Overview
Island Peak climbing is Nepal’s most popular non-technical mountain climb located within the Everest Region of the Eastern Himalayas. This is one of the top trekking peaks in Nepal with an elevated height of 6,160m. Island Peak is locally understood as Imja Tse by local Sherpas. If you wish to begin your mountaineering adventure in the Himalayas, Everest region, Imja Tse can be one of the best options. The Island peak's summit provides you with a breathtaking mountain view and a memorable journey in the Khumbu region. Some of the mountain vistas seen from the Island Mountain summit are Lhotse (8501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8410m), Lhotse Shar (8383m), Cho Polu (6734m), Makalu (8475m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m).
If we travel back to the history of Island Mountain, we will come to know that it is a technical peak that was used for training by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa before scaling Mt. Everest in 1953. Today, the same route established by Tenzing-Hillary is being utilized by many of the world's mountaineers and climbers. The fact is, Island Peak Climbing is still a popular training peak for mountaineers tackling Mount Everest since it requires abilities like - crossing crevasses with ladders, utilizing jumars on a fixed line, anchoring the rope, using a climbing harness, using an ice axe, and so on.
Does Island Climbing need expensive climbing gear?
It is a high-altitude expedition to climb an island peak, and there are inherent risks involved, such as acute mountain sickness and unforeseen medical situations. Things can go wrong in the Himalayas despite our best efforts. So climbing gears are a must for climbing Island peak. But it doesn't mean you should buy expensive gear. You can buy them at Thamel in Kathmandu or at Namche Bazar. Your travel agency will help you with such things.
Who can climb Island peak?
The first thing you require to climb Island peak is your physical fitness. The next thing you require to ascend Island Peak is a permit/pass. Teenagers, adults or mountain enthusiasts, and old age people having sound health can attempt the summit. Everyone who climbs must register their name in Namche and be rechecked in Island Peak Base Camp.
How long does it take to scale Island Peak?
According to the itinerary, the climbers will hike for 5 to 6 hours a day. More than this can result in altitude sickness. On average you will cover more than 10km and a maximum of 14/15 km. But on the summit day, your ascent can take up to 8 or 9/10. You need the best preparation on this day and follow the advice given by the team leader. More to this you should move slowly and conserve energy.
Island peak climbing route
The route to Island peak climbing takes you anti-clockwise from Dingboche. The upward route from Dingboche takes you toward Everest Base Camp whereas the anti-clockwise route takes you toward Island Peak. From Dingboche to Chhukung valley (3730m), it is a 3-4 hrs hike.
6160m
