Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse among the locals, is one of the most effortless yet worthwhile expeditions for adventure enthusiasts. Standing at an elevation of 6189 meters, the peak offers quite a thrilling experience of the pristine lands, rich cultural heritages, and fantastic mountain views of all the surrounding peaks of the Everest region.
After successfully summitting this peak, you will be able to catch a captivating view of the highest mountains like Mount Everest (8848.86 mtrs.), Kanchenjunga (8586 mtrs.), Lhotse (8516 mtrs.), Makalu (8481 mtrs.), Cho Oyu (8188 mtrs.), Manaslu (8167 mtrs.), Dhaulagiri (8167 mtrs.), Annapurna I (8091 mtrs.), and Shishapangma (8013 mtrs.).
Despite being a little technical climb, this journey to Island Peak is easily attainable even though you do not have prior experience of mountain expeditions. Whether you are preparing to summit the Eight-Thousanders or want to experience climbing a peak, Island Peak is the right option.
The Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing is a 16-day journey that begins with a scenic yet thrilling flight to the Lukla Airport, which is infamous as one of the most dangerous in the world for having the shortest runway near the hills. Your actual trek starts right after the 45-minute flight lands, and you get introduced to the chilly breeze of the high altitude on your hike up to Phakding, your destination for the day.
The next morning, we trek to Namche Bazaar and end the day exploring the Sherpa settlement filled with bustline hordes of fellow trekkers, summiteers, and trek guides. We will rest the night enjoying the sherpa hospitality, served with good food and a local lifestyle. Continuing the ascend, we will trek in the following days to Sherpa villages like Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung, which fall on our trail to the Island Peak. These villages serve as our resting stops and offer cultural experiences of the Tibetan and Sherpa people who reside in the high mountains.
You will also be able to visit the Buddhist monasteries and learning centers dedicated to the legendary mountaineers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
After passing the Chhukung Ri and spending the night in the Chhukung village, we march towards the Island base Camp. We will build up a tent and spend that very night in the base camp, enjoying the cold breeze and preparing our bodies for the summit the next day.
On this day, we will begin our climb early in the morning, reach the summit of Island Peak in daylight, and trek back to Chhukung village to rest out, as staying in the base camp at such a high altitude might not be the best option. From here onwards, we begin our descent following the same route through Sherpa villages, then to Namche, and back to Kathmandu.
