Island Peak, or Imja Tse, got its English name from Eric Shipton's 1951 reconnaissance, because it looked like an island in a sea of ice when seen from Dingboche. It is the most climbed trekking peak in the Khumbu, and in October, November, April and May its base camp beside the Imja and Lhotse glaciers holds tents from several teams. The walk there from Chhukung follows the valley and moraine for 2.5 to 3 hours.
At base camp you can see the route most climbers take: up a rocky gully and ridge to high camp or crampon point, across a glacier, then up a steep snow and ice headwall of about 100 m on fixed ropes to the summit ridge. Watching climbers on the headwall through binoculars gives a good idea of what the climb involves, and some trekkers decide to come back for it on a future trip.
For trekkers, this walk is a valuable acclimatisation outing above 5,000 m, especially on a Three Passes itinerary before the Kongma La. Carry lunch and plenty of water, as there are no lodges beyond Chhukung. Do not walk onto the glaciers or climbing route without proper equipment and a climbing guide. Return to Chhukung by mid-afternoon, before the wind rises.
Good for
- Solo
- Groups
- Photographers
Questions travellers ask
Can trekkers go to Island Peak base camp without climbing?
Yes. No climbing permit is needed to walk to base camp, which lies at about 5,087 m. The Sagarmatha National Park and local permits cover it. Do not go onto the glacier or climbing route without a climbing permit and guide.
Why is it called Island Peak?
Eric Shipton's 1951 reconnaissance team named it Island Peak because, seen from Dingboche, it looked like an island in a sea of ice. Its official name is Imja Tse. It rises to about 6,189 m.
How long is Island Peak base camp from Chhukung?
About 2.5–3 hours on foot, gaining roughly 350 m along the Imja valley and moraine. The return takes about 2 hours. Climbers usually walk to base camp one day and attempt the summit the next.
