Island Peak Summit via Chhukung

Island peak /Imja Tse 6189m is the most popular trekking peak to climb in Everest region. It is located on top of the Chukung glacier between Ama Dablam and Lhotse Mountains, the most sought after trekking destination because of its challenging geographical conditions. This mountain was named "Island Peak" in 1952 AD, by a climbing team of Eric Shipton, due to its striking location in the middle of the Chhukung valley, like an Island on a sea of ice. Island peak was first ascended in 1953 by a British team as preparation for climbing Everest.

Island Peak climbing trip fulfills the dream of every amateur and serious climbers, who have been seeking the thrill of adventure and wish to take adventure climbing trips beyond simply trekking in Everest. Island peak is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. The summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. The mountain itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar separated by a small col.

A physically fit and acclimatized person is well qualified to make an ascent over this amazing peak.

Highlights of Climbing Island Peak

• Easy and non-technical climbing peak in Khumbu, Island Peak is the ideal climbing adventure to novice climbers who dream of living the big life of avid mountaineers
• The wonderful views of Himalayan peaks in Everest Region that include, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Ama Dablam among others.

Day 01Meeting our Climbing Guide at Chhukung and trip briefing Altitude: 4700m Meals: B/L/D

Up to this day, you will be yourself in trek. While reaching to Chhukung; you are requested to meet our guide at Chhukung which is on the south corner of the village, on the way up to island Peak itself. Your meeting time with our climbing Guide is estimated at 5:00 PM at this evening. After Introduction; our climbing guide will check your climbing gear and brief your upcoming Island Peak Climbing with us. Remaining time explore yourself and over night at Chhukung.

Day 02Chhukung -Island Peak Base camp 3-4 hrs climbing Altitude: 5,200m Meals: B/L/D

Today after the breakfast, our Island Peak Climbing Adventure begins. We exit out of the village and climb steeply up to the south turn east to enter the main trail into Chhukkung Valley. Continue short pleasant walking along a streamside that leads to the Big –rock. At this point, the route to the Amphu Lapcha Pass stretches on the southeast direction; however, we tread the trail on the north. A moderately challenging trail cross passesImja and Lhotse glacier moraines that leads you to a wide valley flanking Island peak where we will set up our base camp for over night at tented camp.

Day 03Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp 2-3 hrs trek Altitude: 5,600m Meals: B/L/D

This morning we pack our camping stuffs and we'll head towards the High camp from where we start our Island Peak Climbing Adventure. As you climb the hill, you will see that the slope narrows and the path enters a steep rock channel nearby where we'll overnight at camp. This is where our guide will fix crampons on your climbing boots and re-check the entire climbing group and personal equipment once again for better safety. If required, you may learn last minute climbing technique with our climbing Sherpa at this stage. If possible, you will be also taken for the ice/rock climbing near by but subject to the availability. Over night at High Camp

Day 04High camp to summit to Chhukung 8-10 hrs trekking Altitude: 6,189m Meals: B/L/D 

Early morning through the rock gully; we start our climb. This is not difficult but there are several short rock steps to climb before you emerge on the right side of the drain. The route follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will need to rope up for the glacier as it contains several crevasses but it leads without difficulty, to a 100m/330ft snow and ice slope (40-45 degree) on which the guides will fix a rope. From the top of this slope, 3 rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge lead to the top. You can enjoy with success of  getting a summit and after taking some pictures and savoring the  scenic view you will descend all the way to Chhukung for over night at tea house. Final commence about the trip and after this you will be yourself again for rest of your trekking back to lukla.

Cost Includes:

• Island Peak Climbing Permit

• Group climbing equipment- Main rope, fix rope, Ice crew

• 02 Nights/ 3 Days days full board Island Peak trip; all foods, over night tented camp

• One Gov. licensed Climbing Guide, his climbing equipment, required camping assistance Sherpa’s and porters; their entire expenses and Insurance

• All required Gov and local taxes

• Oxygen Gas or Gammo Bag ( on request with additional cost)

Cost not Includes:

• Personal climbing equipment (can be buy/hire in Kathmandu or Namche or at Chhukung)

• Travel and rescue insurance

• Climbing Bonus for guides and tips to porters