There are three suggested options for climbing Island Peak. First option: you need to fly to Lukla and then trek to Everest base camp. On the way back downside track to Island peak and finally climb it. It will take around 22 days. Second option: After flying to Lukla start the trek to island peak and climb it. It will take 17 days as you will not be visiting Everest base camp trek. Third option: climb as optional addon climb or trek from either Lobuche Peak or Ama Dablam. You just need to add 5 more days in existing trip.
Climbing Island Peak Summit: After you trek to Island Peak base camp at 5100 meters finally it’s time to reach the highest point of the peak. On that day you need to wake up in the middle of the night at 10 PM. After waking up you need to fill your water bottle have breakfast and hot drinks and start climbing it. Firstly you will be following gentle slope an easy trail. As you reach further you need to walk on rocky gully. Now following the rock trails you need to traverse across the slopes ledge along contour of ridges. After hiking few ledges then need to go uphill tackling some rocky ridges.
We will reach to our next destination after a few rocky outcrops also we face bigger flat spots. Be ready to put your equipment like big mountains boots, harness and crampons as you will be climbing small rock towers. The spot is popularly known as crampon point. There we will be getting a short break and have lunch. Island Peak glacier is where we are heading towards. Now we have to walk roped together with Sherpa. Don’t worry we will be walking on flat snow too in the glacier and come to few crevasses. Hiking the ridges and walking down the glacial valley is our next task.
To assist you there may be an aluminum ladder lashed. Again we will head up to long gentle snow slope. Now we will be taking rest and have food and drinks again. Then it’s turn for fixed ropes climbing using equipments like your ascender and ice axe. After crossing steep snowy section we need to clip to the safety rope and trek the snow ridge. You may be facing the problem of narrow spots. Finally all hardwork will pay off as you will be reaching the summit of Island Peak after the ridge reaches the high point. You will be at 6189 meters high and get to see amazing views of Nuptse, Baruntse, Ama Dablam and Mera Peak. Now after climbing Island peak you can dare yourself saying “I want to climb Mount Everest”
Descending from the summit of Island Peak: After spending some time in summit now it’s time to move down the peak. We need to be careful and stay clipped to the ropes. Like climbing the Island Peak we will take off our climbing equipment after reaching crampon point. After that we need move towards base camp. Day 1 will be walking past Chukkung and Dingboche, Day 2 we will be trekking to Namche Bazzar and Day 3 will be reaching Lukla. Here the climb of Island Peak ends and within day 4 and 5 we can fly to hometown.
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