Island Peak Climbing Overview

You arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Thamel. Here, you can rest and prepare for your trek. Thamel is a pretty busy area with many shops and restaurants, so you can stroll around the place during your free time. Later, your guide will meet you and provide important information about the journey ahead.

Today, you will take a flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla. The flight takes about 35 minutes from Kathmandu and about 20 minutes from Manthali airport. During the flight, you can view the stunning Himalayas as you near Lukla. And once you land, you will start trekking to Phakding. The route is mostly flat and easy, passing through small villages and forests. It takes about 3 hours to reach Phakding. Along the way, you will see prayer flags and suspension bridges. You will spend the night in a cozy tea house at Phakding.

The village of Phakding is quiet and peaceful. Rest and enjoy the mountain air. The lodges here provide simple meals and warm rooms. You can take a short walk to stretch your legs or talk with other trekkers. This is your first step into the Everest region, where you will see many Sherpa people and their culture.

The third day of the Island Peak climbing itinerary takes you to Namche Bazaar from Phakding. From Phakding, the trek to Namche Bazaar is longer and harder than yesterday. The path goes uphill and crosses many suspension bridges built over rivers. You will walk through forests filled with rhododendron trees (flowers in spring). The air is fresh, and the scenery changes as you climb higher. This trek takes about 6 hours, so pace yourself well. Namche Bazaar is the main town in the Khumbu region.

Once in Namche Bazaar, you’ll feel like you’ve just entered a city but with a mountainous look. It’s that lively. You will stay in a tea house or lodge. If you have time, you may explore the markets and cafes, although they are small. Enjoy local Sherpa culture with friendly locals. Tomorrow is acclimatization day anyway, so there is no need to hurry.

This day is reserved for acclimatization. As you have reached 3,440 meters at Namche, you need to let your body adjust. However, you don’t have to stay still. Hike up to the Everest View Hotel. This takes about 2 hours and goes through forests and small villages. Along the way, you will see amazing views of Everest, Lhotse, and other giant mountains. The fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings make the hike very enjoyable.

After the hike, you will return to Namche Bazaar. Then, take some rest. Later, you can visit the local market and buy supplies. The town also has internet cafes and many places to relax, like bakeries and even small local pubs. After that, rest well tonight to be ready for the next day.

Today, the trek to Island Peak route starts in Namche Bazaar and ends at Tengboche. The trail includes both uphill and downhill sections. You’ll first pass by the village of Phunki Thenga. Also, if you get lucky, you can witness rare Himalayan wildlife like musk deer, Himalayan Thar, and colorful pheasants. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy incredible views of famous peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Island Peak.

In the last part of the hike, you’ll cross the Imja Khola River before reaching Tengboche. This village is known for its famous monastery, Tengboche Monastery, which was built in 1916 by Lama Gulu. It’s one of the most important religious places in the Everest region. Every day at 3 PM, monks perform a prayer ceremony at the monastery. If you arrive on time, you can quietly sit and watch the ritual, which many trekkers find calming and special.

On day 6, you trek from Tengboche to Dingboche. You will climb higher and see wide valleys and snowy peaks. The route goes through forests at first, then opens up to rocky landscapes. Dingboche is a peaceful village nestled among the mountains. It is one of the best plus important places to rest and prepare for the next climb.

During your time here, you can feel the air getting thinner. The lodges are warm and comfortable, with hot meals after the trek. You might meet other climbers and trekkers here. Relax and enjoy. Drink plenty of water to keep your body ready for tomorrow’s trek to Chhukung.

The walk from Dingboche to Chhukung is shorter, but you still gain more altitude. The route is gentle and scenic. You follow a wide valley with views of Himalayan peaks like Lhotse, Island Peak, and Amphu Lapcha. It takes about 4 hours to reach Chhukung. You’ll notice the trees are now gone. The landscape becomes more rocky and dry. Walk slowly and drink water often to stay hydrated. Altitude is getting serious here, so don’t rush.

Chhukung is a small village used mainly by climbers. It is quiet, with only a few tea houses. You’ll settle in and enjoy a warm meal. This is your last stop before you reach the Island Peak base camp. From here, you can see glaciers and huge peaks up close. Spend your evening relaxing and saving energy. Your climbing guide may check your gear and explain tomorrow’s plan. Go to bed early to rest your body well.

The ninth day is another acclimatization day dedicated to resting and preparing for Island Peak. You are now at 4,730m, so your body needs time. Take some light walks around the village to help with blood flow. You can stretch, read, or talk with other climbers. Your guide will check your health and give important tips. Staying active but calm is the goal today. Try not to nap too much during the day.

In the afternoon, you’ll go over the climbing plan. Your guide will show you how to wear your gear properly. You’ll learn basic climbing techniques, including the use of ropes, harnesses, and crampons. This training helps you feel safe and confident. Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. Tonight, pack your bag lightly and sleep early. Tomorrow is base camp and pre-climb training; your adventure is about to level up.

You will leave Chhukung and head toward Island Peak Base Camp. The route is rocky and gradually ascends to higher elevations. You will start walking north along the valley next to the Lhotse Glacier. The path follows a small river, and after about 40 minutes of climbing past a big rock, you reach Island Peak Base Camp. As you get closer, Island Peak stands tall in front of you. You’ll reach base camp by early afternoon.

After setting up tents, you’ll get a short training session. The guide will teach you rope handling, harness fitting, and how to walk in crampons. You’ll also learn how to use a jumar on fixed lines. This training is very important for the summit day. This practice helps you feel safe and ready for the climb ahead.

Today is the summit of the Island Peak. You need to wake up super early, around 1–2 a.m. After a light meal, your climb begins. The route starts with a rocky route that leads to the glacier. You’ll cross crevasses using fixed ropes and crampons. There’s a steep ice wall before the summit ridge. This is the most challenging part. Stay calm and focused. Your climbing Sherpa will guide you every step.

After 5–6 hours, you’ll stand on Island Peak’s summit. The views are absolutely mesmerizing as Mount Everest (the world’s highest mountain), Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam surround you. After spending some time at the summit, you’ll begin your descent. Going down is quicker than going up, but it still takes effort and care. Once you’re back at base camp, a warm meal will be waiting for you. After resting for a bit, you’ll continue walking down to Chhukung. It’s a long and challenging day, but the feeling of reaching the summit makes it all worth it.

This is your buffer day in case of bad weather or any delays. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so having a day like this helps. If the summit was not possible yesterday, you’ll try again today. If you have already made it, then you rest like royalty. Stay in Chhukung, relax, and give your muscles a break. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can discuss your team’s experience or journal your summit experience alone. Tomorrow, you start heading back, but today, you breathe, reflect, and heal.

After the contingency day, today, you will start your return journey and trek from Chhukung down to Pangboche. The route feels easier as the air gets thicker and walking becomes more comfortable. You’ll pass back through Dingboche and retrace some of the paths you climbed days ago. During the walk, beautiful views of the surrounding mountains are visible.

Pangboche is a peaceful village known for its old monastery. If you’re interested, you can take a short visit to explore it. Or, if you’re tired, just relax at your lodge and enjoy some quiet time. The lower elevation will help your body feel better. In the evening, treat yourself to some warm Dal Bhat, a cup of ginger tea, or try Sherpa stew. The village is simple, but it offers comfort and great mountain charm.

Today, you’ll leave Pangboche and trek back to Namche Bazaar. En route, forests, stone walls, and small villages like Deboche and Tengboche come. You may revisit the famous Tengboche Monastery if time allows. The path includes a few uphill sections, so take it slow. You’ll also cross several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River.

During the descent, you’ll feel the air getting warmer and richer in oxygen. It becomes easier to breathe and walk. Finally, when you get to Namche Bazaar, you will see busy streets and maybe even familiar faces. Do as you please here: relax, shop, or reflect on your experience at the summit. You’ll stay at a tea house, sleep in a real bed, and maybe even enjoy Wi-Fi again. So, this night will feel especially rewarding.

Day 14 is the final day of trekking. It’ll begin after a good breakfast. Leaving Namche, you head back to Lukla, retracing your steps through Monjo, Benkar, and Phakding. Although it’s downhill, the route still has some challenging sections. You’ll cross many bridges, descend stone steps, and pass the forests one last time.

It’s a day for both physical effort and quiet reflection. You’ve seen peaks, glaciers, villages, and monasteries, and even climbed Island Peak. Relieve and take pride. Enjoy your final dinner with your guide and porter team. Sleep well tonight; you’ve earned every bit of it.

Day 15 begins with an early morning wake-up in Lukla. Since mountain weather can change quickly, flights usually take off in the morning. You’ll head to Lukla Airport and wait for your short flight back to Kathmandu or Ramechhap. The flight takes around 35 minutes if you’re going directly to Kathmandu. If your flight lands in Ramechhap, you’ll take a 5–6 hour drive back to the capital. Either way, enjoy your last scenic view of the Himalayas from the sky.

Once in the city, you’ll check into your hotel in Thamel and get some well-deserved rest. Enjoy hot showers, comfortable beds, and, of course, your comfort foods: burgers, pizza, pasta, and a variety of coffee. You can also spend the evening shopping for souvenirs or meeting friends for dinner. This is the last night before your journey officially ends.

This is your final day in Nepal. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the international airport. If you travel with a group, this might be your last chance to have breakfast together. Bid farewell to them. The airport can get busy, so arrive early. Check your passport, bags, and boarding pass. As you fly out, don’t forget to look out the window one last time. The mountains might be far below, but they’ll stay with you forever. Remember, you’re leaving Nepal after summiting Island Peak. Return proud.