Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp (via Kongma La)

  • Duration 18
  • Trip Grade Moderate to STRENUOUS
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals All Inclusive
  • Accommodation Hotel,Tent, Tea House
  • Max. Altitude 6189
  • Activity Trekking, Exploring, Climbing
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2-16
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn

Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp (via Kongma La) Overview

The 19 Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp is an all-encompassing journey that takes you to the heart of the Khumbu region. If you are looking for an adventure that will present you with all the best features of the Everest region in a go, then this climbing journey is for you!

One of Nepal’s most renowned climbing peaks, the Island Peak is a great beginner’s peak. Surrounded by glaciers, the peak rises from amidst the turquoise sludge, much like an island- hence its name. The journey takes you through many of Khumbu’s famous settlements and villages and offers you dramatic views of the Himalayas.

With a short but endearing flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, you will begin your trip, crossing wonderful trails that go through ethnic Sherpa villages. The journey takes you through Namche Bazaar- one of the most well-known Sherpa towns in Nepal and Tengboche and Lobuche, among many others. Moreover, the journey also takes you to Kalapatthar, one of the best viewpoints in the region from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Sagarmatha range.

Likewise, the trip is also equally opulent in culture. Throughout the journey, you will encounter many monasteries and shrines, Mani stone walls, and stupas. The suspension bridges of the region that you will cross are also covered in colorful prayer flags, and the trip also takes you to the famous Tengboche Monastery.

Similarly, the trip then features the highlight of the journey- summit to the Island Peak. It also requires you to trudge through the high mountain passes of the region, the Kongma La. The journey is also naturally beautiful. The trail cuts through the alpine cedar, maple, and pine forests of the Sagarmatha National Park, one of the natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Join us on this daring adventure that will take you to the vast expanses of the Everest Himal. You will be provided with the best services throughout the trip, from food and accommodation to transportation and guide. So don’t miss out on your chance of conquering a Himalayan peak! The memories of this journey will stay in your mind forever!

Day to Day Itinerary
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You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival, you will be taken to your hotel by one of our airport representatives. Overnights stay at the hotel.

This day is reserved for preparing for the trip. You can shop for climbing equipment today or be rented via the many shops situated close to the hotel you are staying at. If you want, you can also have a tour of the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city- the Pashupatinath temple, the Swayambhunath Stupa, the Kathmandu Durbar square, and the Bouddhanath Temple. Overnights stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Tea 3*** Hotel
  • Breakfast

Early in the morning, you will have a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The short flight is quite amazing, and you can see wonderful views of the mountain peaks from the plane. The Lukla airport is also quite famous for being one of the most thrilling airports globally, with a short runway located on a Cliffside. Upon landing at Lukla, you will begin your trek to Phakding, one of the famous villages of the Khumbu. Overnights stay at Phakding.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • Drive 4 hours, trek 4 hours
  • 7.4 km

Today, you will be entering the Sagarmatha National Park. Then, passing through smaller ethnic settlements, you will make your way through the alpine forests towards Namche Bazaar. Today, you will also begin to see glimpses of the Everest Mountains, like the Kongdi RI, the Thamserku, and the Ama Dablam, among many others. The journey to Namche Bazaar is quite a climb, as you will be making your way up the Khumbu valley, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. Finally, you will arrive at Namche- the Gateway to Everest. Overnights stay at Namche Bazaar.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 6 hours
  • 7.4 km

This day is reserved for acclimatization. You can spend the day exploring the mountain town and making a short trip to the Syangboche Airstrip located above the town. From the airstrip, you can get wonderful panoramic views of the valley and the town situated on a Cliffside with layered and terraced fields upon which small houses are built. The views of the Everest peak, along with mountains like the Ama Dablam, the Lobuche Himal, the Kongdi RI, and the Thamserku, among many others, also line the horizon. You can also make a short trip to the famous Everest Hotel for tea and amazing mountain sights. Namche also has a Sherpa Culture Museum and an Everest Photo Gallery. Overnights stay at Namche Bazaar.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive

This is the day where you will trek further from Namche towards Tengboche. It is another prominent Sherpa village of the region, and it also houses the revered Tengboche Monastery. Crossing the rivers, you will make your way through the pine woodlands towards Tengboche, crossing through the valley under the canopies of the Rhododendron trees. Upon reaching Tengboche, you can get wonderful views of the hills surrounding the village, covered in rhododendron trees, and the sight of the Ama Dablam peak from the monastery courtyard just unforgettable. Overnights stay at Tengboche.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 5 hours
  • 10 km

Leaving the village, you will make your way up and down the terrace fields towards Pheriche today. The village of Pheriche is situated on a terraced cliffside, much like Namche, and it also features a museum where you can see the skeletal remains of a yeti. Crossing pasturelands small forested areas, you will arrive at the village and be greeted by wonderful views of the Everest peaks. You can also see cattle and yak herds grazing in the pastures here. Overnights stay at Pheriche.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 6 hours
  • 12 km

This is a steep trek as you will be gaining elevation today. Going steeply uphill, you will make your way through the sparse tundra vegetation towards Lobuche. As you continue on your journey, you will come across many cairns decorate with colorful prayer flags and small chortens situated at intervals along the path. You will also come across the Himalayan Rescue Association building and cross the Dudh Koshi River valley. Overnights stay at Lobuche.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 5 hours,
  • 7.5 km

The trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep is steep. Much like Lobuche, the small settlement of Gorak Shep is also sparsely populated and only has a few teahouses standing on barren snowy terrain. After reaching Gorak Shep, you can rest for a while at a teahouse. From there, you will continue towards Everest Base Camp, making your way through the Khumbu Glacier. The vast glacier is formed with ice and grey boulders floating on a concentrated pool of loose stones. If you were to compare it, you could say that it resembles a lunar terrain instead of terra. Finally, you will arrive at the base camp of Mount Everest. This is where the Everest Expedition begins. After spending some time at the base camp, you will make your way back to Gorak Shep. Overnights stay at Gorak Shep.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 8 hours
  • Approx 12 km

This is an exciting day as you will make your way to Kala Patthar, one of the region’s best viewpoints. You will make your way to Kala Patthar early in the morning before dawn so that you can see the gorgeous sunrise amidst the Everest peaks. It is a wonderful phenomenon as the sun rises from behind the mountains and changes its color from cold tones to warmer shades. The viewpoint also presents the panoramic views of Mount Everest, Mount Pumori, the Nuptse Himal, the Lhotse Himal, and the Changtse Peak. After taking pictures and enjoying the view, you will walk back to Gorak Shep. After breakfast, you will descend back to Lobuche. Overnights stay at Lobuche.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 8 hours,
  • Approx 11.5 km

From Lobuche, you will have a strenuous climb up the mountain pass of Kongma La. It is a steep uphill climb, but the ordeal is worth the trouble as the views of the mountain peak and the valley below are quite mesmerizing from the top. During winters, heavy snow can block the mountain passes, so summertime is the only time when you can cross it. From the top of the mountain pass, you will then begin your descend slowly, going through the angular terrain in slow steps. Finally, you will reach Chhukung, a small Sherpa settlement at the foot of the pas. Overnights stay at Chhukung.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 4 hours
  • 6 km

The small village of Chhukung is situated at the foothill of the pass, and you can see glimpses of the Ama Dablam from the village periphery. In addition, there are glacial moraines that flow from Mount Lhotse towards the sandy flatlands at Pareshaya Gyab. From Chhukung, you will steadily make your way to the Island Peak Base Camp, crossing the moraine and trekking through the sparse tundra of the Imja valley. Overnights stay at base camp.

  • Tea Camping on Tent
  • All Inclusive
  • 5 hours
  • 8 km

This day is reserved for a training day. Your guide will show you how to use the peak climbing equipment like ice axes and carabineers for tomorrow’s ascent up the mountain. You can practice using this equipment today and get properly acquainted with using them in the snow. Overnights stay at base camp.

  • Tea Camping on Tent
  • All Inclusive

This is a strenuous day as you will be making your way up the summit of Island Peak. It is a treacherous journey, but you will follow your guide, who will take you through the vast and dangerous snowy terrain to the top. Using your equipment like ropes and crampons, you will steadily make your way to the top. You will have to begin your climb up the mountain early in the morning to make it to the top and back again. Finally, after reaching the summit, you can bask in the accomplishment and then make your way back down. Overnights stay at the base camp.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 10 hours
  • Approx 13 km

From the base camp, it is a steady climb downhill through the valley back to Pangboche today. While the climb uphill through the valley was a little strenuous, the trek back is much easier. You can also enjoy amazing views of the mountains throughout the trip and pass through the rhododendron forests once more. Overnights stay at Pangboche.

  • Tea Tea House
  • Inclusive
  • 7 hours
  • 14 km

Making your way back through the terrace fields and passing through the pastures, you will make your way back to Namche once again. It is a steady up and down climb through the valley, and you will also cross many small streams and rivers today. Finally, you will reach Namche. Overnights stay at Namche.

  • Tea Tea House
  • All Inclusive
  • 7-8 hours,
  • Approx 15 km

From Namche, you will bid the mountains goodbye as you enter through the woodlands of the Sagarmatha National Park once again back towards Lukla. You will pass through the villages again and enjoy the woodlands at a more leisurely pace. Overnights stay at Lukla.

  • Tea 3 Sta Hotel
  • All Inclusive
  • 20 Minute Drive, 4 hours drive
  • 132 km

From Lukla, you will say goodbye to the Everest peaks for the last time and fly back to Kathmandu. Upon landing at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnights stay at Kathmandu.

  • Breakfast

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your final departure.

Altitude Chart

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Customize Trip
Cost Includes
  • All Arrival and Departure Transfer from the airport to the hotel
  • and vice-versa.
  • Twin sharing rooms at Tourist Standard Hotel or 2-3 stars Hotel in
  • Kathmandu on a Bed / Breakfast basis. (Includes welcome and farewell
  • dinner).
  • Domestic flight Ramechap / Lukla / Ramechap or Kathmandu with
  • chartered vehicles to Ramechap and back.
  • Hotel and dinner at Ramechap on the way to Lukla.
  •  Full board trekking on lodge basis till Lobuche includes B-L-D with
  • twin sharing room basis.
  •  Applicable Climbing and National Park permits and Garbage deposit fees.
  •  Wages, transportation allowance, and insurance of trekking and camping
  • staff, as well porters, including Yak man.
  •  High altitude guide, staff, and potters, special wages and equipment
  • and special allowance.
  •  Climbing guide insurance climbing allowance with peak bonus including
  • climbing equipment.
  • Medical Kits and ropes and oxygen for staff and guides only.
Cost Excludes
  •  Personal Medical / Travel Insurance.
  • Single room supplement in Kathmandu Hotel and on trekking in local lodges at extra cost.
  • In Kathmandu hotel on a bed and breakfast only basis no lunch or dinner except on welcome and farewell.
  • Personal expenses laundry, tipping, soft/hard drinks, and extra meals on treks.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation or using a helicopter service.
  • Camping Services including tents and food above Camp-I on own arrangement.
  • Early return from expedition due to personal reasons or problems as well as being sick etc. The money will be refunded by the company for all expenses to borne by oneself.
  • Personal oxygen and medical kit on climb and royalty fees of Mt. Everest climb.
  • Personal trekking and climbing gear including sleeping bags, down jackets.
  • Tipping of trekking/camping staff, cook, kitchen staff, and porters and of climbing guides.
Departure Dates

We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.

Useful Info

Climbing Gear

✅ Ice Axe – Lightweight technical ice axe for steep sections
✅ Crampons – Steel 12-point crampons, compatible with mountaineering boots
✅ Harness – Adjustable alpine harness with safety loops
✅ Ascender (Jumar) – For fixed rope climbing
✅ Belay Device – ATC guide or similar for belaying and rappelling
✅ Carabiners – Locking (4) and non-locking (4)
✅ Climbing Helmet – Lightweight and durable
✅ Ropes – Personal prusik cords and accessory cords

2. Mountaineering Boots

✅ High-Altitude Double Boots – Insulated boots like La Sportiva Olympus Mons or Scarpa Phantom 8000
✅ Gaiters – Waterproof gaiters to prevent snow from entering boots

3. Clothing

Base Layers

✅ Thermal Tops & Bottoms – Moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic

Insulation Layers

✅ Fleece Jacket & Pants – Mid-layer for warmth
✅ Down Jacket – Expedition-grade (800-fill or higher)
✅ Down Pants – Essential for high camps

Outer Layers (Shell Clothing)

✅ Waterproof Jacket – Gore-Tex or equivalent with hood
✅ Waterproof Pants – Gore-Tex or equivalent, full side zips

Gloves & Mittens

✅ Liner Gloves – Lightweight for dexterity
✅ Insulated Gloves – Waterproof and windproof
✅ Mittens – Heavy-duty down mittens for summit push

Headwear

✅ Warm Hat – Fleece or wool cap
✅ Balaclava/Buff – Protects face from wind and cold
✅ Sun Hat – Wide-brim for lower altitudes
✅ Sunglasses – Category 4 UV protection
✅ Ski Goggles – Anti-fog for high-altitude snow glare

4. Sleeping Gear

✅ Sleeping Bag – -30°C to -40°C rated down sleeping bag
✅ Sleeping Pad – Insulated pad for extra warmth
✅ Inflatable Pillow – Optional for comfort

5. Personal Equipment

✅ Backpack (50-60L) – For carrying gear to high camps
✅ Duffel Bag (100L+) – For transporting gear
✅ Headlamp & Extra Batteries – Powerful LED headlamp
✅ Trekking Poles – Adjustable, lightweight

6. Oxygen & Safety Gear

✅ Supplementary Oxygen – For summit push (2-4 bottles recommended)
✅ Mask & Regulator – Compatible with oxygen system
✅ First Aid Kit – Personal medications, blister care, altitude sickness meds
✅ Satellite Phone/GPS – Emergency communication
✅ Multi-tool/Knife – Useful for various tasks

7. Food & Hydration

✅ Hydration System – 2L Camelbak + insulated water bottles (Nalgene)
✅ Energy Snacks – Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits
✅ Electrolyte Powders – For hydration balance

8. Miscellaneous Items

✅ Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, wet wipes
✅ Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Essential for UV protection
✅ Lip Balm (SPF 30+) – Protect lips from cold and wind
✅ Notebook & Pen – Optional for journaling

Packing Tips:

✔ Layering is key – Wear multiple layers for insulation and flexibility.
✔ Test your gear – Ensure boots, crampons, and gloves fit well before the expedition.
✔ Keep essentials in carry-on – Sleeping bag, boots, and summit gear should be with you during flights.

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Expedition THIRD POLE Have Questions?
Talk to Expert

Shekhar Rayamajhi

WhatsApp/Viber (+977) 9851157825
FAQs

  • Island Peak is a famous and popular trekking peak to climb, located within high
    Khumbu is around Imjatse valley and close to Everest. The grade is PD+ (Per
    Difficult and plus) as per French and Swiss Alpine Classification Systems.
    A great adventure allows trekkers and climbers to get acclimatized by visiting Everest
    base camp, as well as crossing the high Kongma-La pass at 5,535 m high.

  • Island Peak and Imjatse Himal are the same mountains, the name Island Peak is due
    to its location in the midst of Imjatse Himal. The NMA (Nepal Mountaineering
    Association uses the name Imjatse Himal rather than Island Peak).
    But Island Peak name is more popular than Imjatse Himal, although the same name
    for the peak.

  • As this trek takes you around the famous and popular Everest base camp trail,
    where many good lodges and food are available. From Continental, Tibetan, Chines,
    Indian, Italian and Nepalese sets of the menu. The rooms are cozy and neat but on
    the climb of Island Peak use a tented camp for a few overnights till the climb is
    complete. Brown Bear provides two men’s tents, with a different unit of kitchens with
    cook and kitchen staff, along with guides and porters.

  • Depending upon the seriousness of the patient, for minor wounds and sickness,
    having self-treatment with the medicines carried by the clients and from Brown
    Bear Trail. For critical conditions, the victim should be brought and evacuated to
    a safe lower place to the nearest medical post or hospital by the fastest means of
    transportation. Some situation requires Helicopter service the fastest means to
    bring the sick to Kathmandu for further treatment.

  • On this trip to Island Peak and Everest Base Camp, all places have the facilities of
    electricity power either by hydro or solar energy. Where one can charge their
    electronic items by paying a fee per hour for gadgets charged to the lodge owner.
    But from Chukung to Island Peak Base Camp for the climb, there will no facilities to
    charge your electronic items for a few days. Trekkers need to carry a portable
    Solar panels for charging their electronic gadgets till Chukung, Dingboche is
    reached at the end of the climb.

  • The best time and seasons are spring and autumn/fall. Spring starts from March
    to May. The spring will be lively and bright with clear fine days most of the time
    with longer sunlight hours. Where hills will be alive with wildflowers in full bloom
    especially the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Could get snow-fall
    sometimes and light rain around lower areas.
    The next time is autumn/fall from September to November, most days are
    crystal clear for views and walks. But days are short due to the sunlight hours of
    autumn and pre-winter times. Can expect snowfall around high altitudes above
    2,800 m high, extra cold with a wind-chill factor.

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