Island Peak at 6,189m is considered one of the worlds best Adventures for any mountain lovers out there. Part trek, part mountaineering this is a trip for those looking to add a little more adrenalin to the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Island peak is located on top of the Chhukung glacier between Ama Dablam and Lhotse. It was named by Eric Shipton’s mountaineering team in 1953 as it resembled an island in a sea of ice.
The trekking portion of the trip officially starts when you get to Lukla. From there you navigate your way through Sherpa villages, across suspension bridges and past Buddhist monasteries before heading on to the glacier and ultimately the Island Peak summit. Then you carry on to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m before heading back to Lukla.
Download our free guide with everything you need to know about the climbing Island Peak. It includes video content, kit lists, advice for climbing on the mountain and much more.
Anyone with a good level of endurance fitness and a sense of adventure will enjoy this. You will need previous experience with ice axe and crampons (see our introduction skills courses to get prepared). Good physical coordination as well as determination is required to keep you going to the top.
Or take our readiness test here to see how ready you are for the trip.
Adventure Overview
Duration
21 Days
Start Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
Date(s)
Spring & Autumn
Guide Ratio
1:14
Ability
Level D
Level D
You’ve been on more adventures than you've had hot dinners and you've built up a crafty skill set to tackle most challenges out there. It's go time Captain Scott!
Price
From €4150.00
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Great news! Your place on this adventure is carbon offset along with our footprint in creating it. To learn more about what we're doing head to our 'about us' page.
See real footage of previous expeditions
Everest Base Camp Trek
02:27
Get a taste of Nepal on our recent trip out there.
Cshiring Sherpa: Our Guide
00:47
Cshiring is one of our Guides for our Himalayan trips. He has years of experience, is fantastic company and is hugely knowledgeable about the Himalayan region.
Meet The Team
01:48
Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS CLIMB
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival depending on the weather and/or changes in itinerary.
For the full downloadable Island Peak kit list please click here.
Hardshell Trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Down Jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Sun Hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun.
Warm Hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet.
Rent locally
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Double layer boots
Double layer acts as a gaiter for added warmth and protection. E.G. La Sportiva G2
Category 4 sunglasses
Must have high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection.
Don't forget to pack spare batteries. They're essential
Bandana / Buff
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking. Look for a pair with good grip.
"I’d recommend Adventure Base 100%. I want to be an Adventure Base guide!"
Sir Richard Branson
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Tour du Mont Blanc, Haute Route
“The summit was like a dream. It was so overwhelming I began to cry with joy for making it to this magical world at the top of Europe.”
Princess Beatrice
Mont Blanc
"It is quite possibly the best most rewarding week I’ve ever had pursuing my passions."
Joseph
Mont Blanc
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
We always go through the plan for the expedition as well as the current weather and mountain conditions when you arrive. You will get the opportunity to meet your guide team in Kathmandu and you can ask questions and go through your kit.
What's Included?
All airport/hotel transfers as required by the itinerary
Flight tickets: Lukla - Kathmandu - Lukla
Lodge based trek for 17 nights / 18 days on full board and twin sharing basis
2 day of full expedition camping service with crew, on a full board & twin sharing basis for the duration of climbing period
Service of 1 UIAGM guide a trek leader and climbing guide
Services of up to two extra climbing sherpas for support
Porters to carry luggage and climbing equipments
Wages, traveling expenses, accommodation and meals for all crew members & porters
Climbing Bonus for climbing sherpas
Accident insurance for climbing guides
Assistant guide and cook
Medical Kit & Satellite Phone for emergency
All necessary permits
What's not Included?
International Flights
Travel/Personal Insurance
Emergency evacuation
Bar & beverages
Any extra expenses forced by unforeseen circumstances (Example: expenses forced by flight cancellation due to weather)
Accommodation along the trek will be a combination of lodges and expedition style camps.
VIEW GALLERY
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Accommodation
The lodges are always welcoming and warm, with a selection of drinks (including fizzy soft drinks and beer) and great food – mostly local dishes like Dhal Bhat. Some items on the menu are also geared to Western tastes, such as omelettes and pizza.
Alongside these lodges you will also be staying in expedition style camps. The Sherpa team will set up camps before you arrive at the end of each day, which also includes a communal mess tent for the team to share daily stories in. Fresh food is prepared each evening and sleeping arrangements are normally two to a tent.
Duration
20 Nights
Internet
Not included
Beds
Camping & Tea Houses
Food
Full Board / Half Board
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgeable local guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.
Day 1:
Arrive in Kathmandu
When you arrive at Kathmandu airport you will be greeted by an Adventure Base representative who will take you to your hotel. You spend the day resting and preparing for your adventure with the opportunity to head into the marketing in Kathmandu to experience the city or pick up any last minute bits.
Day 2:
Flight to Lukla (2900m) and Trek to Phakding (2660m)
You get up nice and early to try and catch one of the first flights out of Kathmandu to Lukla. You'll experience the exhilarating rush of landing at one of the most iconic airstrips on the planet. Once landed you will then meet your guide and porters for the trip. The day’s trek places you at the entrance to the Everest National Park in Monjo (2835m) and the adventure truly begins.
7km / 250m / 450m / 4 hours
Day 3:
Trek to Namche (3440m)
After entering the national park you walk alongside the giant Dudi Kosi River before winding your way slowly and steadily uphill to the Sherpa capital city Namche Bazaar, crossing some impressive bridges along the way. Namche
is considered the capital of the Sherpa people and its impressive size and infrastructure is remarkable.
11km / 1125m / 360m / 6 hours
Day 4:
Acclimatisation Day at Namche Bazaar (3440m)
Today you rest in Namche Bazaar. Here you let your body get used to the increase in altitude. Some may take a gentle stroll to the Everest Hotel (3900m) to take in some of the breath taking views of the mountains, while others may wander the energetic streets of Namche to experience the shops and, if you’re lucky, the Tibetan Market.
Day 5:
Trek to Deboche (3820m)
It’s back on the trail as you make our way around the mountainside, sharing the trail with yaks and porters
carrying supplies up and down the valley. You pass incredible viewpoints and, from this point on, it feels like you are truly
in the Himalayas. You drop down to the Dudi Kosi River again before climbing up to the famous Thyangboche Monastery. There is time to explore this wonder of the Khumbu and to take in the history of the Lamas. Inside are beautiful wall hangings, ornate carvings and a giant Buddha. If the team is fortunate, it may be possible to see the Lamas praying which is a tremendously moving experience. From here you make your way down the hill a little to Deboche to spend the night nestled among the rhododendron trees in a quiet setting.
12km / 1400m / 750m / 6 hours
Day 6:
Trek to Dingboche (4410m)
A day that is dominated by the views of Ama Dablam (the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalaya’). We head further into the Khumbu area and reach Dingboche, a small Sherpa village, where you settle down for another day of acclimatising. There are a few shops here so it’s a chance to stock up on anything you might need.
10km / 1130m / 1450m / 6 hours
Day 7:
REST DAY IN DINGBOCHE (4410M)
This is a well earned rest day in Dingboche. Just like in Namche, you let your body catch up. If the weather allows, you can hike up above the village to a small summit that is strewn with prayer flags. Or of course you can simply rest, drinking the famous Nepalese honey, lemon, ginger tea.
Day 8:
Trek to Chhukung (4,730m)
It’s here that you begin to leave the popular Everest Base Camp route and head out towards Chhukung. It’s now that you can start mentally preparing yourself for the Island Peak segment of your trip.
4.5km / 420m / 25m / 3 hours
Day 9:
Rest Day Chhukung (4,730m)
You’re now 9 days into your trip and likely to be a little fatigued so rest up. The next few days are the crux of the trip so you want to be ready and rested.
Day 10:
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m)
Today you leave the comfort of the lodges as you head out to Island Peak Base Camp. You will enjoy some of the best views of the trip as you get to see Everest, Makalu and Lhotse.
7km / 450m / 50m / 4-5 hours
Day 11:
Climb Island Peak (6,189m) & Return to Basecamp (5,100m)
The longest and toughest day of the trip as you head out in search of our summit at 6,189m. You get up in the early hours of the morning and head to high camp. From there you make our way over some scree followed by a bit of scrambling before putting our crampons as you reach the edge of the glacier. You have to cross over a few glaciers before you reach an ice wall where, with the help of your guides, ice axe, jumar and crampons you climb up. From there you’re pretty much at the top. Continue to the summit and enjoy your achievement before heading back down to Basecamp for a nice rest.
6km / 1050m / 1050m / 10-12 hours
Day 12:
Trek back to Dingboche (4,410m)
At a slightly lower altitude you spend the day mostly going down to Dingboche. It’s a relatively mellow day and made all the better with the decrease in altitude.
12km / 100m / 900m / 5 hours
Day 13:
Trek to Lobuche (4930m)
You leave Dingboche and contour around the hillside to Dzugla. From Dzugla you climb the hill that puts you among the climbers' memorials. This is an area where stones have been piled up into cairns to remember those who have died in the nearby mountains. It is a haunting and touching place and no-one passes without feeling moved by what they see and feel. A mellow walk takes you into Lobuche, your resting place for the night.
9km / 750m / 100m / 6 hours
Day 14:
Trek to Everest Basecamp & Trek back to Gorak Shep
Leave Lobuche in search of Gorak Shep, the highest settlement on the Everest Base Camp trek. Grab a quick drink here before heading off in search of Everest Base Camp. After a good few hours trekking you eventually grab sight of the tents, and the base of the Khumbu Glacier where Edmund Hillary began his ascent of Everest back in ’53. You spend a bit of time here before heading back to Gorak Shep.
18km / 450m / 100m / 8 hours
Day 15:
Climb Kala Patthar (5,540m) & Trek to Pangboche (3,930m)
After spending the night at Gorak Shep, you will climb Kala Pattar (5,540m) to reach the top as the sun rises on the highest mountain in the world. The views are simply stunning. This was the site of Base Camp for the 1953 Everest expedition, and also the world’s highest ever cricket match in 2009. You then head off down the mountain all the way to Pengboche.
26km / 650m / 1850m / 7 hours
Day 16:
Trek to Khumjung Via Phortse
Enjoy the winding trails as you head down the valley towards Khumjung. Stunning views and more oxygen will put a spring your step as you move.
15km / 760m / 1000m / 4-5 hours
Day 17:
Trek to Monjo
You head back through Namche today where you'll stop for food and any souvenirs you might decide you want. It’s a big milestone coming back through Namchee as you say goodbye to the capital of the Sherpa people.
8km / 260m / 1200m / 4 hours
Day 18:
Trek to Lukla
The final day of trekking takes you back to the airport village of Lukla. Enjoy the scenery and the Sherpa people for one last time as you take your final steps on this magical adventure.
13km / 750m / 750m / 5 hours
Day 19:
Fly to Kathmandu
Wake up nice and early and fly back to Kathmandu. There’s no feeling quite like the one as you take off on that short platform in the twin engine plane. We transfer you back to your hotel in Kathmandu where you can put your feet up and enjoy a lovely warm shower.
DAY 20
Free Day in Kathmandu
Enjoy Kathmandu and the facilities at the hotel. This is also a spare day in case you don’t leave for the trek on the scheduled day at the beginning of the trip.
DAY 21
International Departure from Kathmandu
Departure after breakfast.
FAQ's
IP: Bags
We will provide you with a free duffel bag that you will use on the trek. The porters will carry Read more
We will provide you with a free duffel bag that you will use on the trek. The porters will carry it for you each day and deliver it to your accommodation. You will need a day pack of around 20-25L that can carry layers, snacks, water and anything else you might need while trekking. You will be able to leave your travel bag at the hotel until you return so can leave anything in that also.
One of the best things about this trip is being able to get to know and learn about the Nepalese Read more
One of the best things about this trip is being able to get to know and learn about the Nepalese people, specifically the Sherpas. They were believed to have migrated to this region some 400 years ago from Tibet. You’ll find prayer flags, mani wheels and monasteries all along the route to symbolise their Buddhist traditions.
They’re an extremely friendly and welcoming group of people and enjoy a laugh. However you need to understand that in Nepal things don’t always go to plan and that they have a laid back approach to plans. We find it’s best to try and embrace that, rather than fight it.
Yes you can. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and a bustling city. The Thamel market is a great place Read more
Yes you can. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and a bustling city. The Thamel market is a great place to head to pick up any kit you might need for the trek. You can pick up sleeping bags, down jackets, t-shirts and anything else you might need for the trip at a fraction of the price.
Yes, the tea houses often come with warm showers for a charge. Expect to pay around $5 for this. As you Read more
Yes, the tea houses often come with warm showers for a charge. Expect to pay around $5 for this. As you get higher this becomes less likely so it’s worth packing some wipes or a flannel.
We need a minimum of 4 trekkers to run this course. Your booking will remain pending if you are the first Read more
We need a minimum of 4 trekkers to run this course. Your booking will remain pending if you are the first to book onto a course and we will send you a confirmation as soon as the course is confirmed. We recommend not booking flights till the course is confirmed. We will confirm the course at the latest 10 weeks before the start date. In order to increase the chance of confirming trips as soon as possible we team up with other small suppliers, so you may be on the trip with trekkers who have booked from a similar company.
No, you don’t need a first aid kit as your guide will be equipped with one. It is worth Read more
No, you don’t need a first aid kit as your guide will be equipped with one. It is worth carrying some personal medication like paracetamol, ibuprofen and blister plasterers.
You don’t need any previous trekking experience but it is worth having some hill walking experience behind you. This Read more
You don’t need any previous trekking experience but it is worth having some hill walking experience behind you. This will help prepare you for the amount of walking you’ll be doing on this trek. You must be able to walk comfortably on mixed ground for long periods of time.
Everyone will feel the effects of altitude but not everyone will be affected the same way. Here are some of Read more
Everyone will feel the effects of altitude but not everyone will be affected the same way. Here are some of the ways they might effect you:
Headache
Tiredness
Disturbed sleep
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Cough
We build in acclimitisation days to help with mitigate against these symptoms and all our guides are trained to look out for any symptoms. If there are problems we will react quickly to make sure they don’t turn in to major issues.
There is no age limit but this is a tough physical and mental challenge so they will need to come Read more
There is no age limit but this is a tough physical and mental challenge so they will need to come prepared. They will also need to be accompanied by a guardian / parent.
Yes, you will be able to charge devices like phones, cameras or Go-Pros on the trip for a small charge. Read more
Yes, you will be able to charge devices like phones, cameras or Go-Pros on the trip for a small charge. For Nepal there are three associated plug types, types C, D and M. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type M has three round pins. It’s worth bringing a battery pack so you don’t have to pay each time you stop. Expect to pay around $3 for this.
One of the most exciting and iconic parts of the trip is flying in to Lukla to start your trek. Read more
One of the most exciting and iconic parts of the trip is flying in to Lukla to start your trek. This only happens if the weather is good so you may find that your trip starts a day later than scheduled because of this. Don’t worry though, our operations team on the ground will manage this for you.
Nepal accepts the USD or the Nepalese Rupee. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Lukla where you can withdraw funds Read more
Nepal accepts the USD or the Nepalese Rupee. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and Lukla where you can withdraw funds but we advise getting it before you come out as the ATMs are sometimes broken or empty.
Porters are the backbone of trekking in the Himalayas. Everything you see that’s man made on the mountain has Read more
Porters are the backbone of trekking in the Himalayas. Everything you see that’s man made on the mountain has probably had porters bring it there. They’re immensely strong and are used to the thin air.
On our trips we use porters to carry your overnight bags meaning you can carry a lighter day pack. It can feel a little uncomfortable at first but it provides work and opportunity for those aspiring to be guides. We will help with what to take on the trip but it’s important to remember when deciding on taking on that extra book or pair of shoes that someone else will be carrying it.
This medication is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. It can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, Read more
This medication is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. It can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes.
It’s not something that is often required on our trips due to the itinerary we have created for this adventure, with acclimatisation days where you rest or have a short sharp climb to prepare you for the future days.
Tipping your guide and porters is an important part of the trip. While they’re discretionary it’s a very Read more
Tipping your guide and porters is an important part of the trip. While they’re discretionary it’s a very common place to tip them. As a general rule of thumb we recommend tipping 10-20% of the total cost of the trip.
You can either get a visa before you leave for Nepal or you can get it on arrival. Everyone, except Read more
You can either get a visa before you leave for Nepal or you can get it on arrival. Everyone, except those who have an Indian passport, will need to get a visa and it will cost anywhere from €30-€50 depending on the length of stay. We recommend getting the 30 day visa in case there are any problems with your trip. You don’t need a passport photo as you can get one there but it’s worth bringing one if you have it.
Trekking takes place between September / November and March / May. Each period has its own positives and negatives.
Autumn: This tends Read more
Trekking takes place between September / November and March / May. Each period has its own positives and negatives.
Autumn: This tends to be the most popular season for climbing Island Peak. The days tend to be sunny and clear with temperatures on the milder side. That said at night and at altitude it can get very cold.
Spring: Spring can bring a few more showers with some unsettled days however it does bring a little more warmth which can really be felt at night.
In all honesty there isn’t much in it so don’t overthink it. Expect day time temperatures to average at around 15°C to 20°C and night time to go from 0°C to -20°C.
The tea houses are comfortable and come with basic amenities. Usually there is a common area to eat and socialise Read more
The tea houses are comfortable and come with basic amenities. Usually there is a common area to eat and socialise in, and bedrooms are separate. The further up you go the more basic things become but expect to eat and sleep well.
Our guides are local sherpas who know the route well. We’ve been working with them for years and they Read more
Our guides are local sherpas who know the route well. We’ve been working with them for years and they are hand-picked for their knowledge as well as their friendly personalities.
If you get ill then our team are on hand and will take control of the situation. They carry a Read more
If you get ill then our team are on hand and will take control of the situation. They carry a medical pack and are in regular contact with our operations team in Kathmandu. Depending on the severity, you may descend to rest at a lower altitude, where we will assess your condition.
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments Read more
Let’s face it, these types of trips don’t come risk free. We’re putting ourselves in amazing environments but these environments carry an element of risk with them. In order to protect yourself adequately you will need a specialist travel insurance that caters for the types of activities you will be undertaking. It is a condition of our agreement that you are covered by adequate travel insurance for your arrangements. Click here to understand which one is for you.
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather is. We’ll always aim to continue the trek Read more
This depends on a few factors and how bad the weather is. We’ll always aim to continue the trek even if it’s raining/snowing as long as it’s safe to do so.
IP: Will I definitely make it from beginning to the end?
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you along the trek, sometimes the weather or other factors Read more
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you along the trek, sometimes the weather or other factors like your personal fitness will prevent you from completing the trek. The lead guide will always conduct a meeting with the clients each evening to check how everyone is doing and to field any questions or concerns. All decisions will have client well-being in mind.
When in the tea houses the toilets are what you would expect to find anywhere else in the world. At Read more
When in the tea houses the toilets are what you would expect to find anywhere else in the world. At restaurants or shops along the way expect to find a hole in the floor. You will need to buy toilet paper when you get to Kathmandu as this doesn’t come as standard.
You can buy bottled water along the way or you can pay for filtered / boiled water as you go. You Read more
You can buy bottled water along the way or you can pay for filtered / boiled water as you go. You can also bring with with you water purification tablets or a bottle with a filter option in it. It’s worth being cautious as the last thing you want is to get ill on the trip.
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Island Peak trip is rated Level D, for the pros We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure.
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Climb Mont Blanc (4808m), the highest peak in Western Europe. It’s a beautiful, imposing, and highly sought-after summit that sits at the roof of the Alps on the border of France and Italy. If your adventure juices are flowing, then keep on reading...
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We know things can change quickly in this new travel environment which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive COVID policy to make sure you feel comfortable when booking a trip with us. Read more here to see why you can book and travel with confidence with us: COVID 19 POLICY
Peaks
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