Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp Trek

A: It’s a combined trekking and climbing expedition that takes you to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and then to the summit of Island Peak (6,189 m). The journey blends cultural exploration, high-altitude trekking, and an adventurous Himalayan climb — ideal for both trekkers and aspiring mountaineers.

A: Island Peak is considered a moderately technical trekking peak. The final ascent involves using ropes, crampons, and ice axes. Basic climbing experience or pre-training is recommended, but our professional Sherpa guides provide full instruction and support throughout.

A: Prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 4,000 m) is strongly recommended. While technical climbing skills are helpful, beginners can also join with proper fitness and training, as the expedition includes pre-climb instruction at base camp.

A: The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These months offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and the best conditions for trekking and summiting Island Peak.

A: The standard itinerary is 19 days, including arrival, acclimatization, trekking to Everest Base Camp, the climb of Island Peak, and return to Kathmandu.

A: In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in comfortable 3-star or higher hotels. During the trek, accommodation is in local teahouses or lodges, and during the Island Peak climb, you’ll stay in tented camps at base and high camps.

A: You’ll need several permits including:

• Island Peak Climbing Permit (NMA)
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

All these are arranged by Luxury Holidays Nepal on your behalf.

A: Prepare with cardiovascular training, hiking with a backpack, and strength workouts. Focus on endurance and stamina. A few multi-day treks or climbs before the trip will help your body adapt better to the high altitude.

A: Yes, as the trek reaches over 5,500 m, altitude sickness can occur. However, the itinerary includes proper acclimatization days and your guide will monitor your health throughout. Medications like Diamox can also help prevent symptoms.

A: Essential climbing gear includes crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, jumar, carabiners, and mountaineering boots. Most technical equipment can be rented in Kathmandu or Chhukung before the climb.

A: Yes. During the trek and climb, you’ll get three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with tea/coffee. Meals in Kathmandu are usually on a bed and breakfast basis unless otherwise specified.

A: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory for all climbers.

A: A contingency day is included in the itinerary. If weather conditions don’t permit summiting on the planned day, the team may use this extra day to attempt the climb safely.

A: Absolutely! Luxury Holidays Nepal offers flexible itineraries. You can add rest days, extra acclimatization, or combine other treks like Gokyo Valley or Lobuche Peak upon request.

A: With expert Sherpa guides, high safety standards, top-quality gear, and seamless logistics, Luxury Holidays Nepal ensures a safe, rewarding, and luxurious Himalayan adventure — from arrival to summit success.

A: Island Peak, locally known as Imja Tse, is located in the Everest (Khumbu) region of Nepal, close to Chhukung Valley and directly beneath the towering south face of Lhotse. It lies within the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A: Island Peak is one of the most accessible 6,000-meter climbing peaks in Nepal. It offers an ideal introduction to Himalayan mountaineering, combining trekking, glacier travel, and rope climbing — all with breathtaking views of Everest and surrounding giants.

A: The combined Everest Base Camp and Island Peak route covers approximately 120–130 kilometers (75–80 miles) round trip, depending on the exact itinerary and side hikes like Kalapatthar.

A: Trekkers typically walk 5–7 hours per day, depending on altitude and terrain. On summit day, the climb can last 10–14 hours, starting around midnight for an early-morning summit.

A: Island Peak stands at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet). The summit features a narrow ridge with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam, offering one of the best vantage points in the Khumbu region.

A: Good cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and mental resilience are essential. You should be comfortable with long days of trekking at altitude. Training 8–12 weeks prior to departure, including hiking, running, and stair workouts, is highly recommended.

A: The climb involves glacier travel, fixed ropes, and ice sections near the summit. Basic skills in using crampons, ice axes, and harnesses are required. Your climbing Sherpa will teach and assist you with all techniques during pre-summit preparation.

A: Luxury Holidays Nepal employs licensed, experienced, and government-certified guides and climbing Sherpas with extensive Himalayan experience. All porters are insured, properly equipped, and paid fair wages.

A: If a trekker or climber feels unwell, the guide will assess the situation and arrange a descent to a lower altitude or helicopter evacuation if necessary. Safety always comes first.

A: Accommodation in Kathmandu is in premium 3-star or 4-star hotels. During the trek, teahouses offer simple but comfortable rooms, and at Island Peak Base Camp, you’ll stay in expedition-style tents with meals prepared by the support team.

A: Meals include Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and continental dishes. Typical items include rice, lentils, pasta, potatoes, soups, and eggs. At base camp, freshly cooked, high-energy meals are served to maintain stamina during the climb.

A: Yes, vegetarian and vegan meals are widely available throughout the trek. Please inform the team in advance so arrangements can be made for your dietary preferences.

A: Lukla flights are weather-dependent. In case of delays, we can reschedule flights or arrange a helicopter transfer (extra cost). A flexible itinerary with a few buffer days is recommended.

A: You must have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue up to 6,500 meters. Please check your policy carefully before travel.

A: Yes, most teahouses have solar or generator-powered charging facilities, usually available for a small fee. Carrying a power bank or solar charger is also advised.

A: Temperatures vary by altitude and season. During the climb, nighttime temperatures can drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at high camps. Warm clothing and sleeping bags rated for -20°C are essential.

A: The risk increases above 3,000 meters. The itinerary includes gradual ascent, rest days, and hydration to reduce the risk. Guides carry first-aid kits and oxygen for emergencies.

A: Each trekker can bring up to 15 kg (33 lbs) on the flight to Lukla. Porters carry 10–12 kg per person during the trek, while you carry your daypack with essentials.

A: Yes, Everest Link and local mobile networks provide Wi-Fi at most lodges (paid service). Connectivity is decent up to Dingboche and patchy beyond that.

A: Tipping is customary in Nepal. A general guideline is USD 150–200 per climber for the team, shared among guides, porters, and climbing staff. Your guide can help distribute tips fairly.

A: Every expedition includes satellite communication, climbing ropes and fixed lines, high-altitude medical kits, and trained Sherpa guides. Daily safety briefings are conducted before key stages of the trek.

A: Yes! Solo travelers are welcome. You can join a fixed departure group or request a private expedition with full support from the Luxury Holidays Nepal team.

A: This trip combines two of the most iconic Himalayan experiences — standing at the base of Mount Everest and summiting a 6,000+ meter peak — offering both adventure and achievement in one journey.