28 Feb 2024 Prakash Devkota
Island Peak, which is locally known as Imja Tse, is one of the incredible and fascinating peaks in the Everest region. Like its name, ‘Island Peak’ given by the British mountaineer in 1951, this stunning Himalayan peak is surrounded by glaciers that originate from towering 7,000 and 8,000-meter class mountains in the region. Island Peak looks like a stunning island surrounded by a sea of snow.
Thus, this popular peak in the Chhukung Valley is a must-do expedition that lets you experience a different perspective of the eastern Himalayan range. If this fascinating peak with a unique structure distinctive from other peaks in the Himalayas has piqued your interest, then you might be pondering about the Island Peak Trek cost and itinerary structures.
The Island Peak Trek cost is on a moderate scale and isn’t as extravagant as 8,000-meter class mountain expeditions. Similarly, the Island Peak Trek itinerary is short and flexible, usually ranging between 15 to 19 days.
In this blog, we will analyze every aspect related to the Island Peak Trek cost and itinerary. So, follow the article till the end for valuable insights on this exciting expedition to the heart of the eastern Himalayas.
Island Peak Trek Cost
The Island Peak Trek cost can range somewhere between US$ 2,000 to US$ 4,500. Your expedition cost in overall will be influenced by the length of the expedition, itinerary plans, side excursions, and the quality of services and amenities. Besides the available Island Peak Trek cost packages, you can also request a custom-tailored itinerary plan that suits your taste. Although it can be slightly costly, you will be able to fully determine the route, highlight exploration, acclimatization period, and the comfort/luxury of the overall package.
Peak Climbing Nepal offers 15 Days Island Peak Climbing package at just US$ 2,055 per person. This is the best value price in the market, and the bookings are completely hassle-free; moreover, our cancellation costs are absolutely free. You will also get further discounts on the group bookings.
Your Island Peak Trek cost with us will cover all the standard head expenses. However, your package cost will not cover the personal natured expenses of your trip. Here is the list of includes and excludes for a better understanding of the coverage of your Island Peak Trek cost.
Package Inclusion
- All land transportation during the trek (private vehicle)
- Hotel accommodation at Kathmandu and teahouse/lodge accommodation on the mountain
- All entrance fees during sightseeing day at Kathmandu
- Domestic flights in Kathmandu to Lukla route
- Island Peak Climbing Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
- Pasang Lhamu Rural Muncipality Permit
- Cost of guides and porters
- All essential climbing gears
- Kitchen essentials and tents for camping
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Climbing completion certificate
- All government expenses and our service cost
Package Exclusion
- Personal climbing gears
- International flight fare and airport tax
- Travel visa
- Snack, beverage, and food beyond the itinerary plans
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- All other personal nature incurring
For booking and queries related to our trekking packages, you can get in touch with us via our Contact Page. Our representatives, who are available 24/7, will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Island Peak Trek Itinerary Outline
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport and hotel transfer
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley excursion and trek briefing
Day 03: Morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trekking to Phakding
Day 04: Trekking to Namche Bazaar from Phakding
Day 05: Acclimatization and exploration day at Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trekking to Tyangboche from Namche
Day 07: Tyangboche to Dingboche
Day 08: Trekking from Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp
Day 09: Acclimatization and preparation day at Island Peak Base Camp
Day 10: Summit of Island Peak and climb down to base camp
Day 11: Trek down to Dingboche from the Island Peak Base Camp
Day 12: Dingboche to Namche Bazaar
Day 13: Trek toLukla from Namche
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla
Day 15: International departure
Island Peak Trek Itinerary (Detailed)
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport and hotel transfer
On your arrival at Tribhuvan Airport, our staff will receive you at the terminal and assist you with your luggage for the hotel transfer. Depending on the hour of your arrival, you can either relax to get over the jet lag or explore the vibrant city.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley [1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet] excursion and trek briefing
Before navigating the rugged landscapes of the mountain, on this day, you will explore the historical and religious marvels of the Kathmandu Valley. This day’s excursion will also take you to some of the highlighted UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, and you also see the beautiful vibrance of cultural diversity in the country.
If you have any unfinished shopping for the trek, you can rent or buy your gear in Kathmandu on this day. After completely the excursion and enjoying the welcome dinner, you will be dropped to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 03: Morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla [2,800 meters/ 9,186 feet] and trekking to Phakding [2,610 meters/ 8,562 feet]
Elevation Gain: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet
This is an exciting day filled with an adventurous journey; first, you will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, enjoying the epic view of the flourishing valleys and sparkling pristine peaks. Then, after landing at Lukla and stretching your legs, you will move along with your trekking journey.
Descending through Chaurikharka Village and moving along with charming trails alongside the Dudh Koshi River, you will head toward Phakding. After crossing the Dudhkoshi Ghat, a short hike will take you to today’s resting point.
Day 04: Trekking to Namche Bazaar [3,445 meters/ 11,302 feet] from Phakding
Elevation Gain: 835 meters/ 2,739 feet
Today’s trekking trail will give you the first glimpse of Mt. Everest as you head toward the vibrant Sherpa capital. During the initial part, you will trek alongside the Dudh Koshi River, trekking through the lush pine and rhododendron forests.
After crossing several suspension bridges over the river, you will then arrive at Monjo, the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park. You will enjoy your lunch here and overcome the Namche Ukalo during the last stretch to enter Namche Bazaar.
Day 05: Exploring and acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
After crossing the 3,000-meter mark, this will be the first acclimatization in this remarkable Himalayan expedition. On this rest day, you can do some acclimatizing short hikes around the region and spend the rest of the day exploring the lifestyle of the natives in this high-altitude settlement.
You shouldn’t miss out on checking the popular highlights of Namche like Syangboche Airstrip, Everest View Hotel, Khumjung Monastery, Edmund Hillary School, Sherpa Cultural Museum, Sherpa villages of Khunde and Khumjung on this acclimatization day.
Day 06: Trekking to Tyangboche [3,867 meters/ 12,687 feet] from Namche
Elevation Gain: 422 meters/ 1,384 feet
After giving your body enough time to acclimatize to rising altitudes at Namche, you will continue your journey toward Tyangboche. Navigating your way across the rising and descending sections along the trail, you will trek down to the banks of the Dudh Koshi River.
You will then move across the lush forest of pine and rhododendrons; on the relatively easy trails, you will reach Phunki Thenga. During the last stretch, you will overcome the steep climb across the pine forest to reach Tyangboche. Here, you will get the opportunity to visit the Tyangboche Monastery (built in 1923), the biggest monastery in the Everest region.
Day 07: Tyangboche to Dingboche [4,410 meters/ 14,468 feet]
Elevation Gain: 543 meters/ 1,781 feet
This day’s trekking trail follows the conifers, birch, and rhododendron forest; you will be able to enjoy incredible Himalayan panorama on this day. The path further ahead descends down to Debuche Village, and you will cross the Imja Khola from here to reach Pangboche.
After entering the Imja Valley, you will trek down to the riverbed of the Lobuche River, and you will move along the ascending route to reach Dingboche. The buckwheat and potato farms covered with surrounded by stone fences are popular highlights of this summer valley.
Day 08: Trekking from Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp [5,087 meters/ 16,689 feet]
Elevation Gain: 677 meters/ 2,221 feet
Today’s journey will take you closer to the main objective of this Himalayan adventure. Following the trails toward the east side of the Chhukung Valley, you will trek through the stone-fenced farmlands of the Imja Khola Valley.
Navigating your way across the rugged-rocky trails, you will trek toward Chhukung, enjoying the breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Chhukung Ri, and other surrounding peaks.
From Chhukung, you will follow the ascending route to the north side and move along the moraines of the Lhotse Glacier. Then, moving along the winding path below the glacier’s southern flank, you will trek across the confluence of Imja and Lhotse Glaciers to reach Island Peak Base Camp. Your crew will set up camp here for an overnight stay.
Day 09: Acclimatization and preparation day at Island Peak Base Camp
This will be an acclimatization day at the Island Peak Base Camp before pushing for the summit tomorrow. You can do some acclimatizing hikes around the base camp in the morning. On this day, you will check your mountaineering gear and also do some practice climb to boost your confidence.
Day 10: Summit of Island Peak [6,189 meters/ 20,305 feet] and climb down to base camp
Elevation Gain: 1,102 meters/ 3,615 feet
The big day is finally here; today, you will ascend from the base camp early in the morning, following the steps of your mountain guide. You will traverse across the rocky ridge before reaching the glacier’s base and move along the south ridge all the way to the top.
At the summit, the stunning panoramic views of Lhotse, Baruntse, Island Peak, Makalu, Chamlang, and other adjacent peaks will surround you. After spending some time at the top of the mountain, you will descend to base camp and celebrate your successful summit.
Day 11: Trek down to Dingboche [4,410 meters/ 14,468 feet] from the Island Peak Base Camp
Elevation Loss: 677 meters/ 2,221 feet
After completing your Island Peak summit, from this day onward, you will retrace your steps back on the same trekking route. Leaving the Chhukung Valley behind, on this day, you will return back to the fenced lands of Dingboche.
Day 12: Dingboche to Namche Bazaar [3,445 meters/ 11,302 feet]
Elevation Loss: 965 meters/ 3,166 feet
It’s an exciting day’s trek today; leaving the alpine meadows behind and following the trails of Imja Khola, you will make your way back to Tyangboche. Then, from here, the path that stretches to Phunki Thenga will take you across lush rhododendrons and pine forests.
During the last part of this day’s trek, you follow the charming trails alongside the Dudh Koshi River before making your return to Namche Bazaar.
Day 13: Trek to Lukla [2,800 meters/ 9,186 feet] from Namche
Elevation Loss: 645 meters/ 2,116 feet
On the final day of the trek in your Island Peak Trek Itinerary, exiting the Sagarmatha National Park, you will trek across Monjo during the initial part. You will then follow the beautiful lush forested trails alongside the banks of the Dudh Koshi River, enjoying the pristine Himalayan panorama.
Then, traversing across the Phakding and Chaurikharka Villages, you will finally reach Lukla, your resting destination on today’s trek.
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu [1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet] from Lukla
Elevation Loss: 1,400 meters/ 4,593 feet
It is time to part ways with the mystical Himalayan region. An early morning flight from Lukla over the lush greenery and Himalayan vistas on the left corner will bring you back to Kathmandu.
After getting some rest, you can spend the rest of the leisure day as you want. Do some sightseeing and shop for souvenirs to remember your journey. In the evening, we will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your incredible Himalayan journey.
Day 15: International departure
Our staff will receive you at your hotel according to your international flight schedules. Plan to reach the airport at least 2-3 hours prior to your flight for a seamless transition. Thank you for climbing with Peak Climbing Nepal, have a safe journey!
When Should I Go?
If you are considering doing the Island Peak Trek, we recommend the high season for the most rewarding experience. Spring and autumn season are the high seasons that are most suitable for mountain expeditions and trekking adventures in Nepal.
The months of these high seasons, i.e., March to May and September to November, have the most stable weather conditions that are perfect for the Island Peak expedition. Days are generally warm with clear visibility, and the risk of natural disasters like avalanches, blizzards, and landslides is very low in these seasons.
Similarly, the temperature on the trekking trails is moderate and warmer during the high seasons. The temperature of the Island Peak region during the springtime averages between 3°C to 20°C and during the autumn, the temperatures are around 3°C to 19°C.
The natural beauty is abundant in these seasons, and the clear Himalayan till the end of the horizons will enchant your journey every day. Moreover, the cultural prospects, wildlife exploration opportunities, easy accessibility, colorful landscapes, etc, are some highlights of this trek in the high seasons.
How Hard is the Trek?
Island Peak Trek has been labeled as a ‘2B Difficulty Level’ in the Alpine Grading System. This difficulty level indicates that climbers have to overcome some technical sections along the route and steep terrains. In the Himalayan grading system, this mountain expedition has been graded as a ‘Moderate’ expedition.
Both of these difficulty-level expeditions are suited for beginner climbers and are perfect as introductory climbs. Island Peak Trek is a perfect Himalayan expedition suited for beginner climbers to check their skills on the semi-technical slopes of the mountain.
The vertical wall near the summit is one of the challenging sections of the mountain that is fairly technical, and during your climb, you will have to use different tools like crampons, ice axes, anchor points, fixed rope, harness, etc. (Pre climbing training will be provided during the acclimatization day at base camp).
Preparation for Island Peak Trek
You shouldn’t underestimate the challenges of Island Peak Trek just because it is labeled as a trekking and introductory peak for beginners. In this iconic Himalayan expedition, you will trek about 150 km to 160 km, about 6 to 7 hours/ per day on average. Similarly, the altitude gain in this trek is significant as you climb over an altitude of 6,000 meters.
Thus, it is important to make enough preparation for the trek to overcome the demanding altitude and distance challenges. We recommend you to train for at least 3 to 8 weeks before the climb; you can evaluate your physical aspects to come up with an efficient training plan.
Separate a few hours from your daily schedule will be enough; just make sure to put your energy toward an effective training program. Your strength and endurance level are the core parts of your training program; they will help you to keep up with the demanding journey of this excursion.
Exercises like Push Up, Plank, Crunch, Leg Press, Lunge, Calf Raise, Step Up, Bicep Curl, High Knees, Bench Press, Deadlift, etc, enhance your physical capabilities. Similarly, stamina exercises like Cycling, Jogging, Swimming, Jumping Rope, Dancing, Jumping Rope, etc will make the acclimatization process easier.
Mental Preparation
Yes, physical preparation is the top most priority for the Island Peak Trek, but your mentality and attitude also play a huge role in your expedition that determines the overall course of your journey. You will also have to be careful about those aspects so that you will be able to easily overcome the minor inconveniences and challenges in your journey.
Mental Preparation Tips for Trek
- Stay positive, and make sure to surround yourself with positive people
- Practice controlled breathing and meditation
- Leave your comfort zone, challenge yourself
- Visualize your journey and be prepared for the challenges you may have to face
- Learn to stay composed and assess the situation before reacting
- Set realistic goals, and don’t push yourself
Is Island Peak Trek Right for Me?
Island Peak Trek is a remarkable Himalayan expedition opportunity that is an ideal exploration opportunity for both beginners and experienced climbers alike. If you are a mountaineering beginner looking forward to gaining some experience in maneuvering across the technical alpine slopes, the Island Peak expedition is the perfect package.
Similarly, if you are an experienced climber looking for a thrilling adventure and to widen your Himalayan expedition, the thrilling and exciting slopes of this semi-technical mountain won’t make your journey dull.
The success rate of Island Peak Trek with Peak Climbing Nepal is above 90%. Pretty much anyone with basic fitness and good health conditions can take part in this exploration. We also arrange pre-climbing sessions for beginner mountaineers to help boost their confidence.
Furthermore, this is a fully guided expedition where your mountain guide with significant years of climbing experience will lead the trip. Your expedition crew member will also monitor your health conditions during every day of the trip and take care of overall every aspect of your exciting Himalayan adventure.
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Some Helpful Tips for Island Peak Trek
- Plan ahead and select the package with enough acclimatization period
- Take it slow, and don’t hike too fast at high altitudes
- Don’t skip a balanced diet and stay hydrated throughout the trek; the best remedies to avoid altitude sickness
- Pack necessary layers suitable for different climatic conditions of the trail
- Listen to your body, and communicate with your guide in case of any inconveniences and difficulties
- Be prepared for high altitudes and long-distance trekking challenges
- Pack snack bars and electrolytes to keep yourself energized during the long-haul trek
- Listen to your guides and adhere to their instructions/suggestions
- Respect local culture, norms, and traditions
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during the trip; they affect the acclimatizing process
- Take short rests along the route and enjoy the experience, don’t just focus on the goal
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.
