Climbing Island Peak with a Trek to Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Ri
Island Peak lesser known as Imja Tse is a 6189m tall trekking Peak in Nepal first climbed by a British Everest Expediton Team in the year 1956. Island Peak Climbing is also a straight forward climb to the top and a person with little or no knowledge about mountaineering is also eligible for Island Peak Expedition.
Climbing Island Peak can be great adventure for amatuer mountaineers and as well for seasoned climbers too. Graded in the Alpine PD+ category it can be surmised that Island Peak Climbing is not an easy task and the climber has to be physical fit to undergo this expedition. But after having said that, it can be easily said that Island Peak is a perfect peak to start your mountaineering adventure.
Since the climbing technics and the terrain resemble that of a taller mountain, climbing Island Peak can be an introduction to climbing higher mountains in the near future. The stunning view of Everest , Lhotse , and other peaks from the summit of Island Peak makes this climb worth it. Because of this reason Island Peak is amongst the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal.
Island Peak Climbing with a trek to Everest Base Camp is a Tea House trek with accommodation in lodges run by local families. Except for the last three climbing days where accommodation will be Tents and cooked food will be provided by our kitchen staff.
How Difficult is it to Climb Island Peak ?
Island Peak has been designated as a trekking Peak by the Government of Nepal and Climbing Island Peak is comparitively easy as compared to other Trekking Peaks in Nepal. Having said that it is imperative that climbing Island Peak needs technical knowledge. Therefore, mountaineering skill is an added bonus to climb this 6189m peak in the Imja Valley.
In order to Climb Island Peak there are two options. First option is to start the climb early in the morning from the Insland Peak Base Camp summit the peak and return back to Base Camp. The second option is to trek till High Camp and set up camp. Next morning Trek to the summit of Island Peak and climb down to Base Camp.
But setting up camp at High Camp can have problems with water availibity and also the problems of sleeping at higher altitudes. Due to these reasons Climbing Island Peak usually starts from the Base Camp.
Base camp to high camp is basically a hike up but there are rocky steps just above high camp and these require some strenuous climbing. Trekking through the Glacier begins from here and proceeds up to a steep snow and ice slope. Fixed ropes are usually set up for the strenuous ascent of about 100 metres to the summit of Island Peak. The last 100m climb to the summit is somewhat difficult due to steep climbing.
Can you see Mount Everest from the Island Peak ?
You can see the peak of Mount Everest as the overall view of Everest will be blocked by the wall of Nuptse. But other Peaks, namely, Lhotse, Amadablam and Mera Can be seen from the summit of Island Peak.
What is the cost of climbing Permit for Island Peak Climbing ?
The Cost of the Permit Depends upon the season. Given below are the Cost of the Climbing Permit
- March to May – Spring Season – US$350 ( For a group of four Persons)
- Thereafter it is US$40 per Person
- September to November – Autumn Season – US$125
- June to August – Monsoon Season – US$70.
- December – February – Winter Season – US$70/Person
TRIP FACTS :
- Type of Trek: Lodge / Tea House Trek
- Duration: 18 Days.
- Trekking Days: 17 Days.
- Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult.
- Maximum Hiking Altitude: 6190m (Island Peak).
- Maximum Sleeping Altitude:
- Starting & Ending Point : Kathmandu.
- Availibility: Only Private Trek and Climbing.
- Best Season: March to June & September to December.
- Climate: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cold and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
- Availability: Customized private Trips are arranged for a minimum of Four persons on request on a date of your choice.No Group Departure Dates are available.
Please plan your arrival in Kathmandu two days prior to the trek start date.
ISLAND PEAK CLIMBING with EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m). Trek to Phakding (2652m/ 8 kms 3 hours). Overnight Lodge.
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m / 12 kms 5 hours). Overnight Lodge.
Day 3: Rest and acclimatization day with optional hikes around Namche.
Overnight Lodge.
Day 4: Trek to Dole (4000m). Overnight Lodge.
Day 5: Trek to Machharma (4400m). Overnight Lodge.
Day 6: Trek to Gokyo (4750m). Overnight Lodge.
Day 7: Trek to Thangna (4600m) Via Gokyo-Ri (5350m). Overnight Lodge.
Day 8: Trek to Dzongla (4600m) Via Cho-La pass (5400m). Overnight Lodge.
Day 9: Trek to Gorakshep (5180m). Trek further on to Everest Base Camp. Return Trek to Gorakshep . Trek to Everest Base Camp. Return Back to Gorakshep. Overnight Lodge.
Day10: Hike to Kalapathar(5550m)-Trek to Lobuche(4910m). Overnoght Lodge.
Day11: Climbing Portion:
Trek to Chukhung (4410m). Afternoon meet climbing Instructor and Guides, briefing, equipment check, AMS lecture. Overnight Lodge.
Day12: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp. Overnight Camp.
Day13: Summit day. Start at 2 a.m. Return to Base Camp.
Rest in Island peak Base Camp. (Incase for bad weather).
Day14: Island Peak Summit (6190m) back to base camp.
Summit day. Start at 2 a.m. Return to Base Camp.
Day15: Trek to down to Pangboche. Overnight Lodge.
Day16: Trek to Namche (4410m). Overnight Lodge.
Day17: Trek to Lukla (3800m). Overnight Lodge.
Day18: Fly Back to Kathmandu. End of Island Peak Climbing Trekking.
- COSTS : US$2200 per Person
- Peak Fees ( Extra as applicable )
- March to May – Spring Season – US$350 ( For a group of four Persons)
- Thereafter it is US$40 per Person
- September to November – Autumn Season – US$125
- June to August – Monsoon Season – US$70.
- December – February – Winter Season – US$70/PersonPeak Fees Extra as applicable
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu Airfare : US$328/person
- Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu Airfare for Indian Nationals : IRs.13,000/ person
- Airfare is Extra as applicable & is subject to change without prior notice.
- Indian Nationals Kindly enquire within for quotes in Indian Rupees.
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COST INCLUDES:
- Twin Share Accommodation in Lodges including all Meals
- Twin Share Accommodation in Tents at Island Peak Base Camp
- Trekking permits, National Park fees.
- Trek arrangements with tents, cook and porter/s.
- NMA Registered Climbing Guide for trek and climbing.
- Equipment Fees for climbing guide.
- Group climbing equipment (rope, pitons, snow bars, etc.).
- Guide/porter insurance costs.
- Garbage deposit ($250 per group) with NMA.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Peak Permit,
- Any services in Kathmandu (hotels, tours, etc.).
- Sleeping bags (can be hired in Kathmandu).
- Personal climbing equipment (ice-axe, crampons, harness, etc).
- Bottled/alcoholic drinks, tips and personal expenses.
- Client insurance, evacuation costs (if any).
- Airport tax, tips and expenses of a personal nature.
- Domestic air-fare (Ktm/Lukla/ktm).
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Our trek price includes basic rooms in local trekkers lodges which have simple 2 bedded rooms with common toilets/showers. In some places like Lukla, Namche and Khumjung some newly upgraded lodges have rooms with attached toilets-showers but this will cost extra (about US$ 20-30 per room per night). Some lodges now offer even better rooms but can cost even more.
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Note: The above itinerary is a sample,intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort and general well being.
(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply).
