— Expeditions
Island Peak & Heli Exit
14 Days (with Helicopter Exit)
Mod / Diff
14 Days
6189
Price
€4799
Per Person
Overview
Island Peak (6,189m) is Nepal’s most iconic trekking peak and the perfect introduction to Himalayan mountaineering. The ascent involves glacier travel, fixed ropes, and a rewarding summit ridge, making it an ideal stepping stone towards bigger objectives such as Ama Dablam, Himlung Himal, Manaslu, or even Mount Everest. With breathtaking views across the Khumbu and expert guidance throughout, Island Peak offers an unforgettable first taste of climbing above 6,000 metres.
- Summit Island Peak 6,189m, one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking peaks
- The perfect first Himalayan climbing expedition and stepping stone to higher peaks
- Built on the proven expedition philosophy of Black Mountaineering
- Small expedition teams with excellent guide-to-client ratios
- Elite Sherpa climbing team and high-altitude medical support
- Proven acclimatisation strategy designed to maximise summit success
- Comprehensive fixed rope, crampon, ice axe and mountaineering skills training
- Private helicopter return from Island Peak Base Camp to Lukla
- Premium expedition logistics with quality accommodation and fully supported camps
- Official Nepal Mountaineering Association Summit Certificate upon successful ascent
Location
Nepal
Duration
14 Days
Route
Chukkung Valley
Grade
Mod / Diff
Altitude
6189
Activity
Approx 08hrs daily
itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu.
Welcome to Nepal and the start of your Island Peak Expedition.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be met by the Black Mountaineering team and transferred to the expedition hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, recover from your journey, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Team Hotel, Kathmandu
Day 02
Expedition briefing, permits & gear check.
Today is dedicated to the final preparations before we head into the Himalaya.
We’ll complete all expedition formalities, obtain the necessary climbing permits, carry out a comprehensive equipment check, and answer any final questions to ensure everyone is fully prepared for the journey ahead.
Overnight: Team Hotel, Kathmandu
Day 03
Fly to Lukla.
An early morning flight takes us into the heart of the Himalaya, landing at the world-famous Lukla Airport (2,860m). From here, we begin our trek through the beautiful Khumbu Valley, following the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges, and passing traditional Sherpa villages before arriving in Phakding.
This is the first day on the trail and an exciting introduction to the Everest region.
Overnight: Lodge, Phakding (2,610m)
Day 04
Trek to Namche Bazaar.
Today we continue our journey through the heart of the Khumbu, crossing suspension bridges, passing traditional Sherpa villages, and following the Dudh Koshi River before making the steady ascent to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant gateway to the Everest region.
This bustling mountain town is the perfect place to begin acclimatising while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Overnight: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 05
Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar.
Today is dedicated to helping your body adapt to the increasing altitude using the proven principle of climb high, sleep low.
We’ll complete a rewarding acclimatisation hike to a higher viewpoint before returning to Namche Bazaar to rest, recover, and prepare for the next stage of the expedition.
Overnight: Teahouse, Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 06
Trek to Tengboche.
Today we leave Namche Bazaar and follow one of the most spectacular trails in the Everest region, with magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding Himalayan giants.
Our destination is Tengboche, home to the region’s most famous Buddhist monastery, set amongst towering peaks in an unforgettable mountain setting.
Overnight: Teahouse, Tengboche (3,860m)
Day 07
Trek to Dingboche.
Continuing deeper into the Khumbu Valley, we make our way through traditional Sherpa villages and rugged alpine landscapes as the surrounding peaks grow ever more dramatic.
Arriving in Dingboche, one of the region’s most important acclimatisation villages, we’ll settle into our teahouse and prepare for the next stage of the expedition at higher altitude.
Overnight: Teahouse, Dingboche (4,410m)
Day 08
Acclimatisation day in Dingboche.
Today is dedicated to further acclimatisation and preparing for the climbing phase of the expedition.
Following the proven principle of climb high, sleep low, we’ll complete an acclimatisation hike before carrying out a full equipment check, organising any required gear hire, and practising essential climbing skills. The guide team will provide instruction on the use of harnesses, crampons, ascenders, descenders, and fixed rope techniques, ensuring everyone is confident and fully prepared before moving higher towards Island Peak.
Overnight: Teahouse, Dingboche (4,410m)
Day 09
Trek to Chhukung.
Today we make a short but important trek to the small settlement of Chhukung, nestled beneath the towering south face of Lhotse and surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the Himalaya.
This final village before Island Peak provides the perfect base as we move into the climbing phase of the expedition.
Overnight: Teahouse, Chhukung (4,730m)
Day 10 - Basecamp
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp.
Today we leave the teahouses behind and make our way to Island Peak Base Camp, following a spectacular trail through the upper Imja Valley beneath the towering faces of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
On arrival, we’ll settle into our fully supported expedition camp, organise climbing equipment, and receive a final briefing from the guide team in preparation for the summit attempt.
Overnight: Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m)
Day 11
Summit Day – Island Peak (6,189m).
Today is the culmination of your expedition as we make an early pre-dawn start for the ascent of Island Peak (6,189m).
Climbing under the guidance of our expert team, you’ll negotiate glacier terrain, fixed ropes, and the final summit ridge before standing atop one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking peaks, surrounded by breathtaking views of Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, and the Everest region.
After celebrating on the summit, we descend carefully back to Island Peak Base Camp for a well-earned rest after an unforgettable day in the Himalaya.
Overnight: Island Peak Base Camp (5,100m)
Day 12
Helicopter transfer from Island Peak Base Camp to Lukla.
After breakfast, we board a spectacular helicopter flight from Island Peak Base Camp to Lukla, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the Khumbu Glacier, Everest region, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
On arrival in Lukla, we transfer directly from the helipad to the airport to board our scheduled flight back to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Team Hotel, Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 13
Contingency day. An additional contingency day is built into the itinerary to provide flexibility in the event of adverse weather, delayed flights, or unforeseen mountain conditions.
This reserve day gives the guide team the flexibility to make safe decisions based on weather, route conditions, and the team’s acclimatisation, significantly improving the chances of a successful expedition.
Overnight: Kathmandu or as determined by the expedition itinerary and current conditions.
Day 14
Final departure home. After breakfast, the Black Mountaineering logistics team will transfer you to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight home.
As you leave Nepal, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the achievement of standing on the summit of Island Peak (6,189m) in the heart of the Himalaya.
Included
What’s Included
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
- Private helicopter transfer from Island Peak Base Camp to Lukla
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3★, shared basis with breakfast)
Single room upgrade available (€80 per night) - Team welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- Island Peak climbing permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association
- Environmental and rubbish management fees
- Medical and emergency rescue insurance for all Nepalese expedition staff
- Porter support (1 porter per participant carrying up to 23kg of personal equipment)
- Three meals daily throughout the trek and expedition (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and coffee)
- Accommodation throughout the expedition (hotels, teahouses and expedition camps as per itinerary)
- Experienced Base Camp cook and kitchen team
- All Nepalese staff salaries, equipment, food, clothing and insurance
- Individual tent at Island Peak Base Camp
- 2:1 elite climbing sherpa ratio
- Emergency oxygen available at Base Camp and during the climb
- High Camp logistics including tents, cooking equipment, fuel, fixed ropes and group climbing equipment
- High-altitude medic and emergency first responder on every expedition
- Official Island Peak Summit Certificate issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa (currently USD $50 for 30 days, payable on arrival)
- Lunches and dinners while staying in Kathmandu
- Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu (Single: €80 per night | Double/Twin: €100 per night)
- Personal travel, high-altitude and emergency helicopter rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses including internet, Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, laundry, snacks and drinks
- Personal climbing equipment hire (boots, crampons, harness, jumar, belay device, cow’s tails, ice axe and helmet – approximately USD $150)
- Porter gratuity (recommended: USD $150 per participant)
- Climbing Sherpa summit bonus (USD $200 per participant, payable following a successful summit)
- Any item not specifically listed under What’s Included
Available Dates
How Fit Do You Need to Be to Climb Island Peak (Imja Tse – 6,189m)?
Climbing Island Peak (6,189m) requires good physical fitness, but it’s less demanding than Aconcagua in terms of endurance and altitude. However, it has technical sections that require basic mountaineering skills. You need to be strong, well-acclimatised, and able to sustain long efforts at high altitude.
📌 Physical Requirements for Island Peak
1. Endurance & Cardiovascular Fitness
- You’ll be trekking for multiple days, often 6–10 hours per day.
- You’ll be carrying a 10kg backpack
- Some routes involve long ascents of 1,000m+ in a single day.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Hike 15–25 km (6-8hrs) with a 10-15 kg pack at least once a week.
- Stair climbing (45 min with a 15 kg pack).
- Running, cycling, or swimming (3–4 times a week, 45–60 min per session).
- Hyrox or Some form of high intensity fitness gym class
2. Strength & Load-Carrying Ability
- Expect to carry a 10 kg backpack for multiple days.
- Some summits involve steep, rocky ascents requiring strong legs & core stability.
- You may need to navigate boulder fields and exposed ridges.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Squats, lunges, deadlifts (for leg power).
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a weighted pack.
- Farmer’s carry (15 kg per hand) for grip & pack strength.
- Planks & core exercises (for stability on uneven terrain).
✅ Preparation Recommendations:
- Follow our 12 week training plan
- Join local training classes
- Increase exposure to long days on the hills
3. Technical Skills & Terrain Adaptation
✅ Uphill Technique
- Pacing & Breathing: Adopt a slow, “all-day” pace that allows you to breathe easily through your nose. If you are working too hard, implement the Rest Step by momentarily locking your trailing leg to shift your weight onto your bone structure rather than your thigh muscles.
- Switchbacking: On very steep grades, use switchbacks (zigzagging) to lower the gradient rather than attacking straight up.
- Pole Adjustment: Shorten your poles by 5-10 cm so your elbows don’t overreach, keeping your forearms parallel to the ground to maintain proper balance.
✅ Downhill Technique
- Posture & Impact: Many injuries happen on the descent. Loosen your hip belt slightly and bend your knees to absorb shock. Keep your weight centered directly over your feet, leaning slightly backward if the slope is dangerously steep.
- Pole Adjustment: Lengthen your poles by 5-10 cm to reduce strain on your knees and thighs, providing two extra points of contact ahead of your body.
- Foot Placement: Take short, light, and quick steps to reduce impact and maintain agility. Avoid the temptation to take long, leaping strides.
✅ Technical Terrain Adaptation
- Scree & Boulders: Step flat-footed to maximize your boot’s rubber traction. If dealing with loose scree, aim for embedded rocks rather than the loose gravel. Test each rock before shifting your full weight onto it.
- Scrambling: Maintain three points of contact at all times (e.g., two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot). Move deliberately, one limb at a time, and keep your center of gravity low and close to the rock face.
4. Mental Toughness
- Some summits will push you into exhaustion and cold conditions.
- The multi-day aspect makes recovery crucial—fatigue builds up over time.
- Expect early morning summit pushes (3 AM starts) and long descents.
✅ Mental Training:
-
- Train in harsh conditions (rain, wind, extreme cold).
- Hike back-to-back long days (to simulate multi-day fatigue).
- Train early mornings to prepare for pre-dawn summit attempts.
📍 Minimum Fitness Benchmarks for Island Peak
You should be able to:
✅ Hike 1,000m+ elevation gain with a 10-15 kg pack (6–8 hrs).
✅ Run 10 km in one hour (Optional).
✅ Climb stairs for 45 min with a 15 kg pack.
✅ Do 10+ pull-ups (for rope work & upper body endurance).
✅ Carry a 15 kg pack for multiple days.
⛏ Who Should NOT Attempt Island Peak?
🚫 If you have no trekking or high-altitude experience.
🚫 If you cannot hike 6–8 hours a day for multiple days.
🚫 If you struggle with cold weather and altitude sickness.
Final Thoughts
Island Peak is not extremely technical, but it’s not a trekking peak either. You need solid endurance, strength, and basic mountaineering skills.
Do you want a specific training plan for Island Peak? Let me know your current fitness level, and I’ll customise one for you!
Here’s a 12-week training plan for Island Peak (6,189m), designed to build endurance, strength, altitude preparedness, and basic technical skills.
Island Peak Training Plan (12 Weeks)
Goal: Develop the cardio endurance, leg strength, and technical skills needed for the long trek and the steep summit push.
Weekly Schedule Overview
|
Day |
Activity |
|
Monday |
Strength Training + Stair Climb with Pack |
|
Tuesday |
Cardio (Running/Cycling) + Core |
|
Wednesday |
Weighted Hike (8–15 km) |
|
Thursday |
Strength + Endurance (Step-ups, Rope Work) |
|
Friday |
Rest or Light Recovery (Yoga, Stretching) |
|
Saturday |
Long Hike (15–20 km, 800–1,200m ascent) |
|
Sunday |
Technical Skills + Active Recovery (Swimming, Cycling) |
Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Base Building
Goal: Build cardio endurance, leg strength, and pack-carrying ability.
✅ Hiking:
- 8–12 km (5–7 miles) with a 10 kg pack
- 600–800m elevation gain
- 3–4 hours duration
✅ Strength Training (2x per week)
- Squats – 4 sets of 8
- Lunges – 3 sets of 10 per leg
- Step-ups (40–50 cm box) – 3 sets of 12 per leg (with a weighted pack)
- Pull-ups – 3 sets of 6 (for rope work)
- Planks – 3 x 1 min (for core stability)
✅ Cardio Training
- 45–60 min runs at moderate pace
- Stair climbing (30 min with a 5 kg pack)
- Cycling/swimming for active recovery
✅ Technical Skills
- If possible, practice basic rope work (ascending with a jumar).
- Train with a loaded backpack (simulating trek conditions).
Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Strength & Endurance Boost
Goal: Increase hiking difficulty, pack weight, and technical skills.
✅ Hiking:
- 12–18 km (7–11 miles) with a 12–15 kg pack
- 800–1,200m elevation gain
- 5+ hours duration
✅ Strength Training (2x per week)
- Increase weights for squats, lunges, deadlifts
- Farmer’s carry (15–20 kg each hand) – 3 sets of 30m
- Stair climbing (40+ min with a 10 kg pack)
✅ Cardio & Endurance
- Interval running session (5x 3 min fast, 3 min slow)
- Long hikes back-to-back on weekends
- Rowing or swimming (improves lung capacity)
✅ Technical Skills
- Practice with a jumar on a fixed rope (if you have access).
- Try using an ice axe on steep terrain.
- Train with crampons on mixed terrain (hills, snow, loose rock).
Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Peak Performance & Final Prep
Goal: Simulated altitude training, endurance, and technical readiness.
✅ Hiking (Most Important)
- 15+ km (9+ miles) with a 15 kg pack
- 1,200m elevation gain
- Back-to-back long hikes (Saturday & Sunday)
- Final test: Summit a local peak or train at 4,000m+ (if possible)
✅ Strength & Endurance Training
- Stair Climbing (45–60 min with 12–15 kg pack)
- Bulgarian Split Squats – 3 sets of 10 per leg
- Dead Hangs – 3 sets of 30 sec (for grip strength)
✅ Technical Skills
- Full simulated climb with fixed rope/jumar setup
- Abseiling (rappelling) practice with a figure-eight device
- Walking on a slope with crampons & ice axe
✅ Altitude & Cold Exposure
- If possible, train at altitude (above 3,500m) before your trip.
- Practice cold weather training with full gear.
✅ Mental Prep
- Simulate summit day: Start a long hike before sunrise with limited food/water.
- Train in bad weather to test mental resilience.
Final Prep (Last 2 Weeks)
🔹 Reduce heavy training (Tapering)
🔹 Focus on sleep, stretching, and light hikes
🔹 Pack & gear test (Fully loaded backpack, boots, and summit gear)
🔹 Simulate high-altitude breathing (practice slow, deep breaths)
Key Training Tips
✔ Train with your backpack & boots early!
✔ Use trekking poles for stair climbs and hikes.
✔ Hydration & nutrition practice – Know what fuels you best.
✔ Recovery matters! – Foam roll, stretch, and prioritise sleep.
✔ Train in extreme conditions (rain, snow, wind, heat).
Are You Ready for Island Peak?
✅ Can you hike 1,200m+ with a 15 kg pack?
✅ Can you handle 8–10 hour hikes back-to-back?
✅ Have you trained in cold, high-wind conditions?
✅ Do you feel comfortable with fixed ropes & jumaring?
If you can check all the boxes, you’re in solid shape! Let me know if you want customised adjustments based on your current fitness level!
Passport 6mts Valid
Debit/Credit Cards Insurance
Papers Photocopy of passportBase Layers
Merino Wool Underwear (4 pcs)
Merino long sleeve base layer (1 pcs)
Merino long pants base layer (1 pcs)
Merino Short Sleeve T Shirt (2 pcs)
Mid Layers
Tech Fleece (1pcs)
Tech fleece with hood (1pcs)
Hiking shorts (2pcs)
Heavyweight
Hiking Pants (1pcs)
Lightweight Hiking Pants (2pcs)
Windproof/Rain Layers
Hard Shell Jacket (1pcs)
Hard Shell Pants (1pcs)
Insulation Layers
800+gram Goose Down Jacket with hood
Insulated Pants
Lite puffer jacket
Headwear
Warm Hat (2pcs)
Balaclava (1pcs)
Baseball Cap (1pcs)
Bandana or Buff (2pcs)
Eyewear
Cat 4 Glacier Glasses
UV Nose protector
Ski Googles
Gloves
Lightweight Liner Gloves
Shell Guide Glove with Insulated Liner 7000m
Expedition Mitts
Footwear
Liner Socks (2 pairs)
Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
Double Skin Mountaineering Boots 6000 (Kailas / Lasportiva / Millet)
Trekking Approach Shoes
Refuge Shoes – crocs or sandals.
Gaiters (optional)
Sleeping Equipment
Sleeping Bag -20°C
Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Earplugs
Inflatable Pillow
Mountaineering Gear
Large 120ltr Duffel Bag
Trekking Backpack 35L-50L
Trekking poles (optional)
Ice Axe (1pcs)
Crampons
“Y” Rig for ascender & carabiner
Proper Climbing Harness
Locking Carabineers (3pcs)
Un-locking Carabineers (2pcs)
Sling / 240 cm (1pcs)
Headlight 500-700 Lumens (2pcs)
Travel Items
Travel Clothes
Cash
Visa Card
ATM card
Additional Food Items
Snack food
Salty-sweet bars
Summit gels
Nuts
Beef jerky
Medical/First Aid
Personal First-aid kit
Compeed blister packs
Sutures & steri strips
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
250mg Diamox 10 days
Medicated throat lozenges
Medicated throat spray
Antibiotic Azithromycin 500mg
Laxatives
Imodium
Mosquito repellent
Menstrual products
Electrolytes
Nail cutter
Duct tape – Repair Kit
Hand & Feet chemical warmers
Toiletries (Personal)
Toilet Paper
Toothpaste &Toothbrush
Bio Baby wipes (2pcs)
Soap
Shampoo
Shaver
Towel
Small nail-brush
Sunscreen: SPF 50
Lip Screen: SPF 30
Aftersun
Additional Items
Compression Stuff Sacks
Water Bottles 1- liter (2pcs)
Pee Bottle 1- litre
Female Urination Device (FUD)
Knife or Multi-tool (optional)
Optional Electronics
Country-appropriate plug adapters
Power Bank
Phone camera
Batteries
Charging leads
See more about our payment policy Here
On Booking your expedition our returns policy can be viewed here
Participants must carry travel insurance that covers hillwalking/scrambling (non-technical) up to 6200 m in Nepal, including trip interruption and medical cover. Bring your policy details in the event required. We recommend True Traveler