Island Peak Expedition

The Ultimate Island Peak trek with EverTrek typically costs between £2,800 and £2,900, depending on date you choose. This includes all permits (including the Island Peak climbing permit), accommodation, meals during the trek and full support from our experienced trekking and climbing guides.

This trek is more challenging than Everest Base Camp due to the summit climb of Island Peak at 6,189 metres. You’ll need a very good level of fitness, along with mental resilience and the ability to trek for multiple consecutive days. The climb itself involves scrambling, glacier travel, and basic use of mountaineering gear.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended.

Training for Island Peak should include cardiovascular endurance, strength training (especially for legs and core), and long-duration hikes carrying weight. Add hill walking, stair climbing, and gym sessions with weighted packs to simulate trekking conditions.
We recommend training 4–5 times a week in the months leading up to the trek. EverTrek also offers UK-based training weekends (e.g. in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia), which are a great opportunity to prepare and build your confidence.

Island Peak, known locally as Imja Tse, stands at 6,189 metres (20,305 feet). It is a non-technical climbing peak but involves glacier travel, ladder crossings and a summit ridge that requires the use of ropes, a harness, and crampons.

Most expenses are included in the trip cost, but you’ll want to budget for personal items such as snacks, soft drinks, hot showers, charging electronic devices, Wi-Fi access, and tips. We recommend allowing £20 to £45 per day to cover these extras throughout the trek.

Yes, hot showers are available at most teahouses in the early part of the route (up to around Dingboche). As you approach Island Peak Base Camp, facilities become much more basic and may not include showers. At higher altitudes, most trekkers opt for wet wipes or quick washes due to the cold and limited water supply.

The best times to attempt Island Peak are:

• Spring (March to May) – Stable climbing conditions, warm days, and clear views.
• Autumn (September to November) – Cooler temperatures and excellent mountain visibility, with minimal rainfall.

Both seasons are ideal for combining the Island Peak climb with acclimatisation on the Everest Base Camp trail.

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to thank your team. For the Ultimate Island Peak trek, we recommend tipping around 10% of your trip cost. On a £2800 trip, a tip of approximately £280 is appropriate and will be shared among your trekking and climbing team.

Altitude sickness is a serious consideration, particularly as Island Peak exceeds 6,000 metres. To reduce your risk:

• Follow a gradual ascent, with acclimatisation days built into the itinerary.
• Stay hydrated, drinking 3–4 litres of water each day.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking during the trek.
• Recognise symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue early.
• Use medication such as acetazolamide (Diamox) if recommended by your GP.
• Communicate openly with your guide, altitude sickness can be manageable if not ignored, however if symptoms worsen, descent is essential, and your guide will ensure your safety.

Yes, you can rent all the technical climbing equipment required for Island Peak, including a helmet, crampons, rope, ice axe, harness, and ascender. We recommend letting us know well in advance of your trip date so our team can ensure the gear is prepared and ready for you upon arrival in Nepal.

Yes, there is a 15kg weight limit for your checked duffel bag and carry-on daypack combined on the domestic flight to Lukla. This includes all your trekking gear. It can be a bit of a challenge, but with a smart packing strategy, it’s entirely manageable. We recommend packing light, using multi-purpose clothing, and buying heavier or bulkier items like snacks or toiletries in Lukla to help stay within the limit.

We do not offer rental of mountaineering boots, sleeping bags, or down jackets as having high-quality, properly fitting gear is essential for a successful summit attempt on a 6,000m Himalayan peak.

Locally rented gear can be hit and miss, and availability cannot always be guaranteed, especially during busy trekking seasons.

We know this gear can be a significant investment, but having high-quality, well-fitting equipment is crucial for a summit attempt on a 6,000m Himalayan peak. Locally rented gear can be hit and miss, and there’s nothing worse than having to turn back because your boots caused blisters, or your sleeping bag wasn’t warm enough. Bringing your own trusted kit gives you the best chance of success and comfort on the mountain.

Yes, this trip requires a minimum of 4 EverTrekkers for it to be confirmed and guaranteed to go ahead. We’ll let you know at the time your final balance is due (which is 6 months before the trip) whether the trip is going ahead or if the minimum group size hasn’t been met.

We strongly recommend avoiding any non-refundable costs (such as flights or accommodation) until you’ve received confirmation that your trip is guaranteed.

Please read out minimum number terms and conditions for more info around refund & payment terms.

To keep things flexible for you, internal flights are arranged directly by our trusted local partner. This means your flights can be tailored to your exact trip dates and adjusted locally if needed - especially useful in destinations like Nepal, where weather or conditions can affect schedules.

It’s a simple process: our local partner will handle everything and reserve your flight and transfers as soon as they receive your details from us (which happens almost instantly after booking). You’ll receive a secure payment link from them closer to your trip - no admin, no hassle, just straightforward local organisation.

While you are free to arrange your internal flights separately, we strongly recommend using our trusted in-country partner.

They will book the correct flight for your trip based on your confirmed itinerary and handle everything, including your airport transfers and any local schedule changes, which are common in destinations like Nepal due to weather conditions.

If you choose to book your flights elsewhere, you’ll also need to arrange your own airport transfers and ensure you arrive at the correct location and time to join the group.

Booking independently may result in mistimed connections or logistical complications that could affect your trip experience. If you are considering this, we ask that you contact us first so we can help you understand the implications.

The internal flights cost approx $450 per person. These are arranged by our trusted local partner, who will ensure your flight matches your itinerary and takes into account any local conditions. You'll receive a secure payment link closer to your trip, and the process is smooth, fully managed, and requires no extra effort from you.

The moment you book your trek, we pass your details to our local team, who reserves your internal flight right away based on your trip dates.

Payment for your internal flight is due no later than 30 days before your trip start date. The payment link will be sent to you by our trusted partner, 2-3 months before your trip start date to pay.

Once payment is made, you'll receive a receipt confirming it’s been received. There’s nothing else you need to do - it’s a simple, stress-free process handled by the same team supporting your trek on the ground.

Refunds for internal flights are handled by our local partner, as the flight is booked directly through them and not included in your EverTrek package.

If you cancel your EverTrek trip more than 90 days before your departure, no internal flight payment will have been collected, and no action is required.

If you cancel after payment has been made, and this is within 90 days of your departure, the internal flight payment is non-refundable, as tickets will have already been issued and are non-transferable.

If you need to change your trip dates, we’ll notify our local partner on your behalf after our agreement to a trip reschedule .

• Changes made 91+ days before departure can usually be accommodated at no extra cost.
• Changes within 90 days are reviewed case-by-case by our partner and may incur additional charges depending on airline policies.