Island Peak Climbing: is an attention-grabbing adventure attempted by many adventure lovers and climbers. The Island Peak – the real name is Imja Tse. For a brief history, it was renamed by Eric Shipton in 1951 as this Island Peak from Dingboche seemed like an island in the sea of ice. This Island Peak is actually an extension of the Lhotse Shar at the southern end. Climbing Island Peak is an outstanding experience that lets you the perfect starter for trekking or mountaineering to the wholesome alpine climate and unique Himalayan topography. View of the entire Khumbu region with the giant snowy walls of Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mera Peak is spectacular from the altitude of 6,189m. To reach the Island Peak, you will start your trip from Lukla enjoying the ups and downs of the Everest Region. The representative from Step on Himalaya will lead you toward your destination and guide you in each and every footstep.
Island Peak Climbing lets the climbers enjoy the challenging walk among the rocky boulders in the exotic alpine vegetation. As much high you go, as much the climb becomes interesting and enthralling. If the weather permits, the climbers will be able to see the giant Himalayan snowy peaks glittering under a clear blue sky. As compared to earlier days and especially after the earthquake in 2014, the trekking route has changed a lot beyond the “Crampon point” at the edge of the glacier. Nowadays, trekkers have to traverse multiple deep crevasses that are crossed using ladders. So, nowadays, trekkers need a basic ladder practice before their ascent to Island Peak or Imja Tse. You must not be afraid of the depths and be able to stay strong when the ladders wobble. Try your best not to look down while on ladders! Follow the instructions of your climbing guide.
The mountains and glaciers in the Himalayan region are never static. Hence, the changes in the landscapes always contest the stamina of the climbers. Once you reach the summit of Imja Tse, the conqueror feeling is rocking. You will then descend to the Island Peak Base Camp and spend the overnight there. The scene of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest, and especially the southern face of Mt. Lhotse, Makalu is simply breathtaking. Throughout the whole climb, Acclimatization is essential for the continuity of the climb. The months of March to May and October to November are considered as the better time of the year to achieve a successful feat over Imja Tse but all the year-round, the climb can be done. Step on Himalaya can arrange a delightful trip to Imja Tse or Island Peak and provide the best climbing guides and staff to support and make your climb an accomplishment.
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by the representative of Step On Himalaya and then escorted to the designated hotel for refreshment and be relaxing. You will be given a short explanation about the trip and if there is remaining time, a Nepalese cultural program can be seen. Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight is a little scary but very interesting and lets you witness the gorgeous scenarios of the snowcapped Himalayas and the striking landscapes. After landing in Lukla airport, you will meet the Guide from Step On Himalaya and led you towards Phakding passing via the small hamlet of Ghat(2250m), along the Dudh Koshi river. After reaching Phakding, Overnight stay here.
After early morning breakfast, you will start the trekking from Phakding towards Namche Bazaar. Jorsale is a small village on the way where there is a beautiful waterfall. There is a huge jungle of Rhododendrons, giant firs, and magnolia trees. You will cross a few wooden and steel bridges and then climb up and down all the way passing through the forest until you arrive at Namche Bazaar. Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.
Today is kept as a rest day for acclimatization in order to continue the further trekking. you can wander around the Khumjung village which is nearby Namche Bazaar or you can also go for a trivial walk towards the Thami at 3810m height situated over the Bhote Koshi river valley. At the end of the day, you will be familiarized with the altitude and ready for the further trek. 2nd night at Namche Bazaar.
The destination today is Tengboche. You will start at Namche Bazaar after having early morning breakfast. You will walk through the forest of Rhododendron and Conifers till Tengboche. There is a Tengboche monastery believed to be one of the oldest monasteries of the Khumbu region at the altitude of 3860m. It is surrounded by the Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kangtenga. After walking for about 3 – 4 hours, you will reach Tengboche. Overnight stay here.
You will continue your walk today till you arrive at Dingboche. On the way, there is the beautiful forest of Juniper, Rhododendron, Fir, and Birch ending at the nunnery in Debouche. After crossing the Imja Khola, you will reach the Pangboche village where you will stop by for lunch enjoying the stunning views of Ama Dablam. Then the path will lead you towards the broad alpine hilly area and reach to the Dingboche village once again crossing the Imja River. Overnight stay here.
Today’s destination is Chhukung from Dingboche. Chhukung is a small village situated beneath a large rocky wall joining Nuptse with Lhotse. You will enjoy the magical scenes of Mt. Ama Dablam (6856m).
You will now start the trekking from Chhukung to Imja Tse walking along the side of Imja River. You will reach a pleasant spot named Pareshaya Gyab where you can see a tiny beautiful lake and amazing views of the Lhotse Glacier and the Nuptse-Lhotse wall. After reaching the Island Peak Base Camp, you will be setting the camp and then geared the climbing stuff for tomorrow’s climbing to the Island Peak. Overnight stay at Tented Camp.
The main day of the whole Climbing expedition – Ascent to Imja Tse (Island) Peak. From here, you will start your trek to reach the summit enjoying the views of rocky peaks of Lhotse (8,501m.), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m.), Lhotse Shar (8,383m.) and Nuptse (7,879m.) at the north. Towards the east, there is the Lhotse Shar Glacier and Cho Polu (7,734m.) just above it. Mount Makalu (8,475m.) also can be seen from here. Mount Baruntse (7,720m.) and Ama Dablam (6,856m.) are visible from the southern part of the Imja glacier. Overnight stay at Tented Camp at the summit.
After spending the night at the tented camp, you will start climbing up early to reach the Island peak summit. The route is amazingly complex after reaching the base of the pointed icefall beneath the peak. After reaching the summit, you will spend some time there and start moving down to the Imja Tse Base Camp. Overnight stay at the Tented Camp.
You will start moving towards Pangboche from the Imja Tse Base Camp. It will take about 5 – 6 hours to reach Pangboche. After traversing the Khumbu River over a wooden suspension bridge, you will follow the trail of Imja Khola towards the Pangboche village. Overnight stay here.
After early morning breakfast, you will trek down from Pangboche village to Namche Bazar following the trail of the Imja River. On the way back, you will follow the same route hence you will come across the dense forest of Rhododendron and Birch till Tengboche. From Tengboche, you will gradually walk down towards the bridge over the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga and arrive at Namche Bazaar. It will be about 5 – 6 hours walk today. Overnight stay here.
After taking breakfast, you follow the same route back to Lukla from Namche Bazar. Overnight stay at Lukla.
From Lukla, you will board the flight to Kathmandu once again enjoying the beautiful scenes of gigantic Himalayan peaks. Upon arriving at the domestic airport of Kathmandu, the representative from Step On Himalaya will take you to the hotel where you can rest and relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.
This day is actually managed as a leisure day. Not only for resting, but also to make sure that you will not miss the International flight. You can spend the day by roaming around or shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel.
The final day of the trek to see off Nepal and back to home. The representative of Step On Himalaya will take you to the airport at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled flight.