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Himalaya Extreme Adventure Pvt. Ltd. Himalaya Extreme Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
Peak Climbing

Island Peak Climbling

  • Duration: 20 Days
  • Max altitude: 6,189m
  • Group size: 2
  • Grade: Hard
  • Best season: Autumn / Spring

Accommodation: Tea House / Camping

The Island Peak Climb (Imja Tse – 6,189 m) is one of the most iconic trekking peak expeditions in the Himalayas and an excellent introduction to technical mountaineering above 6,000 meters.

This expedition combines the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, the ascent of Kala Pattar (5,545 m), proper acclimatization, real technical training, and a summit attempt on Island Peak.

The program has been carefully designed with progressive altitude gain, acclimatization days, and a strong focus on safety and mountaineering skills, making it an ideal expedition for climbers transitioning from trekking to technical Himalayan peaks.

Island Peak Climbling

Itinerary

  1. Arrival in Kathmandu

    Airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Rest and recovery.

    1400 m

  2. Kathmandu | Preparation & Welcome Presentation Dinner Breakfast included.

    Expedition preparation, welcome dinner and presentation of the expedition, itinerary review, and safety briefing. Full equipment check and possibility to rent climbing gear in Kathmandu (client’s expense).

  3. Fly to Lukla (2,610 m) & Trek to Phakding

  4. Trek to Namche Bazaar

    3441 m

  5. Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

    Optional acclimatization hikes around the Everest region.

  6. Trek to Tengboche

    3864 m

  7. Trek to Dingboche

    4402 m

  8. Acclimatization Day – Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Valley

  9. Trek to Lobuche

    4915 m

  10. Trek to Gorak Shep (5,130 m) & Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)

    Visit to Everest Base Camp.

    5,364 m

  11. Kala Pattar (5,545 m) & Descent to Dingboche

  12. Dingboche – Chhukung – Island Peak Base Camp

    Camping

    5200 m

  13. Technical Training & Trek to High Camp

    Technical training and preparation for the summit.

    5452 m

  14. Summit Day – Island Peak

    Early ascent to the summit followed by descent to Chhukung.

    6189 m

  15. Reserve Day

    Extra day for weather conditions or summit flexibility.

  16. Trek to Namche Bazaar

  17. Trek to Lukla

  18. Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

  19. Free Day in Kathmandu

    Time for rest, shopping, or sightseeing.

  20. International Departure

    Transfer to the airport.

Included / Not Included

Not Included

✈️ International flights

🛂 Nepal entry visa

🛡 Mandatory travel insurance including rescue coverage

🎒 Personal climbing equipment

🚿 Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging in lodges

🥤 Extra drinks and personal expenses

💰 Tips for guides, Sherpas, and porters

🏨 Extra nights in Kathmandu due to delays

📦 Any service not mentioned under “What Is Included”

Included

✈️ Domestic flights

Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu flights included.

🚐 Transportation

Airport transfers and ground transportation according to the itinerary.

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Mountain tea houses during the trek
• Camping at Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp

🍽 Meals

• Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• Full board during the expedition (Day 3–18)

💧 Hydration

1 liter of drinking water per person per trekking day.

🧭 Professional mountain team

• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• High-altitude Sherpa climber for summit day
• Porters (1 porter per 2 clients)

Maximum included load: 18 kg per person

🧗 Climbing permits & equipment

• Official Island Peak climbing permit
• Collective technical equipment (fixed ropes, glacier gear)
• Technical training day before summit

🩺 Health & Safety

• Expedition first aid kit
• Continuous monitoring of participant condition
• Emergency oxygen available if required

♻ Management & permits

• Waste management
• Government taxes and environmental fees

Climb details & Safety

Essentials

Difficulty level

Island Peak (6,189 m) is considered a moderate technical climbing peak, ideal for climbers aiming to gain their first Himalayan 6,000 m summit.

The expedition combines high-altitude trekking with technical glacier sections where crampons, ice axe, harness, and fixed ropes are used.

Before the summit attempt, our Sherpa team conducts a practical training session covering the use of climbing equipment, basic rope techniques, and glacier movement.

Participants should have excellent physical fitness, and previous high-altitude trekking experience is recommended.

Altitude Awareness

The climb reaches 6,189 m, where altitude can significantly affect physical performance.

The itinerary includes progressive acclimatization during the trek through the Khumbu region before the summit attempt.

Proper hydration, steady pacing, and adequate rest are essential. Our experienced Sherpa guides closely monitor climbers throughout the expedition to ensure safety.

Guide & Sherpa support

All treks are led by certified local guides and experienced Sherpa teams who manage the route, daily logistics, and safety throughout the journey. Their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and mountain conditions ensures a safe and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.

Packing list

Packing List for Island Peak Expedition

Bags & Packs

  • Expedition duffel bag (90–120 L) – carried by porters or yaks
  • Daypack 35–40 L
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • Small waterproof pouch for personal items

Clothing – Base Layers

  • 2–3 thermal long-sleeve base layer tops (merino or synthetic)
  • 2 thermal base layer bottoms
  • 3–4 trekking shirts
  • Underwear (4–6)
  • Sports bras (if needed)

Insulation Layers

  • Fleece jacket or mid-layer
  • Warm technical down jacket (mid-layer for high altitude)
  • Expedition down jacket (-20 °C to -30 °C)

Outer Shell Layers

  • Waterproof / windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Durable trekking pants

Footwear

  • Trekking / hiking boots for the approach
  • Double mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
  • Camp shoes or sandals for lodges or base camp
  • 2–3 pairs trekking socks
  • 2–3 pairs warm thermal socks
  • 1 pair of thermal socks reserved for summit day

Gloves

  • Lightweight liner gloves
  • Fleece or softshell gloves
  • High-altitude insulated gloves or mittens

Headwear

  • Warm beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • 2 Buff / neck gaiters
  • Balaclava

Technical Climbing Equipment

  • Climbing helmet
  • Climbing harness
  • Crampons
  • Ice axe
  • Ascender (jumar)
  • Belay device (ATC or similar)
  • Locking carabiners (2–3)
  • Safety sling / cow’s tail
  • Mountaineering gaiters

Personal Equipment

  • UV protection sunglasses (Category 4 recommended)
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Water bottles (2 × 1 L)
  • Thermos (highly recommended at altitude)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag (-20 °C to -30 °C)
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Wet wipes / hand sanitizer
  • Personal toiletries
  • Toilet paper (for use during the trek if needed)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Small bags for personal waste
  • Hand warmers for use inside gloves during very cold conditions

Personal Medication (If Required)

  • Personal prescription medication
  • Altitude medication (if prescribed by a doctor)
  • Blister treatment
  • Basic pain relief medication

Optional but Recommended

  • Power bank
  • Camera / GoPro
  • Snacks or energy bars
  • Electrolytes
  • Small repair kit (duct tape, zip ties)

Documents & Money

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance covering trekking and climbing up to 6000 m
  • Passport photos
  • Cash (USD or Nepalese rupees)
  • Credit or debit card
  • Copies of important documents

Helpful note: Technical climbing equipment such as crampons, ice axe, helmet, and harness can be easily rented in Kathmandu or arranged in advance through our Sherpa team.

Safety Measures

Your safety is our top priority throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to allow proper acclimatization, and our certified guides monitor participants daily for altitude-related symptoms.

  • First aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Oximetry monitoring
  • Travel insurance required

Important travel information

Important travel information

Himalayan travel takes place in a dynamic mountain environment where weather and trail conditions may vary. For safety reasons, minor itinerary adjustments may occasionally be necessary. Himalaya Extreme Adventure always prioritizes safety, comfort, and the best possible mountain experience.

More information

Visa Information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Travel Information

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Personal First Kit

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

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What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

★★★★★
Martin legault Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Canada
Professionnal guide Big experience Have a respect every place during the treck Everything is on control with Pasang. I recommended a 150%
★★★★★
Stephen Tindall Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp UK
I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what…
★★★★★
Otávio Marcacini Everest Base Camp Trekking Brazil
Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!
★★★★★
Jensen Lodge Island Peak Climbling UK
Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. The altitude…
★★★★★
Wayne Storey Island Peak Climbling UK
Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills 👌

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Island Peak Climbling