Island Peak 6169m also known as Imja Tse is one of the popular trekking peak in Nepal for climbing on Himalayas. From Dingboche the mountain is seen as an island peak in a sea of ice. The summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak. Imja Tse not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the most spectacular scenery of Himalayas in Khumbu region. Seen from the summit the giant mountains/ Everest , Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,516m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) make a semi circle in the north. The views of Makalu (8463m) in the east, Baruntse and Amadablam in the south add more charm in climbing Island Peak. For many mountaineers climbing Island Peak marks the beginning of climbing on Himalayas to prepare for a big Himalaya expedition in Nepal in later years. For some mountaineers the peak stands for the purpose of acclimatization before heading to bigger mountain climbing. Trekking to Kalapatthar or Everest base camp is best suited for acclimatization before proceeding Island Peak climbing.
Overview
Trip Description:
We begin our journey via flight to the small mountain airstrip to Lukla, the heart of the Khumbu region, lies at 6,189m height. Imja Tse is also located at the head of the Imja Khola valley, which is surrounded by a sea of ice in the eastern Khumbu. The view of the summit namely, Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse middle Peak (8,410m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) semi circled from the north to the east. The Makalu (8,875m) towers is another the most amazing Himalaya in the region which you many not feel at anywhere in the world.
If we are at Namche, we need to stay 1 or 2 days for acclimatization and then we follow the classic Everest trail along with the Dudh Khosi, and the Imja Khola. We come to pass many Sherpa villages, monasteries and temples while head on through forest of rhododendron and dwarf firs until we reach the alpine meadows above the tree line. Having plenty of acclimatization, we make our way steadily in a northern direction to the Khumbu glacier and our first destination we reach is the “Kala Pattar”. No doubt, we have supreme views of Mt Everest from here and build up strength for the second leg of our journey.
Subsequently, we began our journey down to the Khumbu glacier and beyond the Dingboche and we rejoin the Imja Khola and head on to the east and at last we reach to the base camp near Pareshaya Gyab (5,070m). We also can summit Imja Tse and return comfortably in a day. We spend next few days exploring this remote corner of Sagamartha National Park, establishing a high camp at 5,640m, then we prepare for the highlight of the trip, using crampons and ropes, we climb snow slopes and cross glaciers on our final push to the summit. Finally, we climb up to the summit and standing on the summit we have spectacular views. Then, we begin to descend back down to Namche Bazaar and head on to the airstrip at Lukla.
Island Peak Trip Facts:
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Climbing Destination: Island Peak Summi
Group Size: Min – 2/max-12
Highest Access of the Climbing: 6,189M
Best Season: May, October and November
Mode of Climbing: Tea House/Camping
Trip Grade: Mounteering
Walking Hour: Approximately 6 – 7 hours
Transportation: Return flight Kathmandu – Lukla.
Total Days: 19 Days