Island Peak Climb: The Most Popular Trekking Peak in Nepal

Overview

Assorted under the trekking peaks by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the island peak is the most popular climbing peak among others. This peak is near Mt.Everest so many climbers with a motive to mount Everest exploit this peak as a training peak. People and the local natives may recognize it by another name, Imja Tse.

This peak lies in the Sagarmatha National Park in the Solukhumbu district of eastern Nepal. With an altitude of 6189 meters, the trek to Island peak is a blend of flora and fauna and the majestic and grand views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, such as Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Lhotse, Everest, etc.

This trek traverses through several culturally enriched villages and stops at Namche Bazaar, a gateway to the Everest region for acclimatization. Moreover, this peak was used by legendary climbers Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in 1953 as a training peak before conquering the unsurmountable Mount Everest. 

The peak gained its name Island peak because it is surrounded by a great south wall of Mt.Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse to the north and Mt. Baruntse to the south. Also, the island peak can be perceived vividly from Dingboche, and when viewed from there, the peak is surrounded by an ice sea resembling an island. So, Eric Shipton named the peak "Island Peak".

The main highlight of the expedition is a 360-degree panorama of many of the highest mountains in the world, such as Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m), Lhotse Shar (8,383m), and Makalu (8475m) from the top. Furthermore, the climb is a bit technical and not exceptionally hard, so this peak can be mounted easily with a little knowledge about the gear and technical ideas, and the Cost and Itinerary during the best climbing time are mentioned below.

More About Island Peak

The paths of this trek were brought to light when Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary used this peak as a training peak before becoming the first person to set foot on the summit of invincible Mount Everest. The paths are still used to the present date. Still, many climbers use this peak as a form of training before a hike to Everest.

Similarly, the trails follow the Everest Base Camp Trek so that the expedition can be modified easily. We will get many opportunities to explore ancient and untainted villages, floras, and faunas. In addition, we get a glimpse of the cultures and traditions recited by the natives of the Khumbu region.

Furthermore, the majestic and enchanting views of the grand Himalayas along the way, glaciers, and Sagarmatha National Park has added more to its never-ending charm. Moreover, EBC with island peak climbing is a viable alternative trek because we get more opportunities for acclimatization. Also, we can hike up towards Kala Pathhar and Base Camp, which can be counted as a training or trial before attempting the Island Peak.

1. day 1

   Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860 m) and trek to Phakding (2610 m)

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   Flight Hours	35 minutes
   Highest Altitude	2850 m
   Trek Duration	4-5 hours

   We take an early morning flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. A 35-minute flight will grant us an alluring and enchanting view of the Himalayas, like Mt. Everest. After landing in Lukla, we continued our journey to Phakding and spent the night there.

   On our route, we pass through several small settlements and villages, pine forests, and Rhododendron-filled hills. Also, we traverse through rivers and waterfalls of the Khumbu region. We have to walk for 2-3 hours, which is relatively straightforward. We will stay for a night in Phakding.

   • Overnight stay in a Lodge

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

2. day 2

   Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

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   Highest Altitude	3440 m
   Trek Duration	6-7 hours

   After an early breakfast, we start our trek towards Namche Bazaar. Enjoying the spellbinding views of the grand Himalayas, waterfalls, and lush green vegetation, we will walk forward to reach the Sagarmatha National Park. We will keep up our hike only after showing our permits and documents to the officials.

   After that, the scenery gets even more alluring because of the exotic floras and fauna inside the national park. Moreover, this trek is also used for the Everest Base Camp trek, so we may meet many trekkers along the way. Finally, after crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge, we will be welcomed by a famed world village, Namche Bazaar. We will spend the night there.

   • Overnight stay in a Lodge

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

3. day 3

   Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

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   Highest Altitude	3440 m
   Trek Duration	2-3 hours

   On our third day, we will rest for acclimatization purposes as it is vital to adjust our heart and lungs to higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. We will hike towards the nearest viewpoint, called the Syangboche viewpoint, to further adapt our bodies.

   The landscapes and the panoramas of the Himalayas seen from the top will take our breath away. After that, we can indulge in the local culture, taste Sherpas's unique cuisines, and explore the place. This village is also known as a gateway to the Everest region. After wandering around the valley, we will spend our night in a lodge.

   • Overnight stay in a lodge.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

4. day 4

   Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m)

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   Highest Altitude	3867 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   As usual, our day commences with a nice cup of tea and breakfast towards Tengboche. Leaving behind monasteries, Chortens, and Gompas, along with a scenic view of the Himalayas, we pass through the Mong-La pass situated at 3975 meters to reach Tengboche.

   Similarly, the top of the pass allows us to perceive the astounding vistas of the high Himalayas, such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Aba Dablam. Tengboche carries a religious significance for the Sherpa community because of the Tengboche Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region. Moreover, we get a peek at the Buddhist culture and various rituals practised by the locals. We will stay overnight in this place.

   • Overnight stay in a Lodge

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

5. day 5

   Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 m)

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   Highest Altitude	4410 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   As on any other normal day, we will get up early to observe the beautiful sunrise view from the Tengboche Monastery. After breakfast, we will give continuity to our expedition by indulging in the spellbinding views of mountains, pasturelands, and landscapes. After crossing the Imja River, we will be welcomed by a gorgeous view of an Island Peak. 

   Upon reaching Dingboche, we will realize why the peak is called the Island Peak, as we can witness the peak surrounded by the Himalayas from four sides. We will spend the night in a lodge in Dingboche.

   • Overnight stay in a Lodge

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

6. day 6

   Trek from Dingboche to Island Base Camp (5100 m)

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   Highest Altitude	5100 m
   Trek Duration	5 hours

   After an early breakfast, we hike further up towards Island Base Camp. The terrains and paths are rough, so we must watch our steps more carefully. En route, we will be encompassed with beautiful vistas of some of the highest mountains of the Everest region, like Lhotse, Island Peak, Nuptse, etc. Moreover, we are soaring towards the 5000m plus altitudes, so we must keenly pay attention to our health. Finally, after reaching the Island Base Camp, we will set up a tent to spend the night.

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

7. day 7

   Acclimatization and Preparation at Island Base Camp (5100 m)

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   Highest Altitude	5100 m

   Our 7th day is a free day partitioned for the acclimatization purpose. Since we have ascended the 5000m plus altitude, there is a slight chance of altitude sickness. So, we adjust ourselves in the base camp. Furthermore, our guides will brief us about the usage of tools and gears needed to mount the peak. They will interpret the possible dangers ahead and train us to use the equipment efficiently. Moreover, we can opt to explore the nearby lake called Imja lake. We will eagerly wait for a summit day and spend the night in a tent.

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

8. day 8

   Climb to Island Peak summit (6189 m) and back to Island Base Camp

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   Highest Altitude	6189 m
   Trek Duration	9-10 hours

   The most exciting, awaited, and auspicious day to summit the top has finally fallen to our lap. We start our ascension very early in the morning. The paths are steep, rough, and technical in some places. Some areas have crevices and glaciers where we may require a ladder and a rope to cross the crack. Fear not, as our experienced mountaineers will guide you throughout the journey and keep you safe from any harm that may befall you.

   After a strenuous climb to the summit, we will be embraced by a heart-stopping view of mountains such as Mt. Ama Dablam (6812 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7861 m), and Mt. Baruntse (7129 m). This is the moment when we make an unforgettable memory. This is when an individual will feel all their struggle and difficulties vindicated along the way is worth every penny. With a proud heart and head held high, we descend toward Island Base Camp and spend the night there.

   • Overnight stay in a tent

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

9. day 9

   Trek from Island Base Camp to Dingboche (4410 m)

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   Highest Altitude	4410 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   After a historic achievement for ourselves, we descend back towards Dingboche, tracing the same previous route. Leaving behind the Imja Tse peak, and indulging in the beautiful scenery, we will descend towards Dingboche. We may opt to celebrate the achievement with the locals and may even try locally prepared alcoholic beverages. We will stay overnight in Dingboche.

   • Overnight stay in a lodge

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

10. day 10

    Trek from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)

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    Highest Altitude	3440 m
    Trek Duration	7-8 hours

    After an early breakfast, we head back towards Namche Bazaar. We will pass through religiously and culturally enriched Tengboche. The mesmerizing view along the way will become pretty standard up to this day. Finally, we will halt and stay overnight at Namche Bazaar. If we have spare time, we can explore the place and buy souvenirs for our loved one

    • Overnight stay in a lodge

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

11. day 11

    Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla Village (2860 m)

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    Highest Altitude	2860 m
    Trek Duration	9-10 hours

    After an early breakfast, we descend further down towards Lukla, where we will spend the night. We will observe breathtaking views of some of the peaks of the Everest region, such as Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, etc. We will spend our night in Lukla Village.

    • Overnight stay in a lodge

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

12. day 12

    Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

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    Flight Hours	35 minutes

    After a heartwarming trek and climbing to the beautiful Himalayas, we will catch an early flight to Kathmandu from Lukla. It is just a 35-minute flight, so we have copious spare time. We may explore the Kathmandu Valley as it has a handful of attractions prepared for visitors.

    • Overnight stay in a hotel

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Schedule flight tickets for the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
• Domestic airport transfers and taxes.
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (Climbing Permit, National Park permit, Local Area Permit, and TIMS)
• All government and local taxes
• An experienced English-speaking Trekking/expedition Guide (Govt. registered), Cook, and Assistant Climbing Guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide).
• Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter)
• High-quality North Face or Mountain Hardware or similar sleeping tent, kitchen, dining, toilet
• tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment during the climb
• Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) followed by a cup of Tea/Coffee during the trek and climb.
• Safe Drinking water
• One-hour Trekker's Massage upon completion of the trek
• All mountain accommodation (Last night private room with independent bathroom/hot showers in Kathmandu.)
• A comprehensive medical kit
• Company T-Shirt and Broacher
• Trekking equipment, such as a down-filled sleeping bag and duffel bag
• Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant