19 Mar 2020 Prakash Devkota
In this article, we have brought a detailed guide on Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek.
When it comes to the world’s preeminent natural attractions, Everest certainly leaves everyone startling. Be it the beauty of sky-scraping mountains or the purity of lake-like Gokyo, the place has stunned with a ton of each.
However, to the fore of every monstrous peak like Everest, many incredible sites slide missing to come to people’s notice. One of them to exemplify is Island Peak, synonymous with Imja Tse.
Perhaps due to its far-flung location or laxity, the peak has been the most underrated one in the region. The place is an axis of natural grandeur with glistening mountains and eccentric landscapes to explore.
Still, regardless of the exquisite and subtle view, the place has the least visitors to pay homage to its beauty. Island Peak lies in the Sagarmatha National Park and has the glory to offer to the travelers.
Whether it’s the trek difficulty or inaccessibility, Island Peak is climbed by few trekkers. Hence to get larger the number, we provide you a complete package of Island peak climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek.
The whole trip will be nothing short of electrifying having prompted adventure and refreshment.
Best seasons for Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek
To this time, it’s no secret that Autumn and Spring is the best time for trekking in Nepal. And when it comes to climbing the Island peak and Everest Base Camp, the seasons are even more apt.
It only makes sense to travel the region in Spring as it bestows you with natural splendor. The trail that walks all the way to Island peak is stash with flower petals and dry leaves.
Hence with so many different flowers folding at the very place, the site looks spectacular. Even the temperature and weather of the season are pleasant as trekkers relish every bit of their trip.
No clashing the opulence of spring, Autumn is also rejoiced by most hikers traveling the region. Autumn in Nepal kicks off from early September and from the time the trees start changing their color.
It’s all green in the valley and uphill as if the whole place has been sheathed under a green carpet. The weather in Autumn is mild with a warm day and slightly cold nights.
Because the wind keeps rushing through the valley with winter just months away, trekkers get to ease off. They don’t have to resist the blazing heat and still keep an eye on the route.
Of course, not as friendly as spring and autumn but winter also has a fair deal of scenery to offer travelers. The entire valley looks heavenly during winter with snow-covered all over.
Difficulties of Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek
The Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek is fairly difficult with few challenges to overcome. All in all the trails are easy to walk with the well-marked route all the way to Island Peak.
Out of the way, some pathways are off-beaten with rocky lanes, causing it difficult for trekkers to trace. Like most trekking spots, Island Peak also becomes impossible to hike during winter.
Lying at an altitude of 6187m, Island Peak gets too cold out there during the season. Likewise, the other drawback of the trek to Island Peak with Everest Base Camp is altitude sickness.
Many travelers who ascend Island Peak struggle from breathing problems, nausea, and headache. Because of the very reason, we’ve laid three days for altitude acclimatization.
Few Related Packages:
Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
This is the very first day of your Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek. You’ll meet our representative at Tribhuvan International Airport. Of course, there will be a short meet and greet session after which you’ll head to your respective hotel.
Our officials will make sure that you have a safe drive to the hotel. For your ease, they’ll even walk you to the room, seeing that you don’t have a problem finding it.
They’ll let you relax thereafter after all you have had such a long flight. If that’s what you’d prefer then get stuck into your room all day long and take rest.
Else, you can take a short trip to Kathmandu city and come to know its history and art. Return to the hotel in the evening and call it a day.
Day 02: Touring Kathmandu City
As long as you’re in Nepal, there is no tuning out from Kathmandu City. Hence you’ll start the day of the Island Peak trekking by touring much reputed, Kathmandu City.
Home to ancient art and cultural heritage, the city will take you inside into its durbar squares. It has a collection of these durbar squares like Kathmandu and Bhaktapur as well as a religious site such as Boudhanath stupa.
Besides it, there’s a lot more to explore here including Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred temple of Hindus. For historical artifacts, there’s Patan Museum as well as the National Museum of Nepal which provides a stack of painting and sculpture.
Finally, you’ll finish the day taking a tour of Swayambhunath Temple and move back to the hotel. In the evening, have dinner at the hotel and pack all the necessary stuff before going to bed.
Day 03: Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding
With almost 137 km to travel, you’ll wake up early today and meet us down the alley of the hotel. You’ll then take a short drive to the airport and thereupon catch a flight to Lukla.
Flying to the remote headland and the Himalayas for about 35 minutes, you’ll reach Lukla. From the flight, you get a first glimpse of the Himalayan landscapes, breathtaking mountains, and streams.
On your stop at Lukla, have breakfast at one of the teahouses and start trekking to Phakding. The first thing your eye would catch as you start walking the trail would be the imposing Dudh Koshi river.
Walking alongside the gushing river and coming across the sacred stone carved chants, you’ll reach Phakding. The trek from Lukla will last 4 hours at most and has you travel along with the monasteries and mani stone wall.
Some popular villages you’ll walk through descending from the hill include Ghat and Chheplung. With the end of the hike for the day, you’ll stay the night at Phakding.
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Celebrate the beautiful morning of Phakding with a delicious breakfast and having a formal talk with the locals. Since it’s Namche Bazaar you’ve to ascend today, make a move from Phakding as early as possible.
Following the well-marked paths with access to a scenic view, you’ll have a fantastic time on the way to Namche. The trek begins soon after you take a trail that walks along the ridge of the Dudh Koshi river.
The route works its way through a bushy forest full of captivating pines, juniper, and oak trees. In spring, you can see the whole forest embellished by blooming rhododendron.
There are several suspension bridges you’d cross before reaching Sagarmatha National Park. While everyone’s eye will be on the bridge of Hillary, you’d most perhaps enjoy walking over the Imja river.
From here, you’ll climb a steep hill up to the crowded street of Namche Bazaar. Spend the night at a lodge in the valley.
Day 05: Namche Bazaar to Everest View Hotel
The day is segmented on the grounds that you acclimatize yourself and get used to the climate. And Namche, being a gateway to Everest is the perfect place for altitude acclimatization.
Syangboche is all you’ve to trek to during your stay at Namche Bazaar and return back to the valley. Hence, start trekking from the early morning through a sloped hill and enjoy the picturesque view.
On reaching the highest point of Syangboche, you’ll witness the mesmeric view of Everest, Tawache and many more. Meanwhile, on the way back from Syangboche, you get to explore Everest Photo Gallery and Sherpa Culture Museum.
For an evening at Namche, you can visit the fanciest cafe here or seek the local culture. Dinner is at the guest house so make the time count.
Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Time to leave Namche on the far side now and head towards the glorious Tengboche. It’s a remote village in the Khumbu region and abode to Tengboche Monastery.
You have a steady trail to walk today as it goes through the forest and a side alley to Phunki. At the start of the trek, you’ll walk gently and climb down only after the trail descends to Dudh Koshi Valley.
From here, you’ll keep climbing uphill till arriving at the village of Tengboche. As you stop by the village, it’ll downpour you with a dazzling view of snow peaks and landscapes.
You can get a closer view of Everest from here and even visit Tengboche Monastery. Overnight at a lodge in Tengboche.
Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche
Dingboche may be known for its mani stone wall but the highlight of the trek is the slope downhill. That being so, you’ll start descending through the woods and get across the Imja Khola.
The walk will be a lot interesting after the trail passes via the village of Pangboche. Other scenic views you’d enjoy while on the trek includes Mt. Lhotse and Imja Tse.
Upon arriving at Dingboche through green pastures, you’ll notice ample mani stone walls. You may also be interested in exploring the beautiful Imja river.
Interacting with the locals and getting to know their culture can also make the best use of time. Spend the night at a guesthouse in Dingboche and continue the trip tomorrow.
Day 08: Dingboche to Nagerjun and return Dingboche
It’s the second time you’ll be acclimatizing on Island Peak climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek. Even though the day is sectioned for relaxing, you’ll still be hiking for the least 6 hours.
The day follows with you having your breakfast and start trekking uphill to Nagerjun. It’s the hill located above Dingboche on the edge of Chhukung Valley.
The walkway can see you scrambling the hills for up to 5 hours. Still, the trek is all worth it as it offers a stunning view of Lobuche West, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
After the sightseeing is over, you’ll start climbing down the hill till reaching Dingboche yet again. One more night to spend at the village and the next day you’ll be at Lobuche.
Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche
On the 9th day of trekking to Island Peak, you’ll be traveling to Lobuche. So, wake up with the rising sun of Dingboche and start taking a gentle walk to Dugla.
After the point, you’ll walk on a steep trail along the moraine of Khumbu Glacier. Passing this gleaming glacier of Khumbu, you’ll reach Lobuche.
Although the village itself is magnificent, you’ll be more delighted to see Pumori and Khumbutse. Rest the night at a hotel in Lobuche as they provide delicious meals.
Day 10: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep
Have your morning breakfast at Lobuche and start hiking to Gorak Shep as soon as possible. After reaching the frozen lakebed, you will proceed with the trail that heads to Everest Base Camp.
To this time, the trekkers can get exhausted as the trail walks uphill and descends to and fro. Yet, after three hours of trek, you’ll be gazing at Mt. Everest from the foot of the base camp.
To make it the most of 4-5 hours, take a look at the amazing Khumbu Glacier and icefall. It’s also from where your expedition to Everest begins. After getting enough from looking at the view, you’ll retrace your steps back to Gorakshep. The night you’ll spend at the guesthouse in Gorakshep.
Day 11: Hiking to Kalapatthar
After getting a load of scenic sights at Everest Base Camp, next, you’ll head to Kala Patthar. Since it’s a long walk all the way to the rocky mountain, you’ll make an early move on the day.
As expected, the trail will see you walking along with a marvelous view. The closer you get to Kala Patthar, the clearer you view the Everest and the glaciers here.
Also, while in Kala Patthar, you’ll have a lot to explore including the dynamic landscapes. While the mountain itself is a pleasure to watch, you’ll also spot Changtse and Nuptse.
Day 12: Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp
Finally, the day is here when you’ll come to rest at Island Peak Base Camp. Hence you’ll wake up to the dawn in Dingboche and have your breakfast.
Starting from Dingboche, you’ll take a gentle step coming after Imja Valley. Leading you will be the splendid views of Ama Dablam and the moraines that steadily fall from Lhotse.
Crossing the moraine, you’ll walk to the flat sand land of Pareshaya Gyab to arrive at the base camp. Put the tent at Island Peak Base Camp as you’ll spend the night there.
Day 13: Island Peak Base Camp to Summit Peak
Today is the day when you’ll be conquering the summit of Island Peak. It is, therefore, you’ll start scaling the mountain before dawn.
For the most part, the trek isn’t difficult at all. The only time you’ll get weary is when you have to ascend countless rock steps to get on the right side of the ravine.
The runway then traces a ridgeline that goes to the top of Island Peak glacier. After passing the summit ridge through a steep snow trail and exploring, you’ll retrace your steps to Chhukung.
Day 14: Reserve Day for Contingency
At an elevation of 6189m, there is no certainty that the weather is always enjoyable. So, we sectioned a day so that any of you who fails to make it to the summit can make over the trek.
The day only comes to use in extreme weather conditions or in any other exceptional case. Trekkers who struggle with altitude sickness as ascend the peak can make the best of the day.
Day 15: Chhukung to Namche
Long gone the day when you wake up with the gushing wind of Chhukung. Sadly, you’ll take a step back from the Island Peak climbing with Everest Base Camp trek today.
Fleeing the village, you’ll retrace your steps to Namche climbing down the hill. Along the way, you’ll walk through several beautiful villages including Somare and Tengboche.
You have a much easier trail to walk from Kyangjuma before arriving at Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at a lodge in Namche and we’ll continue trekking the later day.
Day 16: Namche to Lukla
The 16th day of Island Peak Trek with Everest Base Camp has you descend to Lukla. That being so you’ll have breakfast at a lodge in Namche and start trekking downhill.
You’ll continue walking down the steep hill alongside Dudh Koshi River to Lukla. Just make sure that you don’t stumble while walking about the rocky trail.
Lukla will be just a mile away after you cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Stay the night at Lukla and you can catch your flight early tomorrow morning.
Day 17: Lukla to Kathmandu
Trek to Island Peak with Everest Base Camp has come to its last stop. As soon as you take the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, the trip gets over.
Thereupon, you can take one last glance at the Everest and board on the flight. Flying along with the panoramic view of the snow peaks and mesmeric scenery, you’ll reach Kathmandu.
Day 18: Reserve Day in Kathmandu
It’s up to you to decide how you’d be willing to spend the 18th day of Island Peak trek. We’re fine with it if you want to relax the whole day.
But if you want to take a tour of the city then we can assist you. There are plenty of options to do while in Kathmandu including shopping at local shops for a souvenir.
For the night, you can put the good use of time by watching a local cultural or theatrical show. Stay the night in the hotel and pack all the stuff to return home.
Day 19: Final Departure
The time has come your Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek
is completed. Now you are heading for your departure as it had to come to an end. With the hope to meet again, we’ll see you off at the airport. We believe you had a great time during your trip to Island Peak with Everest Base Camp.
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Prakash Devkota
Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.
He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.
