Island Peak Climb Highlights

island peak climb

July 28, 2014

If you’ve got a trek to Everest Base Camp on your “to do” list and you’re fit, strong and up for a challenge, then why not consider an Island Peak climb? But what exactly would this involve? To start with, have a look at our Island Peak image gallery and video gallery.

Most “responsible and safe” itineraries to Everest Base Camp that begin in Lukla will include nights at Phakding, Namche Bazaar (2 nights), Deboche, Dingboche (2 nights), Lobuche and Gorak Shep along the way. Typically these expeditions will have a night or two at Gorak Shep and will then backtrack their original route all the way back to Lukla.

Trek Climb Ski Nepal operate regular trips to Everest Base Camp with an Island Peak climb that follows. This combined trekking and climbing expedition allows our groups to enjoy a solid acclimatisation and all the traditional views and highlights of an Everest Base Camp trek before taking on Island Peak. On the way back down valley from Everest Base Camp we traditionally spend an additional night at Dingboche. Here, instead of continuing straight down the valley, we head north east to Chhukhung. A night at Chhukhung and a climb of nearby Chhukhung Ri has us fully prepared to tackle Island Peak.

Watch this Island Peak climb video

The following day we trek to Island Peak Base Camp and set up camp. There are usually a number of expeditions climbing Island Peak during the spring and autumn seasons so base camp is generally quite a busy place. It’s great to meet and speak with other climbers also preparing to climb Island Peak and it’s also very handy to speak with those coming down so as to learn about the current conditions.

The next day we climb up to Island Peak high camp and prepare for our summit bid. Starting early (usually around 4am) we leave Island Peak high camp and head up the steep path and switchbacks to the start of the glacier. Here we fix crampons and click onto our rope before heading up the glacier proper to the steep wall that leads us to the main ridge to the summit. Another 45 minutes to an hour in good conditions will see us on the summit of Island Peak and taking in stunning views of Makalu, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.