Island Peak Climbing - Overview
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a magnificent peak in the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Standing at a staggering height of 6,189 m /20,305 ft from sea level, this mountain is the starting point of the Imja River.
The Island Peak is a great first expedition for beginner mountaineers. The climb is mostly non-technical, yet fairly challenging – perfect for mountaineering enthusiasts who are just starting their Himalayan adventure. The “Island Peak” was named so in 1951 by the famous explorer Eric Shipton, because the peak seems to rise from a sea of ice. First climbed in 1956, the peak was a training exercise for the team that eventually climbed the Everest and the Lhotse.
The Island peak trek includes a journey to the beautiful Khumbu valley and an acclimatization hike through the Everest Base Camp. From the high vantage point of Kata Pattar, you can enjoy unrivaled views of the nearby Himalayan giants including the Everest.
During the trek, you’ll also travel through the challenging Kongma La pass, which leads to the Imja valley. Although you’ll stay in comfortable lodges for most of the trek, you’ll have to set up tented base camps before the actual climb.
The ascent to the peak features plenty of glaciers, moderate snow and a lot of ice climbing. Although it is mostly a non-technical climb, you’ll need some basic snow climbing skills to get to the peak. Once on the summit, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the nearby Lhotse, Everest, and other Himalayan peaks. One thing is for sure: the climb to the peak is extremely satisfying and absolutely worth the effort.
| Island Peak - Quick Climbing Facts | |
|---|---|
| Climb Difficulty: | Little Difficult - Require no technical expertise. |
| Climb Duration: | 24 Days |
| Max Altitude: | 6189 Meters |
| Accommodation: | Guesthouses / Lodges |
| Best Season: | Mar-May, Oct-Nov |
| Transport To/From Climb: | Flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu |
Island Peak - Itinerary
The duration will be approx. 16-24 days, pending from when the companies count the starting point, and whether they include sightseeing in Kathmandu as part of the climbing package or not.
The trip will start in Kathmandu from where a flight is taken to Lukla, the airport that gives access to the entire Solu Khumbu and Everest region.
The first 8-10 days will be spent trekking on the famous Everest Base Camp trail. You’ll start trekking from Lukla at an altitude of 2,800 m and reach Island Peak Base Camp at an altitude of 5,200 m from where the climb of Island peak will start, ultimately reaching the top at 6,189 m.
After summiting the peak you will return back to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu, where the trip will end. For exact itineraries please see the day-by-day itinerary available under each trip.