• Island Peak (also known by its local name Imja Tse) is the perfect introduction to Himalayan mountain climbing
• Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and many 7,000 m+ peaks
• Combine with a classic journey, the Everest Base Camp trek
• Experience traditional high-Himalayan Sherpa culture in the towns of the Khumbu region
• Customize to create the ultimate Himalayan trekking and mountaineering expedition

Overview

Imja Tse—known as Island Peak—is one of the most popular climbing peaks in the Nepal Himalaya. While the challenge of climbing any peak shouldn’t be taken lightly, Island Peak doesn’t require advanced climbing skills. Therefore, it’s an ideal first climb for experienced trekkers and novice mountain climbers.

Island Peak is near Mount Everest and affords amazing views of Everest and other giants from the summit. The trek there is also spectacular, and shouldn’t only be considered the warm-up to the summit attempt. The peak is located in the Imja Valley, which is reached after passing through the wilder trails of the Khumbu Valley, on the traditional Everest Base Camp trek. After flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Namche Bazaar, the bustling heartland of Sherpa culture, where you will need to spend a couple of days to acclimatize. Continue on to Tengboche, with its famous monastery where you can seek blessings from the head lama, and then on to Dingboche in the Imja Valley.

Spend another couple of days acclimatizing in and around Dingboche, then head to Gorak Shep, very near Everest Base Camp. From here, if conditions are good, climb to the top of Kala Patthar. This is a short but challenging climb of 2-3 hours, but will be good preparation (and acclimatization) for Island Peak in the next couple of days.

The ascent of Island Peak is mostly non-technical, and there will be time at base camp to refresh or learn new skills. Some prior snow climbing skills are needed. The summit attempt will be early in the morning. It is a challenging climb, and the altitude keeps the pace slow. But the views of Everest, Nuptse (7,879 m), Lhotse (8,501 m), Makalu (8,475 m), Baruntse (7,129 m), Amadablam (6,812 m) and other peaks make it a worthwhile and memorable expedition.

The return trip to Lukla retraces the route in but will be quicker due to the decreasing altitude.

Day 1. Welcome to Kathmandu, arrival and transfer to hotel

Day 2. Explore Kathmandu, check the equipment, shopping day.

Day3. Fly to Lukla Alt. 2810m than trek to Phakding [Alt. 2,610 m] 3 hours

Day 4 Trek to Namche Bazaar [Alt.3,440m,] 6 hours

Day 5 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar [Alt. 3,440 m],(Rest day)

Day 6. Trek to Thame [Alt. 3800m], 5 hours

Day 7. Trek to Lungde [Alt.4500m], 5 hours

Day 8. Trek to Gokyo [Alt.4750m] (via Renjo La, 5,340 m), 6/7hours

Day 9. Gokyo [Alt.4750m], (visit to Gokyo Ri, 5,330 m), Rest day

Day 10. Trek to Thagnag [Alt. 4700m], 4 hours

Day 11. Dzonglha [Alt.4855m] (via Cho La pass, 5,420 m), 8 hours

, Day 12. Trek to Lobche [Alt. 4910m], 5 hours

Day 13. Trek to Gorak Shep [Alt. 5,164m] EBC, 5,364 m), 7.5 hours

Day 14. Morning hike to Kalapather [Alt.5500m], than trek to Lobuche [Alt.4910m], 6 hours

Day 15. Chukhung [Alt. 4730m],(via Kongma La, 5,535 m), 6 hours

Day 16. Rest day in Chukhung, preparation for the climbing gare and training days

Day 17. Trek to Island Peak Base [Alt. 4970m], 5 hours.

Day 18. Summit Island peak [Alt. 6189m], Back to back to Chukhung [Alt. 4730m], 8/9 hours.

Day 19. Trek to Tengboche [Alt.3880m], 5 hours

Day 20. Trek to Monjo [Alt. 2830m], 6 hours

Day 21. Trek to Lukla [Alt. 2800m], 5 hours

Day 22. Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 23. Fly back to home