Island Peak
Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6189m) earned its name from early Everest expedition members who thought it looked like an island in a sea of ice from afar. Today it's one of Nepal's most popular trekking peaks - and for good reason. The summit approach involves a dramatic headwall with fixed ropes and glacier travel, rewarding climbers with a 360° panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam. This expedition can be combined with the Everest Base Camp trek, creating the ultimate Himalayan adventure in a single trip. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the Himalayas and take part in the fight against cancer!
Trip details
- Country: Nepal
- Summit elevation: 6189m
- Duration: 20 days
- Price: from $3550
- Success rate: 84%
- Recommended seasons: April-May, September-October
Highlights
- Island Peak 6189m
- Himalayan glacier travel
- Everest panorama
- Can combine with EBC
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!
Day 2: Organisation day & gear check in Kathmandu
Day 3: Flight to Lukla - Phakding (2610m)
Day 4: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 6: Namche Bazaar - Tengboche (3860m)
Day 7: Tengboche - Dingboche (4410m)
Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche (4410m)
Day 9: Dingboche - Lobuche (4940m)
Day 10: Lobuche - Everest Base Camp (5364m) - Gorakshep (5140m)
Day 11: Gorakshep - Kala Patthar (5545m) - Lobuche (4940m)
Day 12: Lobuche - Chhukung (4730m)
Day 13: Chhukung - Island Peak Base Camp (5100m)
Day 14: Island Peak summit (6189m) - Chhukung (4730m)
Day 15: Chhukung - Pangboche (3930m)
Day 16: Pangboche - Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 17: Namche Bazaar - Lukla (2860m)
Day 18: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Day 19: Spare day for bad weather / free day in Kathmandu
Day 20: Flight back home!
What's included
- Gift kit - cap, dry-fit shirt and 100L duffel bag!
- A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
- Transfers from/to Kathmandu airport to hotel
- Dinners at a restaurant before and after the climb
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, single room, on B&B basis
- Domestic flights to Lukla and back
- Teahouse accommodation in shared rooms throughout the trek
- HighAir twin tents at Island Peak Base Camp
- Full service at Base Camp: cooking gear and high-altitude food
- All entry permits for the trek and the Island Peak climbing permit
- 3 meals per day from menu throughout the expedition
- 2 liters of hot water a day
- Shower and attached toilet during the trek, as available on the route
- Professional local English-speaking guides
- A personal climbing guide for each climber on summit day
- A porter for each climber to carry personal gear (up to 25 kg per person)
- First aid kit carried by the guides
- Pulse oximeter (one per group)
- Satellite device
- Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
- Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
- Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
What's not included
- International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
- Travel & medical insurance, including evacuation cover (required)
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Kathmandu
- Personal gear - clothing, footwear and climbing gear
- Climbing gear rental kit - $300 per person
- Tips for guides and porters - $250 per person
- Summit bonus for the guides - $250 per person
- Nepal visa fees - $50 per person
- Vaccinations and medical advice at a travel clinic
- Internet, laundry, alcohol, extra meals etc. at teahouses
- A fourth hotel night in Kathmandu (if needed)
- Anything not listed in the included section
- Optional extras:
- Helicopter Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu - $800 per person
- Single room at teahouses during trek - $20/night
Good to know
- Island Peak (6189m) requires technical climbing on the upper section - jumaring on fixed ropes, crampons and ice axe. Training is provided before summit day.
- Nepal Mountaineering Association climbing permit included in the package.
- The climb is combined with the Everest Base Camp trek - 20 days total including acclimatization days for 6189m.
- Summit day starts before dawn (02:00-03:00) and lasts 12-14 hours - high physical fitness is required.
- Medical clearance required - including fitness for 6000m altitude.
- Prior high-altitude trekking experience recommended - ideally experience on routes above 4500m.
- Safety before summit - the guide always makes the continuation decision.
- In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is prior experience required?
The climb requires previous trekking and climbing experience, ideally a trek above 4,500 m. Before summit day participants train on the gear, including jumaring on a fixed rope.
What is the group size?
Our groups are limited to a maximum of 12 participants, to keep personal guidance, a warm touch and a high-quality experience throughout the journey.
Is a single room available?
Yes, a single room can be requested for an additional fee. Please note it on the registration form so we can secure the room for you.
What happens if I need to descend early?
Participant safety comes first. If you need to descend early for any reason, the guide accompanies you back safely. Note that any extra costs arising from an early descent are the traveller's responsibility.
What is included in the price?
The price includes everything listed in the "What's Included" section on the page. International flights and travel insurance are not included, and a full gear list is sent to every registrant after registration.