world.
Talking about the Himalayas, the Everest Region is the one that should not be missed. The mountains from this region (from the Mahalangur Range) are the ones that represent Nepal in the world. From Everest to Lhotse, these peaks are among the fourteen 8000 ers in the world.
Nestled alongside the Mahalangur Range, an Island Peak has been climbed as a practice expedition before Mount Everest. It stands at 6,165 meters above sea level and is one of the pinnacles of the Khumjung Everest Region. Here, we will discuss the Island Peak Expedition, the best time to do it, and the essential preparations needed.
Island Peak Climbing Package Cost
Our Island Peak Climbing Package costs USD 2055 per person. But, including your air tickets and other gear, it might cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Usually, expedition costs are relatively higher than any other adventurous activities like trekking. Since the expedition first includes a trekking part to reach the base camp of Island Peak and then climb, it is a multi-day package with a large pool of budget demands.
The package cost includes accommodation, transportation, food services, guides, and porters services you need during the expedition. Here are some things included and excluded from the total cost of the Island Peak Climbing Cost Package:
Cost Includes
- Permits and Fees
- Climbing Equipment such as ropes, ice axes, crampons, and harnesses.
- The cost of professional guides and sherpas who assist and ensure safety during the climb.
- Accommodation in teahouses or tents during the trek and at base camp.
- Daily meals during the trek and climb, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Transportation to and from the trailhead, including flights and ground transportation.
- Hiring of porters to carry heavy equipment and supplies.
- Climbing Permits: Specific permits are required for climbing Island Peak.
- Pre-climb training sessions and acclimatization activities.
Cost Excludes
- International Flights: Airfare to and from your home country to Nepal.
- Personal Climbing Gear such as boots, clothing, and sleeping bags.
- Personal travel and medical insurance, including coverage for high-altitude climbing.
- Visa Fees
- Emergency evacuation and rescue costs.
- Tipping: Tips for guides, sherpas, and support staff.
Island Peak Climbing Cost Includes:
All the listed things are included in the Island Peak Climbing Package. Hover over these things so might have a gist about planning your budget for this expedition.
Permits:
There are several permits required to climb Island Peak in the Everest Region. The first one is the climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The cost of this permit differs from one season to another. This permit costs USD 250 per person in the Spring season, while it costs USD 125 in Autumn. Similarly, the cost goes down to USD 70 per person in the off-seasons, such as monsoon and winter.
You can purchase this permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association’s Office in Thamel, Kathmandu.
There are other permits which are required for this expedition. They are:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is one of the mandatory permits contributing to the total cost of Island Peak Climbing. Since Island Peak lies within the area of Sagarmatha National Park, we need to acquire this permit compulsorily. The Sagarmatha National Park is solely designed to protect the wildlife of the Everest Region, so to facilitate trekkers and mountaineers with the local dos and don’ts and code of conduct, this entry permit plays a vital role.
The cost of the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit is NRS. 3000 per person. If you are a trekker from a South Asian (SAARC) nation, the price is just NRS. 1000 per person. Similarly, the Nepalese trekkers must pay only NRS. 100 to acquire this permit. You can buy this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or Monjo Checkpost in Monjo.
Another permit to gain is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entry Permit, which replaced the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management) Card. This permit is relayed by the local government of Pasang Lhamu Municipality and came into action after the federal government system started in Nepal.
The cost of this permit is NRS. 2000 per person. You can buy this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Lastly, an optional permit might be required if you plan to reach Lukla from Jiri. During this journey, climbers must traverse the trail inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, so just like the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, this permit is also essential. To purchase this license, you must pay NRS. 3000 per person can be acquired from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
Required Documents To Acquire These Permits:
- Copies of passport-sized photos
- A photocopy of your passport
- Nepali currency, which is essential to pay for the permit.
- Accurately filled forms
- Travel insurance (helicopter evacuation included).
Transportation Cost:
To reach the base of Island Peak, climbers must start hiking from Lukla. But the first mission is to reach Lukla, which can be done by flight or land transportation.
For flight, the cost can be influenced by weather conditions, seasons, and group size. But the average flight cost from Kathmandu to Lukla is USD 180 per person. For Indian passengers, the cost is around NRs. 14700 Per Person while it costs around NRs. 5500 Per Person for Nepalese travelers.
For land transportation, climbers must opt for public buses or private rented jeeps to reach Lukla. For a bus, the cost can come around NRs. 5000 per person. Remember, the bus takes you either from Ramechhap or Salleri/Phaplu. If you are choosing a private jeep, it can cost you anywhere from USD 450 to 500.
The important thing to know is that the cost of transportation can be cheaper in big groups since the cost can be divisible by the total number of passengers.
Accommodation Cost:
While climbers will stay in Kathmandu before the journey to Island Peak starts, they will stay at a hotel. It features basic to advanced amenities, including hot showers, attached bathrooms, 24/7 electricity, and internet facilities. So, the cost of staying at a hotel might be slightly expensive, around $20 and $250 per night, depending on the comfort and services.
After climbers reach the Everest region, they can find numerous tea houses to stay in. The average cost of staying at a tea house is around USD 2 and USD 6 per night. They come with a shared bathroom and bedroom. Some tea houses even feature hot showers, electricity, and internet services.
There are also guest houses and lavish hotels in Namche Bazaar, which can cost you anywhere from $10 to $25 per night. It is recommended to look for hotels or tea houses that meet your expectations and budget margin.
Guide and Porter Cost:
Guides and porters are an integral part of Island Peak Climbing and a major factor contributing to its cost. A certified and experienced guide is mandatory for any trek or expedition within Nepal. After the injuries and missing cases plateaued, this rule became effective from April 1, 2023.
The cost of hiring guides can range from USD 25 to 35 per person. Some experienced guides charge up to $50 per person as well. However, the cost can fluctuate depending on their experience level and the service they offer. Generally, guides are responsible for aiding climbers with their navigation, setting the fixed ropes, and guiding them through the routes.
In the meantime, porters charge you anywhere from USD 20 to 30 per person. Porters are responsible for carrying your heavy backpacks and trekking/mountaineering gear.
Cost Excludes
Gear and Equipment Cost:
The cost of gear and equipment are not included in the standard package of the Island Peak Climbing. You must own your essential gear for this expedition
Climbing Island Peak requires a high level of preparation in gear and equipment too. We recommend climbers pack quality mountaineering gears that can withstand the Himalayas’ extreme weather and climate conditions.
Here is the list of essential gear for Island Peak Climbing:
Gears | Cost |
Harness | $60 – $150 |
Carabiners | $10 – $15 |
Split Tethers | $50 – $200 |
Jumars | $60 – $100 |
Climbing Accessory Cord | $20 |
Ice Axes | $70 – $120 |
Crampons | $150 – $300 |
Climbing Helmet | $40 – $80 |
Backpack | $60 – $180 |
Trekking Poles | $50 – $120 |
There are also other required items, which are listed as follows:
- High Altitude Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pads {Mattress}
- Sanitary items and toiletries
- Glacier Glasses
- Trekking Trousers/Shirts/Pants
- Thermal Socks/Hats/Gloves
- Hiking and Expedition Boots
- Waterproof/windproof jackets
- Maps/Guidebooks and altimeter
- Sunscreens/Lip Balm
- Water bags
- First Aid Kits
- Oxygen Supplements
- Extra Cash
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
This package does not include the cost of lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu. You must pay for your meal, which might cost depending on the place and style.
There are several places where you can get affordable meals. And since Kathmandu boasts a rich Newari culture, you can taste Newari cuisine well. But the cost is all in your name.
International Airfare
Another thing we do not include in our package is international flight costs. The climbers are solely responsible for getting the plane ticket and the price that comes with it.
By this, it means neither arrival nor departure airfares are included.
Nepal Entry Visa Fee
Climbers must acquire a Tourist visa to stay in Nepal during the Island Peak Climbing Expedition legally. So they must pay the cost as it is not included in the standard package.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is very important in peak climbing, as buying climbing permits for Island Peak is mandatory. But the thing is, climbers must pay their own money to purchase it.
Personal Expenses
Besides the activities included in the itinerary, the climbers must manage other expenses. The climbers must handle expenses that might come to the place during shopping, enjoying leisure time at bars, and eating snacks and lunch.
Tips
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly expected in Nepal. But the company will not offer you any budget to tip your guides and porters. You are fully liable to pay your guides and porters tip.
Itinerary For Climbing Island Peak
- Day 1: Flight to Lukla (2850m/9,350ft) | Trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,690ft)
- Day 2: Trek from Phakding (2,650m/8,690ft) to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,285ft)
- Day 3: Acclimatize at Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,285ft)
- Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,285ft) to Tengboche (3,855m/12,850ft)
- Day 5: Trek from Tengboche (3,855m/12,850ft) to Dingboche (4,360m/14,290ft)
- Day 6: Trek from Dingboche (4,360m/14,290ft) to Chhukung (4735m/15,535ft) 3 Hours
- Day 7: Acclimatize at Chukung (4735m/15,535ft)
- Day 8: Trek from Chhukung (4735m/15,535ft) to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/ 17,050ft)
- Day 9: Summit Island Peak (6,183m) and return to Chukung (4735m/15,535ft)
- Day 10: Trek from Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) to Tengboche (3,870m/12,304ft)
- Day 11: Trek from Tengboche (3,870m/12,304ft) to Namche (3440m/11,285ft)
- Day 12: Trek from Namche (3440m/11,285ft) to Lukla (2850m/9,350ft) 6-7 hrs
- Day 13: Fly from Lukla (2,850 m/9,350 ft) to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
You may also like:
- How Tall is Island Peak?
- Can Beginners Climb Island Peak?
- Island Peak Difficulty – Is Island Peak Hard to Climb?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to do Island Peak Climbing?
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to go for Island Peak climbing. These months come with stable and favorable weather with clear skies and less chances of natural hazards.
What is the average duration of Island Peak Climbing?
The average duration of climbing Island Peak is around two weeks, which is 14 days. But the duration might be influenced by the experience, speed, and itinerary provided by the travel agency.
Does my travel agency cover the climbing fees and permit costs?
Most of the time, the cost of peak climbing permits and other required licenses are integrated into the total package cost of the Island Peak Climbing. However, checking it before you book any of the packages is essential. You can negotiate with your travel agencies about the permits and logistics.
Do I need an insurance for Island Peak Climbing?
Travel and health insurance is recommended since it can cover not all but partial compensations in case your bookings get canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
How much does travel insurance cost?
On average, travel insurance in Nepal costs around between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.