Island Peak Expedition

5.0/0 reviews
  • DestinationNepal
  • ActivitiesExpedition
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • Group Size15+
  • VehicleLocal Bus

Island Peak Expedition Highlights

  • Scenic Flight to Lukla
  • Explore Tengboche Monastery
  • Island Peak Summit (6,189 m)
  • Warm Hospitality of the local Sherpa people
  • Walk through dense forest and well-maintained trails
  • Passing through Khumbu Valley

16 days Island Peak Expedition Overview

Rising above like a watchful sentinel in the Khumbu Valley, the Island Peak locally known as the Imja Tse is the symbol of trekking adventure and Himalayan mountaineering. The journey of the Island Peak Climbing is not only about reaching the summit but also trekking through Sherpa heartlands and leaving footprints at the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. The climbing crew members of the Nepal Trekking Rangers comprise of the Everest Summiteers experienced trekking guides, and local experts. 
People often get confused between the trekking peak climbing and expeditions. Please note that the mountains below 7000 m altitude require peak climbing permits and the above require expedition permits. However, there are some mountains below 7000 m which require expedition permit because of technical difficulties. 
Nepal Mountaineering Association is the governing body for various mountaineering activities. Out of 461 mountains permitted to climb in Nepal, the NMA permits 27 mountains to do peak climbing in Nepal. 

What are the major trekking peaks to climb in Everest?

The Everest region of Nepal is an iconic and prolific place for various mountaineering activities. Therefore, it is the mecca for climbing adventures! Major trekking peaks to climb in the Everest region of Nepal are Island Peak (6189 m), Lobuche Peak (6119 m), and Mera Peak (6476 m). Besides these trekking peaks, there are few trekking peaks which are popular among hard core climbers only but commercial trekking peaks of the Everest region are these three peaks only. 

What makes Island Peak Climbing technically difficult?

The Island Peak Climbing is technically difficult mountain to climb because of various reasons. The trail to the top of the Island Peak (6189 m) consists of various crevasses with the ladder crossing sections. There are many narrow ridges with vertical steep ascent sections. The mountain is the best place to prepare for higher mountains’ expeditions like the Everest expedition. Therefore, lots of Everest aspirant climbers prefer the Island Peak for the preparation. 

Everest Base Camp Trek during Island Peak Climb

People often overlook the itinerary of the Island Peak Climbing adventure. This itinerary encompasses the journey towards the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. It is possible to exclude the Everest Base Camp during the Island Peak Climb adventure but it is not highly recommended. The journey towards the Everest Base Camp (5364 m) and Kalapathar (5545 m) can act as the best acclimatization hike before climbing the mountain. 

Chhukung to Island Peak Climb Package

Do you want to buy the Island Peak Climbing package only excluding the trekking portion? If yes, then you can buy the climbing package with the Nepal Trekking Rangers from Dingboche or Chhukung. The cost of the Chhukung to Island Peak Climb Package starts from 550 $ to 700 $ per person. Please note that the package doesn’t include any services during the trekking activities. It is purely climbing package only.
 

Best time to climb Island Peak

The months of the spring season is considered as an ideal time to climb mountains in Nepal. Therefore, the month of April has lots of Everest climbers. There is no fact regarding the suitability of climbing mountain in the month of April but if it the best time to scale the majestic Mt. Everest, and then it is also suitable to climb the mountain during the spring season in Nepal. Besides the spring season, the autumn season is also considered as an ideal time to do trekking or climbing trips in Nepal. The Island Peak Climbing adventure becomes mesmerizing during the spring season but autumn is also okay to climb the peak. People rarely choose the months of summer/monsoon and winter season for climbing adventures.
 

How much does it cost to buy Island Climbing Permit?

The climbing permit cost for the months of spring season is 250 $ per person. For autumn season (September – November), the cost of the climbing permit is 125 $ and the off season like summer / monsoon and winter season the permit costs 70 $. The cost of the permit during the months of the spring season is high because of the climbing favorable conditions.

Why can’t I see Mt. Everest from the top of Island Peak?

The distance between the Island Peak (6189 m) and the Mt. Everest (8848.86 m) is just 10 kilometers. However, you can’t see the Everest from the top of the Island Peak. It is so unfortunate but don’t worry. You can get the glimpses of mountains like Lhotse the world’s 4th tallest and the world’s 5th tallest Mt. Makalu. Besides these mountains, you can get the 360 degree view of mountains from the top. Iconic mountains seen from the top are Baruntse, Amadablam, Nuptse Shar, Thamserku, etc. The top of the Island Peak is also the vantage point to witness various valleys of the Khumbu. 

Island Peak vs Mera Peak vs Lobuche Peak

Please remember that the Island Peak is the most technical mountain to climb among these three iconic trekking peaks of the Everest region. If you consider the difficulty level, then the Island Peak Climbing in Nepal is the hardest among these three mountains. The easiest mountain to climb in the Everest Region is the Mt. Mera (6476 m). It is suitable for beginners as well but the trekking trail to the base camp of the Mera Peak is off the beaten. Therefore, the number of climbers on this peak is relatively less than in the Lobuche Peak and Island Peak. 
Interestingly, in the Everest Base Camp Trekking Route, the Lobuche Peak is easy to climb than the Island Peak. Lots of Everest climbers take this climbing exercise as acclimatization and routine climbing exercise before attempting to do the final push towards the summit of Mt. Everest. 

Can I do Lobuche Peak Climbing with Island Peak?

Yes, it is possible to do the Lobuche Peak Climbing and the Island Peak Climbing in one single trip. This is the smartest way to conquer these mountains in one single trekking trip. If you are planning to climb these two mountains in one single trip, then contact our travel planners. You can get the most reasonable price from our Sherpa guides and team for this epic twin adventure.  

 

Island Peak Expedition Itinerary

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If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.

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Dates & Prices

Your private Island Peak Expedition begins from and ends in , covering 16 days of adventure.

We organize exclusive trip for two or more, ensuring a personal and flexible experience.

Private Group Deals

1 PersonUS$ 3100
2 - 6 PersonUS$ 2800
7 - 12 PersonUS$ 2750
13 - 20 PersonUS$ 2700
Sold out dates
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Know Before You Go

What makes Island Peak Expeditions unique?

  • It offers a life-changing experience
  • Trek through diverse landscapes
  • Guidance from an expert team
  • Learn about authentic Sherpa culture
  • Enjoy the breathtaking 360° view of the Himalayas
  • Learn technical climbing techniques

Best Season for Expedition

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the season of choice for expeditions. The weather remains calm and lovely during the spring season. The Himalayas appear in the blue sky, and the environment is colorful and alive. Rhododendrons and flowers bloom on the trail, and the Khumbu Valley is alive.

Autumn

Autumn is best for trekking and expeditions to high altitudes in Nepal. The weather after the monsoons is just crystal clear, and the weather is dry and cool, which is perfect for the Island Peak Expedition. The landscapes are so huge that you can see the great Himalayas from a distance.

In the autumn season, Nepal's largest festivals, i.e., Dashain and Tihar, are observed, so you will have the experience of festive vibes.

Food and Accommodation

Food

For breakfast, you’ll be eating Tibetan bread, hot tea or coffee, hot soup, normal bread, eggs, or any other items that are available in your lodge/teahouse. 

For lunch and dinner, you’ll be eating dal bhat, a plate of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spicy pickles. You’ll get other options too, like momo, noodles, thukpa, pasta, or other available foods.

You’ll be eating at a local teahouse/lodge during the trek, so don’t expect much variety of food. At higher altitudes, options are limited, but in Kathmandu, or the city area, you’ll get a variety of options. 

Accommodation

In the city area, you’ll be staying in a well-standardized hotel where you’ll get a private room, bathrooms, and hot water for showers. But on the trek, you’ll be staying at a local teahouse/lodge run by a community. Also, you’ll spend a night in a tent.

In a teahouse/lodge, you generally have twin-sharing rooms with a wooden bed, a warm blanket, and a mattress with a pillow. Bathrooms are shared, and there may be no warm water. If you want luxury facilities, you can contact your travel agency.

Difficulty Level of Island Peak Expedition

The Island Peak Expedition is exhausting, but an experience worth undertaking. Climbing is high-altitude trekking and technical climbing, and thus exhausting for novice Himalayan climbers. The trek leads you to a popular route, a boulder path, a glacier walk, and a steep, vertical, iced-up headwall near the top. You climb Island Peak on crampons, an ice axe, and a harness, which is truly strenuous and taxing. Therefore, you need to have climbing and rope method experience.

Permit Requirement

  • Island Peak Climbing Permit

You can get it from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). 

  • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Required to enter the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site

  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

Travel Insurance

While trekking in a high-altitude region and climbing a peak, travel insurance is a must. Your insurance must cover these things:

  • High-altitude coverage
  • Helicopter Evacuation
  • Medical Expenses
  • Trip Cancellation

Packing Essentials

  • Fleece or down jacket and pants
  • Waterproof shell jacket and pants
  • Quick-drying shirts, thermal tops, and bottoms
  • Gloves
  • Helmet
  • Sunglasses
  • Socks
  • Trekking shoes
  • Crampons
  • Backpack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking poles
  • First-aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Toiletries
  • Water bottles
  • Permit papers
  • Snack
  • Cash

General Faqs

You cannot ascend Island Peak without a guide. You must hire an experienced guide from a registered tour operating agency. 

Traveller Review

Trip Advisor5.0 Rating out of 5 based on Reviews

  • The best guides in Nepal!

    Nepal Trekking Rangers was phenomenal. Yuddha and his team were communicative, organized, and fairly priced. When our flight to Kathmandu was delayed, Yuddha met us at the airport and ensured we made our connection to Lukla without issue.

    On the Three Passes trek, Yuddha was exceptional — attentive, flexible, and fun (he taught us Nepali card games we played nonstop). Thanks to Nepal Trekking Rangers, this truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

     
    V
    Vijay S 18th May, 2025

  • Trek with Nepal Trekking experts if you are going to Nepal!

    I just finished the Everest Base Camp trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers and would 100% recommend them to anyone coming to Nepal.

    Yuddha, the owner, is a true professional. From the beginning when I contacted him, he was super responsive and able to provide advice on which trek was best. Whenever I had follow-up questions, he would always respond the same day. They also operate with the utmost integrity. Originally, I was meant to trek with them in 2020, but this was cancelled because of Covid. Yuddha reminded me that I had paid the deposit five years ago (which at the time I had told him to hold on to) and took that off the price — I had completely forgotten.

    They gave me a warm welcome at the airport as soon as I arrived, and Yuddha met me at my hotel to make sure I had the correct kit, even providing me with things I didn’t have free of charge.

    On the trek itself, Yuddha was our guide — so knowledgeable, fun, and spoke great English. Every time I asked him a question about the mountains or region, he had an answer. All the tea houses booked were great and had good food. In the evening, he would play cards with us, and if we ever needed help with anything, he was always on hand.

    Words can’t describe the views you see on this trek — we were completely surrounded by the mountains. Yuddha also made sure we went at a sensible pace to avoid any risk of altitude sickness and to ensure we could take it all in.

    Overall, it was an experience of a lifetime, and next time I am back in Nepal, I will be trekking with Nepal Trekking Rangers.

    Thanks so much, Yuddha!

    E
    Eoin W 11th May, 2025

  • Perfekter Trek zum Everest Basecamp

    We have nothing but positive things to say about our trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers! Our group of three friends was looking for something a little different from the EBC trek and didn’t have time to do the full Three Passes loop. Nepal Trekking Rangers gave us lots of options, and we decided to trek directly to Gokyo Lakes, then over Renjo La and back down to Lukla. It was perfect for us.

    Our guide, Yuddha, was super knowledgeable, and the team supporting us was kind and helpful throughout. The communication before and after the trek was excellent, and when we ran into a small snag during our journey, Yuddha handled it smoothly and professionally.

    I can’t say enough about how experienced, well-connected, and genuinely kind everyone was. We had an amazing trip, and you’ll be in great hands with Nepal Trekking Rangers.

    E
    Elizabeth C 7th May, 2025

  • Great Himalay experience

    Hiked the Three Passes trek with Nepal Trekking Rangers and our guide Yuddha. He was a fantastic guide to have on this trek — knowledgeable, professional, and a great match for our group. I’ll be happy to use their services again on our next Himalaya adventure.

    C
    Camper14369775626 7th May, 2025

  • Incredible Three Passes Trek Experience!

    We had an incredible time on our Three Passes trek (and during our whole visit to Nepal) thanks to Nepal Trekking Rangers! I researched trekking guides thoroughly before we started our trip and probably reached out to 15 of them. I decided Nepal Trekking Rangers was the best in terms of reviews, ease of communication, and price. After the trip was complete, I can confidently say I was right to choose them.

    We had a specific itinerary in mind that needed to fit our schedule, and Yuddha was extremely helpful and accommodating. He answered all our questions promptly during planning and provided extra info, tips, and advice that we wouldn’t have known to ask about. When our international flight to Nepal was delayed by 12 hours, he pulled out all the stops to make sure we still made it to Lukla on time — coming to the airport himself with all the gear we rented, helping us repack into their duffel bags, and storing our suitcases at their office. It was incredibly convenient, and we would have been hugely delayed without his extra effort. He even brought Nepalese rupees to exchange from our USD so we wouldn’t waste time at the airport — and at a better rate!

    Our guide, Yuddha, was clearly one of the best we saw on the trails. His decades of experience showed. He was kind, attentive, knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. He helped us navigate the chaos of Lukla airport, made sure we got the best possible accommodations within our budget, communicated with tea house staff, showed us local plants, animals, and landmarks, and answered all our “Which mountain is this?” questions with patience and insight. He told us amazing stories, taught us a Nepali card game that became a nightly tradition, and kept us safe and confident through tricky sections like Chukhung Ri, glacier crossings, and the steep descents from the passes.

    When we decided mid-trip to skip an acclimatization day in Dingboche, Yuddha quickly rebooked all our accommodations to adjust the schedule. That flexibility allowed us to return to Kathmandu a day early and enjoy more time in the city — a perfect ending to the trek.

    Nepal Trekking Rangers clearly employs some of the best in the business, and Yuddha is incredibly skilled and dedicated to making sure guests have an unforgettable experience. After the trek, we visited his office in Kathmandu to share our experience, and he was a warm and gracious host, eager to hear our feedback — which was all glowing.

    This was a truly memorable trip, and we’re so glad we chose Nepal Trekking Rangers.

    W
    Whitney L 7th May, 2025