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Island Peak

A challenging 6,000 m ascent in the heart of the Khumbu with Impressive views of Lhotse, Everest and Ama Dablam.

At 6,189 m, Island Peak is one of Nepal’s best-known and most popular 6,000m peaks. The ascent combines a classic trekking route through the Everest region with a challenging yet technically moderate summit climb, offering an intense Himalayan experience in close proximity to some of the highest mountains in the world.

This expedition takes us from Kathmandu via Lukla and Namche Bazaar deep into the Khumbu region. Following careful acclimatisation through the region’s renowned mountain villages, we reach the area around Dingboche and Chhukung. From there, the route continues to Island Peak Base Camp, where preparations for the summit climb begin.

Summit day takes us across glacier and firn terrain before reaching the steeper upper section of the mountain. Following the summit ridge, we eventually reach the 6,189 m summit of Island Peak, where a spectacular panorama unfolds over Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Baruntse and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

After the ascent, we continue our journey through the Everest region. The route takes us through the spectacular landscapes of the Khumbu and across the three high passes Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, before returning to Lukla and flying back to Kathmandu.

This expedition combines classic Himalayan trekking with the ascent of a 6,000-metre peak in the immediate vicinity of the great mountains of the Everest region.

Adventure Factor courageous
Experience / Emotion breathtaking
Fitness / Struggle workout
Risk low
Comfort expedition style/lodges

Highlights:

  • Spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Pumori
  • Trekking through the legendary Khumbu region, including the three high passes Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La
  • A varied expedition combining challenging trekking with the ascent of a 6,000-metre Himalayan peak
  • A Flash version with a shortened 12-day itinerary is available on request!
  • Reach the summit with complete flexibility – choose your own start date. You decide when your expedition begins. Select your date now and set off on your adventure.

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

The exact schedule depends on weather and snow conditions as well as on the progress of the group on the respective mountain. In addition, keep in mind that we are in a very remote and politically sensitive area where our freedom of movement may be limited at any time due to governmental or environmental restrictions.

The following schedule is planned:

1. - 5. Day: Arrival in Kathmandu - Flight to Lukla & Trekking to Namche Bazaar

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel and time to settle in. Depending on the arrival time, there will be an opportunity to get a first impression of the Nepalese capital and make the final preparations for the expedition.

Day 2: The second day is dedicated to rest and the final organizational preparations. We finalize the remaining details for the journey ahead.

Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m). After landing in Lukla, the trek begins through the Dudh Kosi Valley. The trail passes through small Sherpa settlements and lush mountain landscapes before reaching Phakding.

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Enter the Sagarmatha National Park and follow the Dudh Kosi Valley, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through traditional Sherpa villages before ascending to Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Excursion towards Syangboche and Khumjung with impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Return to Namche Bazaar for the night.

6. - 10. Day: Trekking, Acclimatization & ascent Island Peak

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m). The trail follows the upper Dudh Kosi Valley before ascending through rhododendron forests to Tengboche, home to its famous Buddhist monastery and offering spectacular views of Ama Dablam.

Day 7: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m). Via Pangboche, the trail continues into the increasingly high-altitude landscape of the Imja Valley. Arrival in Dingboche and overnight in the lodge.

Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche (4,410 m). Rest and acclimatisation to the altitude, with an optional acclimatisation hike towards the Kongma La area.

Day 9: Trek from Dingboche to Island Peak High Camp (approx. 5,600 m). Ascend through the Imja Valley towards Island Peak. Preparation for the summit attempt and overnight at High Camp.

Day 10: Early start for the summit attempt on Island Peak (6,189 m). The ascent leads through high-altitude and partly glaciated terrain towards the summit. Following a successful ascent, descend to Chhukung (4,730 m).

11. - 20. Day: Trekking via Kongma La, Cho La & Renjo La back to Lukla

Day 11: Trek from Chhukung over the Kongma La (5,535 m) to Lobuche (4,910 m). Cross the first of the three high passes of the Khumbu region. The demanding ascent is rewarded with impressive views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Day 12: Trek from Lobuche (4,910 m) via Gorak Shep (5,164 m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), followed by an ascent of Kala Patthar (approx. 5,545 m). Kala Patthar offers spectacular views of Mount Everest, Nuptse and Pumori. Descend back to Lobuche for the night.

Day 13: Trek from Lobuche to Dzongla (approx. 4,830 m). Leaving the main Everest route, the trail leads through impressive high-altitude terrain beneath Cholatse and Taboche before reaching Dzongla.

Day 14: Trek from Dzongla over the Cho La (5,420 m) to Dragnag (approx. 4,700 m). Cross the second of the three high passes. The route leads through challenging terrain and across the Cho La Glacier before descending towards Dragnag.

Day 15: Trek from Dragnag to Gokyo (4,750 m). Cross the Ngozumpa Glacier and continue into the spectacular Gokyo Valley. Arrival at the Gokyo Lakes and overnight in the lodge.

Day 16: Acclimatisation day in Gokyo (4,750 m). Ascend Gokyo Ri (approx. 5,360 m), offering a spectacular panorama of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and the surrounding peaks. Return to Gokyo and time to rest.

Day 17: Trek from Gokyo over the Renjo La (5,360 m) to Lungden (approx. 4,380 m). Cross the third and final high pass of the trek. The Renjo La offers impressive views across the Everest region before the trail descends towards Lungden.

Day 18: Trek from Lungden via Thame to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Follow the remote Bhote Kosi Valley through the historic Sherpa village of Thame before reconnecting with the main Everest route and continuing to Namche Bazaar.

Day 19: Descend from Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) to Monjo (2,835 m). The trail follows the forested slopes of the Dudh Kosi Valley, passing through traditional Sherpa villages and alpine forests.

Day 20: Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2,860 m). Continue via Phakding along the Dudh Kosi Valley before reaching Lukla, completing the trekking section of the expedition.

Day 21 - 22: Return to Kathmandu, journey home

Day 21: We fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu. After arrival, there is time to relax or to explore the city.

Day 22: Today marks the end of our Island Peak Expedition in Nepal. Transfer to the airport and individual departure.

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • Organisation of the expedition
  • Experienced, English speaking, Nepalese Sherpa guide
  • 3 nights in upscale hotel in Kathmandu on single occupancy
  • Domestic flights Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu incl. 20kg personal luggage and hand luggage
  • All transfers (jeep / private shuttle)
  • Fullboard during whole expedition (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
  • Double occupancy in the lodges
  • Porter / Yak to basecamp and back (25kg personal gear / member)
  • 1 tent each 2 team members in the high camp on Island Peak
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • Fixed ropes, fixing material
  • Gear, Insurance and helicopter rescue for all staff members
  • Medical emergency oxygen
  • Emergency medicine, pulseoxymeter
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • All fees and permits
  • Weather forecast
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

highlight_off  Not included:

  • International Airfare to Kathmandu
  • Lunch in Kathmandu
  • Excess luggage for flight Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance
  • Visum for Nepal
  • Personal medicine
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips & summit bonus
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • High camp mat
  • Fees for satellite communication

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization, and recommend our eight thousander expedition participants the possibility of pre-acclimatization in a high altitude tent at home (see also FAQ).

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition participants to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Nepal:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. You can get a visa on arrival directly at the airport or in advance directly at your embassy.
We recommend to get a “multiple entry” visa for 90 days.
Get further information directly on the official website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailled program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees celsius for the high camp.

Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent always lies in the participant‘s personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Participants must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that participants adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each participant must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of participants: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless an optional personal Sherpa is booked. The porters are available for the group and set up the high camp and insure the route. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each participant undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

check_box  Experience

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More infos here.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.
The following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel:

until 30 days prior to departure…………………………. 30%
29 – 20 days prior to departure…………………….. 40%
19 -10 days prior to departure…………………….. 70%
9 – 4 days prior to departure………………………… 80%
from the 3rd day prior to departure (72 hours)………100%
on the day of departure………………………………… 100% of the tour fee.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of participants is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.