Island Peak Climbing
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trip info
Duration
17 days
Max Altitude
Island Peak 6189
Difficulty
Difficult
Starts from
Kathmandu
Trips Ends at
Kathmandu
Activity
Accommodation
Meals
Weather
°C
Group Size
Best Season
Region
Everest Khumbu Treks
Island Peak Climbing Overview
The Island Peak Climbing is one of the most popular climbing journeys in Nepal. This Journey is perfect for energetic and physically fit climbers who have a desire for adventure.
Island Peak, located at 6189 meters above sea level is also known as Imja Tse in the local language. The name Island Peak was given by English mountaineer - Eric Shipton in 1951. The name Island Peak is justified as the peak is located isolated in the center surrounded by glaciers that descend from tall mountain peaks above 7,000 m and 8,000 m.
Island Peak has been climbed by many people since time immemorial (including Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary) and at some point in time, became the preferred climbing peak who seek a challenging route.
The peak rises from the Lhotse glacier from the southern end and the peak summit captivates you with its marvelous panoramic beauty and most appreciably, you will get a standardized viewpoint to peek at Mount Everest up close.
Island Peak climbing expedition can also be considered as the training grounds for peaks above 7000 meters. Climbing Island Peak is physically hard but not technically challenging and is perfect for those who wish to expand their experience toward mountain expeditions.
Standing on the summit of the Island peak gives you a feeling of accomplishment. From here you get stunning views of the southern faces of Everest and Lhotse. You also get to see Ama Dablam and Makalu.
Our journey starts with an adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The walking begins right away from Lukla and goes through Phakding to the Dudh Koshi valley following through Namche, and then Tengboche to Dingboche. Finally, we move downwards to Chhukung and upwards to the Island Peak Base Camp and prepare for our venture.
Peak climbing requires lots of practice as well as involves crossing the crevassed glacier and extensive use of gears such as ladders, jumar, ropes, and traversing through the snowy terrain. On our 17-day itinerary, the 10th day is dedicated to practicing climbing techniques using proper gear, and the following day we summit the peak.
Island Peak Climbing Highlights
- The Island Peak Summit at 6189 meters and the views from the peak
- Side trip to Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters & Kalapatthar at 5545 meters
- Amazing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, Taboche & Lobuche from Kalapatthar
- The biggest monastery in the Everest Region, Tengboche Monastery at Tengboche
- Magnificent vistas of Khumbu Icefalls & Glaciers
- Traditional Sherpa settlements, friendly Sherpa people, and their unique and rich Tibetan Buddhism culture, tradition, custom, lifestyle, and hospitality
- Discover the unique flora and wildlife on the trail inside the Sagarmatha National Park
Island Peak Climbing Difficulty
The Island Peak Climbing is considered a moderately challenging journey. It is especially appropriate for individuals who enjoy trekking and want to start mountain climbing.
Depending on the detours, the journey will take 14 to 19 days to accomplish, with only one or two of those days set off specifically for climbing. Daily, the trip on hills and difficult terrains takes an average of 4 to 6 hours. Another difficulty is crossing the glaciers, rivers, rough terrain, and mountain passes. You will have to climb for 12 to 13 hours on the actual summit day, covering a distance of around 10 miles. Hence, the climbers need prior high-altitude trekking experience. No prior climbing expertise and proficiency in fundamental mountaineering techniques are mandatory because the team will provide pre-climb instruction.
The highest altitude you will reach during the Island Peak Climb journey is at the Island Peak top at 6189 meters above sea level. Also, you will be spending many nights above 3,000 meters in elevation. As a result, there are chances of being affected by the symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Hence, we should take measures of prevention such as acclimatizing, hydrating, getting enough sleep, etc. The use of Diamox or any other altitude sickness medication recommended by a doctor also helps. But if the symptoms are severe, your guide will make the right decision for you.
Bad weather also adds challenges to your trip. So, you should always choose the best time for your trip’s success.
Best Time to do Island Peak Climbing
When traveling, choosing a good time to travel always helps, increasing the likelihood of success and creating happy memories that last a lifetime. Island Peak Climbing is possible all year long but we advise embarking on this trip in either the spring or fall when the splendor of this trek is at its most stunning.
In spring, the trekking trail offers breathtaking views of mountains, dense woods, vivid meadows, and blooming rhododendrons. The weather is sunny, warm, and pleasant, with a clear view of the Himalayas and a beautiful blue sky. The temperature rises to 15 to 17 degrees Celsius during the daytime while it drops to -10 degrees Celsius during the nighttime above 4,000 meters.
Autumn is also the best season because of its dry and stable weather. Being the post-monsoon season, autumn/fall provides clear vistas of the valleys and the Himalayas. It is a little colder than the spring especially but is bearable. The temperature is pleasant, ranging from 0 to 15 degrees. By the end of November, nighttime lows of -15 degrees are not uncommon.
The summer/monsoon is not the ideal time for the Island Peak Climbing due to the muddy and treacherous routes caused by the heavy rain. The summer trekking is unproductive in terms of weather too. Similarly, avalanches and landslides are the two potential natural calamities that can occasionally make the trip dangerous.
The months of December, January, and February are considered winter as well as off-season months for the Island Peak Climbing. But, with the right preparation, equipment, and assistance from a qualified climbing guide, it is possible, especially during December. December is the ideal month if you enjoy trekking in isolation and prefer peaceful terrain.
For details: Best Time to do Island Peak Climb.
Permits to do Island Peak Climbing
Climbers are required to obtain the following permits to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak
1. NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) Permit
2. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
3. Local Area Permit (Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit)
All these permits are included in the package cost.
Itinerary Detail
What is Included / Not Included
- All Airport transfers as per itinerary
- Ground Transfer as per the itinerary mentioned above
- 3* Standard Category accommodations in Kathmandu
- Daily Breakfast at Hotel in Kathmandu
- Tea House/Lodge Accommodations during the Hike and Base Camp
- Meals - Breakfast Lunch and Dinner along with Tea/Coffee during the Trek and Climb
- National park permits and Trekking permits
- Peak Climbing Permit/Royalty
- An Experienced Trekking & Climbing Guide as per Itinerary
- Well-equipped English-speaking trekking guide
- Certified & Experienced Climbing guide and supporting crew
- All Wages, food, accommodation, and travel insurance for the guides and support crew
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit
- Welcome/farewell dinner
- All applicable taxes and surcharges
Accommodation during the Island Peak Climbing
Himalayan Trekkers provides 3-star standard category hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on a twin/double sharing basis. However, you have a wide range of selections from 3 to 5-star hotels, basic lodges, and even hostels. You can also opt. for the single supplementary at an additional cost.
During the trek and Island Peak Climbing, you will be spending the nights in the trekking teahouses with minimal amenities. The rooms will be furnished with a bed, mattress, blanket, and pillow as a bare minimum on a twin-sharing basis. In the upper locations, you might have to share the restrooms and toilets.
Similarly, in areas where trekking lodges and teahouses are not available, we provide lodging in tent camps.
Meals during the Island Peak Climbing
Himalayan Trekkers will offer all three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—except the lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, which have a wide variety of dining options.
After Namche Bazaar, your options become increasingly limited. The most well-known dishes in Nepal are noodles, dumplings, flatbreads, potatoes, fried bread, mushroom soup, butter tea, and the staple, Dal-Bhat-Tarkari (lentils, steamed rice, and seasonal vegetables).
Whenever we use tented accommodations, our tent cooks will provide you with freshly cooked meals.
Drinking Water during the Island Peak Climbing
When trekking for more than 4 to 5 hours each day in high altitudes, drinking water is crucial. Fluid intake should be increased because dehydration is a very typical occurrence. Bottled water is available, although it can cost twice as much at higher altitudes. You can thus bring a filtering flask or purification pills in addition to a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the various natural springs and taps you come across along the way. Boiling water is available in tea shops, although it costs extra per liter or pot.
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