Island Peak Expedition is the perfect way to reach the top of the Island peak and also explore the most coveted Everest region of Nepal. Amalgamated with the chance to explore the nooks and crannies of Everest region, and the chance to scale the extremely exquisite Island peak, the Island Peak Expedition is a one in a million opportunity to experience true bliss.

The 16-day journey takes you to the heart of the Khumbu region and then up to the top of the mystical Island Peak, also called as Imja Tse by the locals. The striking location of the peak, in the middle of the Chukkhung Valley, makes it look like an island in the sea of ice. The impressive highly glaciated face of the peak adds up to the beauty of the expedition, and this opportunity is worth carrying out by enthusiasts with a zeal and hunger for adventure.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

The trekking journey of the Island Peak Expedition is adventurous, yet a strenuous one. With the maximum altitude to be reached being 6189m and fitness level of a great value required, the trekking journey is surely set to test your senses. The trek can, however, be carried by anyone with a good physique and some prior climbing experience.

The initial part of the trail passes through the tree line, Trekkers will get to see the views of the extremely good looking rhododendron plants and other trees in full bloom. The trail initially follows the normal itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Trek and deviates to scale the Island Peak. The climbing in itself is an extremely satisfying experience, the glaciated face of the peak surely poses some threat, but with some level of training, it can easily be crossed. The surface is made of rock from up to 5770m and follows an icy path from that point upwards. The grassy path becomes boulder-strewn and eventually icy to reach the summit. The summit gives the perfect views of all the mountain peaks of the Everest region, shining in all their glory. After basking in the views of the perfect looking peaks, the return path back home follows the same path to Namche Bazaar.

The trekking journey is not only a chance to explore the nooks and crannies of Everest region but also a chance to be of some help to the inhabitants of this exquisitely beautiful country. Nepal is in dire need of economic help as most of its people are under the poverty line. Your journey to the Island Peak Expedition will help Volunteers Initiative Nepal to help marginalized communities living in the Everest as well as other regions of Nepal. If you want to, you can also embark on volunteering activities for people living in the Khumbu region.

Explore the ambiance of remote Nepal. Explore hidden valleys, fertile lands, and dry arid lands contrasting with each other perfectly and giving Nepal its own unique beauty. Explore the shine of the Himalayan peaks basking in the warmth of the sun. Explore Buddhist influenced people and their way of living, and help marginalized communities in Nepal. View the perfect Island Peak, which looks like it is embedded in ice. Scale the peak and make your dreams of reaching its summit come true. Embark on an experience to the summit of the Island Peak with the Island Peak Expedition.

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous place in Nepal and world
One of the most popular trekking destinations globally.
Winters are extremely cold and harsh, making trekking challenging.
Witness lush meadows, thick rhododendron forests, and vibrant valleys.
Immerse yourself in natural beauty, culture, and unique traditions.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive from respective locations to Kathmandu, the heart of Nepal. You can spend the afternoon by relishing unique Nepali cuisine or basking in the limelight of the nightlife in the capital. No meals included.

Day 2 :

Sightseeing around Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal and home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sightseeing today, will include locations like Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square, showcasing their antique, architectural beauty. Breakfast included.

Day 3 :

Kathmandu- Lukla (2800m)- Phakding (2652m)

Today, we embark on one of the most adventurous flights in the world, from Kathmandu to Lukla. After observing the views of the white mountains, we reach the Tenzing Hillary airport and commence our trek. You can see the normal village life as you tread across the path and reach the village of Phakding. Approximately 4 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 4 :

Phakding- Namche Bazaar (3440m)

It is now time to reach the entry point to the Everest and to one of the most prosperous villages in the Everest region, Namche Bazaar. Through beautiful forests of pine, and with glimpses of the Everest as we walk alongside the Dudh Koshi River, we reach Namche Bazaar. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 5 :

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar

This day is targeted to stroll and breathe in the ambiance of Namche Bazaar and to acclimatize with the increasing altitudes. We will stay active throughout the day by hiking up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoying close-up views of the mighty Everest. Hiking a little further to reach Khumjung village will be another option. BLD included.

Day 6 :

Namche Bazaar- Tengboche (3870m)

As the Island Peak Expedition follows the path of the Everest Base camp trekking on its initial days, we will be following the same path in order to reach Tengboche. The day starts off with an easy walk to Phunki Tanga, followed by the passage to the Tengboche monastery. Explore this largest monastery of the Everest region amongst the beauty of the Sagarmatha National Park. 360-degree views of Mt.Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Lhotse are surely set to make you feel fresh and enlightened. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 7 :

Tengboche- Dingboche (4360m)

This is yet another beautiful day as we trek along the path, with the views of the Himalayas on the backdrop. The picturesque trail dips down to Debuche and reaches upper Pangboche. From here, the pristine views of the Himalayas cheer us on as we move towards our destination of Island Peak. Cross a beautiful array of fields to reach the summer settlement of Dingboche. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 08 :

Dingboche- Chukhung (4730m)

Witnessing the mind-boggling views of Ama Dablam and the Nuptse-Lhotse ridge, we commence the trek. Surrounded by the mighty Ama Dablam and Lhotse peak, we cross Bibre. From here, the beautiful Island Peak soars in front of us. Chukung is a small settlement, which offers fantastic views of Amphu Lhasa and Ama Dablam. Approximately 4 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 09 :

Acclimatization in Chukhung

We acclimatize with the increasing altitudes by climbing Chukhung Ri (5546m) today. The peak is situated directly above the Chukhung village, and requires some scrambling to reach the top. The summit offers relishing views of the Ama Dablam and Amphu Labsa peaks. BLD included.

Day 10 :

Chukhung- Island Peak Base Camp (5200m)

We tread on a fairly steep trail to reach the base camp of the Island Peak Base camp. Climbing south to the main line of the valley, we walk along winding paths and the flank of the Lhotse Glacier, to reach the Island Peak Base Camp. Approximately 4 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 11 :

Pre-climb training

The pre-climb training for Island peak starts today. We will be made aware of the different climbing techniques and the proper ways to using climbing gears. With climbing boots, crampons, harness and ascender as our tools, we will embark on some training experience to boost confidence. Use ice and ropes when necessary. BLD included.

Day 12 :

Island Peak Base Camp- Island Peak Summit (6189m)- Island Peak Base Camp

Today is the exciting day we have been desperately waiting for. The exercise and the training practice of the previous day will be of use, as we will be scaling the Island Peak today. The afternoon foresees strong winds on top of the summit; hence it is important to scale the summit before afternoon.

The path is initially sandy and turns to grass. The path becomes boulder strewn on the latter part of the climb and passes through a rock gully. Short rock steps make the summit experience somewhat exciting and difficult at the same time. We finally pass through ice and snow. And reach the summit. Views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking, and picturesque. The feeling of being at the top of one of the most beautiful looking peaks in the world is surely an experience that cannot be replaced with any kind of experience in the world. Return back to base camp to avoid the afternoon winds. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 13 :

Island Peak Base Camp- Panboche (3985m)

Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by views of Everest to the north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaga to the east. The Kongde range blesses us in the south while the Imja Tse River flows through the fertile valley. We descend easily down to Orsho, Shomare and finally to Pangboche. Approximately 6 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 14 :

Pangboche- Namche Bazaar

We retrace our steps down to Imja Khola and reach the Tengboche monastery. Interested ones can visit the nuns in the Tengboche monastery, and look around for poor and marginalized communities living in the area, who require economic assistance and help. With hearts content that the trek helps some marginalized communities in some way or the other, we reach Namche Bazaar. Approximately 5 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 15 :

Namche Bazaar- Lukla

We follow the same path used earlier, in order to descend down to the Lukla plateau. The rocky terrain will cause our legs to shake, but our hearts will flutter over the experiences of the past few days and over the memories of the people, the trek will help. Approximately 7 hours of trek. BLD included.

Day 16 :

Lukla- Kathmandu

Time to embark on the same exhilarating flight back to Kathmandu. Bid goodbye to the precious mountain peaks, which you have seen from, close, and embark on some souvenir shopping in the evening. Breakfast included.

Day 17 :

Departure

With heart’s content over the experience gathered in the past few days, it is finally time to bid goodbye to this beautiful nation. Knowing the fact that the trekking journey you have just embarked on, has helped some people around Nepal in some way or the other will double your happiness. Breakfast included.