Island-peak-front

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak

●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviews

Trek to Everest Base Camp, stand on Kala Patthar at sunrise, then summit Island Peak at 6,189m — three objectives in one 20-day Khumbu expedition.

Duration 20 Days
Difficulty Expedition What does this mean?
Max Altitude 6,189m (Island Peak summit) 20,305ft
Best Season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
From USD $2,072 Check Dates & Price

On The Trail

What It Really Looks Like
20 photos
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour
Lukla Airport
Namche bazar panorama
Namche bazar view from the top
Tengboche Monastary
VIew around Dingboche
Dingboche hike
Mountains on the way to Lobuche
everest-sign
Everest and the Khumbu region viewed from the trail in November
Chhukung acclimatisation day
Island peak base camp view
view of the ridge while summiting Island peak
Beautiful view of Chhukung village
Amadablam view on the way to pangboche
Namche bazar beautiful view during night
Low cloud and fog covering the Lukla valley causing flight delays on the Everest Base Camp trek route
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Stroll around kathmandu square
Tribhuvan_International_Airport
Trip Overview

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak — What to Expect

20 days · 6,189m (Island Peak summit)

Three High-Altitude Objectives

Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar at sunrise, and Island Peak summit in one 20-day expedition

Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar at sunrise, and Island Peak summit in one 20-day expedition

Technical mountaineering with a dedicated climbing Sherpa on the rope from 2 AM to the top

Sherpa-Led Throughout

Licensed trekking guide for the approach, dedicated climbing Sherpa for the summit attempt

Best Acclimatisation Profile

Two weeks above 3,400m before summit day gives you the strongest possible platform for Island Peak

This expedition combines three separate Khumbu objectives into a single 20-day route: Everest Base Camp at 5,364m, Kala Patthar at 5,545m for the best elevated view of Everest at sunrise, and the summit of Island Peak (Imja Tse) at 6,189m. Most people choose one or two. This itinerary does all three.

The route follows the classic EBC approach through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, with three structured acclimatisation days. After Kala Patthar, instead of descending to Lukla, you turn east into the Imja Valley toward Chhukung and Island Peak Base Camp at 5,087m. By the time you arrive at base camp on Day 12, you have spent nearly two weeks above 3,400m. That acclimatisation profile is a significant advantage over operators who run Island Peak as a standalone 10 to 12 day trip. A full technical training session runs at base camp on Day 12 before the summit attempt. Summit day starts at 2:00 AM: steep scree approach, glacier travel, fixed rope sections on jumar, crevasse crossings on ladders, and a near-vertical 100m headwall before the exposed summit ridge.

No prior mountaineering experience is required. Solid multi-day trekking fitness and the resolve for a long pre-dawn summit push are what matter. If EBC is the only goal, the 14-day EBC Trek is the right booking. If Island Peak is the only goal, the focused 16-day Island Peak expedition is more efficient. This trip is for those who want both.

Teahouse meals during the trek are on your own account. Base camp meals and Kathmandu hotel breakfasts are included. Every group is led by a licensed Sherpa guide from the Khumbu. No outsourcing, no contractors.

Private Pricing 1 $2464 2-5 $2072 6-10 $1925
See Available Dates
The Full Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

20 days · Guided by local Sherpa

Altitude Profile
6,189m 3,694m 1,200m
Summit
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D14 D15 D16 D17 D18 D19 D20
Altitude profile
Summit — 6,189m (Island Peak summit)
Hover/tap for details

Arrive in Kathmandu

International Airport → Hotel 1,400m / 4,593ft

A MountainKick representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. That evening your climbing guide runs a full pre-expedition briefing covering all three objectives, the 20-day route, gear check, permits, and Lukla flight logistics.

Day Stat Transfer day
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour

Early morning flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Porters organise loads while you begin the trail down alongside the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest and Sherpa settlements to Phakding. Easy first day by design. During peak season (Mar–May, Oct–Nov) flights depart from Ramechhap, requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure.

Day Stat 8km · 3–4 hrs · -230m net
Stay Teahouse, Phakding
Lukla Airport

The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River, crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge before entering Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The final two hours are a steep sustained climb into Namche. On a clear day you catch your first view of Everest above the ridge before reaching town.

Day Stat 11km · 5–7 hrs · +830m gain
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar panorama

First acclimatisation day using the climb high, sleep low principle. We hike to the Everest View Hotel at 3,880m with clear sight lines to Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, then return to Namche to sleep lower. Time to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum or browse the Saturday market.

Day Stat 6km · 3–4 hrs · +440m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar view from the top

The trail drops to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga then climbs through rhododendron forest to Tengboche Monastery, founded in 1916 and the spiritual centre of the Khumbu. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Lhotse fill the ridge. Evening prayers are worth attending.

Day Stat 10km · 5–6 hrs · +420m net
Stay Teahouse, Tengboche
Tengboche Monastary
Tengboche Monastary

The trail passes through Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, then climbs into the open Imja Valley above the tree line. Island Peak appears on the horizon for the first time from Dingboche — rising distinctly from the surrounding glaciers exactly as Eric Shipton described in 1953.

Day Stat 12km · 5–6 hrs · +550m gain
Stay Teahouse, Dingboche
VIew around Dingboche

Second acclimatisation day. We hike to Nangkartshang Peak above Dingboche for panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, Cholatse, and Ama Dablam, then return to sleep low. The last full rest day before the push to Lobuche and EBC begins.

Day Stat 5km · 3–4 hrs · +670m gain, sleep low
Stay Teahouse, Dingboche
Dingboche hike

The trail climbs to the Thukla Pass at 4,830m, where stone cairns mark climbers lost on Everest and surrounding peaks. From here the route crosses glacial moraine to Lobuche at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier. The landscape is sparse, rocky, and increasingly dramatic.

Day Stat 8.5km · 5–6 hrs · +530m gain
Stay Teahouse, Lobuche
Mountains on the way to Lobuche
Mountains on the way to Lobuche

The trail follows the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Gorakshep at 5,164m on a frozen lakebed. After lunch continue to Everest Base Camp at 5,364m, the foot of the Khumbu Icefall where every Everest summit attempt begins. Return to Gorakshep before dark.

Day Stat 11.5km · 7–8 hrs · +424m gain
Stay Teahouse, Gorakshep
everest-sign

4:00 AM start for Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the highest point on the EBC section and the best elevated view of Everest’s southwest face at sunrise. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast then descend via Lobuche to Pheriche, dropping over 1,100m through the afternoon.

Day Stat 15km · 7–8 hrs · +381m then -1,174m
Stay Teahouse, Pheriche
Everest and the Khumbu region viewed from the trail in November
Ready to book? Check available dates and pricing for this trek.
Check Dates & Price →

You turn east into the Imja Valley, leaving the EBC corridor behind. The trail passes back through Dingboche and climbs into the upper valley toward Chhukung, a high-altitude amphitheatre ringed by Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak directly ahead. This is your staging ground for the summit.

Day Stat 10km · 4–5 hrs · +359m gain
Stay Teahouse, Chhukung
Chhukung acclimatisation day

The approach follows the Imja Glacier moraine through ice-polished boulders and seracs. Island Peak rises directly ahead as you climb. On arrival your climbing guide runs the full technical training session: crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes on jumar, and crevasse rescue. Early dinner, early bed. Alarm goes off at 1:30 AM.

Day Stat 4km · 3–4 hrs · +357m gain
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Expedition tent, Island Peak Base Camp
Island peak base camp view

The alarm goes off at 1:30 AM. You leave base camp between 2:00 and 3:00 AM. The route crosses glacier moraine, ascends steep snow slopes on fixed ropes, navigates a crevasse crossing near the summit via a ladder system, and finishes with a steep headwall requiring front-pointing with crampons. The summit ridge is exposed and extraordinary. You descend to Chukhung for the night.

Summit start: 2:00-3:00 AM | Round trip from base camp: 6km | Duration: 8-10 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging (technical mountaineering)

Technical requirements: Crampons, ice axe, climbing harness, fixed rope sections with jumar, ladder crevasse crossing, steep snow and ice headwall, Alpine PD+ grade

Summit views: Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Baruntse (7,129m)

Day Stat 6km round trip from BC · 8–10 hrs · +1,102m gain then full descent
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Chhukung
view of the ridge while summiting Island peak

Recovery after the summit. This day also serves as a buffer if weather delayed the attempt on Day 13. Optional short hikes for those with energy. Sort gear, rest well, and let the altitude do the recovery work before the long descent begins tomorrow.

Day Stat Rest day
Stay Teahouse, Chhukung
Beautiful view of Chhukung village

The long descent begins. Retrace the Imja Valley through Pangboche and drop back through rhododendron forest to Tengboche. After nearly two weeks above 4,000m the return to richer air is immediate. Your legs will feel the summit. Take it steady and let the descent do the work.

Day Stat 15km · 6–7 hrs · -870m descent
Stay Teahouse, Tengboche
Amadablam view on the way to pangboche

The descent routes through Khumjung, a classic Sherpa village with views back toward the peaks you have just climbed. Drop into Namche for the final night in the Khumbu. The perspective has changed since you last walked this path — you have been to EBC, Kala Patthar, and the summit of Island Peak since then.

Day Stat 12km · 5–6 hrs · -420m descent
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar beautiful view during night

Final day on trail. Descend steeply from Namche through Monjo, past the Sagarmatha National Park checkpoint, through Phakding and back to Lukla. Familiar ground that moves quickly. Celebration dinner with your guide and crew in Lukla tonight.

Day Stat 18km · 6–7 hrs · -600m descent
Stay Guesthouse
Low cloud and fog covering the Lukla valley causing flight delays on the Everest Base Camp trek route

Morning flight back to Kathmandu, weather-dependent. MountainKick handles any rebooking at no extra cost. First of two built-in buffer days for Lukla delays. If the flight operates as scheduled, the afternoon is yours for Kathmandu sightseeing or rest.

Day Stat Flight day
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Free day in Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or the Durbar Squares, or simply recover. This is also the backup buffer if the Day 18 flight was delayed. That evening your MountainKick guides join you for a traditional Nepali farewell dinner.

Day Stat Rest day
Meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Stroll around kathmandu square

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout at 12:00 PM. Luggage storage available if your flight departs later. Your NMA Island Peak summit certificate is handed over before departure if not already collected.

Day Stat Departure day
Meals Breakfast
Stay Hotel
Tribhuvan_International_Airport
Visualise The Route

3D Route Map

Explore the full trek in 3D — drag to rotate, scroll to zoom, tap any marker for location details.

3D satellite terrain with interactive route
Loading terrain…
Summit / Key waypoint
Camp / Overnight stop
Trek route
Drag to rotate · Scroll to zoom · Tap markers for details
What's Covered

Includes & Excludes

Everything in your package — and what to budget for separately

What's Included 20
  • Airport and hotel transfers Both directions, private vehicle
  • Hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights 3-star, twin-sharing, breakfast included
  • Teahouse accommodation, 15 nights Twin-sharing throughout
  • Expedition tents at base camp, 1 night Professional setup with dining tent, toilet tent, and cook
  • All meals at base camp Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the two base camp days
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal on return night
  • Kathmandu to Lukla return flights Includes Ramechhap ground transfers in peak season
  • Trekking guide Government-licensed, full time from arrival to departure
  • Dedicated climbing Sherpa One certified climbing Sherpa for the full summit attempt
  • Assistant climbing Sherpa Added for groups of 4 or more
  • Porter service One porter per two trekkers, 20kg load limit strictly enforced
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit Arranged by MountainKick
  • TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System card
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit Required for all Khumbu trekkers since 2023
  • Island Peak climbing permit Official NMA permit, arranged and paid by MountainKick
  • Group technical climbing equipment Fixed ropes, ice screws, snow anchors, group safety hardware
  • Mountaineering training at base camp Crampons, ice axe, jumar, fixed ropes, and crevasse rescue
  • NMA summit certificate Issued on successful summit, collected by MountainKick
  • Duffel bag Yours to keep
  • All government taxes and fees Nothing hidden
Not Included 11
  • All teahouse meals during trek Budget $25 to $35 per day. Ordered directly from teahouse menus.
  • Meals in Kathmandu Except farewell dinner on Day 19
  • International flights To and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa 30-day on arrival $50 USD, bring cash and two passport photos
  • Personal climbing equipment Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet — all rentable in Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance Must cover mountaineering to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation
  • Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry
  • Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry Customary but not mandatory, 10–15% of trip cost is the general range
  • Helicopter rescue costs Must be covered by your travel insurance before departure
  • Supplemental oxygen Available at base camp for emergencies only
  • Extra Kathmandu nights If Lukla delays extend beyond the two built-in buffer days
Why we don't bundle trek meals Teahouse menus are open, fixed and fair — dal bhat costs the same whether you book with us or walk in alone. We'd rather you order what you want, when you want it, than pay upfront for meals you might skip at altitude. Budget $25–40 per day for food on trek.
Optional Upgrades

Enhance Your Trek

Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu 4 or 5-star property for pre and post expedition nights On request
Single room supplement Private room throughout, subject to teahouse availability above Namche On request
Kathmandu Sightseeing Full day guided tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. +$85 per person
Complimentary Services

We Handle the Details — At No Extra Cost

Gear Shop Guidance Free
We take you to the right rental shops in Kathmandu. No tourist traps and no overpriced gear.
SIM Card Coordination Free
We help you get a local SIM in Kathmandu so you are connected from day one.
Luggage Storage Free
Leave your city bags with us while you trek and collect on return.
Airport Pickup and Drop Free
Private vehicle. We meet you at arrivals and see you off at departure.
Pre-Trek Briefing Free
In-person gear check and full route briefing the evening before your trek begins.
Questions about what's included? Our team replies within a few hours — happy to clarify anything before you book.
Ask Kumar a Question →
Accommodation & Food

Where You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat

Honest information about accommodation and food on this trip — so you know exactly what to expect and how much to budget.

Where you'll stay

In Kathmandu you stay at a 3-star hotel in Thamel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Single supplement available on request. Upgrades to 4 or 5-star properties can be arranged.

On the trek you stay in teahouses for 15 nights. Rooms are simple — a bed, blankets, and a window. Shared bathrooms at most stops. Hot showers available at Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche at an extra charge of $3 to $5. Above Lobuche facilities reduce significantly. Gorakshep teahouses are the most basic on the route — cold nights, thin walls, limited hot water. Chhukung teahouses are functional and comfortable for a high-altitude settlement.

At Island Peak Base Camp you sleep in expedition tents on twin-sharing basis for one night. A dedicated cook prepares all meals in a dining tent. Toilet tent on site. No electricity or charging at base camp — keep your power bank in your sleeping bag overnight.

Single rooms are limited above Namche during peak season. Book ahead through your guide.

Food & daily budget

Teahouse meals during the trek are on your own account, ordered from menus and paid directly. Base camp meals (Days 12 and 13) and Kathmandu hotel breakfasts are included. The farewell dinner in Kathmandu is also included.

Dal bhat is the best option at every stop — filling, reliable, free refills. Pasta, noodles, eggs, and soup are available everywhere below Lobuche. Above that, menus simplify and portions shrink. Avoid meat above Namche. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three trail meals. If you want full meal inclusion throughout, this can be added as an upgrade.

Breakfast $6–10
Lunch $8–12
Dinner $8–12
Hot shower $3–5
WiFi where available $2–5 per day
Hot drinks $2–4 each
Bottled water $2–3 above Namche
Charging devices $2–5 per device
Real Trekkers · Verified Reviews

What Our Trekkers Say

4.9
★★★★★ 50+ reviews on TripAdvisor Read all reviews →
These reviews are from verified trekkers who completed this trip with MountainKick. 50+ reviews · 4.9 average on TripAdvisor.
Leave a review →
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything trekkers ask us before booking the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak — answered honestly.

Experienced trekkers ready to go beyond the trail and onto a real mountain. You do not need a mountaineering background — technical training happens at Island Peak Base Camp on Day 12. What you need is solid multi-day trekking fitness, genuine comfort with sustained altitude, and the resolve for a hard summit day that starts at 2:00 AM. If EBC alone is the goal, the 14-day EBC Trek is the better fit. If Island Peak alone is the goal, the focused 16-day Island Peak expedition is more efficient. This trip is for those who want both.

The standalone 16-day Island Peak expedition takes a direct Chhukung route with every day optimised for the summit. This 20-day expedition adds Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, and gives you nearly two weeks at altitude before the summit attempt. That acclimatisation advantage is significant. By summit day on this itinerary, your body has adapted to high altitude far more thoroughly than on a compressed standalone climbing trip.

No. Island Peak is graded Alpine PD+ and is achievable for fit trekkers with no mountaineering background. Your climbing guide runs a full technical training session at base camp on Day 12 covering crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes with a jumar, and crevasse crossing on a ladder system. What you bring to base camp is fitness and determination. Your guide provides the technical instruction.

EBC and Kala Patthar are strenuous trekking. Island Peak is a different category entirely: technical mountaineering starting at 2:00 AM, running 8 to 10 hours round trip from base camp. The route involves steep scree in the dark, glacier travel roped up with a jumar on fixed lines, crevasse crossings on ladders, and a near-vertical 100m headwall requiring front-pointing with crampons. Most participants describe it as the hardest single day of their lives. By Day 13 of this itinerary you are as well-prepared as the route allows. See our full difficulty guide.

Base camp meals and Kathmandu hotel breakfasts are included. Teahouse meals during the 15 trekking days are on your own account, ordered directly from menus and paid on the trail. The farewell dinner in Kathmandu is included. If you want full meal inclusion for the teahouse section, this can be added as an upgrade — ask us before booking. Budget $25 to $35 per day for three trail meals.

Group equipment (fixed ropes, ice screws, anchors) is provided. Personal technical gear (mountaineering boots, 12-point crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, jumar, carabiners) is not included but all items are available to rent in Kathmandu for approximately $100 to $150 for the full set. Mountaineering boots are the most critical item — rigid-soled, crampon-compatible, insulated to -20°C minimum. If your shoe size is 12 or above, bring your own as larger sizes are not available to rent in Nepal. MountainKick connects you with trusted rental shops at the pre-expedition briefing.

Safety is non-negotiable. If conditions are unsafe on summit day your climbing guide postpones the attempt. Day 14 in Chhukung is built into the itinerary specifically as a buffer for this scenario. Summit decisions are made by the climbing guide based on wind speed, visibility, temperature, and route conditions. Turning back is always the right call and your guide makes it without hesitation.

Three structured acclimatisation events are built in. Day 4 in Namche: hike to 3,880m, sleep at 3,440m. Day 7 in Dingboche: hike to 5,083m, sleep at 4,410m. Day 12 at Island Peak Base Camp: full rest and training day at 5,087m before the summit. By summit day you have spent nearly two weeks progressively above 3,400m. This is the most thorough acclimatisation profile available for Island Peak climbing.

Your climbing guide carries supplemental oxygen, a Gamow bag, and a pulse oximeter at all times above Namche. Oxygen saturation is monitored daily. Three acclimatisation days and a carefully paced elevation profile reduce risk significantly. Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,000m, and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness. Descending 300 to 500m usually clears symptoms fast. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. Read our altitude sickness guide for a full breakdown.

Round-trip Lukla flights are included. During peak seasons (March to May and October to November) flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, a 5 to 6 hour drive from Kathmandu requiring a 2:30 AM hotel departure. MountainKick arranges all transport and handles weather rebooking at no extra cost. Two buffer days are built into Days 18 and 19. Schedule your international departure at least 2 days after Day 20. More detail in our Ramechhap flight guide.

Three permits are required and all are arranged by MountainKick: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, and the Island Peak Climbing Permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The NMA permit is the key document for the summit and what your certificate is issued against. Bring your passport and four passport-sized photos — climbing permits require more documentation than standard trekking permits.

MountainKick runs small groups of up to 10 participants per departure. Most groups range from 2 to 6 people. Private departures are available on any date — contact us to arrange.

Mandatory. Your policy must specifically cover high-altitude mountaineering to at least 6,200m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance and most trekking policies exclude climbing above 6,000m. Check the altitude coverage ceiling in your policy documents before leaving home. Helicopter rescue services require insurance pre-authorisation before dispatch. Insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal. Helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu costs $3,000 to $6,000.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). October and November give the most stable weather, clearest skies, and best conditions on the Island Peak headwall. March and April are warmer with rhododendrons in bloom on the approach and Everest expedition teams active in the Khumbu. Avoid monsoon (June to August) — the headwall becomes a serious mixed climbing problem, trails are hazardous, and Lukla flights get delayed frequently.

Budget $25 to $35 per day for three teahouse meals across 15 trail days. Hot showers cost $3 to $5, WiFi $2 to $5 where available, charging $2 to $5 per device. The last reliable ATM is in Namche Bazaar. Carry enough rupees from Kathmandu to cover the full expedition. Card payments are not accepted at teahouses. Total personal spending for 18 days on trail and at base camp runs approximately $400 to $600 depending on habits.

Still Have Questions? Kumar answers personally — usually within a few hours. No call centres, no scripts.
Book Your Spot

Departure Dates & Pricing

Fixed group departures run year-round. Can't find your date? Every trip runs privately on dates that work for you.

No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.

Payment Schedule
  • 1
    20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
  • 2
    80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
  • 3
    Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
Cancellation Policy
30+ days before departure Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full
15–29 days before departure 50% of total trip cost charged
Under 15 days No refund
MountainKick cancels trip Full refund or reschedule
Full Terms & Conditions →
Book with Confidence
10+ yrs, licensed guides Every trek led by a government-licensed Himalayan professional. No outsourcing, ever.
Ethical porter welfare Strict 20 kg load limit and full medical insurance for every crew member. Your trek supports real people.
Community impact Every booking helps fund the Mountain Kick Library — books and education for remote schools on the trail.
100% local, no middlemen Founded and run by Kathmandu veterans. Direct expertise, transparent pricing — nothing hidden.

We give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer.

Travellers Price Per Person (USD)
1 $2464
2-5 $2072
6-10 $1925

Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'll confirm availability within a few hours.

We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
MountainKick Expert-led Himalayan Treks · mountainkick.com Everest Base Camp with Island Peak — Packing List
Be Prepared

Packing List

This list covers 20 days of trekking and climbing to 6,189m including Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before the Island Peak summit. Personal technical climbing gear can be rented in Kathmandu or Chhukung. Items that touch your skin base layers, socks, gloves should be personal, not rented. Teahouse meals are on your own account so budget $25 to $35 per day for trail food.

Footwear 8 items
Item Qty Note
Waterproof trekking boots, high-ankle 1 pair For the full trekking approach Lukla to Chhukung. Well broken in, deep-cut traction sole.
Mountaineering boots, double or triple layer 1 pair Rigid sole, crampon-compatible with toe and heel welts, insulated to -20°C minimum. B3-rated recommended. Rentable in Kathmandu.
12-point steel crampons 1 pair Must be compatible with your mountaineering boots. Test fit together before the expedition. Anti-balling plates essential. Rentable in Kathmandu.
Full-length waterproof gaiters 1 pair Keeps snow and debris out of both boot types on approach and summit day
Camp sandals or flip flops 1 pair For teahouse evenings and base camp downtime
Hiking socks, merino wool 4 to 5 pairs Avoid cotton. Merino regulates temperature and resists odour.
Heavyweight expedition socks 2 pairs For summit day inside mountaineering boots and cold base camp nights
Liner socks 3 pairs Blister prevention on long descent days
Two separate boot systems are required. Trekking boots for Days 2 to 9. Mountaineering boots from crampon point on summit day. Both must be broken in before you arrive. Do not attempt to summit in trekking boots.
Item Qty Note
Thermal tops, synthetic or merino 3 One to trek, one to sleep, one spare. Never cotton.
Thermal bottoms 2 Sleep in one set, trek in the other
Fleece jacket 1 Main mid-layer for trekking below Dingboche
Down jacket, 700 fill or higher 1 For teahouse evenings on the approach section
Expedition down parka, 800 fill minimum 1 Essential for base camp nights and summit day. Standard trekking down is not enough at -20°C. Rentable in Kathmandu.
Insulated down pants 1 For base camp nights and the pre-dawn summit departure. Significantly warmer than softshell alone.
Waterproof shell jacket, Gore-Tex or similar 1 Must have a hood. Used above Namche and on summit day
Waterproof shell pants, full side zip 1 Wind and precipitation protection on the upper mountain
Softshell pants 1 pair For trekking above Namche and base camp daytime
Trekking pants, quick-dry 1 pair For the lower approach section below Namche
Sun hat, wide-brimmed 1 UV is extreme above Namche
Temperature at base camp drops below -20°C overnight. An expedition-weight down parka is required, not a standard trekking down jacket. The layering system is non-negotiable at this altitude.
Item Qty Note
Warm beanie 1 For cold mornings and teahouse evenings on approach
Balaclava 1 Full face protection for the 2:00 AM summit departure and headwall section
Neck gaiter or buff 2 Wind, dust, cold, and the Khumbu Cough
Liner gloves, touchscreen compatible 1 pair For trail use and phone access
Insulated fleece gloves 1 pair Main trekking glove above Namche
Waterproof shell mittens with down liner 1 pair For summit day. Liner gloves alone are not enough at the headwall.
Polarized sunglasses, Cat 3 to 4 1 pair For the trekking approach and lower glacier sections
Glacier goggles, Cat 4 1 pair For white-out conditions and high wind on the upper glacier and headwall. Essential, not optional.
Wind chill at the headwall can reach -30°C before dawn. Expedition mittens are not optional. Glacier goggles are separate from sunglasses and required for white-out conditions.
Item Qty Note
Climbing harness, alpine style 1 Adjustable, fits over all clothing layers. Must be able to put on and remove without stepping through leg loops at 2:00 AM in the dark.
Helmet, lightweight climbing 1 Under 400g, secure adjustment with gloved hands. Protects against falling ice on the headwall.
Ice axe, 60 to 70cm 1 Standard mountaineering axe for self-arrest and front-pointing on steep snow. Steel head, ergonomic grip.
Ascender (jumar), left or right hand 1 For climbing fixed rope sections above crampon point. Your guide shows you the technique at base camp.
Locking carabiners, pear-shaped 3 For clipping into anchors and fixed lines. Screwgate only, not auto-lock.
Non-locking carabiners 4 General mountaineering use
Belay/descend device, ATC or figure-8 1 For controlled descent on fixed ropes. Covered in base camp training.
Prusik cord, 6mm, 4 to 5 metres 1 For backup knots and crevasse rescue. Bring as one piece, do not cut.
Ice axe leash 1 Prevents losing the axe on steep sections
Group equipment (fixed ropes, ice screws, snow anchors) is provided by MountainKick. All personal technical gear below must be sourced by you. Rental in Kathmandu costs approximately $100 to $150 for the full set. Inspect all rental gear carefully before accepting it.
Item Qty Note
Daypack, 35 to 50L 1 Larger than standard trekking daypack to accommodate technical gear on summit day
Sleeping bag, rated to -20°C minimum 1 Standard -10°C bags are not enough for base camp nights. Down fill, not synthetic.
Sleeping bag liner 1 Adds 3 to 5°C warmth across 16 nights
Trekking poles, collapsible 1 pair For the approach and descent. Leave at base camp on summit day.
Headlamp and spare batteries or USB rechargeable 1 Essential for 2:00 AM summit departure. Cold destroys batteries at 5,000m. Keep spare set in sleeping bag.
Insulated water bottles, 1L wide-mouth 2 Standard bottles freeze above 5,500m. Insulated sleeves or vacuum-insulated bottles only.
Water purification tablets or UV purifier 1 Saves money and reduces plastic across 14 trekking days
Power bank, 20,000mAh 1 No charging at base camp. Cold kills phone batteries. Keep in sleeping bag overnight.
Dry bags 3 Electronics, documents, and spare dry clothes inside duffel
Pack rain cover 1 For daypack on approach days and summit day
Small padlock 1 For duffel bag at teahouses
Pee bottle with wide mouth 1 For base camp nights when temperatures drop below -15°C. Leaving the tent at 2:00 AM is not pleasant.
Your porter carries the duffel to base camp. Yaks or additional porter carry duffel from Chhukung to base camp. Keep your daypack under 6kg for summit day — you are carrying technical gear on top of the usual kit.
Item Qty Note
Personal first aid kit 1 Blister treatment, second skin, antiseptic, bandages, ibuprofen, Imodium
Sunscreen SPF 50 2 Reapply every 2 hours above Namche. Glacier reflection doubles UV intensity. Bring a spare.
Lip balm with SPF 2 Cold air, wind, and altitude will crack your lips within days.
Electrolyte powder sachets 20 to 25 Hydration at altitude is harder than it sounds. Mix into water daily throughout the expedition.
High protein snacks As needed Trail mix, protein bars, energy gels for summit day. Teahouse food is carb-heavy.
Throat lozenges 1 pack The Khumbu Cough is common above 4,000m. Dry cold air at base camp is particularly harsh.
Hand and toe warmers 10 pairs For summit day and base camp mornings. Stock up in Kathmandu.
Anti-nausea medication 1 pack Altitude can cause nausea on summit day. Discuss options with your doctor.
Your climbing guide carries supplemental oxygen, a Gamow bag, and a pulse oximeter. This is your personal kit for day-to-day needs. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. We do not provide or recommend it ourselves.
Item Qty Note
Quick-dry towel, microfiber 1 Teahouses do not provide towels
Pillowcase 1 14 nights of shared teahouse pillows. A personal pillowcase is worth it.
Hand sanitizer 3 small Water freezes at base camp. Sanitizer is your hygiene backup for two nights.
Biodegradable wet wipes 3 to 4 packs No showers at base camp, limited above Dingboche. More packs for a 16-day expedition.
Toilet paper 4 to 5 rolls Toilet tent at base camp, teahouses can run out on the approach.
Earplugs 2 pairs Teahouse walls are thin. 14 nights of shared accommodation.
No showers at base camp. Wet wipes are your hygiene solution for two nights on the glacier. Quick-dry fabrics only across 16 days.
Item Qty Note
Passport, valid 6 months minimum 1 Keep a photocopy separate from the original
Passport photos 4 extras For permits and NMA registration. More photos required for climbing permits than trekking only.
Travel insurance document 1 Must cover mountaineering to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation. Print a hard copy.
Cash, Nepali rupees As needed Budget $25 to $35 per day for teahouse meals plus $10 to $20 for personal extras. Last ATM in Namche. Small denominations.
Trek and climb permit copies 1 set We handle all permits. Carry your copies on trail.
All meals are included so daily cash needs are minimal. ATMs in Lukla, Namche, and Khumjung. No ATMs beyond Namche on this route. Budget $10 to $20 per day for personal extras only.
Item Note
Expedition down suit or onesie At -30°C wind chill on the headwall, layered down parka and pants may not be enough. A one-piece suit is the safest option in winter.
Extra hand and toe warmers Double the quantity for winter departures. Temperatures at base camp can reach -25°C.
Neoprene face mask Balaclava alone is not enough at -30°C wind chill on the exposed summit ridge
Insulated water bottle with additional sleeve Water freezes faster at winter temperatures. Double insulation required.
Item Note
Rain cover for backpack Your daypack will get completely soaked on the approach
Heavy waterproof gaiters Upgrade from standard for mud and standing water below Namche
Extra dry bags Everything inside the duffel needs waterproofing during monsoon
Extra quick-dry layers Nothing dries overnight during monsoon at any altitude
Monsoon is not recommended for this expedition. The Island Peak headwall becomes a serious mixed climbing problem, EBC trails above 4,000m are hazardous, and Lukla flights get delayed frequently. Spring and autumn are the only reliable seasons.
Rent or Buy in Kathmandu

Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, jumar, glacier goggles, mountaineering boots, sleeping bags, and down parkas can all be rented in Kathmandu or Chhukung. A full personal technical climbing kit rents for approximately $100 to $150 for the expedition. If your shoe size is 12 or above, bring your own mountaineering boots as larger sizes are not available to rent in Nepal. MountainKick connects you with trusted shops at the pre-expedition briefing. A duffel bag is provided to every climber as part of the package.

Leave These at Home

What Not to Bring

Jeans and cotton clothing Cotton stays wet and causes dangerous chilling above 5,000m
Trekking boots above crampon point You need two boot systems. Attempting the headwall in trekking boots is dangerous.
Standard -10°C sleeping bag Base camp drops below -20°C. Minimum -20°C rated bag required.
Standard trekking down jacket only Not enough for base camp nights. An expedition parka is required.
Laptop No need and the weight is punishing on summit day
Valuables and jewellery Leave at the hotel in Kathmandu
Print / Download Checklist — to save as PDF, choose Save as PDF in the print dialog
Still deciding?

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak

Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.

Replies within a few hours No scripts, no sales pitch Ready to book? Check dates →
From USD $2,072
Quick Enquiry

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Quick Enquiry