Island Peak Expedition

19 days trip | price enquiry
(full inclusive package, see price includes and excludes for details)
Island Peak Expedition

Island Peak, or Imja Tse, as it is known locally, stands at 6189m: its western name was originally coined by the mountaineer, Eric Shipton, in 1952, when he saw the peak appearing to be floating among the sea of glaciers that surround it near the head of the Chukkung Valley. The impressive peak was first climbed in 1953 by a British team as a training exercise in preparation for the ascent of Mount Everest later that same year, and indeed Tenzing and Hillary were two of the members of that initial team also.

Island Peak is located between Ama Dablam and Lhotse, and is the most sought-after trekking peak destination because of its challenging geographical conditions – each year more than 300 groups attempt to scale its summit. This trek offers an excellent opportunity to climb a Himalayan peak; the most difficult section is a mixed rock and ice wall at a slope of around 45 degrees, leading to the narrow summit ridge. The magnificent views from the summit, however, are certainly a fitting reward for all efforts – views which include the towering peaks of Nuptse (7879m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m) and Ama Dablam (6856m), amongst others. Island Peak itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar, separated by a small col.

As with most of the treks in the Everest region, the journey to Island Peak begins with an unforgettable and exhilarating flight from Kathmandu, and a heartstopping descent onto the unique runway  at Lukla. From there, the trek to Island peak follows in the well-trodden footsteps of the great Everest climbers, passing into the heart of the Khumbu, through Namche Bazar, Tengboche and many other Sherpa habitations, before moving on towards Everest Base Camp. Good acclimatization and magnificent close-up views of Everest will be gained from an ascent of Kala Pattar (5545m), before returning to Pheriche or Dingboche, and heading north east through the Imja Valley and Island Peak base camp, prior to the short walk to high camp and on to the summit.

Climbing Island Peak (6160m) is certainly a challenge, involving scrambling on rock before the ascent of a snow face and then up to the final ridge. Those with sufficient determination and energy, in addition to being well acclimatised, will be rewarded with some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu, as described above. The descent follows the main Everest trail, a reverse version of the inward route, and after a night of rest and celebration in Lukla, enjoyed with the trekking staff, a return flight to Kathmandu will be undertaken early the following morning.

Itinerary at a glance

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transport to Hotel. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
Day 02: Kathmandu: half-day world heritage sightseeing, and preparing for trek
Day 03: Flight to Lukla (2840m), trek to Phakding (2610m)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Trek to Thyangboche (3860m) or Debuche (3710m)
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4410m)
Day 08: Trek to Chhukung (4730m)
Day 09: Acclimatization day at Chhukung (optional day trip to Chhukung Ri (5550m))
Day 10: Trek to Island Peak Basecamp (5040m) and acclimatize
Day 11: Trek to High Camp (5760m) and preparing for climb
Day 12: First Attempt: Ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse) (6189m.)
Day 13: Second Attempt: Ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse) (6189m.) and back to Chhukung/Dingboche
Day 14: Trek to Phorse (3810m)
Day 15: Trek to Jorsela (2740m) or Manjo (2835m)
Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2840m) and last day party
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu, Shopping /leisure time in Kathmandu
Day 18: Kathmandu, leisure time, optional visit to our project in support of disadvantaged
Children and Jamarko Craft Village
Day 19: Transfer to airport for international departure

Date & Price

All ACCESS-HIMALAYA adventure travel trips are small group departures and therefore places can fill quickly. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you book your trip as soon as possible.

Sorry, there are no fixed departure dates available for this holiday at the moment. Please click here for date & price enquiry

Price Includes

... in Lodge Trek

Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, bed & breakfast basis, (accommodation in twin room unless otherwise arranged) – see itinerary above for dates - accommodation facilities/details outlined below
All three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
All internal transportation as stated in itinerary (see itinerary above)
All lodge accommodation on trek – twin room with clean beds and mattresses, toilet facilities may be outside – no attached bathroom, unless specifically arranged, and where available.
Annapurna Conservation Area entrance permit
Trekking Permits (TIMS) for Annapurna area  
Experienced English speaking government licensed guide/s
The required number of local porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests on lodge treks)
Staff and porter insurance
Guided world heritage sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with private tourist vehicle (2 or 3 sites - Durbar Square/s and Swayambunath (Monkey temple)) (English speaking licensed guide & private transport only)
Lunch on the overland travel (see itinerary)
Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
Free gift of Access-Himalaya trekking kit bag for each member of group (to be distributed on arrival in Kathmandu)
Free hire of four seasons Sleeping Bag and fleece liner for trek (should be returned after the trek).
Free airport pick and drop

 

Price Excludes

... in Lodge Trek

Your personal equipment
International flights
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control
Your travel insurance, (Make sure the policy covers helicopter rescue and evacuation service)
Medical examination and vaccination costs
Personal expenditure, including bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, tips, shower/bathroom facilities on the trek etc.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and elsewhere-apart from trek (see itinerary)
Heritage sights/Monastery/Temple entrance fees
Trek and Tour crew and driver gratuity/tips at end of tour/trek
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in 'Price Includes' section

Availability Explained

  • A AVAILABLE - Trip date is available and open for bookings. Go for it!
  • G GUARANTEED - Trip is reached minimum numbers and this is 'Guaranteed to Run'
  • L LIMITED - Trip is 'Guaranteed to Run' and there are a very limited number of available places remaining. Immediate booking is recommended.
  • C CLOSED - Trip has reached maximum numbers and it is unavailable. Please Contact Us to enquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as a private departure

Trip Info (Tour/Trek Styles) Explained

  • PG Private Group: This style of trip is organized for specific groups of people (families, friends,school and college students, colleagues, business associates etc.), and is closed to outsiders. If you are interested in this particular trip departure date then please get in touch with us.
  • OA Open to All: This trip departure is open to all. However, if you are interested in this particular trip departure date but want your own private group, then please get in touch with us. 
  • LT Lodge Based Trip/Trek: This trip/trek is lodge (teahouse) based. All accommodation, including food, is provided in local lodges. Occasionally however, where a large group is concerned we may choose to send our own cook along, as well, to take care of your food hygiene and to cook some special additional items.We provide all necessary documentation, including permits, and arrange all internal transport. We provide trekking guide, assistant guide(s) and porters/animals for transport of your gear. You merely carry a daysack with essentials, including water.
  • CT Camping Based Trip/Trek: This trip/trek is camping (tent) based. We will provide one 3-man tent for every two people, also single tents, where requested, on payment of supplementary costs. All food and drinks are provided by our experienced cook and his kitchen team. We provide all necessary documentation, including permits, and arrange all internal transport. We provide trekking guide, assistant guide(s), cook, kitchen crew, food and drink, and porters/animals for transport of your gear. You merely carry a daysack with essentials, including water.
  • GAP Guide, Accommodation & Porter only: In this trip neither food nor transportation is included. Clients are responsible for food and local transportation, and our responsibility is to provide insured guide, insured porter, and all necessary permits. All additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, including charges incurred as a result of delays or cancellation of services beyond our control.  Clients pay for their own accommodation. Any additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, We can arrange hotels and international airport transfer, on request.
  • SG Self Guided/Budget Trip: This trip is specially designed for low-budget travellers who prefer fairly basic facilities with reduced services. It is a pre-requisite that a porter is hired for any self-guided trip, which is an ideal set-up for those who enjoy independent travel with minimum cost.  We have added support to minimise the hard work of planning and costing, and we will be available to help in the unlikely event of an emergency. We will arrange all documentation (including permits), before you arrive in Nepal, so that you are free to get on with your adventure, relying only on your porter to help you on your way. All additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, including charges incurred as a result of delays or cancellation of services beyond our control. Hotel accommodation, local transportation and international airport transfers may be arranged, on request.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu
    It is our policy to use Nepali-owned accommodation, always, as we feel this is an aspect of fair trade, and the hotels we use in Kathmandu are comfortable, clean, efficient and friendly.  Most hotels are also family-run; we visit, and stay in the hotels ourselves, to ensure that facilities are ... read more..
  • Food on LodgeTrek
    On lodge treks clients are provided with three meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Menus will be fairly standard, according to the region visited, but will vary in style from place to place, according to availability of ingredients, and in more remote areas choice will be relatively restricted ... read more..
  • Travel Insurance
    It is a strict condition of joining an Access-Himalaya adventure holiday that you must be insured against all medical and personal accident risks, including repatriation if necessary. Helicopter evacuation, in the unlikely event of your being injured or taken seriously ill on trek, is very costly - an average rescue ... read more..
  • Nepal Visa and Passport
    All visitors to Nepal require a passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return to your home country) and an entry visa. A visa application should be obtained from the Nepalese Embassy, in London (click here to download Nepal visa application form ), or in your own country ... read more..
  • Travel Money
    Travellers' cheques are no longer accepted in Nepal, so please do not bring these as your currency. However, ATM facilities are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other large towns, so a Visa, or other internationally-recognized credit/debit card, would be useful. Larger shops accept payment by credit/debit card, although they ... read more..
  • Arrival in Nepal
    At Kathmandu airport you should proceed through Immigration (you apply for your Visa here) to the baggage collection area. Once you have collected your baggage you should move on to the Customs officers to have your baggage cleared and chalked up, before leaving the Arrivals lounge. Immediately outside, you will ... read more..
  • Tipping and Service Charges
    Tipping is an entirely personal and optional matter and at the discretion of the individual. Should you wish to give a tip in a restaurant, if there is not already a service charge included you may consider a tip of 10%. Recently there has been a recommendation for 10% charge ... read more..
  • Trekking Clothing & Equipment Guideline
     The following is a guideline, not a prescription: we hope it will help you find your way through the minefield of items of clothing and equipment which fill the catalogues of outdoor adventure outfitters! Jacket x 1This should be breathable, wind-proof and waterproof (not showerproof), with attached hood. Suitable fabrics to ... read more..
  • Climbing Equipment Guideline
    Expedition grade plastic Boots (Koflach Style) or Leather Climbing Boots (B2 or B3 grad) Crampons (crampon rating depends on your boot rating) Extra Heavy Socks Winter Climbing Gloves Duvet jacket Ice-axes (walking or mountaineering axes) Ice hammer (optional) Climbing Harness (adjustable with a couple of gear loops) Descender (Belay Device or Figure of Eight) Ascender (Jumar)  Mid-size 4 lock Karabiners ... read more..
  • Accommodation on lodge treks
    Accommodation will be in simple lodges offering twin-bedded rooms with standard foam mattresses (if you require additional comfort you might consider taking along Thermarest or similar self-inflating mattresses). Toilets are mostly of the squat type, situated outside the main building. Toilet paper is not provided, so you should bring this ... read more..

If our fixed departure dates are not convenient for you or your group, we can also arrange private departures on all of our small group tours. Private group departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual small group tours, or itineraries may be tailormade to suit your own convenient tour date/budgets.

Itineraries may be tailor-made to suit your dates. So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own tour just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Customised Private Groups:

For most of our usual tours, or itineraries, where there is a group numbering 2 or more, we can customise and organise private group trip(s) where we design the itinerary and activities exclusively for you, according to your requirements and budgets, such as Honeymoon, Anniversary, Family, Scouts, School, College, Fundraising or Charity trips. Find out more about our private group tours.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and we will get back to you shortly with details.

Private departure form

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