Climbing Grade: PD + (Per Difficule) from French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification Systems
Average walk and climb: From minimum 4 hrs to maximum 6 - 8 hrs
People and Culture: Highly populated by Sherpa the Highlanders of Everest with age-old Buddhist religion and interesting culture
Season: April to May and September to early December
‘a scenic and cultural adventure on top Island Peak in the midst of beautiful Imjatse valley’
Imjatse Himal-Island Peak Climb, where we have added both names for one single striking peak located in the middle of beautiful Imjatse valley, due to its location known as Imjatse Himal also listed with same local name in NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association).
The word and name Island certainly the right name for a peak situated in the midst of a broad valley looking like an Island in the middle of valley floor, which is actually a broken and southern ridges of Mt. Lhotse that separated and formed Island Peak or Imjatse Himal.
We have used the grade as PD + which means ‘Per Difficule’ taken from French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification Systems as used across the world on this type of alpine climb of a day or more, which means a straight forward climb to its summit but facing few technical difficulties in some section of the climbing route the top.
Where all climbers should be in good physical shape and in sound health, where we have planned the itinerary days to accommodate with proper acclimatization days and with some practice to make the climb a huge success, lead by our expert native climbing guides who have summated many times and other Himalayan peaks.
Starting Imjatse Himal - Island Peak Climb, taking scenic short flight from Kathmandu to reach at Lukla a busy Sherpa town and a gateway to various adventure destinations around high Khumbu and Everest areas.
Walk follows through many Sherpa villages adorned with Buddhist prayer monuments to reach at high Namche Bazaar, an interesting large village nearly a town with many good facilities for trekkers, having rest day then heading high past scenic Thyangboche Monastery surrounded by green woodland array of peaks with views of Everest.
From here onward into arid and barren landscapes to reach first at Everest base camp and climb up to high rocky hill top Kalapathar and then towards our main adventure destination at Island Peak base camp.
The climb to the top of Imjatse Himal - Island Peak at the height of 6,189m/ 20,305 ft high rewards climbers with mind-blowing panorama of world’s highest peaks with Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse as far to Baruntse and Makalu mountains with array of peaks.
After a successful climb and feeling in high spirits, return journey back to Lukla for sweeping scenic flight back to Kathmandu with timeless memories and wonderful experience on Imjatse Himal-Island Peak Climb.
Highlights
“Sweeping panoramic flights from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu with amazing views
Daily views of high snow-capped peaks along pleasant scenic walks to Imjatse valley
Adventurous climb on top stunning Island Peak facing glorious mountain panorama
Adventure within world heritage sites at Sagarmatha National Park with exotic flora-fauna
Explore charming Sherpa villages enriched with traditional Buddhist culture
in alpine green woodland to remorseless zone of ice and glaciers at base camp
Overnights in local lodges Sherpa hospitality with warm friendly traditional services
Within world highest Everest base camp and climb of striking Island peak-Imjatse Himal”.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1On arrival in Kathmandu meet our staff for transfer to hotel.
Day 2In Kathmandu with tour of world heritage sites and trek and climb preparation.
Day 3Fly to Lukla 2,820 m (30 mins) and trek to Phakding 2,640 m - 04 hrs.
Day 4Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 06 hrs.
Day 5Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion.
Day 6Trek to Thyangboche Monastery 3,867 m - 05 hrs.
Day 7Trek to Dingboche
Day 8Rest day at Dingboche for acclimatization and hike to view points.
Day 9Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung - 05 hrs.
Day 10Trek from Chhukukng to Island peak Bae Camp
Day 11Trek from Base camp to High Camp
Day 12From High Camp climb to summit and back to Base Camp. long day
Day 13Trek from Base camp to Dingboche
Day 14Trek from Dingboche to Tenboche
Day 15Trek from Tenboche to Monjo
Day 16Trek from Monjo to Lukla
Day 17Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotels.
Day 18In Kathmandu free day as contingency with optional tour.
All arrival and departure from the airport to hotel and back on private cars, coach orbuses as per the group size.
Accommodation in tourist standard or 2-3 star class hotels on bed and breakfast basis as well in twin sharing basis rooms. (For single supplement at extra cost)
Tour and sightseeing around Kathmandu as per the itinerary chosen with city guides includes all entrance fees at places of interest.
Domestic air flights as per the itinerary chosen, some with overland drive to reach at the start of treks and on the end, where chartered bus-cars or coach included as per group size.
Full board on trekking with breakfast-lunch-afternoon refreshment with dinner includes twin sharing rooms in lodge on route treks and long tours. If camping on remote areas where all meals included breakfast-lunch-afternoon refreshment with dinner includes twin sharing tents on route treks and climb.
Applicable Trekking Information Management Systems permits (TIMS) with Conservation or National Park permits.
All tour and treks accompanied by guides-staff and porters (either human or pack animals like yaks or mules), all wages, meals, accommodation, transportation facilities with Insurance against medical and accidents.
In some high altitude treks we provide sleeping bags and down jackets also with comprehensive medical kits carried by our guides and staff.
not included
International Air-fare, Personal medical / travel insurance and Nepal visa fees.
Expenses of individual nature drinks, laundry, telephone bills, gratitude and meals in city areas Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary chosen.
Personal Trekking-Climbing gear and equipments including down jackets-sleeping bags if not provided by the company as per the trip cost.
Single Supplement on hotel rooms as well on trek in lodge where clients should inform ahead on booking with extra charge on booking single private rooms where available.
Emergency evacuation by any means of transportations including immediate Helicopter services if required on accidents, sickness and personal problems.
Early return from the tour or treks will not be entertainment with refund, where client should borne all the expenses incurred including accompany guide-porters services.
Useful Information
The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) categorized Island Peak as a trekking peak. In the alpine system, Island Peak climbing is regarded as a PD or 2B alpine mountain. It means this is an expedition with some technical climbing elements and vast exposed glaciers of greater difficulty. The final route towards the summit consists of rock scrambling, glacier crossing, and exposed summit ridge. Additionally, the trek to the base camp involves a long duration of hiking at a higher altitude.
Therefore, when it comes to expeditions, the more fit and stronger you are, the higher your chances of reaching the top and, most importantly, enjoying the adventure. So, it is better to have a good level of physical fitness and endurance capacity. Even though Island peak climbing is like a practice session to climb other 7000 or 8000-m mountains, it is very essential to be trained with some snow and mountaineering skills like walking on ice with crampons, scrambling the surface, and climbing ladders across giant gaping crevasses.
Difficulties
Technical Climbing
The trail up the mountains is rocky with snowy steep. Moreover, you will have to cross the glaciers and walk alongside the mountain ridge to reach the summit. Additionally, the trek from Chhukung to base camp is full of scree and boulders, making it challenging to hike for long hours.
Altitude Sickness
This thrilling climbing will incline you to a great height of 6189 m at the summit of the Island Peak. So, the probability of altitude sickness is relatively higher. Therefore, it is very necessary to acclimatize properly and adapt the body to lower oxygen levels in the air.
Moreover, if you feel symptoms of altitude sickness like insomnia, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, etc., you must inform your guides immediately. Furthermore, you have to make sure that you are hydrated, no matter if you are sweating or not. Intake about 3 to 4 liters of water, and do not skip any meals.
Weather And Risk Factors
The weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so while climbing Island Peak you will always have to consider the weather factor. You may encounter extreme cold, high winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions. Moreover, there are risks of avalanches and crevasses, for which you have to be prepared beforehand.
Also, if you do not bring the proper and suitable type of clothing, then there is a high probability of Hypothermia and frostbite.
Travel Insurance
It is very crucial to be insured by a travel insurance policy while making a trip to the Himalayas. The policy that you undertake shall cover all your medical expenses, hospital bills, air evacuation, and air ambulance. Moreover, make sure that your insurer is good in services with a reputable name.
It is better for you to take cancellation insurance because these policies will help your plan to be flexible in case of cancellation due to personal or other reasons.
Necessary Preparations
Climbing Gear
Climbing harness, Crampons, Ropes, and Carabiners
Ice axe, Helmet
Mountaineering boots, Belay device
Climbing hardware and protection
Snow pickets, Snow shovels, Avalanche probe
Glacier glasses with UV protection
Headlamp with extra batteries
Personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator
Clothing
Moisture-wicking Base layers
Fleece or down-insulating layers
Waterproof and windproof Hardshell jacket and pants
Waterproof and insulated mountaineering gloves, Liner gloves
Woolen Hat or beanie
Balaclava or neck gaiter
Extra pairs of moisture-wicking socks
Camping And Shelter
Tent
Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, or mattress
Stove and cooking equipment
Lightweight camping utensils
Multi-fuel stove with sufficient fuel
High-energy snacks and meals
Water purification tablets
Accessories
Backpack, Durable
waterproof pack cover
Climbing pack for summit pushes
Trekking poles
Sunglasses
Sunscreen, Lip balm
Personal toiletries
Hygiene products
Trekking towel or wet wipes
Camera and extra batteries
Island Peak - Imjatse Himal 18 Days Climb FAQs
Is it possible to see Mount Everest from Island Peak?
Is there any official document paper I need to bring for Island Peak Climbing?
How fit should one be to participate in the Island Peak Climbing?
