Everest High Passes with Island Peak
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsThree high passes, Gokyo Lakes, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the summit of Island Peak at 6,189m in one 23-day Khumbu expedition.
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Everest High Passes with Island Peak: What to Expect
Renjo La (5,360m), Cho La (5,420m), Kongma La (5,535m), and Island Peak (6,189m) in 23 days
Every major Khumbu viewpoint in one route, no separate trips required
Crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet included. No rental coordination needed.
Namche, Lumde, Gokyo, and Chhukung. The safest Island Peak profile available.
This is the most complete expedition MountainKick offers. In 23 days you cross all three Khumbu high passes, reach Everest Base Camp, summit Kala Patthar at dawn, climb Gokyo Ri for the four-peak panorama, and summit Island Peak at 6,189m. The route runs anti-clockwise from Namche: Thame, Lumde, Renjo La (5,360m), Gokyo, Cho La (5,420m), EBC, Kala Patthar, Kongma La (5,535m), Chhukung, and Island Peak Base Camp. Four acclimatisation days are built in at carefully chosen altitudes. By summit day you have spent nearly three weeks above 3,400m — the strongest possible platform for Island Peak.
This is Level 5 Expedition. Three passes above 5,300m, a glacier crossing on Cho La, eight nights above 4,400m, and a technical summit starting at 2:00 AM. Prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,500m is required. Technical climbing gear including crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet is provided by MountainKick. Full mountaineering training runs at base camp before the summit attempt.
If you want the three passes without the summit, the Everest Three Passes Trek (20 days) is the right booking. If you want Island Peak with EBC but without the passes, see EBC with Island Peak (20 days). This trip is for those who want everything.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
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 the 23-day route, all three passes, the Island Peak summit sequence, gear check, and Lukla flight logistics. Lay out all your kit tonight.
Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
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.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River crossing suspension bridges 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.
Acclimatisation Day in Namche
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.
Trek to Thame
The route leaves the main EBC corridor and heads northwest into the Bhote Koshi Valley on ancient trade routes that once connected Nepal to Tibet. Thame is one of the most historically significant Sherpa villages in the Khumbu, home to a monastery dating back centuries and the birthplace of several legendary mountaineers including Appa Sherpa and Babu Chiri Sherpa.
Trek to Lumde
The trail climbs steadily out of Thame through increasingly alpine terrain above the tree line. Lumde is a small high-altitude settlement that serves as the staging point before Renjo La. The landscape here is stark and open with expanding views of the Rolwaling and Khumbu ranges. Hydrate well, check your layering system, and get an early night.
Acclimatisation Day in Lumde
Second acclimatisation day before the first high pass. Short optional hikes around Lumde let your body adapt while keeping the legs moving. This is your last proper rest before Renjo La tomorrow. The lack of crowd and the silence at this altitude is a good reminder of how remote this section of the circuit is.
Cross Renjo La, Trek to Gokyo
The first high pass. A steep rocky ascent to Renjo La at 5,360m where prayer flags mark the top and views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the Gokyo Lakes open up simultaneously. The descent into Gokyo Valley reveals a series of turquoise glacial lakes alongside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalaya. The third lake at Gokyo is where you stay tonight.
Climb Gokyo Ri, Explore Gokyo Lakes
Third acclimatisation day. Gokyo Ri at 5,357m puts four 8,000m peaks on the same horizon: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. One of the best viewpoints in the Himalaya and significantly less crowded than Kala Patthar. Afternoon free to explore the fourth and fifth Gokyo Lakes along the edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Trek to Thangnak
A short but important day. The trail follows the western edge of the Ngozumpa Glacier on rocky moraine terrain to Thangnak, a small settlement at the foot of the Cho La approach. Rest, eat well, and prepare your gear for the most technical pass on the route tomorrow. Your guide reviews Cho La conditions in the evening.
Cross Cho La, Trek to Lobuche
The most technical day on the circuit. An early start from Thangnak, steep rocky climb to the Cho La glacier at 5,420m where crampons may be required depending on conditions. Your guide assesses on the day and makes the final call. Views of Ama Dablam and Cholatse from the top. Steep descent to the main EBC corridor at Lobuche. Two passes down, one to go.
Trek to EBC via Gorakshep
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.
Summit Kala Patthar, Descend to Lobuche
4:00 AM start for Kala Patthar at 5,545m, the highest point on the trekking section and the best elevated view of Everest’s southwest face at sunrise. Return to Gorakshep for breakfast then descend to Lobuche. The lower altitude brings immediate relief after three nights above 5,000m.
Cross Kongma La, Trek to Chhukung
The third and final pass. Kongma La at 5,535m is the highest of the three and comes after your hardest days on the route. An early start from Lobuche, steep rocky ascent to the pass where cairns wrapped in prayer flags mark the top, then a gradual descent through the Imja Khola valley to Chhukung. From the pass, Island Peak appears directly ahead for the first time on this route.
Rest and Acclimatisation Day in Chhukung
Fourth and final acclimatisation day. We climb Chhukung Ri at 5,546m for sweeping views of Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak directly ahead. After nearly three weeks at altitude, your body is as well prepared as this route allows. Guides review climbing techniques and complete final equipment checks in the afternoon. Early dinner, early bed.
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp, Technical Training
The approach follows the Imja Glacier moraine through ice-polished boulders and shifting seracs with Island Peak rising directly ahead. On arrival your climbing guide runs the full technical training session covering crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes with a jumar, and crevasse crossing on a ladder system. Early dinner at 5:00 PM. Alarm goes off at 1:30 AM.
Summit Island Peak, Return to Base Camp
Alarm at 1:30 AM. Depart base camp by 2:00 AM. Steep scree approach to crampon point, then glacier travel roped up with jumar on fixed lines, crevasse crossings on ladders, and a near-vertical 100m headwall before the exposed summit ridge at 6,189m. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse fill the horizon. Return to base camp after the summit.
Buffer Day at Base Camp
Built-in contingency day for weather delays or a second summit attempt if conditions prevented the climb on Day 17. If the summit was completed yesterday this day is for rest, recovery, and descent preparation. Weather at 6,000m changes fast and this buffer exists to give you the best possible chance at the summit without compromising safety.
Descend to Pangboche
The long descent begins. Drop from base camp through Chhukung and back down the Imja Valley to Pangboche. Losing over 1,200m of altitude in a single day is felt immediately in the quality of the air. Pangboche, with its ancient monastery and quiet Sherpa village character, is a good place to decompress after three weeks above 4,000m.
Trek to Namche Bazaar
The trail passes back through Tengboche Monastery and drops through rhododendron forest into Namche. The same path you walked on Day 3, but the perspective has completely changed. Three passes and a 6,000m summit separate you from that first climb into town. Namche offers the first hot shower and proper meal in days.
Trek to Lukla
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 fast. Celebration dinner with your guide and crew tonight.
Fly to Kathmandu (Buffer Day 1)
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. Farewell dinner with cultural show in the evening, a proper send-off for the guides, climbing staff, and anyone who shared the route with you.
Final Departure
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.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport and hotel transfers Both directions, private vehicle
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Hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights 3-star, twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Teahouse accommodation, 18 nights Twin-sharing throughout
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Expedition tents at base camp, 3 nights Professional setup with dining tent, toilet tent, and cook
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All meals at base camp Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all three base camp days
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Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali meal with cultural show on return night
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Kathmandu to Lukla return flights Includes Ramechhap ground transfers in peak season
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Trekking guide Government-licensed, full time from arrival to departure
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Dedicated climbing Sherpa One certified climbing Sherpa for the full summit attempt
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Assistant climbing Sherpa Added for groups of 4 or more, improves safety ratio on technical sections
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Porter service One porter per two trekkers, 20kg load limit strictly enforced
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Sagarmatha National Park permit Arranged by MountainKick
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TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System card
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Khumbu Pasang Lhamu permit Required for all Khumbu trekkers since 2023
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Island Peak climbing permit Official NMA permit, arranged and paid by MountainKick
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Technical climbing equipment Crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet provided, not just rental coordination
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Group climbing hardware Fixed ropes, ice screws, snow anchors, group safety equipment
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Mountaineering training at base camp Full session covering crampons, ice axe, jumar, fixed ropes, and crevasse rescue
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NMA summit certificate Issued on successful summit, collected by MountainKick
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Duffel bag Yours to keep
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All government taxes and fees Nothing hidden
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All teahouse meals during trek Budget $30 to $45 per day, prices rise above Lobuche and in the Bhote Koshi Valley
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Meals in Kathmandu Except farewell dinner on Day 22
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa 30-day on arrival $50 USD, bring cash and two passport photos
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Personal mountaineering boots Must be rigid-soled and crampon-compatible. Sizes 12 and above not available to rent in Nepal.
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Travel insurance Must cover mountaineering to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation
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Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry
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Tips Customary but not mandatory, 10 to 15 percent of trip cost is the general range
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Helicopter rescue costs Must be covered by your travel insurance before departure
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Supplemental oxygen Available at base camp for emergencies only
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Extra Kathmandu nights If Lukla delays extend beyond the two built-in buffer days
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
In Kathmandu you stay at a 3-star hotel in Thamel, twin-sharing, breakfast included. Single supplement and upgrades available on request.
On trek you stay in teahouses for 18 nights. Simple rooms, shared bathrooms, blankets provided. Hot showers available at Lukla, Namche, Thame, Gokyo, and Dingboche at $3 to $5 extra. Above Lobuche facilities reduce significantly. Gorakshep is the most basic stop on the route.
At Island Peak Base Camp you sleep in expedition tents for three nights. Cook-prepared meals in a dining tent. Toilet tent on site. No electricity at base camp. Keep your power bank in your sleeping bag overnight.
Teahouse meals are on your own account across 18 trail days. Base camp meals and Kathmandu hotel breakfasts are included. Farewell dinner on Day 22 is included.
Dal bhat is the best option at every stop. Pasta, noodles, eggs, and soup available below Lobuche. Menus simplify above that. Avoid meat above Namche. Budget $30 to $45 per day for three meals. Full meal inclusion can be added as an upgrade.
| Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | $30-40 /day |
| 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 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“An incredible high altitude adventure”
We had an unforgettable trip through the Everest region, crossing the high passes and finishing with Island Peak. Pasang was excellent throughout, and his experience in the mountains gave us a lot of confidence on the harder days. It was demanding, but the scenery and sense of achievement made it…
“Challenging but absolutely worth it”
Gopal was a brilliant guide and looked after our group from day one. The high passes were tough, especially with the altitude, but he kept everyone moving at a sensible pace throughout. We loved the variety in the route, and the views were unbelievable. Island Peak was a real highlight…
“A proper Himalayan adventure”
This wasn't an easy trek, but it was exactly the kind of adventure we were after. Furi was calm, experienced, and good at reading the conditions each day. Crossing the passes, taking in the scale of the scenery, and eventually climbing Island Peak made the whole trip feel special. We…
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this expedition designed for?
Experienced trekkers ready to commit to the most complete Khumbu expedition available. You need prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,500m, genuine cardiovascular fitness, and 5 to 6 months of serious preparation. No prior mountaineering experience is required. Technical training is included at base camp. If you want the three passes without the summit, the Three Passes Trek (20 days) is the right booking. If you want Island Peak with EBC but without the passes, see EBC with Island Peak (20 days).
How is altitude sickness managed on this expedition?
Level 5 Expedition on our scale. Three passes above 5,300m, a glacier crossing on Cho La, eight nights above 4,400m, and a technical summit starting at 2:00 AM. The hardest consecutive stretch is Days 11 to 14: Cho La crossing, EBC day, Kala Patthar pre-dawn, and Kongma La. Four acclimatisation days are built in to give your body the best possible platform. See our full difficulty guide.
Is technical climbing experience required?
No. Island Peak is graded Alpine PD+ and is achievable for fit trekkers without a mountaineering background. A full technical training session runs at base camp on Day 16 covering crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, jumar use on fixed ropes, and crevasse crossing on a ladder system. Crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet are provided by MountainKick. What you need is fitness and the resolve for a 2:00 AM summit start.
What makes this different from EBC with Island Peak?
The EBC with Island Peak (20 days) covers Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the Island Peak summit via the direct Chhukung route. This 23-day expedition adds all three high passes and the full Gokyo Valley circuit, covering every major objective in the Khumbu in one trip. It also adds three days at altitude before the Island Peak attempt, giving you the strongest possible acclimatisation profile.
How are the three passes different from each other?
Renjo La (5,360m) is the first pass, crossed on Day 8. Rocky terrain with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the Gokyo Lakes from the top. Cho La (5,420m) is the most technical, crossed on Day 11. Steep rocky approach and a short glacier section where crampons may be required depending on conditions. Kongma La (5,535m) is the highest, crossed on Day 14 after your hardest days on the route. Steep and demanding but no glacier section. Each pass is a full day in itself.
What is the acclimatisation plan?
Four structured acclimatisation days are built in. Day 4 in Namche: hike to 3,880m, sleep at 3,440m. Day 7 in Lumde: short hikes at 4,368m before Renjo La. Day 9 in Gokyo: climb Gokyo Ri at 5,357m, sleep at 4,790m. Day 15 in Chhukung: climb Chhukung Ri at 5,546m, sleep at 4,730m. The anti-clockwise circuit then proceeds through the three passes, EBC, Kala Patthar, and Island Peak. By summit day you have spent nearly three weeks progressively above 3,400m.
Are meals included?
Base camp meals and Kathmandu hotel breakfasts are included. Teahouse meals across 18 trekking days are on your own account. The farewell dinner in Kathmandu is included. Budget $30 to $45 per day for three trail meals. Full meal inclusion for the teahouse section can be added as an upgrade before booking.
What climbing gear is provided?
MountainKick provides crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet as part of the package. Group hardware including fixed ropes, ice screws, and snow anchors is also provided. Personal mountaineering boots and sleeping bag are not included. Boots must be rigid-soled and crampon-compatible. Sizes above 12 are not available to rent in Nepal so bring your own if you have large feet. Sleeping bags rated to -20C are rentable in Kathmandu.
What happens if weather prevents the Island Peak summit?
One buffer day is built into Day 18 at base camp for exactly this scenario. If conditions are unsafe your climbing guide postpones the attempt. Summit decisions are made based on wind speed, visibility, temperature, and route conditions on the night. A second buffer day is also built into the Lukla return on Day 22. Safety always takes priority and your guide makes the call without hesitation.
How is altitude sickness managed?
Your climbing guide carries supplemental oxygen, a Gamow bag, and a pulse oximeter at all times above Namche. Oxygen saturation is monitored daily. Four 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. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave. Read our altitude sickness guide for a full breakdown.
What about the Lukla flights?
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 in. Schedule your international departure at least 3 days after Day 23 for a 23-day expedition. See our Ramechhap flight guide.
What permits do I need?
Four permits are required and all are arranged by MountainKick as part of the package: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, Island Peak Climbing Permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and all associated technical climbing permits. Bring your passport and four passport-sized photos. Climbing permits require more documentation than standard trekking permits.
What travel insurance do I need?
Mandatory. Your policy must cover high-altitude mountaineering to at least 6,200m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance excludes climbing above 6,000m. Check the altitude ceiling in your policy before leaving home. Helicopter evacuation from the Khumbu costs $3,000 to $6,000 and requires pre-authorisation before dispatch. Insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal.
How much cash should I carry?
Budget $30 to $45 per day for 18 teahouse meal days plus $10 to $20 for personal extras. Last reliable ATM is in Namche Bazaar. No cash machines beyond Namche on this route. The Bhote Koshi Valley section around Thame and Lumde has the fewest facilities. Carry enough rupees from Kathmandu, use small denominations, and bring more than you think you need. Total personal spending runs approximately $700 to $900 for the full expedition.
When is the best time for this expedition?
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 on the mountain. Avoid monsoon (June to August). Winter departures (December to February) are possible but Cho La conditions become serious and base camp temperatures drop below -25C.
What visa do I need?
Tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. For a 23-day expedition get the 30-day visa minimum to include buffer days. Current fees: 30-day $50 USD, 90-day $125 USD. Bring USD cash, two passport-sized photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
Your dates, your group, your way
Same route and guides, just your group. Tell us when you'd like to go and how many of you there are, and we'll send you a day by day plan with a price.
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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Footwear
ⓘ 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.
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ 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.
Head, Hands and Neck
ⓘ 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.
Technical Climbing Gear
ⓘ 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.
Gear and Equipment
ⓘ 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.
Health and Hydration
ⓘ 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.
Toiletries
ⓘ No showers at base camp. Wet wipes are your hygiene solution for three nights on the glacier. Quick-dry fabrics only across 23 days.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ Monsoon is not recommended for this expedition. The Island Peak headwall becomes a serious mixed climbing problem, Cho La and Kongma La conditions deteriorate significantly, trails above 4,000m are hazardous, and Lukla flights get delayed frequently. Spring and autumn are the only reliable seasons.
Leave at home
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Jeans and cotton clothing Cotton stays wet and causes dangerous chilling above 5,000m
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Trekking boots above crampon point You need two boot systems. Attempting the headwall in trekking boots is dangerous.
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Standard -10°C sleeping bag Base camp drops below -20°C. Minimum -20°C rated bag required.
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Standard trekking down jacket only Not enough for base camp nights. An expedition parka is required.
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Laptop No need and the weight is punishing on summit day
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Valuables and jewellery Leave at the hotel 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.
Everest High Passes with Island Peak
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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