Island Peak (Imja Tse) Climb-18 Days

18 Days Hotel

When you arrive in Kathmandu, our team will be waiting at the airport to welcome you and take you to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll have the chance to wander around colorful Thamel and pick up any last-minute gear for your trek.

18 Days Hotel

Today is focused on getting ready for the climb. After breakfast, your guide will review the essential climbing gear, including crampons, harness, ropes, and ice axes. You’ll receive instructions on how to use the equipment safely and have time to rent or purchase anything missing. This day ensures you’re fully prepared and confident before heading into the higher mountains.

18 Days Guesthouse

After a short morning flight to Lukla, you’ll meet your guide and porter before starting the trek. The trail begins with a gentle walk through Chaurikharka village, then descends to Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). From here, we follow the riverbank of the Dudh Koshi until reaching Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we spend the night. Phakding is a lively stop on the route, and you’ll have some free time to explore the village.

Note: Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing airport upgrades. The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap takes around 4 hours, so we’ll leave early in the morning (about 2 a.m.). The return drive after the trek usually takes 4–6 hours, depending on traffic.

18 Days Guesthouse

A relatively easy walk through Monjo goes through pine trees offering glimpses of distant snow-covered peaks with spectacular views of waterfalls and yaks carrying trekking luggage. At Monjo, local authorities will check you have the necessary permits, such as TIMS cards and Park entry fee receipt. Your guide will take care of the paperwork which will give you time to stroll around and take in the sights. We will then enter the Sagarmatha Park and ascend a relatively steep trail finally arriving at Monjo where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue our trek through forests and paths cross a high bridge. Once over the bridge, we continue our upward climb towards Namche and then have a long ascent to Namche Ukalo (steps). We continue uphill until when you reach Namche where you will be excited to get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest. 

18 Days Guesthouse

Even on rest days, it’s best to keep moving to help with acclimatization. Namche is the perfect place for this, with plenty to see and do. You can wander through the village, visit the small exhibition on local plants and wildlife, or simply enjoy the views of the Everest region. For those who want more activity, there’s the option of a rewarding hike to Khumjung village (5–6 hours), home to the famous mountaineering school. In the evening, you might like to stroll through Namche’s night bazaar for a taste of local life.

18 Days Guesthouse

Today we trek through the beautiful Khumbu Valley, passing the famous Tengboche Monastery, with its stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. After soaking in the monastery’s spiritual atmosphere, we continue through lush forests and traditional villages, reaching Debuche before arriving at Pangboche. The day combines scenic trekking with cultural experiences, making it a memorable part of the journey.

18 Days Guesthouse

Today’s trek is a short and gentle walk, taking us higher into the Khumbu Valley. Along the way, you’ll enjoy closer views of towering peaks like Ama Dablam and the surrounding glaciers. The trail passes through charming villages and scenic landscapes before reaching Dingboche (4,410m). This shorter day gives you time to relax, soak in the alpine beauty, and acclimatize to the altitude.

18 Days Guesthouse

Today is all about giving your body more time to adjust before heading higher. To help with acclimatization, we take a scenic hike to Chhukung Valley (4,730m), surrounded by breathtaking peaks like Taboche, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amphu Laptsa, and Ama Dablam.

For those looking for an extra challenge, there’s the option to continue up to Chhukung Ri (5,550m) for a stunning panorama that even includes Makalu. Another choice is a shorter hike up to Nangkartshang Hill (2–3 hours) or a visit to nearby Pheriche for an afternoon talk on altitude sickness. Chhukung also has several lodges and serves as the main starting point for climbers heading to Island Peak.

18 Days Guesthouse

After breakfast, we set out with an easy walk toward Thukla before tackling a steep climb up the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. Along the way, we pass Chupki Lhara, a moving memorial site where prayer flags and stone cairns honor climbers like Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa. From here, the trail continues along the glacier’s edge, opening up to incredible views of peaks such as Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Mahalangur Himal. By late afternoon, we reach Lobuche, where we rest for the night surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

18 Days Guesthouse

We commence our trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp through the vast Gorak-Shep. Along the trail, we pass the Indian army mountaineers' memorials. At this point the path can be confusing, so following your guide is important. The thin air at this high altitude can be exhausting. We traverse rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Mt. Everest Base Camp. From Everest Base Camp you will see some of the world’s highest peaks, in stark contrast to the gray surroundings - especially in the spring. Before we are Khumbuste, Nuptse, and Pumori. We will then head back to Gorak Shep.

18 Days Guesthouse

We start early, around 4 AM in the cold pre-dawn air, making our way up to Kala Patthar (5,550m). Temperatures can drop well below freezing, and the winds can be strong, but the reward is worth it. As the sun rises, Everest slowly reveals itself, along with dramatic views of Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Changtse. From the summit of Kala Patthar, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama with the closest view of Mount Everest you can get without climbing it. After soaking up the sunrise and capturing plenty of photos, we descend back to Lobuche (4,900m) for a well-earned rest.

18 Days Guesthouse

After breakfast, we set out on one of the toughest but most rewarding days of the trek. The trail leads us across the Khumbu’s icy terrain to Kongma La Base Camp (5,000m) before climbing steeply to the high pass of Kongma La (5,535m). Colorful prayer flags and stone cairns mark the top, where the views are simply breathtaking. From here, we descend through the Imja Valley, where meltwater from Everest flows into the Imja Khola. Eventually, we reach Chhukung (4,730m), a quiet summer settlement. On arrival, your guide will review the climbing gear and make final preparations for the Island Peak ascent.

• For those who prefer an easier route, there’s also the option to bypass Kongma La and trek via Dingboche to Chhukung.

18 Days Tent/ Camping

Today we make our way to Island Peak Base Camp, the starting point for tomorrow’s big climb. While the route doesn’t demand advanced technical skills, it does require good stamina and some basic mountaineering knowledge. The trail begins on sandy ground, then turns to grassy slopes before climbing over boulders and narrowing into a steep rocky section. Your guide may secure ropes for safety, especially where snowy ridges or crevasses need to be crossed, sometimes with the help of ladders.

Reaching the base camp feels like a milestone—surrounded by dramatic peaks and the excitement of the summit ahead. After settling in, we’ll go over safety checks and prepare for the climb, with time to rest and gather strength for tomorrow’s adventure.

• – 4–5 hours

18 Days Guesthouse

This is the most exciting and challenging day of the trip. We start early, long before sunrise, to make sure we reach the summit before the afternoon winds pick up. The climb begins on rocky steps, then moves onto snow and ice where ropes, crampons, and ice axes come into play. With steady effort and guidance from your climbing leader, we make our way across ridges and crevasses toward the summit.

Standing on top of Island Peak (6,189m) is an unforgettable moment—the views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam are simply breathtaking. After taking time to enjoy the achievement and capture photos, we carefully descend back to base camp. From there, we continue down to Chhukung, where a warm meal and well-earned rest await.

•  10–12 hours

18 Days Guesthouse

We leave Chhukung and follow the familiar trail back toward the Imja Khola before climbing through the forest to Tengboche. If there’s interest, we can stop by the monastery to visit the nuns and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. After lunch here, the trail descends through beautiful forests of juniper and alpine shrubs, then crosses the Dudh Koshi River. From there, we pass through the Dudh Koshi Gorge and into pine forests, where it’s worth watching out for wildlife like mountain goats, pheasants, and—if very lucky—even a snow leopard. Emerging from the forest, we pass several chortens before arriving at the military camp and finally reaching the lively hub of Namche Bazaar.

• Duration – 6 to 7 hours

18 Days Guesthouse

The rocky path down is steep and it is advised to be cautious crossing this rocky landscape. We eventually cross the suspension bridges over the rapid flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, where the path becomes flatter and easier to negotiate. After our arrival in Lukla we can stretch our aching legs and blissfully recall the exhilarating experiences of the last few weeks.

• Duration: 6-7 hours.

18 Days Hotel

After breakfast, we take a short flight from Lukla back to Ramechhap. From there, it’s a 4–6 hour drive to Kathmandu, depending on traffic. Once in the city, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can rest, refresh, or head out to explore more of Kathmandu’s vibrant streets.

Note: Lukla flights currently operate to and from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing airport upgrades. The drive from Ramechhap to Kathmandu usually takes 4–6 hours.

18 Days

Today marks the end of your adventure in Nepal with Jolly Himalaya Adventures. After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to relax, exchange contacts with your travel companions, and maybe organize a few photos from the journey. When it’s time to leave, our representative will drive you to the airport, about three hours before your flight. On your way home, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on your trek and perhaps start dreaming about your next adventure in the Himalayas.

Thank You from Jolly Himalaya Adventures
Thank you for choosing Jolly Himalaya Adventures for your Island Peak journey. We hope your trek has been filled with breathtaking views, unforgettable experiences, and new friendships. May the memories of the Himalayas stay with you forever, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in Nepal soon!