Island Peak Climbing with EBC 18 Days

Best Time

The best time for Island Peak Climbing with EBC is in spring, between March and April, and in autumn, between September and November. If you like warm conditions, diverse nature, and landscapes, we recommend you spring season to climb Island Peak. On the other hand, autumn offers you cooler days, with cloudless sky and sunshine all day.

The route to the Everest Base Camp may be crowded during these two seasons, but the Island Peak trail will see fewer crowds. In addition, climbing the Island peak in these seasons offers a high success rate due to the melting of the snow and lesser risk of adverse weather.

We recommend you avoid the summer/monsoon season between June and August for the risk of landslides and floods. Winter between October and December is suitable for experienced climbers who can endure the low temperature and terrain difficulty.

Elevation and distance

Our incredible expedition of Island Peak Climbing with EBC includes two phases: the first is the trekking stage up to Everest Base Camp, located approximately 200 to 300 km from Nepal’s capital. At an impressive altitude of 5364 m, the base camp trek needs around 7 to 10 days of hiking.

After completing the EBC trek, we then proceed to the second phase of climbing Island Peak at an elevation of 6165 m. The peak is at a distance of 160 km from the bustling city of Kathmandu, whereas the distance between the peak and Lukla is only 33.6 km. We will reach the summit on the 13th day of our expedition.

Completing the EBC trek and climbing the peak takes 18 days, with 14 days dedicated to hiking. On 14-day duration, we will cover approximately 14 km per day, walking 5 to 7 hours daily.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

We have carefully designed our program, prioritizing the gradual increase in altitude and providing ample opportunity for acclimatization. Each day, we will progress gently by walking for an average of 5 to 7 hours so our bodies can gradually adapt to the high-altitude atmosphere.

Throughout the entirety of our trek, the shortest and easiest hike will be on the third day when we trek from Lukla to Phading. The most challenging and longest hike awaits us on day 13 as we ascent to the summit and then return to Chhukung.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

Although regarded as a trekking peak, Island Peak is not a trekking peak in the classic sense. Therefore, the Island Peak climbing with EBC is a moderately challenging expedition targeted at experienced hikers who possess knowledge of walking on steep ice and snow.

Likewise, the participants should also have knowledge regarding the safe handling of ice axes, crampons, safety harnesses, and rope walking. The climb is not technically difficult, but the highlight is the challenging ice wall located just before the summit.

In addition, being on a high-altitude hiking and climbing expedition, altitude sickness is one of the risks you may face on this trip. Therefore, we have planned a gradual ascent and descent, minimizing the number of walking hours as much as possible. We have also strategized a rest day at Kathmandu and at Namche above 3000 m.

We will hike only for 4 to 5 hours from Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp—another opportunity for acclimatization. At the Island Peak Base Camp, we will spend a night dedicating our time to training and practice for assaulting the Peak.

Can a beginner join this trek?

Do you possess a high level of physical fitness and enjoy excellent health? Are you highly motivated to challenge yourself and wish to fulfill a dream of conquering the six thousand-meter meters high Peak? Do you want to prepare yourself for future Everest expeditions? Then, yes, you can participate in our  Island Peak Climbing with EBC adventure, even if you are a beginner.

However, please understand that climbing Island Peak is far from simple. You need tremendous strength, endurance, and knowledge of using climbing gear.

Rest assured, our knowledgeable trekking and climbing guides will accompany you throughout the entire trek and climbing period. Additionally, we have set aside a separate day for a training session so you are well prepared to climb Island Peak.

Preparation and training

Preparation and training for this trek is essential. You can start your preparation a few months before your departure date. It’s good to get your body used to walking on uneven terrain, steep ups and downs, and rocks.

Biking, walking, running, or stair training provide a good foundation. For the elderly, it can be replaced by walking/brisk walking. And no need to do push-ups/backups/situps/pull-ups. Just need to stretch your muscles well.

At the same time, you can drive in any new equipment. Good hiking shoes are essential, even if locals walk the trails in flip-flops. The equipment can also be supplemented on-site, often at a very reasonable price.

Alternate routes

As an alternate approach to the Island Peak Climbing, you can first assault the Island Peak and then trek to Everest Base Camp. Our itinerary includes trekking to EBC first. But you can tackle the climbing phase first by trekking from Dingbche to Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp.

After climbing the Peak, if you think you lack enough strength to do an EBC trek, you can simply skip the part and hike back to Namche and Lukla.

Likewise, you can also undertake our program and omit the climbing part. You can spend your day at the Island Peak base camp till the climbers embark on assaulting the summit return.

If you want to add some spice to your adventure, you can take three or four more days and trek to Lake Gokyo.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is one of the risks that you may encounter on our expedition. The occurrence and severity of the sickness are hard to predict, but about four out of ten hikers will develop symptoms. Headache, irritability, and confusion are typical signs.

Please do not neglect these signs and move down as quickly as possible. Medicines such as Diamox and Ibuprofen are also available, and you should ask your guide for assistance.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is with a slow ascent. In this case, the body has time to adapt to the thinning atmosphere. Drinking plenty of fluids also facilitates adaptation. In practice, this means that you should drink about four liters of water every day.

Transportation, Meals and Drink

To facilitate an easy trip to Nepal, we will take care of all your logistics regarding the trip. Our service tends to include almost all your expenses regarding accommodation, transportation, meals, and drinks.

As part of our comprehensive service, we will pick you up from the airport in a private vehicle. The same service will be provided upon your return after the culmination of your journey. Our tour service also includes airfare tickets for the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight.

Regarding meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the trek, with the inclusion of only breakfast in Kathmandu. During camping, our kitchen crew will set up the camp and prepare hygienic meals for you three times a day with tea or coffee and hot boiled water.

Dal vat tarkari (lentil, white rice, and vegetables) is the staple diet with the option of pizza, bread, eggs, potato dishes, dumplings, and noodles.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

The local mobile networks of Namaste and NCELL work properly in almost all villages along the route to EBC and Island Peak. In addition, you can use these SIMS for mobile data as well. You can also buy an EVEREST WiFi prepaid card to have access to WiFi. Nowadays, the lodges are also well equipped with WIFI connections, which you can use without any restrictions.

You can also charge your mobile, camera, power banks, and laptops in the lodges where you stay for a small fee.

However, these services may not be available at the Island Peak Base Camp and High Camp. So charge your power bank wherever possible and carry powerful batteries. You definitely don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to capture the memory of a lifetime.

Permits

Apart from the climbing permit for Island Peak, we also need a Khumbu Pasang Lamu municipality permit and a Sagarmatha National Park permit for our journey.

Since we promised to ensure a hassle-free journey, the process and price of obtaining these permits are included in our service. Leave everything to us; you only worry about overcoming the mighty Island Peak.