Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp — 19 Days

About the Role

Island Peak climbing is a high-altitude mountaineering expedition to the summit of Island Peak (Imja Tse) at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) in Nepal's Khumbu region, situated directly south of Lhotse in the heart of the Everest massif. Officially named Imja Tse by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and classified as a trekking peak, Island Peak is one of the most popular technical summit objectives in Nepal, attracting over 1,000 climbers each season.

The 19-day route uniquely combines the full Everest Base Camp trek, including Kala Patthar (5,550m) and EBC itself (5,364m), with a technical summit via the Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Chukhung Valley, and Island Peak's famous headwall—a steep 50-degree ice and snow face requiring fixed ropes, crampons, and a jumar. From the summit, climbers stand face-to-face with Lhotse (8,516m), the world's fourth-highest mountain, along with Everest, Nuptse, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam.

Why Climb Island Peak with Everest Base Camp?

• Two iconic achievements in one expedition: Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Kala Patthar sunrise (5,550m), and a technical 6,000m summit in a single 19-day itinerary.
• Closest summit to Lhotse in the world—Island Peak sits at the base of Lhotse's south face, offering a unique summit view.
• Ideal technical step-up from EBC for those seeking the next level of Himalayan experience with a genuine mountaineering summit.
• Moderate technical challenge achievable with training; the headwall is manageable for fit beginners with proper guide support.
• Autumn 2026 window (September 15 – November 20) offers stable weather, clear skies, and optimal summit conditions, with October as the best month.
• 360-degree Himalayan panorama from the summit, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Baruntse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Pumori.

Mountain Facts

• Official Name: Imja Tse
• Summit Altitude: 6,189 m / 20,305 ft
• Classification: Trekking Peak (Nepal Mountaineering Association)
• Location: Chukhung Valley, Solukhumbu, Khumbu Region, Nepal
• First Ascent: Tenzing Norgay & British team, 1953
• Nearest 8,000m Peak: Lhotse (8,516m), visible directly from the summit
• Difficulty Grade: NMA Grade 2B (Moderate Technical)
• Permit Type: NMA Trekking Peak Permit
• Best Season: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
• Standard Duration: 19 days (with EBC)
• Summit Success Rate: ~70–80% with a licensed agency and proper preparation
• Technical Requirement: Fixed ropes, crampons, ice axe, jumar for the moderate headwall

Pricing for 2026 and 2027

The total Island Peak climbing cost depends on group size, season, and service level. Below is a transparent, complete breakdown:

Overland Trek Nepal Package Prices

• Solo (1 person): USD 2,699
• 2–3 persons: USD 2,599
• 4–7 persons: USD 2,399
• 8–12 persons: USD 2,199

What's Included

• Round-trip domestic flights (Kathmandu/Ramechhap–Lukla)
• All meals on trek (3/day)
• Teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
• 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights)
• Experienced NMA-licensed climbing guide
• Porters (1 per 2 climbers, 20kg max)
• 2 nights tent camp at Island Peak Base Camp
• All camping equipment
• Shared climbing gear (ropes, ice screws, snow bars, ladder, harness)
• All NMA and national park permits
• Garbage deposit fee
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Achievement certificate
• Company T-shirt and duffel bag
• Trekking poles
• Nepal SIM card
• 1-hour post-trek massage

What's Not Included

• International airfare
• Nepal visa fee (~USD 50 for 30 days)
• Personal travel and evacuation insurance (mandatory above 6,000m)
• Personal climbing equipment (crampons, ice axe, mountaineering boots)
• Tips for guides and porters (expected)
• Personal expenses (WiFi, hot shower, charging, bottled water, alcohol)

Government Permit Fees (2026)

Permit Spring (Mar–May) Autumn (Sep–Nov) Winter/Summer NMA Island Peak Permit USD 250 USD 125 USD 75 Sagarmatha National Park USD 30 USD 30 USD 30 Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality USD 20 USD 20 USD 20 TIMS Card USD 20 USD 20 USD 20 Garbage Deposit USD 500 USD 500 USD 500

Note: The USD 500 garbage deposit is refunded in full upon returning to Kathmandu with evidence that no waste was left on the mountain. Overland Trek Nepal manages this process on your behalf. All permit fees and the garbage deposit are included in the package price.

Best Time to Climb Island Peak (2026 & 2027)

Autumn Season (September–November)

Best for 2026: The autumn season runs from approximately September 15 to November 20, offering the most popular and optimal window.

• September: Trails recover post-monsoon quickly. Clear skies build steadily through the month. Fewer climbers than in October. Temperatures at Base Camp average 5°C to +5°C in daytime.
• October: Peak climbing conditions. Crystal-clear visibility and stable summit windows. The headwall and fixed ropes are in optimal condition. The most recommended month for Island Peak climbing.
• November: Excellent visibility and significantly fewer crowds. Colder (–15°C at Base Camp at night). All teahouses remain fully open through mid-November.

Book autumn 2026 departures at least 3–4 months ahead. October slots fill by July.

Spring Season (March–May)

Alternative for 2026 & 2027:

• March: Cool and quiet. Some high-altitude snowfall. Less foot traffic on the EBC trail.
• April: Prime spring window. Rhododendron forests in bloom on the lower trails. Strong summit demand; book early.
• May: Warmer temperatures. The peak Everest expedition season means busier trails. Pre-monsoon clouds build in the afternoons by late May.

Seasons to Avoid

• Monsoon (June–August): Heavy rainfall, trail flooding, severely reduced visibility, elevated risk of rockfall and avalanche on the headwall approach.
• Winter (December–February): Extreme cold (–25°C at Base Camp), partial teahouse closures above Dingboche, very high frostbite risk on the technical headwall section.

Difficulty and Itinerary

Island Peak is rated NMA Grade 2B (Moderate Technical), placing it above Mera Peak in difficulty but significantly below full expedition peaks like Ama Dablam or Lobuche East in exposure.

Trekking Phase (Days 1–12)

The first 12 days follow the classic EBC route with the addition of the demanding Kongma La Pass crossing (5,535m) on Day 12. This high mountain pass separates the Khumbu Glacier from the Chukhung Valley and provides exceptional acclimatization. You cross above 5,500m twice before the summit attempt. No technical gear is required during this phase.

Pre-Climb Training (Day 13)