Island Peak Climbing

duration 17 days
usd 3,140 All inclusive
difficulty Very Hard

Moderate paced with extensive outdoor adventure; camping; strenuous activity. Requires excellent fitness and stamina.

Extensive outdoor adventure; camping; Requires excellent fitness and stamina.
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 20,305 feet on top of Island Peak

trip overview

Summit the Island Peak to become an actual mountaineer yourself. This could be the adventure you wanted all your life or a preparation for climbing even higher peaks in the future.

Our expedition to the top of Island Peak begins, in the true sense, in Lukla. We trek in the Everest region for about a week to get to the Island Peak, the journey itself helping in acclimatization and being an adventure.After your journey, you will return home as a real mountaineer who has scaled a Himalayan peak.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival.

A representative of Mountain Kick will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (4,600 feet). Rest overnight at your hotel musing over your Himalayan adventure ahead.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Sightseeing around Kathmandu. Pre-trip meeting.

See Kathmandu first before embarking on your adventure. This ancient city is dotted with royal courtyards, monasteries and temples which offer a glimpse into local culture. Your journey starts the next day and we will brief you on your big trip.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Fly to Lukla (9,334ft) & trek to Phakding (8,562ft).

You will reach Lukla, a small tourist town overlooking Everest, in just half-an-hour. Lukla lies officially inside the Everest Region and you will begin your Everest Panorama trek here. We will warm up with a three-hour trek downhill to Phakding village and rest for the day.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 04
Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,290ft).

We will trek for about six hours to get to Namche Bazaar. You will be entering into the Sagarmatha National Park and walking through suspension bridges over vertigo-inducing gorges to get there. As the name suggests, Namche Bazaar is a thriving marketplace geared for tourists and it is so much fun to hang out here.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
Rest at Namche.

We rest here to get properly acclimatized to the altitude and temperature. You might want to go for last minute shopping or perhaps chill out at a night club.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 06
Trek to Tengboche (12,600ft).

Trek for about five hours and you will reach Tengboche. The village is located at the confluence of the Imja River and the Dudh Koshi River and is home to the largest monastery in the region the Tengboche monastery.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
Trek to Dingboche (14,470ft).

We follow the Imja River towards Mount Everest. We will reach Dingboche in about six hours. The village lies on the bank of the Imja River and is known for stone walls that run throughout and beyond the village.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 08
Trek to Chukhung (15,518ft).

We keep following the Imja River towards the Chukhung Valley. Four hours of trekking will get us here from Dingboche. Chukhung is surrounded by Mount Lhotse and Mount Nuptse from the north, by Mount Cho Polu and Mount Baruntse from the east and by Mount Ama Dablam from the south. This means you will be right in the middle of the Himalayas cornered by mountains and glaciers.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 09
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (16,690ft).

It takes four hours of hiking to reach the base camp of Island Peak or the Imja Tse. The mountain appears as an island in the sea of ice and hence the moniker. We will camp here in a tent for the night.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 10
Rest at Island Peak Base Camp.

We will summit Island Peak, which rises over 20,000 feet above the sea level, the next day so you will need all the rest you could get. Be mentally prepared and physically acclimatized.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 11
Summit Island Peak (20,305ft). Then return to Chukhung (15,518ft).

Island Peak is the most climbed mountain in the Himalayan range. It has a difficulty grade of Alpine PD+ so that means it requires some climbing skills but is possible with the help of a guide. There is a tricky crevasse near the summit but don’t worry we will get you over it. We will start the summit before sunrise and get back to the base and return to Chukhung before sunset.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 12
Trek to Tengboche.

We start to get back now. We will walk for six hours to get to Tengboche, the same place where we were at on Day 06 of our journey.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 13
Trek to Namche Bazaar via Khumjung.

Khumjung is a relatively large village which lies on our way back to Namche. The village lies next to Mount Khumbila and the local monastery is believed to be made of a Yeti scalp. Past the village and after a few hours through forests, suspension bridges and alongside mountain ridges will get you to Namche Bazaar, back to the society after your ordeal with wilderness. It’s not too early to celebrate, so you might want to head out and share your adventure over a couple of drinks.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 14
Trek to Lukla.

We will climb up the place where it all started, Lukla. Your Everest Panorama trek ends here. You will not have to walk anymore.
- Accomodation: Guesthouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 15
Fly to Kathmandu.

In about no time, you will be back to Kathmandu. The bustling city will be a sharp contrast to the calm of the Himalayas.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 16
Leisure day. Farewell dinner.

Spend the day it as you like it. You might want to visit some more heritage sites or wander around happening parts of the city like Thamel. We will have a farewell dinner planned for your last night in Nepal.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
day 17
Final Departure.

You will be headed home and recollections of your Himalayan expedition will keep you occupied on your long flight back.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
Stay at guesthouses during the trek on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
Fees for Sagarmatha National Park entering permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System card
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
Fully paid round-trip tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla flight and back. Rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Visa fees for entering Nepal.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 550.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Nepal?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Nepal?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a climbing trip with Mountain Kick involve?

We arrange a group of like-minded international travellers and take them to the summit and back with the help of our guides, porters and local support staff. We will begin the trip with short and easy treks as preparation for the tougher climbs and gradually gain altitude. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.We will have acclimatization rest, especially before the final summit, when our guides will train you on valuable mountaineering skills.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

You need to come well-prepared, both physically and mentally, before attempting to summit a Himalayan peak. You will have to trek for several days in harsh climate and rugged terrain before even reaching the base of the mountain. Climbing a mountain requires a specific set of skills and although our guides and trainers prep you up before the summit, it will be better if you come prepared beforehand. It is recommended that you take light endurance training before attempting to scale the Himalayas.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250.Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your climbing package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
What will I have to carry for the trip?

You will carry a light backpack which will contain some equipment and the things you might need (see here for suggestions).Your bag shall not weigh more than 20 pounds. On the day of the summit, you will also carry your climbing gears. Everything else will be carried by our porters. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters.
Will oxygen and other medical and emergency kits be carried?

Our porters will carry oxygen cylinders as anybody might need it on very high altitudes. They will also carry personal altitude chambers which helps people suffering from mountain sickness.The guides always carry a professional medical kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customised trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment list section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee. You will not need specialized mountaineering gears like ice axes, crampons, helmets, or harnesses but our porters will carry them nonetheless if need arises.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook every day. Our guides also carry satellite phones so that you can make calls in the remotest places. There is a small fee for using the phones though.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?

You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

Only embark on this expedition if you are in good physical condition and have had prior experience in mountain climbing. Climbing on snow and treading past crevasses towards the summit of Island Peak is not easy, to say the least.
Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered. Please note that the flight to Lukla, the first step in your journey, is very vulnerable to weather shocks and it is common that flights are delayed or cancelled due to unfavourable weather.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one.
Spring down jacket – one.
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Binoculars
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

private dates
customize your trip

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.

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.

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As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.