Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking

“I want to climb mountain but I don’t want to climb the Everest”. “My biggest dream is to leave my footprints at the summit of Snowy Mountain but I don’t have any experiences”. “The ultimate goal is to do expedition in tall mountains but I want to train in small trekking peaks”. These are few examples that people are looking for suitable peaks where they can fulfill their mountaineering dream with challenging expeditions. Yes, the Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking is an ideal trip for these people. Today’s blog is to highlight on this journey inside the heart of Khumbu the home of the world’s tallest mountains.

Before going deeper into the Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking in detail, let’s know in brief about peak climbing in Nepal especially in the Everest region.

Peak Climbing in Everest

The Everest region is famous for obvious reason the mountains. There is something for everyone. From the towering 8 thousanders to smaller trekking peaks, the region is home of mountaineering. Even so beautiful that the region offers quintessential trekking routes too. Everest Base Camp Trek, EBC Cho La Pass Trek, Gokyo Everest Treks, etc. are few examples. Similarly, the region is also the home of countless trekking peaks below 7000 m altitude. Everyone across the globe knows that Everest, Lhotse, and Choyou the world’s tallest peaks are also in the region. So, to provide chance for all to climb mountains the region has four to five amazing trekking peaks.

Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) permits mountains like Khongma Tse (5849 m), Imja Tse (Island Peak 6189 m), Mera Peak (6476 m), Lobuche East Peak (6119 m), Kusum Kangru (6360 m), Kwangde (6086 m), Mt. ABI (6043 m), Cholatse (6423 m), Kyazo Ri (6151 m), Nirekha (6159 m), Phari Lapcha (6340 m), and Ombigaichen (6017 m) in Everest region. Besides these mountains, you can also climb Pokalde Peak without any peak climbing permit. Therefore, the Everest region is the home of the mountains. Among these many peaks in the region, Island Peak (6189 m), Mera Peak (6476 m), and Lobuche East Peak (6119 m) are the most popular ones.

Route to Island Peak Base Camp

The route to Island Peak starts from Dingboche Village in the Everest Base Camp Trekking route. Some people even visit the Everest Base Camp and take the route of the Kong Ma La Pass (5530 m) to reach Chhukung from Lobuche and continue their journey to the Island Peak Base Camp (5100 m). The most common route to Island Peak Base Camp is the Dingboche – Chhukung Route.

Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking

Generally, all the Island Peak Climbers take the itinerary of the Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking. It has become a custom for climbers. Therefore, if you search in an internet or ask any Sherpa guides, then you can get the similar itinerary. There are options of doing the Island Peak Climbing only. For this, you have to book the Island Peak Climbing from Chhukung package. It cost you around 750 $ in which all the trekking portion up to Chhukung and after the climb must be done by trekkers themselves.

Why Everest Base Camp Trek helps you before Island Peak Climbing?

In the pursuit of reaching the snow – clad mountain of 6189 m altitude, you must be aware about the possible altitude sickness. Acclimatization can help you increase the success rate of Island Peak Climbing along with other many factors. If you choose to do the Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking, then you can get acclimatized better. Before pushing for the summit, climbers will already be in the places above 5000 m altitude. The rugged trail to Everest Base Camp and the 5545 m tall Kalapathar Hike offers great altitude adjustment. Therefore, don’t forget to visit Everest Base Camp (5364 m) before heading to the Island Peak Base Camp (5100 m) for climbing.

Where do I meet my Sherpa Climbing Guide?

Basically, you will be accompanied by the trekking guide throughout the journey until you reach Chhukung or Dingboche. From this place, the journey will be led by the Climbing Sherpa Guide and climbing crew members. This provision continues during the climb and descent until they reach Chhukung or Dingboche again. Note down that you meet Sherpa Climbing Guide either in Chhukung or Dingboche but all the trekking part is handled by the trekking guide who may not be a climbing guide.

How difficult is climbing Island Peak?

Lots of climbing experts claim that the Island Peak is a technical mountain and the most difficult one among several trekking peaks of Nepal including mountains like Lobuche and Mera. Therefore, you must prepare well for this adventure. Make sure that you have good cardio – vascular abilities, fitness, and good support team. Your gear and equipment must be in top condition and you are mentally ready to climb the mountain. There are few ladder sections in route to the Island Peak summit. The trail is extremely vertical and narrow ridgeline. Choose correct climbing season like April of spring season in order to increase the success rate. So, overall the journey of the Island Peak Climbing via Everest Base Camp Trekking is challenging.

Why Can’t I see Mt. Everest from Island Peak Summit?

The massive wall of Lhotse Sar blocks the view of Mt. Everest from the summit of the Island Peak (6189 m). However, you can get mesmerizing scenery of mountains like Lhotse, Makalu, Amadablam, Thamserku, etc. As the name suggests, once at the top you will be surrounded by the massive mountains and glacier. The joy of reaching the top of the snow – clad mountain is truly a victorious moment that you cherish which is definitely not possible describe in words.