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 Peak 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.

A popular and active peak climbing in the Everest region is Island Peak (6,189m), also known as Imja Tse. 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 popular mountain to climb and one reason is comparatively affordable climbing expenses compared to other peaks of Nepal. On average the Island peak climbing cost about $1000- $2000 depending on the amenities you seek. 

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 of the money spent on this adventure will be based on the decisions you make. Your budget for your trip will be determined by a variety of factors, from the price of a pair of socks to the quality of the hotel you select. Let’s have a 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 either 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. While other travellers go for the lengthier Jiri route in order to acclimate to the altitude beforehand.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes 45 minutes and costs close to USD 180. You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri, which would cost you between $5 and $7 USD, 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, you need different permits for your ascent to Island Peak. First, you require a unique local permit to visit the Everest region. Additionally, climbing permissions are required in order to ascend to the Island Peak. These permits are available at the trailhead or at the Tourism Board in Kathmandu.

Two passport-size photos and a copy of your passport are required for these permits. If you get in touch with us early, we can arrange for 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. Although off-seasons are a great time to save money because of the low prices.

The cost of the permit is 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. For your comfortable accommodations, there are various hotels and lodges in the valley. Accommodations in Kathmandu can cost anything from $ 15 to $ 250 dollars per night. Where you want to stay will depend on that.

You can locate enough tea houses for a nice stay once you get to the Everest region. The accommodations are available for USD 2- USD 6 each night.

Whereas, 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.

When you get to Island Peak’s base camp, you can set up your tent underneath the stars. 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 the option of five-star accommodation, however, this comes at a greater price.

Teahouses are places where you may go to acquire various beverages, such as tea, coffee, and hot water, for a price ranging from $.5 to $3. 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 ascent 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, guide, mountaineering guide, and assistant guide will all be needed for this ascent. In addition, the price varies widely depending on the length and location of the journey.

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

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

Additionally, s/he will provide you with information about the topography, vegetation, and animals of the area. Trekking with a guide is therefore an added benefit for which you must pay about USD 25 per day.

Peak climbing guide: An expert climbing guide will be provided for your ascent of Island Peak. 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 each and 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 would need to pay between USD 147 and USD 117 if you choose to fly to Lukla, which is 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 $5–$7 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 from there. Your expenses will more than 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, you must take a few break days during the entire journey in order 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 expense will increase if you take a longer route. Your climbing expenses will be lower, for instance, 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.

For Island Peak Climbing, you need specialized mountaineering equipment in addition to the usual hiking supplies. 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 in a variety of Kathmandu outlets. You must pay between USD 1 and $10 per item each day to hire these tools.
• Ski goggles cost between 80 and 150 dollars.

Additional Cost During Island Peak Expedition 

You’ll need additional cash for things like alcoholic, hot, and cold beverages in bottles or cans along the way. 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 be expecting a small gratuity. Give $100 to them 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, sense of adventure, and sense of 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, also known as Imja Tse (6,189m). As your service provider in Nepal, we promise you won’t find anything better.