The Himalaya’s most accessible 6,000m summit — and one of its most spectacular
Island Peak (Imja Tse) earns its name from its appearance when viewed from Dingboche — it rises like an island from a sea of glaciers. At 6,189m it is technically one of Nepal’s more accessible trekking peaks, making it the ideal first Himalayan summit for experienced trekkers with winter mountaineering skills who want to go higher than any base camp.
The approach trek follows the classic Everest Base Camp route through the Khumbu Valley — Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche — giving you full acclimatisation before the summit attempt. The views from the top are extraordinary: Lhotse and its massive South Face directly above, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Baruntse and the Nuptse/Lhotse ridge all visible from the summit ridge.
This trip can be extended by a further 8 days to include a traverse via the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp — the Khumbu Explorer. Enquire for details.
Your Island Peak booking includes a £50 direct donation to Community Action Nepal, stated on your confirmation. The Khumbu communities you pass through are communities CAN has supported for over 30 years.
Priced per group size · land only
Includes £50 CAN donation pp
Island Peak runs on your dates, for your group. Minimum 4 climbers. Best season October and November. Contact us and we’ll confirm availability and pricing within 24 hours.
Enquire & Get Pricing Book a Free CallNo commitment required. We reply within 24 hours with availability, pricing and an honest assessment of your readiness.
The summit in numbers
Pre-dawn alpine start from High Camp. Fixed ropes on the upper headwall. Summit ridge at dawn. Long descent to base camp.
The headwall between high camp and the summit ridge involves ~200m of fixed rope climbing at around 40–50 degrees. Crampons and ice axe essential.
Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga all visible on a clear day. The Nuptse/Lhotse wall rising directly above you. Ama Dablam to the west.
Via Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chukhung. Full acclimatisation built into the approach — this is also one of the finest treks in the Khumbu.
With proper preparation and the right conditions, Island Peak has a very high summit success rate for guided groups. Our Sherpa climbing sirdars will assess conditions daily.
Add Gokyo Lakes + Everest Base Camp to create the Khumbu Explorer — 29 days, two summits, the full Khumbu experience. Enquire for details.
What you need before you book
This is a requirement, not a suggestion. You must be comfortable on crampons and ice axe on steep terrain before you arrive. These skills need to be second nature — not something you’re learning at 5,500m. We recommend completing a UK winter skills course in the Cairngorms or Snowdonia before booking. We can suggest providers.
You should have trekked or travelled above 4,000m before. Previous experience on EBC, Manaslu, Annapurna or similar routes is ideal. Island Peak is not the place to discover how your body responds to high altitude for the first time.
Strong aerobic fitness is essential. Summit day is 10–12 hours of sustained effort at above 6,000m. In the months before departure, focus on endurance training with back-to-back days and significant elevation gain. If you can comfortably run or hike in the mountains for 5+ hours on consecutive days, you are on the right track.
You bring your personal technical equipment: crampons (12-point), ice axe, climbing harness, ascender (jumar), helmet and warm layering system. A comprehensive personal kit list is provided on booking. All group technical equipment — ropes, snow stakes, ice screws — is provided and managed by the Sherpa team.
20 days to the summit and back
Welcome meeting, kit checks, permits. Fly Kathmandu to Lukla on Day 2.
ArrivalThe classic Khumbu approach. Suspension bridges, porter trains, first views of Everest. Namche acclimatisation day.
3,440m → 3,867mAcclimatisation hike from Dingboche. Views of Lhotse, Island Peak and the Island Peak glacier. Base camp established.
4,360m → 4,730mTrek to base camp. Next day: move to high camp above the glacier. Final briefing and early night.
5,087m → ~5,364mPre-dawn start. Fixed ropes on the headwall. Summit ridge at sunrise. Descent to base camp same day.
The SummitTrek back down the Khumbu valley, fly Lukla to Kathmandu, rest day, celebration dinner and departure.
ReturnDetailed day-by-day itinerary provided on enquiry. Contingency days are built in for weather and acclimatisation.
Everything for the summit
- 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu on arrival & departure
- Domestic flight Kathmandu ↔ Lukla (inc. departure tax)
- All trek and base camp accommodation
- Full board throughout — all meals from Lukla to return
- Expert Sherpa climbing sirdar & assistant guides
- All porterage — main bag carried throughout
- High camp tents, cooking and camping equipment
- All group technical equipment (ropes, stakes, screws)
- Nepal Mountaineering Association peak permit
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Group first aid kit and emergency oxygen
- £50 Community Action Nepal donation per person
- Pre-departure kit list and expedition briefing
What to budget for
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa (approx. US$50, on arrival)
- Personal technical equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Travel and expedition insurance (mandatory)
- Personal spending, tips and souvenirs
- Bottled drinks and personal snacks on trail
- Emergency evacuation costs (covered by insurance)
Insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover mountaineering to 6,500m and include emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance is not sufficient. Ask us for recommended providers.
Island Peak is priced per group size and departure date. Fill in the form and we’ll come back within 24 hours with pricing, availability and an honest assessment of your readiness.
No commitment at enquiry stage
We’ll tell you honestly if you’re not ready — no sales pressure
Minimum 4 climbers — solo enquiries welcome, we can match with others
Extension to Khumbu Explorer available on request
Our team will review your background and come back within 24 hours with pricing, availability and an honest assessment. If it’s urgent, email hello@catreks.com directly.