+977 9810650405info@hsj.com.np
TripAdvisor Β· Travelers’ Choice 2026

Island Peak Climbing β€” 19 Days

5.0(23)

Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189 m) combines the classic Everest Base Camp trek with a real Himalayan summit β€” all in 19 days. You walk through the heart of Sherpa country, stand at Everest Base Camp, then climb a genuine 6,000-metre peak. All technical climbing gear is included. No prior mountaineering experience required β€” just good fitness and the right mindset.

Duration
19 Days
18 nights
Max Altitude
6,189 m / 20,305 ft
Highest point
Difficulty
Strenuous
3 out of 5
Group Size
2–14
people
Best Season
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov and dec.
Activity / Day
5-6 Hours Climbing/Trekking

Trip Highlights

  • Summit Island Peak (Imja Tse, 6,189 m) β€” one of Nepal's most popular and rewarding trekking peaks
  • Walk to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) β€” the starting point of all Everest expeditions
  • 360-degree summit views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam and Everest
  • All technical climbing gear included β€” crampons, harness, ice axe, ascender and helmet
  • Trek through Namche Bazaar, the capital of Sherpa culture in the Khumbu valley
  • Expert Sherpa guides fix ropes on the technical sections and lead you safely to the summit
  • No prior mountaineering experience required β€” fit trekkers only
  • Proper acclimatization days built into the itinerary for a safe and comfortable ascent
  • Start and end in Kathmandu with comfortable hotel stay and city sightseeing

Trip Overview

Overview

Island Peak β€” locally known as Imja Tse β€” stands at 6,189 metres (20,305 ft) in the Everest region of Nepal. It is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the country, and it is easy to see why. Island Peak is the perfect first Himalayan climb: technically interesting, genuinely rewarding, and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on Earth.

This trip combines two of Nepal's greatest adventures into one journey. You spend the first half on the Everest Base Camp trek β€” walking through rhododendron forests, crossing high suspension bridges, and passing through the legendary Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. In the second half, you leave the trekking trail behind and make your way up to Island Peak Base Camp at 5,100 m, then summit the peak on a long but unforgettable summit day.

From the top of Island Peak, you are surrounded by the greatest mountains on Earth. Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and Everest itself form a wall around you. It is one of the finest panoramas in the Himalayas.

All technical climbing gear β€” crampons, harness, ice axe, ascender, helmet β€” is included in the price. Our expert Sherpa guides fix ropes on the technical headwall section and lead you safely to the summit.

Why Island Peak?

Island Peak got its name from the British expedition of 1951 β€” when they first saw it from the Imja Valley, it appeared to rise like an island from a sea of glaciers. Today it is a Grade PD (Peu Difficile) peak on the French alpine grading system β€” challenging but well within reach for fit trekkers with no prior climbing experience.

The combination of EBC + Island Peak is widely regarded as the best adventure trip in Nepal. You get the full Khumbu experience β€” monasteries, yak trains, the famous Hillary Step trail β€” and you earn the summit of a real Himalayan mountain. It is an experience very few people ever have.

Who Is This For?

This trip is designed for fit trekkers who want to step beyond trekking and into mountaineering. You do not need prior climbing experience, but you do need good cardiovascular fitness (able to walk 5–7 hours per day with a daypack), no fear of heights or exposure, and the mental resilience for a very long summit day. Our guides will teach you how to use crampons, ice axe and ascenders at base camp before summit day. The technical headwall section is protected by fixed ropes throughout.

About the Climb

The summit day starts between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM. The total round trip from base camp to summit and back takes 10–14 hours, depending on conditions. The route begins on a rocky ridge, crosses a glacier, and finishes on a steep ice headwall with fixed ropes. Your guides will be with you at every step. Once you top out on the summit ridge, the view is total β€” an unbroken 360-degree panorama of the world's highest mountains.

Permits and Fees

All permit costs are included in your trip price. The main permits required are the Island Peak climbing permit (USD 250/person, issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association), the Sagarmatha National Park entry fee (USD 30/person), and a TIMS card (USD 20/person). HSJ arranges all permits on your behalf β€” no paperwork needed from your side.

Gear and Equipment

All technical climbing equipment is included β€” you do not need to buy or hire gear separately. This includes crampons, climbing harness, ice axe, ascender (jumar), helmet, and fixed rope systems on the technical sections. You will need to bring your own trekking clothes, a sleeping bag rated to βˆ’20Β°C, and boots compatible with crampons. A detailed kit list is sent after booking.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

19 days
1
Day 1

Upon reaching Kathmandu, our representative will greet you at the airport, providing a warm welcome before transferring you to your hotel. Use this day to acclimate to the new time zone and dive into the vibrant atmosphere of kathmandu. An orientation program is scheduled for 5 pm to help to get acquainated with your surroundings.

Meals Dinner
2
Day 2

5-6 hrs
Meals Breakfast
3
Day 3

3-4 hrs
Meals Breakfast
4
Day 4

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
5
Day 5

3 hrsAcclimatisation
Meals Breakfast
6
Day 6

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
7
Day 7

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
8
Day 8

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
9
Day 9

7-8 hrs
Meals Breakfast
10
Day 10

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
11
Day 11

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
12
Day 12

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
13
Day 13

4-5 hrs
Meals Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
14
Day 14

5-6 hrs
Meals Breakfast
15
Day 15

6-7 hrs
Meals Breakfast
16
Day 16

5-6 hrs
Meals Breakfast
17
Day 17

5-6 hrs
Meals Breakfast
18
Day 18

Meals Breakfast
19
Day 19

Meals Breakfast

What’s Included

Included
All surface transfers as per itinerary.
Accommodation in Kathmandu at Himalayan Suite Hotel and guesthouses with breakfast while trekking
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Accommodation in Tented Camp while climbing with freshly cooked meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Welcome and Farewell dinner
Climbing Clinic Course at base camp
All required Climbing gears, tents, plastic climbing boot, crampons, climbing rope, ice- axe, zoomer, harness, figure of eight, carabineer etc
Experience Sherpa climbing guide with support staff
Proper Insurance of all staff including porters.
Fooding, lodging and other expenses of climbing crew
Airfare Kathmandu/Ramechhap-Lukla-Kathmandu/Ramechhap
Garbage deposit Fee
Thirty minute massage at Himalayan Suite Spa
National park Fee and Lukla Entrance Fee
Not Included
Lunch and dinner during the trip except climbing days (Meal cost is about $4-7 per item)
Personal equipment’s and clothing
Your insurances (Highly recommended)
Personal expenses
City sightseeing monuments entrance fee (NPR 250+ 400+ 1000)
Climbing permit fee

Departure dates

19 days Β· fixed departures or your own dates
1traveller
No scheduled departures right now. Contact us to arrange a private departure β†’

Traveler Stories

KimEverest Base Camp Trek
Deck and StrebellaNagarkot Sunrise Tour with Sallaghari-Changunarayan Hiking
DavidKathmandu - Pokhara Sightseeing with Everest Scenic Flight & Annapurna Heli tour
$2,500$2,000per person
Adults
1
Total$2,0001 Γ— $2,000
2,023 reviews on Tripadvisor β€” travellers rate us 4.8 out of 5
Free cancellation β€” cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
7% of profit donated β€” Through the Himalayan Community Project, we fund education, healthcare & conservation in rural Nepal.
Ram SapkotaAmrit SapkotaAswin SapkotaAju SitaulaSushma Rijal
Ram & TeamBased in Kathmandu πŸ‡³πŸ‡΅
Chat
$2,000per personFree cancellation
Enquire us

Traveler Reviews

Overall rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 reviews of this trip
Jev S
Verified booking
5.0

Great people, great price, great service. Recommend Social journey to everyone who is willing to get value for money

Tristan M
Verified booking
5.0

Couldn't fault Himalayan Social, went out of their way to be helpful, even after I was airlifted back to Kathmandu, guides, porters and those in the office were all great. Fully recommend to anyone heading to Nepal and looking to trek.

Mikel D
Verified booking
5.0

I have travelled to Nepal many times and even lived there for a spell. On my first visit in 2008, I travelled to the Everest range with Himalayan Social Journey Trekking, Ram Sapkota's company. Ram and I got along instantly and the level of professionalism and…

Read more

More reviews of HSJ trips

Taher
Verified booking Β· another HSJ trip
5.0

Really excellent day! Rajan was my tour guide and he was excellent. Explained every historical site and the background behind it and was very informative the whole day. He made sure I was ok always, gave good reccomendations for delicious food and we got to sp…

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 2