Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung
DURATION4 Days | ACTIVITYTrekking | MAX ALTITUDE | TRIP GRADE |
GROUP SIZEMin. Pax. | AccommodationTea House and camping | TRANSPORTFlight | BEST SEASONN/A |
Overview
Are you planning peak climbing in the Everest region? If you are searching for the easiest and shortest peak climb, the Island Peak climbing from Chhukung is the best option. The climbing duration includes three days only.
Island Peak (Imja Tse) is a 6165 m tall mountain near Everest Base Camp. It is the safest climbing peak in Nepal that gives the best experience for mountaineering on the highest peaks, such as Mount Everest, Makalu, Manaslu, Lhotse, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna. Island Peak climbing from Chhukung is a three-day adventure that can be continued after returning from the Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lake trek, or the Gokyo Cho La Pass.
Island peak is located in Sagarmatha National Park within Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province, Nepal. It appears like an island in the sea of snow and was named Island Peak in 1953 by a British mountaineer. The Imja Tse lies in between two glaciers: Lhotse and Imja. We can have mesmerizing views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dabam, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from the summit of Island.
The Island Peak altitude: 6165 m is perfect for training to summit Mount Everest. It is selective peak climbing in Nepal to gain experience and enjoy the mountain views of the Mahalangur Himal ranges. Being en route to Mount Everest Base Camp, Island Peak climbing is more popular among EBC trekkers. After reaching base camp, the interested candidate can continue peak climbing from Chhukung.
Island Peak climbing from Chhukung is climbing part of Island Peak climbing with the Everest Base Camp trek. The four-day itinerary of peak climbing from Chhukung starts after trekking from Lukla to Chhukung. Here, we can exclude trekking to base camp if we have already explored the base of the highest peak in the world. It takes six days to trek to Chhukung from Lukla.
Trek from Lukla to Chhukung
- Day 1: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
- Day 2: Trek to Namche
- Day 3: Rest day in Namche
- Day 4: Trek to Tengboche
- Day 5: Trek to Dingboche
- Day 6: Trek to Chhukung
Island Peak climbing from Chhukung only begins after we reach Chhukung via trekking from Lukla. We can reach base camp and return to Dinboche and then to the starting point of the climb as well. The six days of trekking to Chhukung is important for acclimatization. Directly reaching the starting point of climbing Island Peak in a helicopter is impractical and increases the risk of altitude sickness.
Mission Summit Treks and Expedition is one of the best trekking companies in Nepal to lead Island Peak climbing from Chhukung. We arrange your accommodation, Lukla flight, trek to Chhukung, Imja Tse climbing equipment, peak climbing training, and climbing guide.
Island peak climbing from Chhukung itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Chhukung
- Day 1: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak base camp and gain pre climbing training
- Day 2: Island peak summit and return to Chhukung
Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung Itinerary
Reaching Chhukung, the entrance of Island Peak, is the first part of peak climbing. We can reach Chhukung either from the ascending trail to Dingboche or descending from Gorakshep after the Everest base camp trek. The trekkers revisiting the Everest trekking route for Island Peak climbing from Chhukung can only trek to Chhukung from Dingboche. It takes six days to reach Chhukung from Lukla with acclimatization in Namche. If you are planning peak climbing with the EBC trek, then it takes 10 days to reach Chhukung. We will meet our climbing guide and get a briefing about summiting Island Peak.
The distance between Chhukung to Island Peak base camp is around five kilometers long. It takes around three hours to reach the base camp of Imja Tse. We will trek to base camp and practice climbing and using equipment with our climbing guide. The training is essential for a successful ascent to the summit and descent to base camp.
Climbing to the summit of Island Peak takes around 6-8 hours from base camp. Generally climbing occurs at night to escape from wind and avalanches due to snow melting and icefall collapse. Starting at midnight and descending in daylight is the best practice of climbing. We will follow the trail made by icefall doctors. Since Island Peak climbing is less technical and has moderate ascent and descent, beginners can also reach the summit without difficulties.
The round trip from Island Peak base camp to the summit and back to Chhukung takes around 10 to 14 hours. Good preparation and carefulness is important to remain energetic until we return to Chhukung.
Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung Cost and Date
Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung Cost and Date is provided in the checklist below to plan your holiday trip. Confirm your booking with us. We are flexible for customizing the trip. Contact us for your queries.
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FAQs
Yes, a beginner can climb the Island peak but good preparation for island Peak climbing is essential. We should do higher elevation trek (EBC trek, Gokyo Cho la Pass trek, Manaslu circuit trek or Annapurna circuit trek) to gain altitude and have successful attempt to the Summit.
We can prepare Island peak climbing by trekking to higher elevation before planning a climb. Walking or running to cover 5-6 km per day before three months of climbing. Engage in physical training like squats, push up, cycling, deadlifts, flexibility exercises, rock climbing are basic preperation for peak climbing in Nepal.
No, it is not hard to climb Island peak. It is labelled as 2B grade climbing with less technical ascends and descends. A well-prepared trekker can climb Island peak easily under the guidance of climbing Sherpa. We should do training for using climbing equipment in Island Peak base camp.
It cost 300 USD to climb the Island peak in spring season and 200 USD in autumn season. This includes all required permit costs for climbing the Island peak from Chhukung only. Additionally, the Lukla flight ticket and accommodation up to Chhukung requires more expenses. Overall, we need around 1600 USD for trekking to Chhukung, climbing Island peak, Lukla – Kathmandu flight fare and retuning. It takes 13 days for round trip to Chhukung, Island peak and returning Kathmandu. The cost include 1 guide and 2:1 porter, accomodation, three meals a day during the trek as well.
The Island peak climbing permit from Mountain Association Nepal is 250 USD in spring season and 150 USD in Autumn season. The cost is higher in spring season due to being peak season of mountain climbing in Nepal. The days remain longer in spring season with relatively higher autumn season.
No, anyone cannot climb Island Peak. A well trained trekker can only climb Island peak. It is best peak climb for beginner but proper preparation and trekking is necessary successful climb to summit and descend safely.
Yes, a beginner can do Island Peak. A beginner should have best preparation and training to climb the peak. Unless of confidence, stamina and trekking experience, no one can climb mountains.
It takes around 14-16 hours to complete Island peak climbing. The climbing route, distance and duration vary based on services and blockage on climbing route. The breakdown of Island peak climbing is shown in table below: Climbing sectionClimbing distanceIsland peak climbing durationAscend: Island peak base camp to Island Peak high camp 1.5 to 2 km1- 2 hourAscend: Island peak high camp to Island peak summit3.5 to 4.5 km6 to 8 hoursDescend: Island peak summit to Island peak base camp5 to 6.5 km4 to 5 hours
More Info
Best time for Island peak climbing
The best time for Island peak climbing is pre monsoon and post monsoon. Spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year for climbing Island peaks. Mid- March to mid-May, and mid- September to mid-November is suitable time for climbing and trekking in Nepal. The moderate temperature and pleasant weather make climbing easy in autumn and spring.
The days in spring are longer and the snow surface remain suitable for climbing therefore it is most prefered for peak climbing.
Island peak climbing permit
We require three permits for Imja Tse climbing. Nepal mountaineering association (NMA) permit for Island peak, Sagarmatha national park permit and Khumbu pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit to enter the national park and Khumbu region. The Island peak climbing cost is different in different seasons and nationality.
Island peak climbing permit cost
The cost of peak climbing is higher in spring season and lower in autumn season due to longer daylight and good condition of snow for climbing.
Permit and cost of Island peak climb
| Permit | Permit cost | Time of climbing |
| Nepal mountaineering Association permit | $250 | Spring (March, April, May) |
| $ 150 | Autumn (Sept. Oct. and Nov) | |
| $ 70 | Monsoon (July to Aug) and winter (Dec to Feb) | |
Sagarmatha National Park Permit
| 3000 NPR. for foreign | Throughout the year |
| 1500 NPR. for SAARC nations | ||
| 100 NPR for Nepali | ||
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu national park permit | 2000 NPR for all people |
Difficulty level of island peak
Island peak climbing difficulty is rated from moderate to hard as It is labelled as 2B in alpine grading system. We need certain mountaineering skills with knowledge on using ropes, harness and crampons to climb Island peak. It is the best mountain for practicing climb on the snowy slopes of technical mountains.
The altitude of Island peak: 6165 m is one of the difficulty factors that raises the risk of altitude sickness. We need to walk continuously for 6 to 8 hours on the snow to reach its summit and further 3-4 hours to return to the Island peak base camp.
The glacier crevasses and slippery snow are the challenges where we need to be more careful. The use of ropes and crampons are essential to pass through these difficulties.
The temperature in Island summit remains below -20℃ as a difficulty factor that can be minimized by wearing thick clothing and descending to lower elevation.
The long duration of climbing can be challenging unless we train our body properly. It takes around 16 hours to complete Island peak climbing which occurs continuously. So, it will be a tough job to walk over snow on high elevation.
Beyond the difficulties, a beginner can also summit Island Peak. Most importantly, one should have a good preparation and practice rock climbing, hiking and trekking before planning for peak climbing.
Food during Island peak climbing
The food for Island peak base camp and high camp will be prepared in camp by expedition team. Instant food like noodles, pasta, rice with canned or dried vegetables, soup, lentils, boiled egg and dry fruits are more common in camp. We will stay only one day in Island peak base camp where we will have our lunch and dinner. We will start climbing to summit in mid night, we should carry snacks and water with us so that we can have some food while descending from summit to Base camp.
After returning to base camp, we will have our lunch and return to Chhukung for night stay. We will have selective food for dinner in Chhukung. Mo:mo, chowmein, Nepali thali (Dal, rice, pickles, pappad), spaghetti and pasta, pizza, egg items, burger are common in tea houses of Chhukung.
Altitude sickness
Acute mountain sickness occurs above the elevation of 3500m. Since, the Island peak summit is 6165 m, there is high risk of altitude sickness if we do not acclimatize before reaching the Island peak base camp at 5087 m. Altitude sickness is uncertain for both experienced and beginner. Therefore, we should be alert to its symptoms while climbing the Island peak. We should return to lower elevation if we feel uneasy, severe headache and difficulty in breathing.
Symptoms and remedies of altitude sickness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of hands, feet or face
Remedies
- Taking garlic soup
- Descending to lower elevation
- Taking supplemental oxygen mask
- Taking rest and drink plenty of water
- Using Dimox tablet
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
Island peak climbing from Chhukung requirements for 2025/ 2026
- Permit: We need permit form Nepal Mountaineering Association for climbing Island Peak. Along with we need Sagarmatha national park permit and Khumbu pasang Lhamu rural municipality permit to enter the Sagarmatha national park within Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality.
- Physical preparation: A well-trained trekker should only try to climb the peak. We should start good physical preparation such as walking, running, squat, push up, planks, rock climbing for an hour or more before three months of peak climbing. The physical exercise will train the body to walk for a long time during the peak climbing.
- Mountain trekking: trekking to higher elevation such as Everest base camp, Gokyo Cho La Pass, Annapurna circuit and Manaslu circuit are the best way to gain altitude and prevent altitude sickness during peak climbing. Directly climbing peak without any high elevation trek is impractical and lead to failure. We should trek to Chhukung to reach Island Peak base camp so that our body will gradually gain the altitude and developed more RBCs to adjust with lower oxygen level as described by Viault, 1890. Gradually gaining elevation will make our body fit in high altitude as well.
- Climbing equipment: Each climber will be provided with climbing equipment from the company itself. The common climbing equipment required for Island peak climbing is
- helmet
- Climbing harness
- Belay/rappel device
- Locking carabiners x2
- Non-Locking Ice Axe
- Crampons
- Climbing carabiners x1
- 6 meters of 16mm tape or 8mm cord
- Prusik
Trekkers should have appropriate trekking gear for both trekking and expedition. If you missed any essentials, you could also buy it in Chhukung before heading to Island peak base camp.
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