Everest Base Camp Trek with island peak

Sherpa Guides: Our guides know how to navigate the Everest region expertly.

Our Safety Procedures: We carry high-quality first-aid kits, on-site pulse oximeters, and provide oxygen when necessary, and we have safety protocols we adhere to during the entire trip.

Licensed Agency: Our company is registered with the NTB, TAAN and NMA.

No Added Expenses: There are no extra fees, all the services and the government taxes and the transfers to and from the airport are paid for.

Here for You: Our team strives to meet your needs and fulfills all requests at all times throughout your journey with us.

Responsible Business: Our company is local and owned by a Sherpa community member.

Free Cooking Class: Try your hand at Nepali cooking post-trip with a free class and learn about Momos, Thukpa and Dal Bhat.

Updates for Family: We post frequently with updates and photos on Instagram and Facebook so you can share your journey with us and so your family and friends can see your progress and fun.

Best Time to Climb Island Peak

The ideal months to visit Island Peak are the Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November. Weather conditions during these months provide a favourable and comfortable climate to witness the mountains at their best and provide the best conditions for climbing. During spring, the climbing conditions also improve with the blossoming of the rhododendrons. In the early fall months, dry trails and cool air are present. The rest of the seasons have colder temperatures and increased precipitation, especially the monsoon, making the climb much more dangerous and challenging, adding to the list of conditions of poor visibility in the rainy season.

Difficulty Level

As trekking peaks go, Island Peak is a moderate challenge. The trek to Everest Base Camp is a well-trodden path; however, the summit attempt contains crevasse traversing, use of ropes, and steep snow slopes. This is meant for the more adventurous of the beginner climbers, as good health and a good mental state are crucial to listen to and follow the instructions of the climbing guide.

Technical Climbing Level

Prior experience in climbing is definitely an added advantage, but not necessary. The majority of the preparation to be summit bound is done by our Sherpa climbing guides, who are all very experienced and provide a training session on the techniques of climbing and the use of all climbing equipment and technologies. This session helps prepare beginner climbers to conquer the more technical aspects of the climb.

Physical Fitness & Preparation

It is important to prepare physically for this expedition. The requirement is trekking for up to 6-8 hours a day on rough, uneven trails for days on end. It is recommended to hike with a daypack as training. Jogging, cycling, swimming, doing cardio, and strength training for 2-3 months will greatly improve your fitness and endurance.

Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness

One of the most important aspects of a successful Island Peak expedition is proper acclimatization. The schedule has acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and allows the climbers to make a slow ascent to Everest Base Camp, which allows the body to acclimatize to the higher elevations more naturally. Our guides will monitor every climber for symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and will adjust pace as necessary. The most important aspects of the climb will be taking in adequate fluids, maintaining a nutritious diet, and listening to your guides as they will ensure a safe climb.

Island Peak Climbing Training

Your climbing guide will conduct training for all climbers at Base Camp prior to the ascent of Island Peak. The training will cover the proper use of crampons and ice axes, how to attach yourself to fixed lines, how to climb and descend with an ascender, as well as how to sit comfortably in a harness. The training will prepare everyone for confidence and the upcoming climb.

Trekking and Climbing Permits

There are a number of permits involved in making this trip happen: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, and the Island Peak Climbing Permit, distributed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Sherpa Trailblazers obtains all the permits before your trip so you do not have to worry about them.

Accommodation During the Trip

Accommodation is provided in comfortable local teahouses throughout the Everest region. The rooms have twin beds with bedding. Bathroom facilities are communal. When the support team has set up the Island Peak Base Camp, climbers will stay the night in the expedition tents.

Food and Drinks

Food options in the Everest region are freshly prepared and plentiful. Common breakfast items are eggs, pancakes, porridge, Tibetan bread, and toast. Meals for the day are often Dal Bhat, fried rice, vegetables, and soup. Highly recommended for trekkers, Dal Bhat is an excellent source of energy for strenuous trekking at altitude.

Drinking Water

Drinking safe water is not a concern on this trek. Water is available for purchase in villages and boiled water is offered in teahouses for a small fee. To mitigate plastic usage, we highly recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with water purification tablets and a portable water filter.

Transportation

From Kathmandu (or Ramechhap during busy seasons), a scenic flight transports you to Lukla. The view of the mountains on these short flights marks the beginning of your Everest adventure.

Trekking Distance & Daily Walking Hours

You’ll spend about 5 to 8 hours trekking daily, depending on the itinerary and trail conditions. The most demanding day is summit day, which lasts the whole day and takes about 10 to 12 hours in total.

Maximum Altitude Reached

The summit of Island Peak is the highest point reached for this expedition, at 6,189 m (20,305 ft). You’ll also visit Everest Base Camp, at 5,364 m, and continue on to Kala Patthar at 5,545 m, one of the best Everest viewpoint treks in the region.

Climbing Equipment & Gear

Key climbing gear will include crampons, climbing boots, a harness and helmet, an ice axe and ascenders/descenders, carabiners and safety ropes. A group of Sherpa Trailblazers will provide all the group climbing gear, and you can easily rent your personal gear in Kathmandu.

Personal Packing List

A personal packing list will be shared ahead of time, but personal gear will include warm layers, an insulated down jacket, thermal clothing, a good waterproof jacket and pants, trekking boots, a warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a water bottle (along with all your toiletries and personal medication). There will be a packing checklist to help you after you book.

Weather and Temperature

In the Everest region, the weather can change in a moment. During trekking season, the daytime temperatures can be comfortable for trekking. Unfortunately, nights can drop well below freezing at high elevations. Summit day can be especially cold, therefore, the right clothing can help you remain comfortable and safe.

Internet, Wi-Fi & Mobile Network

Most villages offer paid Wi-Fi, but connection speed decreases at higher altitudes. Mobile networks cover most areas, but connection at Island Peak Base Camp is spotty.

Hot Showers & Laundry

Most teahouses have paid hot showers. Laundry is only available at lower villages like Namche Bazaar and is limited at higher elevations.

Money & ATMs

Although there are a handful of ATMs in Namche Bazaar, they are known to be quite unreliable. It's better to plan ahead and bring cash to buy drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, tips, and even a charging and shower.

Travel Insurance

You have to have complete travel insurance. Your policy should cover high-altitude trekking and climbing up to 6,200 meters, emergency helicopter evacuations, medical care, and cancellation policies.

Guide and Porter Services

Sherpa Trailblazers has knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed trekking and climbing guides who care about your safety and success, and porters who carry the main luggage, so you can enjoy the trek with only a light daypack.

Emergency Procedures

The well being of our clients is very important to us. All of our guides are trained in first aid and altitude awareness and carry emergency medical supplies with them on the trail. We give them the option to carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Serious injury or illness will require evacuation by helicopter. You will need travel insurance to cover this.

Environmentally Conscious Travel

Sherpa Trailblazers is proud to promote responsible, sustainable and environmentally friendly travel. We do this by minimizing the amount of plastic we use, supporting the local economy, and showing reverence to the local culture and traditions, as well as helping to keep the Himalayas beautiful for future generations.

Reasons to use Sherpa Trailblazers

Sherpa Trailblazers is owned and operated by Sherpas and has the benefit of extensive local knowledge and experience. You will be assured of high safety standards, skilled and friendly guides, customizable itineraries and excellent service that you will remember forever, all while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.