ISLAND PEAK & EBC

Nepal

Imja Tse peak or also popularly known as Island Peak stands tall with a modest height of 6,189m. English Mountaineer Eric Shipton named it Island Peak in 1953. He thought it resembles an island in a sea of ice seeing it from Dingboche. In 1983, Island Peak again got its new name, Imja Tse. Island peak climbing is done along with the Everest Base Camp Trek. With very few technical aspects, it offers itself even to beginner climbers with competitive endurance. Hence, it is one of the most popular choices among the 6000m. Island Peak welcomes hundreds of climbers groups each year luring them to their peak.

Island Peak & Everest Base Camp trek & climb spans around 15 days. The trip begins after landing at Lukla airport. Spending a couple of nights in Namche Bazaar the climbers acquaint themselves gradually before actually climbing the Island Peak. It takes four to five days to reach the Base camp of Island Peak. Here in the base camp climbers have to familiarise themselves with the climatic conditions before actually pushing themselves to the summit. The ascent to the top starts along a ridge where climbers use a foot traction device popularly known as crampons along with a rope to elevate upwards. The way across the glacier is easy with occasional fractures in them. After reaching the top, an exquisite view of Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam is seen. This peak was first ascended by Tenzing Norgay preparing for his Everest Triumph. After reaching the summit, you descend via the main Everest Trail to Lukla Airport.

OVERVIEW

Island Peak

Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek is a perfect blend of trekking and climbing in the Everest region. This trip offers the best peak climbing experience for novice climbers and mountain lovers. The Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, rises like a spectacular island of rock and ice surrounded by glaciers and 8,000 and 7,000-meter peaks. One of the easiest trekking peaks in Nepal, the ascent to Island Peak’s summit at 6,189m involves a traverse through the glacier and moderate snow and ice climbing.

Take a high-altitude hike to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar and stand beneath the frozen summit of Mount Everest. Cross a high mountain pass Kongma La and arrive at Island Peak Base Camp. Put on your gear and follow your guide to the summit of this beautiful peak. Walk past mountainside Sherpa villages, high mountain passes, and glaciers to reach the Island Peak Base Camp, from where you make your summit bid. The ample acclimatisation days will ensure that your body adapts well to the rarefied air before your Island Peak Climbing summit bid. For most of you, this will be a ‘first’ and thus your most extraordinary summit. We are sure there will be many more in the future, but the taste of your first victory lingers for a lifetime.

Since your safety is our number one priority, we do a double check on all our climbing equipment and gear that we use for this Island Peak Climbing. We make sure that safety procedures are in place at the start and during the trip. Your professional climbing guide Jason black has more than 25 years of experience in High altitude mountaineering. He has submitted several 8,000 and 7,000-meter peaks, including Mount Everest,K2  and has reached the top of Island Peak several times. To ensure that everyone makes it to the summit, every 2 climbers will be assisted by 1 sherpa guide.

Moreover, during the pre-climb training at the Base Camp, you will get valuable inputs from our experienced guides. This is also a good opportunity to brush up on your climbing skills. Our mountaineering guides will help you reach the top and achieve your goal safely. What’s more, we provide you with all the climbing gear and equipment you will need to scale Island Peak!

THE PRICE

Grade: Moderate 
Duration: 17 Days + 1 
Route: Non Standard 

Date: 29th MAR – 15th APRIL  2024
Date: 01st OCT – 18th OCT  2024

Price: €3899

Deposit €399 on booking.
Full payment required six weeks before trip departs.

See more about the payment policy Here

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NON STANDARD ROUTE

COST INCLUDE

  • PRIVATE HELICOPTER : Expedition exit flight from lukla to kathmandu 
  • DOMESTIC FLIGHT Expedition start from Kathmandu – Phaplu
  • AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport – Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (3 Star Category) on a bed & breakfast Basis- Sharing Twin Bed Room.
  • WELCOME DINNER : Jason Black mountaineering welcome team dinner in Kathmandu.
  • PERMITS : All necessary paper works: Island Peak climbing Permit from NMA, Sagarmatha National Park entry permit, TIMS CARD & Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry fee.
  • GARBAGE : Expedition garbage fees.
  • STAFF INSURANCE : Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and climbing.
  • CLIMBING STUFF TRANSPORTATION : Necessary all equipment Transportation for all Members and Staffs from Kathmandu to Phaplu (by air cargo) and to Base camp (by Porters)– While returning: Base camp to Lukla (by porters) and Lukla to Kathmandu (by air cargo).
  • MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carrying by porters.
  • FOODS & LODGING : 3 Food 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge during the trek.
  • DRINKS : 2 liters of boiled water to carry on thermos per day per member.
  • PORTERS : Porters (1 member: 1 Porter) during the trek.
  • CLIMBING SHERPA : 1:2 
  • CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE : Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
  • STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
  • OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) : Oxygen bottles will be in stock at base camp in case of an emergency (with appropriate charge).
  • HIGH CAMP SERVICE : Necessary cooking gas, cooking pot for a member, high altitude tent (sharing basis), high food for a member, Sherpa, and climbing crews. Group climbing gears, and fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
  • LIGHT : Necessary light at all tents. * if required.
  • MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.
  • SUMMIT CERTIFICATE : Island Peak climbing certificate issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (after climbing the Island Peak successfully).
     

COST EXCLUDE

  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepali Visa fee $50 USD per person for 30 days paid at airport on arrival. 
  • LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
  • EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
  • INSURANCE : Travel and high-altitude insurance, accident, helicopter medical & emergency evacuation. *Mandatory
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will serve soft drinks for members in base camp).
  • TIPS : $300 per person
island peak top

ITINERARY

Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu, Gear check and team briefing over welcome dinner.

Day 2 | Hike Time: 5h

Domestic flight from
Kathmandu - Phaplu and trek to Nunthala

Day 3 | Hike Time: 7h

Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa

Day 4 | Hike Time: 6h

Trek from Bupsa to Surke

Day 5 | Hike Time: 6h

Trek from Surke to Phakding

Day 6 | Hike Time: 5h

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m)

Day 7 | Hike Time: 6hr

Trek from Namche Bazzar to Tengboche (3870m)
 

Day 8/9 | Hike Time: 7h

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4243m) 
Second day at Dingboche and ropework training 

Day 10 | Hike time 6hrs

Trek Dingboche to Lobuche (4940m) 

Day 11 | Hike time 8hrs

Trek from Lobuche to Everest basecamp and back to Gorakshep (5170m) 

Day 12 | Hike time 8hrs

Trek from Gorakshep to Chhukung

 B/L/D
 Lodge

Day 13 | Travel Time: 7h

Hike from Chhukung to Island Peak High Camp (5,500m)

 High Food
 Tent
Trek distance: 5 km
Trek duration: 6-7 hours
 

Day 14 | Summit Day +12hrs

High Camp to Island Peak Summit (6,189m) and Back to the Dingboche
 High Food
 Tent
Trek duration: 12+ hours
 

Day 15 | Namche Bazzar

Trek from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar
 B/L/D
 Lodge
Trek distance: 14.9 km
Trek duration: 8-9 hours

Day 16 | Travel Time: 10h

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
 B/L/D
 Lodge
Trek distance: 13.5 km
Trek Duration: 9-10 hours

Day 17 | Travel Time: 7h

Helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu & Transfer to the hotel & celebration meal. 
 Hotel

Home

Depart Kathmandu for home

 Breakfast
Tourist camp in mountains with tent

Trip Highlights

  • Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek has the best combination of Himalayan trekking and climbing.
  • Trek to EBC  and climb up Island Peak, the most popular trekking peak in Nepal
  •  An easy ascent up a 6,000-meter peak for first-time climbers. Thrilling traverse through Imja, Khumbu, and Lhotse glaciers and the high pass of Kongma La
  • Experience Sherpa culture and  Himalayan  views of 7,000 and 8,000-meter peaks
  • Ideal peak to acclimatise and refresh your technical skills if planning to climb an 8,000 or 7,000-meter peak

Is This Trip Suitable For You?

  • Island Peak Climbing is for experienced trekkers with a high level of physical fitness and endurance level. If you have done some high-altitude trekking and feel confident about scaling your first mountain, then Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek is the trip for you.
  • No previous climbing experience is needed. First-time climbers can easily make the ascent.
  • Basic mountaineering skills would be an added advantage pre-climb training at Island Peak Base Camp.
  • Trekking 7 to 8 hours daily on the trail
  • 12 to 14 hours of climbing on Summit Day.
  • Challenging traverse through glaciers, river valleys, and mountain passes above 5,000m
  • If you have weak knees, heart, or lungs, you need to consult your physician before booking this trip.

Why Climb With Us?

  • Climb with one of the worlds leading high altitude mountaineers and high altitude specialist with +25 years of experience. He has summited Island Peak more than 20 times.
  • Well-crafted Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek itinerary with enough acclimatisation days, contingency plan, and pre-climb training at base camp to ensure a high summit success rate 
  • All personal (climbing boots, harness, ice axe, crampons, helmet) and group (ropes, snow bar, ice hammer, ice screw, etc. ) climbing gear can be provided.
  • High-quality accommodation, 4-star deluxe hotel in Kathmandu and the best available teahouses on the trail. Single 1 man tent for comfort and privacy while camping. 
  • 1 chief climbing guide. In addition, for 2 clients, 1 assistant guide will be assigned for personalised care and safety.
  • All-inclusive climbing. We take care of the permits, domestic flights, accommodation, food on the trail, etc.  
  • Satellite phone for emergency use.  
  • Outstanding summit success.
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters and guides

Best time to Climb Island peak

Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons for Island Peak Climbing with EBC Trek. The weather stays stable and clear during these times, which makes it ideal for trekking and climbing. The days are warm and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons, and the trails get crowded and busy.

Spring is the most popular climbing season in Nepal. During this season, the weather is warm, and there is less snow on the mountains, making climbing easier. While trekking, you enjoy breathtaking views, as the verdant hillsides are covered with wildflowers, including rhododendron blooms.

The second season preferred for climbing is Autumn. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, one can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your climbing around October will allow you to experience the most important festival in the Everest region, Mani Rimdu. This festival is held in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame. 

Timing this climbing during the monsoon or late winter season is not recommended as the precipitation and snow make climbing risky.

FAQ

Print Packing List

Base Layers

  • Synthetic Short Underwear (1-2 pair): non-cotton style underwear
  • Lightweight Long Underwear (1-2 pair): long sleeve shirt and long pants
  • Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
  • Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)

Mid Layers

  • Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
  • Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
  • Lightweight Nylon Pants

Windproof/Rain Layers

  • Hard Shell Jacket with hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
  • Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants

Insulation Layers

  • Heavyweight Insulated Down Jacket with hood
  • Insulated Pants

Headwear

  • Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
  • Balaclava: to protect your neck and face in high winds
  • Baseball Cap or other sun hat: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
  • Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun

Eyewear

  • Glacier Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
  • Ski Goggles: to be worn in the event of high winds – (2nd pair optional)

Gloves

  • Lightweight Synthetic Base Layer Gloves: for wearing on warm days
  • Soft Shell Gloves: to wear for moderate cold/wind
  • Shell Glove with Insulated Liner: to wear for severe cold/strong wind

Footwear

  • Liner Socks (3 pairs)
  • Wool or Synthetic Socks (3 pairs)
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Hiking Boots/Shoes: comfortable boots or shoes for the trek to base camp
  • Gaiters (optional)
  • Booties (optional)

Sleeping Equipment

  • Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -20°F
  • Self-inflating Sleeping Pad: full length is preferred
  • Closed-cell Foam Pad: to be used in conjunction with the inflating pad for warmth and comfort when sleeping
  • Earplugs

Mountaineering Gear

  • Trekking/Climbing Backpack: approximately 35L
  • Compression Stuff Sacks: for reducing the volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc. in your pack/duffle
  • Trash Compactor Bags: to line backpack and stuff sacks as well as for separating gear
  • Backpack Rain Cover (optional)
  • Trekking Poles with Snow Baskets: adjustable
  • Ice Axe: general mountaineering tool (65cm)
  • Crampons: general mountaineering crampons
  • Climbing Helmet: must be able to fit over your warm hat
  • Ascender: 1 right or left-hand ascender
  • “Y” Rig for ascender and safety carabiner
  • Accessory Cord: 30 feet (9m) of 6mm accessory cord
  • Alpine Climbing Harness: mountaineering harness, with adjustable leg loops. Not a rock-climbing “sport” harness
  • Carabineers: 3 regular and 3 locking
  • Belay/Rappel Device
  • Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries

Travel Items

  • Large Duffel Bags with Locks (2): for transporting gear on the mountain, no hard sides or wheels
  • Travel Clothes: for days in cities and towns
  • Lightweight journal, sketchbook, pencils, pen
  • Currency to exchange to purchase SIM cards or merchandise in cities and towns

Additional Food Items

  • Snack Food: bring a few days supply of your favorite climbing snack food such as bars, gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. variety of salty and sweet is good

Other Equipment

 

  • Water Bottles (2): wide mouth bottles with 1-liter capacity
  • Water Bottle Parkas (2): fully insulated with zip opening
  • Water Treatment
  • Thermos (optional): 1 liter
  • Hand and Toe Warmers
  • Sunscreen: SPF 50 or better
  • Lip Screen (2 sticks): SPF 30 or better
  • Toiletry Bag: include toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitizer (2 small bottles)
  • Pee Bottle: 1-liter minimum bottle for convenience at night in the tent
  • Female Urination Device (FUD)
  • Small Personal First-aid Kit: include athletic tape, band-aids, Ibuprofen, blister care, etc.
  • Medications and Prescriptions: bring personal medications, antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), altitude medicine such as Diamox, etc.

Optional Electronics

  • Country-appropriate power plug adapters and power transformers
  • Camera: bring extra batteries, charger, and memory cards

Tourist Visa

Immigration Office, TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) under the Department of Immigration has been facilitating tourists flying to Nepal by providing visas on Arrival. To obtain a visa upon arrival by air in Nepal you must fill in an application form and provide a passport copy. Visa application forms are available at the arrival hall, though some airlines provide this form on the flight. There are now visa registration machines in the immigration hall for people with electronic passports, which will automatically fill out the visa form for you after inserting your passport. Or, you can get a visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed in your own country before your arrival.

Getting in Nepal

There are many entry points in Nepal but most of you will take a flight to Kathmandu which is the only entry point for travellers who are entering by air. Your expedition will officially begin after flying to Kathmandu where you will be picked up by Jason Black Mountaineering representative at the airport, so you need to provide your arrival details in advance. And also lets us know if your flight gets delayed right away so we can manage everything accordingly.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights in Nepal are the main intercommunication to reach the region where you are going for your expedition as most of these regions are disconnected by road transport. Your flights into the Khumbu and any other region that are mentioned in your trip program will be reserved by us on your behalf. Due to the terrain and landscapes of Nepal domestic flights might get caught in weather delays which is why we recommend your return flight back to home be changeable at any time.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness is an effect of high-altitude atmospheric pressure that results in a quick change in oxygen level and air pressure of a human body. The symptoms will arise while walking at a high altitude without properly acclimatising the body. It can happen to anyone even if they have great physical fitness if you climb faster at a higher altitude. It is better to ascend gradually to prevent altitude sickness.

Money

There is good access to ATMs anywhere in most city areas, however, you will find it hard in rural areas. Different banks have their maximum withdrawal amount limit. Most hotels, restaurants, airlines, and travel agents accept cards as well. It is more important to have enough cash as there will be very limited or no ATMs access in trekking areas and also some reserves cash for emergencies. USD is selectively acceptable in Nepal but still, you need to make sure you have Nepalese currency on hand during the expedition.

Tipping

There is no significant rule about tipping your guide or porter but it has been more common in Nepal. It is on you to decide whether to thank the guide and porter with tips or not. But in most cases, guides and porters expect tips from you though they don’t ask for tips verbally.

Drinking-Water

The water quality in Nepal isn’t the greatest so it is better to use a water filtration or purification tablet. You can also drink boiled water if you like. Make sure to drink a lot of water during the expedition as your body requires more at a higher altitude.

Safety

Nepal is a heaven for adventures and is comparatively a safe destination for those adventures. There is a low rate of serious crime however you should still take sensible safety measures. Keep an eye on pick-pocketers and snatchers in buses and tourist areas. You can avoid walking with a large amount of cash on your own. Always let your guide know if you’re going out during the trip.

Internet and SIM Card

Most cities have extensive access to the internet, also hotels, restaurants, and cafes that offer free WIFI. But outside the cities, in the remote trekking areas, it’s fair to non-existent. During the expedition, the internet is available at the base camp for a certain amount of cost. You can easily purchase a SIM card at an affordable cost. You can use the data package using the SIM card as well.

Vaccinations & Immunisation

Before traveling to Nepal, please consult your travel clinic for updated information on vaccinations and immunisations. The commonly recommended vaccinations are Chickenpox, Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Shingles, Covid-19, Hepatitis A & B, Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.