Island peak climb is a challenging climb recommended for novice climbers keen to begin their mountaineering journey. Although a short one, it is a real climb requiring experience with crampons, ice axes, fixed ropes, and trekking in high altitudes. With its height being more than 6000m, it is a peak, difficult climb with an abrupt ascent and thin air to breathe. The most difficult point of the climb is the foot of the headwall. However, the climbing route is safe with fixed lines all the way to the summit.
There are several different routes to climb Island peak, which can take from 15-20 days depending on the route you choose to take. You can either choose to directly climb the peak without any detour if you are an experienced climber with an understanding of high-altitude climbing techniques. The climb without the detour can be achieved in 15 days. But it is a very bold plan for which you must be well-prepared and experienced. Another route is trekking to Everest Base Camp before the climb, which will help you with acclimatization. The route through the Everest Base Camp will take around 20 days including your stay in Kathmandu. You are free to choose the route, which can be customized according to your preference.
The cost for the Island peak climbing depends on the route you choose to take and the facilities you select to use. The more features you choose to use, the costlier it gets, but in general, the price for Island peak climbing ranges from $2500-$4500.
It is crucial to choose the right time for any Himalayan activities in Nepal. Although, Island Peak can be climbed throughout the year except during the monsoon months, the best time to climb Island Peak is during the spring and autumn seasons. The springtime from March to June is the best time to commence on this climb which is also the busiest climbing season of the year. Another suitable time is from September to November when the weather is usually clear with moderate temperature.
Both Island Peak and Mera Peak are considered to be the peaks suitable for beginner climbers carrying out distinct flavours of peak climbing in Nepal. When we look at the climbing aspects, there are some noteworthy differences between Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing. The height of the Mera Peak is slightly higher than Island Peak but Island Peak has more vertical ice climbs and is regarded as additionally technical. Thus, in terms of climbing and technicality, Island peak is harder than Mera peak. But, if you look at the altitude and climbing days, Mera Peak is a little tougher than Island Peak.
Island Peak climbing has numerous challenging areas technically, although its height is just 6160 m. The peak climbing includes headwall, the narrow ridge to the top, and several icefalls making it somewhat difficult climbing technically. Island Peak climbing demands mountaineering skills with technical knowledge of walking on the rocky ridge, glacial walk, tapering summit, and ice walls. Hence, for climbing, the Island peak can be considered as a technical peak.
Compared to other peaks in Nepal, the Island peak is not as high located at an elevation of 6160 m from the sea level.
Yes, As mentioned earlier, there are two routes you can choose to complete the Island peak climbing. One is a direct climb to the peak, without taking any detours. While the other route takes you through Everest Base Camp. So, it all comes down to your preference on which route you choose to take for the Island peak climb.
We must always be well-prepared and stay alert while on the climbing expeditions as it involves a certain amount of risk and danger. In case there happens to be a need for emergency evacuation during the Island peak climb, we have a variety of communication devices, including mobile and satellite phones to connect with the teams in the base camps. Through the communication devices, we can communicate with the rescue team and call for emergency evacuation.
Since Island Peak is a mountain above 6,000m, it is a must to have insurance. Search, rescue, and advanced medical insurances are mandatory while commencing climbing expeditions. We recommend mountain air ambulance at least up to the altitude of the Island Peak. And other insurance like; medical, trip cancellation due to pandemics, political riots, natural calamities, and flight delays or cancellations.
Yes, as Island Peak is situated at an elevation of above 6000 m, everyone is likely to get altitude sickness during the climb. Exposure to higher elevations means the lack of enough oxygen and more dry air in the atmosphere which can cause an increase in your metabolism. And you may face symptoms like; loss of appetite, vomiting, headache, nausea, lethargy, dizziness, cough, disturbed sleep, pneumonia, and hyperthermia. However, it also depends on the people, their fitness level, and experiences in high altitudes. Thus, if you take it slow without any rush and listen to your climbing leader following his instructions you'll most likely be fine.
As you might have already looked up by now, there are numerous operators offering peak climbing in Nepal with different price tags. The multiple-choice can make it hard to determine the right one. So, while choosing the operator for Island peak climbing, always look at the detailed itinerary, price included, and the past experiences and history of the company. Never go for the cheapest one but instead look at the quality and security the operator has to offer.
Island Peak climbing is a peak suitable for beginner climbers who want to switch from trekking to actual climbing. So, as long as you are fit and healthy enough to walk several hours for several days on mixed terrains with the knowledge of holding the ropes, using an ice pick, harness, and ice boot on the slopes. You most likely do not need other mountaineering experience but you must have high-altitude trekking experience. You can also have pre-climb training including climbing techniques and the proper use of climbing equipment in case you are not much familiar with those.
You need to be fit and healthy without any pre-existing medical conditions for Island peak climbing. But, just being healthy and fit is not enough as climbing involves some technical parts as well. We recommend you make climbing a regular part of your daily routine or start outdoor hiking carrying around 20-25 pounds of a backpack to build up your stamina. You can also try free weight training and other bodyweight exercises to build your body strength.
We, Himalayan Recreation, have some of the best and most experienced guides with us. For the Island peak climbing, you'll be guided by experienced climbing guides or Sherpa climbing leaders who have summited the peak successfully multiple times before. You'll be provided with tips and guidance from day one for the successful summit of the peak. You'll also get pre-climbing training the day before the summit at the base camp by your guides. So, rest assured of the guidance if you choose to complete the climbing journey with us.
