Island Peak Climbing

Arrive in Kathmandu where our team welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. After check in, your trekking guide meets you for a full trip briefing that covers the route, safety, equipment, and important mountain preparation. If you need to buy or hire gear, your guide will assist you with trusted shops. ATMs and money exchanges are available in Kathmandu, and you will also find ATMs in Lukla and Namche during the trek. Thamel is the lively center of Kathmandu Valley, known for its cultural charm, food options, and historic atmosphere. In the evening you enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

This day is dedicated to final preparation for the climb. Your guide checks your equipment and ensures you have everything needed for trekking and climbing. If you have extra luggage that you do not want to take to the mountains, the hotel reception provides free storage during your trip. During peak seasons, flights to Lukla usually operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap at 475 meters, so we may drive about six hours from Kathmandu in the afternoon. If your flight departs directly from Kathmandu, the drive is not required, and you may enjoy optional short sightseeing or rest time in the city. Final arrangements can be discussed with us based on the flight schedule.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu or lodge in Manthali, depending on the plan.

Flight 30 minutes, trek about 4 hours Your mountain adventure began today with a short scenic flight to Lukla, famous for its high altitude airstrip and close views of the Himalayas. Since flights depend on the weather, some delays or waiting time may occur during busy seasons. After landing, you meet your Sherpa guides and porters who help organize the gear for the trek.

Start trekking through gentle downhill paths, small Sherpa villages, and prayer walls while following the Dudh Koshi River. The trail offers a pleasant mix of flat walking with light ups and downs along forested hills. After crossing a few suspension bridges and enjoying the fresh mountain scenery, you reach the riverside village of Phakding in about four hours.      Overnight: Teahouse in Phakding.

Today’s journey takes you through pine forests, over high suspension bridges, and into Sagarmatha National Park. The trail is mostly uphill with rocky sections and some gradual descents, covering around 11-12 km in about 7 hours. A highlight of the day is crossing the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge before tackling the final steep climb, where you’ll catch your first view of Mount Everest. Namche Bazaar (3,440m) is a vibrant Sherpa town and a key acclimatization stop. Once a traditional trading post for Tibetan goods, it is now the cultural and commercial hub of the Khumbu region. You’ll spend two nights here to rest and adjust to the altitude.

Today is an acclimatization day, where we take a short hike to the Everest Viewpoint at an elevation of 3,880m to help your body adjust to the altitude. The hike will take about 3-4 hours round-trip, covering a distance of 5-6 km. From the viewpoint, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and other stunning peaks in the region.

Acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness as we gain higher elevations. It allows your body to gradually adjust to the reduced oxygen levels, ensuring a safer and more comfortable trek. After soaking in the views, we’ll descend back to Namche Bazaar to rest and allow your body to acclimatize further. The altitude gain for this hike is around 400 meters.

During your free time in Namche, you can enjoy activities like visiting the Sherpa Museum, learning about the region's culture, or exploring the local markets. There’s also an opportunity for last-minute shopping, where you can buy gear or souvenirs. This is a perfect time to relax and prepare for the next part of your trek.

Today Leaving Namche Bazaar, the trail follows scenic ridges with stunning Himalayan views before descending to Phunki Tenga, where you’ll stop for lunch at a local teahouse. From there, a steep uphill climb leads to Tengboche (3,860m), with a total walking time of 6-7 hours and an altitude gain of around 500m.

The highlight here is the Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the region, originally built in 1916 and rebuilt in 1989 after a fire. A key spiritual center for the Sherpa community, it hosts annual festivals like Mani Rimdu in October or November. The monastery offers panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse, and is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM with an entry fee of 300–400 NPR. The trail features a mix of uphill, downhill, and flat sections, making this day both culturally rich and scenically rewarding.

Today’s trail includes a mix of uphill, downhill, and flat sections, so it's important to walk at a steady pace as you gain altitude. Enjoy a morning tea break in Debuche and stop for lunch in Pangboche, the last permanent village on the route. The trek covers around 10-11 km in 6-7 hours, with an altitude gain of about 550m.

Dingboche (4,410m) is a peaceful village surrounded by stone-walled fields and stunning mountain views. Known for high-altitude farming, it serves as an important acclimatization stop, especially for those heading to Island Peak or Everest Base Camp. You’ll spend two nights here, with a short hike planned the next day to aid acclimatization and recovery.

Today, take a short hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m) or Chhukung Valley (4,730m) for stunning views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The hike takes 3-4 hours, with an altitude gain of 300-700m depending on the route.

If you feel the need for extra rest, talk to your guide-you can do a shorter walk of a few hundred meters and return early for more recovery. It’s important to go slowly and listen to your body.

Why It’s Important: This “climb high, sleep low” method helps your body adjust gradually to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring a safer journey ahead.

Today you trek from Dingboche toward Chhukung, where you stop for lunch before continuing on to Island Peak Base Camp. The trail is steady with gentle uphill sections and wide views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the Imja Valley. After lunch in Chhukung, you walk a final stretch across rocky terrain to reach base camp.

Once you arrive, you settle into the tented camp where all logistics are arranged by our crew. In the afternoon your climbing guide discusses the summit plan, checks the weather, reviews safety points, and explains what to bring for summit day. This is also the time to prepare your gear and rest well because you will leave early the next morning for the climb.

Overnight: Tented camp at Island Peak Base Camp.Walking about 8 to 9 km

Today is your summit day. You start very early and follow the rocky trail and glacier route toward the top of Island Peak. With the support of your climbing guide and proper use of ropes, crampons, and an ice axe, you make your way up the headwall and along the final ridge. Standing on the summit brings clear views of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and the beautiful Imja Valley. This is the moment to enjoy your achievement and feel proud of completing one of Nepal’s classic climbs. After the summit, you descend safely back to base camp for lunch. Once rested, you continue down to Chhukung or Dingboche depending on your comfort and pace. It is a long but rewarding day, and we hope you feel happy and satisfied with what you accomplished.

Overnight: Teahouse in Chhukung or Dingboche. Climbing time 8 to 12 hours

Today you continue your journey back down the Imja Valley toward Tengboche. The trail is mostly gentle with a mix of downhill and steady walking. Leaving Chhukung or Dingboche, you pass through open valleys and traditional Sherpa homes while enjoying clear views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and surrounding peaks. The walk feels easier as the altitude decreases, giving your body a comfortable recovery after the summit.

You reach Tengboche by afternoon, home of the famous Tengboche Monastery. The peaceful atmosphere and mountain surroundings make it a beautiful place to rest after your climb. Take time to relax, enjoy warm drinks, and reflect on the achievements of the past days.

Overnight: Teahouse in Tengboche.

Today you trek down from Tengboche through forest trails and cross the suspension bridges toward Namche Bazaar. You stop in Namche for lunch and have a little time to explore the shops or enjoy a warm drink before continuing your descent.

In the afternoon you follow the winding trail down the Dudh Koshi Valley, passing prayer stones, small villages, and river crossings. The lower altitude makes walking easier and you finally reach Manju at 2835 meters, a quiet place to rest for the night where you can relax and enjoy your drinks without any problem after your successful climb.

Overnight: Teahouse in Manju.

Today you enjoy your final trekking day as you follow the Dudh Koshi River back to Lukla. The trail is familiar with gentle ups and downs, passing villages, prayer walls, and forest paths. Reaching Lukla feels rewarding as you complete your Himalayan journey.

In the evening you celebrate your successful climb with your Sherpa crew and guides. You can enjoy dinner together and share a few drinks in moderation. This is also the right time to offer tips to your team if you wish, as tipping is a common and appreciated way to thank them for their hard work. Avoid drinking too much because you have a flight in the morning.

Your guide will confirm the flight time, so you can relax and enjoy your last night in the mountains.

Overnight: Teahouse in Lukla.

This morning you fly from Lukla to either Ramechhap or Kathmandu, depending on the season. If you land in Ramechhap, you drive about six hours back to Kathmandu. Flights can sometimes be delayed due to weather, although conditions are not always bad. When delays happen, there is an optional shared helicopter flight available at extra cost, usually around USD 500 per person, if seats are available.

After reaching Kathmandu, you return to your hotel for rest and a hot shower. In the evening you enjoy a farewell dinner and receive your achievement certificate for successfully completing Island Peak. This is a relaxing night to celebrate your journey.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is a reserve day kept for your safety. It can be used on the mountain if needed for extra rest, weather issues, or health reasons. This helps avoid adding extra days to the trip and ensures your itinerary stays flexible and comfortable.

If the reserve day is not needed in the mountains, you simply enjoy it in Kathmandu. You can relax at your hotel, explore Thamel, or choose an optional sightseeing trip around the Kathmandu Valley if you wish. It is a perfect day to unwind after your Himalayan adventure.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight. Our team will make sure you reach the airport on time. Thank you for joining this Himalayan adventure, and we wish you a safe journey ahead.