CLIMBING ISLAND PEAK
The Island Peak trek and climb is the ideal first Himalayan climb. Additionally, it is also a wonderful experience to climb to an altitude of over 20,000 feet. Eric Shipton, a British mountaineer and explorer, named Island Peak describing it as an Island in a sea of ice. The Sherpas of the region call it Imja Tse.
Mighty Himalayan peaks Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse and Thamserku are the feature of this journey. Thus, on this climbing trip to Island Peak, you will be surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world. Also, do consider our Everest Three Passes Trek if you are looking for a challenging trek but lack the basic climbing skills.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
The ISLAND PEAK CLIMB is a lodge trek. Therefore you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. But for the climbing portion of the trip, at Island Peak Base Camp, you will be sleeping in tents and eating meals prepared by camping crew for 2 or 3 nights. The quality of the lodges on this trek are the best among all trekking trails in Nepal. And quite a few of them have en suite rooms with hot showers. Meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Everest treks.
BEST SEASON
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Island Peak climb are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November).
TREK RATING
The ISLAND PEAK is rated “CHALLENGING”. It is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). While the highest altitude reached is at the summit of Island Peak (6,160 meters), the highest overnight elevation is at Gorakshep (5,212 m/17,100 feet). Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with two long days of around 9 -12 hours on the summit day.
In addition, basic mountaineering skills are also REQUIRED for the Island Peak trek. Participants must have experience in glacier travel, ice-axe arrest and the use of ascender and descenders. Further, it is important to prepare for any trek/climb in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
WHY TREK WITH US?
All our Island Peak Treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…