Trip Highlights

• Opportunity to be in the lap of Mt. Everest.

• Two remarkable viewpoints names Kalapathar (5550m) and Chukung Ri (5550m).

• Walk through the ecologically distinct Sagarmatha National Park.

• Amazing views of  Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Amadablam, Mera Peak, and many more.

• Technical parts to smooth climbing skills for novice climbers.

• Be in the land of traditional Sherpa village and experience their culture and hospitality.

About The Trip

Island Peak, also called Imja Tse is located in the Everest Region of Nepal near the Tibetan border. This peak is elevated at an altitude of 6,189 meters and an extension of Lhotse and Everest. Island Peak is surrounded by Lhotse Glacier, Lhotse Shar Glacier, and Island Peak Glacier. It seems like hanging solitary in the glacial sea from distance, so it is named Island Peak. 

Overview     

The Island  Climb is a strenuous but rewarding trek that takes you all the way to the summit of Island Peak at 6189 m with its panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu among others. Also known as ImjaTse, this trail located in the  Imja valley of the Everest region takes you to one of the highest climbing peaks of Nepal. This physically challenging yet technically basic climb is the perfect introduction to mountaineering for anyone that is interested but inexperienced in the field.

As you ascend into the top of Khumbu Valley, it is enhanced with a climb up to Chukhung Ri for a mesmerizing view of the south wall of Lhotse. Further our main objective is to ascent top to Island Peak which is a classic 6000 m peak that was climbed by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing back in 1953. Before the ascent, you will learn many skills on mountains at high altitudes including glacier travel, scrambling, and moving on snow and ice terrain. During the summit day, you will have to cross across ladders, crevasses using jumar to ascend fixed-line and descender to come back. Our permanent and highly experienced climbing guides fix new ropes for you. The ultimate climb up to 50 to 65 degrees faces about 150 meters to the summit ridge.

From the peak, you can see a magnificent prospect of the immense Himalayas like Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse central, and Lhotse Shar. This makes a semi-circle in the north. The staggering views of Makalu (8,475 m), Baruntse (7,129 m) in the east, and Amadablam (6,812 m) in the south. Not to forget the existence of Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas.

Island  Peak Climbing Route

Our journey begins with a flight to Lukla airport where we breathe in the first of the mountain air. We then start trekking to Phakding, where we camp for the night, and then to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest. We spend a day trying to acclimatize to the thinning air and then move on towards Tengboche. Making our way through Pheriche anschauung, we reach Island Base Camp. We pass through numerous Sherpa villages on the way and get some insight into their culture and lifestyle.

From basecamp, we steadily scramble up the icy slope all the way to the summit which sports breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Mt. Nuptse, Baruntse, and Mt. Amadablam among others. Once our main objective is accomplished, we steadily descend down to base camp and head towards Dingboche.

The name ‘Island Peak’ now makes sense to us as we set our sights back on the peak that looks like an island in a sea of ice from Dingboche. Our journey is now over as we finally retrace our steps all the way back to Lukla and catch a flight back to the capital.
 

Best Time for Island Peak Climbing

It is advised that you attempt this trek anytime other than winter (December - February) and Monsoon (June - August). The climb will become perilous due to heavy snowfall, rainfall, landscape, and the cold winds and temperatures can be quite harsh.

Spring and Autumn are considered the peak season for trekking and climbing in Nepal. There will be stable weather along with crystal clear skies and splendid views of mountains. So, these are the recommended times to attempt the Island Peak Climbing. 

Autumn is the best time to climb Island Peak. September, October, November are the months of the Autumn season. September is the first month of the Autumn season that comes just after the departure of the Monsoon season. So, there might be light rainfall during early September. There is greenery everywhere during the autumn season because the raindrops of the monsoon season wash all the dust from vegetation. The streams, waterfalls, rivers, ponds, and lakes come into life after the Monsoon season.

Spring is another best season to do Island Peak climbing. March, April, and May months fall in the Spring season that welcomes thousands of trekkers and climbers to Nepal. Spring is an unbeatable time for any adventure. Spring is the season of blossoming wildflowers and green vegetation. The trails to the Island Peak are elegantly decorated with several and multicolored flowers and plants. The terrain view is just wow when spring with wide-spreading rhododendron and oak trees.

Can I Climb Island Peak

Many adventure seekers ask about Island Peak Difficulty. Island Peak can be summited for most of the people who have technical training and good physical condition. You must have an amazing acclimatization schedule to adjust your body to the high altitude. 

The key to success to hit the summit is to prepare yourself for the climb. You must be ready before 3-4 months by enhancing your physical fitness. You do not need such climbing experience to attempt Island Peak. While climbing you must cope with living in a tent and maintain personal hygiene. Keep mindset in a positive light and you are already moving towards success to summit the peak.

Permits for Island Peak Climbing

You will need to have different permits to summit the Island Peak. Those permit fees are used for the sake of safety for trekkers and the environment too. We suggest you acquire the permit from associated trekking agencies. Below are the permits you will need:

Local (Everest Region) Area Permit: USD $20

Island Peak climbing permit cost according to the four seasons:

March, April, and May: USD $250

June, July, and August: USD $70

September, October, and November: USD $125

December, January, and February: USD $70