You, indeed, are on the lookout for a wholesome adventure. How do we know that? You are here to read about Island Peak with Everest Base Camp Trek, a complete mountain package. We have hand-knitted this itinerary considering adventure lovers like you. You’ll love this exciting peak climbing journey. So let’s find out what it is.
Everest Base Camp Trek with island peak is Nepal's superb peak climbing option in Nepal. Island Peak(6,189m), also known as Imja Tse, is a mountain rising above the Lhotse Glacier, Khumbu Region. It looks like an island of snow from a distance. For that reason, it is called Island Peak.
The peak is merely 7 km away from Mt Everest. Its climbing is less technical but highly rewarding. On this expedition, you’ll learn great mountaineering lessons here. And from the top of Island Peak, you can cherish close-range views of Mt Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, etc. So you’ll climb this beauty.
However, you will visit Everest Base Camp(5,357m) first. Then, the trek to the foothills of Mt Everest will make you fall in love with the region. On the walk, you’ll run into the significant places of the Everest Region. From Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp. You’ll witness the region's beauty in vegetation, rivers, settlements, food, people, monasteries, museums, terrace fields, etc. Subtly, your body will get accustomed to the region, which is suitable for the climb ahead.
The journey of Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak begins from Kathmandu. Like in every Everest Region trip, you’ll fly towards Lukla. Then you’ll continue on the standard Everest Base Camp Trek trail. You’ll trek through the beautiful region for around 8-9 days to reach Everest Base Camp. There will be some acclimatization days.
Upon exploring the Everest Base Camp, you’ll take a deep breath while watching the view. Half of the trip is made by this point. First, you’ll go to Kala Patthar for a supreme panorama of Mt Everest. After the complete probe of the landmark, it is time to find a way to Island Peak. You’ll head towards the base camp of Island Peak by retracing to Dingboche.
You’ll start the Island Peak Climbing by ascending High Camp from the base camp early in the morning. The climb up to High Camp is not technical at all. On the same day, you’ll push for the summit. The last section before the meeting is slightly technical. But no worries, our experienced guide will help you with this, and you’ll reach the top.
The moment you reach Island Peak’s top, you experience an extraordinary panorama of the Everest Region. You’ll get breathtaking pictures of Ama Dablam, Makalu, Lhotse, Kusum Kanguru, Mt Everest, Makalu, and the Dudh Koshi valley. The mountain is accomplished.
The same day, after the climb, you’ll return to Island Peak base camp and ultimately to Chhhukung. From Chhukung, you’ll trek back to Lukla via Dingboche and Namche Bazaar. And then, you’ll take a short flight to Kathmandu to end this beautiful outing.
In conclusion, Island Peak with Everest Base Camp Trek is a rewarding journey. The excursion gives a priceless climbing experience of a beautiful trekking mountain of Everest Region and a memorable visit to Everest Base Camp.
If you feel intrigued by this expedition, we are always there to organize it beautifully. So let’s make some good memories in the mountains!
About Island Peak
Island Peak(6,160m), also known as Imja Tse, is a mountain in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. It is a part of Khumbu Himal, a range in the Eastern Nepal Himalayas. The peak is an extension of a hill rising off the southern part of Lhotse, the fourth tallest mountain.
Firstly, the peak was named by climbers of the British Mount Expedition as “Island Peak” because it seems like an island from Dingboche village. Later, it was retitled “Imja Tse” in 1983. But it ended up becoming more popular as Island Peak.
The members of the British Expedition first climbed this beautiful trekking peak in 1953. Likes of veteran climbers Tenzing Norgay, Alfred Gregory, Charles, Wylie, and Charles Evan were members of that group. They climbed Imja Tse for a training purpose for Mt Everest summit. Since then, Imja Tse has been an acclimatization climb for the big mountain expeditions in the Everest Region. Also, the peak is popular among beginners. The peak is less technical and teaches basic climbing skills to newbies. So this is how Island Peak is famous.
About Kathmandu Lukla Flight
The Island Peak with Everest Base Camp starts with Kathmandu Lukla Flight. It is an exciting and scenic flight of 30 minutes. You get to see the whole Nepal Himalayas during this flight through windows. It is a beautiful way to start any trip.
The landing site of Kathmandu Lukla is Tenzing-Hillary Airport(Lukla Airport). It was built under the guidance of Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first Everest climbers. The airstrip perfectly lies on the lapse of the mountains. The airstrip is so famous because it is the starting point for many famous treks in the region, including Everest Base Camp Trek.
The distance of flight is short. However, there can be possible delays due to the bad weather in the region. The weather in the area is unpredictable. High winds, changing visibility, and heavy clouds are reasons for the delay. Typically, there are two flights to Lukla from Kathmandu. You may have to wait for tickets in peak season if you have not booked in advance.
Permit Required for Island Peak and Everest Base Camp Trek
You’ll require three permits to attend Island Peak cum Everest Base Camp Trek. They are Nepal Mountaineering Association(NMA) Climbing Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and Local Area Permit.
Firstly, the NMA climbing permit is a special permit to climb the Island peak. It is a mandatory permit that you need to have for the expedition. The cost of the permit is different in each season.
In Spring, you can get this permit at USD 250. And the same license is obtainable at USD 125 during the Autumn season. And it is USD 70 during the low climbing seasons such as Winter and Monsoon. Plus, you have to pay USD 500 for the Garbage Deposit fee.
Secondly, you’ll require a permit to enter the Sagarmatha National Park. You enter this protected site during the expedition, so you need this as well. The permit fee for foreigners is USD 30. And it is USD 15 for climbers from SAARC countries.
Thirdly and lastly, you need to have a local area permit as you enter various restricted localities during the tour. The permit is also known as Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. You can get this permit for USD 20 from Lukla.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Route
The exciting quest of Island Peak and Everest Base Camp starts with Kathmandu to Lukla flight. It will be an early morning flight of 30 minutes. Each of the minutes will be truly scenic and wow-inspiring. Then you’ll make a safe landing at Lukla Airport. The day has to end in Phakding, so you’ll leave Lukla once you are ready for the walk. You will have a lovely first day of trekking.
Having spent the night in Phakding, you’ll progress towards Namche Bazaar via the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park. In the evening, you’ll be in the hub of the region. You will spend the night there and one more acclimatization day as well. After the acclimatization day, you’ll march towards Tengboche, the home of the famous Tengboche monastery. You’ll spend the night in Tengboche.
The following day, you’ll begin walking towards Pheriche by enjoying the fantastic scenery. By evening, you’ll reach Pheriche to spend the night. The next stop of the expedition is Gorakshep. So you’ll wake up early and start moving in the direction of Gorak Shep. On the same day, you’ll hike to Everest Base Camp. After the exploration, you’ll return to Gorak Shep for the night.
You’ll leave Gorak Shep early in the morning to watch the mountain panorama from Kala Patthar. After the sightseeing, you’ll take a downhill road to Dingboche. The day will end in the village. Next, you’ll trek towards Chukkung by walking quite close to glaciers.
Waking up in Chhukung, we’ll leave the village to reach Island Peak Base Camp. You’ll spend the night in a tented camp in the base camp. Around 1-2 in the morning, you will go to the summit. You will pass the Island Peak high camp to reach the summit. You will witness awe-inspiring views from the pinpoint.
You’ll descend straight to Chhukung by moving via high camp and base camp on the same day. You’ll spend the deserving night in the village. The following dawn, you will leave the town for Namche Bazaar. In the evening, you’ll be back in town once again. After another night in Namche, you’ll trek smoothly to reach Lukla. And the following day, you’ll take a flight to Kathmandu. It will be the end of this beautiful journey.
Island Peak with Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty Level
The difficulties are apparent when you climb one peak and do a long trek. We mean, Island Peak with Everest Base Camp Trek is not an easy task. But we also must say that it is not the hardest as well. There are some minor challenges that you can easily dodge with good preparation.
When you hit the trail of Everest Base Camp Trek, you’ll start experiencing some hardships. You have to trek 5-6 hours on average every day on this journey. There will be numerous uphill parts where you might face difficulty moving. Similarly, the expedition is about reaching the top of Island Peak(6,189m). So the high altitude can also test you. We hope you are good enough to do a trek in the mountains.
Let’s come to the main point, the difficulty level of Island Peak Climbing. As you may know, the Island peak is a trekking peak as per the NMA rating. You do not need prior climbing experience or complex climbing expertise for this climb.
The peak is comparatively a more leisurely climb with fewer technical portions. If you have basic mountaineering skills like using ropes and walking crampons, you can do this climb easily. It is much easier than the Lobuche East Climbing, one of its frequently compared expeditions in the Everest Region.
Hence, Island Peak with Everest Base Camp is not that hard if you are well ready for its challenges. There will be minor challenges in altitude, rough trails, steep parts, and ice pathways.
Everest Base Camp Trek with island Preparation
Island Peak climbing cum Everest Base Camp Trek is a long and arduous journey. It is necessary to prepare for this expedition. The preparation should build physical endurance levels, mental preparation, and basic mountaineering skills. You should start the practice some months before the climb date and be regular. Here are some ways to prepare for the climb.
Firstly, focus on building a good physical endurance level. You have to trek on steep trails, climb up hills, trek for longer hours, and cover a long distance in the mountains. For that, you need a solid physical stamina level. To build a good endurance level, you can do various cardio exercises such as cycling, swimming, hiking, running, etc. The cardio training also helps you face altitude sickness as well. Thus make a training schedule and be consistent with the exercise routine.
Secondly, you need basic mountaineering skills. You will climb Island Peak by climbing through rough and icy portions. Without basic climbing knowledge, it is difficult to do this climb. Thus it is wise to take a mountaineering course before this tour. The course will teach you the basic things of mountaineering, such as using crampons, axes, ropes, etc.
Lastly, you should be mentally in a position to complete the expedition. You need to be mentally ready for all the journey's challenges. Having such a mentality pushes you on the journey no matter how hard.
So these are several ways to be physically and mentally ready for the trip.