Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek is an exotic experience in the high Himalayas range, Island Peak is no doubt one of the most famous 6000-meter peaks in Nepal.
Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft), locally known as Imja Tse was first scaled in 1956 by the Swiss expedition team, which was then a training exercise before climbing Mount Everest and Lhotse. Since then it has been a prominent peak for preparation as well as introduction climbing.
Island Peak is located in the Everest Region. This place is well known for its serene beauty and the diversity of Sagarmatha National Park. This peak dramatically lies above the Chukung Valley with Mount Lhotse and Nuptse South wall to the north and Baruntse to the south.
As we mentioned above, this particular peak is widely climbed as a training peak. Due to the similar topography as Mount Everest, you will get used to the skills like crossing crevasses with ladders and using jumars, which are important for summiting 8000+ mountains.
The summit of Island Peak provides some of the most aspiring scenery of the Himalayas. This climb gives you the best exposure to mixed rock and icy walls. Crampons are necessary after high camp. Island Peak is graded as Alpine PD+ with expedition-style climbing used not technically challenging. However, it is physically demanding due to its location.
Our 19 days Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek package starts with a breathtaking flight to Lukla. Trek through the bank of Sun Koshi river crossing tiny Sherpa settlements we reach Namche Bazaar. This place is known as the gateway to Everest and is the largest Sherpa settlement in the Khumbu region.
Continuing our trek from Lukla, we will be greeted with an awful view of Mount Everest. Also, the mountains like Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and numerous 7000-meter mountains will make your journey worthwhile. No doubt this Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek will provide a lifetime holiday experience in the lap of some of the highest mountains in the world.
How difficult is Island Peak Climbing?
Island peak climbing is challenging peak climbing due to its topography and location. However, if have sound health and are mentally prepared, you can get to the summit with less effort. If you are familiar with basic mountaineering technic like the use of ropes, ladders and crampons come in handy. The first section comes with a physically tough ascent. The trekking will be challenging but not technical. From the glacier field, you need to use ropes and crampons. Climbing in this section is a bit similar to climbing Everest, due to the snow-covered crevasses. The toughest part is climbing the headwall. You will need a lot of determination as the ascent is steep and the thin air makes it more difficult. We will be supported by the fixed rope making our climb safe. From the summit ridge to the top is less demanding.
Island Peak expedition is idle for trekkers with previous experience in High Altitude trekking. However, this expedition can be your gateway to the Mountaineering expedition. Our guide will provide proper training before pushing for the summit.
What kind of meals do we get during Island Peak Climbing?
We will have a three-time meal a day with hot tea/coffee during our trekking days. We will have our breakfast and dinner at the same lodge where we stay overnight and lunch will be provided on the way to our next destination. Guesthouse lodges provide a wild range of menus of common continental dishes. Nepali Dal Bhat (rice & lentils with seasonal vegetables) will always be on their top list. In the villages above Namche, lodges provide limited items. During climbing days, freshly cooked food will be served. In Kathmandu breakfast will be included at your Hotel.
In Kathmandu breakfast will be included in your package at the hotel. There will also be one farewell dinner with a cultural show day before your departure.
What about accommodation in Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek?
The best 3-star category hotels are used while your stay in Kathmandu. In trekking, we use Standard Teahouse Lodges. These teahouses provide basic lodging and meals. Also, hot showers, charging facilities, and internet are available for extra charges payable directly by guests. Normally $ 10 per day will be enough. While camping you will stay in a tent. All accommodations are on a twin-sharing basis, which means you have to share your room with other trekkers. You can get a single room for yourself as an extra supplement cost. However above Namche bazaar getting a single room are subject to availability.
