Island Peak - 22 Days

Duration: 22 Days (18 Days trek and climb and rest of the time in Kathmandu)

This 22-day journey includes a few days in Kathmandu for permit arrangements and final preparations, followed by a climb to Everest Base Camp, a crossing of Kong Ma La Pass, and a stop at Island Peak Base Camp for a brief training session and rest before the summit. Following the summit, they descend to Lukla on foot before returning to Kathmandu by plane.

Option 01: Summit from Base Camp (5,200m)

Summit push directly from the Base Camp has been the normal practice for many companies for some technical reason. A straightforward approach avoiding a stay at the High Camp takes around 10 hours for the summit and back.  Starting around 0130 with headlamps on then walking through the difficult terrain with 1,000m elevation gain is very challenging and stressful. This can be good for those who are already into mountaineering.

Option 2: Summit from High Camp (5,500m)

Shorter summit day and higher success rate, but requires advanced logistics, porter support, and gear due to lack of water and camping challenges.

Island Peak Only (No Everest Base Camp)

It is possible to trek straight to Island Base Camp and summit Island without going up to Everest base camp saving some days, but this is suitable for experienced climbers familiar with high-altitude trekking or looking for a shorter itinerary.

Grading: Strenuous Grade Alpine grade PD+

Nepal Mountaineering Association regards this as a trekking peak but one needs to understand that Island Peak although a non-technical peak but it is a serious challenge that involves a glacier crossing and ice climb up a steep headwall.

Most of the group tries it out from base camp which is intense as it gains 1000 m elevation, and the climb starts during the dark with headlamps on and takes around 10 hours for the completion. There are crevasses to be negotiated, also requires crossing on ladder bridges, steeper sections are ascended using fixed ropes.

Descent back to Base camp takes around 5 hours. One needs to be careful going down the headwall and on the glacier.

Acclimatization and Safety:

Since this tour will take you to an elevation of 6,189 meters, there is a chance that you will experience altitude issues. This poses a serious problem for climbers. As a result, adequate time must be allowed for acclimatization prior to attempting a summit push.

Our program is perfect as it reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,335 meters, climbs Kala Pather at 5,545 meters, and crosses Kong Ma La (pass) at 5,545 meters before reaching the summit of Island Pass. The program involves gradually reaching higher elevation with resting at various elevations to give the body enough time to adjust to the new environment.

Who Can Undertake This Trip?

The ascent of Island Peak is considered as a moderately challenging which requires a certain level of physical preparation, technical skills, and previous mountaineering experience. Climbers should be comfortable using equipment such as crampons, ice axes and ropes.

So, anyone who has some technical mountain climbing experience and is looking for the Himalayan Mountain challenge will fit it very well.

For the beginners the climbing of Island peak will be challenging as it requires navigating glaciers, steep snow slopes with exposed sections. We will have a bit of training before summiting, but it requires a lot of effort and challenges.

Physical Preparation and Training:

Proper preparation needs to be done before undertaking this trip.

Some of the training tips:

• Endurance and Fitness Level: Climbers are advised to engage in a fitness regimen that includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking with a weighted pack.
• Technical Challenges: Since climbing entails traversing a glacier, climbers should be familiar with safe glacier terrain navigation techniques and comprehend the correct use of crampons and ice axes.
• Fixed Ropes: During the summit push, climbers must use fixed ropes for the steep areas they encounter. This method requires a person to be securely attached to ropes when ascending steep, high terrain. While this may seem intimidating, many led groups provide support and guidance to climbers who are unfamiliar with these techniques.

• Climbing Skills: Climbers should be proficient in the use of an ice axe, self-arrest techniques, and proper footing on rough and slippery slopes as well as ladder crossing.
• Mental Challenges: Climbing can be physically and mentally taxing. To have a successful ascent, you must mentally prepare yourself. Climbers can better manage their anxiety and maintain concentration on their goals by utilizing strategies like visualization, mindfulness, and positive affirmations.
• Gear and Equipment: Climbers are advised to have high-quality mountaineering gear suitable for alpine conditions, including insulated boots, harnesses, helmets, layered clothing, and climbing accessories.
• Training at the Camp: Before starting the climb, we provide a crash course to improve the essential skills. This boosts the confidence of all team members for a safe and successful summit.

Accommodation:

In Kathmandu it will be in a medium class hotel on a twin sharing basis

During the trekking the accommodation will be on a twin sharing basis in a simple mountain lodge with restrooms.

Whereas during climbing from the base camp you will have around 3 nights camping on a twin sharing basis. Sleeping mattress, food, dining, toilet tents.

In the lodges there are facilities for Wi-Fi, electricity for charging your device, and hot showers but there are extra charges.

Meals:

This trip is on a full board basis which means 3 meals a day is included each day.  You can find a wide variety of Nepali, Western, Chinese & Indian cuisine.

Breakfast offerings include muesli, a variety of porridges, pancakes and bread with jam or eggs.

For lunch it is worth considering what can be quickly prepared, with veg noodle soup being popular. Pancakes and Tibetan bread are also relatively quick to make. Increasingly toasted sandwiches are on menus too. Apple pie is generally delicious, deep fried in the same way as the spring rolls are.

At dinner you can start with soup, then you can choose the main dish either macaroni, spaghetti, potato, pizza, rice etc.

Most meal choices are carbohydrate-heavy; exactly what trekkers require. All lodges serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot lemon, soft drinks and beer (check its temperature first) and some places even offer wine.

Avoid having uncooked food like salads, meat products during the trek or even in Kathmandu.

Facilities and Essentials:

• Water

It’s crucial to drink enough water while trekking. Lodges and on-route stores sell bottled water; however, it can be costly and harmful to the environment. Rather, we advise you to purchase water filtered bottles or water purification tablets then you can purchase water from the lodges.

Avoid drinking straight from the taps, wells, or rivers in your area.

• Communication

One can purchase a local SIM card in Kathmandu, though connectivity may not be reliable at remote high altitudes. In lodges also you have WiFi facilities.

Best Season for the Trip:

The weather plays a critical role in the enjoyment of a Himalayan trek. Clear skies and unobstructed views of the peaks enhance the experience.

• Autumn (Mid-October to Mid-December): The ideal time for this trek, with stable weather, clear skies, and breathtaking mountain views. Temperatures are comfortable, though it begins to get colder in November.
• Spring (Mid-March to Late April): Another good time for trekking. While the weather can be hazy with occasional rain, the blooming rhododendrons and greenery add a unique charm. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to early September) due to heavy rain and slippery trails.

At higher elevation, spring temperatures range from 20°C to -5°C, while in autumn it is around 25°C to -10°C.

However, weather patterns have become unpredictable, so flexibility and a positive outlook are essential.

Staff Support:

You will have the support of a Govt. registered trekking guide who can speak Basic English language and well acquainted with the area. All our Guides have received training in basic skills and knowledge about administering first aid and emergency medication. We provide porters to carry your personal baggage and gear, leaving just the day pack to be carried by you. We provide one porter for every two trekkers, and one porter generally carries baggage weighing not more than 30 Kgs, i.e. 15 Kgs per trekker. So, you will need to pack your baggage accordingly.

Group Size:

Normally our group size is between 2 to 10 participants – it is always great to have a small group instead of big groups.

Lukla Flights:

Aircraft Details: Flights to Lukla are operated by small aircraft with a capacity of approximately 17 passengers, as larger planes are unsuitable for the mountainous terrain. The best time for these flights is in the early morning when weather conditions are usually favorable. Afternoons often bring wind and cloud cover, leading to flight delays or cancellations.

Weather Dependency: Flights to and from Lukla are heavily weather-dependent. Delays and cancellations are common and can sometimes extend over several days. In such cases, travelers must wait for improved weather conditions to resume flights.

Helicopter Charter: Helicopters, which can operate with reduced visibility (minimum 1,500 meters compared to the 5,000 meters required for small planes under Civil Aviation regulations), are an alternative. Helicopter charters are costly but become more affordable when shared among travelers (maximum capacity of 5 people per helicopter under current government regulations).

Baggage Allowance:

Weight Restrictions: Baggage allowance on flights to Lukla is limited to 10 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for hand luggage. Excess baggage incurs a charge of approximately USD 1.33 or more per kilogram, subject to availability and airline policies.

Important Items: Due to limited space, baggage may sometimes arrive on a later flight. Ensure that essential items, such as medications and valuables, are packed in your daypack. During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porters, and you’ll only need a daypack for personal items such as water, a camera, sunscreen, and a jacket.

Storage in Kathmandu: You’ll need a lockable bag for items you won’t take on the trek, which can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu free of charge. Trekking bags for your gear will be provided by FAR OUT Trekking.

Staff and Support Guides and Porters:

You will be accompanied by a government-registered trekking guide fluent in basic English and well-acquainted with the region. Guides are trained in basic first aid and emergency response. Porters will carry your main luggage, with one porter assigned for every two trekkers, carrying up to 30 kg in total (15 kg per trekker). Ensure your luggage is packed accordingly.

Typical Day on the Trek:

The day begins at 6:00 AM with tea or coffee, followed by washing, packing, and breakfast. The trek usually involves 3-4 hours of walking before a lunch break at a scenic spot, followed by another 3-4 hours of trekking to the day’s destination. Evenings are spent at lodges, with dinner served in the lodge’s restaurant.

Equipment Essential trekking gear includes:

A detailed equipment list will be provided upon trip confirmation.

Health, Medical & Vaccinations

Consult your doctor at least 8 weeks before departure regarding vaccinations and a health check-up. Diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, and typhoid are common in Nepal, along with dengue in some regions. Stick to boiled or bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods. Carry personal medications along with prescriptions, ensuring they comply with Nepal’s regulations.

Insurance:

Comprehensive travel insurance covering health, accidents, theft, helicopter evacuation, and medical treatment is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. As Island Peak climb reaches over 6000m altitude, so you need to make sure that the Insurance covers it. Choose a reliable provider with prompt services and a suitable policy.

Permits and Visa Requirements:

Visa:

All foreigners require a visa to enter Nepal. It can be obtained on arrival or through Nepalese embassies abroad. A passport with at least 6 months’ validity and the appropriate visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 120 for 90 days) is required.

Online visa forms can be filled out at immigration.gov.np.

Permits:

Two permits are required:

1. Pasang Lhamu Municipal Tax
2. Island Peak Permit

These require a digital passport-size photo and a scanned copy of your passport.

Adventure Travel Considerations

Trekking in Nepal involves navigating underdeveloped, remote areas where conditions can be unpredictable. Flexibility and a positive attitude are essential, as itineraries may change due to weather, terrain, or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have concerns about suitability, consult your trekking agent.