Island Peak Climbing

Island Peak Climbing Cost

Our standard 20-day Island Peak Climbing trip costs USD 2310 per person. This trip cost includes all the logistics and services throughout the expedition, including accommodation, domestic airfare, meals, climbing equipment, permits, guides, porters, and private ground transfers. 

The package includes 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu, local teahouses on the trek, and tented camps at Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp. While the hotel stay in Kathmandu includes only breakfast, all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided throughout the expedition.

The package cost includes two-way domestic flights between Kathmandu and Lukla. Besides that, it covers ground transfers for airport pickups and hotel drop-offs. A significant portion of the cost covers the required permits for trekking and climbing on Island Peak. The permit fees also include the mandatory garbage deposit fee, payable to the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). These fees not only ensure compliance with local regulations but also support the conservation and development of local infrastructure.

Likewise, the package fees cover the daily wages and salary of climbing guides, porters, and crew members who handle navigation, safety support, and luggage transport during the expedition. Additionally, it funds their climbing equipment, travel insurance, and emergency support planning.

However, the package cost does not include your visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses during the trek. If you’re planning this adventure with friends and family (in a group), we offer a special discount of up to USD 360 per person, depending on the group size. Please contact us with your special requirements, budget range, preferred travel dates, and group size to request a customized package. 

Permits for Island Peak Climbing in Nepal 

You need to obtain three different permits to climb Island Peak. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the permits:

Island Peak Climbing Permit

This is a mandatory climbing permit required to legally ascend Island Peak. Issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), this permit helps regulate the number of climbers on the peak while supporting route maintenance, environmental protection, and waste management in the climbing section. Additionally, you are also required to pay a USD 500 garbage deposit fee to the Nepal Mountaineering Association to ensure that your expedition team returns with all the waste after the summit.

Where can you get the Island Peak Climbing Permit?

You can obtain the Island Peak Climbing Permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) office in Kathmandu. The permit costs USD 350 during the spring season and USD 175 during the rest of the year for all international climbers.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit 

Another mandatory permit you must obtain for Island Peak is the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. It is a new regulatory requirement introduced by the local government in 2018, replacing the traditional TIMS Card in the Khumbu region. The permit fees are used for regional infrastructure development and maintenance of trekking trails.

Where can you get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit?

You can obtain the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit at the entry point in Lukla. This permit costs USD 20 per person for all international trekkers.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

You must obtain this park entry permit to get access to Sagarmatha National Park. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park is home to some of the world’s highest mountains (including Island Peak), glaciers, and elusive wildlife. The permit fees are used to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem and the region’s endangered species.

Where can you get the Sagarmatha National Park Permit?

You can obtain the Sagarmatha National Park Permit at Monjo Checkpoint or the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu. This permit costs USD 30 for non-SAARC Nationals and USD 15 for SAARC Nationals.

Best Time for Island Peak Climbing

Choosing the right season for your Island Peak Climbing can make a significant difference between summit success and disappointment. The high Himalayas of Nepal experience dramatic seasonal weather patterns. Therefore, planning your expedition during months of stable weather can drastically increase your chances of reaching the summit safely.

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring is widely considered the peak climbing season for Island Peak. These months offer relatively stable weather with moderate temperatures, minimal precipitation, and clear skies. 

Daytime temperatures at lower elevations hover between 10°C and 15°C, while nighttime temperatures often drop to near freezing. At Island Peak Base Camp, daytime temperature averages -6°C to -1°C, while nighttime temperature plunges to -15°C to -20°C. Although extremely cold, spring offers excellent snow conditions, with well-consolidated glacier slopes that provide good traction for crampons.

The lower villages of the trek are often adorned with blooming rhododendron, orchids, magnolias, and other wildflowers, adding spectacular shades of color and vibrancy. You’ll experience the lively atmosphere at Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Base Camp, clustered with colorful expedition tents and climbers. 

However, this reliable season comes with a few trade-offs. It is the most expensive season, with premium climbing permit prices (USD 350). Moreover, these months attract the most climbers, resulting in crowded trails and teahouses.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn is another popular season for Island Peak Climbing. These months offer the most stable weather of the entire year with crystal-clear skies, minimal precipitation, and excellent visibility. With the monsoon rain washing away dirt and debris, the trail conditions in autumn remain at their absolute best.

In the lower regions, daytime temperatures typically range from 6°C to 12°C, while nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. At Island Peak Base Camp, daytime temperature hovers around -5°C to -10°C, with nighttime temperature plunging to around -18°C to -20°C. 

The mountains are at their absolute best in autumn, offering unobstructed views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Baruntse. Besides that, the permit costs only USD 175 in these months (half the spring rate).

However, autumn attracts many climbers and trekkers, making the trails and teahouses busy. Since this season is slightly colder than spring, you’ll need warmer sleeping bags and more insulation layers for higher altitudes.

Winter Season (December to February)

Winter climbing on Island Peak is possible, but it brings extreme weather and serious challenges. We recommend these months strictly for experienced climbers willing to brave the expedition’s severe conditions.

Unlike spring, winter climbing permits are cheap at USD 175, and the mountains remain quieter, offering absolute solitude and raw beauty. The crisp winter air and snow-covered trails add an extra sense of adventure to the trip. Moreover, lower demand during these months often results in lower accommodation and flight costs.

​However, a winter ascent of a 6,000-meter peak is not for everyone. You’ll face extreme temperatures above Island Peak Base Camp, averaging around -25°C to -30°C. The route to the summit is often covered in deep snow, making the glacier ascent extremely exhausting. Moreover, the harsh weather, strong winds, and severe cold make frostbite a constant danger. 

Compared to the peak seasons, winter summit success rates typically drop to around 40–50% due to narrow weather windows and highly unpredictable conditions. Only consider winter climbing if you have previous winter mountaineering experience and are prepared for genuine alpine conditions.

Monsoon Season (June to August)

The monsoon season is the least favorable season for Island Peak Climbing. During these months, you’ll encounter heavy rainfall at lower elevations and dangerous snow conditions in the upper regions. The trails are also muddy, slippery, and prone to landslides and washouts.

The skies are persistently covered in thick clouds, often obscuring the mountain views. Besides that, the flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are frequently delayed or cancelled, sometimes for several days, due to poor visibility and harsh weather. Such delays can leave you stranded in Kathmandu or Lukla, significantly disrupting your expedition schedule.

The only advantage of attempting to climb Island Peak during the monsoon is the empty trails and rock-bottom prices. However, these benefits are outweighed by increased risks and discomfort. With summit success rates often dropping below 20%, we do not recommend attempting the Island Peak expedition during these months.

How difficult is Island Peak Climbing?

Although Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) classifies Island Peak as a “Trekking Peak,” do not let the term mislead you. It is a serious mountaineering expedition in high-altitude terrain, with challenging conditions and unpredictable weather. While it is often considered one of the more accessible 6,000-meter peaks in Nepal, it takes you through steep glacial sections, exposed ridges, icy crevasses, and a few technical sections.

One of the biggest challenges of the Island Peak Climbing is the altitude. This 20-day adventure requires you to spend two weeks above 3,000 meters, eventually leading you to 6,189 meters at the summit of Island Peak. At such high elevations, the air pressure and oxygen levels are significantly low, putting you under constant risk of high-altitude sickness.

The initial trek to Base Camp involves 6 to 8 hours of trekking days, with an average daily ascent of 600 meters. You’ll need decent physical and mental endurance to walk on steep, rocky terrain with a daypack for over two weeks. The real challenge begins on the summit day. This grueling day involves 10-12 hours of continuous effort, starting with a midnight departure across loose scree and rocky terrain. The final push to the summit requires navigating a steep, glaciated slope using fixed ropes, crampons, ice axes, and jumars.

The unpredictable weather adds complexity to the expedition. You’ll have to deal with freezing temperatures, strong winds, and unexpected snowfalls on the summit day. As the summit push begins shortly after midnight, temperatures can drop below −20°C. While our team closely monitors weather forecasts throughout the expedition, the weather in the high Himalayas remains highly unpredictable. In extreme conditions, summit attempts may be postponed or canceled to ensure your safety.

Training for Island Peak Climbing

Although Island Peak is regarded as an ideal choice for beginners progressing towards advanced mountaineering, it still requires proper training, thorough preparation, and strong mental resilience. 

You should begin a comprehensive training program at least 3 to 6 months before your expedition. Your training regimen should combine key fitness components, including technical climbing skills, cardio endurance, strength training, dynamic stretching, and breathing exercises.

Remember, your goal in the training program is to level up gradually and maximize your chances of summiting. You should never push your body too aggressively at the start, as it can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and injuries.

Cardio Endurance

Island Peak Climbing demands solid lung capacity, good stamina, and the ability to function effectively in reduced-oxygen conditions. Therefore, your program must include cardiovascular training to tackle the steep, high-altitude terrains of this challenging peak. Start with sustained, low-intensity cardio activities, such as running, brisk walking, swimming, and cycling.

We strongly recommend aiming for at least 4 to 5 cardio sessions per week. Begin with short, 30-minute workouts and gradually progress to sessions lasting up to one hour. After a few months, you can move to high-intensity workouts like mountain climbers, sprinting, burpees, and rope jumping.

Strength Training

Having a strong body will significantly enhance your ability to handle the physical and technical demands of summiting Island Peak. Having said that, you do not need to hit the gym, lift weights, and train like a bodybuilder. Instead, focus on leg exercises like squats, lunges, step-ups, and calf raises to handle steep ascents and long descents.

You should also train your core with dead bugs, mountain climbers, planks, Russian twists, deadlifts, and sit-ups for better stability, posture, and balance. You should also strengthen your upper body with exercises like push-ups, shoulder presses, and pull-ups to carry your backpack and prepare you for the rope work and ice axe on the summit day.

We strongly recommend keeping your strength training as light as possible for the first few weeks and gradually increasing resistance. Add at least 3 to 4 strength sessions a week with three sets of 13 to 15 repetitions.

Altitude Preparation

Island Peak Climbing is a high-altitude expedition that takes you to the summit of a trekking peak at 6,189 meters. At such elevations, the risk of acute mountain sickness and hypothermia is significantly high. Therefore, altitude preparation can play a critical role in the success of Island Peak Climbing.

The best altitude preparation for such expeditions includes acclimatization and cold-weather protection. We strongly recommend weekend hikes at 3,000 to 4,000 meters to help your body adapt to lower oxygen levels before your expedition. If you live at sea level, you can also use altitude training masks or hypoxic tents to improve endurance and red blood cell production.

Additionally, consider practicing deep breathing and engaging in aerobic exercise to build lung capacity and optimize oxygen intake. We recommend spending a few extra days in Kathmandu before the expedition. Additionally, maintaining healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and following a high-carb diet, supports better acclimatization.

Conditioning Hikes

Another ideal training routine for this high-altitude expedition is to simulate similar trekking conditions and terrain. Look for a comparable hiking trail near your hometown and go for weekly or biweekly hikes lasting 4 to 6 hours with a weighted backpack.

You’ll want to start slow by practicing a 5-kilometer hike with a lightweight backpack. Gradually, increase the duration, intensity, elevation, and pack weight to improve your endurance. We also recommend incorporating stair climbing or treadmill training to prepare your legs for steep sections.

Introductory Mountaineering Course

For those who are completely new to peak climbing, we strongly recommend completing an introductory mountaineering course before attempting Island Peak. Although Island Peak is classified as a non-technical “trekking peak,” the climb requires the use of crampons, ice axes, rope handling, ascenders, and descenders.

A short, 20-day introductory mountaineering course provides structured training in movement on ice and snow, basic safety procedures, rope techniques, and the proper use of essential climbing gear. Moreover, the course also helps climbers understand pacing, cold-weather management, basic first aid, and decision-making at high altitude. This preparation builds confidence, strengthens mental resilience, and increases the likelihood of a safe and successful climb.

Stretching Workouts

Flexibility training is often overlooked, yet crucial for joint mobility, muscle recovery, and injury prevention during your expedition. You should dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to stretching, focusing particularly on the hip flexors, calves, lower back, quads, and hamstrings. Incorporate dynamic stretches before each training session to warm up your muscles and joint movement.

Additionally, you can perform static stretches after each workout to improve overall flexibility and aid recovery. Yoga is particularly beneficial for Island Peak preparation, as it combines flexibility, balance, core strength, and breathing control. We recommend attending two to three yoga sessions per week to improve circulation and support efficient oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Mental Preparation

Mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness when climbing Island Peak. You must develop physiological strategies to handle discomfort, exhaustion, extreme weather, rough terrain, and altitude sickness.

If you’re feeling anxious regarding the expedition, read guidebooks and blogs from other climbers who’ve summited Island Peak to understand the mental challenges you’ll face during the climb. You can also practice visualization techniques by mentally rehearsing the entire climb, imagining yourself overcoming difficult sections and reaching the summit. Practicing mindfulness and meditation also helps in developing a positive mindset and managing anxiety.

Rest and Recovery

Training for any high-altitude trek isn’t just about pushing hard. Your body needs adequate rest and recovery to build strength and prevent overtraining injuries. Therefore, we strongly recommend adding at least two complete rest days per week to restore energy, prevent burnout, and repair muscles.

Sound sleep is your most powerful recovery tool—so prioritize 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Additionally, use recovery techniques such as foam rolling, massage therapy, light stretching, gentle yoga, or ice baths to reduce muscle soreness and speed healing between training sessions. Besides that, you should also eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated for better recovery.

In the final week before the expedition, taper off your training intensity by 50-70% to ensure you arrive fresh and well-rested rather than fatigued.

Acclimatization and Safety

Island Peak is a serious high-altitude expedition with a summit elevation of 6,189 meters. Moreover, it requires you to spend two weeks above 3,000 meters. At this altitude, oxygen levels drop to nearly half of those at sea level, making acclimatization and altitude preparation critical for both safety and summit success.

Altitude-related symptoms can occur at any altitude above 3,000 meters. You might experience mild headaches, disrupted sleep, loss of appetite, and slight breathlessness. Above 5,000 meters, you’ll enter the extreme altitude zone, where every movement demands conscious effort.

Therefore, our itinerary includes gradual altitude gains, acclimatization days, and pre-climbing training sessions to support acclimatization. In addition, we provide a professional climbing guide and crew members trained to recognize and manage altitude-related issues.

Things You Should Do to Acclimatize

• Maintain a gradual, rhythmic pace to support proper acclimatization. On shorter days, we strongly suggest taking afternoon hikes to follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle. Once you’re above 3,000 meters, limit your sleeping elevation gain to less than 500 meters per day.
• Our standard Island Peak Climbing itinerary includes two acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar and Pheriche. Do not skip these planned acclimatization days, even if you’re feeling strong. Instead, take advantage of these rest days by hiking to the higher elevations during the day to support acclimatization. 
• Your body loses more water at high altitude. Drink at least 4-5 liters of water daily, even when you don’t feel thirsty. We strongly recommend carrying a water bottle or hydration bladder within reach and sipping small amounts frequently throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, sleeping pills, or recreational drugs completely at high altitude. These substances are well-known to cause dehydration, reduce oxygen intake, and mask altitude-related symptoms.
• It is common to lose appetite above 3,000 meters. However, you should eat regular meals to maintain your energy levels even when you do not feel hungry. Consume carbohydrate-rich foods, such as dal bhat, pasta, bread, and potatoes, to support digestion. It is also advisable to carry your preferred snacks, such as chocolate, energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit, for quick energy during the day.
• Maintain 7-9 hours of sleep daily to allow your body to acclimatize. While poor sleep quality is common above 4,000 meters, sleeping pills or sedatives should be avoided at all costs.
• Dress in a three- to four-layer system to protect against harsh weather conditions and regulate your body temperature at high altitudes. You should also keep your head, neck, and arms covered during the trek to minimize heat loss and prevent sunburn.
• Monitor your body daily for symptoms of altitude sickness, such as persistent headache, nausea, fatigue, disrupted sleep, and loss of appetite. If you experience any symptoms, inform your climbing guide immediately. Never ignore worsening symptoms out of embarrassment or fear of being sent down. Your guide will monitor your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate every afternoon to identify early symptoms.
• Practice deep, controlled breathing to improve oxygen intake and avoid hyperventilation at higher elevations. While walking, try breathing rhythmically in sync with your steps to maintain a steady pace.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for Island Peak Climbing with Nepal Gateway Trekking. It is required as part of our booking process to ensure emergency medical support and potentially life-saving assistance. Since this expedition involves 6,000+ meters of peak climbing, standard travel insurance policies do not cover it. You must purchase a specialized travel policy that explicitly includes trekking and climbing activities.

Here are a few logistical demands your insurance policy must cover for the Island Peak Trekking:

• Since the summit of Island Peak is at 6,189 meters, your insurance must provide coverage up to 7,000 meters. Many standard insurance policies have altitude restrictions. Therefore, you should always verify that your policy covers the maximum altitude before you buy it.
• Since a helicopter rescue from Island Peak Base Camp or High Camp to Kathmandu can cost thousands of dollars, we strongly recommend buying a policy that specifically covers helicopter evacuation up to 7,000 meters to avoid financial burdens.
• Given the altitude and physical risk of the expedition, your insurance policy must cover medical expenses and hospitalization for altitude-related illnesses or accidental injuries in Nepal.
• Your insurance policy must cover trip cancellation due to weather or illness, and compensate for flight delays or cancellations (applicable to Lukla flights).
• Since mountaineering gear is expensive, you should buy a policy that covers your personal belongings in the event of damage, theft, or loss. 

Pro Tip: Please email a digital copy of your insurance certificate at least two weeks before your arrival. This allows us to coordinate with your insurer and rescue operators in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Accommodation

Your accommodation on the Island Peak expedition varies by altitude and location, ranging from comfortable hotels in the city to basic tented camps at higher altitudes. Your first two nights and final night in Kathmandu will be at a 3-star hotel near Thamel. This luxurious hotel provides a comfortable base for expedition preparation and recovery. It offers private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, WiFi, hot showers, air conditioning, laundry service, and wellness facilities.

During the trek, you’ll stay at comfortable teahouses and basic mountain lodges run by local families. These accommodations typically feature twin beds with foam mattresses, cotton pillows, and mink blankets. Unlike hotels in the city, the rooms in teahouses do not have in-room heating. Therefore, we recommend carrying a warm sleeping bag rated to at least -25°C for this expedition.

Bathrooms are often shared and located outside the rooms. The teahouses in the Everest region feature communal dining areas, where most climbers and trekkers gather for meals, socializing, and relaxation. Most dining areas have traditional wood or yak-dung stoves that keep the atmosphere warm and inviting.

At Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp, you’ll be staying in tented camps. We will provide a fully equipped camping setup, including two-person mountaineering tents, foam sleeping mats, a kitchen tent, and a dining tent. The crew will also set up a toilet tent at a designated distance from camp, using basic pit latrines.

Meals

Our standard package includes breakfast in Kathmandu and full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek. The teahouses in the Everest region offer surprisingly extensive menus, featuring a blend of Nepali, Tibetan, Chinese, and Western dishes.

Breakfast is often served with a cup of preferred hot drink, typically tea or coffee. The breakfast items in the teahouses include Tibetan bread, eggs, chapati roti, toasts, muesli, porridge, and pancakes. The staple meal for lunch and dinner is dal bhat. This traditional meal consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickle. The teahouses offer unlimited refills on dal bhat.

Other popular options include momo, thukpa, fried rice, pasta, Sherpa stew, potato dishes, and chowmein. The teahouses and restaurants in the lower region also offer pizza, spaghetti, yak steak, burgers, and bakery items. The menus also include a variety of beverages such as instant coffee, various teas, hot chocolate, soft drinks, and juices.

At Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp, your trekking crew will prepare all meals in the dedicated dining tent. Due to the remoteness, meals are often simpler and nourishing, designed to provide sustained energy for climbing. It mostly includes staples such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, and canned foods.

Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is critical for acclimatization and summit success. The teahouses in the Everest region offer both tap and boiled water. Although many guides and locals drink untreated tap or stream water, we strongly advise against doing so. In remote mountain regions, the tap and stream water may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses. It can often cause water-borne illness and ruin your expedition.

The most economical solution is to carry a filtered water bottle and refill it with boiled water. Boiled water is much safer to drink and keeps you warm in cold conditions. The teahouses typically charge a small fee of USD 1 to 5 per liter. You should also treat water using purification tablets, UV sterilizers, or portable filters. It is advisable to bring electrolyte powder or flavoring to enhance both taste and hydration.

Bottled water is available at local teahouses and shops along the trail. However, we do not recommend buying bottled water in the mountains for environmental reasons.

Hot Shower

Hot showers are available at almost all teahouses along the route to Island Peak. From Lukla to Namche, you can expect a solar or gas-powered hot shower for a small fee of USD 2 to 5. Typically, teahouses offer hot showers in the late afternoon, when water from solar heaters is at its warmest. The teahouses in these villages have a continuous supply of running hot water. However, shower time may be limited to a quick wash to conserve water and energy.

Above Namche, hot shower availability decreases and often becomes a luxury. Although many teahouses use solar heating systems, unstable weather patterns often prevent the water from heating sufficiently. Therefore, you’ll have to rely on bucket showers heated by wood-fired stoves in these villages.

Once you’re above 3,500 meters, we strongly advise against taking showers to avoid the blistering cold. If you cannot go without showers for a few days, you can use wet wipes, a damp towel, or sanitizer for spot-cleaning.

Mobile Network and Internet Connectivity

Mobile network and internet coverage are available in most parts of the Everest region. From Lukla to Namche Bazaar, major carriers such as NTC and Ncell provide reliable network coverage and 4G services. This coverage is decent enough for standard voice calls, text messaging, video calls, and social media use. Most restaurants and cafes in these villages also offer relatively reliable internet. Above Namche, however, mobile network coverage becomes irregular, with only a few locations receiving a signal. 

Most teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a small fee of USD 4-5 per device. While internet speed is decent in the lower village, it gets frustratingly slow as you ascend. Besides that, Wi-Fi connectivity can be affected by heavy usage, adverse weather, and technical issues.

For a more reliable experience, we strongly recommend purchasing a volume-based Wi-Fi card from Everest Link. This satellite-based internet service is available in most sections of the trek.

Electricity

Although electricity is available in nearly all villages of the Everest region, access to power varies dramatically by altitude. In the lower settlements, including Lukla, Phakding, and Namche Bazaar, teahouses have reliable electricity generated by hydroelectric plants. In these villages, some high-end lodges offer in-room charging, while others provide a communal station in the dining room.

Above Namche Bazaar, electricity becomes less reliable as most teahouses still rely on solar panels. Power availability depends heavily on the weather. Charging your electronic devices can range from USD 2 to 5, depending on the altitude.

In the higher settlements, the teahouses provide charging stations in the dining room. During peak seasons, charging stations can become crowded as devices compete for limited outlets. Make sure you label your devices clearly to avoid mix-ups. We strongly recommend carrying a Type-C or Type-D adapter and a 220V–240V charger for convenience.

At Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp, there is no electricity infrastructure. However, the crew member will carry high-power batteries as the power sources. For charging your essential devices like phones, cameras, and headlamps, you may have to rely entirely on the portable power banks you’ve carried on the trek.

ATMs and Money Exchange

Although a few teahouses and shop owners in the Everest region accept foreign currency, most still prefer Nepalese Rupees (NPR). It is advisable to carry cash (in NPR) for extra expenses during the expedition, including battery charging, Wi-Fi, hot showers, snacks, and drinks.

There are a few ATMs and money exchange facilities in Lukla and Namche Bazaar. However, ATMs are often out of cash or broken, and money exchange centers offer lower exchange rates. Therefore, we strongly recommend withdrawing cash and exchanging it in Kathmandu for greater reliability and a better exchange rate.

You can find tons of ATM lounges in Kathmandu’s commercial neighborhoods, including Thamel. Note that ATM withdrawals usually incur a fee of USD 4 to 5 per transaction. Likewise, you can visit a few exchange centers in Thamel to find the best rates. For international card transactions, Standard Chartered, Nabil Bank, and Himalayan Bank are considered the most reliable options in Nepal.

Guide and Porter Information

For Island Peak Climbing, we provide an exceptional team of climbing guides and porters to ensure a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free adventure. Your lead climbing guide is the most critical team member of the expedition. Therefore, they hold certifications from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA).

In addition, our climbing guides have extensive high-altitude experience and have successfully summited Island Peak multiple times throughout their careers. Their primary role includes navigating the route, fixing ropes on technical sections, breaking trails through deep snow, and setting an appropriate climbing pace.

Beyond navigation and logistics, they are qualified to make critical safety decisions, including assessing weather conditions, evaluating avalanche risk, recognizing symptoms of altitude sickness, and deciding whether to attempt a summit push or turn back. They also provide technical climbing instructions, including crampon techniques, rope handling, ice axe use, and jumar ascending before the summit attempt. For larger groups, our trips also include an assistant guide or climbing Sherpa to manage daily logistics.

Our porters are the backbone of our expeditions. They carry expedition equipment, food supplies, camping gear, and your luggage across the challenging terrain of Island Peak. At Nepal Gateway Trekking, we implement strict weight limits and a proper porter-to-climber ratio to ensure our porters’ well-being.

Our company follows the ethical guidelines of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) by providing above-industry-standard wages, comprehensive insurance coverage, proper mountaineering equipment, and appropriate accommodation. Additionally, we conduct annual training and workshops on first aid, safety standards, and responsible practices to maintain consistent service quality.

Gratitude for the Trekking Crew

In Nepal, tipping is a standard way to show appreciation to your lead climbing guide and crew members. While not mandatory, it is widely expected and considered a respectful gesture to acknowledge their hard work, skill, and support throughout the expedition.

While there is no hard-and-fast rule for tipping, a general guideline is to tip about 20% of the trip cost to the lead guide and about 10% to the porters. It is advisable to provide tips to your guides and crew members at the farewell ceremony in Lukla. The best practice is to place the tip in individual envelopes for each member.

While cash tips are most appreciated, the trekking crew also accepts non-monetary gestures. You can donate your climbing equipment, boots, clothes, and accessories to the crew members. As long as the items are not shredded, they’ll become valuable assets for guides and porters for years. We strongly recommend leaving genuine reviews and sharing your experience on online platforms and personal blogs to promote them for future opportunities.