Day 1
Arrival
Arrive Kathmandu. Stay in either the AA Guesthouse or local hotel.
Climb Island Peak (Imja Tse), 6189m
19-day mountaineering itinerary, reaching about 6,189 metres
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Route overview
The Island Peak expedition is a minimum 19 days when you include days in Kathmandu and has 16 days on trek / climb. We do recommend allowing extra time for potential flight delays getting into and out of the mountains. The gradual ascent up the Khumbu valley allows for excellent acclimatisation, which is further enhanced with a climb up Chukhung Ri (5550m) for a great view of the south wall of Lhotse. There is also the optional extra (see cost tab) of adding on an adventure up the Kongma La pass with it’s classic views over the Khumbu Glacier and a climb of Pokalde (5806m). Our main objective, Island Peak, is the final highlight of the trip and a classic 6000m peak which was climbed by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing back in 1953 as their training peak for Everest. By the time we come to climb you’ll be well acclimatised and mountain fit. During the trip, you will learn and use many skills in safe travel on mountains at high altitude including glacier travel, scrambling and moving on mixed snow and ice terrain. Good alpine skills are a requirement for this trip and if not possible to learn these before you join us them you will have plenty of time to learn and practice them before reaching Island Peak. The summit day on Island Peak does involve crossing a crevassed glacier using a climbing rope, negotiating some ladders across crevasses, using a jumar to ascend a fixed line and then a descender to come back down again (there is no top rope on the abseil) and negotiating a narrow exposed ridge to the summit. Note: some people like to also complete the trek to Everest Base Camp prior to climbing Island Peak. If you would like to do this then add two days to the trip and contact us to arrange. Remember to always allow leeway for the return flight home because the mountain flights in and out of Lukla are often delayed by bad weather. We recommend a minimum of 24 hours but 48 hours is better
Why travellers choose this trip
Climb Island Peak (Imja Tse), 6189m is a mountaineering itinerary running over 19 days with a high point around 6,189 metres and a moderate grading. Typical routing includes Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar.
- 19-day sourced itinerary - High point around 6189 metres - Peak focus: Island Peak, Mount Everest - Key locations: Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar
Photos from Climb Island Peak (Imja Tse), 6189m
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 2
Rest Day & Briefing
Rest day and briefing in Kathmandu. Possible drive to Ramechhap** – see ‘Lukla Flight’ details below.
Day 3
Flight to Lukla
Flight* to Lukla, walk downhill to Phakding or Jorsale along the edge of the Dudh Kosi River. Easy, busy path, surrounded by forest.
Day 4
Namche Bazaar
Uphill to Namche Bazaar which is the Sherpa capital in the heart of the Khumbu region. Nowadays there are also many equipment shops, internet, bank, post office, cafes, bars, lodges and hire shops here.
Day 5
Acclimatisation Day
Acclimatisation Day is used as a rest and acclimatisation day. Base altitude or local high point is around 3,440 metres. Short local walks may be used if conditions and energy levels allow.
Day 6
Deboche
Walk to Deboche which is near the famous Thyangboche Monastery.
Day 7
Dingboche
This stage covers Stage based from Kathmandu. Expect moderate difficulty, about 402 metres of ascent, about 0 metres of descent, a high point near 4,252 metres. Typical moving time is around 5 hours.
Day 8
Rest & Acclimatisation Day
Rest & Acclimatisation Day is used as a rest and acclimatisation day. Base altitude or local high point is around 4,252 metres. Short local walks may be used if conditions and energy levels allow.
Day 9
Chukkung
Trek up to the village of Chukkung and overnight in lodge. Extra equipment hire is here.
Day 10
Chukkung Ri
Options include a trek up to Chukkung Ri for acclimatisation or camping at the lakes below the summit of Pokalde and a climb of this peak in the early morning. Or a rest day. If the weather is looking good then it may be better to go straight to Island Peak.
Day 11
Pokalde / Island Peak Base Camp
Optional climb of Pokalde and back to Chukkung in the afternoon or up to Island Peak base camp.
Day 12
Island Peak Base Camp
Camping at the lower base camp, preparation of kit, acclimatisation.
Day 15
Deboche
Trek down to Deboche.
Day 18
Weather Day
Additional Weather Day
Day 19
Kathmandu / Ramechhap
Flight* to Kathmandu / Ramechhap, which is always in the morning. Allow at least 24 hours leeway for potential mountain flight delays, preferably 48 hours.
Day 20
Departure
International Flight home. This is the end date of the trip, although additional options remain such as travelling to Chitwan or staying in Kathmandu.
Mountains summited on this trip
Nearby mountains for the same itinerary
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Mountain collections
Mountains by Elevation
35
6000m+ Peaks
Peaks at or above 6000 metres.