Island Peak Climbing with EBC

Detail About Island Peak Climbing with EBC

Go beyond trekking in Nepal and join our team on the 19 days Island peak climbing expedition in the Everest region. Embark on an exhilarating journey amidst towering mountains, remote Sherpa villages, and beautiful river valleys.

Island peak climbing is a beginner-friendly, affordable peak-climbing expedition in Nepal. Following our Island peak climbing itinerary, you will also trek to Everest base camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft), which will help in acclimatization. It is one of the most adventurous and daring ventures in the Everest region for trekkers who want to step their feet in peak climbing.

The Island peak climbing with Everest Base Camp is quite popular among adventure lovers. Island peak is not technically challenging, but the difficulty level is graded as Alpine PD+. It means climbing Island peak is very physically demanding. So even if you are a beginner climber, you have to be physically strong to do Island Peak Climbing with EBC trek.

Among all the trekking peaks in Nepal, Island peak is one of the best. The journey is thrilling and culturally enriching at the same time. You will be unwinding and enjoying the surreal mountain panoramas at the same time while pushing yourself and testing your limits. Away from the modern world, the Everest base camp with Island peak climbing lets you dwell in nature and untangle your thoughts.

Known as Imja Tse in Nepali words, the Island peak name was given by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary during their 1953 Mount Everest Expedition. Standing 6,189 m/20,305 ft from sea level, Island Peak is a stunning mountain to climb. The trekking part before the summit push will prepare your body and mind for the strenuous journey ahead. You will be meeting with locals and learning about their lifestyles simultaneously as you traverse the uneven trails.

We take two acclimatization days in between the trek and do three to four short hikes. Hotel Everest View (3,962 m/13,000 ft) and Nagarjuna Hill (5,100 m/16,732 ft) are two major acclimatization hikes along with Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft). All these to get ready for the climbing part. Every day stores a surprise for you, and the landscapes only get better. The hiking routes are generally uneven and trodden.

Along with the five eight-thousanders- Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft), and Makalu (8,463 m/27,766 ft), the trail offers views of numerous other mountains. Some of them are Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft), Kangtega (6,782 m/22,251 ft), Khumbila (5,717 m/18,757 ft), Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), etc.

Climb Island peak with EBC trek in Nepal

Before we climb Island peak, you will trek to Everest base camp and Kala Patthar. This hike will help you acclimatize before pushing towards a much higher altitude to the Island peak summit. So for the first nine days in the mountains, we will be trekking through Sherpa villages and lush forests.

The trek begins from Lukla (2,846 m/9,337 ft), and we will follow the usual route to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,290 ft) via Phakding village (2,610 m/8,563 ft). In Namche Bazaar, we spend our first acclimatization days and then continue to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,660 ft). The trail then descends to Imja Khola and passes by Pangboche village on the way to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,470 ft).

The terrain gets steep and rugged beyond Dingboche. We will cross a glacier field to reach Dugh La and trek to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft). After Lobuche, there is a small settlement called Gorak Shep (5,164 m/16,942 ft) before Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft). The following day, we will hike to Kala Patthar (5,644 m/18,519 ft) and descend to Dingboche, retracing the trail.

From Dingboche, we turn to Chuukung village (4,750 m/15,580 ft) and trek up to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200 m/17,060 ft), from where our climbing journey starts.

Pre-climbing training at the base camp

From the Island peak base camp (5,200 m/17,060 ft), we push to the summit (6,189 m/20,305 ft) the next day. It takes around 4 to 5 hours of walking to reach the Island peak base camp from Chhukung. So, we will have a lot of time to do climbing preparation and training. The lead Sherpa guide will give comprehensive training to boost your confidence before the summit push.

You will learn necessary techniques and climbing skills like using crampons and ice axes, rope management, glacier travel, and other safety equipment like harnesses and carabiners. We have both theoretical and practical sessions during the pre-climbing training.

The theoretical session involves the team leader explaining the basic principles of climbing, weather patterns, and altitude sickness. You will learn the safety guides for climbing, whereas for the practical session, we may walk up to a nearby glacier to practice the climbing lessons.

Summit day- stand at 6,189 m/20,305 ft in the Himalayas

The summit day on the Island peak is long and starts around midnight. We wake up between 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM and get ready to leave the base camp. It will be pitch dark, so we'll use headlamps. Leaving the Island peak base camp, we will scramble along a rocky ride to a glacier.

Then we will cross a snow headwall that leads to the summit. The climbing will be physically very demanding. The guides will secure the route and fix the ropes. Just before reaching the summit, we will climb 60 to 70-degree slopes about 150 meters tall. Do not forget, at this point guides will be either in front of you or behind you, so you have to do most of the rope work alone.

Once you are at the summit, make sure to keep your composure because the summit ridge is quite airy and has steep drops off to the sides. Enjoy your time at the summit, but be attentive. All you can see from this great height is numerous mountains and a sea of clouds.

Island peak climbing duration and tented camping

As per our Island peak climbing itinerary, we have two days for climbing along with a contingency day in case we see bad weather or any other disturbance before the summit push. From Chuukung village to Island peak base camp, it is a mix of trekking and climbing.

Our supporting crew will be at the base camp before we reach to set the camps. From here onwards, we will spend the next two days sleeping in tents and preparing our own meals. The supporting crew will take care of cooking the meals and other things, so you can focus on getting ready to climb Island peak.

The summit day is long. It takes around 10 to 11 hours to reach the summit and then return to base camp to spend the night.

Want to make the trip furthermore exciting? Add helicopter return from Chhukung or Island peak base camp

From the Island peak base camp or Chukkung, it takes 3 to 4 days to return to Lukla. If you wish to avoid this return trekking following the same path, you can add a helicopter flight from the base camp or Chhukung to Lukla or Kathmandu.

It is a great option if you are very tired and couldn't bother to do return trekking. The helicopter flight also makes the EBC with Island peak climbing more adventurous. You will get to witness the stunning aerial panorama of the mountains, lakes, and river valleys.

You can charter a private helicopter or a group flight as per your budget.

Island peak location and climbing history

Island peak is located in the Khumbu region, inside the Sagarmatha National Park, eastern Himalayas, Nepal. This peak is an extension of the ridge, coming down from the south end of Lhotse Shar. In 1953, this peak was named Island peak by the British Mount Everest expedition team because it looked like an island in a sea of ice from Dingboche.

Later in 1983, the peak was renamed Imja Tse in Nepali words, but Island peak remained a popular choice for westerners. The southwest summit of Island peak was first climbed in 1953 by the same British expedition team who named it. Later in 1956, the main summit was climbed by Hans-Rudolf Von Gunten and two unknown Sherpas.

Island peak climbing distance & terrain

For the first nine days, we will be covering around 65 kilometers to reach Everest base camp and Kala Patthar from Lukla. After this point, we then trek for another 15 km to 18 km to reach the Island peak base camp via Chhukung. Once we are back from the summit to the base camp, we will trek back to Lukla, which is 41.4 km away.

The Everest base camp with Island peak climbing begins with trekking on trodden paths through dense forests and remote villages. We will follow the winding cliff sides and walk on terraced fields and loose rocky areas to the snow line.

The upper part of the trail is steep and rugged. You will walk on glaciers and moraines. Once at the base camp of Island peak, the climbing begins. Even though the technical challenges are less on the Island peak climbing route, the snowy path and sloppy snow headwall crossing are very strenuous.

Island peak climbing experience & preparation

Island peak climbing is one of those peaks that you can do without previous climbing experience. For adventure lovers, Island peak is a great option to start climbing mountains. You will get to learn basic climbing skills and gradually approach other mountains. The participant should have the previous high-altitude experience to join us on our Island peak expedition.

Our guides will teach you how to climb and use gears correctly. But you have to be physically fit and determined to reach the summit. Make sure to have a few weeks of training before you fly to Kathmandu for the journey. If accessible, you can join an alpine course or just train your body for the climb.

Below we have shared a basic training plan to help you get ready for the climb:

1. Cardiovascular training: Island peak climbing involves a lot of hiking at high altitudes, so you need to have strong cardiovascular endurance. You can improve your cardiovascular fitness by doing activities such as running, cycling, or swimming. Start with 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise 3-4 times a week and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time.
2. Strength training: Climbing also requires strong muscles, especially in your legs, core, and upper body. You can build strength by doing exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups. Aim to do strength training 2-3 times a week, with a focus on functional movements that mimic climbing.
3. Altitude training: Since Island Peak is located at a high altitude, it's important to prepare your body for low oxygen levels. You can do this by doing altitude training, either by spending time at a high altitude or using an altitude training mask. Consult with your doctor before attempting altitude training.
4. Hiking and backpacking: The best way to prepare for climbing is by hiking and backpacking. This will help you get used to carrying a heavy backpack, walking on rough terrain, and dealing with changes in weather conditions. Plan several day hikes and backpacking trips before your Island peak climb.
5. Mental training: Climbing can be mentally challenging. Visualize yourself successfully climbing Island Peak, practice breathing techniques to calm yourself down, and develop a positive attitude toward the challenges ahead.

Best Island peak climbing package for 2023/2024 with Sherpas and local porters (support team)

This is the best Island peak climbing with the Everest base camp trekking package. Our Island peak climbing with EBC trek cost covers the entire expedition cost, including accommodation, meals, permits, and expenses of guides & porters. You are free to tip the guides and porters as per your wish at the end of the journey.

On your arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport. We will prepare for the trip and depart for the Lukla flight. The guide will be with you all the time in the mountains. We will assign you a professional, experienced, and friendly guide who will help you immensely during the Island peak climbing. Apart from the Sherpa guide, there will be other staff to support you during the climbing period.

Island peak climbing emergency and evacuation

The quickest way to get out of the Himalayas during the Island peak climbing is by helicopter. To join Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp with us, you have to get travel insurance that covers air evacuation and medical bills. We use helicopter evacuation to deal with any emergency, therefore travel insurance is very important.

In the event of an emergency, the nearby person will move the casualty to the nearest safest place accessible for evacuation. We then contact the insurance company and rescue team for assistance. If the weather is bad, there can be a delay in the helicopter's arrival.

An incident of this scale is rare during the Island peak climbing. And our team is well-trained to give the first response to any medical requirement. You are doing this adventure activity with a very reliable and knowledgeable team who will assure your safety.

The Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp 2023/2024 Group & Private Departure

You can see our fixed departure dates for Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp 2023 on our site. Choose the date that best suits you and book the trip with us in a few easy steps. Likewise, for a private Island peak climbing expedition, please send us your query at info@mountainramadventures.com or contact us at +977 9851074270.

Likewise, you can also do the booking for Island Peak Climbing with Everest Base Camp 2024 early departure. Booking early will give you a lot of time to prepare for climbing.

Benefits of using Mountain Ram Adventure for Island Peak Climbing

We, Mountain Ram Adventure, are a reputable adventure travel company in Nepal that specializes in organizing expeditions and trekking tours in the Himalayas.

If you are planning to climb Island Peak, here are some benefits of using our service:

1. Our guides and porters are experienced and qualified individuals who are well-versed in the terrain, climate, and culture of the region. They will provide you with expert guidance and support throughout the climb, ensuring your safety and success.
2. We can customize your itinerary to suit your budget, preferences, fitness level, and time constraints.
3. We prioritize safety above everything else. Our quality climbing equipment and safety protocols ensure a safe journey.
4. Climbing with us means you are not harming the environment in any way. We are committed to preserving the environment and minimizing our impact during the ventures.
5. We provide excellent value for money without compromising on the quality of service.

The best Island peak climbing and alternative climbing packages

You can customize the Island peak climbing itinerary as per your requirements. Our team will help you make the perfect itinerary for your dream venture in the Himalayas. Our 19 days Island peak climbing with the Everest Base Camp package is the best in the market. It has ample rest days, and everything else is included in the package cost.

We have many other climbing packages in the Himalayas. Some of our famous packages are Mera peak climbing, Pisang peak climbing, Chulu East peak climbing, and Lobuche peak climbing.

Likewise, we also organize the Everest expedition and the Ama Dablam expedition.

Let's be Responsible for Our Waste- Clean Travel

By practicing clean travel and climbing, we can reduce our impact on the environment and preserve these natural areas for future generations to enjoy. We have to be mindful of our waste to protect the fragile Himalayan environment. We will be doing our part during the Island peak climbing, and we hope for your cooperation too.

Below are a few things that you can do as a responsible traveler:

1. Pack out all waste, including trash, food scraps, tissue paper, and other personal waste. Carrying a trash bag.
2. Avoid single-use plastics like water bottles, straws, and bags which are a significant source of pollution. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it as needed.
3. Practice Leave No Trace principles: Leave No Trace is a set of principles that promote responsible outdoor recreation.
4. Sustainable tourism with us as we support local businesses and communities.
5. Encourage others to adopt these practices to reduce their impact on the environment.

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Thank you for choosing our travel company for your travel needs in Nepal. We always strive to provide the best possible service to our guests, and your feedback is essential in helping us improve. Please take your time and leave feedback on your trip with us. If you have any complaints or recommendations, please feel free to share them with us.