Island Peak Climbing
A magnificent circuit of the Everest region with a challenging ascent of Island Peak (6189mt.) is a wonderful trek that takes us first of all into the heart of the Khumbu as we follow in the footsteps of the great Everest climbers through Namche Bazaar towards Everest Base Camp. An ascent of Kala Patar (5545m) is a good acclimatization and that gives us magnificent close-up views of Everest. Leaving the main trail, we cross the little used Kongma La Pass to camp below Pokalde Peak. We then move into the Imja Valley to the base of Island Peak before short walk to the high camp.This challenging trek involves scrambling on rock followed by the ascent of a snow face and then up the final ridge. For those who are well acclimatised and have the determination and energy, the views from the top provide some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu - the rugged summits of Nuptse rear above us, while Lhotse, Cho Polu, Baruntse, Makalu and Ama Dablam are just some of the magnificent Himalayan giants we will observe from the top.
We leave the Everest Base Camp Trek at Dingboche and walk up to Chhukung. Then a base camp and/or an advanced base camp can be established between 5300 and 5600 m. The route to the summit includes a rather steep slope and a narrow ridge. Hence, Crampons, Ice-axe and ropes are to be carried while on climbing the peak.
The name Island Peak was given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton's party who were on their way to explore the Barun Gorge. The Imja Tse is an extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar and is separated from it by a small col. Apart from providing an enjoyable climb, the peak also provides some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu. If the peak can be likened to an island in a glacial sea, then the mainland forms a semicircle of cliffs that rise in the north to the rugged summits of Nuptse (7.879m) Lhotse (8.501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8.410m), as yet still unclimbed and Lhotse Shar (8.383m). To the east, rising above the frozen waves of the Lhotse Shar Glacier, is Cho Polu (6.734mt.), beyond which can be seen the red granite mass of Makalu (8,475m).
Over View:
Elevation (feet): 20285
Elevation (meters): 6183
Lat/Lon: 27.92°N, 86.93°E
Range: Himalaya
Difficulty: Basic Snow/Ice Climb.
Best months for climbing: April, May, October, November.
Convenient Center: Namche Bazar.
Nearest major airport: Kathmandu .
Duration: 20 Days
Mode of Trekking: Teahouse + Camping
Itinerary
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla which takes approximately 30 minutes and trek to Phakding (2652m.) .
Day 02: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m.) which takes about 5 and a half hours.
Day 03: Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion around the places. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khunde Hospital which was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, or a one hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche Bazaar for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There are also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. Stay overnight at lodge in Namche Bazar.
Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3850 m.) and it takes almost 5 hours.
Day 05: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4350m.) which takes about 4 and a half hour to 5 hours.
Day 06: Rest at Dingboche for acclimatization.
Day 07: Trek from Dingboche (4350m.) to Chhukung (4730m.) which it takes about 2 and a half hour.
Day 08: Trek from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp (5087m) which it takes about three hours.
Day 09-10: Climb to Island Peak (6189m.)
Day 11: Trek from Island Peak Base Camp to Chhukung which takes about three hours. Stay overnight at lodge in Chhukung.
Day 12: Trek from Chhukung to Pangboche (3985m)
Day 13: Trek from Pangboche to Khumjung (3790m.) and it takes about six hours.
Day 14: Trek Khumjung to Monjo which takes about five hours. All the way you walk downwards. En route, you pass Namche Bazaar. Stay overnight at lodge in Monjo.
Day 15: Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2800m) and it takes about 3 hours. Your final day's trekking follows the Dudh Koshi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the Sherpa guides and porters, where you can sample some chhang, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience. Stay overnight at lodge in Lukla.
Day 16: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes about 35 minutes.
