All you need to know about Island Peak Climbing | Expedition in Nepal

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Island Peak Climbing is one of the famous expeditions and suitable for people who are interested to feel the adventure within the Everest Region. Excitingly, the beginning of this peak climbing is itself very thrilling.

The climbers have to land in one of the most dangerous as well as beautiful airports in the world, Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla. The peak is 6,189 meters and is protected by the beautiful, highest peak of the world, Mt. Everest.

Hence, you can experience the beautiful view and strong wind from the snow-capped mountain with the highest elevation point of 5,545 meters.

The Island Peak was first climbed by a Swiss Team in 1956 A.D. However, it got its name in 1953 when members of Eric Shipton’s party saw the peak from Dingboche and it appeared as ‘an island in a sea of ice’.

Moreover, the peak is used as an alternative for warm up by the people who are trying to climb Mt. Everest. Therefore, the peak is sometimes called mini Mt. Everest.

Attractions of Island Peak Climbing

You can explore the Khumbu Valley and observe the surrounding which is quite mesmerizing. Observe the beauty of spectacular mountains such as Amadamlam, Makalu, Nuptse, Peak 38, Dingboche, Lothse, Island Peak, and Chhukung valley.

Similarly, enjoy the panoramic view of the top mountain of the world, Mt. Everest and other mountains too.

This expedition is for someone who is very adventurous and wants to have some thrilling experience. Therefore, one can have a great time climbing the peak and looking at what they have achieved.

Also, this is one of the easiest peak climbs in Nepal. So, it will be easy the climber even if it’s their first time.

Outline Itinerary of the Expedition

1^st Day: Arrive in Kathmandu

2^nd Day: Trip Preparation and Shopping

3^rd Day: Fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,184ft) then trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft): 40 min flight, 3-4 hours trek

4^th Day: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft): 5-6 hours

5^th Day: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,283 ft): Acclimatization Day

6^th Day: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5- 6 hours

7^th Day: Tengboche to Pheriche (4,200m/13,776ft): 4-5 hours

8^th Day: Pheriche to Lobuche (4,930m/16,170ft): 5-6 hours

9^th Day: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,594ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5170 m/16,961ft): 6-7 hours

10^th Day: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5545m/18,192ft) and Dingboche (4410m/14470 ft) ): 7-8 hours

11^th Day: Dingboche (4410m/14470 ft) to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft)

12^th Day: Chhukung to Island Peak base camp (5,200m/17,060ft): 3-4 hours

13^th Day: Island Peak base camp to Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,305ft), back to Chhukung.

14^th Day: Reserve day

15^th Day: Dingboche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft):

16^th Day: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft)

17^th Day: Fly to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)

18^th Day: Rest day

19^th Day: Fly back to home

Few Tips on Climbing Island Peak

Carry the Right Gears

The first and foremost important thing is to carry the necessary equipment and the right clothing for your expedition. Without proper gears, you can’t even survive the cold snow let alone be the whole climbing.

Include enough rest day/ acclimatization period in your itinerary

One needs to properly acclimatize while ascending towards the high altitude. If not then you can suffer from altitude sickness and other problems. Furthermore, rest is equally important for your performance.

Get proper training and briefing

Before going for the expedition, learn the necessary things that you should do or you shouldn’t do at the location. Practice and get proper training because it will make this expedition easier for you.

Be careful with head-wall and summit

There are head-walls in different places and also before the summit ridge. Hence, the expedition can be quite difficult without a proper guide and porters. Furthermore, you should be careful and hire a good porter for the journey.

Have a positive attitude!

The place is very cold obviously! Also, there are no teahouses and lodges around this area so you can get frustrated. But you need to have a positive attitude and keep your goal in your mind.

Gears Required for the Expedition

Harness

Adjustable Ski/Trekking Poles

Locking Climbing

Clothing

Small Screw Gate Lockers

Double Plastic Climbing Boots

Crampons

Gaiters

Heavyweight wool or Synthetic Socks

Ice Axe

Wool Hat

Backpack

Hand Sanitizers

Sleeping Bags

Gloves

Headlamp

Ski Goggles

Reusable Water Bottles

Toiletries

First Aid Kit

Torch

Food

Swiss Army Knife

Maps

Binoculars

Best Season for climbing Island Peak

Spring season i.e. March-May and Autumn season i.e. September-November is the best season for this peak climbing. During these seasons weather conditions are perfect in Nepal. December-January can be exciting and adventurous if you can endure snowfall and harsh cold climate.

Are you excited about Island Peak Climbing?

The peak climbing can be rough if you don’t have proper knowledge about the expedition. Also, there are little to no accommodation facilities in these areas.

That’s when we come in!

We will arrange everything you need for this peak climbing. Furthermore, we will also provide a rescue team in case of emergencies.