A trekking peak above 6,000m, usually paired with the Everest region — a genuine introduction to roped glacier travel and fixed-line climbing.
Tell us about your mountain experience and current fitness so we can discuss the demands of this route and suitable preparation for your trip.
A sixteen-day Khumbu and Island Peak outline with acclimatisation, climbing preparation and a summit attempt. The final route, climbing supervision and travel arrangements are confirmed before booking.
Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.
Fly to Lukla when conditions allow and begin the walk to Phakding. Settle into the lodge routine before the climb into the upper valley.
Reach Phakding after the Lukla flight.
Arrival in Nepal and any airport road transfers are arranged around the mountain programme.
Follow the valley trail and climb into Namche Bazaar, around 3,440m. This is a significant gain in altitude from the opening stage.
Climb into Namche and establish the next overnight base.
Stay for two nights before continuing towards the Imja valley.
Walk above Namche and return to the same overnight base. The leader selects the route around conditions and the group.
Walk towards the Everest View area and return to Namche.
Use the rest of the day to organise kit for the next stages.
Continue through the Khumbu towards Tengboche and its monastery area. The route includes descending and climbing rather than continuous ascent.
Reach the Tengboche monastery village.
Settle into the lodge before the journey into higher, more open terrain.
Walk towards Dingboche, around 4,410m, as the route enters the upper valley. Steady pacing becomes increasingly important.
Continue into the upper valley to Dingboche.
Remain here for another acclimatisation stop before moving towards Chhukung.
Take a walk above the village and return to Dingboche. The high point is selected around conditions rather than a fixed target.
Take an acclimatisation walk and return to the same lodge.
The afternoon provides time to rest and review the equipment for the climbing section.
Continue into the Imja valley to Chhukung, around 4,730m. This is the final lodge base before the move towards Island Peak.
Reach Chhukung, the last lodge base before the climbing camp.
Organise the kit needed for camp and discuss the next stages with the team.
Spend time on a suitable walk above Chhukung, returning to the lodge for the night. This provides further preparation before moving higher.
Walk above Chhukung and return to the lodge.
Keep the pace measured and leave time for equipment checks and rest.
Remain based in Chhukung for final preparation and a short outing if appropriate. Review the forecast and the planned move to camp.
Check equipment and review the move to base camp.
This day provides flexibility rather than adding another compulsory high objective.
Walk towards Island Peak Base Camp, around 5,087m, leaving the lodge settlements for the camping section.
Move from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp.
Settle in, organise climbing equipment and discuss the intended summit schedule with the climbing team.
Review the equipment and movement required for the ascent with the climbing team, including crampons and fixed-rope systems. The session is adapted to existing experience.
Review crampon and fixed-rope skills before summit day.
Prepare for the early start and check the weather window. Experience requirements are discussed before booking, not left to this session.
Leave early for the 6,189m summit attempt, involving glacier travel and steeper fixed-rope ground before the summit ridge.
Attempt Island Peak and return to base camp or Chhukung.
The climbing team manages the route around current conditions. Descend afterwards towards base camp and Chhukung, with the stopping point determined by progress.
Continue the descent towards the lower Imja valley. The overnight village depends on how far the group came down after the attempt.
Recover and return down the Imja valley.
Return to lodge accommodation and leave time for recovery after the climbing stage.
Follow the return trail towards Namche, with uphill sections as well as descending. Lower altitude changes the walking but does not remove the effort.
Rejoin the lower Khumbu trail to Namche.
Spend the night in Namche before the final approach to Lukla.
Complete the return walk and organise equipment for the flight. This closes the trekking section of the expedition.
Complete the trekking route at Lukla.
Review flight arrangements and keep onward plans flexible in case weather interrupts the schedule.
Fly out of Lukla when conditions allow and complete any required road transfer to Kathmandu. International travel should allow extra time around the flight.
Return to Kathmandu when flights operate.
The final programme, climbing support and additional travel nights are confirmed with your quote.
Quality costs more. The programme is planned around the group, the route and the conditions. Summit attempts remain subject to the leader’s assessment, and the final arrangements are confirmed before booking.
Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.
Indicative guide price: approximately £1,800 per person for a shared expedition, excluding international flights. Please enquire for a confirmed SOOM quote tailored to your dates, group size and guiding arrangements.
Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.
The package outline below is tailored to this expedition. Your written SOOM quote confirms the inclusions, exclusions and accommodation for your departure.
Your booking confirms the climbing guide, equipment provision and support on the technical section separately from the trekking leadership.
Typical season: March–May & September–November, subject to conditions. Ask about availability and your confirmed quote.
.png)
NHSCorporate Partner