Island Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp with Heli Return
- 15 days
- 8,848 m max
- strenuous
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
We combine the ascent of Island Peak at 6,189 m with Everest Base Camp and a return helicopter flight from base camp to Lukla.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our 15-day expedition pairs the classic trek to Everest Base Camp with a technical mountaineering objective on Island Peak (Imja Tse) at 6,189 m. Designed for trekkers with good stamina and a willingness to learn basic mountaineering skills, this route scales the high passes and glacial valleys of the Khumbu region while managing fatigue through a structured helicopter return from the lower slopes.
We begin our journey with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, following the Dudh Koshi river through Sherpa settlements, pine forests, and trading hubs like Namche Bazaar. Acclimatization days in Namche and Dingboche allow our bodies to adjust to thinning air before we push past Tengboche monastery and Gorakshep to reach Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar.
The second phase of our trip focuses on the ascent of Island Peak. We establish our base camp, receive technical instruction on crampon use, fixed ropes, and ascenders from our climbing guides, and make our pre-dawn summit push across the glacier. Rather than retracing our steps down the valley on foot, we take a chartered helicopter from the base area directly back to Lukla, concluding our expedition with a scenic flight to Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Island Peak Summit
We scale Imja Tse at 6,189 m, utilizing fixed ropes and crampons across a high-altitude glacier.
Everest Base Camp
We stand at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall at Everest Base Camp (5,364 m).
Kala Patthar Sunrise
We hike to Kala Patthar (5,643 m) before dawn for views of Pumori, Nuptse, and the south face of Everest.
Helicopter Return
We fly out by helicopter from Island Peak Base Camp directly to Lukla, bypassing the multi-day foot descent.
Sagarmatha National Park
We trek through UNESCO-listed alpine forests of pine and rhododendron alongside the Dudh Koshi.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
We welcome you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Our team conducts a formal pre-trip briefing to check your climbing and trekking gear.
Day 2
Preparation Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Preparation Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Today is dedicated to final equipment checks, permit processing, and resting in Kathmandu. You can sort gear and leave unnecessary items at the hotel store.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,610 m)
Meals: B / L / D
An early morning transfer takes us to the airport for the mountain flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. Upon landing, we begin our trek past stone mani walls down to the Dudh Koshi river valley and settle in Phakding.
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
Meals: B / L / D
The trail crosses suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi and climbs steadily through pine forests into Sagarmatha National Park. We catch our first distant views of Everest before arriving at the trading hub of Namche Bazaar.
Day 5
Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,880 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar (3,880 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We hike up to the Everest View Hotel above Syangboche for an expansive panorama of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest. We return to Namche in the afternoon to visit the Sherpa Culture Museum.
Day 6
Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek to Tengboche (3,860 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our path contours high above the river before descending to Phungki Thanka. A steady afternoon climb through rhododendron woods brings us to Tengboche, home to the region's largest Buddhist monastery.
Day 7
Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek to Dingboche (4,410 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the Imja Khola and pass through Pangboche, observing ancient stone walls and alpine grazing pastures. The valley widens as we approach the stone-walled fields of Dingboche.
Day 8
Acclimatization Day - Nangkartshang Hill (5,083 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Acclimatization Day - Nangkartshang Hill (5,083 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We climb the slopes of Nangkartshang Hill above Dingboche to stimulate red blood cell production at high altitude. The ridge offers views of Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the Imja Tse valley.
Day 9
Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Trek to Lobuche (4,940 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We walk past the stone memorials at Thukla and ascend the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. The terrain becomes increasingly barren and glacial winds pick up as we reach Lobuche.
Day 10
Trek to Gorakshep, Visit Everest Base Camp, Return to Gorakshep (5,164 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Trek to Gorakshep, Visit Everest Base Camp, Return to Gorakshep (5,164 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We trek across boulder-strewn moraines to reach Gorakshep, then continue along the glacier ridge to the boulder marking Everest Base Camp. After spending time at the site, we return to Gorakshep for the night.
Day 11
Kala Patthar Sunrise and Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Kala Patthar Sunrise and Trek to Dingboche
Meals: B / L / D
We start before dawn for the steep climb up Kala Patthar to watch the sunrise over the summit pyramid of Everest. Afterwards, we retrace our steps down the valley past Lobuche and Thukla back to Dingboche.
Day 12
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,087 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5,087 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Dingboche and trek up the Imja Tse valley beneath the towering south face of Lhotse. We set up camp at the base of Island Peak and spend the afternoon reviewing mountaineering techniques with our guides.
Day 13
Island Peak Summit (6,189 m) and Heli Flight to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Island Peak Summit (6,189 m) and Heli Flight to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
We depart around midnight for our summit push, navigating rock gullies, snow slopes, and a narrow exposed ridge to reach the summit at 6,189 m. Descending to the base camp, we board our scheduled helicopter for a flight back to Lukla.
Day 14
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, enjoying one last aerial perspective of the Himalayan foothills. Upon arrival, we transfer you to your hotel for a free afternoon.
Day 15
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 15
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
We provide a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Twin-share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu)
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on the trek and climb
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and local area fees
- TIMS card registration
- Experienced lead trekking guide and climbing sherpas
- Helicopter flight from Island Peak Base Camp to Lukla
- Group climbing equipment including ropes and ice screws
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,500 m
- Personal climbing gear (boots, crampons, harness, ice axe)
- Hot showers, electronic device charging, and Wi-Fi at teahouses
- Tips for guides, porters, and kitchen staff
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our itinerary includes dedicated rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, plus a climb of Nangkartshang Hill, to allow your body to adapt safely to oxygen levels above 4,000 m. Our lead guides monitor heart rates and symptoms of acute mountain sickness daily.
Mountaineering experience
While previous high-altitude trekking experience is mandatory, prior technical climbing is not strictly required. Our team conducts mandatory training on crampon use, ascenders, and fixed-line travel at Island Peak Base Camp before the summit attempt.
Accommodation on trek
During the trekking phases, we accommodate you in twin-share alpine teahouses operated by local families. At Island Peak Base Camp, we provide expedition-style camping tents with dining and kitchen facilities managed by our trekking crew.
Logistics & weather
Flights between Kathmandu (or Manthali) and Lukla are weather-dependent. We maintain contingency protocols and buffer time in our schedules to manage flight delays caused by low cloud cover or high winds in the mountains.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Mountaineering bootsEssential
Footwear
Stiff-soled mountaineering boots compatible with semi-automatic crampons.
Trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in waterproof hiking boots for the approach trek.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Expedition-grade down jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Hard shell jacket and trousersEssential
Clothing
Windproof and waterproof outer layers.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Mountaineering harnessEssential
Safety
Adjustable climbing harness for glacier travel and fixed ropes.
Crampons and ice axeEssential
Safety
12-point crampons and a walking-length mountaineering ice axe.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -20°C for high-altitude teahouses and base camp tents.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for the pre-dawn summit push on Island Peak.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for treating drinking water along the trail.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the protected conservation area of the Khumbu region.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Local Permit
PermitLocal government levy applied to all visitors trekking within the Khumbu municipality.
Island Peak Climbing Permit (NMA)
PermitOfficial Nepal Mountaineering Association royalty permit required for climbing Imja Tse.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System record for safety tracking.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous climbing experience for Island Peak?
No prior technical climbing experience is required, but you must be comfortable with high-altitude multi-day hiking and strenuous physical exertion. We provide comprehensive training on fixed ropes and crampons at base camp before the summit attempt.
What type of insurance do I need?
You must carry comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and mountaineering up to 6,500 m, including emergency helicopter rescue and medical repatriation.
How does the helicopter return work?
After your descent from the Island Peak summit to the base camp, our charter helicopter picks up the climbing team and flies directly to Lukla, skipping the multi-day walk back down the valley.
What are the sleeping arrangements on the trek?
During the trekking days, you sleep in local teahouses with basic twin-share rooms. At Island Peak Base Camp, we provide high-altitude mountain tents with sleeping mats and dining arrangements.
What happens if the Lukla flight is delayed?
Mountain weather can disrupt flights. We build contingency planning into our itineraries, but we recommend keeping extra days at the end of your trip for international flight connections.
How heavy should my daypack be?
You should only carry your personal daypack containing water, rain gear, warm layers, and camera equipment. Our porters or pack animals carry the main duffel bag, up to a standard 9 kg to 10 kg limit.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 15 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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