Island Peak Climbing

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative greets you and transfers you to your hotel in the lively Thamel area. After some time to relax, we gather in the evening for a welcome dinner with traditional Nepali dishes and a short cultural dance performance. You’ll also meet your climbing guide and fellow trekkers for the first time.

Trip briefing, gear check and sightseeing in Kathmandu
In the morning, your lead guide briefs the group about the upcoming adventure, safety protocols and climbing techniques. We’ll also check your personal climbing gear and arrange rentals if needed. In the afternoon, you explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites such as the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the massive Boudhanath Stupa and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. This is a day to balance preparation with cultural immersion.

Fly to Lukla (2,860 m) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m) – 3 hrs
A thrilling mountain flight to Lukla offers your first up-close look at snowcapped peaks. At Lukla, you meet the porters and start the trek. The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, passing prayer wheels, mani walls and small Sherpa villages. After about three hours, you reach Phakding, a charming riverside settlement where we spend the night.

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) – 6 hrs
The trek starts with gentle paths but becomes more challenging as we climb higher. We cross suspension bridges decorated with colorful prayer flags, including the iconic Hillary Bridge. After a steady uphill walk through pine forests, the trail opens into Namche Bazaar, the bustling heart of the Khumbu region. The amphitheater-like village has gear shops, bakeries and spectacular views.

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
To adjust to the altitude, we stay another night here. In the morning, we hike up to Everest View Hotel at 3,880 m where you get your first clear panorama of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. We may also visit Khumjung village to see the school built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the monastery that houses a “yeti scalp.” These gentle hikes improve acclimatization without overexertion.

Trek to Tengboche (3,870 m) – 5 hrs
The trail descends through forests before a steady climb to Tengboche. Along the way, look out for musk deer, Himalayan tahrs and pheasants. Tengboche is famous for its monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. If timing allows, we attend the monks’ evening prayers. The setting is unforgettable, with Ama Dablam rising dramatically behind the monastery.

Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m) – 6 hrs
We follow trails through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows before entering more barren terrain. Passing Pangboche, the highest permanent Sherpa village, we continue into the Imja Valley. Dingboche is a wide-open village surrounded by stone-walled fields built to protect crops from the mountain winds. The thinner air here is a reminder that we’ve crossed into higher altitude zones.

Acclimatization in Dingboche
This second acclimatization stop is vital. We climb Nagarjun Hill, reaching around 5,100 m. The hike is steep but the views are incredible, stretching across to Makalu, Island Peak and the Imja Valley. Returning to Dingboche, we rest, hydrate and prepare for higher elevations.

Trek to Chhukhung (4,730 m) – 5 hrs
The trail to Chhukhung follows glacial moraines and winds through rocky paths with sweeping views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the Imja Glacier. Chhukhung is a small settlement used mainly as a staging point for climbers heading to Island Peak. Here we finalize preparations for the climb and rest in a lodge.

Trek to Island Base Camp (5,100 m) – 4 hrs
We leave Chhukhung and make a gradual climb toward Island Peak Base Camp. The landscape becomes rugged with glaciers and icy streams shaping the valley. Once at Base Camp, we set up tents and the climbing guide leads a practical training session covering ropes, crampons, harnesses and safety drills.

Climb to Island High Camp (5,600 m) – 3–4 hrs
The hike to High Camp is short but demanding with steep snow slopes and rocky trails. At this elevation, the air feels thin. Once at High Camp, tents are pitched, and we rest while enjoying sweeping views of surrounding peaks. Dinner is served early so we can sleep before the summit push.

Summit Island Peak (6,189 m) and descend to Base Camp – 10–12 hrs
The biggest day of the trip starts around 2 AM. Wearing headlamps, we ascend steep snow and ice slopes, roped together for safety. The climb involves negotiating crevasses and a thrilling final ridge that leads to the summit. At the top, a 360° panorama reveals Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu and Baruntse. After soaking in the views, we carefully descend all the way back to Base Camp for rest.

Reserve day
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so this buffer day is set aside in case of delays or bad conditions. If not needed, it shortens the trip.

Trek back to Dingboche – 4 hrs
We retrace our steps down to Dingboche. The lower altitude feels refreshing, and the return offers time to appreciate familiar peaks from new angles.

Trek to Namche Bazaar – 6 hrs
The descent continues through forests and suspension bridges. Back in Namche, we celebrate with hot showers, good food and the comforts of this lively mountain town.

Trek to Lukla – 7 hrs
The final day of trekking passes through small Sherpa villages and farmland. After a last climb into Lukla, we celebrate the successful expedition with the trekking and climbing team.

Fly back to Kathmandu
A short morning flight returns us to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for shopping, relaxing or enjoying the vibrant streets of Thamel. In the evening, we gathered for a farewell dinner.

Departure
After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your international flight. You leave Nepal with memories of adventure, cultural encounters and the triumph of summiting Island Peak.