Send a message

Our team is always here to help!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Climb Island Peak

19
days
Island Peak (known locally as Imja Tse) is the most popular climbing peak in the Khumbu region. This is because it's one of the easier peaks above 6,000 m to climb; there's only one technical section of about 100 m, otherwise it's a non-technical climb. Its popularity also stems from the fact that the views from the summit are utterly incredible – and yes, this includes Everest and Lhotse!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Your local guide fetches you from Tribhuvan International Airport and drives you to the hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. Your climb group has dinner together to get to know one another and be briefed on the adventure ahead. Your guide also conducts a gear check. Then it’s time to rest up after your travels!

Scenery of Patan Durbar Square at Kathmandu, Nepal
Ours. Lukla Airport, Nepal

Day 2: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (3-4 hr)

Early flight to Lukla (2,860 m), then trek to the riverside village of Phakding (2,610 m) through lush forest along the Dudh Kosi river.

Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (6 hr)

Trek up to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the main hub of Khumbu. The route meanders through forest and crosses several suspension bridges before the final steep climb to Namche.

High view of Namche Bazaar on EBC trek, Nepal
Pur. Glaciers and moraines near Pangboche and Imja Khola river, EBC trek, Nepal

Day 4: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar

A rest and acclimatisation day. Visit the Sherpa Museum, explore the market, or take an optional hike to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) for dramatic mountain views.

Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (5 hr)

Head further up the valley to the small monastery town of Tengboche (3,870 m), with unforgettable views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam along the way.

Ours. Tengboche Monastery, EBC trek, Nepal
Ours. Beautiful stupa at Dingboche village, Everest region, Nepal, EBC trek

Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (5-6 hr)

Continue up to Dingboche (4,410 m), whose bright buildings and prayer flags offer a warm splash of colour against the stark alpine landscape. Rest well tonight before pushing higher.

Day 7: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (4-5 hr)

From Dingboche, we head east into the Chhukung Valley to Island Peak Base Camp (5,087 m). The dramatic views of Lhotse, Baruntse and Imja Tse grow larger with every step. We set up camp and your guide briefs you on the summit day plan.

Dingboche, with Island Peak in centre
Stupa on EBC trek, Nepal

Day 8: Climbing training at Island Peak Base Camp

Today your guide teaches you how to use crampons, harness, ice axe and ascenders on the terrain around base camp. Practise the skills you’ll need for tomorrow’s summit push in a controlled environment.

Day 9: Summit day — Island Peak (10-12 hr)

A very early start to reach the summit of Island Peak (6,189 m)! The route involves fixed ropes, snow slopes and one technical section of around 100 m. On a clear day the summit offers incredible views including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Ama Dablam. We then descend to base camp and continue to Chhukung.

Ours. Everest Base Camp trio on rock
Ours. Helicopter and bags EBC trek Nepal

Day 10: Contingency day

An important buffer day in case bad weather prevented the summit push, or you want another attempt. Otherwise use this as a well-earned rest day in Chhukung before continuing the descent.

Day 11: Trek to Lobuche (4-5 hr)

We head north and west through the barren alpine landscape to reach Lobuche (4,940 m). The environment is stark and forbidding, but oh, the mountains soaring around you!

The Nepali village of Pheriche along the Everest base camp trail
Crumbling stupa in Himalayan mountains landscape on the trail between Pheriche and Namche Bazaar in Nepal

Day 12: Trek to Dingboche (5-6 hr)

Today you trek back to Dingboche (4,410 m), whose bright blue roofs, prayer flags and yellow-topped stupa provide a warm splash of colour and a sense of welcome after your epic adventure atop a rocky, icy peak. It’s time to rest and recuperate by the fire in your teahouse’s cosy common room.

Day 13: Trek to Lobuche (5-6 hr)

This morning you hike up to Lobuche (6,119 m), but your body should be able to handle the big elevation jump fairly well by now. Today, as on all days, keep your eyes peeled for the region’s hardy wildlife, which includes musk deer, Himalayan tahrs, golden eagles, Tibetan snowcocks and shore larks.

Yaks with colourful loads on EBC trek from Gorakshep to Pangboche, Nepal.
Trekkers, EBC trek Nepal

Day 14: Trek to Everest Base Camp then Gorakshep (8-9 hr)

It’s an exciting day – you trek to Everest Base Camp! The hike takes around seven or eight hours, but once all of the legwork is done, you’re rewarded with that incredible moment of entering base camp and appreciating this iconic site, with its riot of prayer flags, the majestic Khumbu Icefall to one side, and the dizzyingly high peaks that soar up all around. After celebrating your achievement, turn around and head to the small settlement of Gorakshep for the night.

Day 15: Trek to Pheriche (5-6 hr)

You rise early to tackle the supremely rewarding hike up Kala Patthar (5,644 m), the so-called ‘Black Rock’, which offers a wonderfully close vantage point for appreciating the peak of Everest. It’s then time to trek down to the quiet village of Pheriche (4,371 m), a small farming community that sits alongside the Tsola River.

Little wooden bridge over the Lobuche River on the trail between Pheriche and Pangboche, Mount Kangtega and Thamserku in the background, Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, EBC, Nepal 2022
Stupa with prayer flags in central Namche Bazaar, EBC trek, Nepal

Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar (5-6 hr)

You trek down to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) today, where you can stock up on snacks and toiletries if you’re running low, and you might enjoy eating out at one of the town’s many charming restaurants.

Day 17: Trek to Lukla (6-7 hr)

This is your last day of trekking! You follow the same path that you hiked on the outward journey, which is a beautiful forested trail that runs alongside the river and also crisscrosses it by way of narrow suspension bridges. You overnight in the town of Lukla, ready for your flight tomorrow morning.

View of Phakding Village and the Dudh Koshi River, Khumbu, eastern Nepal, along the Everest Base Camp trek
Small airplane in flight by Lukla Airport, Nepal

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu

Today you say goodbye to Khumbu and fly to Kathmandu. While it’s a sad day in many ways, your hotel in Kathmandu is ready to comfort you with hot baths and plush towels. Those with the energy might like to explore Thamel a bit, perhaps taking a tuk-tuk ride around the district. Finally, gather together for dinner to relive the adventures of the past two and a half weeks.

Day 19: Departure day

Depending on the hour of your flight, you might be able to explore some more of Nepal’s fascinating capital city. Then, when it’s time, head to the airport for your homeward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.

Nepal-trekking-annapurna-Everest-base-camp

Price Includes

Domestic flights

Airport transfers

Hotel accommodation before and after trek

Some meals before and after trek

Drinking water for the entire trip

A mix of lodge (teahouse) and tent accommodation during trek

All meals on trek

Experienced, English-speaking climb guide

Porter

Climbing equipment (climbing shoes, crampons, helmet, harness and jumar)

Group medical supplies

All taxes and permits

See all inclusions
See fewer inclusions

Price Does not Include

Nepali visa

International airfares

Any luggage in excess of 15 kg on domestic flights

Traveller's insurance

Wi-Fi on trek

Snacks, cool drinks and alcohol

Why Follow Alice?

We’re one of the only travel companies worldwide with perfect 5* reviews

Adventuring made easy

illustration of meditating woman

Local guides

illustration of two travellers

Responsible travel

illustration of green planet