Mountaineering

Island Peak Climbing

Details Overview Itinerary Includes/Excludes Equipment Dispatches Reviews

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Island Peak Climbing

Island Peak (6,189m/20,305 ft) is one of the most important climbing peaks in Nepal situated in the Khumbu area of Everest Region, offering a spectacular and heavily glaciated face emerging from the Lhotse Glacier. The peak is an extension of Lhotse Shar situated between the Lhotse and Imja glaciers and is also known as Imja Tse Peak. The Island peak climbing starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla following the Dudh Koshi River Valley and enjoying the local market in Namche Bazaar. Then, we travel to Tengboche which provides one of Everest's finest scenery as well as ancient Tengboche monastery. Our Island Peak climbing journey brings you through the Khumbu Valley, Chhukung valley and Sherpa community. We also visit, perhaps the world's most popular trekking destination-Everest Base Camp (5,357m/17,575 ft) and Kala Patthar for the up-close views of Mt. Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Cho Oyu and the stunning view of Ama Dablam peak. Island Peak climbing is one of the trekking peaks with a very little technological element. Therefore, it is ideal for enthusiastic and mentally fit trekkers with little to no mountain expedition experience.

Overview

Trip Code WPP-002-IPC

Destination Nepal

Altitude 6189m

Region Everest Region

Season Spring and Autumn

Difficulty Hard

Accomodation Hotel, Tea House & Tent

Duration 21 Days

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive at Kathmandu Day 2 : A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley, the capital city Day 3 : Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,692ft) Day 4 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft) Day 5 : Rest day for acclimatization (3,440m/11,283ft) Day 6 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,850m/12,628ft) Day 7 : Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche (4,200m/13,776ft) Day 8 : Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche (4,930m/16,170ft) Day 9 : Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,957ft) & hike to Everest Base Camp (5,380m/17,646ft) Day 10 : Hike from Gorak Shep to Kalapathar (5,545m/18,187ft) & Trek down to Lobuche (4,940m/16,203ft) Day 11 : Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung (4,730m/15,514ft) via Kongma La (5,535m/18,154ft) Day 12 : Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m/17,056ft) Day 13 : Pre-climb training on Island Peak Base Camp Day 14 : Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,299ft) & back to base camp Day 15 : Back up day for climbing Day 16 : Descend from Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,070ft) Day 17 : Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft) Day 18 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) Day 19 : Fly to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) Day 20 : Leisure day at Kathmandu Day 21 : Departure

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our company representative will meet and welcome you to Nepal and then you'll be transferred to your confirmed hotel. Once you finish the check-in procedure, you can rest & relax at the hotel. Later you will be accompained by the office staff for a short tour of Thamel to make you familiar with some good restaurants, ATMs, money changer and other necessary places you might need during your stay in Thamel.

Day 2: A full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley, the capital city

The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflecting the ancient Nepalese culture which is the highlights of our guided tour. A visit to Patan City will enchant you with its famous fine arts and historical architecture. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the famous streets. Finally, day ends with a Authentic Nepalese Dinner in Nepali Cultural Restaurant.

Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2,650m/8,692ft)

After breakfast, we will be taken to the domestic terminal of TIA for an early morning flight to Lukla. After a flying above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. Upon our arrival at Lukla, we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla until we reach Phakding. To assist in acclimatization, we only have a short hike today. However, if interested in additional activities, we can take a side trip to a nearby monastery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)

After breakfast we walk through beautiful pine forests and then along Dudh Koshi River ending our nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. After walking for almost over an hour, we come across the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6,608m) on our right and also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If the weather is clear, we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peering over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. We continue walking until we reach the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Mt. Everest and main trading centre of this region. This day we cross five suspension bridges, the last one also known as the Hillary Bridge being the highest. It is an uphill walk from Hillary Bridge to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Rest day for acclimatization (3,440m/11,283ft)

This is the day set aside for acclimatization. Health experts recommend that we stay active and move around even during the rest day instead of being idle. There are a few options set aside for this day. We can either stroll around Namche’s quaint villages or come in contact with the Sherpa people and their rich culture, or we can hike up to the Everest View Hotel and enjoy an up-close view of the mighty Everest. While in the Namche village or upon returning from the hike to the Everest View Hotel, trekkers may also visit the local museum containing exhibits displaying the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.

For trekkers who want to hike for a little longer, a hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) may also be an option. While in the village we can visit the Edmund Hillary School and Khumjung Monastery (a monastery famous for housing the head of the Yeti!). Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,850m/12,628ft)

After breakfast, we trek towards Tengboche. It is an easy walk from Namche to Phunki. Upon reaching Phunki, we ascend towards Tengboche, a village that houses the very famous Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery of the Everest region. Located amidst the Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 'outstanding universal value”), it is draped with the panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. The monastery opens at 3:00 pm so if we are lucky we might just be able to witness a religious ceremony. Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche (4,200m/13,776ft)

With the Himalayas as its backdrop, the monastery in Tengboche is in an excellent location. We visit the monastery in the morning and enjoy taking pictures of the monastery and the amazing landscape. We descend for about half an hour through a forest before crossing a river. Next, we trek uphill and notice that as we climb higher, the landscape becomes drier. We walk past a traditional Sherpa village of Pangboche before reaching Pheriche, a beautiful village located on a riverside. Here, we will also see a small helipad that is used for helicopter rescues during emergencies. We may even take a class with a mountain specialist from HRA in a medical clinic at Pheriche. Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 8: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche (4,930m/16,170ft)

After breakfast, we start with an easy walk towards Dugla. Next, we trek up the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, and then pass through the boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara where we find an array of stones with prayer flags used as memorials to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer) and 10-time Everest summitter Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepalese mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Everest. The trail then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and we find ourselves facing several great peaks - Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori and Mahalangur Himal. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,957ft) & hike to Everest Base Camp (5,380m/17,646ft)

We take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Continuing straight ahead, we come across the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. The path from here can be misleading; hence it is important that we follow our lead Sherpa diligently. The walk is strenuous due to thin air in the high altitude. We pass through rocky dunes, moraine and streams before reaching the Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the Everest Base Camp, we see tents of mountaineers that stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. We get back to Gorak Shep for a good night's rest. Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Day 10: Hike from Gorak Shep to Kalapathar (5,545m/18,187ft) & Trek down to Lobuche (4,940m/16,203ft)

We prepare for an early morning departure, amid pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C). Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, and Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to reveal itself. But, it is upon reaching Kala Patthar that we get to see360 degree up-close and formidable views of Mt. Everest. We take pictures, enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama, and then return back to Lobuche for a good night's rest. Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 11: Trek from Lobuche to Chhukung (4,730m/15,514ft) via Kongma La (5,535m/18,154ft)

After breakfast, we trek via Khumbu Glacier to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m/16,404ft). The ascent to Kongma La pass is the most difficult part of our trek today. In the Kongma La, we see cairn wrapped in prayer flags to mark the pass. Then we descend gradually to Imja Khola valley, followed by another descent to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung we will also check our equipment in order to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.

Day 12: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m/17,056ft)

The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south then turn east to the main line of the valley. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Labtsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.

Day 13: Pre-climb training on Island Peak Base Camp

We begin our pre-climb training today after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb. Overnight at the base camp.

Day 14: Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,299ft) & back to base camp

We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. It is important we reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier for a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the base camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside.

Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climb the rock gully. This is not difficult, but there are several short rock steps to climb before we emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge.

Both fixed rope and main rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fixed rope after successfully climbing on rock. The length of the rope will usually be 350 m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses.There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3 and 4 meters long. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit views and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us.

Day 15: Back up day for climbing

Day 16: Descend from Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m/13,070ft)

Today’s walk will be a much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back through the wide valley of Khumbu Khola, we pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages, Orsho and Shomare.

We can also take a different trail to visit the Gompa in Upper Pangboche, which is believed to be the oldest in the Khumbu region or take the regular trail to reach Pangboche. Pangboche is a scenic village surrounded by Everest to its north, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east, the Kongde range to the south and the Imja Tse river flowing through the wide fertile valley.

Day 17: Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)

From Pangboche we retrace our steps down to the Imja Khola and up through the forest to Tengboche. If interested, we can also visit nuns at the Tengboche monastery. After lunch at Tengboche, we continue through the hillside blanketed by rhododendron and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, our trail follows the Dudh Koshi gorge descending rapidly through the pine forests before reaching Sansa.

We keep a lookout for wildlife such as mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, etc., while passing through the forest. After passing a chorten, we reach the army camp at Namche Bazaar. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft)

The trail descends steeply downward so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After our arrival in Lukla, we stretch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

After having breakfast we head toward airport for our flights. The terminal building is extremely cold; drinks and snacks are limited. The flight is exciting – once you have taken after off hurtling down into the void. After the plane has missed the hillside below Number Peak and dodged over the lamjura pass , it’s on to Kathmandu. Then you will be picked by Wongchhu Peak Promotion representatives at Domestic airport. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 20: Leisure day at Kathmandu

Leisure day at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner & celebration. You can ask your guide to take you on a sightseeing trip inside Kathmandu Valley. On this day you can go to the various museums around the valley including the Narayanhiti Museum which earlier used to be the residence of the last king of Nepal. You may also go to the hilltop of Nagarkot. After some sightseeing around the world heritage sites in the valley, you will have a farewell dinner and enjoy with your Nepali friends and guide. You might even make plans for extending your stay for Chitwan jungle safari, rafting activities, and more with your guide.

Day 21: Departure

Finally, it’s SEE OFF TIME. There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. You will be picked from Hotel by representatives of Wongchhu Peak Promotion staff and dropped at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours earlier than your flight time with a hope to see you again. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Includes

Airport/Hotel transfer in Kathmandu,
All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicle in Kathmandu,
Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights pre and 2 nights post on B/B plan on sharing post,
Full-day Kathmandu Heritage site sightseeing by private tourist vehicle,
Professional English-speaking tour guide during sightseeing,
City tour entrance fees of the heritage sites,
Experienced and government-licensed high-altitude trekking and climbing guide during the trekking and climbing period,
All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; Kitchen tents, store tents, dining tents, toilet tents, tables chairs, and cooking utensils for advanced Base Camp and high camp,
Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and main rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bars, etc.)
Service of cook and kitchen boy at Base camp,
Food and accommodation during the trek in full board,
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be served at base camp,
All food and fuel for Base Camp and higher camps during the expedition for both members and crews,
Daily weather Report service from Seattle based,
Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Island Peak,
Nepal government Royalty and fees,
One experienced, trained, government-licensed, climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client,
All wages, equipment, medical and accidental insurance for all involved staff in trekking and expedition,
Group emergency equipment and medical supplies,
Medical consultation services at the base camp,
Equipment allowances and wages for climbing Sherpas, cooks, Kitchen boys,
Equipment allowance and wages for Government Liaison Officers,
Solar equipment for light and also for charging various electric devices,
1 generator at base camp for computers and other electronic devices,
Headset radios for communication in the mountain,
Satellite Phones (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
Internet at base camp (for personal use on the participants’ charge),
Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required,
Rope fixing costs,
The heater will be provided at the base camp for heating the dining room,
Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator will be provided,
Travel and rescue arrangements,
Ice fall usage Charge,
5 bottles of 3LTR Poisk Oxygen for members,
Daily Dispatches on www.wppnepal.com,
Welcome and Farewell dinner with beverages.

Excludes

Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary,
If required to change from airplane to helicopter to/from Lukla due to weather issues, the additional cost of the helicopter will be shared amongst clients,
Personal trekking and climbing gear,
Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast and farewell dinner),
Alcohol and Beverages during the trek and climbing,
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, shower, etc.),
Emergency Medical Evacuation & any medical costs,
Any other item not listed in the 'Price Includes' section.

Equipments

1.0 Travel Documents

Valid passport
Credit/Debit card
Passport size photo (6 pieces)
Insurance paper and contact address
Family contact number

2.0 Upper Body Wear

Expedition down jacket
Basecamp down jacket
Lightweight fleece top
Wind shirt
Gore-Tex jacket
Waterproof shell jacket
Base layers tops
Trekking cloths
Casual wear

3.0 Lower Body Wear

Thermal bottom base layer (2-3 pcs)
Fleece trousers (2-3 pcs)
Gore-Tex pants (1 pcs)
Mid-weight pants (1-2 pcs)
Lightweight quick dry trekking pants (2-3 pcs)
Gaiters for trekking boots
Down pant Underwear (4-6 pcs)

4.0 Headwear

Sun cap
Desert cap
Balaclava
Banadana or Buff
Fleece hat
Neoprene face mask
Neck gaiter
Sunglass
Ski goggles

5.0 Handwear

Thin fleece gloves (2 pairs)
Liner gloves (2 pairs)
Wind stopper/screen tap gloves (2 pairs)
Mountaineering gloves with removable liners
Summit gloves-6000m

6.0 Footwear

Socks (6 pairs)
Lightweight shoes/sandals
Trekking boots
6000m mountaineering boots
Save gaiters
Down bivvy boots
Camp boots
Foot-wearing system

7.0 Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bag -20°c to -30°c for Base camp
Down Sleeping Bag -40°c for extreme comfort
Thermarests Mattress (Cell foam)
Down Matteres (Inflatable)
Sleeping bag Liner
Inflatable Pillow

8.0 Climbing Equipment

Power Bank
Pee Bottle
Altimeter watch
Pocket Knife
Walking Stick/Trekking Pole
Satellite Phone with credit
Battery
Headlight 500-700Lumens
Spare Snow Goggles
Tape Slings/240cm
Unlock Carabiner (2pcs)
Lock Carabiner (3pcs)
Climbing Helmet
Summit Down Suit – 6000m
Jumar / Ascender
Belay Devices / Figure of 8/ATC guide
Harness
Ice Axe with Spike & Axe Protector
Crampons (fit with boot)/ Packing cover

9.0 Bag packs

Rucksacks 35 L -50 L
Duffle Bag 120 L – 150 L (2pcs)
Laundry / Garbage Bag (Large)
Water Proof Stuff Sacks / Dry Bag –small/medium / Large (3-4)pcs)

10.0 Sun stuff

Banana Boat/Nivea Sun Cream (up to -50SPF)
Lip Guard - 30 to -50 (SPF)
Sun Glasses (Uv Protection)
Glaciers Glasses (Uv Protection)
Moisturizer / Lotion

11.0 Toiletries (Personal)

Toilet Paper / Wet Tissue
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Soap
Shampoo
Towel
Garbage Bag

12.0 Eating & Drinkings

1 ltr. Water Bottle
1/1.5ltr. Thermos Mug (Opt.)
Spoon / Fork (opt.)
Bowl (opt.)

13.0 Medical / First Aid

Brufen / Ibuprofens
Antibiotic
Diamox
Paracetamol
Handy Plaster
Crack Bandage
Tincture Iodine
Ondem
Cetirizine
Electrolyte
Minil 10mg (Palpitation, anxiety)
Codopar (Headache & chest pain)
Salbetol 4mg (Breathless)
Azithromycin 500mg (chronic tonsillitis, fever, nose, throat infection-must take 5 days)
Flupen 250mg (prevent wound infection)
Allegra 120/180mg (Allergic tonsil)
Menstrual Products

14.0 Miscellaneous

Nail cutter
Umbrella /Raincoat
Hot water bag
Tenacious Tape Repair Kits
Camera
GPS Tracker (Recommended)
Hand & Toe Warmer

Dispatches

Date	Availability	Price
Oct 02, 2023 - Oct 15, 2023	10 seats remaining		BOOK NOW
Mar 24, 2019 - Apr 14, 2019	Soldout

Reviews

I trekked to Everest Base Camp and Island Peak with a group of medical personnel with the Everest ER. Wongchhu Peak Promotion took care of all the small details and went above and beyond what I was expecting, from constant tea and hot water to have available hand sanitizer at every food/rest stop, to ensure that we were well fed, warm, and in good spirits. Read more...

alaereon, USA

Unbelievable experience in Nepal trekking to Everest Base Camp and summiting Imja Tse (Island Peak) with Wongchhu Peak Promotion and the Wilderness Medical Society. Our group of 21 medical staff trekked to EBC in style with these guys. It was safe, comfortable, fun, and amazingly beautiful. Read more...

LetsGoExploring13, USA

I hiked with these guys to Everest Base Camp in Spring 2019. They could not have been more professional and all-around impressive. Their service was on point, the staff were all prompt, courteous, and personable. They went above and beyond all that was expected on multiple occasions, helping me not only on the trek itself but in many ways while in Kathmandu. Read more...