Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing -18 Days
Everest Base Camp trek and Island Peak Climbing combines the classic EBC route with a technical summit at 6,189 meters. Glacier travel, fixed ropes and crampons required.
Everest Base Camp trek and Island Peak climbing - 18 Days
Everest Base Camp trek and Island Peak climbing is an 18 days trek and climb that takes you to Everest Base Camp first, followed by Kala Patthar and the 6,189 m summit of Island Peak before descending back through the Khumbu. You spend around 15 days in the mountains, with the remaining days for travel between Kathmandu and the trekking region.
I have guided many trekkers to Everest Base Camp and climbers on Island Peak, so I know how the two parts of this journey connect. The trek to EBC gives you time to build strength and adjust to altitude, but Island Peak is a different challenge. You finish the trek, then you have to climb.
From Lukla, you follow the classic Khumbu trail through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364 m. You also climb Kala Patthar for the mountain views before turning toward the Imja Valley and Chhukung, where Island Peak rises ahead of you.
From Chhukung, you continue to Island Peak Base Camp at around 5,100 m. This is where the trip changes from trekking to climbing. Your guide checks your equipment and goes through the techniques you will need, including crampon, ice axe, harness and fixed-rope use.
The summit day usually starts around midnight or 1:00 AM. You begin on rocky ground in the dark, then move onto the glacier with crampons and rope protection. Higher up, you tackle the steep snow and ice headwall before continuing along the exposed ridge toward the 6,189 m summit.
This is the part I always ask my clients to take seriously. By the time you reach Island Peak, you have already spent many days walking at altitude. It is not simply another trekking day. You are climbing in the cold and darkness, using technical equipment and working on steep terrain.
That is why I do not like to rush this itinerary. The EBC section gives you valuable time to adjust to altitude, but you still need proper rest, preparation and a sensible pace before making the summit attempt.
Ready to go?
Download Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing itinerary starts with a flight to Lukla. Flights operate from Kathmandu or Ramechhap, depending on the season and airline schedule. During the main trekking seasons, most flights are routed through Ramechhap, which is about a 4 to 5-hour drive from Kathmandu. From Ramechhap, the flight to Lukla takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Direct Kathmandu to Lukla flights take approximately 30 to 35 minutes when available.
Mountain weather can affect Lukla flights, particularly in the early morning and during periods of poor visibility. Delays and cancellations are possible, so we allow some flexibility around the flight schedule. See our Lukla Flight Guide for current route details, baggage allowances, and flight information.
Quick Trip Facts
Total Distance
Approx. 159 km
Walking Days
15
Accommodation
Teahouse/Tented camp
Meals
B+L+D
Transportation
Drive/flight
Group Size
Max 12
Guide
Licensed guide
Porter
1 porter for 2 clients
Best Season
spring/Autumn
Fitness Level
Good Fitness required
Permit
Included
Trip Style
Guided trek & climb
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Why Choose Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing
Choose the Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing to experience the journey to Everest Base Camp and take on the challenge of summiting Island Peak in a single trip.
You do not need to make two separate trips. The EBC trek takes you through the main Khumbu villages and gives you time at altitude before you turn toward Chhukung and Island Peak.
To Complete Both in One Trip
Visit Everest Base Camp and continue to a 6,189 m summit attempt without returning to Kathmandu between the two objectives.
To Build Altitude Before the Climb
The EBC section gives your body several days to adjust before you reach Island Peak Base Camp.
To Learn Basic Mountaineering Skills
Your climbing guide introduces you to the equipment and rope techniques needed for the Island Peak summit attempt.
Why Choose MW Treks for EBC Trek and Island Peak Climbing
I know this route from experience. I started as a porter, became a mountain guide, climbed Island Peak myself, and now organise treks and climbs here. That firsthand experience helps us plan the journey around real trail conditions and accumulated fatigue, so you arrive at Island Peak properly prepared for the climb.
1996
Started as a Trekking Porter
2002
Became a Licensed Mountain Guide
2010
Founded Mountain World Treks
Today
Still Guiding Treks and Climbs in Nepal
30+
Years Working in the Himalayas
We Plan Around the Climb
EBC and Island Peak are planned as one journey, with time for acclimatization, preparation and rest.
Local Mountain Experience
We know the route, weather, conditions and villages from years of working in the Khumbu.
Experienced Mountain Guides
Our guides know the EBC route and Island Peak, including the technical section above Base Camp.
Small Groups
Smaller groups let our guides monitor pace, fitness and altitude response more closely.
Honest Advice Before You Book
If Island Peak isn’t right for you, I’ll tell you before you book, not push you into it.
Fair Treatment for Our Porters
I started as a porter, so I know the work involved. We take sensible loads and proper treatment seriously.
Is Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing Right for You?
This trip is ideal if you want to combine the Everest Base Camp trek and Island Peak climbing in one journey. You should be comfortable with several consecutive days of walking at high altitude and ready for an early summit start with basic mountaineering skills, including crampon, harness and fixed-rope use.
- You want both Everest Base Camp and Island Peak.
- You can manage long walking days at altitude.
- You are willing to learn basic climbing techniques.
- You are comfortable with a midnight or early-morning summit start.
- You are fit and prepared for a demanding final climb.
Not Ideal for You If
- You only want to visit Everest Base Camp.
- You do not want to use climbing equipment.
- Long days at altitude are already difficult for you.
- You are looking for a shorter or easier Everest trip.
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing Highlights
Everest Base Camp
Reach the famous base camp beneath Everest and the Khumbu Icefall.
Kala Patthar
Climb to a renowned viewpoint for close views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Island Peak Summit
Climb Island Peak across glacier terrain, fixed ropes and the final summit ridge.
Island Peak Base Camp
Reach base camp in the Imja Valley and prepare for the Island Peak summit climb.
Chhukung Valley
Trek through the Imja Valley with views of Island Peak, Ama Dablam and Lhotse.
Namche Bazaar
Explore the main Sherpa town, with mountain views, local markets, bakeries and lodges.
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing Route Map
Everest Base Camp & Island Peak
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing Cost
Our USD 2,399 Per person (Twin Sharing basis) price is the same for group and private trips. Both include accommodation, meals, permits, a licensed guide, porter service, climbing equipment, and transportation. The difference is simply how you travel: groups share the experience, while private trips offer more flexibility with dates and pace.
Join a Group
Trek and climb with other adventurers, with departures in the spring and autumn seasons.
Private Trek & Climb
An 18-day private package with your own dates and pace.
- Depart on your preferred date
- Private group
- Flexible itinerary
Customize Trek & Climb
A different itinerary, or a customized climbing plan? We can arrange it.
- Custom itinerary
- Private group
- Flexible schedule
Special rates are available for student and larger groups. Contact us for details.
How We Arrange Your Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climb
From your first message to the start of your trek, we take care of the main arrangements and keep you informed at each stage.
Send an Inquiry
Share your preferred dates, group size, and any questions about the trip.
Receive Your Itinerary & Quote
Get your itinerary, trip cost, inclusions, and key details before booking.
Confirm Your Booking
Pay the required deposit, then we arrange permits, flights, accommodation.
Prepare for the Trek & Climb
Receive your packing list, equipment details, preparation advice.
Everest Base Camp & Island Peak Climb Cost Includes and Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
- Island Peak climbing permit
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking and climbing guide
- Porter service (1 porter shared between 2 trekkers, maximum combined luggage weight of 25 kg)
- Accommodation during the trek
- 1 night tented accommodation at Island Peak Base Camp
- Three meals a day during the trek and climb (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea or coffee)
- Climbing equipment required for the Island Peak summit.
- Climbing Boots & Crampons
- Climbing training and basic technical instruction before the summit attempt
- Comprehensive first-aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by your guide
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag (available on request)
- Company T-shirt, climbing completion certificate, and medal
- All government taxes and agency service charges
The Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Nepal tourist visa
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except on your free day, when breakfast only is included)
- Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bag, trekking poles, down jacket, clothing layers)
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging fees at teahouses
- Bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your guide, climbing Sherpa, and porters
- Additional nights, meals, or transport caused by early return, illness, or personal itinerary changes
- Summit bonus or tip for the climbing guide (customary but not compulsory)
Travel insurance is not included in the package. Before your climb, you must purchase a policy that specifically covers high-altitude trekking and climbing up to at least 6,200 m, along with emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment.
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing Accommodation
You stay in local teahouses from Lukla through Chhukung, with simpler facilities as you gain altitude. At Island Peak Base Camp, you sleep in tents with separate camp facilities.
Read our Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Accommodation Guide for details on rooms, facilities and Base Camp camping.
- Twin-sharing teahouse rooms
- Shared bathrooms
- Tented accommodation at Island Peak Base Camp
- Separate dining and toilet tents at Base Camp
- Wi-Fi and charging where available for an extra cost
Food & drinks during the Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing
Teahouses serve familiar trekking meals such as dal bhat, noodles, fried rice, soup, eggs, potatoes, pancakes and bread. At Island Peak Base Camp, meals are prepared by the camp kitchen.
- Dal bhat and rice
- Noodles and pasta
- Soup and fried rice
- Eggs and potatoes
- Pancakes and bread
- Tea, coffee and hot drinks
- Camp meals at Island Peak Base Camp
Read our Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Food & Drinks Guide for more about meals and eating at altitude.
Packing for Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing
You need normal high-altitude trekking gear plus personal climbing equipment for Island Peak.
For the trek, bring layered clothing, a warm down jacket, waterproof shell, trekking boots, sleeping bag, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and trekking poles.
For the climb, you need personal equipment such as mountaineering boots, harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, climbing gloves and a headlamp. We advise you about the technical equipment required and what can be rented in Kathmandu.
Keep your main gear in the duffel and carry the day’s essentials in your daypack. Read our Complete Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Packing Guide for the full equipment checklist and what you can rent in Kathmandu.
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing Difficulty
Strenuous.
The first part is a demanding high-altitude trek. The second adds glacier travel, climbing equipment, fixed ropes and a steep technical section.
The hardest day comes after more than a week of trekking, which is why good preparation and sensible pacing are important. Read our Island Peak Difficulty Guide for the full breakdown.
Why Is It Challenging?
- Long trekking section: You spend many days walking at altitude before the climb.
- High altitude: Everest Base Camp is 5,364 m and Island Peak reaches 6,189 m.
- Early summit start: The climb normally begins around midnight or 1:00 AM.
- Glacier travel: The route crosses glaciated terrain using crampons and rope protection.
- Steep headwall: The main technical section involves climbing snow and ice on fixed ropes.
- Summit ridge: The final ridge requires careful movement and concentration.
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing Fitness and Preparation
Train for endurance first, then prepare your legs and body for the climbing section. For EBC, focus on long uphill walks and consecutive hiking days. For Island Peak, add leg-strength exercises and, if possible, practise with a harness and crampons before coming to Nepal.
Your Training Should Include
Long hikes: Build walking time and elevation gradually.
Leg strength: Squats, lunges and step-ups are useful.
Uphill cardio: Train on hills or stairs rather than only on flat ground.
Pack training: Walk with the weight you expect to carry.
I recommend easing off hard training during the final two to three weeks before departure. Arriving rested is more useful than trying to gain last-minute fitness. Read our Island Peak Training and Preparation Guide for a complete training plan.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing
For the EBC and Island Peak combination, spring and autumn are the preferred seasons. March to May and late September to November usually offer the best mix of clear skies, manageable temperatures and suitable climbing conditions. April, May and October tend to see the most trekkers and climbers.
Spring Season
Mar · Apr · MaySpring brings improving temperatures and generally good conditions on the trail and upper mountain. April and May are particularly popular for Island Peak.
- Weather: Warmer days, freezing nights
- Crowds: High
- Visibility: Mostly clear
Summer Season
June · July · AugustThe monsoon reaches the Khumbu during these months, bringing frequent rain and cloud. Island Peak climbs are possible, but weather can make uncertain.
- Weather: Wet and cloudy
- Crowds: Low
- Visibility: Unpredictable
Autumn Season
Sep · Oct · NovAfter the monsoon, the trails dry out and mountain views generally improve. October and November are strong choices for the EBC trek and Island Peak climb.
- Weather: Dry and cool
- Crowds: high
- Visibility: Very good
Winter Season
Dec · Jan · FebWinter brings freezing nights and much colder conditions above Base Camp. Snow and ice can make the technical sections of Island Peak more difficult.
- Weather: Freezing & snowfall
- Crowds: Low
- Visibility: Often clear
What Do You Need to Know Before Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing?
The Everest Base Camp and Island Peak trip combines a long high-altitude trek with a technical summit climb. You first walk through the Khumbu to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, then continue toward Chhukung and Island Peak. The climbing section involves glacier travel, crampons, fixed ropes and steep snow and ice. The guides below cover the things you should know before you come to Nepal.
What is altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp and Island Peak route?
Altitude sickness can become a problem above 2,500 m, especially as you get higher toward Everest Base Camp and Island Peak. Headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness and poor sleep can be early signs. Tell your guide if you feel unwell rather than trying to push through it. Depending on the symptoms, you may need to rest at the same altitude or descend.
In an emergency: Your guide will assess your condition and decide what needs to be done. If you need medical treatment or evacuation, we can coordinate the arrangements and help with your return to Kathmandu.
For prevention, acclimatization and early warning signs, see our Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Altitude Sickness Guide.
What do I need to arrange before the trek and climb?
We arrange the main trip logistics, including trekking and climbing permits, accommodation, Lukla flights, guides, porters and the climbing equipment included in your package. Before coming to Nepal, you need to arrange your travel insurance, Nepal visa, personal trekking and climbing clothing, travel documents and personal expenses.
Everest Base Camp & Island peak Climbing Video Guide
Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing
Common questions about the Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing, including permits, difficulty, equipment, altitude, costs, and preparation.
Still have questions? Our team responds within 24 hours.
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Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak Climbing -18 Days