Island Peak is the peak to aim for if you want to scale Mount Everest or an eight thousand-meter summit. A perfect peak for novice climbers and alpinists, Island Peak offers the right opportunities to sharpen your skills and increase your confidence. The peak rises to 6,189 meters Island Peak, locally called Imja Tse, is a well-known trekking summit within the Everest Region. It was the first climbers who climbed this mountain in 1953 included Tenzing Norgay Alf Gregory Charles Wylie as well as Charles Evans. The credit for naming the mountain Island Peak goes to British mountaineer and explorer Eric Shipton. The name was coined because the mountain appeared to be an island that was and is surrounded by a chain mountains.
The peak is classified as a trek peak by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Island Peak is a popular choice for beginner and experienced climbers. Because the summit is able to be reached at the camp base in an entire day, the majority of climbers choose to use it for acclimatization purposes or to practice climbing before taking on the 8000-meter giant of Mount Everest. The summit is also considered to be one of the most suitable mountains to begin Himalayan summit climbing.
While previous climbing experience is not required, it could be beneficial if someone had previously climbed before climbing Island Peak. This climb can be physically demanding and one must be in good physical shape to be able to climb it. Ten or more hours of strenuous climbing and walking are required to reach the top and back on the summit day.
It is possible to walk through ice, rock and snow anchored to the man rope. Ladders are used to traverse crevasses. The climb to an ice wall that is 300 metres high prior to getting to the top is most difficult and most challenging part in the climbing. You will need to climb with ascenders and fixed rope. The descent down the section is equally difficult and you must be very careful when climbing down. A hike along an exposed ridgeline will take one to the top. From Island Peak's summit Island Peak summit, you have a view of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Baruntse, and other mountains. Although Mount Everest lies close to Island Peak, it is not visible due to the massive wall of Lhotse obscures the mountain's views.
The path from Island Peak follows the common Everest Base Camp Trek route. It is the only distinction is that, starting from Dingboche you follow the route up to Chukkung instead of trekking more to Lobuche. Island Peak Base Camp Island Peak Base Camp lies only a few minutes' walk from Chukkung. The day is spent in the pre-climbing training on the ground. Train your abseiling, beinglaying and rappelling techniques using Jumars, karabiners, as well as descenders during the course.
The journey begins with a flight from Lukla. The flight to the small airport that is surrounded by mountains will be a memorable one. You'll meet your porter along with other personnel in the terminal. After sorting your bags and handing over the bulky things to your porter you'll begin your trek. The route passes through an area known as the Dudh Koshi Valley as well as those Sherpa village comprising Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chukkung, and Pangboche. Your time at these towns will provide you a glimpse into the Sherpa culture and their culture.
The path is lined with Buddhist sacred shrines and prayer wheels. The bridges constructed of steel and trees that are along the way are decorated with beautiful and vibrant prayer flags. It is a must to visit the largest Buddhist monastic site in Khumbu located at Tengbochethe Tengboche Monastery. Take in the first glimpse of Mount Everest on the trail through Namche Bazaar. These villages as well as the trek trail are situated inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trekkers can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Himalayan mountains and the surrounding nature when you trek.
Island Peak Climbing is not just a climb, but is a great Himalayan trekking experience too. The trek trail is well-maintained and easy to walk. There are no technical moves to be made when trekking. Along the way you'll spend your evenings at teahouses owned by Sherpa families. They are similar to large and comfortable homes for families. In Island Peak Base Camp, you'll stay in a tent camp.
Arrival Kathmandu 1,350m/4,429ft
Fly to Lukla then trek to Phakding 2,800m/9,187ft 3-4 hrs
Phakding to Namche Bazaar 3,438m/11,280ft 5-6 hrs
Namche Bazaar : Acclimatization Day 3,438m/11,280ft
Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 3,870m/12,697ft 5-6 hrs
Tengboche to Dingboche 4,360m/14,305ft 5-6 hrs
Dingboche to Chhukung 4,730m/15,519ft 3-4 hrs
Acclimatization: Climb Chhukung Ri and trek back to Chhukung 5,546m/18,196ft 3-4 hrs
Chhukung to Island Peak Base camp 5,200m/17,061ft 3-4 hrs
Pre-Climb training on Island Peak Base Camp 5,200m/17,061ft
Island Peak Base Camp to Island Peak Summit, back to base camp 6,189m/20,306ft 10-12 hrs
Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche 3,985m/13,075ft 5-6 hrs
Pangboche to Namche Bazaar 3,438m/11,280ft 4-5 hrs
Namche Bazaar to Lukla 2,800m/9,187ft 6-7 hrs
Fly to Kathmandu 1,350m/4,429ft
Final departure
