Island Peak Trek- 16 Days

January: 

Nepal’s trekking off-season is in full effect in January, with low tourist numbers across the nation. The spectacular views and the fact that you’ll have the trails to yourself make this a surprisingly fantastic time to trek to Island Peak if you’re prepared for chilly temperatures.

February: 

While much of Nepal remains freezing in early February, the temperature begins to rise later in the month. The mountains are still cold, and there will be snow, but winter is coming to an end. The average February temperature in Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet/3440 meters) is 43°F (6°C), which isn’t too cold but certainly not warm. Since winter is the off-season, finding a bed in the teahouses that are open throughout the Everest region should be simple.

March:

March marks the start of spring, one of Nepal’s two high seasons. While temperatures in the mountains will likely remain chilly, and snow will likely remain in certain areas, pathways will begin to soften. In March, trekkers returned in greater numbers, and there are numerous reasons for this. While March isn’t as crowded as April, the normal Everest Base Camp (EBC) route soon overflows during this season.

April: 

April, as of March, is a popular trekking month in Nepal. The monsoon rains are still some weeks away, and temperatures are normally pleasant or at least not too chilly in the high Himalayas. In April, temperatures in the Himalayas are still cooler: 34°F (1°C) to 53°F (12°C) in Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet/3440 meters), an important destination on the EBC climb. At higher elevations, temperatures will be cooler.

May:

May marks the beginning of the Everest climbing season, as weather conditions on the mountain are most ideal at this time of year, although these conditions are very different from what normal trekkers will find at lower altitudes. Although the number of trekkers in Nepal decreases in May as humidity and temperatures rise in preparation for the monsoon season, the trail to Island peak is an exception.

June: 

By mid-June, monsoon rains had arrived, and most trekkers had left the paths. The conclusion of the Everest-climbing season normally occurs in the first half of the month. However, even once the rains begin, it hardly ever rains all day every day, so if you’re prepared for rainy weather and understand that humidity and rain clouds may hamper your views, June isn’t a bad month to trek in the Everest Region. Furthermore, the higher you climb in height, the less probable it is that it will rain.

July:
In July, Nepal’s high rainfall keeps most trekkers off the trails. However, individuals who are well-prepared with good rain gear and are willing to accept some potential travel delays can still enjoy their climb to Island Peak. In July, the temperature in Namche Bazaar is pleasant, with an average high of 60°F (16°C). The further you travel into the mountains, the cooler it gets and the less rain you get, however, it will almost surely pour at lower elevations. There’s also a danger of mudslides and landslides disrupting hiking trails.

August:

The monsoon season in Nepal begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-September. In July and August, the Everest Region, like the rest of the country, receives the most yearly rainfall. It also has the hottest temperatures; while the high Himalaya is never ‘hot,’ normal highs in August in Namche Bazaar are around 60°F (16°C).

The higher you go into the mountains, the cooler it gets and the less rain there is. In August, there’s also a danger that landslides would close hiking routes and make paths muddy.

September:

By mid-to-late September, the monsoon rains will have passed, and the weather will be suitable for trekking in Nepal once more. Despite the fact that excessive humidity may hide some mountain views, there’s still a possibility to see amazing views early in the morning. In addition, in September, the popular Everest region trek is less crowded than later in the autumn season.

October:

The month of October is the busiest for trekkers in Nepal. The weather is quite stable, with a clean, rain-free sky providing superb mountain views. However, crowds are at an all-time high, with the Everest region Trek being the most popular in the country. When visiting the Everest region in October, it is critical to plan properly far ahead as possible.

November:

In November, there is extremely little possibility of rain in the Everest region—it is the driest month of the year. This means that humidity is at an all-time low, and the chances of seeing clear mountain views are greater than at any other time of year. Temperatures are a few degrees lower than they were in October, with a low of 26°F (-3°C) in Namche Bazaar (11,290 feet/3440 meters) with a high of 48°F (9°C) on average. Temperatures will be even cooler at higher elevations. However, given the low chance of rain and clear skies, November is the greatest month of the year to hike to Everest in terms of weather.

December: 

As winter approaches, the trekking trails become empty except for the most courageous adventurers. However, if you’re properly equipped for cold temperatures, December is a great season to walk to Island Peak.  The weather in December isn’t quite as freezing as it is in January, but the difference isn’t significant. This month, the average high in Namche Bazaar is 44°F (7°C), while the average low is 21°F (-6°C). Because Namche is only 11,290 feet (3,440 meters) above sea level, temperatures will be much cooler higher up.

• Almost every trip begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, a small single-landing runway airport high in the Himalayas. As it is the easiest way for your trek to Island peak.
• Lukla Airport is also known as the most dangerous airport in the world. This airport, which is only open when the weather is calm and visibility is excellent.
• It’s impossible to say whether or not your Lukla flight will be canceled. If this occurs, your trip may be extended by one or two days. So, plan ahead and add days to your itinerary to ensure you don’t miss your international flight.
• Flights to and from Lukla are currently operated from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap rush hours at Kathmandu Airport during the high season (spring and autumn). Kathmandu is 132 kilometers (4 hours and 30 minutes) away.
• Helicopters have a little more flexibility when it comes to arriving at Lukla, and can frequently make the flight in weather or visibility that a small plane would not be able to make. It is sometimes doable to switch your flight to a helicopter, but this can be expensive and there is no guarantee that you will arrive on time.

Altitude sickness is a sneaky monster that may attack even the fittest trekkers. This demands doing everything in your power to prepare for altitude trekking and taking things carefully throughout your journey to Island Peak. With increasing altitude, the amount of available oxygen decreases, which is the primary cause of high-altitude sickness. Island Peak is located at an elevation of over 5,000 meters above sea level, where the atmosphere is depleted of oxygen, making breathing difficult.

The Island Peak climbing is a high-altitude journey that needs proper acclimatization. Your body requires time to adjust to thin air, so start at a lower altitude and work your way up. Some of the symptoms of Altitude sickness are:

Early symptoms of altitude sickness

• Increased breathing.
• Increased urination.
• Headache and Restless sleep.
• Periodic breathing at night as a result of altitude.

Later symptoms

• Shortness of breath.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Respiratory failure.
• Cerebral edema.

Certain care should be made to ensure that the situation does not worsen. However, if the symptoms worsen, you may need to return to a lower height and seek medical help. There are, however, a number of other precautions you may take while trekking to lessen your risk of altitude sickness.

• Trekkers can change their bodies by slowly and gradually climbing, as our bodies require time to adjust to the oxygen level. At least one day of acclimatization rest is required for high altitude trekking, and you should go as high as possible before returning to a lower height for the night.
• You should do various strength training exercises such as running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and going to the gym to acquire strength and stamina for your adventure.
• As the air gets increasingly thin, an increase in elevation reduces oxygen levels, and in the Everest region trek, an increase in altitude also means less vegetation. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco decreases the body’s water content.
• The greatest remedy is to stay hydrated at all times. On your walk, instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water.
• Diamox is the most effective altitude sickness medication; thus, you should bring a subscription with you on the trek. However, you should consult with your physician to see whether it is advantageous.

Drinking-Water

Especially for trekkers, it is very necessary to hydrate your body at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during this peak climbing journey. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water on a daily basis (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water).

Throughout the journey, you will come across many taps and river water resources but is not safe to drink without purifying them. Besides this, the only other place to find drinking water is lodges and teahouses. You can buy the plastic bottle water in the teahouses but get expensive as you climb to the higher altitude, and it pollutes the local ecosystem.

Every day, carry enough water for the day before beginning the trek. In and beyond the base camp there are no water resources. So that, from the base camp you have to melt the snow for water and treat it to make it drinkable. But not to worry, if you are traveling from any agency like us, you’ll be provided hot water 2-3 liter per day. Here, we recommend you use a Reusable water bottle or water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water.

During this journey, you may have to pay from 1$ to 4$ for a sealed bottle of water. Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.

1. Boiled water

Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free cold water in the teahouse but for boiled water, it cost around 1-2$ per liter and 3$- 5$ for a large pot.

2. Purification tablets or electrolyte powder.

Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water, purified by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.

Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek.

3. UV Light water purifier/ SteriPEN.

It is a simple, effective, economic, and environment-friendly way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolet light using Steripen, without changing the flavor of the water. This is a highly recommended method of purifying water (one-time investment).

Electricity facility.

Despite the challenging geography and weather conditions, the Everest region has been able to provide electricity and access to the Internet.

The lower Everest region (Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Pangboche) is hydroelectrically powered, thus you can enjoy free electricity and internet service but as you climb up to the higher part of Everest Region, the people rely on solar power electricity so there will be no charging socket in your room. There is a commonplace for charging usually in the dining area, and you will be charged extra for charging on different bases and voltages of your device.

Charging a mobile phone cost 1.5$- 5$ per hour (from Dingboche onward)

Internet Facility and Service

Internet and network facility is needed to contact your family, friends, employee, to post updates and upload photos during the trek.

Everest link has been providing an internet facility throughout the Everest region.

You can purchase an Everest Link WI-FI card at the lodges/teahouse/guesthouses and use the Everest Link hotspots to connect to the internet anywhere on the path within Everest Region.

Cost of Everest Link WI-FI card:

-10GB= NRP 2000/ 17$

-20GB= NRP 3000/ 25$

(Valid for 30 days)

NCell and NTC cellular service has been providing the network and internet facilities in Everest Region. You can buy the NCell or NTC sim card from the stores either in Kathmandu for 1$ or in Lukla and Namche Bazaar for 3$-4$. By taking data packages you can use the internet from NCell and NTC up to Tengboche. NTC network service is also available in the Island Peak Base camp.

NTC cellular service is most preferred over NCell because it provides good service and signals connectivity throughout the Everest region, in comparison to NCell.

Document needed to buy a sim card.

For foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.

For Nepali = 1 Passport size Photo, Photocopy of Citizenship.

Some useful tips to reduce the use of electricity.

• Extra batteries for the camera.
• Power bank with 5000-10000mAh.
• The solar charger and solar lamp (LuminAID Lamp).
• If possible less usage of a device with low brightness, GPS, and WI-FI off.

The bag of a trekker also reveals their climbing level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the journey.

Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the journey.

Travel documents

• Airline tickets with the itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Valid passport.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport-sized photos.
• Nepalese cash.
• Travel permits.

Clothing

• A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots.
• A pair of flip flop slippers or running shoes.
• A pair of mountaineering boots for climbing.
• 2-3 sets of thermals (leggings and tops)
• 4-5 pairs of hiking long sleeve shirts or tops.
• Pairs of trekking shorts and down pants.
• Fleece jumpers or a set of tracksuits.
• Good quality windproof down jacket.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket with large hood and pants.
• Insulated hardshell jacket.
• Neck gaiter, leg warmer, and packet of pocket hand warmers.
• 5-6 pairs of quick-dry wool socks/liner socks, underwear, sports bra.
• Pair of inner and outer gloves.
• Knitted Hat, sun cap, beanie, or bandana.
• Glacier Sunglasses/ eyeshade for trekking and Full coverage eyewear for climbing (Eye and nose).

Trekking equipment

• Waterproof trekking bag of 40-50liter and Rucksack of duffel bag (if your backpack is not enough for all your item and need a potter).
• Reusable water bottle (both hot and cold) of at least 2-2.5litre.
• A sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner.
• Trekking stick/ poles.
• Pair of ice crampons (If trekking in winter).
• Route map to Island Peak (Everest Region).
• LED Headtorch or solar lamp (LuminAID lamp).
• Stuff sacks, plastic bags.
• Plug adapter, Charging appliances, power bank, batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel Wallet.

Peak Climbing equipment

• Ice Axe.
• Pair of ice/mountaineering crampons.
• Screw gate Carabiners (2lock, 2 unlock).
• Ascender (jumar)and Descender (figure of 8).
• Plastic mountaineering boots.
• Snow bar.
• Climbing Rope.
• Ice hammer.
• Ice screw.

Toiletries

• Rolls of Toilet paper, wet wipes, and tissue.
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Portable mirror.
• Shampoo and soap.

Personal First Aid Kit

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Nicole
• Sanitary pads
• Anti-inflammatory spray.
• Anti-Nausea tablets.
• Anti-diarrhea pills or power.
• Altitude sickness tablets.
• Water purifying tablets or electrolyte powder.
• Mosquito and Insect Repellent.
• Salt or anti-leech oil (If traveling in the rainy season, July- Aug)
• Earplugs

You can buy or hire trekking/climbing clothes and equipment in Kathmandu. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before your arrival in Kathmandu. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.

Branded trekking/climbing clothes and equipment are available around the Thamel area at a reasonable price.

Note– Kathmandu- Lukla flight has a luggage allowance of 15 – 20 kg per person. For extra baggage, they charge 2$ – 3$ per kg. So, you can wear your trekking boots and jacket to reduce the weight. Have a hand carry bag for your passport, money, medicine, and pair of clothing. You can leave some unnecessary items in the hotel in Kathmandu also.

Accommodation

We will accommodate in star hotel during our stay in Kathmandu. In Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Tengboche we will stay in lodges. For the rest of the stop, we stay at teahouses or camp.

Meal

During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.

Breakfast– French toast, Cornflakes, Cereal, Pancakes, Bread butter, Roti- Tarkari, Eggs, Oatmeal, Porridge, Tea, etc.

Lunch– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Broths, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Dinner– Dal Bhat (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad) Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Garlic soup, Broths, Fried noodles, Fried rice, Thukpa, Fried potato, Mo: Mo, etc.

Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You can buy from your own pocket.

Transportation

By Bus- From Kathmandu airport to hotel at Kathmandu and vice-versa.

By Air- Flight to Nepal. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back.

Throughout the trek, all your activities will be handled by our well-qualified and professional staff. We will do all the escorting. We are providing you with a highly experienced and licensed local Sherpa guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent communication skills. We will accompany you from Kathmandu and guide you throughout your Island peak climbing journey. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weighs more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged for 2 people.

All our lead guides, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with us throughout the trek.

Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m. You need to start your trek early to avoid the scorching sun and to reach your overnight destination on time/ before dawn.  

You’ll walk on the rocky trail enjoying the scenery of glacial landscapes mixed with snow and crevassed terrain, clicking photos, creating memories, interacting with your guide, hearing each other’s stories. Lunch will be served at a local teahouse in the late afternoon (1-2 am). Having a flavorful lunch and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the overnight destination as per the itinerary. 

On arrival at the destination, check into your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. As every lodges/teahouse/guesthouse/camp where we stay has a common dining area with a wood-burning stove in the center, there you will get to meet other travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forget all the tiredness of the day. Later in the evening, you will have your dinner together. After dinner, your guide will give some short briefings about the next day’s trek regarding when you must get up, when we have to start our trek the next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk and so on.

You will walk for a minimum of 4hrs to maximum 12hrs during this trek in the day. During the acclimatization day, hike around the small peaks/viewpoints and prepare your body to deal with any difficult walk. Before climbing to the peak, you will be taught how to walk/how we have to move while climbing the peak. You have to study and practice well because your life/death and success depend upon your skill and endurance.  At night enjoy the view of sparkling stars floating in the clear sky above the freezing cold wind. The summit day will be the difficult day of the trek. You will climb in a stunning airy ridge of snow and ice terrain. But, the success of the summit and the panorama views of the gigantic mountains of Nuptse, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, Makalu, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, from the top of the peak are stunning. Hike to Chukkung Ri, Imja Valley, Summit of Island Peak will be your lifetime memory. Every stop might in these 14 days journey to Island Peak summit, will give you unforgettable emotions. Your hard walk will be paid off on the successful summit of Island Peak with memories that last for a lifetime. 

Visa procedure.

To travel to Nepal, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in Nepal. Better, if you have a tourist visa valid for at least 1 month because anything can happen during the trip, and staying in Nepal after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty.  Apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Nepal or obtain an On-Arrival visa at immigration in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. But it’s better to contact your nearest Nepalese Embassy.

Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.

• The Tourist Visa Application Form for Nepal (Fully completed online and printed)
• Original Passport with at least 2 blank pages and validity of at least 6 months.
• Photocopies of your passport’s information page.
• At least 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself with white background.
• Proof of accommodation in Nepal.
• Valid travel and return flight tickets.
• A bank statement from the last 3 months with a minimum closing balance of NPR2,00,000.
• Receipt of the visa fee for Nepal.

Note: 15 days visa cost USD 30. Our journey is of 16 days, so apply for 30 days tourist visa that costs USD 50.

Entry permits and Requirements

The Entry Permits that you need for the trekking in the Everest region and climbing the Island Peak are;

Note- A Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance permit must be obtained from the Rural Municipality desk at the Lukla checkpoint.

Permits for the Sagarmatha National Park can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Bhirkuti Mandap, Kathmandu, and from the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate at Monjo. To save time, we recommend that you obtain a Sagarmatha National Park Permit in Kathmandu.

NMA Island Peak Climbing Permit has to be obtained from Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nagpokhari, Naxal, Kathmandu.

For more information about Trekking Permit here is the link.

(If you are traveling from a travel/trekking agency your agency will arrange all the Permits.)

Documents required to get the Trekking permit.

• Complete the permit form with your passport details and tour details (Trekking area, Entry and Exit date, and point, Route of Trekking, Emergency contact information for Nepal and your Home country).
• Passport size photos.
• Original passport with a valid visa.
• Photocopies of passport personal information page.
• Photocopy of travel insurance (Rescue/Heli evacuation included).

For more information contact us.

Trekking in Nepal is not less than an adventure and occasionally dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. Trekkers must have travel insurance before visiting Nepal for trekking.  During these 16 days journey to Island Peak you might come across some physical injury, illness, sudden accident during the trek and all the medical expenses and loss has to be borne by yourselves.

So, you need to have travel insurance that will cover all our risks up to the altitude of 6,189m (Island Peak Summit).

You need to choose an insurance policy that covers all of your possible risks from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:

• Cancellation of Domestic and International flights.
• Lost and stolen baggage and passport.
• Hospital and Medical expenses (physical injury, Acute Mountain sickness, Altitude sickness, sudden accident)
• Emergency rescue evacuation such as a helicopter.
• All high-altitude trek dangers up to 6,500m.

You need to choose your travel insurance wisely so that, in the case of such an incident, your travel insurance will cover the costs.

You can get your travel insurance in either your home country or in Nepal.

Everest region is not only the gateway to Mount Everest but is also the homeland of Sherpa. Besides being called the mountainous region, the Everest region is also renowned for the Sherpa’s traditions, cultures, Tibetan culture, and Eco-friendly environment. All travelers should travel responsibly in these regions. Majority of People in the Everest region practice Buddhism and Tibetan culture. 

You have to respect the local people, their culture, religion and try to limit any harmful acts that will have an adverse impact on their local culture and environment. You can learn some greetings words to exchange greeting respectfully, for example, “Tashi Delek” which means Goodluck/Blessings. We expect you to dispose of the plastic garbage (food wrappers, plastic water bottles) properly. You might encounter many rare species (Lophophorus, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Blood Pleasant, Himalayan Monals, Martens, Tibetan Snowcock, Golden Eagle, and some others) during this journey, you rather not disturbed them. While visiting the monasteries you have to follow the monastery’s norms. Ask for permission before entering and to click photos in any monasteries. 

Your one small negligence can bring a huge impact on the future.

Your responsible travel will help Nepal achieve long-term sustainable tourism.