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Island peak
Also known as: Imja Tse
Height: 6,189 m
Duration: 18 days
Country: 
Nepal
Nepal
Known locally as Imja Tse, Island Peak stands at 6,189 meters and is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal. Nestled in the heart of the Khumbu region, it offers climbers a challenging yet attainable introduction to Himalayan mountaineering. Whether you’re looking to combine Everest Base Camp and Island Peak in one unforgettable adventure or focus solely on the climb, an Island Peak expedition promises stunning views of towering giants like Lhotse, Makalu, and Everest.
A climb up Island Peak is a thrilling experience, blending high-altitude trekking with moderate technical climbing. The ascent begins at Island Peak Base Camp, situated at 5,087 meters, before tackling steep ice slopes and a narrow summit ridge. While prior climbing experience is helpful, the route is equipped with fixed ropes to assist climbers. Reaching the Island Peak summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramas and a profound sense of achievement, making it a highlight of any trip to the Island Peak Himalaya region.
For those interested in combining trekking with mountaineering, an Island Peak trek is an ideal choice. Many climbers pair the climb with a trek to Everest Base Camp, enjoying the cultural richness of Sherpa villages along the way. Whether you’re exploring the region through Island Peak trekking or taking on the challenge of the Island Peak climb, this journey offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and natural beauty in the Himalayas.
Table of contents
Prepare for an adventure climbing Island peak. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.
Route
- 3,349 m gain over 18 days
- Starting and ending in Lukla
- approach: walk in
Walk in
- +2,500 m over a 65 km approach
- 7 - 10 days in
- 2 - 4 days out
Climb
- +1,300 m over 2 days.
- 1 high camp. The typical route for Island Peak does not involve any high camps beyond the base camp.
Difficulty
- PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)
- AD: Fairly hard (alpine grade 3)
Cost
- $1,852 - $7,800 guided
When to go
- March to May
- September to November
Permits
- 3 permits are needed
- costing around $109 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
These are pictures taken while climbing Island peak. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Island peak, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Guide links
These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Island peak. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Island peak. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
The climbing itinerary for Island Peak includes a base camp at 5,087 meters, a high camp at 5,280 meters, and the summit at 6,189 meters. This demanding ascent requires technical climbing skills and offers experienced mountaineers a thrilling adventure in the heart of the Everest region.
Island Peak Base Camp
The starting point of the climb, situated at an altitude of 5,087 meters. It serves as a hub for acclimatization and preparation.
5,087 m
High Camp
A campsite located at an elevation of 5,280 meters, providing a crucial stop for the final push towards the summit.
5,280 m
Island Peak Summit
The pinnacle of the climb, reaching an elevation of 6,189 meters. From the summit, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Khumbu region and surrounding peaks.
6,189 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Island peak. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.
Island peak weather
How is the weather on Island peak, and when is the best time to go.
Weather on Island Peak varies greatly throughout the year. The best months for climbing are usually March to May and September to November when the weather is dry, clear and stable. However, temperatures can still be very cold and the weather can change quickly. Winter months from December to February are very cold with high levels of snowfall, while summer months from June to August are warm and wet with a high chance of monsoon rains.
The best time to climb Island peak is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
Island peak Gear Packing List
What To Take to climb Island peak
Guide
- Clothing:
- Base layers (long underwear tops and bottoms)
- Insulated mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
- Outer layer (waterproof and breathable jacket and pants)
- Warm hat
- Gloves (one thin pair and one thick pair)
- Hiking boots
- Gaiters (for keeping snow out of your boots)
- Socks (wool or synthetic, bring several pairs)
- Sunglasses (with UV protection)
- Camping gear:
- Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C)
- Sleeping pad (insulated)
- Tent (with rainfly and ground cloth)
- Cooking stove (with fuel)
- Cooking pot and utensils
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Lighter or matches (for starting stove and campfire)
- Trash bags (for carrying out all waste)
- Climbing gear:
- Crampons (with anti-balling plates)
- Ice axe (with leash)
- Climbing harness
- Climbing helmet
- Carabiners (several locking and non-locking)
- Prusik cords (two or three lengths of 6mm cord)
- Ascender or Jumar (for fixed line climbing)
- Rappel device (ATC or Figure 8)
- Mountaineering boots (with rigid sole and compatible with crampons)
- Warm gloves (for climbing)
- Personal items:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm (with SPF)
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
- Personal medication (if needed)
- Cash (for tipping guides and porters)
- Passport and permits
- Camera or phone (with extra battery or portable charger)
Island peak Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Island Peak route is a popular trekking route with a well-established tourism infrastructure. You can expect to find a range of services along the way including accommodation, food, guides, porters, medical services, gear rentals, and transportation options.
Accommodation
Tea houses and lodges are available along the route for overnight stays. Accommodations are basic with shared rooms and common toilets. Expect to pay between $5-10 per night for a room.Food
Food is available on the trek, with tea houses offering a range of dishes including local Nepalese food, continental dishes, and snacks. Expect to pay between $3-8 for a meal.Guides
Guides are available and can be hired in Kathmandu or in the town of Lukla. They typically cost between $20-30 per day depending on their experience and qualifications.Porters
Porters are also available for hire along the route. They can carry up to 30 kg of luggage and typically cost between $15-25 per day depending on the weight of your belongings.Medical facilities
Basic medical services are available along the route at some of the tea houses and lodges. However, it is recommended that you bring a basic first-aid kit with you, and be prepared for any emergencies by bringing appropriate medication and supplies with you.Gear rental
Equipment rental is available in Kathmandu, including tents, sleeping bags, and climbing gear. Some tea houses may also rent out gear, but it is recommended that you bring your own equipment. Make sure you have proper clothing, boots, and equipment for cold weather and high-altitude trekking.Transport
The trek starts and ends in Lukla, which can be reached by a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu. Private cars and taxis are also available for hire in Kathmandu to get to the airport. During the trek, walking is the main mode of transportation.Internet / Phone
Connectivity can be limited along the route, especially at higher altitudes. Some tea houses may offer wifi for a fee, but it is generally slow and unreliable. It is recommended that you bring a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon in case of emergencies.ATMs
There are no ATMs along the trekking route, so it is recommended that you bring enough cash with you to cover your expenses.Shops
There are shops along the route selling snacks, drinks, and basic trekking supplies. However, prices can be higher than in Kathmandu, so it is recommended that you bring everything you need with you.Island peak permits
What permits are needed for climbing Island peak
To climb Island Peak, you will need to obtain several permits. Here is a summary of the permits required for this trip:
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- $25 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- Allows entry into Sagarmatha National Park.
- Can be obtained in advance or at the entrance gate of the park.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
- $17 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Permit to enter Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
- Can be obtained in advance or in Lukla.
3. Island Peak Climbing Permit
- $67 (~8,000 in the local currency)
- Permit to climb Island Peak.
- Can be obtained through a licensed trekking agency in Kathmandu or in Chukhung.
Island peak access - getting there
How to get to Island peak
- Flight: The fastest and most convenient way to get to the start of the Island Peak climb is to take a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, followed by a trek to the starting point of the climb.
- Overland: It is possible to take a bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Jiri, followed by a trek to the starting point of the climb. This option is more time-consuming but allows for a scenic overland journey.
- Helicopter: For those who want to save time and enjoy a unique experience, it is possible to take a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to the starting point of the climb. This option is more expensive but offers stunning aerial views of the region.
- Return: At the end of the Island Peak climb, trekkers can retrace their steps back to the starting point, or alternatively, they can continue their trek to other destinations in the region, such as Gokyo Lakes or Everest Base Camp.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Island peak. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Island peak video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
What you can see from the summit of Island peak. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Ama Dablam Base Camp
add 1 extra day
A side trip to the base camp of Ama Dablam, one of the most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas.
Island peak questions
What to know about climbing Island peak
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Island peak climb.
