10 Reasons To Choose Island Peak Climbing
Island peak climbing is a fantastic trek experience in the lap of the Himalayas in Nepal. Climbing a peak comprises both travel and adventure. Conquering the Island Peak is filled with the adrenaline rush, cultural awakening and a skip from the chaos we all live in. Being as high as 6189m and not tripping a bit is a thing to boast about.
Walking through the countryside, immersing ourselves in centuries-old Nepalese and Tibetan culture, the island peak climbing will be commenced in 18 days if the following itinerary is to be followed.
Day 1: Kathmandu- Lukla (2800m)- Phakding (2652m)
Lukla is 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu. After arriving at Lukla, we will trek for about 4 hours to reach Phakding along the meadows and snowy peaks of Kusum Kanguru (6367m) on the backdrop. Overnight stay at Phakding.
Day 2: Phakding- Namche Bazaar(3440m):-5-6 hrs trek
Today early morning, we will walk through beautiful meadows, rhododendron forests, and magnolia forest to arrive at Namche. Namche Bazaar is the center of the Everest region which sees a lot of travelers all year round.
Walking alongside the Dudh Koshi River with mountains in the backdrop, we will get an insight into the serenity we are on to. The trail sees different waterfalls and narrow suspension bridges. Everest will be waiting to greet us with its elegance as we reach the beautiful village of Namche for our overnight stay.
Day 3: Acclimatization at Namche(3440m)
As the trek goes beyond 6000m, it is necessary to acclimatize ourselves now and then. Today we will explore the beauty of Namche. The culture and tradition here are fascinating as Sherpa's shower their love towards us. We can visit the Sherpa Museum at Namche where their traditional way of living can be observed. Besides, we can explore the bustling yet beautiful market of Namche. Hiking a few hours from Namche, we can see a spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Everest(8848m), Lhotse(8414m), Cho Oyu(8188m) and many others.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar- Dole (4110m):-5-6 hrs trek
Starting early, we will head towards Dole which is about 6 hours trek from Namche Bazar. On the way, we will walk through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests. The trails are winding and uphill towards Dole. we walk across many settlements and Mani walls on our way to reach Phortse Thanga. We will then arrive at Dole and stay overnight.
Day 5: Dole- Machhermo(4470m):-4-5 hrs trek
After leaving Dole, we will traverse the steep trails passing through meagerly vegetated land and sparsely populated areas. The meadows on our way are grazed by the. The trail goes alongside the Dudhkoshi river and up the hill. The uphill trek to Machermo comes to an end after walking for almost 5 hours today. We will stay overnight at Machermo.
Day 6: Machermo- Gokyo(4800m):4-5 hrs trek
Today after breakfast we will climb over the ridges. We will then arrive at the endpoint of Ngozumpa glacier and climb the rough moraines. We can see a perfect view of the Gokyo valley from the top of the ridge. Gokyo valley is a piece of heaven on earth. After crossing two Gokyo lakes, we will arrive at the third one and that is where Gokyo village lies.
Day 7: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5330m)
Day 8: Gokyo- Thangnak (4750m)
Heading towards Thangnak, today we will leave the beautiful village of Gokyo. The trek today requires greater exertion as we will walk through Ngozumpa glacier until we reach Dragnag. We will climb down the moraines carefully before again ascending the rocky terrains to Thangnak. Thangnak is serene as we have spectacular views of Mera Peak(6476m), Kusum Kanguru(6367m),Thamserku(6608m),Kangtega(6850m) along with several other peaks.
Day 9: Thangnak- Cho La pass(5420m)- Dingboche(4410m):-10 hrs trek
Today’s day features a 10-hour trek to Dingboche via Cho La Pass.Cho La pass is one of the three high passes in the Everest region. Walking the trails of Cho La pass needs much patience as the trail gets strenuous with every climb. The path is slippery as covered with snow and ice to the top of Cho La Pass.
The 360-degree view of Everest Himalayas seen however will exalt our bravery. Descending is equally tricky and needs focus as the path is slippery. After spending a memorable time at the pass, we will climb down the steep path to Dingboche through Dzongla and Dughla.
Day 10: Acclimatization day
After a long strenuous climb to the village of Dingboche, rest is a must. We will take a rest today at Dingboche and explore the place. Nangkarstshang Gompa is a few hours hike from the village which sees a lot of local devotees.
Dingboche village, however, offers a clear view of Mt. Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse and many more. So basically you can enjoy the exhilarating view staying at the hotel.
Day 11: Dingboche- Chhukung(4730m):4 hrs trek
Walking through the moraines, rocky terrains and barren hills for almost 4 hours, we will arrive at Chhukung today. The way will be accompanied by the relishing view of mountains. The trail gets strenuous at times but we will walk alongside the Imja Khola for most of our trek today.
The village of Chhukan offers a spectacular view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam(6586m), Imja Tse(6189m) and so on. It is a bliss to lie next to the mountains. Overnight stay at Chhukung.
Day 12: Chhukung- Island Peak Base Camp (5200m):- 3-4 hrs
After we will start early, the trail ascends on the moraines of glaciers situated on either side of Imja Khola. The paths are mostly frozen and thus slippery. We should, therefore, be focused and walk carefully. We will arrive at the glacial lake of Imja Tsho where we can relish the stunning view of high Himalayas.
After taking rest for a while here at Imja Tsho, we will again head towards Island Peak Base Camp. we will stay overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
Day 13: Pre-climbing training day
Today we will solely focus on training for our climb tomorrow. The skills required for the climb will be taught along with all the necessary ideas to encounter any problems that may arise. Detailed information on how to avail the gears for mountain climbing will be given. If any complications arise, crew members will be there to support. Overnight stay at Island Peak Base Camp.
Day 14: Summit Island Peak(6189m)- Island Base Camp
We will have to start very early today. Starting before dawn, we will arrive at High Camp after ascending a steep slope. Moving further, we will head towards the summit climbing through the snow-covered ridges and walking carefully on the chasm.
After a careful climb, we will arrive at the summit of Island Peak (6189m). The serenity as seen will make us realize what heaven must look like. After spending the best part of your life at 6189 meters high, we will now start trekking down the hill. We will arrive at Island Peak Base Camp.
Day 15: Island Peak Base Camp- Pangboche (3985m)
Seeing off the Island peak, we will now head towards Chhukhung retracing the route we followed. After arriving at Chhukhung, we will walk along the trails of Imja Khola. This will take us to a monastery at Dingboche which has a lot of cultural and historical importance among the local people. After visiting the monastery, we will head towards the beautiful village of Pangboche with mountains in the backdrop.
Day 16: Pangboche- Namche Bazar
After we have collected a million memories to boast about, we will now head towards Pangboche. On our way, the beautiful view of mountains will follow and the beautiful view of Mt. Ama Dablam might make our stay and gaze. However, we will move forward and arrive in the beautiful village of Namche. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
Day 17: Namche Bazaar- Lukla
We will now retrace our way to Lukla. Today is the last day of our trek and we shall rejoice the day. We will trek through the rhododendron forests and walk past many settlements to arrive at Lukla. As we have reached Lukla village, we can stroll and get to know the locals of the region and their culture as well. We will stay overnight at Lukla.
Day 18: Lukla- Kathmandu
Below mentioned are a few reasons that compel trekkers to choose Island Peak Expedition.
1. Nature and scenic trail:
The most common reason to choose Island Peak expedition would be the scenic views it offers. The enticing view as seen from the summit of the peak makes you realize what heaven must look. like. The view on every climb is jaw-dropping, one must be wary of losing jaw anytime.
2. Panoramic view of the mountains from the top:
It offers spectacular scenery of the Khumbu region and the Chhukung Valley. Trekkers get a chance to delight themselves with the huge south face of Lhotse and the wonderful view of the Amadablam Peak from the highest point of the Island Peak.
3. Exciting flight to and from Lukla:
A thrilling scenic flight to Lukla and a landing on a steep mountain runway brings us to the start of our trek at the village of Lukla [2850m]. Being able to fly closest to the roof of the world, Mount Everest is a kind of a memory everyone would cherish for a lifetime.
4. Lush green forests of rhododendron, magnolia, birch, and pine.
The trail for this expedition moves through a beautiful forest full of rhododendron and Pines. The walkthrough green lush forest with the Himalayan backdrop adds up a positive thrill to the climb.
5. Seto Pokhari- a sacred lake at over 5000m
Seto Pokhari is a sacred lake that offers a majestic view of Mt. Barunste. A visit to Seto Pokhari could be a plus point for choosing Island Peak Climbing.
6. Explore the culture and lifestyle of the world-famous ‘Sherpa’ people.
Also known as the backbone of the climbing expedition, Sherpa people are an ethnic group who reside in the Mountains of Nepal.
Walking across the settlements of the Sherpa village we will come across the oldest settlement of the Sherpa, Tengboche village. The Tengboche village offers varieties of Monasteries that have a lot of cultural value among the Sherpas of the Everest region.
The scenery and the location of the island peak make it suitable for novice climbers as well as experienced trekkers. Commonly speaking the Island Peak expedition is not technically challenging but it could be physically demanding. The climb is strenuous and requires suitable gears. With proper gears to climb and the company of experienced guides, the Island Peak trek should not be hard. Even so, the view is exhilarating.