island-peak-nepal

Island Peak Climbing

●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviews

Summit Island Peak (6,189m) with full mountaineering training at base camp and a licensed climbing Sherpa on the rope with you from 2 AM to the top.

Duration 16 Days
Difficulty Expedition What does this mean?
Max Altitude 6,189m (Island Peak summit) 20,305ft
Best Season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
From USD $2,580 All inclusive Check Dates & Price

On The Trail

What It Really Looks Like
16 photos
Tribhuvan_International_Airport
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Namche bazar view from the top
Everest view hotel everest trek
Tengboche Monastary
VIew around Dingboche
Beautiful view of Chhukung village
view of the ridge while summiting Island peak
Island peak base camp view
view of the ridge while summiting Island peak
Mani Rimdu festival masked dancers at Tengboche Monastery during October on the Everest Base Camp trek route
Hotel Yak in Namche Bazar
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche
Lukla Airport
Mountainkick ABC trek welocme dinner
See off at TIA Kathmandu
Trip Overview

Island Peak Climbing — What to Expect

16 days · 6,189m (Island Peak summit) · All inclusive from $2,580

Summit Island Peak 6,189m

Stand on your first Himalayan summit with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam on the same horizon

Licensed Climbing Sherpa

One dedicated climbing Sherpa on the rope with you from base camp to the summit and back

Full Technical Training

Crampons, ice axe, jumar, fixed ropes, and crevasse crossing covered at base camp before summit day

All Meals Included

Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Day 2 to Day 15, including base camp and farewell dinner

Island Peak (Imja Tse) sits at 6,189m in the Imja Valley, surrounded by Lhotse, Nuptse, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam. It was first summited in 1953 by members of the British Everest Expedition as a training climb before their Everest attempt. The same route they used is the route climbed today. It is the most popular trekking peak above 6,000m in Nepal and the standard entry point into technical Himalayan mountaineering.

This 16-day expedition goes directly to the summit via the Chhukung Valley. No Everest Base Camp detour, no side trips. Every acclimatisation day, every camp choice, and every rest day is structured around one objective: putting you in the best possible physical condition to reach the top. The route follows the classic Khumbu trail to Namche, then branches into the quieter Imja Valley through Dingboche and Chhukung to base camp at 5,087m. Summit day starts at 2:00 AM. The ascent covers steep scree to crampon point, glacier travel, crevasse crossings on fixed ladders, fixed rope sections on jumar, and a near-vertical 100m headwall before the exposed summit ridge. Round trip from base camp is 8 to 14 hours depending on conditions.

No prior mountaineering experience is required. A full technical training session runs at base camp on Day 9 covering crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes, and crevasse rescue. What you do need is solid multi-day trekking fitness and the resolve for a long pre-dawn summit push. If you want Island Peak combined with Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, that is a separate 20-day itinerary: EBC with Island Peak.

All meals are included throughout: every breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Day 2 through Day 15 at teahouses and base camp, plus the farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Two buffer days are built in for Lukla flight delays.

See Available Dates
The Full Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

16 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
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 the 16-day route, gear check, permits, summit day sequence, and Lukla flight logistics. Lay out all your kit tonight.

Day Stat Transfer day
Meals Welcome refreshments
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Tribhuvan_International_Airport

Early morning flight to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Porters organise loads while you prepare for the first day on trail. The route drops gently alongside the Dudh Koshi River through pine forest and Sherpa settlements to Phakding. An easy introduction 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
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Phakding
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Boarding flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

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 get your first view of Everest above the ridge before reaching town.

Day Stat 11km · 5–7 hrs · +830m gain
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Namche bazar view from the top

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 expedition gear shops in town.

Day Stat 6km · 3–4 hrs · +440m gain, sleep low
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Everest view hotel everest trek

The trail drops to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga then climbs through rhododendron forest to Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual centre of the Khumbu. Founded in 1916 and rebuilt after a 1989 fire, the monastery sits on a ridge with a full panorama of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. Evening prayers are worth attending.

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

The trail passes through Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the Khumbu, before climbing into the open Imja Valley above the tree line. Island Peak appears on the horizon for the first time from Dingboche, rising distinctly above the surrounding glaciers exactly as Eric Shipton described it in 1953 — like an island in a sea of ice.

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

A shorter day that gains altitude steadily through the upper Imja Valley. Chhukung sits in one of the most dramatic natural amphitheatres in the Himalaya: Lhotse and Nuptse to the north, Baruntse and Cho Polu to the east, Ama Dablam to the south, and Island Peak directly ahead. This is your staging ground. Rest, eat well, and prepare your kit for base camp tomorrow.

Day Stat 8km · 4–5 hrs · +320m gain
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Chhukung
Beautiful view of Chhukung village

The approach follows the Imja Glacier moraine through ice-polished boulders and shifting seracs. Island Peak rises directly ahead as you climb. On arrival your climbing guide runs the route briefing, checks all equipment, and confirms the summit plan. Early dinner and early bed — summit day is two days away but the preparation starts now.

Day Stat 4km · 3–4 hrs · +357m gain
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Expedition tent, Island Peak Base Camp
view of the ridge while summiting Island peak
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A full day on the glacier before the summit attempt. Your climbing guide leads hands-on training covering crampon technique on snow and ice, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes with a jumar, crevasse crossing on a ladder system, and rope team protocol. This is also your opportunity to ask every question about the summit route. Early dinner, early sleep. Alarm goes off at 1:30 AM tomorrow.

Day Stat Training day
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Expedition tent, Island Peak Base Camp
Island peak base camp view

Alarm at 1:30 AM. Depart base camp by 2:00 AM. The first section crosses rocky scree on a steep 400m zigzag path — trekking boots, hands required in places. At crampon point the glacier begins. Rope up, crampons on, jumar out. The route crosses several crevasses on fixed ladders, ascends fixed rope sections, and finishes on a near-vertical 100m headwall of snow and ice before the exposed summit ridge at 6,189m. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse fill the horizon. Descend in full to Chhukung for the night.

Day Stat 6km round trip from BC · 8–14 hrs · +1,102m gain then full descent
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Chhukung
view of the ridge while summiting Island peak

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

Day Stat 15km · 6–7 hrs · -870m descent
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Tengboche
Mani Rimdu festival masked dancers at Tengboche Monastery during October on the Everest Base Camp trek route

The descent routes through Khumjung, a classic Sherpa village with views back toward the peaks you have just been climbing. Drop into Namche for the final night in the Khumbu. The perspective has changed since you last walked this path — you crossed the 6,000m line since then.

Day Stat 12km · 5–6 hrs · -420m descent
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Namche Bazaar
Hotel Yak in Namche Bazar

 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
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Lukla
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche
Suspension bridge on the way to Namche

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

Day Stat Flight day
Meals Breakfast
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Lukla Airport

Free day in Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or the Durbar Squares, or simply recover. This is also the backup buffer if the Day 14 flight was delayed. In the evening your MountainKick guides join you for a traditional Nepali farewell dinner a proper celebration of your summit.

Day Stat Rest day
Meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Stay 3-star hotel, Kathmandu
Mountainkick ABC trek welocme dinner

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Hotel checkout at 12:00 PM. Luggage storage available if your flight departs later. Your NMA summit certificate for Island Peak is handed over before departure.

Day Stat Departure day
Meals Breakfast
See off at TIA Kathmandu
See off at TIA Kathmandu
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
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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, 11 nights Twin-sharing throughout
  • Expedition tents at base camp, 2 nights Professional setup with dining tent, toilet tent, and cook
  • All meals, Day 2 to Day 15 Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner at teahouses and base camp
  • 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 per group on the full summit attempt
  • Assistant climbing Sherpa Added for groups of 4 or more, improves safety ratio on technical sections
  • 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 trekkers in the Khumbu region 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 Full session covering crampons, ice axe, jumar, fixed ropes, and crevasse rescue
  • NMA summit certificate Issued on successful summit, collected by MountainKick on your behalf
  • Duffel bag Yours to keep
  • All government taxes and fees Nothing hidden
Not Included 10
  • International flights To and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa 30-day on arrival $50 USD, bring cash and two passport photos
  • Meals in Kathmandu Except farewell dinner on Day 15
  • Personal climbing equipment Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet — all rentable in Kathmandu
  • Travel insurance Must cover high-altitude mountaineering to 6,200m and helicopter evacuation
  • Personal expenses Hot showers, WiFi, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry
  • Tips 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
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

Airport pickup and drop Free
Private vehicle, we meet you at arrivals and see you off at departure
Pre-expedition gear briefing Free
Kit check, equipment fitting, and full route briefing the evening before you fly
Climbing equipment rental coordination Free
We connect you with trusted Thamel shops for mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, and helmet
Luggage storage Free
Leave your city bags with us while on the mountain, collect on return
Ramechhap transfer Free
Pre-dawn vehicle arranged for peak season Lukla flights, no extra cost
NMA certificate collection Free
We handle the paperwork so your summit certificate is ready before departure
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.

Hotel Vistara for Langtang trek
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 from Phakding to Chhukung. Rooms are simple — a bed, blankets, and a window. Shared bathrooms at most stops. Hot showers available at Lukla, Namche, and Dingboche at an extra charge of $3–5. Above Dingboche facilities reduce significantly. Chhukung teahouses are basic but fully functional during climbing season.

At Island Peak Base Camp you sleep in expedition tents on twin-sharing basis for two nights. 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.

Teahouse accomodation in Nepal
Food & daily budget

All meals are included from Day 2 through Day 15. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner at teahouses and base camp, plus the farewell dinner in Kathmandu. The only meals outside the package are lunches and dinners in Kathmandu other than the farewell dinner.

At teahouses dal bhat is the best option — filling, reliable, free refills. Pasta, noodles, eggs, and soup available everywhere below Dingboche. Above that, menus simplify and portions shrink. Avoid meat above Namche. At base camp your cook prepares hot meals three times a day. High-calorie food is prioritised in the days before the summit.

Hot shower $3–5
WiFi $2–5 per day where available
Soft drinks and snacks $2–5
Charging devices $2–5 per device
Personal climbing gear rental $15–30 per day in Kathmandu
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.
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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything trekkers ask us before booking the Island Peak Climbing — answered honestly.

No. Island Peak is specifically designed as an entry point into technical Himalayan mountaineering. A full training session runs at base camp on Day 9 covering crampon technique, ice axe arrest position, ascending and descending fixed ropes with a jumar, and crevasse crossing on a ladder system. What you need is solid multi-day trekking fitness and the resolve for a long pre-dawn summit push. Prior mountaineering experience is an advantage but not a requirement.

Island Peak is graded Alpine PD+ and rated Level 5 Expedition on our scale. The trekking approach is Level 4 Hard. Summit day is the crux: a 2:00 AM start, 400m of steep scree in the dark, glacier travel, crevasse crossings on fixed ladders, fixed rope sections on jumar, and a near-vertical 100m headwall before the exposed summit ridge. Round trip from base camp is 8 to 14 hours depending on conditions and group pace. With proper acclimatisation and an experienced climbing Sherpa, the summit success rate is 85 to 95%. See our full difficulty guide.

Alarm at 1:30 AM. Depart base camp by 2:00 AM. The first section is a steep 400m zigzag on rocky scree where hands are required in places — trekking boots for this section, mountaineering boots carried until crampon point. At the snow line you put on crampons, rope up, and attach your jumar. The route crosses several crevasses on fixed ladders, ascends fixed rope sections up the glacier, then tackles the final 100m near-vertical headwall of snow and ice. The summit ridge is exposed and narrow. From the top: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and Baruntse simultaneously. Descent back to Chhukung the same day.

The group equipment — fixed ropes, ice screws, snow anchors — is provided. Personal technical gear (mountaineering boots, 12-point crampons, ice axe 60–70cm, climbing harness, helmet, jumar, carabiners) is not included but all items are available to rent in Kathmandu. Mountaineering boots are the most important item. They must be rigid-soled, crampon-compatible, and insulated for high altitude. Do not attempt to use standard trekking boots above crampon point. MountainKick connects you with trusted rental shops at the pre-expedition briefing.

This 16-day expedition goes directly to Island Peak via the Chhukung Valley. No Everest Base Camp, no Kala Patthar. Every day is structured around the summit. If you want both EBC and Island Peak in one trip, that is the EBC with Island Peak (20 days). If you want the most complete Khumbu circuit plus the summit, see the Everest High Passes with Island Peak (23 days).

Yes. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Day 2 through Day 15 is included — at teahouses on the trek and at base camp where your cook prepares hot meals. The farewell dinner in Kathmandu is also included. The only meals outside the package are lunches and dinners in Kathmandu other than the farewell dinner. Your main out-of-pocket costs on the trail are personal extras: hot showers ($3–5), WiFi ($2–5), and soft drinks. Budget $10–20 per day for personal spending.

The itinerary builds altitude gradually over 8 days before the summit: Namche (3,440m), Tengboche (3,860m), Dingboche (4,410m), Chhukung (4,730m), base camp (5,087m). A dedicated acclimatisation day in Namche on Day 4 uses the climb high, sleep low principle — hike to 3,880m, sleep at 3,440m. A full rest and training day at base camp on Day 9 means you never rush to the summit. This structure gives your body 8 days to adapt before the technical section begins.

Three permits are required and all are arranged by MountainKick as part of the package: 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 (NMA). The NMA permit is the key document for the summit — it is what entitles you to attempt the climb legally and what your summit certificate is issued against. Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos.

Your climbing guide carries a pulse oximeter, supplemental oxygen, and a portable altitude chamber (Gamow bag) at all times above Namche. Oxygen saturation is monitored daily. The itinerary builds altitude gradually with one structured acclimatisation day. Descending 300 to 500m relieves most symptoms quickly. Talk to your doctor about Diamox before you leave — it is available in Kathmandu but better discussed beforehand. Read our altitude sickness guide for a full breakdown.

Safety is non-negotiable. If conditions are unsafe on summit day your climbing guide postpones the attempt. Two buffer days are built into Days 14 and 15 for exactly this scenario as well as Lukla flight delays. Summit decisions are made by the climbing guide based on wind speed, visibility, temperature, and route conditions on the night. Turning back is always the right call and your guide will make it without hesitation.

One dedicated climbing Sherpa is provided for the group. For groups of 4 or more an additional assistant climbing Sherpa joins the team. All climbing Sherpas hold government-issued NMA climbing licences and carry first aid equipment and an oximeter. On the technical sections of the summit route your Sherpa provides hands-on support including short-roping where needed.

Mandatory. Your policy must specifically cover high-altitude mountaineering to at least 6,200m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance and many trekking policies exclude climbing above 6,000m. Read 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.

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 the itinerary. Still, schedule your international departure at least 2 days after Day 16 if you can. More detail in our Ramechhap flight guide.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). October and November give the most stable weather, clearest skies, and best fixed rope conditions on the upper mountain. 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 and Lukla flights get delayed frequently. Winter departures (December to February) are possible but temperatures at base camp can drop below -20°C and the headwall conditions are significantly more technical.

Tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. For a 16-day trip get the 30-day visa to include buffer days. Current fees: 30-day $50 USD. Bring USD cash, two passport-sized photos, and a passport valid for at least 6 months. Online pre-application available through Nepal’s Department of Immigration.

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 →
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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.

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MountainKick Expert-led Himalayan Treks · mountainkick.com Island Peak Climbing — Packing List
Be Prepared

Packing List

This list covers 16 days of trekking and climbing to 6,189m. Personal technical climbing gear (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, jumar) can be rented in Kathmandu or Chhukung. Sleeping bags and mountaineering boots are also rentable. MountainKick connects you with trusted shops at the pre-expedition briefing. Items that touch your skin, base layers, socks, gloves should be personal, not rented. All meals are included so no trail food budget is needed.

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 $10 to $20 per day for personal extras. Small denominations essential.
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 Island Peak climbing. The headwall becomes a serious mixed climbing problem with unstable ice and poor visibility, Lukla flights get delayed frequently, and the approach trails are muddy and hazardous. Spring and autumn are the only reliable seasons for a safe summit attempt.
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
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Island Peak Climbing

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