Island Peak and Everest Base Camp Trek with RP Adventures is an enjoyable adventure. Full of thrills and relaxing moments, we have designed the itinerary with flexible days. So that all climbers can have ample time for acclimatization and exercise before reaching the top of Island Peak summit. Island Peak is also called Imjatse Himal due to its proximity to the midst of the scenic Imja Tse Valley. Hence the name Island Peak because of its prime location encircled by towering snow-capped mountains
One of the most stunning-looking peaks in comparison to all lesser mountains below 7,000 m around the Himalayas. Island Peak is listed as a trekking peak in Nepal by the NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association). Island Peak rises high above 6,165 m (20,226 feet), making it a perfect mountain for all types of trekkers. Including mountaineers as well as beginners to start their practice in mountaineering adventure. Island Peak climb is graded as PD+ by the famous French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification Systems.
The PD+ is graded as ‘Peu Difficult’ with plus involving walking on ice, glaciers, and snowfields. It involves a steep climb, encountering several technical sections to negotiate before reaching the summit, so climbers should be well-equipped.
Island Peak/IImja Tse Himal Trek & Climb of more than two weeks’ duration, which is necessary. Allowing plenty of time to acclimatize to the harsh high-altitude landscapes. That’s why RP Adventures has combined the climb of Island Peak and the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Where trekkers can gain more exercise along with high altitude before the climb to Island Peak Summit. The adventure begins upon reaching the famous Lukla Town and Tenzing Hillary Airport, the gateway to various adventures in the high Khumbu. The trek follows a moderate path along the Dudh Koshi River Valley and passes through several charming Sherpa villages. Then enter the Sagarmatha National Park, listed in the World Heritage Sites, on leaving the Dudh Koshi River.
An undulating uphill takes you to the famous town of Namche Bazaar, a mosaic of good lodges, restaurants, and shops. After spending an extra day for acclimatization, the adventure continues on a scenic trail up to the beautiful Tengboche Monastery. This is a magnificent spot for views of Mt. Everest and the surrounding high snow-capped peaks, as well as for a tour of the monastery.
Leaving the beautiful area of Tengboche and its green forest surroundings, head higher towards Everest Base Camp. After staying in the nice settlements of Pheriche and Lobuche, enjoy the dramatic scenery of the arctic zone landscapes at Everest Base Camp. Overlooking Khumbu Icefall and glaciers enclosed by the Lhotse and Nuptse mountains, the adventure takes you to the high point of Kalapathar.
A rocky ridge is a popular viewpoint for the closest views of Mt. Everest, with its arrays of giant snow peak ranges. From here onwards, head towards our main goal and highlights at Island Peak Base Camp. After walking through the picturesque Imja Tse Valley past Dingboche and Chukung, the last settlements before Island Peak Base Camp,.
From the base camp, add one more high camp to make the climb shorter and more accessible. Having a rest day for preparation, then starting the big day by climbing over ice and glaciers. As the climb progresses, tackle some technical sections to reach the top of Island Peak Summit. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding gigantic mountains of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and even Makalu in the distance.
Includes superb views of Mt. Everest standing above Nuptse and Lhotse, followed by a great adventure down to Chukung. On completing and achieving our major goals and targets, we begin the return journey down to Namche Bazaar and then reach Lukla. Enjoy the final overnight stay in the high Khumbu and Everest regions before a swift flight back to Kathmandu. After a great adventure of a lifetime experience on Island Peak and Everest Base Camp Trek with the excellent services of RP Adventures.
The best times and seasons for the Island Peak and Everest Base Camp Trek are spring and autumn. The spring season begins from March to May, when most days are full of sunshine. When wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, such as various species and colors of rhododendrons, it makes the hills lively. Sometimes, the afternoons can get overcast with a few showers, and mornings and nights are cold due to altitude.
The next best season is autumn/fall, starting from September to November. Most days are fine and crystal clear for views and pleasant walks, though there are cold mornings, late afternoons, and nights. Expect snowfall above 2,800 meters sometimes. Enthusiasts can enjoy this trek during the Christmas and New Year holidays in the winter. Days are clear for views and walks, but mornings, late afternoons, and nights are very cold. Days are short due to limited sunlight hours, but it’s an enjoyable time for views and walks.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport, Pickup to Hotel – 1,300m.
Day 02: Kathmandu Day sightseeing- 1,300m.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2,846m and trek to Phakding 2,640m – 04 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,450m / 11, 350 feet – 06 hrs.
Day 05: At Namche for acclimatization and a short scenic hike – 3,450m.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche 3,900m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Pheriche 4,230m – 05 hrs.
Day 08: Rest day in Pheriche for acclimatization and short excursion – 4,250m.
Day 09: Trek to Lobuche 4,900m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and back to Gorakshep 5,180m – 06 hrs.
Day 11: Climb Kalapathar 5,643 m/18,514 ft. Trek to Dingboche 4,400m – 06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp 5,100 -m / 16,732ft – 04 hrs.
Day 13: Rest day at Island Peak base camp for climbing training – 5,100m.
Day 14: Rest day at Island Peak base camp for climbing training – 5,100m.
Day 15: Climb the summit of Island Peak 6,189 m/20,305 feet – 08 hrs. Back to Chukung-4,700m.
Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,450m – 06 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Lukla for last overnight stop 2,810m – 06 hrs.
Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu with afternoon free at leisure – 1,300m.
Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu Airport – 1,300m.
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport, check the Nepal Standard Time, which is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT. Outside the terminal, our staff from RP Adventures will greet you and drive you to your hotel, located in the heart of Kathmandu. After checking into your lovely rooms, meet with the other members of the trek for a briefing on the Island Peak / Imja Tse Himal Trek and Climb. After collecting all the useful information and trek details, enjoy a group welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant, offering an introduction to Nepali food and culture.
A free day in Kathmandu allows for preparation for the trek as well as a tour of Kathmandu and Nepal's famous landmarks. The Kathmandu Valley and its adjoining cities are filled with historical monuments listed as World Heritage Sites. Enjoy the tour of the Old Durbar Square, the ancient palace and royal courtyard, as well as the oldest Buddhist stupa in Swayambhu Nath. Additionally, visit the famous Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the large dome stupa of Bouddhanath. After an exciting tour, return to the hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon preparing for the Island Peak Trek and Climb.
Early in the morning, depart from the hotel for a short flight to Lukla. Board the small aircraft, which takes you high above Kathmandu, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and the Kathmandu Valley. After a short flight, land on the unique runway of Lukla Tenzing-Hillary Airport. In Lukla, take a refreshing break before starting the pleasant walk down to follow the Dudh Koshi River. The walk continues past several villages, reaching Phakding for an overnight halt. Phakding is located in a gorge next to the Dudh Koshi River.
From Phakding to the famous Namche Bazaar is a long day's walk of about 6 hours. The distance is not too far, but the altitude gain makes the walk and climb slow. The trail follows a long bridge to Monjo village at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park. After entering the park, the trail continues to another bridge leading to Jorsalle, the last settlement before Namche Bazaar. Stop for lunch at Jorsalle, then in the afternoon, cross a high bridge and follow undulating paths up to Namche Bazaar for a two-night stay.
Namche is the main trading center and hub of the Khumbu Region. It is famous for its homemade yak cheese and butter. Despite its development, Namche Bazaar still retains its ancient culture, traditions, and heartwarming hospitality. Here, you can enjoy amazing views of the giant Himalayan peaks from anywhere in the valley.
Namche Bazaar is the perfect spot for acclimatization at its height. Enjoy the day with a short hike to viewpoints offering grand views of Mt. Everest and adjoining famous peaks. Visit the local museum to learn about Khumbu Sherpa history, culture, flora, fauna, and mountaineering history. For those with energy, hike to the Everest View Hotel, a few hours of climb offering a great place to enjoy views of Everest while enjoying a warm refreshment. In the afternoon, relax and explore Namche Bazaar's main streets, lined with shops, stores, restaurants, bakeries, fancy hotels, and lodges.
The adventure continues from Namche Bazaar, heading higher along a trail that offers tremendous mountain scenery. The winding path leads downhill to Phunki Tenga for lunch, followed by a few hours' climb through the cool shade of pine and rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche and its monastery. At Tengboche, take a tour of this cultural and religious site, enjoying panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The monastery, colorful against the backdrop of snow-clad peaks, offers a serene setting for an overnight stay in a comfortable lodge.
Tengboche is a 5-hour trek from Namche Bazaar covering 6.0 miles. It boasts panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains, including renowned peaks like Tawache, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam. Tenzing Norgay, the first man to reach the summit of Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary was born in the nearby village of Thani and spent time as a monk at Tengboche Monastery. Built in 1923, Tengboche Monastery is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region.
After enjoying a pleasant overnight in Tengboche and an interesting visit to the monastery, the morning walk begins with a descent. After crossing a bridge, there is a gradual climb to Pangboche, the last village before Everest Base Camp. The other places en route are temporary settlements such as Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. From Pangboche, the trail ascends higher. In the afternoon, the path leads gently uphill, though it can be quite windy in exposed terrain. After a brief descent to a river, the trail climbs towards the Pheriche valley, where the lovely settlement of Pheriche is situated beneath Taboche, Cholatse, and the North Face of Ama Dablam and Taboche peaks. Overnight in the best available lodge in Pheriche, offering grand views of snow-capped peaks.
Another rest day for acclimatization precedes the journey towards Everest Base Camp and the climb of Kalapathar. Before tackling Island Peak, enjoy a few hours' hike to the hilltop of Nakarjung for spectacular mountain views. From there, admire close-up views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Mt. Makalu to the east. Explore Dingboche and return to Pheriche for lunch, spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure marveling at the glorious mountain range.
From Pheriche, a picturesque settlement, the adventure continues with a gradual climb to Thukla. Here, the trail from Dingboche and Pheriche merges towards Lobuche and onward to Everest Base Camp. Thukla is a good place for a lunch stop. In the afternoon, there's a steep climb of less than an hour to the top of Thugla Pass. The trail then continues with a gentle ascent to Lobuche for an overnight stay, nestled in a corner within a wide valley.
Lobuche is renowned as one of the more technically demanding trekking peaks. It involves about 6-8 hours of steady climbing to reach the eastern summit of Lobuche Peak.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, embark on a long day's walk to reach Everest Base Camp. The journey begins with a northward direction and a short, steep climb. The trail traverses over the moraine of rocks and ice above the Khumbu Glacier. Descend briefly to Gorakshep, a settlement with several comfortable lodges nestled beneath Mt. Pumori and Kalapathar Hill. Continuing towards Everest Base Camp, the path heads east along a rocky trail, eventually arriving at the foot of towering Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Take in the dramatic arctic landscapes filled with rocky moraines, ice, and snow, including close-up views of the massive Khumbu Icefall just above the base camp. After this awe-inspiring experience, return to Gorakshep for an overnight stay, preparing for the climb to the summit of Kalapathar Hill.
Early in the morning, embark on a steep climb to reach the summit of Kalapathar, offering stupendous panoramic views of the surrounding towering peaks with Mt. Everest close at hand. After this scenic morning adventure, descend to Gorakshep for breakfast. Then continue the walk downhill towards the Imjatse Valley, passing through Lobuche. Enjoy a refreshing stop for lunch at Dingboche. In the afternoon, traverse the wide valley of Imjatse. After a few hours of hiking from Dingboche, ascend briefly to Chukung, a small temporary settlement with several nice lodges. Check into comfortable rooms offering views of Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Walk from Dingboche, a short climb, to Chukung, a small temporary settlement. Having a few nice lodges, check into a lovely room facing views of Island Peak, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Leaving the last human settlement at Chukung, the trail leads towards Island Peak Base Camp. The rugged path descends and ascends over rocky moraines for several hours, crossing icy streams along the way. Eventually, you reach a place called Parsya Gyab, near Island Peak Base Camp, where tents are set up by the staff close to the snout of the Imja Glacier. In the afternoon, take time to check climbing gear, rest, and marvel at the grand views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
A necessary rest day for acclimatization and final preparation precedes the big climb to the summit of Island Peak. During this rest day, the guide will instruct you on the technical aspects of the climb and provide information about the climbing gear. You will also practice climbing on nearby ice and rocky ledges, while receiving briefings on safety measures crucial for a successful ascent.
The big final day of the adventure begins early, typically around 2 a.m., to avoid strong winds and extreme cold before sunrise. This timing also reduces the risk of ice movement and avalanches, under the guidance of the lead guide. The climb starts with ascending a rocky ice wall, then navigating through a rocky scree between glaciers. The ascent continues through technical sections of snow and ice ramps, where climbers are securely tied to main ropes for safety, scaling over 100 meters to reach the summit. After a challenging climb, reaching the summit of Island Peak / Imja Tse Himal allows for a well-deserved rest to catch one's breath. Standing atop the peak, surrounded by the towering peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse, including Lhotse Shar to the northeast, offers breathtaking views of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse Himal, Amphu Labtsa, and Mt. Ama Dablam.
After enjoying the glorious morning and spectacular mountain scenery, descend safely using the same route back to base camp. Celebrate with warm refreshments and a hearty meal prepared by our skilled kitchen staff. Spend the afternoon relaxing, feeling elated after a successful ascent to the summit of Island Peak.
In the morning, enjoy majestic views of Mt. Ama Dablam. Pangboche, situated on the main route to Ama Dablam base camp, offers this stunning backdrop. From Pangboche, descend to the Imja Tse River and then ascend for an hour or more to Tengboche. Take in the magnificent views of the surrounding mountain scenery before descending to Phunki Tenga by the river. After a short climb to Shanasha village, follow a winding scenic trail to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stop before heading to Lukla.
As the adventure slowly comes to an end, enjoy the final day's walk to Lukla, descending towards the Dudh Koshi River. Pass through Monjo village and the national park before reaching Phakding for lunch. In the afternoon, continue walking for a few hours, culminating in a final hour-long climb to Lukla for the last overnight stay in the Khumbu and Everest regions.
Begin early to catch the flight back to Kathmandu. After breakfast, take a short walk to Lukla's Tenzing & Hillary Airport. Once the plane arrives from Kathmandu, board a smaller aircraft for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport's domestic terminal, transfer back to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon for individual activities.
On your final day in Kathmandu and Nepal, our RP Adventures guides and staff will transfer you to the airport according to your international flight schedule. Bid farewell to your guide and staff as you enter the airport terminal for your homeward-bound flight, reflecting on your unforgettable experience and adventure on the Island Peak/Imjatse Himal Trek & Climb. Today, we will ensure your transfer to the international airport for your departure back home. We hope you had an awesome experience and enjoyed your trek with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Before you start your Island Peak & Everest Base Camp Trek, it's essential to carefully pack the right clothes and gear and learn about the trekking areas. Most trails in Nepal start in warm places and go up to colder ones. To have a safe and cozy trek, make sure you have the gear to handle the cold weather. Check out our article about what to pack for the Island Peak & Everest Base Camp Trek for all the details you need.
The following basic checklist for trekking and hiking equipment should assist you in packing for our trips. Keep in mind the importance of minimizing the weight of your clothing and gear. Your packed trek bag should weigh less than 15 kilograms. Remember, this is merely a guideline and not everything listed is essential to bring.
Additional Equipment Checklist
Born in a small village of Nuwakot, began his career in the tourism industry as a porter which helped him to become a professional experienced guide and now operating RP Treks sincerely.