17 days
6189 m
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Island Peak or also popularly known as Imja Tse peak stands tall with modest height of 6,189m/20,305ft, located on top of the Chukung glacier, connecting two famous mountains; Mt. Ama Dablam and Mt. Lhotse. English Mountaineer Eric Shipton named it as an Island Peak in 1953 AD due to its striking location in the middle of the Chukung valley, like an island on a sea of ice. In 1983, Island Peak again got its new name as Imja Tse. Island Peak Climbing is one of those treks that are often under estimated by numerous trekkers. Because of its extreme land structure, Island Peak is best for those who love ultimate adventure. Standing on top of Island peak cherish the same unforgettable sense of achievement as anyone would on the top of Mt. Everest. This peak is set at the core of Khumbu region, the home of mountains. According to the record every year groups of 300 people come to scale this mountain. The trek gives a remarkable opportunity to climb the Himalayan summit and exciting hiking to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
The trek to Island Peak also walks us through the countryside, where we immerse in centuries-old Nepalese and Tibetan cultures. The journey offers some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu via the enchanting village of Dingboche. Filled with Buddhist shrines, this village of stone charms our path to the mountain.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). Transfer from airport on a private bus to hotel. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
An early morning stunning scenic flight to Lukla, gateway to the Everest. Start of the trek from this region of the legendary Sherpas who have distinct features much apart from the Nepalese encountered so far. Trek north towards Phakding along meandering trails which are lined with stone walls, eventually leading to the night stop.
Our trail takes us first over the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge, and then the trail heads north as it gently starts to rise through rhododendron & magnolia forests with giant fir trees to the village of Jorsalle, where the lunch break will be taken. After a brief stop-over for lunch, the climb proceeds towards Namche Bazaar, a delightful mountain village and so-called ‘Sherpa Capital' of Khumbu. It’s a tough climb up the hill to our resting place, but you’ll be rewarded in Namche Bazaar with your first glimpse of Everest in its majesty.
This particular day is utilized to get acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude and the thinning air. We can explore the local markets, mingle with the people, walk up to the Everest viewpoint, visit the museum, and happily laze around and bask in the sun later in the afternoon. We can also hike up the Syangboche Airport and the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-placed hotels in the world. From this point, we can see rewarding views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest.
The trail turns northeast from Namche along a tributary valley and the mountain views start to open up, becoming more dramatic as the steep climb approaches the holy ground of Tyangboche. It is located within the Sagarmatha National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tyangboche monastery is the highest monastery in the world which offers amazing views of myriad of impressive mountains, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse & Ama Dablam, and it is also the home to the highly revered Rinpoche, a Buddhist Monk. Overnight in Tyangboche.
Continue to trek from Tyangboche crossing several suspension bridges, past Pangboche, where a Gompa holds the famous 'Yeti scalp'. This region lies in high altitude; therefore agriculture is only barely possible, and the lives of the local Sherpas are Spartan by any standard. Much of the walking in this area is comparatively of gentle gradient, although a leisurely pace is recommended due to the high altitude. Upon reaching Dingboche- famously referred to as “the summer valley” of the region, you can relax and take in the mesmerizing views of the Everest peaks that tower over the village quite dramatically.
We begin today’s trek to Chhukung by walking through stone-walled fields, Imja Khola valley before walking in glacier moraines. On our walk, we will be surrounded by Ama Dablam & Lhotse Himal, later beyond bibre village, and from the village we see island peak soaring nearby us. We reach Chhukung, a small settlement in about half an hour from Bibre. From here, directly across the valley is the fantastic Ama Dablam and the Amphu Labsa mountains. Overnight in Chhukung.
Meet the climbing team, and follow them to the Island peak base camp, the route to the camp is fairly steep. First, we climb to south then turns east to the main valley. Then we walk through the winding path below the southern flank of moraine from the Lhotse glacier. We continue walking through the pleasant trail along a narrow riverside. The route to the Amphu Lapcha lies to the southeast. Finally reach the valley where we staying at tented camp. Overnight at Island Peak Base Camp.
Today we begin our pre-climb training after breakfast. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Island Peak Climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. We can spend the rest of the day hiking to high camp and back or resting for the next day’s climb. Overnight at the base camp.
Probably today is the main day of our trek. We wake up early today at around 12 to 1 am and have our breakfast before beginning our climb. Early walk is important because in the afternoon the strong winds in the highlands might become a barrier for a successful summit. This is a long hard climb; initially there is a steep 400m/1,312ft zig-zag rocky scree path with some scrambling, before a scramble and traverse across to a steeper section of rock. The route then follows a ridgeline, which leads to an exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. The guides will fix a rope when required. A steep snow slope leads us onto the summit ridge. Both fixed rope and man rope will be used during the climb for safety. We use fixed rope after successfully climbing on rock. The length of the rope will usually be 350 m. However, the length depends on the time of the season and the crevasses. There are two newly formed crevasses which are approximately 3 and 4 meters long. We will be using ladders to cross them. After enjoying the summit success, views and taking pictures, we descend all the way to Island Peak Base Camp where some of our crew are waiting for us. We celebrate on our successful Island Peak climb.
After reaching the highest point of the trek we retrace our trail from base camp to Dingboche. Today’s walk will be a much easier as we descend to the lower altitudes. On our way, we’ll pass Chhukung villages, Bibre villages. We’ll cross the glacier moraine and walk through stone-walled field, Imja Khola valley to reach Dingboche. Overnight in Dingboche.
Today, initially we ascend all the way upto Tyangboche past Pangboche walking through forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron and oldest monastery. After that, we continue our walk gradually descending towards Kyanjoma. We again walk through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest and later cross Dudh Koshi river through bridge to reach the today’s destination, Kyanjoma. Overnight in Kyanjoma.
Descend to Monjo via Namche Bazaar where the trail descends steeply to Dudh Kosi river. We'll cross the river and follow it to Jorsale, and then continue crossing the river a few more times to Monjo where you'll stay overnight. Slightly warmer climate of Monjo greets you at this altitude.
The last day in Khumbu Region. After breakfast in Monjo, we begin the final day of the trek as we head along the Dudh Kosi river to Lukla. The trail that is followed is fairly easy with some steady climbs through scrub forests to make your way through villages like Chumoa, Benkar, Phakding and Chuthawa, eventually reaching the Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gate signifying the end of the trek. Though most of the route is an easy downhill slope, the last section of trail before arriving takes you uphill—a fitting way to finish. Overnight in Lukla.
This is an additional day in hand for leader to adjust while on climbing seeing the group members and also the weather condition, sometime not able to summit so it will be a good option for staying 1 extra day where ever needed.
The flight back to Kathmandu is short but spectacular. Rest of the day can be spent exploring, shopping or simply just chilling out in numerous cafes in Thamel before the group meets for end of the trek celebration dinner at Nice Restaurant in Kathmandu.
Important Information
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- All Private transport
- KTM-Lukla & Lukla-KTM flight
- Guide for all tour/Trek (certified by wilderness first aid training)
- Climbing guide for peak climbing
- Special Mountain Permits
- All permits
- Climbing equipment
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- All meals in trekking & Climbing
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation & Tented camp at island peak
- First aid kit (guide will carry)
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Cost:
USD 2500 per person
Single supplementary: USD 400
Peak Climbing season in Nepal:
The best season for peak climbing is spring and autumn. Months of April May, Late September, October & November. In spring (April, May) quite busy season but the temperature during this season is warm in lower part and moderated in higher elevation. And in autumn (late September to November) the weather is clear and visitors can enjoy the view with clear blue sky.
During the season of monsoon makes travelling wet and it more chance to get avalanche and even winter is not good to climb peak because of the heavy snowfall in the mountain, it will cover all the trail and temperature will go very low. And also the Nepal government does not issue the climbing permits in monsoon & winter, there fore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aims to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porter come from rural areas and a farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porter work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals-Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal is follow:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chief will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs, and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, we using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so its our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST (You will need to be equipped with the following personal gear)
- General trekking gear - Head torch
- Sunglasses - Sun cream/block/zinc oxide cream
- Snow Goggles - Good Chapstick
- Beanie/Woolen hat & baseball cap - Waterproof over-jacket
- Down Jacket - Water-proof gloves/mittens
- Inner gloves silk liners - Sweater & Thermal/fleece jacket
- Fleece under-trousers & Thermal trousers - Water proof trousers
- Thick wool blend socks (3/4 pairs) - Climbing gaiters
- Trekking trainers & walking boots - High Altitude low temperature sleeping bag + Thermarest
- Water bottle - Day pack (35-40 liters)
- Toiletries etc
*Quality climbing plastic boots * Crampons
* Ice Axe * Harness
* Ascender/Jumers *Descender
* Karabiners 2/3
*Clients should allow a hire charge of approx USD 50 for these and other miscellaneous items. Also
Consider taking:
- Waterproof pack cover - Plastic/waterproof bags
- Penknife - Lightweight towel
- Basic personal medi-kit - High-grade energy bars
- Telescopic ski poles
- Spare shoelaces
SKYLARK HIMALAYAN will be supplying
Camping equipments, all ropes required, additional Karabiners. Ice screws, Snow bars. Plus anything further that the trekking Sherpa calls for.
Comprehensive expedition medical kit.
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