Trip Overview

Seen from above Dingboche the mountain Imja Tse (Island Peak) resembles an island in a sea of ice. It was first climbed in 1953 by a very prestigious team in preparation for the ascent of Everest. It is an interesting and attractive summit with a highly glaciated West Face rising from the Lhotse glacier. The mountain itself is an extension of the South ridge of Lhotse Shar and is separated by a small col. Above this gap, rising to the south is a classically beautiful ridge leading to the summit of Imja Tse. As well as providing an enjoyable climb Island Peak also provides some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu region.

This Base Camp option aims to provide the independent trekker with the option of climbing Island Peak without tying you to a longer itinerary – all we need is 5-6 days’ notice of your arrival in Chukkung, the nearest village, as long as you have left your passport photos and application in our office in Kathmandu before you leave town.

Equipment note – please note that you don’t need any specialist climbing equipment for this option – everything is provided, so you don’t need to take anything from Kathmandu.  We recommend that you have your own down jacket and sleeping bag of good quality such as you would take trekking in any event. Boots for mountaineering may be rented in Chukkung at a small extra cost and need not be carried around your entire trek – this is a much easier option and there is a wide range available in the village for this very purpose.
Please see the ‘Trip Info’ section.

Outline Itinerary

• Day 01 : Trek to the BC from Chhukung, lunch, soup, dinner, camping

• Day 02 : Breakfast, leave for summit, packet lunch, summit Island Peak, descend to BC, soup, dinner, camping

• Day 03 : Breakfast, depart for Chhukung

This trip can be used as an ‘add-on’ to your existing trek - but you need to book in advance while you’re in Kathmandu, because we have to apply for climbing permits for you.