Island Peak Climbing with the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is one of the most popular and demanding adventures offered by Overland Trek Nepal. This thrilling journey combines the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp with the exhilarating climb of Island Peak (Imja Tse), standing at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet). This trip provides a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes in the Khumbu region.
Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek is the best trek in the Everest Region which is located in the heart of the Khumbu region of Nepal within the Sagarmatha National Park, offering climbers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Originally named Imja Tse, this peak was first ascended in 1953 by a British expedition team. The name “Island Peak” was coined by Eric Shipton’s party in 1952 because it looks like an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche.
Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek is a more historical trek in Nepal. However, Island Peak’s history intertwines deeply with Everest’s. Climbers first scaled Island Peak in the early 1950s, and since then, it has become a favored training ground for mountaineers preparing for higher and more challenging ascents. Many climbers use Island Peak as a stepping stone before attempting to summit Everest and other towering peaks in the Himalayas. The route to the summit, involving rocky trails, snow, and ice climbing, offers a comprehensive and challenging climbing experience.
Adventure seekers worldwide have made Island Peak Climbing with the Everest Base Camp Trek immensely popular. This trek not only offers the satisfaction of reaching the base camp of the world’s highest mountain but also provides the thrill of scaling a significant Himalayan peak. The combination of trekking and climbing makes this trip suitable for both novice and experienced climbers. Consequently, demand for this trip has been on the rise.
Trekkers will immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the Sherpa community, known for their hospitality and mountaineering expertise. As you journey through the Khumbu region, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local villagers, visit ancient monasteries, and witness the traditional lifestyle of the Sherpa people. This cultural immersion adds a profound depth to the overall experience.
A moderate level of physical fitness and basic mountaineering skills are required for this adventure. Pre-trek training focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility is highly recommended. Proper acclimatization and hydration during the trek are crucial to avoid altitude sickness and ensure a successful climb.
Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek by Overland Trek Nepal is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. This trip promises an unforgettable experience, from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serene heights of Island Peak. Adventurers will witness the grandeur of the Himalayas, achieve a remarkable climbing feat, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The flight into Kathmandu with a panoramic view of the valley below and the Himalayan ranges towering above the clouds is stunning. Once you land and check out from the Tribhuvan International Airport our agent will greet and welcome you, and drive you to your hotel, later on, in the evening you’ll be assisted with all of your travel requirements for the trek by your guide then will move for to have Typical Nepali Thakali thali set which will be new experiences for you.
After your morning breakfast, we will do the shopping for some missing equipment that is required to have for the trek and we will check all the things to be ready for the trip completely.
An early morning flight to Lukla a picturesque mountaintop settlement starts your Everest adventure after you get to Lukla you will have Breakfast with the team get a short brief, and head out on your adventure.
Descend past Chauri Kharka village to the Dudh Koshi River, a lovely trail that follows the river’s bank leading to Phakding (2,610m), a small Sherpa settlement hidden in the verdant Dudh Koshi Valley. On the route, you’ll pass by Khumbila, a sacred peak sacred among Sherpas, climbing this peak is prohibited making it one of the Khumbu’s few unclimbed summits.
Once you arrive at Phakding take a stroll around the village
After your early morning breakfast Set out for Namche Bazaar, Nepal’s “Sherpa capital.” The trail today passes the Dudh Koshi, a milky glacial river up to Monjo, walks across numerous suspension bridges including the renowned Hillary Suspension Bridge, and through mesmerizing pine and conifer forests.
Before arriving at the Sagarmatha National Park entrance arrange your permits for inspection, after the permits are checked trek down alongside the Dudh Koshi River to Jorsale, and you can have a lunch break here, after your lunch break it’s a tough climb up to Namche Bazaar, the Everest Region’s economic powerhouse, brace yourself as from here you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest
This is your first day of acclimatization as you climb higher, your body will need to adapt to the higher altitudes due to thin air there are several vantage points in the village where you can go for an acclimatization hike. Everest Region’s finest bakeries, cafés, restaurants, shops, and the only ATM in this region can be found here.
Interact with the friendly locals or hike up to any of the vantage points for stunning views of the Himalayas, before sunrise to witness Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and Lhotse are all illuminated by the sun’s rays, during the day explore the Sherpa Culture Museum Learn about Sherpa culture and customs at the.
An upward hike from Shyangboche Airport to Everest View Hotel is a great way to acclimate while seeing Mount Everest, Thamserku, and Ama Dablam up close, hike to the Khumjung and Kunde settlements, or visit Sir Edmund Hillary’s school in Khumjung, the first school in the Everest Region and visit 400 years old Khumjung Monastery where The skull of Yeti, the abominable snowman, is said to be kept.
After your morning breakfast you will move to Tengboche, The trail today provides amazing sights of the Himalayan ranges. Himalayan giants Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kwangde can be seen from the trail, passing through Oak, Juniper, Confers, and Rhododendron forests.
Tengboche is the destination for today’s trek, close-up view of Ama Dablam, widely regarded as one of the world’s most picturesque peaks can be seen from here. The Khumbu region’s oldest Buddhist monastery Tengboche Monastery emerges over the settlement, explores the monastery, and attends to the monks’ trance-inducing hum and chanting.
Additionally, the golden rays of the sun brushing over the snowy mountains at dawn and dusk, are not to be missed.
After your early morning breakfast will head towards Dingboche, you’ll pass through the plains and meadows to the Imja Khola (River) views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam are breathtaking, the settlement of Pangboche is home to the region’s largest permanent Sherpa settlement where you’ll experience a unique Sherpa ambiance, lifestyle and delicious local cuisine. From Pangboche proceed to Dingboche in the afternoon, when you reach there, you will take a rest and have lunch then go for a short hike, and explore the place which will help to digest the high altitude
Take a day to acclimate to the high altitude at Dingboche.
This is your second day for acclimatization, trekkers and climbers have plenty to do here, an acclimatization hike to Nangkatshang or Nagarjun hill (5,100 m), named after a Buddhist monk who lived on the hilltop, is one of the Khumbu region’s most beautiful viewpoints, there are no difficult aspects to this uphill trek expect of some loose rocks be careful. However, no technical climbing is required, and there is nothing to be concerned about other than the altitude.
Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kantega, Thamserku, and other peaks can be seen in a 360-degree panorama. Ama Dablam’s entire mountain can be seen from here, you can also get a good look at the Imja glacier from the top. Relax or go for a walk once you head back to the village.
Today wake up early have your breakfast and continue to Lobuche, a tiny village with spectacular views of Lobuche, Pumori, and Nuptse, through steep mountain terrain, because of the high altitude, walking may be difficult, so take frequent breaks and stop for lunch along the way in Thukla (4,600 m).
At Thukla Pass, you’ll pass by memorial stupas built in honor of mountaineers who died while attempting to climb Mount Everest; notable among the stone tributes are those honoring alpinists Scott Fischer, Rob Hall, and late climbing record-holder Babu Chiri Sherpa.
From the trail, you can see the border Himalayan peaks that separate Nepal and Tibet. Lobuche is a small settlement made up of a few local homes and teahouses that offer basic services. When you reach there, you will take a rest and in the evening you will move for a short hike which will help to digest the high altitude to get good sleep.
When you have breakfast you will be ready for the trip and today’s hike will take you to Everest Base Camp, your dream of reaching the base of the world’s highest peak the place you’ve wanted to visit since the start of your journey. Although today’s trek is one of the most memorable of your entire adventure, it is challenging, and you may become physically weaker as the elevation rises and the oxygen level drops. So, take it slowly and steadily, as directed by your guide.
Gorak Shep is only a few hours away from Lobuche, climb up to Everest Base Camp after taking a break and leaving your heavy belongings at the teahouse.
The Everest Base Camp is, at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) Mountain climbers use the base camps, which are basic campsites while climbing Everest.
You will wake up early morning and then hike to Kala Patthar, the most popular overlook in the Everest Region at 5,550 meters with views of Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and Lhotse forming a snowy ring around Kala Patthar.
Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of these Himalayan vistas and witness the sun’s flaming rays illuminate Mount Everest’s snowy peak from the top of Kala Patthar.
Later, return to Gorak Shep then have your hot and delicious breakfast, and proceed to Lobuche.
Leave Lobuche early in the morning after your breakfast then cross the Khumbu Glacier and make an ascent up the Kongma La pass, the route is isolated and has no teahouse, and the trail is filled with rubble and debris up to Kongma La which is covered with colorful prayer flag, a different view of the 8 miles long Nuptse and Lhotse can be seen from the top, from here descend to the Imja Khola Valley, walking past a frozen lake and arriving at the valley before making the final descent to Chukkung formerly a yak herder’s camp, now an important stop for climbers en route to Island Peak.
Today’s hike will take you to Island Peak Base Camp after your breakfast, following an upward trail that makes its way below the southern edge of the Lhotse glacier, and is a difficult ascent, the route winds its way past a creek and into a beautiful glacier valley and before arriving at Island Base Camp, you’ll hike via the beautiful Imja and Lhotse glacier folds. After reaching the base camp head towards your tent and rest.
After lunch, your pre-climb training will start, so organize your gear, and the climbing guide will provide you with brief climbing methods and training sessions. This pre-climb training is critical, especially for first-time climbers, because it will increase your confidence.
Rest and relax early as you have a big day tomorrow.
Wake up around midnight and get going by 1 a.m. or sooner. It’s crucial to start early since the wind in the mountains tends to worsen as the day progresses. You’ll need to summit before the strong wind picks up and potentially halts your ascent.
Follow the trail away from the Island Peak Base Camp. After a few meters of walking, you’ll arrive at a steep slope just above High Camp. Crampon Point is about a three-hour hike from High Camp. It’s named for the point where the trail becomes icy, requiring you to put on crampons and use a man rope.
From Crampon Point, follow a ridge leading to the base of the Imja glacier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Baruntse, Mera Peak, Chamlang, Cho Polu, Peak 38, and other Himalayan giants. Your guide will lead you through the rope line over the glacier, ensuring safety and direction.
The trail tilts at an angle of around 45 to 50 degrees, making the ascent manageable. However, depending on the weather and season, there may be crevasses. If there are crevasses along the way, your guide will bridge them with ladders, the longest being 8 meters and the shortest 2 meters.
As you approach the summit ridge, you’ll be greeted by the huge ice wall of Lhotse’s south face. Continue over the snowy slope until you reach Island Peak’s summit. The summit is surrounded by rugged rocks and glaciers, resembling an island.
Take your time at the summit to soak in the panoramic views of the world’s tallest mountains. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, begin your descent. Before reaching the base camp, take in the wonderful views of the Imja glacier and Lhotse.
Retrace your steps back to Chukkung from the base camp, reflecting on the incredible journey and the stunning landscapes you have experienced.
Celebrate your achievement with your coworkers and crew in the evening.
If your summit attempt on Day 14 is canceled due to severe weather or illness, this extra day has been set aside for summiting, this day can also be used in the case of an emergency, such as airline delays or other unanticipated situations that force us to cancel a day of your vacation.
If all goes according to plan, the additional day may be used to take it easy and explore more of the path. Alternatively, you might spend the additional day tour in Kathmandu.
After your early morning breakfast, the trek will start back to Namche is long and difficult but indeed rewarded with breathtaking Himalayan vistas. On the way, you’ll pass through the settlements of Dingboche, Shomare, Tengboche, and Sansa to Namche. Upon reaching Namche relax and enjoy authentic Nepali or Western cuisine.
Head towards Lukla after a late breakfast, the trail is steep so take precautions, when you arrive in Lukla, stop at a teahouse rejoice with your team, and celebrate your last day in the mountains. Which could be lifetime experiences.
The scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is always a delight, flying parallel to the world’s highest peaks and once you arrive at Kathmandu, you’ll be driven to your accommodation. Take a break or go souvenir shopping.
In the evening, a special cultural program and a farewell dinner will be served to commemorate the end of your journey.
Our staff will drop you off at the airport, you’ll bid farewell to your newfound friends as well as Nepal.
Breakfast
NOTE: All of the trekking hours and distances mentioned above are estimates and should only be used as a general guideline.
You can get a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or the park’s entrance gate in Monjo whose fee is NRS 3000 for foreign countries citizens and NRS 1500 for citizens of SAARC countries.
You must fill out an application for permission and show your passport or a copy of your passport. To obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, you must be in Lukla. The permit costs NRS 2000 and can be obtained at the rural municipality counter on the settlement’s outskirts.
If you want to hike from Jiri, you’ll need to pay NRS 2,000 at the Gaurishanker Conservation Area Project Entry Permit or you must receive permission from the Nepal Tourism Board’s headquarters in Kathmandu.
You won’t have to wait for permits because the company or our guides will handle everything.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are the best times to trek to Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek. In spring, the foothills are ablaze with wildflowers, rhododendron blossoms, and orchids hanging from branches, the weather is dry and clear during this season, making it ideal for trekking and exploring the breathtaking scenery of the mountains. In autumn after the end of the heavy monsoon season, with a clear atmosphere and the days are warm though the evenings are quite chilly trekking to Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek is extremely popular.
Travel insurance is required for all clients participating in any activity. We strongly advise you to obtain a complete insurance plan from a reputable insurance company to cover personal injury, death, hospital expenses, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other disease covered by the insurance plan.
The Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu must issue each client with a valid visa with a six-month validity from the date of return.
In popular trekking regions such as Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu, there is a menu system with various ethnic cuisines foods as well as western meals, but some locations provide you with typical Nepali meals which are different from international meals, and these meals are prepared by the local supplement, every tourist lodge and tea house has a well-trained cook who focuses on clean, hygienic, fresh, and delicious foods, and every lodge has safe drinking water or mineral water.
If you buy a water purification tablet in Kathmandu, you can take water tap water and purify it yourself, saving money and reducing plastic pollution.
