Island peak climbing is a small and mythical trek in the Khumbu region. The Island peak also known as Imja Tse has an altitude of 6119 meters from sea level.
The mountain gets the name “Island Peak” in 1952 AD by Eric Shipton’s group. With its best location in the middle of the Chhukung valley, It seems as if it’s the Island on a sea of ice from Dingboche. The Island peak areas are the extension of the ridge which comes down from the south end of the Lhotse Shar. It lies hardly 10 kilometers away from Mount Everest.
This trek is a fabulous climb through green grassland along with the fabled view of Mount Everest. This trek is for those people who love Adventure Mountains in their real form covered by snow and ice. The highlight of this trek is a stunning view of different high mountains like Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest’s north face from Kala Patthar. This place is called the island peak because earlier it used to look like an island in the sea of ice. Compare to other mountain peaks in Nepal island peak is slightly difficult to trek.
This trek is long and takes about 20 – 21 days to complete with proper acclimatization. You will need to get some special training and experience to do this trek. Sir Edmund Hillary who was the first person to climb Mount Everest also has trekked this place as an experience and training for Mount Everest. The distance between Mount Everest and the island peak is about 10 km.
This adventure allows you to behold the never-seen-before locations ranging from mountains, glaciers, backpacking, and famous mountain trails. The Island peak climbing offers you enough chance to enjoy the fantastic view of Mt. Everest, including several other similar peaks, and explore the Buddhist monasteries and shrines along with extraordinary wildlife. The path, Chukkung RI, and Kalapathar are more essential for the classic views of icefalls and glaciers of the Mahalangur Himalayan range.
Imja Tse/Island not only provides an enjoyable climb but also offers some of the different spectacular scenery of the Himalayas in the Khumbu region including the Mt. Everest 8848 m, Mt. Nuptse 7,855 m, Lhotse 8,516 m, Makalu (8475 m) in the east, Baruntse 7720 m, and Mt. Amadablam 6856 m in the south.
This island peak climbing expedition offers terrific trekking through the high Khumbu region. It fit, enthusiast person is welcome to join the team. Sensational views of an array of high snow-capped mountains, dramatic landscapes, verdant steep valleys, Buddhist culture, warm, friendly hospitality of Highlanders, pristine lakes, breathtaking viewpoints, in the heart of world’s heritage ‘Sagarmatha National Park’ are the critical features of Island Peak climbing that will be your once in a lifetime experience.
You can observe centuries-old Nepalese and Tibetan cultures during this trek. You will get to witness the majestic view of the mountains, glaciers, backpacking, and famous mountain trails. Going through different remote villages of the Khumbu region like Tokyo, Namche Bazar, Dzongkha, Tengboche, and Chukung will make you closer to the local people. You will spend two nights in the island peak base camp.
From there you will have a panoramic view of the high snow peak mountains. You will also get to see different rare animals like pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk deer throughout this trek. Sagarmatha national park which is enlisted by UNESCO as the world’s heritage site also falls under this trek. The best season for trekking to the island peak from March to May (spring) and from September to November (autumn). We will arrange the best package for island peak climbing for you.
Island peak is one of the prominent climbing peaks in Nepal with an altitude of 6,189 meters. Island peak is also commonly known as Imja Tse. This peak is surrounded by many high mountain peaks like Mera Peak, Pokalde, Louche East, and the highest mount Everest. The Island peak appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche that is why this peak is named Island peak by Eric Shipton. This peak is also referred as “trekking peak “because this peak is one of those few mountain peaks in Nepal which is accessible without the logistic of a major operation and does not require a huge mastery of winter and trekking skills.
You will have two different options from where you can start the island peak climb. one is from the base camp at the altitude of 5,087 meters which is also called Pareshyaya Gyab. Another option is quite famous and more preferred to reduce the amount of time and effort for climbing Island peak which ascends to High camp at an altitude of 5,600 meters. You might have a little trouble with a proper water supply and food in the higher altitude region, so you will have to plan your trek according to that.
The real glacier travel begins from the top of the gorge and up to the sloppy ice and steep snow. For the ascent of the mountain, there is a rope fixed set at almost 100 meters to the submit for the trekking. From the top of the island peak, you will get an exotic view of mount Everest and several other mountains on the side of mount Everest like Lhotse and Mount Makalu.
Island peak trekking will provide you a great chance of experiencing mountaineering especially for beginners for climbing other high mountains. for climbing island peak you will not be required any types of special mountaineering experience. The journey to the island peak will provide you a beautiful glance at the natural and cultural beauty of the Khumbu region. Island peak is also surrounded by a sea of the glacier of sea and mountains from seven and eight thousand meters heights.
The majority of trekking peaks in Nepal can be submitted within 1 or 2 days but there are lots of technical difficulties that can make your trek hard. island peak was firstly climbed in 1956 by a team that was experienced and is familiar with climbing techniques for climbing the great Mount Everest. This submit is falls on the moderate level of trekking because of the ice and snow all over the trail. you can get a breath-taking view of mysterious mountains like Ama Dablam (6,856) and Makalu (8,481 m). the ascent to island peak might be a little hard for the trekkers but the descent is very easy and fast. While trekking at island peak you will get a chance to walk through the countryside where you will immerse in the old and centuries of Gurung, Sherpa, and Tibetan cultures.
The major highlights of island peak climb are standing at the top of island peak at an altitude of 6,189 meters. From the top of this peak, you will bet the closest view of mountains like Makalu (8475 m), Baruntse (7129 m) in the east, and the famous expedition peak of Ama Dablam (6812 m) in the south. This peak is physically challenging and a bit hard but once you stand at the top of the island peak you will forget all the pain and difficulty. You can take pictures and enjoy the view of the mountain all around.
Things to know before trekking to island peak
Of course, the island peak is very much safe to trek despite some difficulty. So, the safety and comfort of the trekkers throughout the trek are high. Besides that, some of the difficulties of this trek can be minimized by taking pre-trek training. You will be provided with an experienced and trained guide. While island peak you will be knotted tightly with your trekking guide and following your guide’s instruction you can complete this trek easily.
While traveling in the mountains you will need to carry many things with you. The things that you need to carry for this trek includes Climbing boots, Backpack (daypack), Sleeping bag, Headtorch, Water & windproof jacket, Shirts and t-shirts, Thermal base layers, Sun hat & sunglasses, Gloves, Thermal bottoms, Socks, Trekking trousers, Water & windproof trouser, Water bottles Sun cream & lip balm and Personal toiletries. For trekking, you will need to carry a Tape sling, Gloves, Carabiners, Prussik loop, Ice ax, Climbing Harness, Ascending device, Descending device, Crampons, and climbing helmets and boot.
there are many courses and training that you can take before trekking to the island pea. However, it is not a compulsion for this trek. The training you should do to prepare for your island peak climbing trek depends on your current level of fitness and any medical conditions. That is if your acre physically strong then you do not need to take training some yoga and basic physical exercise will be enough but if you are not physically strong then you will have to take some climbing courses. We suggest for climbing island peak you can do a minimum of five times per week, an hour each time, doing activities such as hill walking, cyclin ruining and strength work.
As there are fewer facilities in the higher altitude area of Nepal. There is a limited number of hospitals or any kit of medical services on the trail to Island peak. So, while hiring a guide trekking companies check whether he/she have passed the medical course or not. Trekking guides are well trained for any kind of emergencies. Since the priority is the health and safety of trekkers, if a fellow trekker in your group needs to descend, then an assistant guide would go with them. If there arise serious emergencies then evacuation would be by helicopter.
Climbing the Island peak requires trekking training along with physical exercise before training. This trek is very difficult to climb because of snow all over the trail. While climbing the trek you will be connected by rope with your guide, but do not trust that rope connection entirely. Having a rock climbing experience might be helpful for this trek.
This is a skin problem caused by the freezing of skin and underlying tissue. Frostbite can happen in the hands, legs, and ears due to extreme cold. The normal temperature on the island peak is -15 to -20 degrees Celsius. To minimize frostbite, you will have to keep your body warm and not reveal any body part.
Island peak climb trek goes through different villages so you do not have to worry about the place for accommodation and food. You will find a variety of food in the lower altitude region but as you reach to Khumbu region you will not find much variety of food. We can have Nepali, Sherpa, and some western food like chips during this trek. You must eat the right food which proves you with the energy for trekking. In addition to this, there are many shops throughout the trail that provide snacks, sweets, and chocolates.
You will be very comfortable with the hotel’s ad lodges in the Khumbu region. You will need to carry sleeping bags adjustable for any season with you as you will be camping in the mountains. For camping, you will be provided with a foam mattress. Also, hotels and lodges are full during peak seasons like spring and autumn season so do not forget to book your trek early. Make sure you eat warm food which will help you do complete this trek fast. Moreover drinking lots of water will help you to be complete this trek very fast.
Island peak is definitely achievable for most people. Though climbing an island peak is hard, it is worth it after you get the view of the high mountains. You must make a positive frame before trekking. But adequate preparation is required.
or the trek. Physical and technical training is very important before the trek. Rock climbing, mountain climbing, and camping experience will be helpful for this trek.
Doing physical exercise include swimming, yoga and basic exercise before 6 months of the trek will be beneficial for the trek. also, this trek needs more time to complete so, make sure that you plan this trek in such a way that you will have 2 -3 days to adapt to the temperature. Trekking island peak is not for people who have a breathing problem or any other health-related problem.
The following is some advice for the Island Peak Climbing Equipment list. You can choose the packing list as per your interest, elevation, season, and requirements. Most of the equipment can hire in Kathmandu. remember to pack light.
Climbing gears
Clothing
Accessories
Toiletries
Extras/ luxuries
Others
Duration: 19 Days
Elevation: (6200m)
Trek Grade: Difficult
Joining in: Kathmandu Nepal
Location: Everest Trekking Regions.
Best time: March to May and September – November are the best seasons.
Guide: Government certified hiking/Trekking & Climbing Guide.
Lodging: Twin sharing tea house/guest house accommodation private room. Tented camping will be done on the journey during the trek and climbing.
Food: Breakfasts Lunch and dinners (typical Nepali cuisine – vegetarian option usually available)
Day 01: - Greetings at Kathmandu Airport, transfer to hotel.
We will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel. As you freshen up after your long journey, we have a short meeting about our climbing and trekking program. We will introduce your trekking guide and discuss the equipment needed for the trekking. If you arrive at night, we will have a meeting the next day early morning after breakfast.
Day 02: - A full day recreational tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley
Today after breakfast We have a tour of Kathmandu valley. We will visit Hindu Temple Pashupatinath, the Buddhist monastery of Swyambhunath, very ancient and enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath. On the journey back to the hotel, you can explore the local areas, gullies, and lifestyle.
Day 03: - Flight from KTM to Lukla and trekking to Phakding (2652m)
Take a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or in season time from Ramechhap, with a 35 to 40-minute flight takes us to Lukla a region of Eastern Nepal. During our flight, it gives us unforgettable views of the terraced landscape and river valleys below. Today we trek to Phakding in an easy and flat up and down trail.
Day 04: - Phakding trekking to Namche Bazzar (3440m)
After breakfast, we will trek to Namche Bazar. Today walk is in the forest of pine, juniper, and magnificent rhododendron, ending your nature-filled journey at Namche Bazaar. The trail today is mostly climbing uphill at the end part after Jhorslle. We trek about 6 to 7 hrs from Phakding. On the way enjoy the best view of Mount Everest, Kusum Kangaru, and other mountains.
Day 05: - Acclimatization day in Namche
Today enjoy the rest day in Namche Bazaar. It is a big village to explore around and day hiking trips to Khumjung, Khunde, Everest view hotel gives you the best scenery. We can enjoy our time along with the friendliness and hospitality of its local Sherpa people. Visit the local museum which displays the area’s native flora and fauna as well as the history of the Mount Everest region.
Day 06 - Namche Bazaar trek to Tengboche
Today we are trekking to Tengboche Village about 5 hours of trekking. Tengboche (3870m), This village is scattered across a vast, grassy saddle below a crescent-shaped ridge covered by scrub pines and firs. Let’s enjoy the are awe-inspiring views of distinctive peaks like Amadablam (6856m), standing proud of the massif containing Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7861m), Lhotse (8501m), and inspiring views of Himalayan giants. After check into the local guesthouse, you have time to visit the Big Monastery in the Khumbu region.
Day 07 - Tengboche trekking to Dingboche ( 4360m)
Today We will enjoy walking through the forest of birches conifers, and rhododendrons. As we follow the river northward, the trails pass through several Chortens and mani walls and small villages. We get the best view of Mt.Tawache, Ama Dablam, and to the north-Pokalde (5741m), Kongma-Tse (5820m), and the high wall of Nuptse. Dingboche is also the gateway to Chukung and farther beyond for the most challenging traverses towards the Makalu area. We enjoy the beautiful array of fields enclosed by stone walls to protect the barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. Overnight stay in Dingboche.
Day 08 - Rest day at Dingboche
Today is our second rest day of the trip. We can opt for a day hike trip to hike to Chhukung or Nagarzhang Peak. Chhukung quite longs 4/5 hours hike so better you can go for more near the place and Nagarzhang peak.
Day 09 - Dingboche Trekking to Lobuche (4940 m)
Today we are trekking higher to Lobuche village. We will climb more than 500m height today about 5 km distance.
Today our trek starts with a steep climb first and follows the long flat with the shadow of Mout Taboche and Cholatse. We trek above the river valley which follows the Khumbu Glacier at the foot of Mt Everest. Every direction gives rise to spectacular mountain panoramas on our today journey.
If you are trekking in the main season time this trail is quite busy with many trekkers. The Himalayas are ever-changing and rockfalls and erosion give up the mountains’ prizes and glittering crystals can be seen on and around the trails. We pass the small villages of Dugla can stop for lunch or a short break and finally heading to Lobuche, overnight at the local lodge.
Day 10 - Lobuche trek to Gorakshep. Afternoon visit Everest base camp and back to Gorakshep.
Today our trekking will include a challenging climb past the Khumbu Glacier, arriving in Nuptse. We cross the Changri Glacier before arriving at Gorakshep and then enjoy the highlight of reaching Everest Base Camp.
We start our journey with the slightly ascending trek alongside the Khumbu glacier and get to the Gorak Shep. Gorakshep is the human settlement of Mount Everest EBC Trek. We have a break here have lunch put our backpack pack in our tea house and trek further to the Mount Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5380m. If you are traveling in Springtime April to May, you can see groups of mountaineers camping and preparing for climbing Mount Everest at the base camp. You can see the different types of rocks at this high altitude. Afterward, you will trek back to your hotel in Gorak Shep for staying overnight.
Day 11 - Gorakshep trek to Kalapathar and trek down to dingboche
Wake up early morning and hike up to the best viewpoint of the whole Everest region trekking Kala Patthar [5555m]. The views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains are beautiful as usual but the views from the summits of Pumori, Lobuche, or Nuptse are better from here.
We return to Gorak Shep and trek Dingboche (4350m). the way down is much easier than going up. we are a short ascent when we reach the Thokla pass where you also see the Everest sherpa memorials. These small are built for the memory of Sherpas and climbers who died in the region during their climbing period. From here the trail goes steep descent. the last part of the trail for almost flat terrain until you reach a ridge just above the large village of Dingboche.
Day 12: - Dingboche – Chukung (4760m)
Today trail gently goes up from Dingboche on a wide valley without green trees and forests. We descend gradual walks up the Imja Khola valley to Chukung, a small summer settlement. We have lunch at Chhukung, check your equipment list with our climbing guide, and we trek to Island peak base camp from here.
The path from Chukung goes steep down to the climbing south, then turning east to the mainline of the valley. It then storms slung or underneath the south side of the valley from the Lhotse Glacier. The trail follows the moraine of the Lhotse glacier to the snout of the Imja glacier, where it branches to the east and skirts around the base of Island Peak. Stay overnight at Island peak Base Camp.
Day 13 - Weather Day if incase bad weather
Today is the weather day for us if in case of bad weather for our climbing.
Day 14: - Island Peak Base Camp High Camp (5600m) Summit and back to base camp
Start the journey early morning and we are heading to Island peak camp. After a small flat part, we will strike off left up the steep hillside. During our climbing on the hill, We will see that the slope narrows and the path enter a steep rock channel, from here, The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. A 60 meters high wall is the only difficulty on the expedition, and a final ridge leads to the summit of Island Peak. The hill is a classic and leads quickly to the east up to the main summit at 6189m. From the summit, there are fantastic views across to Lhotse to the north, the Amphu Lapcha and Mera Peak to the south, and Ama Dablam to the west. After congratulations and photos, we then head back to Base camp.
Day 15: - Island Peak Base Camp to Tengboche
We will have a long day journey back to Chukung and Tengboche today. On arrival at Chhukung, you can stop for tea or lunch breakfast. Today we will catch some missing views of the Everest range during return pathworking. the trail descends from Chhukung in the alpine desert and back into landscapes of pine forests. Walk down to the valley from where the trail is shallower through alpine meadows. Before reaching Tengboche need a final steep uphill climb.
Day 17: - Tengboche to Namche
Tengboche offers splendid views of Mt. Amadablam, lush green hills, and river views. We trek down to the Dudh Koshi River and cross the suspension bridge. from here we trek onwards to the Kyanjuma, the junction of the trinity ways to Gokyo Valley, Khumjung village, and Namche Bazar. Dense wildlife of some species of Pheasants, Himalayan Griffons, Musk deer, and wild goat can be found in abundance inside the rhododendron forest. you can enjoy the view in the evening and also explores the small surrounding area with magnificent scenery.
Day 18: - Namche Bazaar trekking to Lukla via Phakding (2652m)
Final walking day after your Island peak climbing. not easy for your kee today as the first part of the trail is a steep downhill. After crossing the suspension bridge we have more rest for our knees as the trails turn to flat down. Today’s walk is mostly in the rhododendron and pine forests with the view of distant snow-covered peaks before arriving in Phakding. Enjoy your lunch here and continue for another 3hr easy and gentle trail back to Lukla. Enjoying the lush green and down part of the mountain scenery. You can see the small settlement of local houses of Sherpa People. You will have a rest or if you are not tired enough to stroll around the local areas.
Day 19: - Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
More exciting after the long journey and get back to city life for a better hot shower and delicious food. (It also can be an extra day in case of bad weather in Lukla, which makes the Lukla flight delayed and cancel.) In the evening, you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show exchanging greetings among friends and with all Nepalese people. You can buy some souvenirs. End of our service here.
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Trip Duration
19 Days
Destination
Nepal
Group Size
2-10 pax
Accomodation
Tea house/Tent
Maximum Altitude
6200m / 2840 m
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Meet Mr. Puru Timalsena Nepal best trek and tour organizer has been working in the Himalayas more than 15 years, Puru had lead the trips to most part of Nepal, Ti bet, Bhutan and India.
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Island peak falls on the Khumbu region which is almost 50 miles west of Kathmandu. People often tend to trek island peak because it is the nearest peak from Kathmandu. Eric Shipton was the first person to name and discover this place. This peak was also climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary while he was training for climbing Everest base camp. Island peak is located at an altitude of 6196 km from sea level.
The best time to climbing the island peak is during the autumn and spring season. The weather during this season is just perfect and you will get the best view of the mountains. There is very little chance of precipitation during the spring and autumn season. The tail is also filled with rhododendron and oak trees. The days are also quite warmer which will be easier to trek. Many Nepali festivals also fall during this season so you will also get to know about the different cultures of Nepal.
There are a trekking and climbing permit that you will need to have before climbing the island peak. You will need to have a document of the Nepal Mountaineering Association for climbing Island peak. Also if you plan to trek Sagarmatha national park then you will need to have a separate permit.
The distance between Kathmandu and the island peak is only 50 miles. But trekking to the island peak takes more time to complete. This trek can be complete within 20 – 25 days. You will have to trek slowly with proper acclimatization. Your trekking days depend on the weather condition of the island peak.
Island peak climbing offers an excellent opportunity to climb the Himalayas. We are offering you the best package. The cost to climb the Island peak with a permit, meals, guide, and other essentials is USD 2400 per person for a minimum 2 person group. you need to add your personal cost to it. It is an easy peak climbing in Nepal of course, physically challenging; however, it is not technically.
Island peak climbing trips are about 3 weeks with Everest base camp trekking. If you are trying only for climbing from Base camp to base camp it is 2 days task. We suggest you have enough time so that you can acclimatize well, plan nicely, and can reach the top easily.
Climbing the Island peak is no easy task but if we compare it to other peaks and mountains in Nepal it is not hard to climb also. The most important thing is you need to plan well, trek slowly, and make a comfortable itinerary. We will help you to plan the Island peak wisely and make it easier for you.
Actually, we cannot see the summit of Everest from the top of the Island peak at it is in the behind of Lhotse. The best views from the summit of Island peak is Mount Amadablam, Lhotse, and Mera peak.
