Island Peak climbing offers a great mountain climbing experience, It’s one of the most visited mountains in Nepal, with climbers making it to the summit every now and then. This is the easiest mountain to climb and the reward is pretty great, making it a favorite of adventure lovers.
Informations of Island Peak climbing
Island Peak is also known as Imj Tse in a local language inside the mountain in Sagarmatha ( Mt. Everest ) National Park in the Himalayas ( Mountain ) of eastern Nepal. Island Peak ( Imje Tse ) was named as the Island Peak in 1953 by A members of the British Mount Everest expedition because it appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. ( Trekkinng route of Mt Everest Base Camp ) The peak was later renamed in 1983 to Imja Tse but Island Peak remains the popular choice. The peak is truly an addition of the range coming down off the south end of Lhotse Shar.
Island Peak is a popular climbing peak in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. gaining 3,300 meters of elevation from the trailhead. The climb is no stranger to hosting beginners and provides them with a stunning view of Lhotse Shar, Nuptse, and Lhotse Peak.
Climbing the Island Peak is quite impressive as you’ll travel most of the Everest region. Its winding trail will offer you a picturesque view of wild rhododendron forests, imposing monasteries, and stunning villages. However, climbing the mountain isn’t a cakewalk with slope ascent at extreme altitudes.
Climbers have to walk the endless trails that pass through wild forests and many remote villages in the Everest region. You’ll also stop at many villages, whose hospitality is good but you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road.
Island Peak is tough, but if you’re fit and have a proper fitness level, the summit is easily achievable. The journey starts off easy with a gentle ascend from Lukla to Phaking and Namche Bazaar. The trail is, even more, steeper from Namche Bazaar, requiring trekkers to walk several hours.
Trekking route of Island Peak climbing
The typical routes take 5 to 6 hours to reach Tengboche after walking up the hill and crossing wooden bridges on numerous occasions. It takes a further week of climbing on a rugged trail between Tengboche and Island Peak.
You’ll have to walk the zigzagged trail with rocks and boulders to reach the summit. The climb to the summit is of course, not easy with steep ice slopes and Imja Glacier. You may even need a few climbing techniques along with a fixed rope to reach the top of Island Peak.
But, once you’ve reached the summit, you will get drop-dead view of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It’ll also offer you a glimpse of steep ice slopes, crevasses, and plateaus. After exploring the mountain, you’ll descend the trail back to Lukla taking almost 3 days.
Descending the trail will be quite easy as you’ll lose all the gained elevation. The itinerary will take you through the subtropical forests and alpine meadows, which puts great scenery. Island Peak climbing normally takes two weeks and a few more days with a walk-in mixed terrain.
While most of the Island peak climbing routes are moderate, it still requires a guide who can navigate the way. Traveling with a guide will make your travel convenient and ensures that you don’t get lost.
Highlights of Island Peak Climbing
- A pristine view of snow-capped mountains like Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam
- A scenic walk through Sagarmatha National Park and its unique flora and fauna
- Discover glorious landscapes, glaciers, and valleys
- A quick visit to some enchanted Khumbu villages and their medieval Tibetan monasteries
- Witness typical Sherpa cultures, traditions, and values
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Rest and Arrangement day.
Day 03: Kathmandu - Lukla - Phakding:
Day 04: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (Elevation: 3446m)
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 06: Namche Bazaar - Tengboche (3867m):
Day 07: Tengboche - Pheriche (4252m)
Day 08: Pheriche - Lobuche (4930m)
Day 09: Lobuche- Gorak Shep (5184m) and Trek to Everest Base camp (5364m)
Day 10: Trek to kalapattahar (5555m) and Trek to Dingboche (4350m)
Day 11: Dingboche -island peak base camp (5150m)
Day 12: Reserve day if incase of bad weather.
Day 13: Ascent of island peak (6189m) and back to Base camp
Day 14: Island peak base camp- Pangboche (3950m)
Day 15: Pangboche- Namche (3450m)
Day 16: Namche -Lukla (2800m)
Day 17: Lukla - Kathmandu.
Island Peak Climbing Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and Transfer to the Hotel in Kathmandu
Based on the airlines you’ve booked and the time of arrival, our staff will come to receive you at the airport. After picking you up from the premises, they will drive you to your hotel, which shall take about 10 to 15 minutes. Get freshen up and have some rest as the long day awaits you.
Day 02: Rest and Arrangement Day
Since Island Peak climbing is a multi-day hike, it requires adequate planning and preparation. From picking the right equipment to studying the itinerary, everything has to be done precisely. Early in the day, we’ll meet our guide and crew members for a short briefing.
After the meeting, we’ll collect our entry permits to Sagarmatha National Park. If you’re thinking of buying the gears, do it now as it Instead of saving it later. There are plenty of shops in Thamel that can help clijmbers find the best equipment for mountain climbing.
We can also organize you a few short trips around the city, including a visit to UNESCO’s world heritage sites. After the shopping and sightseeing, we’ll drive back to the hotel so that you can take get proper rest before the excursion.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
Lukla Altitude: 2,860 meters
Phakding Altitude: 2,610 meters
Walking Hours: 2-3 hrs
Overnight at: a Lodge
On the day first, of Island Peak Climbing, we’ll travel to the northeast of Nepal. It’s an early morning flight to Lukla, which lasts anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes. The craft will leave from Tribhuvan airport and hover above the Kathmandu Valley before leaving for Khumbu.
The airway makes up for the picturesque view of sweeping hills and towering mountains. It’ll also provide us with a glimpse of classic Nepalese villages, tumultuous rivers, and verdant meadows. Upon landing at Lukla, we’ll continue our journey to Phakding with a short uphill climb.
The hike is probably one of the easiest with just a few steep trails and mesmeric views. We’ll make our way from the left bank of Dudh Koshi River before trekking a well-worn path with several steps until it reaches Phakding.
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar Altitude: 3,445 meters
Walking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Overnight at: a Lodge
Today’s trek is somewhat more demanding and strenuous, taking more than 6 hours. The trip begins with a scenic walk along the Dudh Koshi River and through the rhododendron forests. After passing several villages like Manjo and ascending rugged hills, we’ll arrive at Sagarmatha National Park.
To travel further, we’ll need an entry permit. After the access, we’ll cross a suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi River and walk through Jorsale. The walk gets surprisingly difficult once we come out of the village. The trek is mostly steep and continuously upward, taking more than two hours or so.
Before entering the village, we’ll have to show the pass at a police checkpoint. A short walk from here will lead us to the famous Sherpa town, which provides us with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and lush green hills. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 05: Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar
Except for resting and a brief walk, there’s not much to do on this day of Island Peak Climbing. Our time at Namche will see us having a rest and acclimatizing. In the morning, we’ll take a short hike to Syangboche, which demands a 1 to 2 hours walk.
After arriving at the Syangboche airport, we’ll get an incredible view of Mt Everest along with Thamserku and Ama Dablam. The trek will also reward us with glimpses of deep valleys and subtropical forests with pine and juniper.
After enjoying the view, we’ll make a quick stop at Hotel Everest View and have breakfast. Soon, we’ll descend the viewpoint and head back to Namche to spend the night. For those who don’t want to hike, you can stay back in the village and explore some of its historical and cultural landscapes.
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Tengboche Altitude: 3,975 meters
Walking Hours: 5-6 hrs
Overnight at: a Lodge
After breakfast, we’ll leave Namche and head to our next hop. The trek from Namache to Tengboche starts with a steep ascent, passing through the mani walls and a few cultural sites. After a surface-level walk, we’ll see our pace increasing suddenly.
But, once we cross the wooden bridge, the trail gains its elevation. After ascending the trail for the last two hours, we’ll finally reach Tengboche, a small village in the Khumbu subregion. The place holds great importance for Buddhist pilgrims and other Sherpa people. We’ll spend another night in Khumbu at a lodge
Day 07: Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche
Pheriche Altitude: 4,252 meters
Walking Hours: 5-6 hrs
Overnight at: a Lodge
Early in the morning, we’ll visit Tengboche monastery. After the visit, we’ll continue our trek to Pheriche following a downhill slope before crossing the river. Right across the bridge, the trail ascends up and traverses the rugged terrains.
We’ll spend most of the day walking along the river valley and up the hills. After trekking a narrow cliff and forested trail with green hills, we’ll arrive at Pheriche. This small village at 14,340 ft is a popular stop for climbers and trekkers. Overnight stay in a teahouse.
Day 08: Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche
Lobuche Altitude: 4,930 meters
Walking Hours: 5-6 hrs
Overnight at: a Teahouse
Another day, another hike but this time it’s Lobuche, a small village in Khumbu that’ll take us closer to Island Peak. The trek starts with a steep climb up the edge of a hill and through a farm village. Walking from the north of Pheriche, we’ll see a field of cairns and rock towers built to commemorate the climbers lost in mountains.
After hiking a meandering trail through the valley and steppes, we’ll arrive at Lobuche. It’s our last stop for the day as the trail ahead is long and strenuous. We’ll spend the night in a local teahouse.
Day 09: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, Hike to Everest Base Camp
Gorakshep Altitude: 5,164 meters
Everest Base Camp Altitude: 5,364 meters
Walking Hours: 6-8 hrs
Overnight at: a Teahouse
After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey with a tedious uphill walk to Gorakshep. The trek will take us somewhere between 6 and 8 hours, depending upon the altitude. The first section of the trek will take us through the mountainous terrains with loose rocks and boulders.
After two hours of trek, we’ll arrive at Gorakshep, a small settlement on the edge of a frozen lakebed. We’ll stop at the village for lunch and then continue our journey to Everest Base Camp. This 3 hours hike will make us travel the craggy hills and debris taking over the Khumbu Icefall, which ends at the base of Everest Base Camp.
Gazing high up, you’ll see Everest and its surrounding peaks, including Thamserku, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. At the camp, we’ll witness Khumbu Glacier, ice slopes, and rocky hills. Once the exploration is done, we’ll retrace the steps back to Gorakshep and spend the night there.
Day 10: Trek to Kala Patthar and hike to Dingboche
Dingboche Altitude: 5,644 meters
Kala Patthar Altitude: 4,410 meters
Walking Hours: 7 hrs
Overnight at: a Teahouse
The day starts with a short ascent on a rugged and bumpy trail that goes all the way to the summit of Kala Patthar. We’ll travel 2.3 miles on rough terrains full of rocks and boulders to reach the acme. Once we reach the top, we can enjoy the panoramic view of shimmering glaciers and vibrant valleys.
Kala Patthar is also the most accessible viewpoint to watch the gigantic Mt. Everest along with Lobuche, Thamserku, and Kangtega. After spending some quality time at the site, we’ll climb down to Gorakshep, have breakfast, and get back out on the trail.
The walk to Dingboche is restless with more than 16 km trail. It takes almost 4 hours to reach Dingboche walking along Imja Valley and over the difficult trails. After reaching the village in Chhukhung Valley, we’ll get a spectacular view of sweeping hills, deep gorges, and mountains. Overnight stay in a teahouse.
Day 11: Trek from Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp
Island Peak Base Camp Altitude: 5,087 meters
Walking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Overnight at: a Tent
After getting the day started with some nice breakfast and tea, we’ll head for the trek to Island Peak Base Camp. The trail starts with a steep ascent above Imja Valley, which provides a fabulous view of Lhotse and Tawache. The paths are narrow and graveled with dirt, making the trek somewhat difficult.
It takes a continuous 6-7 hours of walk to reach the Island Peak base camp and once we’ve got there, you’ll get to relish the jaw-dropping scenery. We’ll end the day with beautiful sightseeing of Island Peak and its nearby mountains and glaciers. Overnight stay in a tent.
Day 12: Acclimatization and Exploration
Climbing the Island Peak in haste without proper acclimatization can have great risks. So instead of ascending the mountain, we’ll stay at the base camp for one day and let our bodies have enough rest. In the day, we’ll explore Imja Tsho, a glacial lake held by a terminal moraine. The scenes from the lake with surrounding mountains and glaciers are quite astonishing. After the sightseeing, we’ll descend the trail back to base camp and spend the night here.
Day 13: Island Peak Summit, Return to Base Camp
Island Peak Altitude: 6,189 meters
Walking Hours: 9-10 hrs
Overnight at: a camp
If yesterday’s trek was challenging, today’s even more vicious, so we better start early and reach the summit on time. We’ll start climbing the Island Peak trail at the crack of dawn as its journey is quite difficult and requires a lot of time. The trail to Island Peak is jagged with rocky steps and an open gully.
Getting to the top requires us to ascend the ice slopes and mountain ridges, which are quite exhausting. After a tough walk of 5-6 hours, we’ll reach the summit and enjoy the stunning view it has to offer.
We’ll be able to see the beautiful landscapes, glistening mountains, ice slopes from the top. After summiting the snow peak and watching the magnificent view, we’ll descend the trail back to Island Peak Base Camp. Overnight stay in the tent.
Day 14: Trek down from Island Peak Base Camp to Pyangboche
Pyangboche Altitude: 3,985 meters
Walking Hours: 5-6 hrs
Overnight at: a Teahouse
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey to Pyangboche with a gentle descent off the trail. Soon as we come out of the village, the trail runs past the old monastery and towering hills, which offer an impressive view. Throughout the journey, we’ll get a treat of the magnificent glimpses of shimmering mountains and glaciers.
Since the trek to Pyangboche is mostly downhill, it won’t take us a lot of time to reach the settlement. Once we’ve arrived at the village, you’ll get the closest view of Ama Dablam and lush green forests. After some time, we’ll head to the teahouse and call it off a day.
Day 15: Trek from Pyangboche to Namche Bazaar
After an early morning rise and warm breakfast, we’ll set off for another day tour and this time it’s the famous Sherpa town, Namche Bazaar. The trek continues with a walk down the valley above and around, surrounded by rhododendron forests.
We’ll spend most of the day descending the trail that passes through multiple Sherpa villages and towns. Walking in and around the region, we’ll see many Tibetan monasteries, mani walls, and Buddhist prayer flags.
The trek will also provide us with a jaw-dropping view of subtropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque view of beautiful himalaya range. After hiking for nearly 8 hours, we’ll end up at the beautiful Namche Bazaar. Since it’s the last stop for the day, we’ll head to the lodge straight away and have some rest.
Day 16: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Leaving Namche, we’ll trek down to the Dudh Koshi River Valley, passing numerous Sherpa villages. The trail will take us through the lush green forest and waterfalls along the way. Several times, we’ll cross the suspension bridge and walk past the ancient Tibetan monastery and mani walls. After a long descent from the hill, we’ll finally arrive at Lukla, a small town with a variety of shops and hotels. We’ll spend the night in a lodge at the village.
Day 17: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
On the last day of Island Peak Climbing, we’ll fly to Kathmandu, ending the trip. After enjoying a lovely breakfast with scenic views, we’ll head to Lukla airport to board the flight. The flight will last half an hour and provide us with a marvelous view of sweeping hills and towering mountains.
We’ll also see many Nepalese villages, verdant meadows, and waterfalls on the way to Kathmandu. After landing at the airport, we’ll transfer you to the hotel where you can rest well.
When is the best time to climb Island Peak?
The best time to travel to Island Peak is before winter when the influx of tourists is moderate and the weather is nice. The time between September and November is warm enough to climb the mountains without any hindrance.
Khumbu’s autumn is calm, cool, and delightful. They’re seemingly pleasant with chilly weather and climate, which makes travel less wearying and comfy. The temperature cools off slightly in November, but it’s still mild with beautiful sunbeams on and off.
Visitors to the summit may experience light snow showers at the month’s end. The average daytime temperature of Island Peak in November is 15 Degree Celsius, while the temperature at night reaches -10 Degree Celsius.
Fall offers an impressive view to travelers climbing Island Peak. As a peak fall season, October offers beautiful fall foliage to hikers. The turning leaves in smooth shades of yellow, red, and orange will provide us with a picturesque view.
Spring is another ideal time to climb Island Peak as it’s got delightful weather and a serene atmosphere. It begins in March and lasts till late May, marking the shift from winter to summer. Early Spring can be cold during the day, with temperatures falling up to -15 Degree celsius.
Fortunately, the weather in April is quite charming with long warm sunny days that are full of life. Traveling becomes a lot easier this month as the weather is calm and balmy with the temperature rising as high as 2.7 Degree Celsius. This season is great for touring Khumbu, given the scenic views with lush green forests and blooming wildflowers.
It’s rare for climbers to climb Island Peak in winter as the season experiences icy cold weather. Heavy snowfall is possible at a higher altitude with temperatures dropping up to -15 Degree Celsius in a day.
While it’s relatively less frigid in the valley, the mountain is frost-bound. Temperatures are much cooler throughout the season but from late February, the weather starts to warm up. Quite the opposite is the weather in Summer as climbers have to endure the hot and dry days.
Apart from the high humidity and temperature, you’ll also have to deal with the murky trail caused by heavy rainfall. As soon as the monsoon starts, the weather becomes unpredictable with most places witnessing flash floods. Days are gloomy most of the time, so you won’t be able to walk freely.
Food and Accommodation
In Khumbu, the options of accommodation types are endless. It provides the visitors with a good selection of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses for a one-night stay. These accommodations will fit into our travel in different ways.
While most of these dwellings are available across the region, a few of them may not be found in higher altitudes. For this very reason, many trekkers prefer teahouses as they are more accessible and have the facilities required.
They feature the basic amenities that will put you in comfort. Most of these local teahouses in Khumbu have a shared bedroom containing a bed, blanket, and pillow. But it’s not necessarily that all teahouses have a common room as many of them are ready to offer the visitors a single room with extra services.
Compared to other accommodations, teahouses are simply cheaper with a cost of around US$10 to US$20 per night. They are also available at a higher altitude, so the options are relatively better and more familiar.
As for the food, most teahouses and lodges favor classic Nepalese dishes to offer visitors. You’ll never be imposed for healthy food, with rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles being the country’s most loved items.
While these foods are simple, they are delicious and hearty. These Nepalese dishes will field us up and provide enough energy to keep going. If you want to treat your tastebud to something other than regional cuisine then try other Asian dishes or western food like stir-fried noodles, pizza, dumplings, and so on.
Planning and Preparation of Island Peak Climbing
As tough as it sounds, Island Peak Climbing isn’t difficult climbing. Indeed, the climb is physically demanding with a strenuous climb, but it doesn’t have a lot of technical sections as compared to other peaks in the Himalayas. The mountain has moderate hiking trails with some steep ascents and moderate inclines.
Climbing the Island Peak summit is probably the hardest part of the trial, given the extensive mountain ridges and steep ice slopes. Hence, the climbers have to come well-prepared for the hike as it requires great strength and stamina.
The climbers have to be physically fit and strong to walk the mountainous terrain. They have to be trained at least a month before the hiking challenge and keep the track of the fitness schedule.
It’d be much better if you get some cardiovascular exercise into the fitness regimen as it helps prevent health risks during travel. Do as much backpacking as you can, especially on a varied trail with several ups and downs.
Study about the weather conditions at the mountain, particularly at the time of your hike. Know the trails before the hike and the possible challenges they bring. This will make the climbers less stressed about the hike and make the travel easier.
Mental training is quite important for any climbers adventure, but mostly for Island Peak. It helps the hikers to overcome the challenges even at the worst of times. Mental strength will allow you to face difficulties more resiliently and adapt to the environment out of your comfort zone.
To build mental strength, you have to study the itinerary of Island Peak. You must also prepare the climbing gear based on the climbing difficulty. Avoid anxiety and stay focused on the trail otherwise, it’ll be hard to finish the climb.
Equipment
Climbing equipment is pretty much the most decisive element for Island Peak Climbing. Everything you do on the expedition relies on the gear you have. Without proper climbing equipment, you might face difficulty in the middle of climb.
So, while buying the climbing gear, you have to be extremely careful. It’s better to make the list of items you need and buy as per it. With this, you won't miss any equipment required for hiking.
Difficulties of Island Peak Climbing
1. Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is real and it’s experienced by many hikers climbing Island Peak. They are greatly affected by the low atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes, which often causes an impending health hazard. Due to continuous climb and low oxygen levels, trekkers develop various symptoms like headache, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue.
2. Poor Preparation
Mountain climbing can be overwhelming for climbers, especially those who have never climbed the summit before. Visitors who’re new to hiking can easily over or underlook the difficulties and stay unprepared. They may also not bring enough supplies with them, which makes the hike incredibly difficult. Climbers ascending Island Peak may also fail to bring appropriate clothing and equipment due to the poor knowledge and information about the climb.
3. Weather
Hiking in any extreme conditions, especially in an unpredictable environment can be a major problem for hikers. Their changing weather and temperature can make the travel extremely difficult and exhausting.
Therefore, climbing Island Peak have to be incredibly careful while going at higher altitudes, particularly during winter. They may suffer from blisters and other health risks while climbing the mountain in winter.
As the temperature continuously falls when you go to higher altitudes, the weather changes quickly. You’ll experience cold weather with strong wind storms and snowfalls in winter, making it tough to hike the mountains.
Those who ascend Island Peak in winter suffer from blisters while walking the snowy trails. Therefore prevention has to be taken before climbing the mountain, especially in winter. They have to bring appropriate clothing and equipment to avoid the bad weather effects.
4. Fatigue
Walking the endless trails of Island Peak can be physically and emotionally draining for climbers. They can get easily exhausted by walking the uneven trails with many steep slopes and ridges. As the route to Island Peak is continuously upward, climbers are more likely to get tired even after a short walk.
Therefore, climbers have to train themselves before setting out on a climb to Island Peak. Drinking enough water will help you avoid getting dehydrated, which usually makes you tired.
Trip Cost US$ 2200 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Private Transportation to and from the airport- hotel- Airport.
- Kathmandu Hotel stay for two nights with BB Plan
- All-natural park and conservation area entrance fees
- Special Climbing permits
- trekking permits.
- First aid kits with oxi-pulse meter.
- Porters to carry your luggage, one porter among two trekkers.
- Salary for staffs
- Full insurance for all crews.
- All necessary paperwork and government taxes
- Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu flight
- All meals of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek and climbing, Cup of tea , coffee during the breakfast.
- Seasonal fruits.
- Accommodation at Tea House, Lodges, Hotel, and Camping during the climbing Period.
- A professional English speaking guide for trekking and climbing, one climbing Sherpa Guide among two members during the climbing.
- Sleeping bags, Down Jackets, Walking poles, Duffle bags if you do not have your own.
Cost Excludes:
- International Flight fare
- Climbing gears
- Food charges other than itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Visa charge
- Tipping costs for staffs
- Personal expenses
- Personal climbing equipment.
Start Date - End Data | Status | Cost | Book This Trip |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can we get a visa in Nepal?
You can get a visa upon arrival in Nepal at the airport. The travelers can get their visas after filling the form and providing all the proper documents required. The visa costs depend upon the duration of stays in the country.
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you can fill in the visa-on-arrival form and go for the processing. After filling up the form at electronic booths and presenting proper required documents, you will get necessary documents like an original passport with six months of validity and two copies of passport size photos.
You should also get the required money for the visa based on the duration of your stay. The number of days in your itinerary determines the cost of your visa. You can also extend your visa at an added cost.
What is the maximum point of the Island Peak Climbing itinerary?
The maximum point on this peak climbing journey is 6189 meters.
Is Island Peak hard to climb?
Climbing Island Peak difficulty is relatively easy compared to other snow-capped mountains in the region. However, this peak climbing adventure requires some technical knowledge as there are some technical sections in this peak climbing adventure. However, with packing, training, and preparation, you can summit Island peak with ease.
How are the routes of this Island Peak?
Island Peak routes pass through the same paths of Everest Base Camp to some extent. So the trails are pretty similar till Dingboche, and then it gets remote till we arrive at the Island Peak Base Camp. The rocky and rugged route that moves uphill and downhill can make this climbing Island Peak difficulty very challenging.
Do travelers need training before Climbing?
Island Peak is ideal for beginners but not extreme beginners as there are some technical sections in this trek. Having some knowledge about climbing gear and equipment is essential. However, travelers should get half-day training with proper gear and equipment. So, travelers should get adequate training from professional guides and expert climbers.
What is the best time to climb Island Peak?
The Island Peak climbs in Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). The weather remains stable, and there are moderate temperatures. These seasons also provide you with incredible views of snow-capped mountains from the summit of Island Peak.
Is Island peak climbing with EBC possible?
Yes, Island Peak Climbing with EBC trek is possible as you can trek to the Everest Base Camp. Then, summit Island peak and then return.
What are the permits required for Island Peak Climbing?
The essential permits include the Pasang Lhamu Entry permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Permit. A trekking information management system is not necessary for this trek in the Everest region.
Are there technical sections of this Island Peak?
Island Peak is not as technical as other snow-capped mountain peaks in the region, but there are some technical sections in the climb. The trekkers should also need proper training gear and equipment.
Is Island Peak expedition possible without a guide?
Island Peak Climbing is a proper mountain peak climbing adventure. Therefore, a professional guide is essential for proper training and safety measures that you need to follow to tackle risky conditions during the climb. Therefore, this peak climbing adventure is not possible without a guide.
Our oxygen cylinders required for this Island peak expedition?
The Island peak expedition does not need the oxygen cylinder as it is a small-scale climb with less altitude. However, there is supplementary oxygen provided by the team in case of emergencies.
What are the chances of altitude sickness along the trail?
As this is a high-altitude trek, travelers are prone to altitude sickness. Since you will travel to above 6000 meters, you will need to acclimatize well and have proper rest and diet. Hydrating well during this trek is also essential to avoid altitude sickness. Travelers can also take Diamox tablets to tackle altitude sickness.
What is the cost of Island Peak Climbing?
This peak climbing expedition costs around USD 2000 per person. The cost also depends upon the duration of the itinerary.
What are safety protocols during this expedition?
There are complete safety protocols during this peak climbing adventure. There are medical first aid facilities as all our crew members have proper training in these matters. There are evacuation facilities on a helicopter as well.
Is travel insurance essential for Island peak climbing?
Yes, travel insurance is a must for high-altitude mountain peak climbing like Island peak. This travel insurance must cover medical emergencies, injuries, thefts, loss, cancellation, and others.
What are the climbing gear and equipment required?
It is essential to get climbing trekking gear and equipment for this peak climbing adventure. However, you can also rent them in the Thamel area in Kathmandu.
How much tip is essential?
The tipping cost should be around 10 percent of the total cost. You can tip guides and porters, kitchen staff, and others.
What are the essential Packing Lists for Island Peak Climbing?
Clothing
- Trekking boots
- Waterproof trekking shirts
- Waterproof trekking pants
- Full Sleeve shirts
- Pair of Sandals
- Warm hat
- Down jacket
- Woolen gloves
- Socks
- Umbrella/ Raincoat
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Toilet Paper
- Moisturizer
- Sanitary pads/ Tampons
- Lip Balm
- Face towel
First Aid
- Diamox tablets
- Water purification tablets
- Antibacterial sanitizer
- Paracetamol
- Anti-nauseant
- Imodium
- Mosquito repellent
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Solar chargers
- Sleeping Bag
- Extra batteries
- Playing Cards
- Power banks
- Map
- Notebook
- Books or Kindle
Important documents
- Travel permits
- Passport
- Travel insurance
How do train for Island Peak Climbing?
Island Peak expedition is an incredible adventure in the Everest region in Nepal. The training regime requires various mountaineering gears, including safety harnesses, crampons, fixed ropes, ascenders, etc. Moreover, a basic level of stamina and fitness is also a must for this peak climbing adventure.
These training regimes will help you successfully summit the mountain. They will also help you with strengthening your endurance level, fitness, and stamina. This training regime should start at least two weeks before your expedition.
Physical training
Physical training for any high-altitude peak climbing is a must. These physical activities help you gain endurance, strength, and stamina for strenuous trekking and peak climbing.
Physical training will also help you gain muscles in the arm, shoulder, and back. You should also train based on the itinerary and duration of your stay in high-altitude conditions. Climbers also gain muscles in the shoulder, arm, and back.
The training regime should also include a protein-rich diet and hydrate regularly. If you take regular medications for a pulmonary-related illness, you should consult your physician in advance.
Cardiovascular exercises
Cardiovascular activities like hiking, running, cycling, swimming, paddling, jogging, and others are essential before this trek. Moreover, these exercises help you tackle acute mountain sickness and altitude sickness. Climbers will also get strength for their hike and help them tackle muscle strain. It will also reduce injuries by increasing your flexibility through these aerobic exercises.
Mental preparation
Mental preparation is an essential part of any training regime for a high-altitude peak climbing adventure. A positive attitude is essential to keep you motivated to reach the top of the summit. Climbers also get an overall idea of the peak climbing adventure if they take practice hikes.
Besides that, you can also ask veteran mountain climbing experts for their insights on Peak climbing in Nepal. This way, you can stay motivated throughout the trekking adventure.
Do I need any Tips while Climbing Island Peak?
- Acclimatization and hydrate regularly during this trek
- Hire a professional guide and porters for this peak climbing expedition
- Take Diamox tablets to cope with altitude sickness
- Avoid alcoholic beverages along trek as that can further lead to altitude sickness
- Check the forecast of weather conditions before starting your trek
- Advance book all the meal and accommodation facilities
- Walk gently at a steady pace
- Get travel insurance with proper coverage above 4000m
- Carry protein bars, chocolate bars, granola bars, and other snacks to munch on during the trek
The Final Say
The peak climbing adventure of Island peak is one of the best adventures in Nepal. The Island Peak summit provides you with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Mt. Nuptse, and others.
Moreover, various cultural heritage sites will enchant you. The cultures, traditions, and heritage will fascinate you. Overall, Island peak climbing is an outstanding adventure in a tiny Himalayan nation.