Nepal is home to some of the toughest treks in the world, but some of the easier ones too. In the list of easier ones is the Island Peak expedition Nepal. Located in the Eastern part of Nepal, Island Peak is often overlooked.
Island Peak expedition Nepal is also called Imja Tse. Typically, from the Eastern part of Nepal, Island Peak adds to the beauty of peak climbing when we talk about Nepal.
Island Peak Overview
Island Peak is one of the easiest yet popular treks of Nepal. This particular trek came into the limelight as Edmund Hilary used this place to get his training before climbing Mount Everest.
Present in the Eastern part of Nepal, Island Peak brings in a variety of mountains when you attempt to complete this climb. From cultural experiences to technical thrills, there is much more to talk about the Island Peak expedition Nepal.
This particular climb is good for both the beginner and experienced trekker. From bits of technical skills to easier climbs, Island Peak is on the list for plenty of new climbers.
Highlights of Island Peak
- Chance to climb a peak of 6189m
- Explore the beautiful mountains like Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Nuptse, etc.
- Plenty of options for flora and fauna views at Sagarmatha National Park.
- Exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
History of Island Peak Expedition Nepal
The history of climbing Island Peak goes way back in time. It was made famous by the likes of Tenzing Norgay and the group of Swiss team.
There are a lot of understandings that it is the playground of Edmund Hilary as well. For the very first time, Island Peak was ascended in 1953. It was done by a pair of Swiss climbers.
The team of Tenzing Norgay to Charles Wylie, Charles Evans, and Alf Gregory was the first to make it to the top. It was since the 50’s that the doors were opened for the public to the Island Peak expedition Nepal.
Is the Island Peak Expedition Nepal Suitable For Everyone?
The Trek Nepal feels that the Island Peak expedition Nepal is suitable for everyone to try. With the presence of easier trails and a reputed circuit, there shouldn’t be much of an issue in completing the trek.
However, you will need to have physical fitness to complete the trek. From cardiovascular exercise to previous trekking experience will be key to completing this trek.
The Trek Nepal has been performing the Island Peak Trek for a very long time, with small of large groups. With the presence of expert guides Island Peak trek is an easy trek and made for beginners.
Island Peak Expedition Nepal Climbing Route
The climbing route for Island Peak starts from the base camp, which is beyond 5000m. As we start the journey, it goes through scrambling and climbing high with the help of fixed ropes.
Timing is the key in this climb, even though there is hardly any technical difficulty that gets involved. Midnight climbs are common with head torches. To complete the Island Peak climb, we will choose the Southeastern region, which is perfect.
As you reach the top or on the way to it, you will experience mountains like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Nuptse, which will take your breath away.
Best Time For Island Peak Expedition Nepal
Like a lot of other treks in Nepal, the Island Peak expedition is better during the spring and autumn seasons. Spring falls from March to May, while autumn is from September to November.
The best part about spring and autumn is the fact that the weather remains clear. You will get excellent views of the mountains, which makes it easier and enjoyable at the same time.
The mild temperature, along with the blooming wildflowers, is the go-to during this period. The trekking trail might be busy during the peak season, but the right experience is during the same time.
Cost of Island Peak Expedition Nepal
The accurate cost of the Island peak expedition is tough to predict. The major reason for that is are variety of factors. The overall cost of any trek depends upon the time of the year, the number of people, and other factors.
On average, you will have to spend around $2000 to complete the trek. Under this cost, you will get the food and accommodation along with a highly professional trekking and climbing experience.
With The Trek Nepal, what’s different is the fact that we will customise the package based on your budget. Not only that the time required will also be customised, which makes the experience worth it.
Permits Required For Island Peak Expedition Nepal
Permits are the key when we talk about trekking in any part of Nepal. Booking with The Trek Nepal however, solves this issue quite easily. We will do all the heavy lifting for the permits.
But if you are planning for the trek yourself, some of the key permits required are:
- Island Peak Climbing Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Can the Island Peak Expedition Be Done Solo?
Yes and no is the answer to the question. Even though the Island Peak expedition Nepal is an easier to moderate climb, the new rule from Nepal Tourism Board doesn’t allow solo climbs to the peak.
Even though it is possible to reach the base camp, it isn’t allowed to do the peak climb on a solo basis. You will need to have a licensed guide from the Nepalese government if you want to do the Island Peak expedition.
There are plenty of advantages to having a guide during the climb in Nepal. This allows you a safety cushion to know about the place. Not only that a guide help you understand the trails of the trek.
The perks of safety, along with the experience that comes with a licensed guide, are something unmatchable. So, having a solo climb to Island Peak isn’t possible.
Alternative Treks To Island Peak Expedition Nepal
Some of the trekkers might feel that Island Peak is an easier climb and doesn’t require much time and effort. Having said that, they love to look for other alternative trekking options.
For the moderate to experienced trekkers, the alternative treks to Island Peak are:
- Lobuche East Peak
- Mera Peak
- Kyajo Ri
- Pokalde Peak
- Chhukung Ri
Why Choose The Trek Nepal For the Island Peak Expedition Nepal?
There are plenty of trekking agencies when we talk about Nepal. Most of them are similar to the quality of services that are provided. Having said that, The Trek Nepal is different.
It is because we provide a customised package for our clients. Not only that based on your time and budget, we will also make the package that will be useful for you.
One of the key reasons that makes us different is the fact that we focus more on the eco-tourism aspect of trekking and peak climbing.
Not only the quality of service but are we keenly dedicated to protecting the environment without leaving much of the negative footprints. All in all, it is an experience with The Trek Nepal based on your conditions.
Detailed Itinerary For Island Peak Expedition Nepal
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and move to hotel
On the very first day of Island peak expedition Nepal all the trekkers will arrive in Kathmandu. A member from The Trek Nepal will be present at the airport to receive the guests.
All the guests will be placed at their respective hotels. If you are interested, there will be a guide who will be more than interested to take you for the city tour.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
On the second day of the trek after the early morning breakfast we will move for the city tour. It will be a historic day with the visit to major UNESCO world heritage sites present in Kathmandu.
An experienced guide will take you around with the deep dive into the history of the valley. On the other end, The Trek Nepal team will be prepared with the arrangements of permits that will be needed for the overall trekking day.
Day 3: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
It is on the 3rd day of the trek that we will move into the Island peak expedition Nepal. Early in the morning we will have a flight to Lukla. It will be an exciting flight with some of the beautiful mountain views. It will be a short flight.
After we land in Lukla it will be an immediate trekking opportunity that presents itself. We will push for Phakding with the first stop being Chaurikharka village. Slowly we walk across the banks of Dudh Koshi river to reach Phakding by the end of the day.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
One of the exciting part of the day whereby we will trek to Namche Bazaar. We will cross the pine forest for the first part. The first village we will go through is Tok Tok and Bhenkar ultimately reaching Monjo village.
It is the spot whereby the permits get checked and we push through to Namche Ukalo. Crossing this section will be the welcome to Namche Bazaar which is a popular Sherpa village in the country. We will rest out the night right here.
Day 5: Rest day at Namche Bazaar
We will be having a rest at Island Peak expedition Nepal. It will be at Namche Bazaar which is a beautiful village. We will reach for Everest View hotel and Syangboche airstrip as well.
Passing through the day we will interact with the locals at Khumjung and Khunde village. By the end of the day we will visit the nearby museum and end the day.
Day 6: Trek to Tyangboche from Namche Bazaar
As the body has been acclamatized on the 5th day we will move ahead. Passing through the lush woodlands we will reach Phunki Thenga village at first. Passing through the forest you could see some rare animals.
In the case of mountains though there is views of Everest, Nuptse, Island peak, Lhotse and we continue moving. Slow and steady we will reach Imja Khola during the final push for the day. There is a famous monastery Tengboche in the region. We would stay the night in the same village.
Day 7: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche
Slowly the altitude keeps gaining at Island Peak expedition Nepal. Having said that we will ascend 550m today to reach Dingboche. There will be various religious chortens, mani walls and high altitude settlements in the region.
There will be lesser greenery and more meadows in the region. The stunning views of mountain in the backdrop will make the experience more wonderful. Lastly we will reach Dingboche which is also called the Summer Valley.
Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp
Slowly we are coming closer to the destination. Today we will be able to reach above 5000m. The day starts with a healthy breakfast and a move towards the bank of Imja Khola. Through this day you will enjoy the views of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Lastly we will reach Bibre village which will be right below the Island peak. This isnt the destination but we move ahead to Chhukung village which has the icy path to it. It will be the last village in the Island peak expedition Nepal. We spend the night right here.
Day 9: Acclamatization and exploration at Island Peak Base Camp
As the team of The Trek Nepal is at the altitude beyond 5000m things will be interesting. We will have to acclamatize better inorder to get to the peak climbing. Today will be all about rest and getting your body ready for the big climb.
We will hike around the region watching at the beautiful mountains. There will be proper practice and training from the guides of The Trek Nepal. All the gears will be made ready for the next day.
Day 10: Climb Island peak and return to base camp
Finally it is the decision day at Island Peak expedition Nepal. We will be ready to climb to the top of the mountain and start early. First we will have to cross the rocky ridge and head to the glacier. The team slowly moves through the narrow slopes and steep rock channels.
The experienced guides will help you to the final push to the summit of Island peak. There will be views of Makalu, Lhotse, Baruntse, Ama Dablam etc. when you reach the top. It will be an exciting experience. In the end we will have to return back to the base camp.
Day 11: Trek from Island Peak Base Camp to Dingboche
Yes we have done the Island peak expedition Nepal a major success. But the job is half done. Safe retutn is also a key. For the first retrace we will touch down to Dingboche. Pushing through the flank of glacier we will reach Chhukung village first.
Moving ahead we will go to Bibre village and push for the next stop. The next stop will be Dingboche village where we spend the night.
Day 12: Trek from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar
We continue to descend in the Island peak expedition Nepal. The early morning breakfast means that we will go for Namche Bazaar today. The first stop of the day is Somare. Slowly we cross the villages like Orsho, Pangboche and finally to reach Tengboche.
It will be a day with 7 hours of trek. Although it is getting back but the trek will be easier compared to climbing up. The walk for the day is filled with lush woodlands an take us to the Namche Bazaar. It will be an evening of celebration at Namche Bazaar.
Day 13: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
We will be leaving every trace of Island Peak expedition Nepal today. The early morning sunrise will show way to Lukla. We will walk through the banks of Dudh Koshi river. The drop down from Namche Ukaalo will be an easier one.
Villages like Monjo, Bhenkar, Tok Tok will be passed down to reach the likes of Phakding village. Lastly after crossing Chaurkharka village we will be at Lukla. The night will be spent at a local teahouse here.
Day 14: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
Yes the day has finally arrived to return back to Kathmandu. The early breakfast in Lukla will show us the way to the flight. It will be a scenic and beautiful flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. For the last time trekkers will get to see mountain ranges.
After 35 minutes of the flight we will be reaching Kathmandu. You can either go for the city tour, buy souvenirs or also spend the rest of the day resting at your hotel.
Day 15: Departure to the home nation
The official end of Island peak expedition Nepal is here. After the breakfast in the morning, a member from The Trek Nepal will take you to the airport. It will be a 15 minute ride to the airport.
With the promise to meet again The Trek Nepal will safely place you at your respective terminal.