ISLAND PEAK

17 Days

ISLAND PEAK (IMJA TSE) CLIMBING

“A sacred ascent amid the giants of the Everest Himalaya.”

Height: 6,189 m
Region: Everest (Khumbu)
Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights


Overview

Island Peak, locally known as Imja Tse, is one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking peaks, set deep within the heart of the Everest region. Rising from the Imja Valley like an island surrounded by glaciers, this peak offers an unforgettable combination of high-altitude trekking, glacier travel, and classic Himalayan climbing.

The journey follows the legendary Everest trail through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and sacred landscapes before transitioning into a technical yet achievable summit climb. Island Peak is ideal for trekkers looking to step into mountaineering while remaining immersed in Himalayan culture and spiritual energy.


Why This Journey Is Special

  • Classic Everest region trekking combined with peak climbing

  • Strong Sherpa culture and Buddhist heritage

  • Technical yet achievable summit

  • Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse & Ama Dablam

  • Excellent acclimatization profile


Journey Highlights

  • Scenic flight to Lukla

  • Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

  • Visit to Tengboche Monastery

  • Glacier and fixed-rope climbing

  • Summit views of Everest and surrounding giants


Itinerary (17 Days / 16 Nights)

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival and transfer to hotel. Pre-trip briefing and gear check.

Day 2 – Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding
Scenic flight to Lukla. Trek through Mani walls and prayer flags.

Day 3 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Cross suspension bridges and ascend to the Sherpa capital.

Day 4 – Acclimatization Day in Namche
Hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village.

Day 5 – Namche to Tengboche
Trek through rhododendron forests. Visit Tengboche Monastery.

Day 6 – Tengboche to Dingboche
Wide alpine valleys with views of Ama Dablam.

Day 7 – Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Hike to Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Valley.

Day 8 – Dingboche to Chhukung
Short scenic trek toward the Imja Valley.

Day 9 – Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp
Enter glacial terrain. Pre-climb training.

Day 10 – Summit Day & Return to Base Camp
Early morning ascent via glacier and fixed ropes. Descend carefully.

Day 11 – Base Camp to Pangboche
Retrace steps with stunning mountain views.

Day 12 – Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

Day 13 – Namche to Lukla

Day 14 – Fly Lukla to Kathmandu

Day 15–16 – Contingency Days
Weather buffer and safety margin.

Day 17 – Final Departure


Difficulty Level

Moderate to Challenging
Basic mountaineering skills recommended.

Did You Know? —

Island Peak

 was named by Eric Shipton in 1953, who described it as an island rising from a sea of ice within the Imja Glacier. Its Tibetan name, Imja Tse, reflects the sacred valley in which it stands.

The peak is often considered one of the best training climbs in the Himalayas, preparing climbers for higher expeditions due to its combination of altitude, glacier travel, and technical rope work.

Spiritually, the surrounding Khumbu region is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, where mountains are believed to be the abodes of protective deities, making the climb both a physical and spiritual journey.