Everest Base Camp with Island PeakEverest Base Camp with Island Peak

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Climbing

The Everest Base Camp with Island Peak adventure is like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that mixes high-altitude trekking with a thrilling climb. You will explore iconic trails to Everest Base Camp, then summit Island Peak, 6189 meters, a perfect introduction to Himalayan mountaineering.

Quick Facts
  • Trip Duration17 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Difficulty Level Technical Challenging
  • Maximum Altitude 6,189 m/20,305 ft
  • Activity Trekking + Climbing
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1 - 16
  • Transportation Domestic Flight
  • Best Season Spring (March - May) & Autumn (September - November)

Why You'll Love This Trip

  • Summit of Island Peak (6,189m): Achieve the thrill of climbing a Himalayan Peak, offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. 
  • Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters): Stand at the base of the world’s highest mountain, soaking in the rich history and breathtaking surroundings. 
  • Kala Patthar (5,545 meters): witness unparalleled sunrise views over Everest and the surrounding peaks.
  • Scenic flight to Lukla: Experience one of the most thrilling flights, offering aerial views of the Himalayas. 
  • Sherpa Culture: Immerse yourself in the tradition and  hospitality of the Sherpa Communities in Namche Bazaar and Tengboche 
  • Sagarmatha National Park: Trek through this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to diverse flora and fauna. 
  • Tengboche Monastery: Visit the spiritual center of the Khumbu region, set against a backdrop of towering peaks.

The Everest Base Camp with Island Peak expedition is a journey that combines the classic trek to Everest Base Camp with peak climbing in the Himalayas. Starting with a flight to Lukla, the journey takes you through colorful Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. 

From there, the adventure continues to Island Peak Base Camp, leading to a rewarding summit at 6,189 meters. Along the way, you will experience diverse landscapes, local culture, and breathtaking views that make this trip more than just a trek; it's a life-changing journey. 

As the journey progresses beyond Everest Base Camp, trekkers walk across the dramatic Khumbu Glacier, carefully going through icy terrain with the help of a guide. Passing the enchanting Khumbu Icefall offers a close look at towering ice towers and deep cracks that climbers face on their way to Everest. 

Later, while approaching Island Peak, you will trek through the Imja Glacier and rope up to cross snowy fields and a steep final ice wall, a thrilling experience that blends mountaineering with surreal Himalayan beauty. 

Why Choose the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek?

Choosing the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek means adding real adventure to an already iconic journey. Compared to Mera or Lobuche, Island Peak is more beginner-friendly yet still offers a serious mountaineering thrill. 

It's the perfect next step for trekkers wanting more than just a trail. Climbing Island Peak brings not just a sense of achievement but unforgettable views and a deeper connection to the power of the Himalayas. The trail is challenging and rewarding at the same time. This makes it one of the most thrilling trekking routes in Nepal. 

Along the route, you will witness breathtaking vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, and Baruntse.These towering Himalayan giants leave you in a state of awe, especially from Kala Patthar and the Island Peak summit. 

You will pass sacred sites like Tengboche Monastery, where monks chant against a dramatic mountain backdrop, adding a spiritual essence to your trek. This fusion of raw adventure and deep cultural involvement makes the experience rewarding. 

Overview of the Route

The Everest Base Camp with an island peak expedition starts in Kathmandu, the short scenic flight takes you to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest Region. From here, the trek curves through vibrant Sherpa villages like Namche Bazar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.

You will trek up to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before heading towards Chukhung and Island Peak Base Camp. The route beautifully blends cultural trekking with alpine climbing, which makes it one of the most enriching adventures in the Himalayas. 

Where are the starting and Ending Points?

Your journey begins in Kathmandu with a flight to Lukla, one of the most exciting airports in the world. From Lukla, the trek progresses through the heart of the Khumbu region and eventually circles back after the Island Peak summit. 

After the climb, you descend back to Lukla, then fly to Kathmandu, where many trekkers relax before flying home. It's easy to reach Kathmandu via international flights, making this itinerary smooth from start to finish. 

Trek Duration, Distance, and Itinerary Summary

The Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Itinerary usually spans 18-21 days, depending on acclimatization needs. In total, you will cover about 120-130 km on foot, including trekking and climbing phases. 

The itinerary includes rest days in Namche and Dingboche for acclimatization. It's a time at Everest Base Camp, a summit attempt at Island Peak (6,189 meters), and a steady descent back to Lukla. It’s a well-balanced trek that blends challenge with thoughtful pacing. Acclimatization is a must for treks like these, which demand high-altitude ascent. We advise you to listen to your body and walk at your own pace. 

What is the trek Altitude Profile?

Throughout the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Expedition, you will gradually ascend from Lukla (2,860 meters) to higher elevations like Namche Bazar (3,440 meters) and Dingboche (4,410 meters), giving your body time to adjust to the altitude. 

The trek reaches Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and continues to Chukhung (4,730 m) before the final ascent to Island Peak Summit (6,189 m), the highest point in the journey. The lowest point is Lukla, which has a total elevation gain.

Altitude plays a major role in each phase, especially after Namche. That’s why the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak itinerary is mentioned in this blog, so that it will be easier for you to break down the cost and know exactly what we will be doing on the trek. Keep on reading to know better. 

Difficulty Level and Terrain during Everest Base Camp with Island Peak

The Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek is moderately difficult in the trekking portion. It involves long walking days over rocky trails without suspension bridges. As you gain altitude, stamina and mental endurance become key. 

Climbing ISland Peak adds a mountaineering challenge. The route includes glacier crossings, fixed rope sections, and an ice wall near the summit. It’s not technical but requires the use of gearlike crampons, an ice axe, and a harness.

This trek is ideal for fit trekkers with prior high-altitude experience and strong preparation. While you don't need to be a pro climber, some basic training for the Island Peak Climb with the Everest Base Camp Trek goes a long way. It would be great if you started exercising months before the trek begins. This increases your physical stamina and trekking consistency.

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Climbing pictures and video

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Itinerary

Day1

Welcome to Nepal, a land of ancient temples, warm smiles, and Himalayan Legends. Upon landing in Kathmandu, the energy hits you immediately. Prayer flags flutter above narrow alleys, the scent of incense and pine fills the air, and the distant hum of prayer wheels seems to whisper that something extraordinary is about to begin. 

After your airport pickup, you will check into your hotel and take your first deep breath of the mountain air mixed with city buzz.

Your guide will meet you for a pre-trek briefing, an important moment to ask questions and make any last-minute adjustments. Later, you might wander into the heart of Thamel, where mountaineering shops sit alongside bustling tea houses, live music flows through the streets, and your anticipation builds with every step. 

It's a good time to grab last-minute supplies or enjoy a stroll around Thamel.

  • Max. Altitude:1400 m/4,593 ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel
Day2

This morning, you board a small Twin Otter plane to Lukla, one of the most thrilling airstrips in the world. As the aircraft slices through clouds, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas rise around you. Upon landing, you meet your porters and begin the gentle descent toward Phakding. 

The trail goes through pine forests and traditional Sherpa villages, where many stones line the path and prayer wheels spin with every passerby. The air is crisp, the river beside you roars with glacier melt, and everything feels quieter and slower.

  • Max. Altitude:2,610 m/8562 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:3-4 hours
Day3

Today, the trek intensifies both in elevation and emotion. You will cross the iconic suspension bridges that sway high above the Dush Koshi, with prayer flags whipping in the wind. As you pass through the checkpoint into Sagarmatha National Park, the path becomes steeper, but the rewards grow richer.  After we cross the Hillary Bridge, the trail is a challenging section with steep ascending for around 2 hours.

You may get your first glimpse of Everest on the climb up to Namche. Namche is a horseshoe-shaped Sherpa town clinging to the hillside, alive with trekking shops, bakeries, and the scent of yak butter candles from local temples. It’s a vibrant, high-altitude hub where modern adventure meets ancient culture.

  • Max. Altitude:3,440 m/11,286 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:6-7 hours
Day4

This rest day is about listening to your body, to the wind in the pines, to the stories carried by the mountains. You will take a light hike to Everest View Hotel, where on a clear day the panorama includes Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Choulatse, Tabuche, Kongde, and the elegance of Ama Dablam. With each step, your lungs expand and your confidence grows.

You will also visit the nearby village of Khumjung, home to Hillaru’s first school and a monastery said to house a yeti scalp. These are more than just sites; they are living legacies of the Sherpa spirit. In the evening, return to Namche for warm soup, laughter with fellow trekkers, and the satisfying ache of a day well spent.

  • Max. Altitude:3,880 m/12,729 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:3 hours
Day5

Leaving Namche, the trail clings to the mountain and opens up to vast skies and sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, etc. The path winds through dense rhododendron forests that, in spring, burst into a shade of reds and pinks and, in autumn, stand quiet and golden. You descend to the Dudh Koshi again before climbing nearly two hours steadily to Tengboche, a spiritual and scenic highlight of the trek. 

Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu, stands like a crown beneath Everest’s towering presence. The sound of monks chanting against the backdrop of glowing peaks leaves a deep impression. You will have time to attend a prayer ceremony if the timing aligns with a sacred pause that often becomes a defining memory of the trek.  

To enter the monastery, you will be charged a certain amount of money. This money is used for the well-being and perseverance of the Monastery.

  • Max. Altitude:3,860 m/12,664 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:5-6 hours
Day6

As you leave Tengboche, the landscape begins to feel more remote. You descend through forests into Debuche and cross a suspension bridge above the roaring Imja Khola. Passing through Pangboche, you might stop at a centuries-old monastery. The terrain opens into wide glacial valleys, framed by sheer granite walls and snowy summits. 

By the time you reach Dingboche, the treeline has faded, replaced by the windswept plains and stone-walled fields. The silence is deeper here, broken only by yak bells and the crunch of boots on the trail. The stars feel closer, and you will sleep knowing you are deep in the lap of the Himalayas.

  • Max. Altitude:4,410 m/14,468 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:3-4 hours
Day7

This is a day to move gently, breathe deeply, and absorb the stillness of the high mountains. You will take a hike up Nagarjun Hill, a steep ascent that rewards you with jaw-dropping views of Makalu, Lhotse, Island Peak, etc. The air is thin,  and every step is deliberate. 

The afternoon is for rest and recovery. You will likely find yourself bonding with fellow trekkers over tea or soaking in the surreal beauty around you, stone houses dwarfed by the peaks that touch the heavens. Your body adapts, and your mind settles into the rhythm of the mountains.

  • Max. Altitude:5,100 m/16,730 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:3-4 hours
Day8

Today’s trek begins with a gentle walk through alpine meadows before you start a heart-pumping climb to Thukla Pass. Here, rows of stone memorials honor climbers who never returned, a quiet place of reflection and respect.

The trail grows more rugged as you pass the sobering climber's memorials at Thukla Pass. After a reflective stop, continue toward Lobuche, a high-altitude settlement near the Khumbu glacier with chilling winds and incredible mountain backdrops.

  • Max. Altitude:4,910 m/16,108 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:4-5 hours
Day9

We leave early, hearts pounding, minds quiet. Gorakshep is our first stop, a lonely cluster of teahouses on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier. From there, we push on through a moonscape of ice and stone. And then there it is, Everest Base Camp. Tents cling to the glacier. Avalanches thunder in the distance. 

The summit is still far above, but here at 5,364 meters, you feel like you have touched something sacred. People cry. People laugh. Some just sit down and breathe. And then we return to Gorakshep, tired beyond words, but fuller than we’ve ever felt.

  • Max. Altitude:5,364 m/17,598 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:7-8 hours
Day10

We wake in the darkness. Our boots crunch on frost. Slowly, the sky catches fire. Pink turns to gold as we summit Kala Patthar, 5,545 meters high, and there she is: Everest, glowing like she’s alive. It’s overwhelming. There’s a hush in the group. Some hug. Some sit with heads bowed. 

We descend to Dingboche and branch east to Chukhung, a village wrapped in silence and ringed with stone and sky. It's a quieter world here, a world of climbers, of deep breathers, of those preparing for something greater.

  • Max. Altitude:5,545 m/18,192 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:6-7 hours
Day11

We don't climb today, but we prepare. Ropes, carabiners, crampons, they all feel alien at first. Our guide walks us through the motions. Clip here. Anchor there. Walk like this on ice. Trust the gear. Trust yourself. 

More than anything, it's mental. We check our packs. Recheck. We drink water, eat slowly, and feel the tension build and settle. Tomorrow is summit day.  We go to bed early, but few of us truly sleep.

  • Max. Altitude:4,739 m/15,547 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:3-4 hours
Day12

The trail to Island Peak Base Camp is short but steep, cutting through glaciers and rock-strewn valleys. It feels surreal, this shift from trekking to expedition. The tents are already pitched. The sky is impossibly clear. We prepare our gear, eat early, and crawl into sleeping bags. At this attitude, even resting feels like an effort. And still we lie there, hearts loud, minds sharp, waiting for the call at midnight.

  • Max. Altitude:5,200 m/17,060 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:3-4 hours
Day13

The climb begins in darkness. One foot, one breath. One rope. Headlamps light the path as we move up the slopes, across icy ridges.  Summit day starts pre-dawn. You will cross glacial terrain using ropes on a final wall and reach the top at 6,189 m. From the summit, soak in panoramic views of Lhotse, Makalu, Bruntse, and the Khumbu icefall, then descend all the way back to Chhukung.

You will spend about 15-20 minutes at the top, just enough to soak it in, snap your victory photos, and imprint the experience into your soul. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime high. The descent is gradual but steady, and by afternoon, you will return to Chhukung. Tired, yet glowing. Today you've earned something few ever do, a memory at the top of the world.

  • Max. Altitude:6,189 m/20,305 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:10-12 hours
Day14

It's a long descent, winding back through lands that now feel somehow familiar. There’s a gentleness to today. Less adrenaline. More gratitude. We return to Pangboche, home to ancient monks and mountain spirits. There’s time to light a butter lamp at the monastery, to sit under the prayer flags, and to whisper thanks to the wind.

  • Max. Altitude:3,985 m/13,075 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:5 hours
Day15

By the time Namche comes into view, the trail feels like an old friend. The energy shifts suddenly, and we are smiling more and moving faster, hungry for cinnamon rolls and real coffee. The air gets thicker, and the trail becomes more familiar as you return to Namche. Now’s the time to relax, grab a hot shower, and indulge in bakery treats while reconnecting with the vibrant heart of the Khumbu. 

In the evening, we gather. Stories are told. Names are remembered. You are no longer a stranger among strangers; you are part of a fellowship now.

  • Max. Altitude:3,440 m/11,286 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:5-6 hours
Day16

One last day on the trail. The suspension bridges sway beneath us like they did weeks ago, but now we cross them differently, lighter, stronger, and transformed. Lukla welcomes us with soft and warm meals. There’s a celebration in the air, not loud, but real. We toast to the trail to the summit, to the selves we found in the silence.

  • Max. Altitude:2,860 m/9,383 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Duration:6-7 hours
Day17

If the weather allows, the plane lifts off from the short, sloped runway, and suddenly, we are soaring above the mountains we walked through. Everest appears again, distant now but more intimate than ever. Enjoy a short flight over the Himalayas back to Kathmandu. Once in the city, you can rest, explore, or enjoy a well-earned celebration dinner.

  • Max. Altitude:1,400 m/4,953 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Duration:30 Minutes
Day18

This extra day is reserved in case of any flight delays from Lukla. If all goes as planned, it's a bonus day to explore Kathmandu, visit temples, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax before your journey home.

Note: During peak trekking seasons ( spring and autumn), flights to and from Lukla may operate from Manthali airport (Ramechhap)instead of Kathmandu due to heavy air traffic at Tribhuvan International Airport. This requires a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali, typically starting from 2:00 to 3:00 AM. While it adds extra travel time, the drive itself is a scenic, through peaceful hills and rural Nepali villages, making it an unexpected but memorable part of your Himalayan adventure.

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Cost Details

Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off service in a private vehicle and transfer to the hotel.
  • Both domestic flights, from Kathmandu to Lukla and back to Kathmandu.
  • Accommodation during the trek.
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Government license holder, English-speaking Nature Excursion native guide with his flight, food, accommodation, insurance, and other required documents.
  • A strong porter, who helps you transfer your luggage from one place to another. Two trekkers can share one porter. Weight limit: 10 kg each and 20 kg in total.
  • Assistant guide, group of over six people.
  • A highly experienced and knowledgeable climbing guide.
  • Food and accommodation at high camp.
  • You can store your non-essential stuff either at your hotel or our office.
  • 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast before and after the trek.
  • For safe drinking water, Nature Explosion Pvt. Ltd. will provide water purification tablets.
  • Our team will provide you with the seasonal fruits as per their availability.
  • Island Peak Climbing Permit.
  • Khumbu, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fees.
  • All government local taxes and office expenses.
  • A first-aid kit with Diamox (a preventive method to avoid altitude sickness) and a Qxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen level in your body.
  • We provide sleeping bags and down jackets as per your request. Has to return after the completion of the trek.
  • Appreciation Certificate after the completion of the trek.
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek.
  • Assisting in any emergency evacuation or rescue due to uncertainty or any serious health condition (incurring charges should be covered by your travel insurance).

Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fees vary depending on how much time you want to spend in Nepal ($25 to 25 days, $40-50 for 30 days, and $100-120 for 90 days).
  • Excess luggage for the Lukla flight
  • Your meal and accommodation at Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek then the scheduled itinerary.
  • Food in Kathmandu before and after the trek
  • Food and accommodation expenses if you stock in Lukla due to bad weather.
  • If you return from the trek before the scheduled itinerary, costs are not transferable or refundable.
  • Your personal clothing and gear
  • Your personal nature expenses like energy bars, hot and cold drinks, laundry, hot shower, batteries recharged, extra porters, etc.
  • Your travel insurance, which covers your emergency evacuation.
  • Extra expenses that are not listed in the include section
  • Additional cost due to delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, like landslides, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, weather conditions, illness, changes in government policies, and strikes
  • Tipping for your guide and porter.

Useful Information

Which is the Best Time to do the Everest Base Camp along with Island Peak?

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak will be successful and enjoyable if you choose the best time to trek. Since this trek combines high-altitude trekking and a Himalayan summit, ideal weather and visibility make a huge difference in both safety and experience. The most popular windows are during Nepal’s two main trekking seasons -Autumn (Sept-Nov) and Spring (March-May), when the skies are clear and the trails are at their best.

Why are Autumn and Spring the best?

Autumn is often considered the best time to do the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak due to its dry conditions, crisp views of the Himalayas, and stable weather, perfect for both trekking and summiting. The vibrant and warm weather complements your trekking experience. The stunning views and clear skies give us the feel of walking in a snowcapped white stadium. 

Spring is also excellent with blooming rhododendrons and slightly warmer temperatures. These months see the trekkers and climbers, so while the views are rewarding, be prepared for some company on the trails and in teahouses. 

As this is the most famous season for expeditions, many trekkers summit peaks in this season because of the pleasant weather, clearer skies, and warmer weather that this season offers. 

Monsoon and winter

Trekking during monsoon (June-August) is not recommended as heavy rainfall can make trails slippery and obscure mountain views. Winter (December-February), while quieter, brings icy conditions and extreme cold, especially near Island Peak Base Camp. It’s doable for experienced climbers with the right gear, but not ideal for first-time trekkers or those hoping for mild weather.

Who Can Do This Trek?

The Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Trek is ideal for trekkers who are physically fit, have some prior hiking experience, and are ready to push their limits. You don’t need to be a professional climber, but good stamina, mental strength, and a sense of adventure are essential. 

The Island Peak climb includes some basic mountaineering elements like rope work and glacier travel, making it a great introduction to high-altitude climbing.

This trek suits solo travelers, group trekkers, or those going with a guided expedition. It’s typically best for ages 15-60 in good health, though even older or younger participants can succeed with proper preparation. 

Beginners can attempt the trek with training and should ideally complete smaller treks beforehand. Seasonal trekkers will find this journey both thrilling and deeply rewarding.

Required Permits and Entry Fees for Everest Base Camp with Island Peak

To complete the Everest Base Camp with the Island Peak trek, you’ll need three main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System), and the Island Peak Climbing Permit. These permits are essential for conservation, safety tracking, and legal climbing.

You can get most permits in Kathmandu or Lukla through your trekking agency or at official counters. The Sagarmatha permit costs about NPR 3,000. TIMS around NPR 2,000, and the island Peak climbing permits range from USD 70 to 250, depending on the season.

Pre-Trek Preparation and Training for the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak

Preparing for the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak trek takes more than just excitement- it requires solid physical and mental conditioning. Focus your training on regular hikes, cardio workouts (like running, swimming, or cycling), and strength training, especially for your legs and core. Aim to train 3-5 days a week for at least 8-12 weeks before the trek.

To help with acclimatization, consider doing a lower-altitude trek beforehand or using altitude training systems if available. Since Island Peak involves some technical climbing, it’s helpful to gain basic mountaineering skills, like how to use crampons, ice axes, and ropes. Most importantly, prepare yourself mentally for long days, unpredictable weather, and incredible highs and lows that come with a Himalayan adventure.

Food and Accommodation

Throughout the Everest Base Camp. With the Island Peak trek, you'll mostly stay in cozy teahouses that serve a variety of hearty meals like dal bhat(rice, lentils, veggies), noodles, soups, pancakes, and even pizza in busier villages. 

These meals are designed to keep you fueled for long days of trekking. During the Island Peak Summit phase, you'll switch to tented camping at base camp, where a camp cook typically prepares meals and includes energy-dense options like pasta, rice, and hot drinks to maintain warmth and strength.

Accommodation also transitions from basic but comfortable teahouse lodges (with twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms) to more rugged tent camping at higher altitudes. At high elevations, your appetite may decrease, so it's important to eat regularly and stay hydrated- aim for 3-4 liters of fluids daily, including hot teas and electrolyte mixes, to help prevent altitude sickness and maintain energy.

Altitude Sickness and Safety Measures while doing the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak

When trekking to high elevations like Everest Base Camp with Island Peak, understanding altitude sickness is key. There are three main types: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which causes headaches, fatigue, and nausea; High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), a dangerous fluid buildup in the lungs; and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), swelling of the brain.

 These conditions can be serious, especially above 4,000 meters, so knowing the symptoms early is essential.

To stay safe, ascend gradually, take rest days for acclimatization, hydrate well, and never ignore symptoms. Trekking with experienced guides helps, as they are trained to spot warning signs and take action. Always have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies. 

Carrying a first-aid kit, staying warm, and having a backup plan can make all the difference when facing the thin air of the Himalayas.

Useful Travel Tips

Planning your Everest Base Camp with Island Peak trek goes beyond physical prep; logistics matter, too. The best time to trek is during spring[March-May] or autumn [September-November] when the weather is stable and visibility is clear. Book your Kathmandu to Lukla flight in advance [early morning slots are most reliable]. 

For connectivity, get a Nepali SIM card (Ncell or NTC) at the airport or in Thamel and bring enough local currency- ATMs are limited after Namche, and exchange rates are better in Kathmandu.

For convenience, download trekking apps like Maps.me or FarOut, and check out gear rental shops in Thamel if you’re missing any equipment. WiFi is available in many teahouses (via Everest link),  but it’s slow- download maps, music, or books beforehand. 

Weather can shift fast, so pack rain gear and warm layers, carry a solar charger or power bank, and follow basic hygiene practices like using hand sanitizer and water purification tablets to stay healthy on the trail.

Equipments

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Winter hat, insulating hat, or wide-brimmed hat
  • Headlight with extra battery
  • Climbing Helmet

Face

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Face and body wipes
  • Sky Glass

Hands

  • Lightweight gloves
  • Lightweight winter gloves
  • Hand and toe warmers

Body

  • Hiking shirt
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Hooded rain jacket
  • Fleece jacket
  • Lightweight cotton pants
  • T-shirt (bring lightweight wool)
  • Polypropylene underwear
  • Down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
  • Sweater
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers

Footwear

  • Hiking boots
  • Climbing Boots
  • Thick wool socks (take an extra pair of thick wool socks)

Eaaential Gears

  • Backpack or daypack (size depends on whether you take a porter or not).
  • Thermal bottle
  • Water bottle packer
  • Water purification
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag: -20-degree (sleeping bag is best in high-altitude trekking).

Toiletories
 

  • Medium-sized drying towel
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Biodegradable bar soap
  • Nail clippers

Personal Accessories

  • Money
  • Watch
  • Cell phone
  • Camera

Extra Items

  • First aid kit
  • Extra passport photos and photocopies of the passport
  • Notebook and pen
  • Binoculars

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Climbing FAQs

  • Climbing Island Peak is moderately technical compared to trekking. After EBC, your body is better acclimatized, but the summit push involves glacier travel, basic ropes work, and a steep ice wall. It’s challenging but doable with preparation.

  • Focus on cardio[ like hiking and stair climbing], strength training, and endurance. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended. Learning basic mountaineering skills, such as using crampons and a harness, is also important.

  • You’ll stay in teahouses throughout the EBC trail, which offers basic but cozy lodging. During the Island Peak climb, accommodation transitions to tented camps. Facilities get more basic the higher you go.

  • You’ll need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, TIMS card, and Island Peak climbing permit. Most agencies arrange these, and the combined cost is around $250-$300 USD.

  • Spring [March-May] and autumn [September-November] offer the most stable weather and best views. Winter can be harsh, and the Monsoon season brings poor visibility and muddy trails.

  • Most trekkers stay at Everest Base Camp just a few hours -enough to explore and take in the views -before heading back to Gorakshep due to the extreme altitude.

  • The Everest Base Camp trek itself takes around 12-14 days, including acclimatization. If adding Island Peak, expect 18-21 days in total.

  • It’s a safety rule for summit attempts; climbers must turn around by 2 PM to avoid descending in dangerous conditions like low light or worsening weather.

  • It usually takes 12 days round-trip from Lukla, including acclimatization. With Island Peak included, the itinerary stretches to about 18-21 days.

  • Most say the Lobuche to EBC via Gorakshep day is the toughest due to the altitude, long distance, and cold. The Island Peak summit day is also extremely challenging.

  • Costs vary, but for the EBC+ Island peak combo, expect $2500-$4000 USD, depending on the package, gear, insurance, and personal expenses.

  • The Annapurna Circuit is longer, with more varied terrain and a higher pass[Thorong La at 5416m], while EBC has more consistent altitude gain. Difficulty depends on personal preference, but EBC is generally more popular and well-supported.

Price per personUS$2520US$2800(All-inclusive price)
We offer group price
  
1 paxUS$2520
2 paxUS$2370
3 - 5 paxUS$2270
6 - 10 paxUS$2200
11 - 16 paxUS$2160
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