Everest Base Camp with Island Peak 19 Days

Best Season for the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Climbing Expedition

The Everest Base Camp with Island Peak climbing can be undertaken anytime of the season, however, among the four seasons, autumn and spring provide the most enriching experience and the greater chance of success on the summit.

It is spring in Khumbu from March through the end of May when the daytime heat starts to rise to 18 degrees Celsius. The night temperature however can go down to as much as -12 degrees Celsius.

But the highlight is the pink and red forest of rhododendron and the excellently clearest view of the Khumbu Himalayas. The climate is almost dry with few drops of rain sometimes.

On the other hand, it is autumn in Khumbu from September through the latter days of November when the forest turns fiery orange. The daytime heat drops from summer heat to mild 15 degrees Celsius with night heat at -15 degrees Celsius. This season offers the most lucid views of the valleys and the mountains.

If you are looking for a more peaceful setting then the winter time frame from December through February will be excellent time. Less crowd, sunny days, blue sky, and the white snowy landscape create a fairy tale adventure. However, on the summit, one has to be vigilant for the thick pile of snow and crevasses.

The summer rain time frame from June through August is the least favorable time though because of the cut-off muddy and flooded trails and avalanche threat on the summit.

EBC Trek with Island Peak Climbing: Difficulties and Challenges

Our EBC trek with Island Peak climbing route is rated as a 2B peak according to the Alpine Grading System. This rating indicates the climb to the summit is of moderate difficulty with minimal technical challenge and the requirement of some basic mountaineering skills and gear.

Although easy, the Island summit should not be taken lightly after it is an eternal Himalaya of Khumbu. It has a constricted ridge, with some sharp vertical sections that incline to 30 and 45 degrees.

Based on the season, there can be deep crevasses and steep snowy slopes as well. Thus, the Island Peak climbing route demands mental and physical determination from its climbers.

We also cannot forget about the moderate trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, with the possibility of climbing Nagarjung Peak. However, we assure you our Everest Base Camp and Island Peak climbing itinerary have been formed with specific acclimatization and spare days.

Additionally, our expert Sherpa climbing guide will train you on using gear properly and will also supervise your progress along the tricky segments.

Can someone new to climbing can take part in our Island Peak Climbing Expedition?

Possessing some ascending skills, and having some experience will give you a considerable edge when it comes to Island Peak climbing. However, if you are new to peak climbing, you can still access the peak because of its simple technical challenge.

In addition, our guide will also train you and support you when using gear so that climbers of all levels from experienced to beginners can join our Everest Base Camp with Island Peak expedition.

But be prepared for long days of walking and climbing, which can last up to 10 hours on the summit attack day. Additionally, you should also be ready to face EBC hike demand and the toughness of the rugged terrain.

You should also be ready for the unwanted and unexpected challenges of weather as well. Please assure you have moderate to excellent physical health and fitness.

You can increase your confidence by undertaking the EBC or Annapurna trek first.

Acute Mountain Sickness and Acclimatization

Throughout our Everest Base Camp with Island Peak 19 days journey, you will be spending nights above 3000 m from the third day which will undoubtedly go on increasing as the day progresses.

Such increasing altitude often trigger the acute mountain sickness/altitude sickness (AMS) symptoms such as appetite loss, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

To reduce the probability of AMS, we have structured our Everest Base Camp and Island Peak climbing itinerary with enough days off at Namche, Dingboche, and Chhukung.

During these days, you can partake in relaxing activities like walking, climbing, and exploring the local scenery. We have also ensured a slow and steady pace for you during the ascents and descents followed by a spare day for the summit attempt.

Still, after all these measures, if you notice any symptoms, please alert our guide immediately. He will monitor your oxygen blood level and may give you Diamox or take you to a lower elevated region till you are well adapted.

Good and proper hydration, a slow and steady pace, absence of smoking and alcohol, and good use of rest days are the keys to preventing AMS. If in rare cases, the symptoms turn severe, our guide will arrange for your descent or emergency evacuation.

Alternate Island Peak Climbing Route

If you have already been to Everest Base Camp, and now you only want to focus on the Island Peak climbing, then you can skip the EBC trek and shorten your journey and your exposure time at high altitude.

If you decide to only climb the Island summit, then you can make a direct hike from Dingboche to Chhukung Village, and then on to the Island Peak base camp.

For those who have a significant climbing experience and looking for a more Island Peak climbing challenging route, then you may approach the peak from its northern ridge.

This approach is tougher, more demanding, and more technical so this is reserved only for experienced climbers.

Training and Preparation for Island Peak Climbing Route

If you are not an experienced hiker or climber yet, it is wise for you to train yourself before attempting the summit of Island Peak. The most important element for Island Peak climbing route is the endurance so start to build up your endurance through shorter and smaller hikes of about 10 km.

You can then progressively work your way up to 20 kilometers or more. You can take advantage of your local terrain to get accustomed to hiking trails. Additionally, running can greatly enhance your physical fitness, endurance, and overall performance.

You can slowly increase your running distances and improve your heart health and lung capacity as well. You may also consider rock climbing training.

Eventually, you can join programs like domestic summit climbing trips so you can learn to travel the mountain road and discover the realities of high-altitude climbing beyond the breathtaking views.

Sleeping, Eating, and Transportation

During our EBC trek with Island Peak climbing journey, you will have two nights in Kathmandu in a twin sharing or double room of a three-star hotel with breakfast.

If you like a private room, then we can also arrange for that for an extra charge. Please tell us of your selection and we will secure the right room for you.

Throughout the trek, you will spend 14 nights in twin-sharing room of the mountain guesthouses of the Everest region. You will have the facility of an attached bathroom till Namche. As you move, the facilities will turn more and more basics but the hospitality of the Sherpa will be incredible.

At base camp of Island Peak, we provide you fully waterproof twin-share tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, tables, chairs, and toilet tents.

Regarding meals, we will provide all standard meals during the trek, which includes 18 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 16 dinners, along with hot drink and seasonal fruits.

At Island Peak Base Camp, our crew will cook for you the very nutritious, hygienic fresh food made with local ingredients. In the lodges, you can get the choices of  traditional Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, noodles, momos, butter tea, fried bread, and mushroom soup etc.

For your transportation needs, we will arrange all your airport transfers, both international and domestic, using a tourist vehicle. Plus, your round-trip airfare from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla is also fully covered in our Everest Base Camp with Island peak climbing package.

Essential Permits for the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Climbing Journey

Everest Base Camp with Island Peak climbing expedition needs the acquisition of a summit climbing permit from NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association).

Its fees vary based on the season costing you between USD 250 and USD 280 per climber. In addition, you will also have to make a deposit of 500 USD for garbage disposal which will be refunded later according to the guidelines of NMA.

The other two permits that are also mandatory for the Island Peak climbing route include Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park permit and the Khumbu municipality permit.

All the expenses are already incorporated into our Everest Base Camp with Island peak climbing package cost, and our guide will take care of all the required documentation.

Travel Insurance

Participation in the Island Peak climbing journey requires getting the right travel insurance that specifically covers threats associated with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 meters.

Such risks include the AMS, unwanted and unexpected natural disasters along with the unpredictable climatic factors that may need emergency helicopter assistance for the transportation.

Besides, the insurance is not only a recommendation but it is also mandatory. You will need to provide us with your insurance policy copy before we proceed to apply for the essential permits for the trip.

Please assure that your insurance supports the search and rescue to the altitude of more than 6000 m, and covers for all your expenses from medical care, transportation, baggage loss and damage, to trip premature cancellation.