Island peak (Imja Tse peak), is a climbing mountain peak in the Himalayas of north-east Nepal. This legendary climbing peak in upper Khumbu region was named Island peak in 1951 by bunch of Eric Shipton when the peak come into view as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. The beautiful peak in Himalayas was later renamed in 1983 to Imja Tse but Island peak is more popular name for everyone. Imja tse peak is located eastern part of Dingboche Village and an extension of the ridge coming down off the south of Mt. Lhotse Shar. The Island peak was first climbed in 1953 by a British team as a training exercise before climbing to Mount Everest. The first climber of Mount Everest Tenzing Norgey was one of the members of this first ascent team of Island peak. The Island peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal Himalayaswhich difficulty graded on (alpine PD+) or based on YDS grade IV & class 5 and can be summit on the support by a Nepalese climbing guide.
This Island peak (Elevation: 6,160 meters / 20,205 feet) expedition combines the Gokyo Valley, Chola pass and the Mount Everest base camp. The trek begins after a scenic flight to Lukla and we trek through the homeland of the Sherpa. The trail follows many Sherpa farm villages with beautiful Lakes & glacier in Gokyo. The Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar is a two view point for the outstanding breathes taking view of many higher mountains including Mt. Everest. After visiting Everest base camp we enter the Imja valley and hike to Island peak base camp. We have 2 days to climbing Island peak which includes an extra day in case the weather does not co-operate on our first attempt. The climbing is challenging but this provides one of the most aesthetic mornings that a Himalayan climber could dream of. After summit we re-track back to Kathmandu and trip concludes with your final departure.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu
Day 02: Rock climbing course or Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 05: Acclimatization day
Day 06: Trek to Dole
Day 07: Trek to Machharmo
Day 08: Trek to Gokyo
Day 09: Hike to Gokyo Ri and trek to Thaknak
Day 10: Trek to Cho-la Pass to Dzongla
Day 11: Trek to Gorakshep
Day 12: Trek to Everest base camp and back to Gorakshep
Day 13: Kalapathar hike and stroll back to Dingboche
Day 14: Trek to Chhukung valley
Day 15: Trek to Island peak base camp
Day 16: Climb to Island peak high camp
Day 17: Climb to Island peak summit and trek to Chhukung
Day 18: Reserve day for unforeseen condition
Day 19: Trek to Tyangboche
Day 20: Trek to Namche
Day 21: Trek to Lukla
Day 22: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 23: Leisure at Kathmandu
Day 24: Departure from Kathmandu
Island peak (Imja Tse peak), is a climbing mountain peak in the Himalayas of north-east Nepal. This legendary climbing peak in upper Khumbu region was named Island peak in 1951 by bunch of Eric Shipton when the peak come into view as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. The beautiful peak in Himalayas was later renamed in 1983 to Imja Tse but Island peak is more popular name for everyone. Imja tse peak is located eastern part of Dingboche Village and an extension of the ridge coming down off the south of Mt. Lhotse Shar. The Island peak was first climbed in 1953 by a British team as a training exercise before climbing to Mount Everest. The first climber of Mount Everest Tenzing Norgey was one of the members of this first ascent team of Island peak. The Island peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal Himalayaswhich difficulty graded on (alpine PD+) or based on YDS grade IV & class 5 and can be summit on the support by a Nepalese climbing guide.
This Island peak (Elevation: 6,160 meters / 20,205 feet) expedition combines the Gokyo Valley, Chola pass and the Mount Everest base camp. The trek begins after a scenic flight to Lukla and we trek through the homeland of the Sherpa. The trail follows many Sherpa farm villages with beautiful Lakes & glacier in Gokyo. The Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar is a two view point for the outstanding breathes taking view of many higher mountains including Mt. Everest. After visiting Everest base camp we enter the Imja valley and hike to Island peak base camp. We have 2 days to climbing Island peak which includes an extra day in case the weather does not co-operate on our first attempt. The climbing is challenging but this provides one of the most aesthetic mornings that a Himalayan climber could dream of. After summit we re-track back to Kathmandu and trip concludes with your final departure.
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
n Kathmandu
You will be taken to 3 Km drive to the place called Balaju, a natural rock climbing spot for your climbing course before departure to Lukla, a day course will provide excellent opportunities to learn how to use rope, harness, Ice axe, crampons although keeps you physical fitness. Alternatively you can take a world heritage sightseeing for 3 places as desired inside Kathmandu valley. After return we’ll brief about trip and group meeting at office and back to hotel for overnight in Kathmandu.
(Breakfast & requested categories hotel accommodation included)
Day 03: Fly to Lukla & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft)
Early morning you’ll be transferred to domestic airport to fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft). It takes 35 minutes scenic flight to Lukla airport (2,800m/9,184ft) and you will have tea break, while the guide sort out and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. Guide will manage the lunch place depending upon the time of arrival at Lukla. The trek starts with most scenic view of Numbur Himal & Phari. We further on to Phakding passing some Sherpa farm villages. We follow the trail to Dudhkoshi River with gradual with few ups from Thado Koshi, where you can have a lunch with superb view of Kusum-Kangaru (6,369m/20,890ft) crossing a short suspension bridge, from here after a short climb brings us to the Ghat village, another 1 ½ hr of gradual walk brings you to Phakding village for the overnight stop at lodge after 3-4 hrs walk and reminder stroll around the village for local knowledge.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft)
The trek start in the morning and after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh-Kosi the walk is pleasant with few short uphill and downhill and re-crossing the same river again with magnificent view of Mt. Thamserku (6,608m/21,675ft) from the Benkar village. Trek continuing crossing the bridges and reaches at Monjo where is entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park, where your trekking permit checked and keeps the record of all trekkers going to and from this place including the local trekking staff as well.
When enter the National park boundary we descend and a gradual walk brings us to the suspension bridge over the Bhote-Koshi river, after the bridge Jorsalle village is reached, the last village till Namche Bazaar, from here the walk is pleasant on the river bed till the last bridge over the Imjatse river is reached, from here the walk is along the winding uphill path all the way to Namche Bazaar, with magnificent view of Kwangde peak and it other sister peaks towards east with Kusum kangaru on the back as you climb higher, view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and the closer view of Tawache peak can be seen from some part on the way to Namche. Finally we reach at colorful houses called Namche Bazzar main gate of Khumbu region after 5-6 hrs walk and we overnight stay at Lodge.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 05: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
You may have full day leisure today for the acclimatization or stroll around the market, if Saturday can be seen many people in Saturday market for shopping to fulfill their daily needs and only one shopping market in the surrounding areas. Also you can visit Sherpa Museum as well a great place to learn Sherpa culture and history of mountaineering or visit up to the luxury Everest view hotel & Syangboche airstrip and stroll back to hotel for overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 06: Namche to Dole (4,200m/13,776ft)
After good day at Namche, today our walk follows on the gradual trail about couple of hours with most scenic trails and after Sanasa a short uphill overlooking magnificent view of the great giant snow peaks from Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde peak after a pleasant walk through the rhododendron forest and get a view point of Mongla, where from you can be seen the best Himalayan views and decent to Phortse Thanga. Enjoy the walking and further few hours walk ascending will reach at Dole for overnight after 5-6 hrs walk. A small place with few teahouses and enjoy your night at Dole.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 07: Dole to Machharmo (4,470m/ 14,663ft)
Firstly, we climb to the scenic ridge above the Dole and the trail climbs via Lhabarma at 4220m to Luza at 4360m. The path is steep in most places as it climbs through scrub to Lhabarma. The trail continues to climb along the side of the valley high above the river, crossing sandy spurs to reach Machharmo at 4410m. It was in Machharmo in 1974 that one of the first Yeti sightings was reported in Khumbu. There are few good condition hotels and good mountain views from Machharmo and it takes 3-4 hrs walk. Afternoon after reaches and refreshed visit Himalayan rescue association and overnight at the hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 08: Machharmo to Gokyo (4,800m/15,744ft)
Today we climb upto the ridge and can be seen excellent view both down the valley to Khangtega and northern part of the Cho-Oyu(8153 m). Beyond the ridge the valley widens as the trail passes through Panagram at 4390m. We descend to the river bank before beginning the vlimb upto the terminal moraine of the Ngazumpa glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. Afterwards the trail levels out as it follows the valley past a second lake, known as Longponga at 4690m where you will have chance to find the Lama Foot Prints on a stone. Enjoy the lake view and after an hour walk will reaches at Gokyo valley at 4,750m, on the edge of third lake. There are some few teahouses with comfortable bed room and after lunch explore around the Lakeside and overnight at Hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 09: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,330m/17,483ft), and trek to Thaknak (4750m/15580ft)
This morning hike up the to Gokyo Ri for the breathtaking view of splash a sunrise top of the mountain including Mt. Everest view and much more Himalayan scenery. This will be unforgettable life time memories and enjoy around the top. We have a great memories and stroll back an hour’s to Gokyo for breakfast. We trek down to Thaknak for the overnight passing through the second lake and walk on the glacier and will reaches at Thaknak after 4-5 hrs walk. Sometimes on the busy season it’s hard to get a room then they operated tented camp as well.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 10: Thaknak to Cho-la Pass (5367m/17604ft) and to Dzongla (4,850m/15908ft)
As our continuing journey, we walk in the high passes and one of the tuff days to cross the Cho-la at 5,367 meters height. The pass is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. After crossing the Cho-la pass and reaches at Dzongla for overnight stop at teahouse. It has a very basic dorm room with cozy dining but busy season used to stay at tent also. It takes 5-6 hrs walk to get here. Enjoy the fantastic view around the high above.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 11: Dzongla to Gorakshep (5,160m/16,929ft)
As our continuing journey, we walk in the high passes and one of the tuff days to cross the Cho-la at 5,367 meters height. The pass is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. After crossing the Cho-la pass and reaches at Dzongla for overnight stop at teahouse. It has a very basic dorm room with cozy dining but busy season used to stay at tent also. It takes 5-6 hrs walk to get here. Enjoy the fantastic view around the high above.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 12: Trek to EBC (5316m) and back to Gorakshep (5,316m/17,437ft)
After the breakfast at Gorekshep we ready for our adventure to the targeted destination and we continues our trek towards the Everest Base Camp and to the Khumbu Ice-fall, the path from here can be misleading, follow the lead Sherpa, every year the trail changes due to the movements of the glacier, the walk is quite strenuous due to the high altitude and thin air, the walk passes through over rocky dunes and moraine and streams, till you reach the base camp. Everest Base Camp is lively with commotion during the high expedition season. It takes 2-3 hrs to get to base camp and after a grand time here retrace the journey back to Gorekshep for the overnight at lodge after 5-6 hrs walk.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 13: Kalapathar (5,550m/18,204ft) hike and stroll back to Dingboche (4,358m/14,295 ft)
Early morning our journey continue steep climb to the top after 2 hour walk on our pace. After reaching the top, you will feel beaming as you achieve the moment that you been dreaming, since the beginning of the journey. Top of Kalapathar is a small rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Mt. Pumori, the view from here is beyond imagination as the Everest looks amazing, the panoramic view from this spot is something to cherish, and you feel its worth the hard climb up to here and to feel at the top of the world, and can be seen to the south Khumbu glacier sweeps below you, and you can also see the Everest Base camp down below on the moraine of Khumbu glacier and lot of picturesque scenery. Stroll back to Gorekshep and re-track to Dingboche for overnight stop at our teahouse after 6-7 hrs walk.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 14: Dingboche to Chhukung valley (4,730m/15,518ft)
Today, we have a very short day walk and after breakfast we head further eastern side to 2-3 hrs gentle up hill will reach at Chhukung, which is a hidden valley near the base of Island peak. We’ll have full day rest at the Chhukung and last place to prepare the camping and check up climbing gear and overnight at teahouse.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 15: Chhukung - Island Peak Base camp (5,200m/17,060ft)
Today, we heads further on to our journey with steep way climbing southern part then turning east to the main line of the valley. It then winds along or below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse Glacier. Continue short pleasant walking along a streamside leads to what we call “Big -rock. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. A crisis cross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island peak. We’ll reach at Island peak base camp after 4-5 hrs walk and overnight at tented camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tent accommodation included)
Day 16: Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp (5,600m/18,372ft), 2-3 hours
After breakfast and packed camping stuff, we’ll head on to the High camp from where we start our climb. Firstly the path leads up beyond base camp for several hundred meters before striking off left up the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel nearby where we’ll overnight at tented camp.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & tent accommodation included)
Day 17: High camp to summit (6,189m/20,305ft) to Chhukung
Today, day of our destination and as start our climb early morning through the rock gully. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the gully. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m/330ft snow and ice slope (40-45º) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. You can enjoy with success and brave to get a summit and after some picture taking of scenic view will descend all the way to Chhukung for overnight at teahouse and it takes full day as 9-10 hrs climbing & walk.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 18: Reserve day for unforeseen condition
This day we most kept for the reserve day for the unforeseen condition as weather problem or weakness then you can take this day as your reserve day and if earlier back then you can take the rest somewhere else around. This day may stay at camp or teahouse base on the condition.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 19: Chhukung to Tyangboche (3,867m/12684ft)
The walk today will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Chhukung the walk is pleasant and all the way to Tyangboche. After the Dingboche valley and getting down to bridge our route descends following the stream towards Pangboche village, and further down to Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful place in the Himalaya the first thing that comes to your eye is the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Lhotse Shar towards north east and more peaks all around you.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 20: Tyangboche to Namche (3,440m/11,283ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Trek down to Phungithanka a small settlement with couple of teahouses. The trail leads down hill through the forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron and some few magnolia and birch trees and with a great memories and after crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi river trek onwards to the Sanasa and retrack to Namche bazzar for the overnight stay.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 21: Namche to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), 6-7 hrs walk
After a long walk today we’ll have long and last day trek back to Lukla, Firstly we descend the long way before cross the bridge and further walk to Monju and ten Phakding for lunch. We trek back with enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. Arrival in Lukla and you’ll have time to stroll around the areas and guide will re-confirm your flight ticket and enjoy the last celebrate dinner with your crew member and overnight at Hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
Day 22: Fly back to Kathmandu
The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our command. Anyway we will fly back to Kathmandu and your guide will transfer to hotel. You may have time to relax after long journey and take back your breath and rest at your hotel.
(Breakfast & requested categories hotel accommodation included)
Day 23: Leisure at Kathmandu
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and evening company will meet you for the farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast, farewell dinner & requested categories hotel accommodation included)
Day 24: Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
(Breakfast included)
Extending your holiday
You may have many choices to extend your holiday on your interest/budget/timeframe and we will be happy to assist you as per your requirement before or after your trek. Please, inform our tour officers who are fully supporting to make your happy holiday. Here is some suggested destination for your expanding holidays,
Please contact Himalayan Planet Adventures P. Ltd. based in Kathmandu, Nepal, if you’d like to extend your trip for booking one of the above options with us or contact for more inquiry to us. We all are welcoming you and happy to assists for any travel consulting as per your requirements for your pleasure holiday or any special celebrations and do not hesitate to contact us.
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan experience with us!
Day 10: Thaknak to Cho-la Pass (5367m/17604ft) and to Dzongla (4,850m/15908ft)
As our continuing journey, we walk in the high passes and one of the tuff days to cross the Cho-la at 5,367 meters height. The pass is not difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. After crossing the Cho-la pass and reaches at Dzongla for overnight stop at teahouse. It has a very basic dorm room with cozy dining but busy season used to stay at tent also. It takes 5-6 hrs walk to get here. Enjoy the fantastic view around the high above.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner & teahouse accommodation included)
