travel guide

Are you planning to climb Island Peak this year and wondering about the Island Peak climbing cost? Well, we have covered it all. So, keep on reading this article. 

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, island cliff climbing is the best thing to do. Located between the mighty peaks of Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and Lhotse (8,156 m), this viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the spectacular Everest region.

Island Peak (6,189m), also known as Imja Tse, is a famous and active mountain climb in the Everest region. Due to its beautiful scenery and challenging paths, it is one of the most well-known peaks in Nepal for climbing. Island Peak is the most famous mountain to climb, and one reason is its comparatively affordable climbing expenses compared to other peaks in Nepal. On average, the Island peak climbing costs about $1000- $2000, depending on your desired amenities. 

The first part of the Island Peak hike is similar to the Everest Base Camp Trek. At Dingboche, the two paths split apart. There are a lot of Sherpa settlements you’ll have to pass through before you reach Island Peak. The picturesque settlement of Chukhung can be found at the base of the island’s highest hill. One can use it as a starting point to reach Island Peak.

Peak climbing on an island is accessible to those with few or no prior mountaineering experience. Join this Island excursion if you’ve done a lot of high-altitude trekking before and want to increase your experience level. This mountain is more suited to trekkers than climbers, although it is still a good choice for novices. With consistent effort and physical fitness, Island Peak is feasible.

Island Peak Climbing Cost

This physically demanding hike to Island Peak also requires financial fortitude. Island Peak Climbing can be expensive for a variety of reasons. All the money spent on this adventure will be based on your decisions. Your budget for your trip will be determined by various factors, from the price of a pair of socks to the quality of the hotel you select. Let’s look at a few variables that can affect how much you spend while summiting an Island peak.

• The route (trekking or Helicopter) you follow to reach Island Peak Base Camp
• The path you want to use to get to Island Peak Base Camp
• The total number of days you intend to spend on this vacation.
• The cost of the guide, porters, adventure guides, and camping crew
• The cost of the trekking equipment you chose for the journey
• Other expenses

Breaking down total costs 

Here, we’ll do our best to break down the various elements that go into calculating the final price of your Island Peak excursion.

The costs associated with your trip to Island Peak are broken down here, along with an explanation of how they affect your total budget.

Cost of transportation

Before even setting foot on the mountain, you’ll take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri. This will allow you to choose between starting your expedition trek in Lukla or Jiri. Flying to Lukla from Kathmandu is the most common way to begin the trek. At the same time, other travellers go for the lengthier Jiri route to acclimate to the altitude beforehand.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes 45 minutes and costs nearly USD 180. You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri, which would cost you between $5 and USD 7, but it leaves later in the day. It’s up to you to decide where to embark on this journey.

How to Obtain Island Peak Climbing Permits

The ascent of an island summit is difficult. Additionally, it would be best to have different permits for your ascent to Island Peak. First, you require a unique local license to visit the Everest region. Additionally, climbing permissions are required to ascend to the Island Peak. These permits are available at the trailhead or the Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Two passport-size photos and a copy of your passport are required for these permits. If you contact us early, we can arrange all the permissions and paperwork you’ll need for your climbing adventure.

The following is a list of the Island Peak permits cost

Local Area Permit: twenty dollars. Regardless of the season you choose for this exciting excursion, this remains the same.

Each season has a different price for an Island peak climbing permit. Peak seasons like Spring and Autumn are when prices are highest, and Monsoon and Winter are when they are lowest. However, off-seasons are a great time to save money because of the low prices.

The permit costs approximately $250 during the spring months of March–May.

The cost of the climbing permit during the autumn months (September-November) is approximately USD 125.

During the off seasons of the monsoon (June–August) and winter (December–February), you can purchase permits for USD 70 per person.

Table: permit cost per person based on season

Accommodation and lodging cost

The Island Peak Climbing Journey starts in Kathmandu. There are various hotels and lodges in the valley for your comfortable accommodations. Accommodations in Kathmandu can cost anything from $ 15 to 250 dollars per night. Where you want to stay will depend on that.

Once you get to the Everest region, you can locate enough tea houses for a pleasant stay. The accommodations are available for USD 2–USD 6 each night.

If you opt for a more luxurious expedition to Everest Base Camp, your lodging costs will increase. Given that you will be lodged in five-star accommodations,.

You can set up your tent underneath the stars when you get to Island Peak’s base camp. The tent is included in the Island Peak climbing package at no additional cost.

Food and drink cost

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, your food costs will begin. A wide variety of delicious options are available at the many hotels and restaurants in the area. It’s estimated that, depending on where you dine and what you choose, you’ll spend between $2 and $30 per meal in Kathmandu.

However, the variety of meals and beverages decreases as you approach the Everest zone. The cost of the food products may range from USD 2 to USD 6. Seasonal veggies and the Nepali staple Dal Bhat are available there. Furthermore, there are dishes like chowmein, momo, noodles, chapati, Tibetan bread, fried rice, lentils, and others.

Namche Bazar also provides five-star accommodation at a more fantastic price.

Teahouses are places where you may acquire various beverages, such as tea, coffee, and hot water, ranging from $.5 to $5—$ 9—the price changes with the seasons.

Table: Cost of accommodation and food during Island peak climbing (Approximate)

Costs of Porter and guide 

The difficulty of this route makes solo ascents unsafe. Only a legitimate trekking organization may take you on this journey. With the help of the field personnel that have been assigned to you. A porter, mountaineering guide, and assistant guide will be needed for this ascent. In addition, the price varies widely depending on the length and location of the journey.

Porter: Porters are necessary for any journey to the mountains or other high-altitude areas. To make moving about and enjoying the trip more accessible, they help you divide loads of your trekking supplies. A porter charges about $15 daily to carry a load weighing about 25 kg.

Guide: Traveling with a knowledgeable hiking guide will make your journey more comfortable. He or she will assist you with locating paths, making reservations for meals and lodging, and ensuring your safety while on the excursion.

Additionally, he or she will provide you with information about the area’s topography, vegetation, and animals. Trekking with a guide is an added benefit for paying about USD 25 daily.

Peak climbing guide: An expert climbing guide for your ascent of Island Peak will be provided. He or she will instruct you in all aspects of climbing. It also ensures your security while you’re on a journey.

You will learn how to cross crevasses from them, and they will give you precise instructions on every walk. The cost to climb each mountain with such a helping person is USD 325.

Assistant guide: You can set up camps with the aid of an assistant guide. Their daily price is between $18 and $22.

Your successful climbing expedition will depend on these field crew members. Your travel is made easier by them in a variety of ways.

Table: Cost of hiring porters and guides

Cost based on the mode of transportation

You must pay between USD 210 and USD 217 if you fly to Lukla, a gateway to the Everest region. It depends on what time of year you plan to fly to Lukla. Alternatively, you can trek from Jiri to Lukla after taking a USD 200 bus from Kathmandu.

Or, you can choose an EBC helicopter tour or EBC helicopter trek to get to the Everest Base Camp and then continue on foot. Your expenses will double in this case because the helicopter is more expensive.

Island Peak Climbing Cost Based on Trip Length

The more time you spend on the path before ascending, the more money you’ll spend on meals and lodging. However, it would be best to take a few break days during the journey to acclimate. Additionally, during aircraft delays and cancellations, the price of these acclimatization days may occasionally rise.

Cost of Climbing Island Peak based on Route

Your climbing expenses will increase if you take a longer route. For instance, your climbing expenses will be lower if you choose to climb Island Peak alone. If not, the combined tour with the EBC hike will cost each traveller more than USD 2000.

Cost of equipment required for climbing Island Peak

The most crucial step before embarking on any excursions or travels is packing. You will have a much easier and more relaxed journey if you pack the appropriate equipment. You don’t need to be concerned about the snow, rain, or cold.

So be careful not to overpack! Pack sensibly! Depending on the time of year you are travelling, don’t forget the essentials for trekking.

You need specialized mountaineering equipment and the usual hiking supplies for island peak climbing. These are: 

• Harness for Climbing: $50–$60
• Ascender and Leash: $25 to $70
• Accessory Cord: $5 to $10 per meter
• Abseil Belay Device: USD 8–36
• Ice axe: between 80 and 150 dollars
• Locking Carabiners: $8–$12
• Helmet for climbing: $40 to $200
• Crampons: $8 to $15
• Glacier Sunglasses with Shields: $50–$65 Oximeter: $14–$22
• Trekking poles cost between $20 and $60.
• These goods are available for purchase or rental at various Kathmandu outlets. You must pay between USD 1 and $10 per item daily to hire these tools.
• Ski goggles cost between 80 and 150 dollars.

Additional Cost During Island Peak Expedition 

You’ll need additional cash for alcoholic, hot, and cold beverages in bottles or cans. You could also have to spend money on things like laundry and souvenirs.

Since you have spent so much time with the company’s employees on this trip, they will expect a small gratuity. Give them $100 for their Island Peak climb.

Summing up

Island Peak Climbing is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. Climbing Island Peak is well worth it for the sheer enjoyment, adventure, and accomplishment you’ll gain from the experience. The experiences you have on this trip will be with you forever.

Join us on an exciting climb to the Island Peak, Imja Tse (6,189m). As your service provider in Nepal, we promise you won’t find anything better.