Island Peak Climbing - 15 Days

Island Peak (Imja Tse) Climbing Overview

Climbing a snowcapped mountain remains a dream for every trekker and aspiring mountaineer. However, not everyone is up for scaling the mountain giants, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Manaslu. For this reason, Mount Glory Treks presents the 15 days Island Peak Climbing, the perfect way to begin your mountaineering adventure in Nepal.

Located in the centre of the Khumbu region, Island Peak, also called Imja Tse (6,189 m), is one of Nepal's most visited climbing destinations. The mountain sits like an “island” in a sea of snow-capped mountains, surrounded by the Imja Glacier, which inspired its English name in 1951 by members of British mountaineer groups. But later in 1983, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) officially renamed it Imja Tse after the Imja Valley where it stands. 

Island Peak has historically been used as a training ground for renowned expeditions, such as the first-ever Mount Everest expedition. Members of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's team used it for practice climbs in 1953 to hone their skills prior to their successful Mount Everest (8848.86 m) ascent.

The Alpine Island Peak Expedition provides a view of other giant mountains in the Everest region, including Makalu (8,485 m) rising prominently to the east, Baruntse (7,129 m) nearby, toward the Imja Valley, Lhotse (8,516 m) towering directly to the north, Nuptse (7,861 m), part of the Everest massif, seen with Lhotse, and Everest (8,848.86 m), visible in the distance on clear days.

The Island Peak climbing in Nepal swiftly starts after 30-35 minutes of serene Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After arriving in Lukla, your adventure to the Himalayas officially starts, continuing your hike to Phakding and then Namche Bazaar. After a day of acclimatizing in Namche Bazaar, your treks to the route of Imja Tse proceed, reaching Tengboche, Dingboche, and finally Chhukung, the getaway of your expedition.

Once you arrive at the immaculate Sherpa village of Chhukung, you take a break before the Island Peak Summit. You arrive at the Island Peak base camp the following day, where you can acclimatize and make the necessary preparations for your expedition. The following day, you formally ascend the magnificent Island Peak and get a firsthand look at the sea of mountains.

If you think you can embark on this ethereal mountain expedition of the historical expedition in Nepal, then the 15 days Island Peak Trek Package is perfect for you. Additionally, with more than a decade of experience in travel and adventure, Mount Glory Treks provides you with knowledgeable porters and Sherpa guides to help you at every stage of your trip.

As per your preference, if you are interested in adding the Everest Base Camp trek with the Island Peak Climb or shortening the expedition to 3 days starting from Chhukung, feel free to contact our operation team for more details.

Is Island Peak Climbing the perfect expedition for beginners?

Yes, Island Peak summit is one of the best expeditions for beginners as compared to other summits such as Mera Peak (6476 m), Lobuche East (6119 m), and Tent Peak (5695 m). The other mountain expedition in Nepal seems demanding and challenging. Nothing compares to the 360-degree panorama that climbers witness from the summit of Island Peak, which includes Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Baruntse.

Another pull factor of the snow-draped island peak is that the expedition and return to the base camp can be done in under a day, which gives more time for you to acclimatise properly. Other demanding climbing journeys in Nepal need more knowledge of the Himalayas. 

The Imja Tse elevation strikes a balance between difficulty, accessibility, and breathtaking scenery for beginner climbers. Climbing to Island Peak offers the experience of being surrounded by the giants of the Khumbu region, making it a true training ground.

Preparation for Island Peak Climbing

Climbing Island Peak might be an easier climb than other peak climbs in Nepal, but every adventure in the mountain region requires enough preparation before the climb. Down below are the necessary preparations for the Island Peak expedition:

Mental Preparation

Mental preparation is one of the most important aspects of mountain climbing because Imja Tse peak can be challenging. To finish your ascent, you must be focused and have an optimistic outlook.

Physical Preparation

Although climbing Island Peak is not as difficult as climbing other similar peaks, it is still an exciting experience that calls for the necessary physical preparations. Regular exercise is advised for climbers in order to increase their strength, stamina, and general fitness. Exercises like weightlifting, running, and hiking aid in your preparation.

Financial Preparation

Careful budgeting is necessary for peak climbing in Nepal in order to provide you with financial security and guarantee a stress-free, easy journey. You should have money set aside for all the essentials, such as a travel companion, guides, a sherpa porter, gear, international airfare, and so forth.

However, when you work with us, we take care of everything that is part of our package, so you don't have to worry about anything else.

Proper Checklist

Making a thorough checklist that includes the necessary equipment, clothing, bags, and other items is crucial before embarking on an adventure. If you have less of an idea about the details, you can consult with us for better understanding.

Choosing the right Travel Partner

Before any travel to a foreign country, it is very important to choose a reliable and reputable travel partner who can handle your adventure and make it hassle-free.

Travel agencies such as Mount Glory Treks are trusted by verified customers who have successfully completed their adventure. With a group of experienced operation team members and well-liked sherpa guides and helpers.

Climbing Permits for Island Peak

Before embarking on the offbeat Island Peak journey in Nepal, you have to get certain permits to start your expedition of the Himalayas. As of 2025/2026, the following permits are necessary for your mountaineering experience:

Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Permit

One of the most important permits for Island Peak is the Nepal Mountaineering Association permit, which can only be received by a registered travel company. This is a key to your expedition. 

The cost of the NMA permit for the Imja Tse expedition differs from season to season, ranging from

• Spring = 350 USD
• Autumn = 175 USD
• Winter = 175 USD
• Summer = 175 USD

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

An additional Sagarmatha National Park entry permit is necessary for your adventure because Island Peak is located within the park. The permit fee for Sagarmatha National Park is

• SAARC Countries = 1500 NPR
• Other Nationals = 3000 NPR

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit is another crucial permit for your climbing.

• SAARC Countries = 1500 NPR
• Other Nationals = 3000 NPR

Note: All the permits are included in our 15 days Island Peak (Imja Tse) package.

15 days Island Peak Climbing cost for 2025/2026

Mount Glory Treks offers the 15-day Island Peak expedition for different costs based on the number of climbers in a group. The starting price is USD 2550 for a single person, and as the number of people in the group increases, the cost can go as low as USD 1950 per person.

The cost of the expedition package covers all the climbers' expenses, like domestic flights, accommodation, food, guides, porters, normal gear, and all the necessary permits. This package offers a secluded climb to one of the beginner-friendly peaks at the most affordable cost.

For more details regarding the package, please check the cost breakdown table below:

Note: If climbers are more than 15 in a group, they can directly contact us or the operation team for a special group discount offer.

Why choose us for the Island Peak expedition? 

Peak expeditions are challenging adventures, which is why you should always travel with an experienced team. Selecting the appropriate travel agency is crucial for your expedition since it determines the outcome of your trip.

Mount Glory Treks is one of the renowned and reliable travel agencies with more than 10 years of experience in the tourism industry of Nepal.

These are the following points why you should choose Mount Glory Treks as your travel partner:

• An experienced group of a team with over 10 years of experience and 1000+ successful adventures.
• We have skillful Sherpa guides, porters, and an operation team.
• High-quality gears and necessary items are provided by us.
• Affordable pricing that is transparent with no hidden costs.
• Easy and secure online booking and payment system.
• Tailor-made travel packages as per your preference.
• Comfortable accommodation and nutritious foods on the route as per the traveler’s choice.
• In any case of emergency or difficulties, we are always with you.
• We provide company t-shirts, trekking maps, sleeping bags, and duffle bags to ease your journey.
• Before your adventure, we brief the entire tour so you can envision it and gain a clear understanding.
• 24/7 online support for any queries or confusion. (WhatsApp, WeChat, Email)