Island Peak, also called Imja Tse, in the local Sherpa language is one of the most preferred peaks among the mountains over 6000 m altitude. This unique-shaped peak got its name as “Island Peak” from the members of the British Expedition for its resemblance with an Island in the middle of the sea of Snow and Ice when viewed from Dingboche. It lures and draws the attention of every mountaineer who passes through the Everest Region.
The first ascent to Island Peak was made by Tenzing Norgay, Charles Wylie, Charles Evans, and Alf Gregory in 1953. Since then, hundreds of successful ascents have been made to Imja Tse. Island Peak is also among the top priorities of aspiring climbers as it is relatively easier than 7000 m peaks but does not disappoint in terms of satisfaction and sense of achievement when reached on top.
Island Peak is the perfect option for those who have some experience in high altitude and want to expand their horizons in the Himalayas. Although it is an easy start in the Himalayas, it still demands some endurance as climbers need to cross some crevasses including sections of snow and ice. However, it is an excellent opportunity to learn mountaineering skills and prepare for the 7000 and 8000m peaks.
The trekking route to Island Peak follows the same as the Everest Expedition till Dingboche. From there, climbers to Island Peak turn towards Chhukung while climbers of Everest, Lhotse, and other peaks turn towards Lobuche up to the Everest Base Camp. The overall trail is spellbinding and unique. The grandeur of mountain vistas right in front of the eyes and the breeze of the snow gives you the ultimate satisfaction of being in the Himalayas. You will equally be mesmerized by the beauty of floras and faunas in the Sagarmatha National Park along the route.
The best season to climb the Island Peak/ Imja Tse is during Autumn and Spring Seasons that fall in the months of September to November and March to May. These seasons make it favorable for climbers as the routes are clear and undistorted while the views are clear and transparent providing the true essence of the beauty of nature.
From the time you arrive in Kathmandu, the capital and cultural city of Nepal, we will be there at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel.
You can do some last minute shopping around Thamel ,we will prepare all the documents needed for peak climbing and arrange staffs.
After a short morning flight to Lukla with your guide , you will be introduced to your porters at Lukla. We begin our trek with an easy walk through Chaurikharka village and descend to Dudhkoshi Ghat (2,530m/8,300ft). We follow the trail along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River until Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), where we stay the night and acclimatize. With some free time, you can explore Phakding, a very popular stopping point along the way
A relatively easy walk through Monjo goes through pine trees offering glimpses of distant snow-covered peaks with spectacular views of waterfalls and yaks carrying trekking luggage. At Monjo, local authorities will check you have the necessary permits, such as TIMS cards and Park entry fee receipt. Your guide will take care of the paperwork which will give you time to stroll around and take in the sights. We will then enter the Sagarmatha Park and ascend a relatively steep trail finally arriving at Monjo where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue our trek through forests and paths cross a watercourse via a high bridge. Once over the bridge, we continue our upward climb towards Namche and then have a long ascent to Namche Ukalo (steps). We continue uphill until when you reach Namche where you will be excited to get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest.
Health specialists recommend that, even on a rest day, we stay active and move around in order to help in acclimatization. This is an ideal opportunity to experience the culture of Namche’s village and take in the views of construction projects on Everest. An interesting place to visit in Namche is its native flora and fauna exhibition of the region. It is an option for trekkers to hike to Khumjung village (5-6 hours) where you can visit the mountaineer college. In the evening you can also visit the night bazaar at Namche.
After breakfast, we will head off and trek to Tengboche via Phunki Tenga relatively easy climb. Tengboche Monastery is one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in Nepal and the Khumbu region.
The trek from Tengboche to Dingboche is only a short distance which we will most likely complete in the afternoon. The last hill into Dingboche, and at this high altitude, is challenging. The trail then heads to the village of Somare (4020m) and then to Orsho, both of which have lodged. Later the trail divides, with the left trail heading up to Pheriche before crossing a suspension bridge and a steep climb to the village of Dingboche (4460m) with many good guesthouses.
It is sensible to spend another day acclimatizing before heading to higher altitudes. One way of doing this is to hike up to Chukkung Valley (4730m) and on to Island Peak (Imja Tes). Above Dingboche is Nagkartshang Gompa (a strenuous trek takes around 2 to 3 hours).The trail to Chhukung leaves Dingboche heading to Bibre (4570m) and is surrounded by fabulous mountain Peaks: Taboche, Nuptse, Lhotse, the enormous flute-shaped pass of Amphu Laptsa Pass, Ama Dablam. Chukkung has several lodges and is the most popular spot for those climbing Island Peak. If trekkers feel better acclimatized they can head up a grassy slope towards the peak of Chukkung Ri (5550m) for a magnificent view of Makalu.
After breakfast, our trek starts with an easy walk towards Thukla before crossing the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and then passing through the boulder-strewn slopes as we ascend Chupki Lhara where we find clusters of stones with prayer flags placed by Sherpas as a memorial to Scott Fischer (American mountaineer), 10-time Everest summiteer Babu Chiri Sherpa (Nepalese Sherpa mountain guide) who perished on a mission to climb Mt. Everest. The path then continues to the Khumbu Glacier moraine and before us are many beautiful mountain peaks – Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Mahalangur Himal.
We commence our trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp through the vast Gorak-Shep. Along the trail, we pass the Indian army mountaineers’ memorials. At this point the path can be confusing, so following your guide is important. The thin air at this high altitude can be exhausting. We traverse rocky dunes, moraine, and streams before reaching the Mt. Everest Base Camp. From Everest Base Camp you will see some of the world’s highest peaks, in stark contrast to the gray surroundings – especially in the spring. Before we are Khumbuste, Nuptse, and Pumori. We will then head back to Gorak Shep.
At around 4 a.m. in the pre-dawn darkness and cold temperatures (-10 to -14 C) we begin our trek. It is common for there to be cold winds at this altitude. Towering peaks, such as Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Changtse loom before us to the east as Everest comes into view. Not until we reach Kala Patthar (5550m) do we get a 360 degree up-close and bird’s eye view of Mount Everest. After taking in the panoramic views and madly clicking cameras we will return back to Lobuche for a good night’s rest.
Once again, after breakfast, we trek via Khumbu through ice masses to Kongma La Base Camp at (5,000m). This section of our ascent to Kongma La pass is probably the most difficult part of our trek. Along the way there are many rock cairns draped in prayer flags marking the pass. On our decent we trek through Imja Khola where water from the slopes of Everest collect. After passing through this valley we descend to Chhukung a quaint summer settlement. After reaching Chhukung your guide will check his instruments and our equipment before our final climb to Chhukung. Instead of taking the route through Kongma La pass we may take an alternative route via Dingboche to Chhukung.
Although Island peak does not require technical expertise, it does however require strength and stamina. It does however require some basic skills and how to avoid mishaps. It is essential that we reach the summit before lunch, as in the afternoon it can be extremely windy. The path climbs hundreds of meters from the bottom camp before facing a sharp incline initially on a sandy trail before turning to grass, and finally over boulders. The path eventually narrows before entering a steep rock vale (narrow channel of rock). We finally, after many steps across and through the vale emerge on the other side Your guide, for safety reasons, may fix a rope to each climber to assist in climbing the final snowy slope to the ridge at the summit. The rope may often extend to 350m depending on the season and danger of crevices. Some of these crevices may be 2 to 3 meters across requiring the use of ladders. Once at the summit it is time to take out your camera and capture the magnificent views and get your breath back!. We will then descent to Island Peak Base Camp, and with your guides, will celebrate our success.
Although Island peak does not require technical expertise, it does however require strength and stamina. It does however require some basic skills and how to avoid mishaps. It is essential that we reach the summit before lunch, as in the afternoon it can be extremely windy. The path climbs hundreds of meters from the bottom camp before facing a sharp incline initially on a sandy trail before turning to grass, and finally over boulders. The path eventually narrows before entering a steep rock vale (narrow channel of rock). We finally, after many steps across and through the vale emerge on the other side Your guide, for safety reasons, may fix a rope to each climber to assist in climbing the final snowy slope to the ridge at the summit. The rope may often extend to 350m depending on the season and danger of crevices. Some of these crevices may be 2 to 3 meters across requiring the use of ladders. Once at the summit it is time to take out your camera and capture the magnificent views and get your breath back!. We will then descent to Island Peak Base Camp, and with your guides, will celebrate our success.
After yesterday’s more strenuous climb, today’s trek will be relatively easy as we head down to lower altitudes. We take a similar route back through Khumbu Khola reaching the Asiatic villages of Orsho, and Shomare. We may also take a historically significant path to go to the Gompa in higher Pangboche which is said to be the oldest route in the Khumbu region. Alternatively, we may take the usual path to Pangboche, a picturesque village with Everest to the north and Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtaiga to the east with Kongde in the south. The Imja Khola River can be seen meandering through the wide fertile land.
Leaving Pangboche we return on the same path to Imja Khola heading up through the forest to Tengboche. If there is enough interest we can visit the nuns at their Tengboche residence. After lunch at Tengboche we descend along a path surrounded by alpine bush and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi watercourse, our path takes us to Dudh Koshi Gorge taking us through pine forests before finally reaching Sansa. On the way down we should keep our eyes peeled for glimpses of mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, and other wildlife. After emerging from the forest we pass through Chorten before reaching the military camp at Namche Bazaar. Tonight we stay at Namche Bazaar.
The rocky path down is steep and it is advised to be cautious crossing this rocky landscape. We eventually cross the suspension bridges over the rapid flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, where the path becomes flatter and easier to negotiate. After our arrival in Lukla we can stretch our aching legs and blissfully recall the exhilarating experiences of the last few weeks.
Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.
Join our subscriber's list to get latest news, updates and special offers, delivered directly in your inbox.