Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek – 21 days
Island Peak (6.189 m) is one of the most popular climbing peaks in the Everest region, with its impressive glaciated west wall, which rises from the Lhotse Glacier. This tour is designed for experienced and physically fit adventurers who want to experience both trekking and climbing at the same time.
Our adventure begins with a short flight to Lukla and two days of easy walking to Namche Bazaar. From there we will continue through the high valleys of the Khumbu region to Everest Base Camp (5.357 m) and to the viewpoint on Kala Patar (5.545 m), where we will enjoy the classic view on Everest’s southwest face, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Icefall.
The climb will also support acclimatization for Island Peak. After the summit ascent of Island Peak we will take the classic Khumbu route down via Tengboche and Namche Bazaar to Lukla. From there we will fly back to Kathmandu on the next day.
Our Island Peak tour is carefully planned. We always offer extra breaks and acclimatization days so that you will always stay fit and healthy. However, for this tour you should have very good mountain hiking experience, good climbing experience, surefootedness, and a head for heights.
Trip Details
Duration: 21 days
Holiday Type: Lodge - and Camping Trekking
Best trekking Period: Oct/Nov/Mar/Apr/May
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Max Altitude: Island Peak 6.189 m
Group Size: Min. 4 persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only four persons)
Tour Guide: English speaking, trained Nepalese mountain and climbing guide
Costs: € 2.590 per person
€ 200 single room and single tent supplement (only for hotel accommodation, for lodge overnight stays during the trek, especially during the high season, single accommodation is not available).Fitness Level:Trekking Map
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Complete instructions are given in the afternoon. In the evening you are invited for dinner with your mountain guide. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar (D).Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trek
Today we explore Kathmandu with a local city guide. The day is flexible and is designed according to what you would like to see. The most popular places and attractions are generally Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple with an area for burning the dead, Swayambhunath – also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, the Boudhanath stupa, Durbar Square and Thamel – the main tourist centre of Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel (B).Day 3: Early flight to Lukla (2.840m) then trek to Phakding (2.610m) – approx. 5 hours walking
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for the early morning flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. This is a truly spectacular beginning to the trek as we fly over the rolling foothills of Nepal with the huge Himalayan peaks visible to the north. On arrival your guide will arrange porters and then begin the trek following the Dudh Khosi valley to the village of Phakding. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3.445m) – 5 to 6 hours walking
Today there is a long and steep climb up to the trading town of Namche Bazaar. Halfway up the hill we are rewarded with our first views of Everest and Lhotse. Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu and has superb views of Thamserku (6.648m), Kwangde (6.220m) and Khumbila (5.700m). Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
This is the first of two essential acclimatizing days in Namche Bazaar to help your body adapt to the gain in altitude as we climb higher but return to sleep lower. Today we take a morning walk up the steep ridge line above Namche Bazaar. As the trail climbs we get good views of the main Everest Base Camp trail which we will be walking over the coming days. At the top of the ridge the trail then contours round the hillside to the Everest view point. The views on this walk both going up and down are spectacular. On the way back we have lunch next to the interesting Sherpa Culture & Everest Mountaineering Museum which is well worth a visit. After lunch we return to the lodge and in the afternoon you can relax or explore Namche Bazaar. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 6: Namche to Deboche (3.770m) – 5 hours walking
Straight through Namche’s town, join the main trail emerging onto a precipitous canyon wall above the Dudh Kosi. Continue to a junction in the trail then descend to the river, crossing the bridge at Phutenga, 2 hours from Namche. Ascend steeply up a forested ridge to a saddle, a little less than 2 hours away. Thyangboche’s monastery lies here with its spectacular views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku & Tobuche. Our lodge at Deboche is 15 minutes walk away from Tengboche. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 7: Deboche to Pangboche (3.930m), afternoon walk towards Ama Dablam Base Camp (4.800m)- 6 to 7 hours walk
After a descent to the Imja Khola, we cross the river and climb gradually to the village of Pangboche. On arriving at the lodge we will have an early lunch then start the walk towards Ama Dablam Base Camp. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 8: Pangboche to Dingboche (4.350m) – 5 to 6 hours walking
Trekking past the Gompa, at Pangboche, are the summer yak pastures and here lies no doubt as to the Spartan lives of Sherpas. Beyond this, it is as well to understand that overnight sleeping facilities can reflect the harshness of our surroundings. Much of the walking in this area is of comparatively gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is anyway recommended due to the high altitude. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 9: Acclimatization day walk to Chukhung Ri (5.550 m) and back to Dingboche
A second acclimatization day, with optional hikes to Nagajun Hill (approx. 5.050m) or Chukung Ri at 5.550 m, with fine views of Ama Dablam, Makalu and other peaks, interspersed with lakes and glaciers. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 10: Trek to Lobuche (4.931m) – 5 hours walking
From Dingboche the trail contours above Pheriche and on towards the moraine of the Khumbu glacier and then across to Dughla. From Dughla the trail goes directly up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier before turning left just past the climber and sherpa memorial. From here the route descends a little and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche, Tawache and Nuptse are particularly spectacular from Lobuche, towering almost two kilometres directly above you! Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep (5.160m) – 8 to 9 hours walking
After an early start we follow the trail along the western side of the broad Khumbu valley. The conical peak of Pumori soon comes into view, it is on a lower ridge of this mountain where we will go tomorrow for the Everest view point of Kala Patar. The trail makes a short descent to the sandy area at Gorakshep. It should take between 2 to 3 hours walking to get to Gorakshep from Lobuche. After a light lunch, those in the group who would like to walk to Everest Base Camp, will head off for the 5 to 6 hour return trek. The trail is mainly on rocky moraine before crossing over on to the glacier. There is a dramatic view of the infamous Khumbu icefall from the Base Camp. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 12: Trek to Kala Patar (5.545m) and return to Pheriche
In the morning we climb up to the summit of Kala Patar, it is definitely worth it for the great views of Everest plus the other Himalayan giants of Pumori, Lhotse, Changtse and Nuptse. The best vantage point for viewing Everest and the surrounding peaks at sunrise; as if not just Everest but the entire world is breathtaking. After walking up Kala Patar we return to the teahouse at Gorakshep for lunch. We then start our descent and return to the thicker air of Lobuche in the afternoon. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 13: Trek to Base Camp of Island Peak 4.970m – 5 walking hrs
Today our staff set up the High camp and while we slowly walk up to the high camp. We have to spend the night in tent as there are not any lodgestic facilities at the high camp. Overnight camping (B,L,D).Day 14: Reserve day in High Camp
We keep this day free as a reserve day to have better preparation for the confirmed summit. If our clients are not well fit, this free day helps to cover the weak situation and if the weather is not favorable for the summit, our clients have more chance to summit as we have extra day for the summit. Overnight camping (B,L,D).Day 15: Summit climbing and return to Dingboche – 8 walking hrs
Our staff will wake you up at around 2 a.m. and offer you tea before ascending for the summit. We should reach the summit of Island peak at 6.190m around 8 to 10 a.m.. After the summit we will descend to the high camp for having our lunch. Then we will descend to Dingboche for the overnight stay at the lodge. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 16: Trek to Tengboche village (3.860 m) – 6 hours walking
After leaving Dingboche we cross a bridge over the Khumbu River and then rejoin the trail that we took to Dingboche just before entering Tengboche village. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 17: Tengboche to Monjo – 6 to 7 hours walking
On leaving Tengboche we descend steeply through birch and rhododendron forest to the Dudhi Khosi. After crossing the river there is a steady walk up to the Mong La pass at 3.963m. From here we descend to Tashinga where we join the main Base Camp trail again. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 18: Return to Lukla – 5 hours walking
From Monjo we carry on the descent of the Dudh Khosi valley through the villages of Phakding, Ghat and Cheplung. At Chaurikharka we start ascending the final hill of the trek to reach Lukla. On getting to the Sunrise Lodge you can relax and enjoy your last evening with the Sherpa guides and wonderful porters. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu
Transfer to hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel Tibet or similar (B)Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu.
Overnight at hotel (B).Day 21: Fly back home
Transfer to Kathmandu airport / FarewellWe reserve the right to make program changes due to special events, force majeure, or weather conditions.
german speaking travel guide
english speaking travel guide
April 10th, 2021 Request booking May 1st, 2021 Request booking October 2nd, 2021 Request booking October 16th, 2021 Request booking This trekking tour can also be booked for your group at dates other than shown here.
Duration: 21 days
Costs: € 2.590 per person
Group size: min. 4 Persons (all the tour dates are guaranteed with a minimum group size of only four persons)
€ 200 for single room and single tent supplement (only for hotel accommodation, for lodge overnight stays during the trek, especially during the high season, single accommodation is not available).What’s included:
- Airport transfers in Nepal
- All relevant surface transfer
- All hotel accommodation with breakfast
- All meals on trek (B,L,D)
- All internal flights (with Tara Air, Sita Air, Summit Air or Yeti Air), inclusive Airport Taxes and 15kg free luggage
- Sightseeing with entrance fees, guide and vehicle
- Trekking Permit, Island Peak climbing permit, National Park Entrance/Conservation Fees
- Mountain guide, climbing guide and porters
- 15 kg free luggage on trekking tours, carried by porter
- Climbing equipment like two-men tents, fix and main ropes, snow bar, carabiners, ice screw, kitchen equipment
- Cook and kitchen staff during Island Peak.
- Quality service
- Portable Altitude chamber/Oxygen set
- Oxymeter
- Satellite Phone
Not Included:
- International flights
- Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned
- Beverages
- Personal bills
- Visas (US $50)
- Excess baggage charge (beyond 15 Kg each)
- Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
- Tips
Important notes for mountain climbing
In order to participate in our mountain tours, you must meet specific physical requirements. This includes no fear of heights, absolute surefootedness, and excellent health. You should have also mastered independent walking in a rope team and climbing with ice axes and crampons. You should also be able to independently and safely walk in difficult terrains such as on moraine, in scree, on grassy slopes, and scree covered glaciers.On the tours, you will have to master steep ice passages of up to 60° and other physical challenges. Your cardiac and circulation system should of course be healthy. Proof of good health from your doctor is required for booking.
Opinion and behaviour compromises are necessary for these sort of trips. Tolerance and willingness to help the group members as well as the guides and local helpers are absolute requirements for this.
Reaching the summit can be extremely difficult and in extreme cases impossible due to adverse weather conditions (fog, heavy rain, snow, wind) and other adverse conditions. In this case, our responsible mountain guides are authorised to cancel further ascent for the protection and health of all concerned. In such cases, personal interests must be put on the back burner. There are no recourse claims.
We point out that all domestic flights in Nepal are visual flights and in bad weather may be delayed or even cancelled. Keeping to the programme can depend on the feasibility of flights, among other things.
Additionally, the travel programme for all of our recommended tours is carefully planned. However, it is possible that roads need to be blocked or are impassable as a result of climatic events in the destination country. It is also possible that there may be delays of several hours due to traffic congestion or fuel shortages. This may also mean that access to attractions is blocked.
Our travel guides adjust to such situations and will endeavour to nevertheless achieve all the programme points to the satisfaction of the participants. The inconvenience is therefore usually kept within limits. Nevertheless, it should be noted at this point that the above-mentioned reasons can always result in changes to the programme. The pressures of such changes are beyond the responsibility of the organiser. The resulting costs are borne by the traveller. We apologise for any inconvenience.Visa
Your visa can be issued on arrival at a counter at Kathmandu airport. Visa costs on arriving in Kathmandu amount to US $ 50 (stay of up to 30 days) and US $ 100 (stay of up to 90 days).
The fees can also be paid in euros, which are converted by the bank at the airport in accordance with the dollar exchange rate. Two passport size photographs must be provided for the visa. At the time of the trip your passport must be valid for at least a further six months and have at least one blank page.These visa and passport regulations apply to EU countries, Switzerland and the USA. Other nationals should check with the relevant consular authorities.Insurance
Travel health insurance (with recovery costs) is essential for your own safety and a precondition for participation in our trips. In the event of an accident in the mountains which requires a helicopter rescue, the helicopter will not take off before the responsibility for the cost is clarified.
The conclusion of travel cancellation insurance is highly recommended. In the case of bargain price flights in particular, changes or cancellations generally can’t be made free of charge. In Nepal complications with the weather or with your health could make it necessary to break off your journey.
We have requested ERGO (Reiseversicherung) to create various service packages for you. You can book travel health insurance at https://www.reiseversicherung.de/vrv/partner/ep-Assistent.html?/data/agent/hagtnr=027256&/data/agent/nagtnr=000000.Please note: ERGO insurance can be booked by residents of Germany and Austria. Those living in other countries are requested to book their travel insurance through an insurance provider in their own country.
It should be noted that geoDiscovery Tours advises its customers to book their travel insurance via ERGO as a recommendation only, and accepts no responsibility for the contractual content between the customer and the travel insurance provider. Customers can book their travel insurance via ERGO or another provider at their own discretion.The hotels and lodges booked by us
In Kathmandu and Pokhara the hotels we book are good and correspond to medium-level Western standards. Sanitary facilities are clean and functional; the hotel cuisine is adapted to Western eating habits and the food is safe to enjoy. There may sometimes be power cuts, or no hot water may be available for a while. The hotel staff is generally very friendly and looks after the welfare of guests. The hotels booked by us are as follows:Kathmandu: Hotel Tibet ***+
Pokhara: Mount Kailash Resort, Lake side retreat ***
Palpa/Tansen: Hotel Srinagar **
Lumbini: Hotel New Crystal ***
Chitwan: Jungle Villa Resort
Nagarkot: Nagarkot FarmhouseDuring the trek and in the interior of the country conditions are very varied, and travelers must sometimes expect basic sanitation facilities. For standard treks and tours you will stay overnight in typical “lodges” (teahouses). These usually offer very small single rooms or double rooms (some with no running water and no private shower / toilet).
In general, during the trekking tour you can select what you wish to eat from the menu. However, at altitudes of 4,000 meters it can happen that on some routes the choice of food is not very extensive. Typical Nepalese cuisine is mostly vegetarian, but very tasty, filling and wholesome. Travelers need to be adaptable, however.Flying in Nepal
The domestic flights booked by us are with Tara Air, Sita Air, Summit Air, Yeti Air or Buddha. Air