Combine the classic trek to Everest Base Camp with a technical ascent of Island Peak (Imja Tse). This 16–18 day Khumbu route blends Sherpa culture, high-alpine scenery, and basic glacier travel for an intense, high-altitude adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail opens with a thin morning light on Kathmandu’s chaotic streets and ends where stone and ice take the last word: a long pull through the Khumbu that places you at Everest Base Camp and then on the glacier to Island Peak.
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
16–18 days
Fitness Level
Requires excellent cardiovascular fitness, endurance for multi-day trekking at altitude, and the ability to carry a daypack of 8–12 kg; prior multi-day hikes recommended.
Wildlife
History
The Khumbu has been a Sherpa homeland for centuries; Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976, protects both local culture and unique Himalayan ecosystems.
Conservation
Permits fund park operations and trail maintenance; minimize impact by packing out waste, using local services, and supporting fair wages for porters and guides.
Reserve your spot on the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prioritize acclimatization
Build in rest days at Namche and Dingboche; slow ascents reduce acute mountain sickness risk.
Train on steep terrain
Prepare with long hikes carrying 8–12 kg and stair or hill sessions to mimic sustained elevation gain.
Respect porter welfare
Use experienced porters and ensure fair loads, proper boots, and agreed wages—local economies depend on it.
Seasonal weather windows
Book spring or fall for stable conditions; be ready to delay summit days for safe snow and crevasse conditions.
Mountaineering boots (double or sturdy plastic-buckled)
Necessary for crampon compatibility and safe high-camp travel on snow and ice.
Crampons & ice axe
Essential for the Island Peak summit and any hard snow/ice sections encountered on approach.
spring
Down jacket (800-fill or similar)
Provides critical insulation during cold nights and high-altitude summit pushes.
winter
Lightweight trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long ascents and offer balance on uneven trails and river crossings.