Trip Details
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Destination: Nepal
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Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
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Trip Style: Peak Climbing
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Transport: Domestic Flight
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Food: American Plan Basis
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Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge & Camping Tent
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Group Size: 2-12 Pax
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Max Elevation: 6,160 M
Island Peak Climbing is one of the popular peaks climbing in Nepal. Summiting Island Peak is a great choice for beginner trekkers. Moreover, many trekkers and mountaineers summit Island Peak before summiting major peaks like Everest and Kanchenjunga as a warm-up. Island Peak Climbing is little challenging than the Everest Base Camp, yet the view it presents is totally worth climbing.
This adventurous journey will include beautiful dense forests of rhododendrons, juniper, oak, birch & conifer, lovely small rivers, thrilling suspension bridges, picturesque villages & valleys, moraines, and lots of ascends & descends on steep, rugged, icy, and rocky paths. You will get to see panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Nuptse (7,861 m), Mt. Thamserku (6,623 m), Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Mt. Pokalde (5,806 m), and many more. Locals of this region are generally Sherpa, Rai, Limbu. They have their own dialect, tradition, culture, and way different lifestyle than us.
In 1953, the southwest summit of Imja Tse (Island Peak) was first climbed as part of a training exercise by a British expedition team that went on to summit Mt. Everest. However, the main summit was climbed by Hans-Rudolf Von Gunten and two unknown Sherpas (member of Swiss team who second climbed Everest after Tenzing & Eadmund and first climbed Lhotse) in 1956.
Best Time to Summit Island Peak
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) is the best time to summit Island Peak. During Spring and Autumn, the region presents captivating views of the mountain landscapes and trail also become extremely beautiful. You can also go on this trip during winter but the harsh cold weather might not fit for everyone.
Food and Accommodation during Island Peak Climbing
During Island Peak Climbing, you will stay in 2 or 3 stars hotel in Kathmandu and in lodge/camp during the Island Peak Climbing. All the rooms will be on twin sharing basis. You will only get breakfast in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu. While on the trek the food will be served according to the menu of the lodge. During your stay in camp, food will be prepared and served by the crew members.
Similarly, drinking water is easily available everywhere. You can carry reusable water bottle and water purification tablets to double check the quality of waters. We highly encourage you not to buy water bottle during the trip as it helps in preservation of the region.
Is Island Peak Climbing difficult?
Island Peak Climbing is a strenuous journey in the Himalayas. Island Peak Climbing will provide you with the ground knowledge and experience before going on an expedition to the world's highest mountains.
You don't need to have prior trekking experience to do this climbing. However, every day you have to trek for around 5 to 6 hours, and on the day of the summit, you are also needed to trek 8 to 10 hours a day, which does require strong physical fitness, determination, and good stamina. We will also provide you with pre-climbing training where you will learn proper use of gears like harness, crampons, rope, are, extra that will help you boost your confidence.
Achievement after Island Peak
Island Peak Climbing will let you know the basic mountaineering skills. You will get to experience the enchanting beauty of this isolated region along with the tradition and lifestyle of the locals. You will learn to work as a team player, survive in the extreme region, and make new friends. You will return with the lifelong memories that will stay with you forever.
Useful Information
Why to climb Island Peak with Sherpa?
Since, Sherpa homeland is at the Himalayas, they are stronger than us at altitude. They live at the high altitude for their daily process. Their body supports well at high altitude, so they are very well suited for the alpine style expeditions in the Himalayas. You will need them to carry your gears and to guide you on the summit push. Mera Alpine Treks provide a well trained and experienced guide during the Island Peak climb.
The Sherpa are usually happy and easy going. Sherpa are a valuable aid to us, as the climb is hard enough for you anyway, if not being genetically adapted to that kind of altitude by birth. They are experienced and skillful about the consequences of the mountains. Sherpa are the people who will always look for your safety first while climbing.
What safety measures do we need to follow while climbing Island Peak?
Climbing to reach the top of a mountain is a rewarding experience. Along with the thrills of climbing itself, mountain summits often offer sweeping views and uniquely solitary environments.
However, it’s very important to understand the physical reaction of your body while at high altitude. Some of the important tips are to use the right gear while climbing and to have enough time for acclimatization and to climb cautiously. Also, to have proper medications that you may need while climbing.
How long does it take to climb the Island Peak?
Trekking and climbing to Island Peak depends on the itinerary that you would like to follow. Basically, it can be done within 13 days plus arrival and departure day. The journey for the island Peak begins with a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Then, you will trek to Namche Bazaar via Phakding. The Island Peak lies in the Khumbu region at Chukung Valley. You will reach there after passing through rhododendron forests, bamboo forest as well as pine forest which adds pleasant and pleasure to your trek. You can add 3 to 4 Days more for sight trip of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp treks can be complete within 17 Days and more than that too.
Is there any facility of Wi-Fi, device charge and hot shower?
Since you will be in the remote areas as well as mountain region, Wi-Fi might not work everywhere. However, most of the lodges offer Everest Link Wi-Fi with a little charge. Mera Alpine Treks suggest you not to rely on Wi-Fi during Island Peak Climbing
You can charge your mobile phone, camera, and electronic device in lodges. But you need to carry your device charger. In most of the lodges provide running hot shower facility during Island Peak Climbing. Also know that there will be common washroom in the lodge and tea house.
What permits are needed to climb the Island Peak?
You need a climbing permit to climb the Island Peak. You will need permits to enter the Sagarmatha National Park too. On the route, there are regular check points and you have to show your permits to pass through them. You will need these two permits as well Local Everest Region Area permit and Island Peak Climbing Permit.
Is there any chance of getting altitude sickness?
Yes, there are risks of getting altitude sickness, as you will be reaching above 6000m. It depends on the person, how s/he is going to react to high altitude regardless of their fitness and experience. Therefore, we recommend that you should possess the knowledge about altitude sickness and its symptoms. And, be cautious about how your body is going to react while gaining altitude. We Mera Alpine Treks provide information about High Altitude Sickness Advice.
Is it necessary to have insurance while climbing the Island Peak?
As it involves climbing above 6000m, it does make various risks which all need to be considered when deciding on what insurance to buy for the duration of your visit. Travel insurance is must for any travelers who decide to climb the Island Peak as even small injuries can create a nightmare that proves to be quite costly. So, please make sure your travel insurance policy covers all the events and environment associated with the Island peak climbing. Nonetheless, you need to send us your copy of insurance policy or carry it with you while you are on the trip. So to enjoy your trip without any worries, your travel plans should always incorporate with insurance policies.
How Mera Alpine will help you if flight get delayed or cancellation?
Domestic flights can be delayed or get cancelled due to the bad weather. If such case happens, we Mera Alpine Treks helps to take next possible flight ticket. If your trek is disturbed by flight, you can choose other alternative options. If you wish to make alternative arrangement such as a helicopter flight, Mera Alpine Treks helps for booking. But you need to pay yourself for extra charges while the flight get delayed or cancelled.
What are the equipments that are needed for climbing the Island Peak?
You should bring all your travel documents and clothing as well that are essential for climbing. Some of the equipments that you carry may not meet the standard for the cold weather temperatures you will face on the trek. So, it is better to consult with experienced travelers. Also, if you forget to bring something, you can hire or buy after arrival. You can hire your require climbing gear at Chhukung. Here, are the lists of equipments that are essential for climbing the Island Peak.
What preparations should I make before climbing Island Peak?
For a successful climb, your physique plays a crucial role. It might take you a year or a month to prepare yourself for the climb. Your previous experiences on mountaineering are also important. A secret to success is your ability to adapt to the lack of oxygen and your technical experiences. While adapting to a mountain environment, you must cope up to live in a tent at cold weather and maintain your health. Keep your mindset positive and determined, and then you will get succeed.