Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Island Peak Climbing
The classic first Himalayan climbing peak at 6,189 m
Overview
Island Peak - locally known as Imja Tse - is a 6,189 m peak in the heart of the Khumbu, named by Eric Shipton in 1951 because it appears as an 'island in a sea of ice' when viewed from Dingboche. It is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal and the classic first Himalayan climb for those aspiring to bigger mountaineering objectives.
Our 16-day expedition combines a classic Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar trek - for proper acclimatization - with the ascent of Island Peak itself. After trekking to Base Camp and back, the route diverges to Chhukung and up to Island Peak Base Camp, where the climbing team establishes a tented camp and an experienced climbing Sherpa runs a skills training day.
The summit day involves pre-dawn climbing on a rocky trail, then a glacier crossing and a final 100 m headwall of fixed ropes leading to the summit. From the top, you get a stunning close-up view of Lhotse's massive south face, Baruntse and the Amphu Labtsa pass. Previous high-altitude trekking experience is essential; no previous technical climbing experience is required.
Duration
16 Days / 15 Nights
Max Altitude
6,189 m (Island Peak)
Difficulty
Strenuous
Group Size
2 - 8 climbers
Best Season
Apr-May, Oct-Nov
Accommodation
Tents on mountain, teahouses lower
Climbing Grade
PD (Peu Difficile / Alpine PD)
Start/End
Lukla / Lukla
Trip highlights
Summit Island Peak (6,189 m) - your first Himalayan peak
Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar for acclimatization
Stunning summit view of Lhotse south face and Amphu Labtsa
Climbing skills training day at Island Peak Base Camp
Use of crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes on the summit headwall
Full expedition service with climbing Sherpa and base camp crew
Emergency oxygen and comprehensive medical kit
Itinerary
5 days1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation 1,400m
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your climbing Sherpa for a full expedition briefing and equipment check. Welcome dinner in the evening.
Highlights
Expedition briefing, equipment check
Bring your climbing gear - we will check fit tonight.
2
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Namche Bazaar 3,880m
Fly to Lukla, then trek along the Dudh Koshi to Phakding and up to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Acclimatization day in Namche with a hike to the Everest View Hotel.
Highlights
Lukla flight, Namche Bazaar
Acclimatization is essential for the summit push.
3
Day 3: Trek to Tengboche, Dingboche and acclimatize 5,083m
Trek to the famous Tengboche Monastery, then to Dingboche (4,410 m) with an acclimatization day hiking Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 m) for views of Makalu.
Highlights
Tengboche monastery, Dingboche acclimatization
Acclimatization day is non-negotiable - respect it.
4
Day 4: Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then to Chhukung 5,545m
Trek to Lobuche, then to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and back to Gorak Shep. Climb Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunrise views of Everest. Then descend and traverse to the village of Chhukung (4,730 m) at the foot of Island Peak.
Highlights
Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar sunrise
Big days - eat well and stay hydrated.
5
Day 5: Climb Island Peak, descend to Lukla and fly back 6,189m
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,100 m) for a skills training day. Wake at 2 AM for the summit push - climb the glacier and the fixed-rope headwall to the 6,189 m summit. Descend all the way to Base Camp, then to Chhukung. Over the next three days, descend to Namche and Lukla. Fly back to Kathmandu.
Highlights
Island Peak summit 6,189 m
Be honest with your Sherpa about how you feel on summit day.
Elevation profile
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All accommodations during the trek on twin-share basis
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- One porter for every two trekkers (carries up to 12 kg)
- All required permits and TIMS card
- Domestic flights as per itinerary
- First-aid kit and pulse oximeter
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, jumar)
- Fixed ropes on the summit headwall
- Experienced climbing Sherpa (1 Sherpa per 2 climbers)
- Full base camp service with dining tent, kitchen and toilet tent
- Emergency oxygen and comprehensive medical kit
- Island Peak climbing permit fee
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and laundry on trek
- Beverages, bottled water and snacks on trek
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal climbing clothing (down jacket and insulated pants)
- Personal ice axe leashes and carabiners
Trip options
Choose the option that suits you best.
Extra services
Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.
Airport Pickup
Private vehicle airport transfer each way
$35
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145
Helicopter Rescue Fund
Pre-paid emergency helicopter evacuation coverage
$95
Down Jacket Rental
Premium 800-fill down jacket for the trek
$25
Sleeping Bag Rental
Cold-weather sleeping bag rated to -20C
$25
Supplemental Oxygen
Personal oxygen canister with mask for high-altitude days
$45
Meet your guides
👤
Pemba Dorje Sherpa
Climbing Guide
<p>Pemba has summited Everest twice and guided more than 60 successful climbing expeditions on Island Peak, Lobuche East and Mera Peak. He holds international mountain guide certification and specializes in high-altitude acclimatization.</p>
👤
Ang Phurba Sherpa
Climbing Guide
<p>Ang Phurba has guided more than 40 expeditions on peaks above 6,000 m. A native of Pangboche, he has summited Everest, Manaslu and Cho Oyu.</p>
Departure dates
Apr 18, 2026 May 3
Seats: 6/8
Guaranteed
$2,290
May 16, 2026 May 31
Seats: 4/8
Guaranteed
$2,290
Jun 13, 2026 Jun 28
Seats: 2/8
Guaranteed
$2,290
Jul 11, 2026 Jul 26
Seats: 0/8
Full
$2,290
Pricing
Per person
$2,290
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$1,603
InfantsFree
Group discounts
Automatically applied at checkout:
5+ travelers
-5%
8+ travelers
-8%
10+ travelers
-10%
12+ travelers
-12%
Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.
Route map
🗺
Map coordinates not set for this trip.
🟢 Start point: Lukla
🔴 End point: Lukla
🟠 Trek route
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Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Island Peak summit day?
Summit day starts at 2 AM. You climb a rocky trail for 2-3 hours to the glacier, then cross the glacier with crampons, then climb a 100 m headwall of 50-60 degree snow and ice using fixed ropes and a jumar ascender. The summit is typically reached around 9-10 AM after 7-8 hours of climbing. The descent back to Base Camp takes another 3-4 hours.
Do I need previous climbing experience?
No previous technical climbing experience is required, but previous high-altitude trekking experience (to at least 5,000 m) is essential. Your climbing Sherpa will teach you all the necessary skills - crampon use, ice axe self-arrest, ascending fixed ropes with a jumar, descending with a figure-8 descender - during a dedicated training day at Base Camp.
What equipment is provided and what do I bring?
We provide all technical climbing equipment: crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, jumar, carabiners, fixed ropes. You need to bring personal climbing clothing - insulated jacket, down jacket, mountaineering boots (B2 or B3 rated), warm gloves, gaiters and glacier glasses. A detailed gear list is provided on booking, and most equipment can be rented in Kathmandu.
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Island Peak Climbing
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