Destination
Nepal
Accomodation
Tea house/ Lodge/ Camping
Duration
11 Nights and 12 Days
Max. Elevation
6189 meters
Meals Included
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Best Season
Spring and Autumn
Grade
Challenging
Overview
Assorted under the trekking peaks by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the island peak is the most popular climbing peak among others. This peak is near Mt.Everest so many climbers with a motive to mount Everest exploit this peak as a training peak. People and the local natives may recognize it by another name, Imja Tse.
This peak lies in the Sagarmatha National Park in the Solukhumbu district of eastern Nepal. With an altitude of 6189 meters, the trek to Island peak is a blend of flora and fauna and the majestic and grand views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, such as Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Lhotse, Everest, etc.
This trek traverses through several culturally enriched villages and stops at Namche Bazaar, a gateway to the Everest region for acclimatization. Moreover, this peak was used by legendary climbers Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in 1953 as a training peak before conquering the unsurmountable Mount Everest.
The peak gained its name Island peak because it is surrounded by a great south wall of Mt.Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse to the north and Mt. Baruntse to the south. Also, the island peak can be perceived vividly from Dingboche, and when viewed from there, the peak is surrounded by an ice sea resembling an island. So, Eric Shipton named the peak "Island Peak".
The main highlight of the expedition is a 360-degree panorama of many of the highest mountains in the world, such as Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m), Lhotse Shar (8,383m), and Makalu (8475m) from the top. Furthermore, the climb is a bit technical and not exceptionally hard, so this peak can be mounted easily with a little knowledge about the gear and technical ideas, and the Cost and Itinerary during the best climbing time are mentioned below.
- The most famous peak among the trekking peaks, assorted by the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
- Indulge in the outstanding view of the Himalayas like Mt.Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, etc.
- Feel the culturally and religiously enriched Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, etc.
- Explore the unspoiled part of the Khumbu region, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and Khumbu glaciers.
More About Island Peak
The paths of this trek were brought to light when Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary used this peak as a training peak before becoming the first person to set foot on the summit of invincible Mount Everest. The paths are still used to the present date. Still, many climbers use this peak as a form of training before a hike to Everest.
Similarly, the trails follow the Everest Base Camp Trek so that the expedition can be modified easily. We will get many opportunities to explore ancient and untainted villages, floras, and faunas. In addition, we get a glimpse of the cultures and traditions recited by the natives of the Khumbu region.
Furthermore, the majestic and enchanting views of the grand Himalayas along the way, glaciers, and Sagarmatha National Park has added more to its never-ending charm. Moreover, EBC with island peak climbing is a viable alternative trek because we get more opportunities for acclimatization. Also, we can hike up towards Kala Pathhar and Base Camp, which can be counted as a training or trial before attempting the Island Peak.
Best Time to Climb Island Peak
Like treks, the Spring and Autumn season is considered the prime time to soar high up the Island Peak. From September to November and March to May, the weathers are favourable and suitable, and the skies are clear with a minuscule amount of fog, so the views of the high Himalayas are as clear as crystals. However, the routes may be more overcrowded than in any other season. Similarly, the trails expect fewer climbers during the monsoon and winter seasons. The courses are muddy and slippery due to rainfall, and the chances of weather change are very high. The fog hampers the views of astounding vistas of mountains and landscapes. Likewise, the temperature dwindles to minus during winter so we may be prone to cold-related diseases such as frostbite, freezing, etc. Unlike Mera Peak, climbing island peak requires a few technical ideas about climbing. This climb is not applicable to beginners; only those with prior experience trekking to 5000 m above altitude can overcome this summit. Because of the crevasses and glaciers along the route, we may need climbing equipment like ropes and ladders. Moreover, we need basic training for climbing and a general idea about the usage of gears and tools required for mounting. Also, we are soaring to a high altitude of 6000 m plus altitude, so the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness are all-time high; because of that it is better to acclimatize well during resting days. The most vital thing is to climb with experienced climbers, guides and porters and listen and comply with the instructions of guides and climbers. With a professional mountaineer guide, this trek can be easily beaten. The cost of the permit varies according to the season. Such as the climbers must pay US$ 250 per person during the spring season ( March to May), whereas the price plunges to US$ 125 during the Autumn season ( September to November). Also, climbers need to pay just US$ 70 during winter. Similarly, the climbers are imposed US$ 60 per person as a local area permit fee, Sagarmatha National Park entry fee, and TIMS card fee. A healthy reminder the trekkers require travel insurance for the permits. After you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will have a free day to prepare all the gear, clothes, and equipment required for the climb.How Hard is Island Peak Climbing?
Permits Required for Climbing
Island Peak Climbing Itinerary
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day 1
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2860 m) and trek to Phakding (2610 m)
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day 2
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
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day 3
Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
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day 4
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m)
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day 5
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 m)
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day 6
Trek from Dingboche to Island Base Camp (5100 m)
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day 7
Acclimatization and Preparation at Island Base Camp (5100 m)
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day 8
Climb to Island Peak summit (6189 m) and back to Island Base Camp
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day 9
Trek from Island Base Camp to Dingboche (4410 m)
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day 10
Trek from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar (3440 m)
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day 11
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla Village (2860 m)
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day 12
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
Island Peak Trek Map
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Schedule flight tickets for the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight
- Domestic airport transfers and taxes.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (Climbing Permit, National Park permit, Local Area Permit, and TIMS)
- All government and local taxes
- An experienced English-speaking Trekking/expedition Guide (Govt. registered), Cook, and Assistant Climbing Guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide).
- Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter)
- High-quality North Face or Mountain Hardware or similar sleeping tent, kitchen, dining, toilet
- tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment during the climb
- Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) followed by a cup of Tea/Coffee during the trek and climb.
- Safe Drinking water
- One-hour Trekker's Massage upon completion of the trek
- All mountain accommodation (Last night private room with independent bathroom/hot showers in Kathmandu.)
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Company T-Shirt and Broacher
- Trekking equipment, such as a down-filled sleeping bag and duffel bag
- Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- $500 deposit for Garbage to NMA ( Fully refunded in condition )
- Expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural disasters, political disturbance, strikes, change in government regulations
- Personal Climbing Gear ( like Climbing Boot, Crampons, Ice Axe, Jummer, Harness set, Carabineer, Figure 8, Tap Sling )
- Personal climbing guide, if requested
- Deserts (cakes, bakes, and pies)
- Any packed food and snacks
- Additional Hot Drinks/Bottled drinks
- Boiled/mineral water
- Electronic device re-charge/Hot shower/Wi-Fi
- Personal nature & Laundry expenses
- Travel insurance and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips and Gratitude to the trekking crew
- Anything that is not mentioned in the 'Cost Included' section