6189m
ISLAND
PEAK
A Himalayan 6000er
Max Altitude: 6,189m
Group Size: 2-10
Walking Per Day: 5-7 Hours
Summit day is 12 Hours
Land Only Package
Accommodation: Hotels, Teahouses
and Tents
10th - 26th April 2027
Strenuous
12 Trekking Days - 17 Days Total
£3,100
£300 deposit to secure your place
Final balance paid 8 weeks before departure
ABOUT THE ISLAND PEAK EXPEDITION
A trip that ticks so many boxes, you’ll lose count of the highlights.
Island Peak (also known as Imja Tse) is a legendary trekking peak nestled just off the iconic Everest Base Camp trail. Standing proudly at 6,189m, it just breaks the 6,000m mark—and delivers a true Himalayan experience without the commitment of a full-scale mountaineering expedition.
Named by the 1953 British Everest team—who thought it looked like an island rising from a sea of ice—Island Peak is surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring giants in the region: Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, and the stunning Ama Dablam.
This two-week expedition blends everything you could want in a mountain adventure: high-altitude trekking, dramatic scenery, and a real summit push that includes crampons, fixed ropes, a steep headwall, and an exhilarating final ridge to the summit.
Yes, it’s classified as a trekking peak—but make no mistake, this is a serious and rewarding climb that will challenge and inspire in equal measure.
This trip has it all—adventure, altitude, technical terrain, and bragging rights to match.
Please note, this expedition is coupled up with the Ama Dablam & Island Peak Expedition. On day 13 the expeditions will split. At the same time our EBC trip will arrive in the same village and you will join them for the remaining trek days.
ISLAND PEAK ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! After navigating the vibrant energy of Kathmandu, we’ll transfer you to our high-spec hotel where you can settle in, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Final Prep & Transfer to Ramechhap
We’ll spend the morning finalising expedition logistics, checking kit, and soaking up the pre-trek atmosphere. In the afternoon, we take a 5-hour drive to Ramechhap, ready for tomorrow’s flight into the Himalayas.
Day 3 – Fly to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (2,650m)
An early internal flight takes us to Lukla, landing at one of the most iconic airstrips in the world. From here, we begin our trek with a scenic walk to the riverside village of Phakding.
Day 4 – Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Today we gain altitude as we climb to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, crossing suspension bridges and winding forest trails along the way. Expect your first clear views of Everest—a major milestone!
Day 5 – Acclimatisation in Namche
We stay an extra day in Namche to acclimatise—but not to rest! A 3–4 hour acclimatisation hike is planned, likely to a high viewpoint offering incredible mountain vistas, followed by downtime to explore Namche’s shops, cafés, and bakeries.
Days 6 & 7 – Trek to Debuche & Dingboche (4,400m)
Over two trekking days (approx. 5–6 hours each), we head deeper into the Khumbu, passing ancient monasteries and high-altitude settlements. We spend one night in Debuche, then continue to Dingboche, where the air starts to feel much thinner.
Day 8 – Acclimatisation Day in Dingboche
We stay in Dingboche and take a hike up to around 5,000m to further aid acclimatisation. In the afternoon, relax with a hot drink—or sample the village’s famous cakes from one of the bakeries.
Day 9 – Trek to Chukhung (4,730m) & Skills Refresher
A beautiful trek leads us to Chukhung, the gateway to Island Peak. In the afternoon, we’ll review and practise essential mountaineering skills, including the use of fixed lines and crampons, in preparation for the climb.
Days 10 & 11 – Summit Island Peak (6,189m)
The adventure peaks—literally!
On Day 10, we hike to Island Peak High Camp (5,550m). In the early hours of Day 11, we begin our summit push under the stars. The climb involves glacier travel, fixed rope sections, and a steep headwall before reaching the summit at 6,189m, surrounded by the giants of the Himalayas.
After celebrating at the top, we descend all the way back to Chukhung. It’s a challenging but unforgettable day.
Day 12 – Descend to Pangboche
We begin our journey back down the valley, trekking to the picturesque village of Pangboche, where we’ll enjoy more oxygen and lower altitudes.
Day 13 – Return to Namche Bazaar
We continue descending to Namche, enjoying the now-familiar trails and a bit of a celebratory atmosphere.
⚠️ On this day, climbers continuing to the Ama Dablam expedition will split from the group and begin the next phase of their journey.
Day 14 – Trek to Lukla
Our final trekking day brings us back to Lukla. It’s a long walk but made easier by the lower elevation. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a celebratory meal with our incredible local team.
Day 15 – Fly to Ramechhap & Return to Kathmandu
Weather permitting, we fly out of Lukla and drive back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours to rest, explore, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping—followed by another celebratory dinner.
Day 16 – Discover Kathmandu
Spend the morning on a half-day guided sightseeing tour, visiting key cultural highlights—temples, markets, and historic squares. The rest of the day is free for personal exploration or relaxation.
Day 17 – Departure Day
Sadly, it's time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home—or help you extend your adventure if you’re not ready to leave Nepal just yet.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
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Internal Transfers - Airport Transfers, and flight from Lukla Airport
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Accommodation throughout, including high spec hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
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All food except Lunch and Dinners in Kathmandu
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Trekking Permits
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Trekking Staff, including English speaking Nepali Guides
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Experienced LMG Trek Manager
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2 Day Lake District based Winter Training Weekend
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Medical Kit and Portable Altitude Chamber
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Team t-shirt & Duffle Bag
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International Flights from your destination country
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Personal Trekking Insurance - To cover trekking to over 6,189m. This is mandatory to join us on a trip.
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Non-Emergency Helicopter Flights
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Tips for the trekking team (Roughly £150)
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Lunches and Dinners outside of the trekking phase
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Nepal Entry Visa £50
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Souvenirs
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Additional food and beverages
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Communications / Charging cost (Wifi / Sim Card)
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Personal trekking kit (Boots,rucksacks etc)
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Technical Kit Hire - Crampons, Axe, Mountaineering Boots
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Services and Accommodation not included in the planned itinerary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why climb Island Peak?
Island Peak is nestled in the Khumbu valley and hosts some amazing views. As part of this expedition you get to see some of the greatest mountains in the world, visit Everest Base Camp and climb to over 6,000m!
How fit do I really need to be and what skills do I require?
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy it, and the more chance you'll have of getting to the top. Being able to complete 4+ days of big hill walks in the UK is a good gauge that you're ready. You'll find some advice, as well as a free downloadable 12 week training plan on our Fitness Training page. Matt is also a qualified Personal Trainer so if you want some formal training just get in touch with us via Summit Push Fitness
Being able to walk proficiently with crampons and use a walking axe for safety will be a good skill to have before heading to the Himalaya. Again, as part of this package you will be able to join us for a two day winter skills weekend here in the Lake District (Instruction only)
In order to reach the summit you will spend two days in crampons, as well as using Fixed Ropes for safety.
What about Altitude Sickness?
Having concerns about AMS is very natural and it unfortunately unpredictable. Even the experienced could struggle to get over 6,000m if they get ill. We have however designed our itinerary to help us best acclimatise. The fitter you are, the less exhausted you'll get, which in turn has an impact on bringing on symptoms of AMS. These points combined with walking slowly, drinking lots and eating well all give you the best possible chance. We have a Portable Altitude Chamber (Gammow Bag) available on all our expeditions above 4,500m should anyone get particularly poorly with AMS.
What Technical Kit do I require?
On this trip we will require technical winter kit in the form of 'Double' Winter Boots, crampons, a walking axe and a climbing harness As part of the trip cost you are invited to a winter skills course with us in the Lake District (UK) to learn how to use it. Due to weight restrictions imposed on the Lukla flight we will likely hire this kit in Nepal. You will also need a good 4/5 season sleeping bag rated to -15 or -20. Again this can be hired in Nepal.
What about the Food and Accommodation?
The food in Nepal is fab. Expect a lot of rice, noodles and vegetables. If you have specific allergies or dietary requirements it may be worth researching what's on offer before committing. Eating well throughout is key to success on such an expedition. Our accommodation whilst on the trek will be teahouses, apart from 1 night (possibly 2 nights if the contingency day is used) will be spent in a tent.
Should you need to leave the expedition early, any additional accommodation costs will need to be covered by you (or depending on the circumstance, your insurance)
Do I require Travel Insurance?
Most certainly. Travelling, let alone adventure travel, can throw up all sorts of incidents or circumstances that need to be covered by insurance otherwise you could face a very hefty bill. As a minimum your insurance must cover the dates of the trip, the altitude you are trekking to and helicopter evacuation. Our recommendation for travel insurance is Campbell Irvine
What is a non-Emergency Helicopter Flight mentioned in the Exclusions?
This expedition relies on an internal plane flight to return back to Kathmandu. Delays can occur, and in order to get you back to your international flight, we can consider the use of a helicopter (if the weather permits). This cost is not covered by LMG Treks & Expeditions, and you could expect to pay anywhere between £300-£600 per flight depending on the group size.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Possibly! Vaccinations can be costly too and should be taken into consideration when budgeting for your trip. The best thing to do is to approach your Travel Nurse for information.
Do your trips have a minimum required number of participants to run?
Yes, we will let you know when it is guaranteed to run and from this point you can book flights.
Do you organise bespoke trips?
Of course, just get in touch with your group size and we'll offer you a quote.
Why should I trek with LMG Treks & Expeditions?
For over a decade we've provided fun, educational and safe adventures in the UK through Lakeland Mountain Guides. We've taken our experience and academic education and created a company that has the sole aim of providing amazing, personal adventures abroad. Yes, we're just a small company, but this has two big benefits for you. Firstly, we really appreciate each and every booking we get, and you are not one in a few thousand. Secondly. we're able to, and want to, put the time into helping you get mentally and physically prepared for your adventure.
We pride ourselves on being compliant to UK Package travel regulation laws, diligent with safety, and environmentally sensitive. What's more is we create our trips with the customer experience, safety and chances of success at the very fore of our minds. We will often add in extra days for acclimatisation or contingency to achieve these three major factors, even if it makes our trips a bit more expensive.
How do we justify the price of our trips?
There's no doubt about it, if you went online you'd likely find a cheaper alternative, but you can't be certain you're buying a like for like product. We get it, these trips aren't cheap, but there are numerous reasons why the price amounts to what it does. Please click here to read deeper into the reasons why.
Are you environmentally responsible?
As a company, although small, we will operate responsibly, giving back where we can. One of our best partnerships is that with Trees4Travel. We will plant 2 trees on the behalf of every booking we get, and we will plant enough trees to offset the travel of our trek manager too. Click here to see our Responsible Tourism Policy
We discourage the use of single use plastics on expedition where possible, and are continually thinking of ways to become even kinder to the planet we operate in.
More info can be found in our Resources section
