Everest High Passes and Island Peak
23 Days 5000 ex Kathmandu
Accommodation
3 Nights Hotel Stay
4 Nights Tent
15 Nights Tea House
Transportation
Mostly on foot
Transfers and domestic flights included
1 Porter 1 Trekker Policy
Included Meals
22 Breakfasts
19 Lunches
20 Dinners
All Open Menu Your Choice
Group Size
2 – 8 Maximum
After navigating the legendary Renjo La and Cho La passes, you stand at the foot of the “Island in a Sea of Ice.” The 60-degree headwall of Island Peak looms above, a final crystalline challenge before you are greeted by a 360-degree panorama that defines the word epic. Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam are no longer distant shapes on a map—they are your neighbors.
This circuit is designed for those who want to move beyond the well-trodden corridors of the Khumbu. By crossing three major passes and three distinct valleys, you gain access to high-altitude wilderness and remote Sherpa outposts that remain unseen by the vast majority of visitors to Nepal. It is an opportunity to experience the Himalayas in their most expansive form—traversing the full geography of the region before making a focused, technical push to the 6,189m summit of Island Peak. This is a rare look at the Everest region, reserved for those with the time and the resolve to explore its most isolated corners.
“The training at Base Camp was a game-changer. Learning to use the Jumar and crossing ladders over crevasses gave me the confidence I needed for the summit push. Standing on top was the proudest moment of my life.” — Mark, Australia
Of the 60 guests we had in our last season, 55 reached the summit of Island Peak. That is a great record in anyone’s book and we would like to thank our ground team for looking after everyone so well! Well done!
But the real gravity of this trip pulls you toward Imja Tse—Island Peak. This isn’t just another high point on a map; it’s an ascent into the alpine proper. It’s the 6,189-meter reality check. At the base camp, the air feels different—tighter, expectant. When you finally clip into the fixed ropes and feel the bite of your crampons into the headwall, you aren’t a tourist anymore. You are a climber. Reaching that summit ridge, with the Lhotse face looming like a tidal wave of ice above you, is an honest, unvarnished victory. It’s the kind of moment that changes the way you look at a horizon forever.
This isn’t a sanitized version of the Himalayas. You’ll feel the rough-hewn stone of the Thame monastery, walk the same dust as the legendary Tenzing Norgay, and sleep in tea houses where the hospitality is as real as the mountain wind. We take our time—two full days for acclimatization in Namche and Lungden—because the mountain doesn’t care about your schedule. You have to earn the right to breathe at these heights.
This is the “Grand Circle.” It’s strenuous, it’s beautiful, and it’s entirely real. No shortcuts, no fluff—just the raw, cold, magnificent truth of the highest places on earth. If you’ve got the legs for it and the soul for it, the door is open.
The Journey
Your group leader will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel where you can relax, meet your teammates and take a stroll through Kathmandu’s bustling streets. We’ll enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner together and watch a cultural performance before getting much needed rest. (D)
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the ‘City of Temples’. Visit Durbar Square, home to the Kasthamandap temple, Kumari Ghar Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple. It’s a chance to understand the spiritual connection the locals have to the enigmatic landscapes around them. Afterwards, visit the Swoyambhunath Stupa, set majestically on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley, to contemplate the life-changing adventure that’s about to begin. Continue to Patan including Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and the Tibetan Handicraft Centre. Here you can learn more about traditional crafts and ceremonies, giving you a deeper understanding of how Nepalese people have flourished in this majestic but hostile environment. (B)
35 minute Trans Himalayan flight
Altitude: Lukla at 2800m/9184ft & Phakding (2652m/8698ft)
Walking distance: Approx 8 Km/3 to 4 hours
Your guide will take you to the airport in time for your flight departure. The flight duration is about 35 minutes – expect incredible views from the plane. Arriving in Lukla, you’ll eat at the lodge before preparing your kit for the porters. The trek starts on the stone-paved trails towards Bhaisekharka. It’s fairly up and down to Phakding, passing plenty of prayer rocks (mani). After arriving at the lodge at Phakding, freshen up and make the short walk to the village or hike up to Gompa to acclimatise. (B,L,D)
Altitude: 3450m/11283ft
Walking distance: 10-12 Km/5-6 hours
An exciting start to the day as you cross a suspension bridge followed by an easy uphill to Monju, where the Sagarmatha National Park begins. After completing Park entry paperwork, you’ll drop down to the river and another suspension bridge, then back up again to the high Hilary Bridge. The trail then leads further uphill to the Namche Bazaar, with stunning views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Kusum Khangru and more. (B,L,D)
Explore the museum for a unique cultural taste of this remote region, visit Khumjung and Khongde villages where you can drink in the landscape dominated by Mt. Everest and the surrounding peaks. The rest of the day you’re free to explore Namche Bazaar, use the Internet, visit the National Park head office, museum and monastery. It’s a chance to let the experience sink in, while further appreciating the incredible people that call this place home. (B,D)
Altitude: 3800m
Walking distance: Approx 3 to 4 hours
A relatively easy start on the trail leads to Thamo, an ancient Sherpa village. Explore the village before setting off for Thame. After lunch, rest a while and immerse yourself in the Sherpa culture. (B,L,D)
Altitude: 4137m
Walking distance: Approx 4 to 5 hours
Another comfortable start, as you ease into it with a peaceful walk to Marlung through the Bhote Koshi River. The trail then leads to Lumde through the valley, with views of the snow-peaked mountains along the way. After arriving in Lumde, it’s worth hiking a bit higher to acclimatise. (B,L,D)
Another important rest day to acclimatise. The day is yours to explore this small village and its surrounds. (B,L,D)
Altitude at Ranjo la Pass: 5465m/17,929ft
Altitude at Gokyo Lake: 4800m/ 15748ft Distance of walking: 7-8 hours
A challenging start as the trail leads uphill for an hour and a half to the top of the Renjo La, to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Mt.Nuptse, and the Gokyo Lake. As far as views go, the Renjo La view is unsurpassed on this trek, wow! From Renjo La the trail drops down to the lake and your lodge. Rest up, then make the short climb to the ridge to explore the magnificent glacier. (B,L,D)
Altitude: 4750m/15580ft
Walking distance: 3 hours
Although this is a relatively easy day, we suggest an early start. You’ll be walking across Ngozumpa – the longest glacier in Nepal. On sunny days the ice melts fast, so it’s best to cross the glacier before it warms up. Listen out for rocks tumbling into the glacier lake. Once you arrive at Thaknak, climb the small hill to acclimatise. (B,L,D)
Altitude: 5367m/17604ft
Walking distance: 6-7 hours
This is probably the hardest day of the trip. Start with a steep climb before the trail drops down to the bottom of the Chola pass. Another steep climb this time through rocks follows. Look out for Buddhist prayer flags on the top of the pass and incredible views. The ground can be icy as the trail descends again through huge rocks, followed by easy walking to Zungla. (B,L,D)
Walking distance: 3 hours. It’s mostly downhill in this section surrounded by incredible peaks and valleys. (B,L,D)
Altitude: 5,357m/17,575ft
Walking distance: 8 hours
Today you reach the famed Everest base camp. But there’s a three-hour walk along the ridge of the Khumbu glacier first. Drink in the majestic views, before finally spotting the Buddhist prayer flags – a sign that you’ve made it. After exploring, trek down to the lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and enjoying the experience. (B,L,D)
Altitude: Kalapathar at 5545m
Walking distance: 6-7 hours
Start the day by tackling the two-hour hike up to the Kalapatthar, the best viewpoint of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Thamerserku and Mera Peak. Take lots of photos before trekking down to the lodge at Gorekshep for breakfast, and then continuing down to Dingboche. (B,L,D)
We will head up across an arid glacial plane toward the southern slopes of Island Peak. Passing through Chukung, we will reach our base camp site which is set up for the entire climbing season. There we will have a hearty meal, meet our climbing team, who will introduce us to the equipment and further acclimatise.
Today will be spent practicing with all the equipment needed for the climb to Island Peak. You will achieve a basic knowledge of how to climb and how to use the equipment. Our team is more than eager to help you with any questions and techniques.
We will head out for the summit before sunrise. While the first section is relatively flat we will soon hit a steep climb up to the summit glacier. Here we will rope up and traverse the glacier and several crevasses. Once we reach the base of the south summit, we will ascend using ropes and Jumar as the ascent is on a 45 degree angle. This is the last obstacle before we reach the summit.
From the summit of Island Peak we have a 360 degree view of the Solu Khumbu mountain range. 8000 meter peaks surround us. This is an epic and unbelievable experience.
From the summit we head back to base camp to rest and refuel.
We have incorporated a spare day into our trip just in case the weather is unfavourable on our summit day.
Its time to head home and we do this via Pangboche.
We return to an old friend today, Namche Bazaar and all its little cafes and side street. It’s wonderful to be back here for a possible hot shower as well.
Our last day of trekking will take us back to where the journey in these mountains began, Lukla. Tonight we will celebrate with our porter and guide team our wonderful adventure to the summit of Island Peak.
We return to Kathmandu, time to relax, freshen up and ready ourselves for our journey home. (B)
Our journey is over and we head to our next destination. (B)
Includes
- Arrival and Departure transfers on both domestic and international flights.
- 3 nights accommodation at Harati Manor Hotel twin share
- OPEN and CHOICE of Full board meals while on expedition.
- One Trekker: One Porter Policy
- Accommodation at clean and comfortable tea houses or lodges.
- Welcome dinner with the cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
- Half-day guided city tour with world heritage entrance permit as listed in the itinerary.
- All Domestic flights and airport tax.
- Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable.
- Professional local experienced Trek Leader well trained in Wilderness First Aid with his support crew.
- Experienced Climbing guide with all his allowance and expenses.
- Trekking cook and other support staff while at Island Peak base camp
- Porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment with proper insurance and required gear
- Supplementary Oxygen cylinder regulator or Gamow Bag (A life-saving device in case of Acute Mountain Sickness) along with the comprehensive First Aid Kit.
- All required Personal and Group Climbing gear: LA SPORTIVA climbing boot, EXPED down-filled mattress, Black Diamond crampons, ice axe, Jumar, harness, the figure of eight, Carabiner, climbing Helmet and rope, etc.
- We provide all camping gear including – tents for members, dining tents with tables and backrest chairs, Kitchen tents with utensils, staff, porter, and toilet tents on the whole trip.
- Expedition Gear – sleeping bag, fleece inner liner, down jacket, rain poncho, etc for use during the trip.
- Island Peak climbing expeditions Permit Royalty of US$ 250 only per person and other government tax.
- Climbing Clinic Course at base camp.
- Complimentary Trek Duffle bag, and trip map
- Island Peak climbing certificates issued from the respective body of the Nepal Government for the successful climbers
- Trekking or VDC entry permit, Everest National park entry fees, etc
Excludes
- International flights
- Insurance
- Tips and beverages
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THIS TRIP
This journey travels above 6000 metres which is the utmost limit for most travel insurance policies (for some insurers, the elevation limit is even lower).
As a result you will require a specialist insurance policy that covers you, or alternatively, two policies (one with a standard insurer, and one with specialised cover for this altitude).
One option, is an operator like GLOBAL RESCUE (they tend to offer evacuation & rescue, but that is where their coverage usually ends, hence the need for a normal insurance policy as well), for the duration of the trek.
Nepal is already an expensive destination for Travel Insurance, so you will need to consider this in your overall costs for your adventure.
Journey Extensions and Upgrades
Check out our Journey Extensions or Add Ons for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.
In the heart of Thamel, is the Nepali Ghar Hotel. The Nepali Ghar punctuates the new trend of modern hotels and breezes an ode to Nepalese traditional styles. These traditions afford a warm and homely environment for all adventurers. The hotels Delux rooms are luxurious and open with excellent facilities. The hotel has a restaurant that serves great food as well as a fitness centre.
If you would like to stay at the Nepali Ghar Hotel as part of your package of 2 nights before and 1 night after an expedition the extra price will be $600 (for all 3 nights).
For twin rooms where you share the room, the price is $350 per person twin share.
In the heart of Thamel, is the Nepali Ghar Hotel. The Nepali Ghar punctuates the new trend of modern hotels and breezes an ode to Nepalese traditional styles. These traditions afford a warm and homely environment for all adventurers. The hotel’s Delux rooms are luxurious and open with excellent facilities. The hotel has a restaurant that serves great food as well as a fitness centre.
If you would like to stay at the Nepali Ghar Hotel as part of your package of 2 nights before and 1 night after an expedition the extra price will be $350 per person twin share (for all 3 nights).
For single rooms for these nights the extra price is $600.
If you would like to have your own room in Kathmandu we can organise this. The Single Supplement for all Everest Trips is $300 per person. Single rooms are not available outside of Kathmandu.
“The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.”
Epictetus – Greece
Trek responsibly with trained porters and guides
Our team are committed to making sure your journey is a safe and memorable one. Each guest is paired with one porter (we have a 1 Porter 1 Trekker policy) to ensure a comfortable trek, and all of our guides receive medical and mountaineering training to make sure your experience is pleasant. We provide safety equipment and bring necessary medical supplies on each trip.
Prepare for an adventure of a lifetime
The architecture of this journey is built on patience. We’ll spend the necessary nights acclimating, letting the body find its rhythm before we even think about the heavy lifting. You’ll thread through the high, lonely gaps of the Cho La, and the Renjo La—two passes that sit well above the 5,000-meter mark. Our guides and porters aren’t just there to carry the load; they’re the ones watching your stride, checking your oxygen, and ensuring the mountain doesn’t take more than you’re willing to give.
By the time we reach the foot of Island Peak, you’ll have the dirt of the Everest region in your pores. At base camp, we’ll transition from trekkers to climbers. Our team will be right there, teaching you the rope-work and the crampon-bite you’ll need to summit safely. Come with an open heart and a willingness to learn a new language of movement. We’re here to make sure that when you finally stand on that peak, you’ve earned every inch of the view.
Start preparing your body and your head at least a month before you step off the plane. Hit the trails, find some stairs, or spend some quality time with a bike or a pool. Incorporate yoga—not for the aesthetics, but for the flexibility and the breath control you’ll crave when the air gets thin. Strengthen your core and your legs until they feel like iron. When you finally clip into those fixed ropes, you want to do it with the confidence of someone who has done the work. The Himalayan wilderness is raw and indifferent; being prepared is how you turn a survival exercise into an incredible, soul-altering adventure.
We get asked a lot of questions about our High Passes and Island Peak climb. The following are certainly the most common however if you have another question please let us know or the answer may be found in our Trip Notes section.
How hard is the High Passes and Peak?
This is one of the toughest treks in Nepal culminating in a summit of Island Peak. While you do not need to have had any climbing experience, you will need to be fit and you will need to be able to handle heights. Several sections crossing the glacier on Island Peak present crevasses that can be unnerving for some climbers. It can also be very cold with some summit attempts well below 0 degrees Celcius. Acclimatisation should be ok as we have several acclimatisation days along the way, but even still, the altitude will hamper normal progress.
We do suggest people who wish to undertake this climb, should have been to an altitude of 5000 meters or higher before, so that they understand the impact this can have on your body.
What about insurance what do I need?
This is one of the most common questions we get. Many insurance policies have activity limits as well as altitude limits. So on top of your general travel insurance that will cover you for the trek to and from the mountain, you will need specialist insurance to cover you for your activities on the mountain.
Global Rescue offers travel insurance without any restrictions on activities, elevation, places travelled, or nationality of its members. Contact them directly for a Travel Insurance Quote that will cover you for climbing. Click here to go to the Global Insurance website for a quote.
Do I have to bring my own climbing equipment?
Of course, if you have your own gear then we encourage you to bring it. However, Island Peak is usually for those wishing to try climbing for the first time and we understand that purchasing all the equipment is an expensive undertaking.
So we provide the following: a very warm sleeping bag with warm fleece liners and feather duvet jackets which are the mother of all warm clothing. We also provide you with an individual waterproof trek Duffle bag to fit all your gear in.
For climbing we provide La Sportiva climbing boots, Black Diamond crampons, ice axe, ice bar, ice screw, Jumar, harness, the figure of eight, safety Helmet, plain and locking Carabiners, prussic cord and new climbing rope, etc.
We also provide Mountain Hardware 2 member tent, Exped down-filled mattress, and solar lights with a device charging facility. We use solar energy at Island peak base camp.
Note: While this is not always the case, climbing boots that are hired such as our La Sportiva can at times cause blisters, as your foot has not had a chance to adapt to the boots idiosyncracies.
This isn’t just a climb; it’s a high-altitude odyssey across the legendary High Passes, culminating in world-class summits that tower over 6,000 meters. While the technical challenges will sharpen your skills and keep you on your toes, it’s the entire journey—from the grueling mountain passes to the breathless views at the top—that makes our Island Peak expedition truly unforgettable.
Pradip
Nepal Ops Manager
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