Island Peak climbing is a popular mountaineering program in Nepal, as ascending the Island Peak is comparatively easier than other peak climbing. The Island Peak is also known as Imja Tse.
Island Peak is situated in the Everest region of Nepal, right on the Nepalese and Tibetan border. When seen from Dingboche, the peak looks like an island between a sea of ice. This is where the peak gets its name from. When compared to other peaks, this peak is a relatively difficult climb; however, with the best people in the field and a bit of effort from your side, this peak is conquerable.
Island Peak was first climbed in 1956 by an expedition team that was preparing to climb the peak of peaks, or Mount Everest. The summit of this peak is a difficult climb across ice and snow. The top compensates climbers for their difficult journey with incomparable mountain views of Ama Dablam (6,856m), Makalu (8,481m), and many others. The Imja Valley is home to amazing glaciers running down from 8,000m high in the unique mountain valley.
Ama Dablam is a mountain in the eastern Himalayan range of the Everest region of Nepal. The main peak is 6,812m, and the lower western peak is 6,170m. Ama Dablam means “Mother’s necklace”, the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother protecting her child, and the hanging glacier is thought of as the Dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods worn by Sherpa women. For several days, Ama Dablam dominates the eastern sky for anyone trekking to Mount Everest base camp. For its soaring ridges and steep faces, Ama Dablam is sometimes referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas”.
Ama Dablam was first climbed on 13th March 1961 by Mike Gill (NZ), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK), and Wally Romanes (NZ) via the southwest Ridge. They were well acclimated to altitude, having wintered over at 5800m near the base of the peak as part of the Silver Hut scientific expedition of 1960-61 led by Sir Edmund Hillary.
Led by experienced Sherpa guides and supported by strong safety standards, quality logistics, and personalized service, Himalaya Sacred Trek and Expedition ensures that both Island Peak and Ama Dablam climbing expeditions are conducted with professionalism, care, and deep respect for the mountains. These climbs offer not only summit success but also unforgettable cultural encounters, sacred landscapes, and a genuine Himalayan mountaineering experience.
Departure Location: Kathmandu
Return Location: Kathmandu
We complete our customs formalities at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there will be a representative from our company who will take you to your hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day resting. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by our company. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today is set aside for peak climbing preparation and briefing. We will organize and check all necessary climbing gear and equipment, review the climbing route and itinerary, and attend a detailed briefing. After completing the preparations, if time allows and participants are interested, we may explore nearby sites. This day ensures everyone is fully prepared as we begin our peak climbing journey from tomorrow.
After lunch, we drove to Manthali airport, which is located in Ramechhap district, so it is also known as Ramechhap airport, as it faces attractive views of Kathmandu and Manthali. During the trekking season, flights operate via Ramechhap, while in the off-season, direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are available. After reaching Manthali, we will stay overnight in a lodge at Manthali.
Early in the morning, we flew from Manthali to Lukla, experiencing incredible and beautiful views of Manthali and Lukla. After reaching Lukla, we start to trek to a ridge at 2,800m, before a gradual ascent to the final ridge from where we descend to Surke, following the path toward Phakding. You will trek on the trail cut deep into the steep rocky side of the valley, where you can come across mule caravans making their way alongside you. At the end, the trekking trail joins back onto the Dudh Koshi River valley, and you can see amazing views of the river below as you stand high above on the steep side of the impenetrable valley. Overnight at a guest house or lodge.
After breakfast at Phakding, we will pass through the famous Namche Bazaar, where altitude gains as the walk progress morning walk starts following the river and crossing several times to reach Monjo village near Sagarmatha National Park entrance. From here, walking on river valley and gorge, covered with woodland of tall rhododendron, pines and fir trees. After a few hours, we will reach Namche Bazaar, an ideal place for a rest day to acclimatize to the main town/ village of Khumbu, where a colourful and exciting Saturday market takes place once a week. Overnight at a lodge.
After breakfast, we went to the viewpoint, just behind the back of Sagarmatha National Park headquarters. The panoramic views of the Everest Himalayan chain, Mt.Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and many more. Then we walk down to the Sherpa Cultural Centre where we can observe the gallery and the documentary of Sherpa’s ascending Mt.Everest. We hike up to the Everest View hotel via Syangboche airport, have a cup of tea and trek to Khyangjuma, where we can see many wonderful mountains as well as not so much crowd, a peaceful place to stay. Overnight at a lodge.
After breakfast, we start trekking to Tengboche. On the way, mountain goats can be seen. A continual walk through rhododendron forests, we descend for about 45 minutes to the bank of the river, called Phunki Tenga, a small place with few lodges, an ideal place for a refreshing or lunch stop. Then we will climb up to Tengboche through the zig-zag trail. Tengboche is the right place to stay, which is surrounded by white peaks just below the Ama Dablam. Overnight at a lodge.
Morning catching super views of high peaks with Mt.Everest, our route descends into forested areas, reaching a metal bridge. We ascend for 30 minutes and reach the gate and enter Pangboche village, this is the last Sherpa permanent village en route to Everest base camp. From here, the walk leads to barren and arid country where tree lines drop for small bushes of juniper and dwarf rhododendron. The walk leads uphill into a river gorge and finally opens up into a wide glacial valley on reaching Dingboche with many good lodges around, facing views of island peaks towards the east. Overnight at a lodge.
At Dingboche, we will have another acclimatization day. We can hike to Nagerjun, which lies just above Dingboche, located at a height of 5,100m. While hiking, we will notice the trail turning steeper, making the walk quite strenuous. Walking approximately 3-4 hours, we will reach Nagerjun, which bestows the splendid view of Pheriche valley as well as a stunning panorama of Lobuche East (6,119m), Lobuche West (6,145m), Kantega (6,685m), Thamserku (6,608m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m). If you are lucky, you can also observe stunning sights of Manaslu, the world’s fifth-tallest peak, on a clear day. Then we will walk back to Dingboche and stay overnight at a lodge.
We trek to Chhukung, a small summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung, we also check our equipment to get ready for our ultimate climb. Overnight in Chhukung.
The trek to Island Peak Base Camp is on a fairly steep trail. First, we climb south, then turn east to the main line of the village. We then walk on a winding path below the southern flank of the moraine from the Lhotse glacier. Next, we continue walking on a pleasant trail along a streamside. The route to the Amphu Laptsa lies to the southeast. A crisscross route through the Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines leads to a wide valley flanking the SW side of Island Peak. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
We woke up early today at around 12 or 1 am and had our breakfast before beginning our climb. We must reach the summit before noon because in the afternoon, the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier to a successful summit. The trail moves up beyond the Base Camp for several hundred meters before striking off the steep hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder-strewn.
As we climb up the hill, we will see that the slope narrows and the trail enters a steep rock channel. We climbed the rock gully. The route then follows a ridgeline that leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix the rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. Both the fixed rope and the main rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fixed after successfully climbing on the rock. The length of the rope will usually be 350m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. After enjoying the summit views and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp, where some of our crew are waiting for us. We celebrate our successful Island Peak climb.
We begin today’s trek to reach Ama Dablam Base Camp. On the way, we can see many beautiful views that will ease our mind and heart. The Base Camp is a large and open grassland at the foot of Mt. Ama Dablam. Overnight at Ama Dablam Base Camp.
Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the best ways of using climbing gear such as the ice axe, climbing boots, crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes for climbing both up and down. The training will boost our confidence and climbing skills, thus increasing our chance of a successful summit of the mountain. Overnight in Ama Dablam Base Camp.
From the Ama Dablam Base Camp, we move further up to Camp 1 at 5,700m along the standard route. Generally, one night is spent at Camp 1 for acclimatization and before returning to the Base Camp for the final preparation to scale the summit. There are three camps above the base camp before reaching the summit.
The ascent from Base Camp to Camp 1 is technically challenging. From Camp 1, we follow existing fixed lines and then establish new ropes wherever necessary, both for ascent and descent. The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is composed of mixed rock, snow, and ice, which is loose in certain places. The climb from Camp 3 to the summit is relatively less technical. After summiting the peak, we return to the Base Camp.
After a great adventurous climb, feeling high and in top spirit, back at Base Camp to clean the area from garbage and then start packing up.
Leaving Ama Dablam Base Camp with super views of Ama Dablam, Nuptse wall, Lhotse, and then heading on the downhill path and back to lower altitude and tree lines, the walk leads past Pangboche, and from the bridge, an hour or more climb brings you back to the farmed land of Tengboche Monastery with amazing surrounding scenery.
Tracing the small trail that was walked up 2 weeks ago.
The trail descends steeply downward, so we need to walk cautiously as our shaky legs continuously battle the rocky terrain. After crossing the suspension bridges over the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the trail becomes more level and natural. After we arrive in Lukla, we sketch those sore legs and recall the experiences of the last couple of weeks. Overnight in Lukla.
Morning transfer to Lukla Tenzing-Hillary airport for a short sweeping flight to Manthali airport located in Ramechhap district, facing scenic views of mountains, green scenery of hills and farm fields with nice villages and towns as the flight lands at Manthali airport, and drive back to Kathmandu.
After the long, exhausting climbing, you might be a bit. Today, you can do some relaxation activities or just take some rest and connect with your friends and family back home. You can also just wander down the lively streets of Thamel and Asan and buy some souvenirs. In the evening, your tour officer will pick you up for dinner at one of the cultural restaurants of Thamel. After the dinner, you will be escorted back to your hotel.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! We will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Complementaries
| Date | Status | Group Size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
|
56 Days
Start – 2026-04-25
End – 2026-06-03
|
Booking Open | 1 – 12 PAX |
