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The Island Peak (6,189 meters / 20,305 feet), also known as Imja Tse, is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal. Located in the Everest region, it provides an excellent introduction to high-altitude mountaineering and is a favorite among trekkers seeking to scale a Himalayan peak. The peak offers a challenging yet achievable climb, with rewarding views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. This article delves into the key aspects of Island Peak climbing, including its overview, highlights, itinerary, cost, best time to visit, difficulty level, and permit requirements.
Island Peak is a stunning peak located in the Everest region of Nepal. It is often chosen by trekkers who have already completed the Everest Base Camp trek and wish to take on their first Himalayan climb. The peak’s name derives from its appearance—standing like an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche or other points along the trekking route.
The climb is non-technical but involves basic mountaineering skills such as using crampons, ice axes, and rope. The route to the summit includes navigating a glacier, a steep face of snow and rock, and a narrow ridge to the final summit.
Island Peak climbing offers a sense of accomplishment as climbers summit a peak over 6,000 meters, without the extreme technical difficulty associated with larger peaks like Everest or Makalu. However, it still demands careful preparation and the ability to cope with high altitudes, especially on summit day.
Scenic Everest Region: The journey begins from Lukla, with a trek through the lush Khumbu Valley. Trekkers will pass through charming Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, while being surrounded by views of towering Himalayan giants, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Island Peak Summit: The summit of Island Peak offers panoramic views of the entire Everest region. From the top, you can see peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, among others.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp: The trek leading up to Island Peak is an extension of the Everest Base Camp trek, which is famous for its breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall, the massive glaciers, and the towering peaks surrounding the base camp.
High-altitude experience: Island Peak provides trekkers with the chance to experience high-altitude climbing (above 6,000 meters), offering a stepping stone for those planning to pursue higher Himalayan peaks in the future.
Cultural Experience: The route to Island Peak passes through many Sherpa villages, allowing climbers to immerse themselves in the local culture, traditions, and hospitality of the Everest region. The ancient monasteries like Tengboche Monastery also add to the cultural experience.
The standard Island Peak climbing itinerary typically lasts around 16-18 days, with several acclimatization days to ensure climbers are prepared for the high-altitude conditions.
The cost of climbing Island Peak can vary based on the agency you choose, the type of package (group or private), and what’s included (permits, guides, equipment, etc.). On average, the total cost for an Island Peak climbing expedition ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 per person.
The best time to climb Island Peak is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons:
Spring (March to May): This is the most popular time to climb Island Peak. The weather is generally stable, and the temperatures are moderate. The views are clear, and the trekking routes are well-defined.
Autumn (September to November): This is another ideal time for the climb. The monsoon rains have cleared, and the weather is crisp, offering excellent visibility. However, temperatures can be lower, especially as you ascend higher.
Island Peak is considered a challenging trekking peak, but it is not technically difficult, which makes it a good choice for climbers with some experience. The key challenges include:
Proper training and preparation are essential for anyone attempting the summit, and it’s recommended that climbers have some experience with high-altitude trekking and basic mountaineering techniques.
To climb Island Peak, you will need the following permits:
Located between Amadablam and Lhotse Mountains, Island Peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal for mountain climbing. Island Peak is also known as Imja Tse. Island Peak climbing if combined with Everest Base Camp Trekking is considered probably the best trip in Nepal.
Island Peak Climbing provides the best experience to every amateur and serious climber. The mountain is seen as an island in the sea of ice from Dingboche and is hence named Island Peak.
The normal route to climb Island Peak is via South East Flank and Southeast ridge. During this trip, we set base camp at Pareshaya Gyab located between Island Peak and the lateral moraine of Imja Glacier. Island Peak is suitable for all climbers whether they are going to climb the Himalayas for the first time or they are keen hill walkers who have prior mountaineering experience. Island Peak is considered a more technical peak to climb than the rest of the climbing peaks in Nepal. During Island Peak Climbing, we can witness the superb views of the south face of Lhotse and Amadablam. March to May and September to December are considered the best seasons for Island Peak Trek in Nepal. You will have a great time climbing Island Peak with Nepal Himalayas Trekking Team.
Island Peak Location and Reaching There
The magnificent Everest region of the Himalayas offers several climbing adventures. Island Peak Climbing is also in the same region. The peak Imja Tse is popular as Island Peak because of its appearance amongst the towering mountain peaks.
Island Peak climbing trip basically combines trekking and climbing adventures at a go. As you begin the adventure you begin to trek towards the Everest Base Camp and later on go to the Island Peak for climbing.
Accommodation and Food
The adventure uses a lodge and tented camp as accommodation in the mountains. You will stay on a tented camp at the Island Peak Base Camp and in other places, lodge accommodation is available.
The adventure goes on a popular trekking route with easy availability of good food in the mountains. You can eat dal bhat to pizza and many other dishes choosing from the menu during the adventure.
The Climbing Part and Difficulty
You will go for the climbing part from the base camp and complete the adventure in a day. It is a day trip from the base camp to the summit of Island Peak. You start really early in the morning and reach the summit and return back to the base camp.
Island Peak is also popular as a trekking peak. Although it is a climbing adventure, it is not as difficult as a mountaineering adventure. However, it is challenging for sure.
Today, upon your arrival Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives from Nepal Himalayas Trekking will welcome you and transfer the hotel.
With the help of our experienced tour guide, you will spend this whole day for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing. The main places will be: Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Bauddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square among others.
Today, we catch our scheduled flight from Kathmandu to Lukla in the morning. We will enjoy the scenic flight to Lukla which takes approx. 35 minutes. On reaching Lukla, we meet with our rest of the climbing crew and begin trekking to Phakding where we spend overnight.
From Phakding, we start trekking to Namche today. We cross the majestic Dudh Koshi River many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. Then, we enter Sagarmatha National Park and eventually reach Namche. We stay overnight guesthouse.
We will spend a day in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. Here, we can go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa People. Besides, we can also have rewarding views of Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the Khumbu peaks. We stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Our walk continues along the rushing glacial waters of Dudh Koshi today. On the way, we can witness magnificent views of mountains. It takes approx. five hours to reach Tyangboche where we stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Our route drops to Deboche today and then crosses the suspension bridge on Imja Khola. After that, we climb to Pangboche. It takes approx. six hours to reach Dingboche, where we stay overnight at guesthouse.
We have to trek for approx. four hours to reach Chhukung. Remember that it is very important to adjust to the high altitude in order to climb Island Peak. We stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Today too, we will have a short trek of about four hours to reach Island Peak Base Camp. On reaching the Island Peak Base Camp, we set up our camp and spend overnight in tented camp.
Today, we will spend a whole day at Island Peak Base Camp to get used with the higher altitude. We can make a short trek around the base camp to prepare for the summit. We stay overnight at tented camp.
If the weather is permitting, we will begin the main adventure today. We start early in the morning for the scaling the summit of Island Peak. We ascend through a gully and traverse to the right after Camp 1. After making our way up a wide stone field, we cross the ridge to the glacier and crevasses. After making the successful ascent, we descend down the same way back Chhukung today. We stay overnight at tented camp.
We follow the same route back down to Tengboche. And passing through Dingboche, Pangboche and Deboche, we reach Tengboche where we stay overnight at tented camp.
By leaving the mountains behind, we descend from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar. It takes approx. five hours to reach Namche. We stay overnight at tented camp.
Today, we trek from Namche to Lukla where we have started the trek. We stay overnight at tented camp.
We catch our scheduled flight to Kathmandu today. On reaching Kathmandu, you can take your time to explore the Kathmandu or you can also go for the last minute shopping. You stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, after having breakfast, we will accompany you to the airport for the returning flight. We bid you farewell at the airport hoping to see you again!
As an adventure trip in the high Himalayan wilderness, it is an inclusive adventure in the mountains. The cost that you pay for the trip covers your all expenses for accommodation, food, services like a guide and porters, tents, permits, etc. It also covers your flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and back and all ground transportation necessary for the trip from your arrival day.
Your accommodation and breakfasts in Kathmandu are also part of the cost that you pay for the adventure. We have tried to make it an inclusive package so that you have less to worry about arranging the logistics. However, you can explore for your lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Although the cost is inclusive, it does not include the trekking and climbing equipment that you can either buy or hire. You can buy or hire them easily in Nepal.
Let us know if you want to know more about the inclusion and exclusion in the cost of the trip.
Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2025.
The Island Peak (6,189 meters / 20,305 feet), also known as Imja Tse, is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal. Located in the Everest region, it provides an excellent introduction to high-altitude mountaineering and is a favorite among trekkers seeking to scale a Himalayan peak. The peak offers a challenging yet achievable climb, with rewarding views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu. This article delves into the key aspects of Island Peak climbing, including its overview, highlights, itinerary, cost, best time to visit, difficulty level, and permit requirements.
Island Peak is a stunning peak located in the Everest region of Nepal. It is often chosen by trekkers who have already completed the Everest Base Camp trek and wish to take on their first Himalayan climb. The peak’s name derives from its appearance—standing like an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche or other points along the trekking route.
The climb is non-technical but involves basic mountaineering skills such as using crampons, ice axes, and rope. The route to the summit includes navigating a glacier, a steep face of snow and rock, and a narrow ridge to the final summit.
Island Peak climbing offers a sense of accomplishment as climbers summit a peak over 6,000 meters, without the extreme technical difficulty associated with larger peaks like Everest or Makalu. However, it still demands careful preparation and the ability to cope with high altitudes, especially on summit day.
Scenic Everest Region: The journey begins from Lukla, with a trek through the lush Khumbu Valley. Trekkers will pass through charming Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche, while being surrounded by views of towering Himalayan giants, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
Island Peak Summit: The summit of Island Peak offers panoramic views of the entire Everest region. From the top, you can see peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, among others.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp: The trek leading up to Island Peak is an extension of the Everest Base Camp trek, which is famous for its breathtaking views of the Khumbu Icefall, the massive glaciers, and the towering peaks surrounding the base camp.
High-altitude experience: Island Peak provides trekkers with the chance to experience high-altitude climbing (above 6,000 meters), offering a stepping stone for those planning to pursue higher Himalayan peaks in the future.
Cultural Experience: The route to Island Peak passes through many Sherpa villages, allowing climbers to immerse themselves in the local culture, traditions, and hospitality of the Everest region. The ancient monasteries like Tengboche Monastery also add to the cultural experience.
The standard Island Peak climbing itinerary typically lasts around 16-18 days, with several acclimatization days to ensure climbers are prepared for the high-altitude conditions.
The cost of climbing Island Peak can vary based on the agency you choose, the type of package (group or private), and what’s included (permits, guides, equipment, etc.). On average, the total cost for an Island Peak climbing expedition ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 per person.
The best time to climb Island Peak is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons:
Spring (March to May): This is the most popular time to climb Island Peak. The weather is generally stable, and the temperatures are moderate. The views are clear, and the trekking routes are well-defined.
Autumn (September to November): This is another ideal time for the climb. The monsoon rains have cleared, and the weather is crisp, offering excellent visibility. However, temperatures can be lower, especially as you ascend higher.
Island Peak is considered a challenging trekking peak, but it is not technically difficult, which makes it a good choice for climbers with some experience. The key challenges include:
Proper training and preparation are essential for anyone attempting the summit, and it’s recommended that climbers have some experience with high-altitude trekking and basic mountaineering techniques.
To climb Island Peak, you will need the following permits:
Located between Amadablam and Lhotse Mountains, Island Peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal for mountain climbing. Island Peak is also known as Imja Tse. Island Peak climbing if combined with Everest Base Camp Trekking is considered probably the best trip in Nepal.
Island Peak Climbing provides the best experience to every amateur and serious climber. The mountain is seen as an island in the sea of ice from Dingboche and is hence named Island Peak.
The normal route to climb Island Peak is via South East Flank and Southeast ridge. During this trip, we set base camp at Pareshaya Gyab located between Island Peak and the lateral moraine of Imja Glacier. Island Peak is suitable for all climbers whether they are going to climb the Himalayas for the first time or they are keen hill walkers who have prior mountaineering experience. Island Peak is considered a more technical peak to climb than the rest of the climbing peaks in Nepal. During Island Peak Climbing, we can witness the superb views of the south face of Lhotse and Amadablam. March to May and September to December are considered the best seasons for Island Peak Trek in Nepal. You will have a great time climbing Island Peak with Nepal Himalayas Trekking Team.
Island Peak Location and Reaching There
The magnificent Everest region of the Himalayas offers several climbing adventures. Island Peak Climbing is also in the same region. The peak Imja Tse is popular as Island Peak because of its appearance amongst the towering mountain peaks.
Island Peak climbing trip basically combines trekking and climbing adventures at a go. As you begin the adventure you begin to trek towards the Everest Base Camp and later on go to the Island Peak for climbing.
Accommodation and Food
The adventure uses a lodge and tented camp as accommodation in the mountains. You will stay on a tented camp at the Island Peak Base Camp and in other places, lodge accommodation is available.
The adventure goes on a popular trekking route with easy availability of good food in the mountains. You can eat dal bhat to pizza and many other dishes choosing from the menu during the adventure.
The Climbing Part and Difficulty
You will go for the climbing part from the base camp and complete the adventure in a day. It is a day trip from the base camp to the summit of Island Peak. You start really early in the morning and reach the summit and return back to the base camp.
Island Peak is also popular as a trekking peak. Although it is a climbing adventure, it is not as difficult as a mountaineering adventure. However, it is challenging for sure.
Today, upon your arrival Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives from Nepal Himalayas Trekking will welcome you and transfer the hotel.
With the help of our experienced tour guide, you will spend this whole day for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing. The main places will be: Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Bauddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square among others.
Today, we catch our scheduled flight from Kathmandu to Lukla in the morning. We will enjoy the scenic flight to Lukla which takes approx. 35 minutes. On reaching Lukla, we meet with our rest of the climbing crew and begin trekking to Phakding where we spend overnight.
From Phakding, we start trekking to Namche today. We cross the majestic Dudh Koshi River many times on exciting suspension bridges laden with prayer flags. Then, we enter Sagarmatha National Park and eventually reach Namche. We stay overnight guesthouse.
We will spend a day in Namche in order to adjust to the high altitude. Here, we can go on a short trek to a museum celebrating the traditional customs of the Sherpa People. Besides, we can also have rewarding views of Himalayas with a stunning sunrise and sunset over the Khumbu peaks. We stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Our walk continues along the rushing glacial waters of Dudh Koshi today. On the way, we can witness magnificent views of mountains. It takes approx. five hours to reach Tyangboche where we stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Our route drops to Deboche today and then crosses the suspension bridge on Imja Khola. After that, we climb to Pangboche. It takes approx. six hours to reach Dingboche, where we stay overnight at guesthouse.
We have to trek for approx. four hours to reach Chhukung. Remember that it is very important to adjust to the high altitude in order to climb Island Peak. We stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Today too, we will have a short trek of about four hours to reach Island Peak Base Camp. On reaching the Island Peak Base Camp, we set up our camp and spend overnight in tented camp.
Today, we will spend a whole day at Island Peak Base Camp to get used with the higher altitude. We can make a short trek around the base camp to prepare for the summit. We stay overnight at tented camp.
If the weather is permitting, we will begin the main adventure today. We start early in the morning for the scaling the summit of Island Peak. We ascend through a gully and traverse to the right after Camp 1. After making our way up a wide stone field, we cross the ridge to the glacier and crevasses. After making the successful ascent, we descend down the same way back Chhukung today. We stay overnight at tented camp.
We follow the same route back down to Tengboche. And passing through Dingboche, Pangboche and Deboche, we reach Tengboche where we stay overnight at tented camp.
By leaving the mountains behind, we descend from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar. It takes approx. five hours to reach Namche. We stay overnight at tented camp.
Today, we trek from Namche to Lukla where we have started the trek. We stay overnight at tented camp.
We catch our scheduled flight to Kathmandu today. On reaching Kathmandu, you can take your time to explore the Kathmandu or you can also go for the last minute shopping. You stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, after having breakfast, we will accompany you to the airport for the returning flight. We bid you farewell at the airport hoping to see you again!
As an adventure trip in the high Himalayan wilderness, it is an inclusive adventure in the mountains. The cost that you pay for the trip covers your all expenses for accommodation, food, services like a guide and porters, tents, permits, etc. It also covers your flight to Lukla from Kathmandu and back and all ground transportation necessary for the trip from your arrival day.
Your accommodation and breakfasts in Kathmandu are also part of the cost that you pay for the adventure. We have tried to make it an inclusive package so that you have less to worry about arranging the logistics. However, you can explore for your lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Although the cost is inclusive, it does not include the trekking and climbing equipment that you can either buy or hire. You can buy or hire them easily in Nepal.
Let us know if you want to know more about the inclusion and exclusion in the cost of the trip.