Highlights of Island Peak Climbing
- Climb on the Island Peak situated at an elevation of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet).
- Experience the thrilling adventure while exploring the Khumbu region of eastern Nepal.
- Witness the majestic panoramic mountain view of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many other surrounding peaks.
- Walk through the diverse Himalayan flora and fauna including the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated, Sagarmatha National Park.
- Visit ancient monasteries and immerse into the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Sherpa people.
Imja Tse is one of the most famous climbing peaks in Nepal. It stands in the Everest Region and reaches a height of 6,189m. And it is popularly known as Island Peak. Eric Shipton’s party has given this name in 1951. As the peak resembles an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. Later in 1983, the peak was given the Nepali name Imja Tse.
The peak was first ascended in 1953 by a British team as part of their preparations for climbing Everest. Tenzing Norgay was one of the members of the first ascent team. The peak is actually part of the south ridge of Lhotse Shar and forms a semicircle of cliffs. The cliff rise to the north of Nuptse, Lhotse, Middle Peak, and Lhotse Shar.
Expeditions to the peak can either go by road to Jiri and then by trail to Solu Khumbu or fly to Lukla. A day’s trek from Lukla takes you to the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. Another day’s trek reaches the town of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest’s base camp. The best idea from here is to continue to either Everest Base Camp or Kala Pattar, at 5545m, from where there is a famous view of Everest.
Either trek is good for acclimatizing before the climb of Island Peak. One very good trek for acclimatizing is to walk along the Gokyo valley. Before moving on to Chukhung we cross the Chola pass, visiting both Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp. From Chukung it takes a 5-hour trek to reach Island Peak Base Camp at 5200m.
The camp is in a small valley with Island Glacier on the right. From Base Camp, we climb steeply up to 5500m. Basically, the climb takes about 3 hours and set up a high camp. From there the climb is rocky at first, then after across a glacier, with crevasses, to reach a final steep ascent to the summit. They have fixed rope for the final summit climb.
Island Peak Climbing Difficulty
Island Peak Climbing along with trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Pathar is an difficult journey. The trek duration also ranges between 18 to 20 days. Trekkers have to be physically and mentally prepared to complete the trek. You have to be prepared to walk around 6 hours a day on average on varied terrains.
Trekkers need to be physically fit. The trail requires you to ascend and descend on uneven terrains. Similarly, there are also technical climbing sections that include steep snow, glaciers, and ice slopes. While climbing on the Island Peak summit, it requires the use of mountaineering equipment like crampons, ice axes, ropes, etc. Therefore, you need some basic knowledge of using this equipment.
Aside from the terrain, elevation also adds to the Island Peak difficulty. The highest point of the trek is 6,189 meters above sea level. As you ascend to the higher elevation, the oxygen level drops. As a result, many trekkers get exposed to altitude-related sickness. Gradual ascend and adequate acclimatization are crucial for reducing the risk of altitude sickness. The weather conditions can also change rapidly at higher elevations.
Therefore, trekkers need to be prepared in every way for Island Peak Climbing. It is also important to prepare proper equipment and gear for more comfortable and safe trekking. Trekkers should take on training, exercise, climbing, and hiking to physically prepare themselves. Likewise, learn about the challenges of trekking and develop mental resilience.
The Island Peak Climbing will push the endurance and stamina of trekkers. So, prepare yourself and learn about the difficulties beforehand so that you can undertake the Island Peak Climbing challenge.
Best Time For Island Peak Climbing
The weather and climate differ dramatically depending on the season. Hence, you must choose the right season and months for Island Peak Climbing. The best times for Island Peak Climbing are from March to May and September to November. Here are the reasons why:
March to May
The March to May months fall in the spring and pre-monsoon season. The temperature in the daytime is moderate. However, the temperature at night and higher altitudes is cold. As the months progress, the temperature gradually becomes warmer. The skies are clear and provide excellent views of the surroundings. There are low chances for rainfall and the snow begins to melt. Hence, the trails are safe for trekking.
September to November
September to November is the ideal time for Island Peak Climbing. These months fall in the autumn season which is a peak season for trekking all over Nepal. Similarly, it also falls in the post-monsoon season. The rain washes away the dust and the air in the autumn is crisp. Moreover, the visibility is excellent. The climate and weather are stable and favorable. Meanwhile, the temperature at night time and higher elevations are cooler.
Accommodations and Meals During Trekking
There are tea houses and lodges along the Island Peak Climbing route. These accommodations provide basic facilities and limited amenities. The rooms are usually on a twin-room sharing basis. Similarly, these places generally have communal dining areas and common bathrooms. You may also find rooms with attached bathrooms. For a night or two, trekkers will have to spend nights in tents.
As per Himalayan Leaders’ 20 Days Island Peak Climbing itinerary, your accommodations are arranged in a lodge. For two nights at the Island Peak Base Camp and Chukung, we will camp in a tent. Your accommodations while in Kathmandu will be arranged in a hotel.
Meanwhile, your meal except for lunch and dinner in Kathmandu is also included in our 20 Days Island Peak Climbing package. The dining for camping days is also arranged by the agency. The package includes 3 meals a day which is served as per the lodges’s menus. Lunch and dinner will usually include Dal Bhat, a staple Nepali cuisine.
Dal Bhat consists of rice, lentil soup, and a variety of side dishes (vegetarian or non-vegetarian). It is a perfectly balanced meal that is filling and energy-refilling. The breakfasts may include Tibetan bread or chapatis, porridge, eggs, tea, or coffee. You can also find food options like momo, noodles, sandwiches, etc. Similarly, you can also buy snacks (personal expense) but they cost more than regular prices.
FAQs
Is Island Peak Climbing for Beginners?
The Island Peak Climbing is a challenging trek not generally recommended for beginners. It requires a high level of fitness and requires a certain level of mountaineering skills. Similarly, the long duration of the trek, the difficult terrain, and the high elevation points make it a challenging climb for beginners.
Do I need permits for Island Peak Climbing?
Yes, you will need four different permits for Island Peak Climbing. You will need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality (KPRM) Entry Permit, and Island Peak Climbing Permit. Himalayan Leader’s 20 Dyas Island Peak Climbing package includes all the permits.
What is the highest elevation point of Island Peak Climbing?
The highest elevation point of Island Peak Climbing is the summit itself. It sits at an elevation of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level. The challenging climb rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic mountain view.
Do I have to hire a porter for Island Peak Climbing?
The decision to hire a porter for Island Peak Climbing is personal, it is highly recommended that you hire one. The trek is physically demanding. Thus, carrying a heavy backpack further adds physical strain. You will get exhausted quickly and the altitude can add the acclimatization challenge. For a comfortable and baggage-free trek experience, it is best to hire a porter.
What kinds of accommodations are available while on a trek?
There are tea houses and lodges available on the trek route of Island Peak Climbing. The rooms are usually on a twin-room sharing basis. Similarly, shared bathrooms are also common. These accommodations provide basic facilities like beds and blankets. They also serve meals but the menu options can be limited.
Note: B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner