Overview of Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climb
What's more adventurous than adding Island Peak Climbing to your Everest Base Camp Trek? This extraordinary adventure combines the classic trek of the Everest Base Camp with the thrilling ascent of the Island Peak (6,189m/20,299ft).
Island Peak (6,189m/20,299ft), is named after its location, which looks like an Island in the middle of the Chhukung Valley. The peak was renamed as "Imsa Tsa" but the name "Island Peak" and its adventure has never lost its charm.
The Island Peak is one of the many ones in Nepal that hold exceptional views of the entire Khumbu region, drawing the hearts of adventurers, despite their experience. The panoramic view it holds includes -Mt Nuptse (7,879m), Mt Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m), and still unclimbed - Lhotse Shar (8,383m) to its north. In the east lies the red granite mass of Mt Makalu (8,475m) and Cho Polu (6,734m), Mt Baruntse (7,720m), and Ama Dablam (6,856m).\
Are you fit for Island Peak Climbing?
Remember that Island Peak is constantly changing with each season, including the routes, terrain, and the glacier, making it more difficult over the years. Hence, specific training is necessary for every climber.
The climb can be challenging with snow, and higher temperatures that call for an undulating ice climb. The thing is, YOU GOT TO BE PREPARED NO MATTER THE CONDITION.
While Excited Travels is with you, you must also ensure that Island Peak remains more than a hike in your understanding and prepare accordingly. This may include previous experience traveling as a part of a rope team as well as experience using crampons and ice axes. Still, these experiences are deemed to be required but not mandatory.
Necessary Permits for the Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climb
A Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit together with a Sagarmatha National Park entrance permit are the only documents necessary. The mountainous region of Sagarmatha National Park requires residents to have these two permits because the protected space operates between 2,845m to 8,848m above sea level.
Because this trek includes Island Peak climbing, you will also need an Island Peak Climbing Permit.
There are multiple alternate pathways than usual, which, if taken, additional permits can be needed when altering the conventional travel plan. Trekkers starting from Jiri must additionally obtain the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Permit in addition to their standard trekking requirements.
Where can you get permits for Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climb?
Entry into the national park becomes illegal when you lack these required documents. If you wish to know more details, this page is just for you! We will provide you with all the necessary information about permits to make your Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climb possible-- because we appreciate good research!
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit since 2018 for EBC Trek has eliminated the need for TIMS Cards, which was deemed compulsory before. The entrance permit is available when you arrive at Lukla or Monjo.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: NPR 2,000 per person.
Another permit that you need, the Sagarmatha National Park Permit, can be obtained through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation at the National Tourism Board building. NTB is located near Thamel– it's in Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. It can also be acquired within the trail of Everest Base Camp in Manjo village.
Did you know? You can opt out of paying for it! That is only if you are below 10 years old.
The Nepal Tourism Board sets the current permit rates for Sagarmatha National Park as follows:
Nepali: NRs. 100 per person
SAARC National: Nrs. 1500/entry
Others: NRs. 3000/entry
The alternative route starting from Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek requires an additional Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit. The Nepal Tourism Board provides access to this permit in Kathmandu.
Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit Cost: NPR 3000 Per Person.
The payment of these permits supports sustainability funds that protect the trail from damage while preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage to enable local authorities to manage safe trekking activities, improve local infrastructure, and support local well-being.
The Island Peak Climbing Permit is issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). However, the cost varies throughout the season:
Spring (March-May): 250 USD per person
Autumn (September-November): 125 USD per person
Winter (December-February): 70 USD per person
Summer (June-August): 70 USD per person
In addition to the climbing permit, climbers also have to pay an additional $500 to the Nepal Mountaineering Association as a form of refundable garbage deposit, which is charged to ensure responsible waste management. This cost will be refunded after you complete your climb.
Required documents for trekking permits
You cannot just buy the permits! You need certain documents to obtain the permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity. (with photocopies):
- 2-4 Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
- Details include the intended trekking route, emergency contact information, and travel insurance details.
Key Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climb
- Start your journey with a thrilling Lukla Flight
- Combine the thrill of Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar (5.545m/18,187 ft) with the adventure that waits for you at the Base camp of Island Peak (6,189m/20299ft).
- Enjoy the views of snowcapped mountains including Mt Lhotse, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Makalu, Mt Everest, and many others
- Witness the glaciers and icefalls of the Everest region
- Enjoy the raw culture and environment of the region including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung Monastery, and much more.
- Witness wildlife like musk deer, colorful pheasants, snow leopards, and Himalayan Tahr throughout the rhododendron-bloomed trail
Major Stops in the Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climb
Island Peak (6,165m/20,225 ft)
The main route of the Island Peak is the real adventure. Taking up the North Ridge Route (Class II/III), one of the most common routes, you will approach the summits. Ascending generally from Pareshaya Gyap Base Camp (5,087m), you will take a steep hike ascent with no sunlight in sight through steep snow and ice slopes before reaching the summit. On ascending the peak, you will have a glorious view of the South face of Lhotse looming over with its beauty.
Kala Patthar (5,550 meters / 18,208 feet)
Kala Pathar is the ultimate altitude you will take for the best views. This point has the most breathtaking panoramic view, filled with surrounding views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks, which create an everlasting impression on observers like you and me. While you think Everest Base Camp had the best view, you will be disappointed with a blocked view if said plainly regarding those panoramic sights you want to capture on your phone. That is until you trek to Kala Pathar the next day, which will stand as the top viewing area throughout the trek.
Everest View Hotel (3,880 meters / 12,730 feet)
You will embark on an acclimatization hike to the Everest View Hotel after arriving in Namche Bazar. This hike to Everest View Hotel gives you the first clear, breathtaking views of mountains including that of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. As one of the famous stops for trekkers as well as the helicopter tours, you will encounter many fellow trekkers and hike/mountain lovers making their way to numerous routes.
Tengboche Monastery (3,867 meters / 12,687 feet)
Another major viewpoint is the Tengboche Monastery, a spiritual center holding its own cultural significance. This village features numerous chortens, horse stables, and shops to explore. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks makes it a popular stop that we cannot refrain from adding to this list.
Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters / 11,286 feet)
Reaching Namche Bazar means you have reached your first acclimatization point. Not just that, you have reached a major tourist hub of the region that is surrounded by a great view of Everest and the surrounding peaks. This might as well be the well-established community with facilities including decent stay, dining options, and most importantly ATM, that you might not get further up in the trekking route.
Dingboche (4,410 meters / 14,468 feet)
Along with the clear visibility yet again from Dingboche– of the mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Makalu, you will also be treated to some breathtaking views of Khumbu Icefall.
Pangboche (3,930 meters / 12,894 feet)
There are plentiful opportunities for you to dive into the culture of this region. Pangboche is one of such villages that lies in your trekking route, full of Sherpa culture and also home to Pangboche Gompa. In addition to that, the stop does not stop giving you a surreal feeling with the mountain views.
Lobuche (4,910 meters / 16,109 feet)
Lobuche is another essential stop on the Everest Base Camp Trail, near Lobuche Peak, which is renowned for climbing in this region. Along with the Lobuche peak, the place too owns some spectacular views of Pumori, Nuptse, and the surrounding majestic peaks
When is the Ideal Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp trek with Island Peak climb?
As said before, you can get an Island Peak Climbing permit for all four seasons.
However, in those seasons. Autumn (Sep-Nov) and Spring (March-May) are the best times considered for Island Peak climbing, which comes with favorable weather and beautiful landscapes to traverse across.
Autumn gives that clear view of mountains with little rainfall. The average temperature during Autumn in the Island Peak Climbing and Everest Base Camp during the daytime is around 15°C to 25°C and at night and morning is around -10°C. While the season has optimal weather and climbing conditions, the trail might as well get a little too busy.
As for Spring in Nepal, it is the mountaineering season with crowds opting for Everest mountaineering. Daytime in this season is generally warm with temperatures of 17°C to 25°C while at night and morning, it can drop to -10°C to -15°C.
As for winter, it is possible to take on this EBC and Island Peak Climbing even in temperatures that fall to -25/-30°C. However, you require a lot of mountaineering skills and experience.
Why Choose the Everest Base Camp with Island Peak Climbing with Excited Travels
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