Everest Base Camp Trek With Island Peak Climbing

Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing – 18 Days

The Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing is Royal Nepal Holidays' flagship 18-day adventure for trekkers who want more than a walk to base camp — they want to stand on top of a genuine Himalayan summit. This trip combines the world-famous trek through the Khumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar with a guided ascent of Island Peak, known locally as Imja Tse, which rises to 6,189 meters above the Chhukung Valley.

Rather than treating the two experiences as separate products stitched together, our 18-day itinerary is designed as a single progressive journey. The EBC portion builds altitude tolerance gradually through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before the trek reaches Everest Base Camp and the panoramic viewpoint at Kala Patthar. By the time our climbers turn toward Island Peak Base Camp, their bodies have already spent nearly two weeks adapting to thin air — a significant advantage over shorter Island Peak-only itineraries that compress acclimatization into a handful of days.

Trip Facts

Island Peak itself is not a technical rock or ice climb in the alpine sense, but it is genuine high-altitude mountaineering. Climbers cross a glacier, ascend a steep headwall using fixed ropes, and navigate an exposed summit ridge before reaching the top. Crampons, an ice axe, a climbing harness, and jumar are all used on summit day, and our climbing Sherpas fix ropes and manage the technical sections throughout.

Along the way, trekkers pass through Sherpa villages including Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and Pangboche, visit the Tengboche Monastery, and walk beneath some of the highest peaks on Earth — Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the iconic Ama Dablam. This is a trip that blends cultural immersion, high-altitude trekking, and technical peak climbing into one complete Himalayan experience, led by Royal Nepal Holidays' locally based guiding team out of Thamel, Kathmandu.

Whether you are an experienced trekker looking for your first 6,000-meter summit or a mountaineer seeking a well-organized, safety-first climb in the Everest region, this itinerary is built to get you to both Everest Base Camp and the summit of Island Peak with realistic pacing, proper acclimatization, and experienced climbing support at every stage.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing Overview

Why Combine Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing?

Experience Everest Base Camp

Standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain, surrounded by the Khumbu Icefall and framed by Nuptse and Pumori, Everest Base Camp is one of trekking's genuine bucket-list moments. At 5,364m, it also serves as a crucial acclimatization milestone before the climbing phase begins.

Climb a 6,000-Meter Himalayan Peak

Island Peak gives trekkers with no prior mountaineering background a realistic, guided pathway to a legitimate Himalayan summit. Reaching 6,189m under the supervision of qualified climbing Sherpas is an achievement most travelers only dream about.

Better Acclimatization Through the EBC Route

Because the itinerary sends climbers through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep before the climb, the body has significantly more time to adjust to altitude than on Island Peak-only trips that fly in and climb within a week.

Experience Sherpa Culture and Khumbu Villages

The route passes through some of the most storied Sherpa communities in the world, offering monastery visits, prayer wheels, mani walls, and genuine mountain hospitality that no direct climbing expedition can replicate.

Learn Real Mountaineering Skills

Before summit day, our climbing guides run a full training session at Island Peak Base Camp covering crampon technique, ice axe use, jumaring on fixed rope, and basic rope safety — skills you will actually use on summit morning.

See Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam

From Kala Patthar and the Island Peak summit ridge, climbers get some of the most complete high-altitude panoramas in the Himalayas, including uninterrupted views of Everest's summit pyramid.

Trek and Climb Highlights

• Everest Base Camp at 5,364m
• Kala Patthar viewpoint at approximately 5,545m
• Island Peak summit at 6,189m
• Namche Bazaar, the gateway town of the Khumbu
• Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the region
• Dingboche and the Chhukung Valley
• Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall views
• Imja Glacier crossing en route to Island Peak
• Traditional Sherpa villages throughout the trek
• Close-up views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam
• Island Peak climbing training day at Base Camp
• Fixed-rope climbing on the Island Peak headwall
• Scenic mountain flight between Kathmandu and Lukla

Route Map and Altitude Profile

Route: Kathmandu → Lukla → Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Kala Patthar → Dingboche/Chhukung → Island Peak Base Camp → Island Peak Summit → Chhukung → Namche Bazaar → Lukla → Kathmandu

Route & Altitude Data

The route follows a classic acclimatization pattern — steady gains in altitude broken up by rest and acclimatization days at Namche and Dingboche — before the trail branches from the main EBC route toward Chhukung and the Island Peak climbing zone.

Altitude Profile

The 18-day Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing begins in Kathmandu at 1,400 m and gradually ascends through Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. After reaching Kala Patthar at approximately 5,545 m, the route continues toward Chhukung and Island Peak Base Camp before the ultimate ascent to Island Peak Summit at 6,189 m, the highest point of the journey. The trek then descends through Tengboche and Namche Bazaar to Lukla before returning to Kathmandu. Below is in Image: 

Day-by-Day Route Table

Detailed Itinerary

Cost Details for this Peak Climbing

Cost Includes

• Airport transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
• Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu domestic flights and applicable taxes.
• Hotel in Kathmandu and tea house accommodation during the trek.
• Tented accommodation during the Island Peak climbing section.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek and climbing period.
• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide and experienced climbing guide.
• Porters, including their salary, meals, accommodation and insurance.
• Sagarmatha National Park and local area permits.
• Island Peak climbing permit and required documentation.
• Island Peak Base Camp logistics and camping support.
• Basic climbing training and required group technical equipment.
• Climbing support during the summit attempt.
• Basic first-aid and altitude-support equipment.
• Pre-trek briefing and gear inspection.
• Government taxes and applicable service charges.

Cost Excludes

• International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
• Travel, medical, high-altitude and helicopter evacuation insurance.
• Personal expenses, shopping, laundry, Wi-Fi, charging and phone calls.
• Personal snacks, beverages, alcohol and bottled water.
• Hot showers and other optional services.
• Personal climbing and trekking equipment, unless specifically mentioned as included.
• Extra hotel nights, meals or accommodation outside the itinerary.
• Additional costs caused by Lukla flight delays, cancellations or weather.
• Helicopter flights and emergency evacuation/rescue costs.
• Medical treatment, hospitalization and personal medication.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, climbers, porters and drivers.
• Any service or expense not specifically mentioned under Cost Includes.
• Additional expenses caused by natural disasters, strikes, political situations or other circumstances beyond our control.

Important: Travel insurance must cover high-altitude trekking, Island Peak climbing and emergency helicopter evacuation.

Optional Add-Ons

These are useful to display separately on your Royal Nepal Holidays page so customers can customize the trip.

Note: Add-on prices should be treated as indicative and confirmed at the time of booking, particularly for helicopter services, gear rental and peak-season accommodation.

Other Costs Travelers Should Budget For

I recommend adding this section because it improves transparency and helps prevent customers from asking repeated questions.

Recommended Personal Budget

Island Peak Equipment: Included vs. Personal

I strongly recommend adding this table to your website because it prevents confusion about the climbing package.

Everest Base Camp Trek With Island Peak Climbing Route Map

Captured Memories Of Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing

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More Information About This Trip

Island Peak Climbing Section

Trek to Island Peak Base Camp

The approach to Base Camp follows the Imja Valley from Chhukung, gaining roughly 400m over moraine and glacial terrain. Base Camp sits at approximately 5,100m, with direct views of Island Peak's summit ridge.

Island Peak Base Camp Training

A dedicated training day is non-negotiable on this itinerary. Our climbing Sherpas walk every client through crampon fitting and walking technique, ice axe self-arrest basics, ascending and descending fixed rope with a jumar, and clipping in and out at anchor points — all skills used directly on summit day.

Island Peak Summit Day

Summit day begins in darkness, typically between midnight and 2 AM, to reach the summit and descend before afternoon weather deteriorates. Climbers cross a glacier roped together, reach Crampon Point where technical gear goes on, then ascend a steep snow-and-ice headwall secured by fixed ropes. Above the headwall, a narrow, exposed summit ridge leads to the top at 6,189m. The full round trip commonly takes 10–13 hours depending on group fitness, snow conditions, and weather.

Return from Island Peak

After summiting, climbers descend the same fixed-rope sections back to Base Camp, an experience that is often more physically demanding than the ascent due to accumulated fatigue. A hot meal and rest at Base Camp or Chhukung follow.

Contingency / Weather Day

Because Himalayan weather is unpredictable, our itinerary includes one full contingency day. If the first summit attempt is postponed by weather, this day allows a second attempt without forcing the group to rush the descent.

Activity Data

How Difficult Is Everest Base Camp with Island Peak?

The EBC trekking portion is a non-technical but physically demanding walk, requiring good cardiovascular fitness and several consecutive days of 5–8 hour hiking at increasing altitude. The Island Peak climbing portion is a different category of challenge altogether: it involves glacier travel, fixed-rope ascent and descent, crampon and ice axe use, and a genuinely long, exposed summit day.

Can beginners climb Island Peak?

Prior technical mountaineering experience is not always mandatory for a fit, well-prepared climber joining a properly guided expedition. However, Island Peak should never be treated as "an easy walk-up." It involves real high-altitude climbing skills — glacier crossings, fixed-rope headwall climbing, and a long summit day at extreme altitude — and should only be attempted with qualified guides, proper training, and honest self-assessment of fitness and altitude tolerance. Our Base Camp training day exists specifically to prepare first-time climbers for these technical sections under close supervision.

Island Peak Climbing Requirements

• Good overall physical fitness and cardiovascular endurance
• Prior multi-day trekking experience, ideally at altitude
• Comfort with heights and exposed terrain
• Mental preparation for a long, cold, physically demanding summit day
• Willingness to learn and correctly use crampons, ice axe, harness, and jumar
• No pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by high altitude
• Ability to follow guide instructions precisely during technical sections

Do I need previous climbing experience for Island Peak?

Not strictly, but any prior experience with crampons, fixed ropes, or via ferrata-style climbing will make the Base Camp training day and summit day considerably easier and safer.

Fitness and Training Preparation

8–12 Week Fitness Preparation

We recommend starting a structured training plan at least two to three months before departure.

Cardio Training

Running, cycling, swimming, or stair-climbing three to four times per week to build aerobic base fitness for sustained multi-hour effort at altitude.

Strength Training

Leg and core strength work — squats, lunges, step-ups — to handle a loaded pack over long descents and the physical demands of summit day.

Hiking Training

Weekly hikes with a loaded backpack (8–10kg) on varied terrain, gradually increasing distance and elevation gain.

Stair Training

Repeated stair climbs with a pack are one of the most effective substitutes for mountain terrain if you live away from hills.

Altitude Preparation

Where possible, spend time at elevation before your trip, or use altitude training methods to familiarize your body with reduced oxygen.

Basic Mountaineering Skills

If available in your area, a one-day intro-to-mountaineering course covering crampon use, ice axe arrest, and rope basics is excellent preparation, though our Base Camp training day covers all essentials on-site.

Sample Weekly Training Plan (Weeks 6–8 before departure):

Island Peak Climbing Equipment and Gear List

Trekking Equipment: Trekking boots, trekking poles, daypack, sleeping bag (rated to -20°C), duffel bag

Climbing Equipment: Crampons, ice axe, climbing harness, jumar (ascender), figure-8 descender or ATC, locking and non-locking carabiners, climbing helmet, tape sling

Clothing: Down jacket, thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, waterproof shell jacket and pants, insulated climbing gloves and liner gloves, warm hat and sun hat, gaiters

Sleeping Equipment: Four-season sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, sleeping mat (provided at Base Camp)

Personal Items: Headlamp with spare batteries, sunglasses (glacier-rated), sunscreen, lip balm, water bottles/thermos, water purification tablets

Medical / First Aid: Personal medications, basic first-aid kit, Diamox (consult your doctor), blister care

Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance details, passport photos, permits

Provided by Royal Nepal Holidays: Group climbing gear (fixed ropes, anchors, group first-aid and oxygen for emergencies), tents and camping equipment at Island Peak Base Camp, climbing permits, National Park entry permits

Client Should Bring: Personal climbing gear listed above (rental available in Kathmandu), personal clothing and trekking equipment, personal insurance

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Cost

Prices are per person in USD and subject to change based on season, group composition, and permit updates. Contact Royal Nepal Holidays for a current, itemized quote.

What Determines Island Peak Climbing Cost?

Lukla flights, Kathmandu and teahouse accommodation, meals during the trek, trekking guide and climbing guide fees, porter costs, Island Peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park entry, local municipality fees, group climbing equipment, staff insurance and wages, Base Camp tented logistics, ground transportation, and a built-in contingency for weather delays.

What Is Included in the Package?

• All airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu
• 3-night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (based on double occupancy)
• Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
• All teahouse accommodation during the EBC trek
• Tented camp accommodation at Island Peak Base Camp
• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek and climb
• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Certified Island Peak climbing guide/Sherpa
• Porters (typically one porter per two clients)
• Island Peak climbing permit
• Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit
• Group climbing equipment (fixed rope, ice screws, anchors)
• Staff wages, insurance, and equipment
• Government and local taxes
• First-aid kit and basic emergency oxygen

What Is Not Included?

• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Nepal entry visa fees
• Personal travel and rescue insurance
• Personal climbing gear (available for rent in Kathmandu)
• Personal expenses (laundry, Wi-Fi, hot showers, battery charging on trek)
• Alcoholic and bottled beverages
• Tips for guides and porters
• Emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by your insurance)
• Extra hotel nights caused by flight delays or early return
• Any costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather, health, or personal reasons

Island Peak Climbing Permits and Fees

Every climber requires several separate permits:

• Island Peak Climbing Permit, issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), with rates that vary by season
• Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit

Permit pricing for Island Peak has changed in recent years, and many older listings online still show outdated figures. As of the most recent available guidance, NMA rates were reported at approximately USD 350 for spring and USD 175 for autumn, though these figures should always be confirmed directly with the relevant authority before finalizing your booking. Royal Nepal Holidays verifies and updates all permit costs before departure and includes them within your package price. Rules and permit procedures can change; we confirm the latest requirements before your departure.

Do You Need a Guide for Everest Base Camp and Island Peak?

For the Everest Base Camp trekking portion, Nepal's current TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) framework requires trekkers on routes including Everest Base Camp to trek with a licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card. Independent, unguided trekking on this route is not permitted under current regulations.

For Island Peak, the climb is never undertaken as an independent activity. It requires a valid climbing permit tied to a registered operator and a certified climbing guide, along with organized climbing logistics and safety support. Rules and permit procedures can change; Royal Nepal Holidays confirms the latest requirements before your departure.

Best Time for Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Climbing

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are consistently the strongest windows for both the EBC trek and the Island Peak summit attempt, offering the most stable weather and clearest skies.

Weather and Temperature Guide

Weather directly shapes the whole trip: a delayed Lukla flight can shift the entire acclimatization schedule, and a poor forecast on the planned summit date is the most common reason the built-in contingency day gets used.

Acclimatization for EBC and Island Peak

Two dedicated acclimatization days are built into this itinerary — at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche — following the well-established "climb high, sleep low" principle. Nepal's tourism authorities specifically caution against rushing acclimatization around Namche, and our schedule reflects that guidance. Beyond the scheduled rest days, our guides monitor hydration, oxygen saturation, and symptoms daily, and will adjust pace or, if necessary, descend a client showing signs of altitude sickness rather than pushing forward on schedule.

Altitude Sickness on Island Peak

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect trekkers and climbers at any altitude above roughly 2,500m, and risk increases significantly above 5,000m — putting both the EBC and Island Peak legs of this trip within range. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and disturbed sleep; more serious symptoms (confusion, severe shortness of breath, loss of coordination) require immediate descent.

Our guides are trained to recognize early symptoms and will not permit a climber showing signs of AMS to continue toward the summit. Acclimatization and gradual ascent reduce risk considerably, but they do not eliminate it entirely — this is why we build acclimatization days and a summit contingency day into every itinerary, and why proper travel insurance covering high-altitude evacuation is mandatory for all our clients.

Island Peak Summit Day – What to Expect

Base Camp (5,100m) → Crampon Point → Glacier Crossing → Headwall (Fixed Rope) → Summit Ridge → Summit (6,189m) → Descent

Departure typically occurs between midnight and 2 AM to allow a summit and full descent before afternoon weather changes. After crossing the glacier roped to your climbing Sherpa, the group reaches Crampon Point, where technical gear goes on for the steep snow-and-ice headwall, climbed using a jumar on fixed rope. Above the headwall, a narrow and exposed summit ridge leads to the top. The full round trip commonly takes 10 to 13 hours depending on conditions, snow, and group pace, making it by far the most physically demanding single day of the trip. Hydration and steady nutrition throughout the climb are essential, and our guides make the turnaround call if time or weather conditions put a safe descent at risk.

Accommodation During the Trek

Kathmandu: Comfortable hotel accommodation with private bathroom, hot shower, and Wi-Fi.

EBC Route: Teahouses/lodges with twin-sharing rooms, shared bathrooms (private available at lower altitudes), and dining halls with a wood or gas heater. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually available for an extra charge, becoming less reliable at higher elevations.

Island Peak Base Camp: Tented camp accommodation with sleeping mats provided, a communal dining tent, and basic camp facilities. This is more rustic than the teahouses lower down the valley.

Food and Meals During EBC and Island Peak

Meals are included throughout the trek and climb — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menus typically include Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), pasta, noodles, soup, eggs, porridge, and basic Western options such as pancakes and toast. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available on the EBC route, and Indian-style meals can also be arranged at most teahouses. Tea, coffee, and hot lemon are available at every stop, and Base Camp meals during the climbing phase are prepared by our expedition kitchen crew.

Transportation and Lukla Flight Information

The Kathmandu–Lukla sector is flown by small STOL aircraft to one of the world's most dramatic airstrips. During the busy spring and autumn seasons, flights are frequently operated out of Manthali Airport in Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu, requiring an early-morning road transfer of roughly 4–5 hours.

What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed? Mountain weather can ground flights for hours or, occasionally, days. Royal Nepal Holidays builds a buffer into the itinerary where possible and will arrange standby rebooking, road transfer to Manthali if needed, extra hotel nights in Kathmandu, or — in time-sensitive cases — a helicopter transfer at additional cost. We recommend keeping at least one extra unplanned day in Kathmandu at the end of your trip as a safety margin.

Travel Insurance for Island Peak Climbing

Travel insurance is mandatory for this trip and must specifically cover high-altitude trekking, technical peak climbing up to at least 6,200m, emergency medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance policies frequently exclude activities above a certain altitude or technical climbing altogether — always confirm your policy's maximum covered altitude before departure, and carry proof of coverage with you.

Emergency Rescue and Evacuation

If a client shows serious symptoms of altitude sickness or injury, our guides begin immediate descent and assessment, coordinate with our Kathmandu office, and arrange helicopter evacuation through your insurance provider where necessary. Every guide carries communication equipment and basic emergency oxygen. We do not make guarantees about the speed of rescue in poor weather, as helicopter access in the high Khumbu depends heavily on visibility and wind conditions — this is one of the key reasons proper insurance and honest fitness self-assessment matter before booking.

Who Is This Trek Suitable For?

Suitable for: fit trekkers with multi-day hiking experience, travelers with prior high-altitude exposure, people comfortable with exposed terrain and fixed-rope climbing, and those mentally prepared for a long, cold summit day.

Not ideal for: first-time hikers with no multi-day trekking background, travelers with poor baseline fitness, people uncomfortable with heights or exposure, and anyone unwilling to use crampons and fixed ropes under guide instruction.

Why Choose Royal Nepal Holidays for Island Peak Climbing?

Experienced Local Team: Our trekking and climbing staff, including senior guides Bashu, Chandra, and Uttam, have led clients through the Khumbu and up Island Peak across multiple seasons, combining local knowledge with certified mountaineering training.

Licensed Guides: All our trekking guides hold government trekking licenses, and our climbing Sherpas hold NMA-recognized climbing qualifications.

Small Groups: We keep guide-to-client ratios tight, particularly on the climbing phase, so every climber gets close attention during the technical sections.

Safety First: Altitude monitoring, mandatory acclimatization days, and a built-in summit contingency day are standard on every departure — not optional upgrades.

Complete Logistics: Permits, flights, accommodation, climbing equipment, and staffing are all organized end-to-end by our Thamel-based office under owner Sushil Tiwari.

Personalized Itinerary: Private departures and custom pacing are available for individuals, families, and small groups.

Transparent Pricing: Our cost breakdown clearly separates what's included from what isn't, so there are no surprise charges on the trail.

24/7 Support: Our Kathmandu office remains reachable throughout your trek for coordination, emergencies, or itinerary questions.

Local Expertise: Royal Nepal Holidays is based in Thamel, Kathmandu, and has built its climbing and trekking operations around genuine on-the-ground experience in the Everest region.

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak vs Island Peak Only

Choose the combined trip if you want the complete Everest region experience alongside your summit; choose Island Peak only if your priority is the climb itself and you're working with a tighter schedule or budget.

EBC + Island Peak vs EBC Only

18 Days for EBC with Island Peak – Is It Enough?

Eighteen days is enough time to complete both the EBC trek and Island Peak summit safely when the itinerary is intelligently paced, as ours is — with two dedicated acclimatization days, a Base Camp training day, and a built-in contingency day before the flight home. That said, mountain weather is never fully predictable, and additional buffer days (particularly around the Lukla flight) can reduce stress if your schedule allows flexibility. We do not offer a "100% summit guarantee" — no responsible operator can — but our pacing and contingency planning are specifically designed to maximize your realistic summit chances within 18 days.

What Makes Royal Nepal Holidays' 18-Day Itinerary Different?

Our itinerary is built around an EBC-first acclimatization strategy rather than a rushed climbing-focused schedule. We include a dedicated climbing training day at Base Camp rather than assuming prior experience, a genuine contingency day for the summit attempt, experienced climbing staff who work these routes every season, flexible private departure dates, and realistic daily walking distances rather than compressed itineraries designed purely to undercut competitors on price.

Responsible and Sustainable Island Peak Climbing

Royal Nepal Holidays follows responsible tourism practices throughout the Khumbu, including proper waste management and pack-out policies on the mountain, supporting local employment through Sherpa guides and porters from the region, minimizing single-use plastic on trek, respecting monastery etiquette and local customs in every village, and following Sagarmatha National Park and NMA conservation guidelines. Increased monitoring around Island Peak Base Camp, including permit verification and route safety oversight, reflects the broader push toward more responsible and better-regulated climbing in the region — a standard we fully support.

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak for Indian Travelers

Royal Nepal Holidays regularly hosts Indian trekkers and climbers on this itinerary. Flights from major Indian cities to Kathmandu are short and frequent, and Indian nationals benefit from simplified entry arrangements into Nepal. Indian-style vegetarian meals, including Dal Bhat, are widely available throughout the trek, and our guides are experienced in supporting Indian clients with food preferences, payment logistics, and travel insurance guidance specific to Indian providers. If you're planning this trip from India, our Kathmandu office can help coordinate flights, currency questions, and emergency arrangements alongside the standard package.

Island Peak vs Other Nepal Trekking Peaks

Island Peak sits in a good middle ground: higher and more technical than Yala Peak, but generally considered more approachable for first-time climbers than the steeper summit ridge of Lobuche East, while offering a shorter overall climbing phase than Mera Peak.

Our Guides and Climbing Team

Royal Nepal Holidays' Khumbu operations are led by experienced local staff, including senior trekking and climbing guides Bashu, Chandra, and Uttam, all based out of our Thamel, Kathmandu office under owner Sushil Tiwari. Our guides combine years of Everest region experience with certified mountaineering training, and lead every stage of this itinerary personally — from the Lukla flight to the Island Peak summit ridge.

Traveller's Reviews

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Lorenzo Bellandi | On April 2026

5 Excellent

From Everest Base Camp To The Summit Of Island Peak

Our 18-day Everest Base Camp And Island Peak Adventure Was An Incredible Experience From Beginning To End. The Trek Through Namche, Tengboche And Dingboche Gave Us Amazing Views Of The Himalayas, But Reaching Everest Base Camp And Later Standing On The 6,189-meter Island Peak Summit Were The Real Highlights.

Tashi Sherpa Was Excellent Throughout The Expedition. He Was Calm, Knowledgeable And Particularly Attentive During The Technical Climbing Sections And Summit Attempt. I Always Felt That Safety Came First. Sushil Tiwari Also Did A Great Job Organizing The Flights, Permits And Overall Logistics. For Anyone Looking For A Challenging Himalayan Adventure Combining Trekking And Peak Climbing, This Is An Experience I Would Highly Recommend.

Elinor Hayes | On April 2026

5 Excellent

A Journey That Changed My Perspective

This Journey Was About Much More Than Reaching Everest Base Camp Or Climbing A Mountain. Walking Through The Khumbu Villages, Seeing The Monasteries And Meeting Local People Gave The Trip A Special Meaning.

There Were Moments When The Altitude And Long Walking Days Were Difficult For Me, But Pasang Sherpa Was Incredibly Patient. He Never Rushed Me And Always Made Sure I Was Comfortable Before Continuing. That Support Gave Me The Confidence To Keep Going.

Sushil Tiwari Handled The Organization Very Professionally And Kept Everything Running Smoothly. Standing On Island Peak After Everything We Had Experienced Along The Way Was Emotional And Unforgettable. It Was One Of Those Journeys That Stays With You Long After Returning Home.

Kenjiro Nakamura | On May 2026

5 Excellent

Exceptionally Well-Organized EBC And Island Peak Expedition

I Chose This Expedition Because I Wanted To Combine Everest Base Camp With A Genuine Himalayan Climbing Experience, And The 18-day Itinerary Provided A Good Balance Between Trekking, Acclimatization And Climbing Preparation.

The Acclimatization Schedule Was Particularly Useful. The Tea Houses Were Comfortable For The Region, And The Trekking And Porter Team Were Supportive Throughout The Route. Before Island Peak, Tendi Sherpa Carefully Explained The Use Of Crampons, Harnesses, Ropes And Other Climbing Equipment. His Instructions Gave Me Much More Confidence Before Summit Day.

Sushil And The Royal Nepal Holidays Team Were Also Very Organized With Permits, Flights And Logistics. The Expedition Was Physically Demanding, Especially Around The Summit, But The Professional Support Made A Significant Difference. I Would Recommend This Trip To Anyone Properly Prepared For High-altitude Trekking And Peak Climbing.

Amara Whitfield | On May 2026

5 Excellent

One Step At A Time To 6,189 Meters

The Adventure Began With The Exciting Flight To Lukla, But I Had No Idea How Many Unforgettable Moments Were Waiting For Us Beyond That Airport. Crossing Suspension Bridges, Walking Into Namche Bazaar, Seeing Ama Dablam From The Trail And Eventually Reaching Everest Base Camp All Felt Like Milestones.

Kala Patthar At Sunrise Was Another Unforgettable Morning. Then The Focus Shifted To Island Peak. As We Approached Base Camp, The Mountain Suddenly Felt Very Real.

Our Summit Morning Started In The Darkness And Cold. Tashi Sherpa Remained Calm And Focused Throughout The Climb, Encouraging Us When The Altitude And Steep Sections Became Difficult. Finally Reaching 6,189 Meters Was An Incredibly Emotional Moment.

Tiwari Had Organized The Journey Extremely Well, Allowing Us To Concentrate On The Trekking And Climbing Rather Than Worrying About Logistics. This Was Much More Than A Holiday—it Was A Personal Achievement I Will Remember For Years.

Lucien Moreau | On May 2026

5 Excellent

Professional Team And An Incredible Himalayan Experience

I Really Enjoyed The Combination Of Everest Base Camp Trekking And Island Peak Climbing. The Highlights For Me Were Reaching Everest Base Camp, Watching Sunrise From Kala Patthar And Eventually Climbing Island Peak To 6,189 Meters.

Pasang Sherpa Was Friendly, Experienced And Always Attentive To Our Safety. One Of The Hardest Parts For Me Was The Cold And Fatigue During The Early-morning Summit Attempt, But The Team's Encouragement Helped Me Keep Moving.

Sushil Was Also Very Responsive And Made Sure The Permits, Flights And Other Arrangements Were Well Organized. The Trek Was Definitely Challenging, But That Is Also What Made Reaching The Summit So Rewarding. I Would Recommend This Adventure To Anyone Looking For A Serious Trekking And Climbing Experience In Nepal.