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Himalayan Outdoor Project

Island Peak Expedition

Follow the path of myths to the foot of the sky.

The Perfect Fusion: Khumbu Trekking Meets Himalayan Mountaineering.

The journey itself is a tapestry of the best the Khumbu has to offer. For nearly two weeks, you walk the classic trails, your eyes tracing the skyline to Everest and Ama Dablam. You rest by the turquoise glow of the Gokyo Lakes, your body acclimatizing with every prayer-flagged pass you cross. The Cho-La challenges your legs, but it prepares your lungs for what comes next. Then, the mountain reveals itself not just a peak, but a stunning pyramid of ice rising from the glacial amphitheater.

Then, the moment arrives. The final ridge, a knife-edge of snow against the deep blue sky, leads you to the summit. At 6,189 meters on Island Peak, the world of the high Himalaya unfolds. You stand level with the giants, the summit of Everest just a distant plume of snow. In that moment, the trekker becomes a climber. The descent returns you to the warm lodges of Namche, carrying not just photos, but the profound realization that you are capable of more than you ever imagined.

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EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Here is brief information regarding the expedition, including dates, duration, pricing and more.
  1. MONTH

    October | 2026
  2. GROUP SIZE

    4 - 14 adventurers
  3. DURATION

    Expedition duration is 21 days
  4. TRANSPORTATION

    We will be travelling via private transportation
  5. DIFFICULTY

    The level will be moderate

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) & Transfer to Hotel

  • Day 2

    UNESCO Sightseeing Tour, Gear Check, and Climbing Briefing

  • Day 3

    Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

  • Day 4

    Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

  • Day 5

    Acclimatization Day in Namche: Hike to Everest View Hotel

  • Day 6

    Trek from Namche to Dole (4,200m)

  • Day 7

    Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m)

  • Day 8

    Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,800m)

  • Day 9

    Acclimatization Day: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357m)

  • Day 10

    Trek from Gokyo to Thaknak via Cho-La Pass (5,420m)

  • Day 11

    Trek from Thaknak to Lobuche (4,940m)

  • Day 12

    Trek from Lobuche to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m)

  • Day 13

    Training Day at Base Camp: Ice and Rock Climbing Practice

  • Day 14

    Climb to Island Peak High Camp (5,600m)

  • Day 15

    Summit Island Peak (6,189m) and Return to Base Camp

  • Day 16

    Contingency Day for Weather or Reserve

  • Day 17

    Trek from Base Camp to Pangboche (3,985m)

  • Day 18

    Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

  • Day 19

    Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

  • Day 20

    Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu & Farewell Dinner

  • Day 21

    Final Departure: Transfer to International Airport

Brief Information

Cost includes:

  • All airport and hotel transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle. 
  • 21 days full board on trek and climb with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and accommodation (teahouse/lodge during trek, expedition tents at base camp and high camps).
  • 3 nights tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast and government taxes. 
  • Round-trip flight: Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu, including domestic airport taxes.
  • Service of an experienced, fluent English-speaking trekking guide and climbing Sherpa, as well as necessary porters.
  • All accommodations, meals, insurance, equipment, and allowances for guides, climbing Sherpas, and porters.   
  • Expedition Royalty and a permit fee from the Nepal Government to climb Mt.Island Peak climbing permit, NMA permit to climb Himlung Peak, Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and Rural Municipality entry permit and fee.
  • Transportation for all arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle as per the above itinerary. 
  • Cultural tour in Kathmandu with local guide, transport but entry fee is extra. 
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) fee. 
  • All applicable government taxes (13% VAT and 10% tourism service charges)
  • Ground handling charges and necessary government taxes. 
  • Farewell and welcome Dinner with the whole trek team. 
  • Himalayan Outdoor Project merchandise (Cap or Hoodie)
 

Cost excludes:

  • Lunch and Dinner whilst staying in Kathmandu. 
  • Entry fee while cultural visit in Kathmandu. 
  • International flights to Nepal. 
  • Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks) whilst on trek. 
  • Personal travel and medical insurance (mandatory, must cover emergency evacuation and high-altitude climbing up to 6,200m).
  • Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.
  • Nepal visa fee for 30 days.
  • Any additional activities not in the itinerary.
  • Any costs arising from itinerary changes, delays, or evacuations due to weather, flight cancellations, natural disasters, or health issues

Things to consider while in Nepal and before coming to Nepal:

  • Roads can be unpredictable and bumpy in Nepal be patient and trust the journey.
  • Forgetting personal medications is risky pack enough for the entire trip as pharmacies are non-existent in these remote areas.
  • There’s little to no internet here disconnect and enjoy the timeless beauty of the wilderness.
  • Drinking untreated water can ruin your adventure. Always use purification methods.
  • Never overpack.
  • Leave footprints not traces.
  • Have healthy mind set to respect local culture.
  • Remote areas mean minimal facilities embrace the adventure over comfort.
  • Switch off everything and soak in the moments.
  • Carry enough cash because sometimes ATMs and other form of payments could not work.
  • Dont forget your permits and all the other required documents.
  • Stay calm in unexpected situations; panicking never helps, and solutions are always around the corner.
  • Don’t rush to the finish line; the magic is in enjoying every step of the journey.
  • Stick with the group; wandering off isn’t just unsafe, it’s unnecessary in such vast landscapes.
 

WHAT TO BRING: 

  • Hat/Cap
  • Beanie/Headband
  • Sunglasses
  • Neck Buff
  • Sunscreen
  • Light Base Layer
  • Insulating Layer (Fleece or Down)
  • Down Jacket
  • Raincoat
  • Gloves (Warm and Lightweight)
  • Trekking Pants (Quick-dry)
  • Thermal Bottoms (Optional)
  • Trekking Boots
  • Camp Shoes/Flip Flops
  • Wool Socks (Multiple Pairs)
  • Head Torch (with Extra Batteries)
  • Water Bottle (Up to 2L)
  • Personal Medications
  • Camera
  • Power Bank/Charger
  • Trekking Poles
  • Snacks/Protein Bars
  • Toilet Paper/Wet Wipes
  • Personal Hygiene Items
  • First Aid Kit (Basic)
  • Map/Guidebook
  • Backpack (Daypack for trekking)
  • Positive vibes

FAQs

I've never climbed a mountain before. Can I join a summit expedition?
  • Yes.
  • Several Himalayan peaks are suitable for first-time climbers who have good fitness and a willingness to learn.
  • Our guides provide instruction, support, and mentoring throughout the expedition.
  • For many guests, a HOP summit expedition becomes the beginning of a lifelong passion for mountaineering.
What is the difference between trekking and climbing?
  • Trekking follows established mountain trails and does not require technical climbing equipment.
  • Climbing involves ascending a mountain summit and may require equipment such as crampons, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and ice axes.
  • Climbing expeditions demand greater preparation, but they also offer one of the most rewarding achievements in mountain travel.
How physically demanding are summit expeditions?
  • Summit expeditions require a higher level of fitness than trekking.
  • You should be comfortable hiking for multiple days, handling steep terrain, and maintaining consistent effort at altitude.
  • Our team provides detailed preparation advice before every expedition to help you arrive ready and confident.
Do I need technical climbing experience?
  • Not always.
  • Many trekking peaks in Nepal are specifically designed for climbers who are new to mountaineering.
  • Our guides teach the skills you’ll need during the expedition and ensure you’re comfortable using equipment before summit day.
  • More advanced peaks require previous climbing experience, and we’ll always advise honestly on what is appropriate for your ability level.
What happens if weather prevents a summit attempt?
  • Mountain weather always has the final say.
  • If conditions become unsafe, our guides may postpone, modify, or cancel a summit attempt.
  • While reaching the summit is the objective, returning safely is the true measure of a successful expedition.
  • This commitment to safety is one of the reasons travelers trust HOP.
Why choose Nepal for your first summit?
  • Nepal is home to some of the world’s best introductory climbing peaks.
  • Combined with experienced guides, breathtaking Himalayan scenery and a rich mountaineering heritage, there is no better place to begin your climbing journey.
  • Standing on your first Himalayan summit is an experience you’ll never forget.