Question 1

What is the Island Peak called?

Accepted Answer

Island Peak is also Known as “Imja Tse”. It is a famous trekking peak situated in the Everest region of Nepal and standing at 6189 meters high from sea level. The Island Peak offers a moderately possible climbing experience for those with basic mountaineering skills and is often attempted as a part of the classic Everest Base Camp trek.

Question 2

When is the best time for Island Peak Climbing?

Accepted Answer

There are two best seasons for trekking and climbing in Nepal. These are the autumn season (September to December) and spring season (March to May). So, the best time to climb Island Peak is during the spring and autumn. These both seasons offer unbelievable chances to experience the natural beauty, cultural richness, excellent mountain views and enjoyable weather. Also a higher chance to summit the Island Peak Climb without any problem.

Question 3

Can I choose my own departure date for Island Peak Climb?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can choose your own departure date on your suitable holiday. We have also fixed the departure date to Island Peak Climb but that might not match on your holiday program.  So that  we can help to create the best private itinerary on your own time frame but you have to choose the best season.

Question 4

Where is the starting and ending point of the trip?

Accepted Answer

Usually the Island Peak Climbing route starts after a 25 minutes scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla  and ends at the same place.

Question 5

How to reach Lukla for Island Peak Climbing?

Accepted Answer

Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region including the Island Peak Climbing route. There are many options to reach Lukla such as Kathmandu – Lukla, Ramechhap – Lukla, Jiri - Lukla and Salleri - Lukla. Anyway the main entrance point is Kathmandu to Lukla by plane. The flight duration is around 25-40 minutes from Kathmandu but In the busy trekking seasons, all domestic flights operate from Ramechap to Lukla. It takes 4 hours by private vehicle to Ramechhap and a 15 minutes flight to Lukla. Other options are longer than the flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap.

Question 6

If my flight to/ from Lukla is canceled or delayed, what do we do?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes there will be delays or cancellations to the Lukla flight due to weather conditions but we try to do our best for the flights. That’s why you have to need 2 /3 extra days for the Island Peak Climbing.  If the weather condition is really bad and you have a very tight program, you can charter a helicopter to complete the trip on time. The helicopter cost is the extra from the trip cost but needs minimum 1,500 meters visibility to operate the helicopter. We are always with you  to assist in arranging the Helicopter to fly in Lukla.

Question 7

What is the luggage weight limit for the Lukla flight?

Accepted Answer

There is a limited luggage weight for the Lukla flights.  The 15 kg of the luggage weight is allowed to each passenger that also includes your hand carry bag. If you have more than 15 kg luggage weight, you have to pay 120 rupees extra per kg.

Question 8

How much luggage weight do porters carry for the trip?

Accepted Answer

The weight limit for porters is normally set by the Government of Nepal, local authorities and trekking associations of Nepal.  Local porters can carry more than 50 kg but maximum luggage weight for the trekking porter is 30 kg during the Nepal trekking. So, one porter will carry the 2 luggage to the Island Peak Base Camp for Island Peak Climbing.

Question 9

How long is the Island Peak Climbing Trip?

Accepted Answer

The duration of the Island Peak Climbing trip depends on your reference such as itinerary, trekking place, trekking route, physical fitness, extra days for acclimatization and weather conditions. Anyway, the most famous route from Kathmandu to Kathmandu takes 13 days to 16 days to complete the Island Peak Climbing and needs 2 days extra for your arrival and departure from/to your home.

Question 10

What is the difficulty level of Island Peak Climb?

Accepted Answer

The difficulty level of the Island Peak Climbing is depending on some factors including your fitness, climbing knowledge and time of year you attempt the peak. Anyway, the Island Peak is considered a moderate technical climb for novice climbers with proper preparation, training, and support. However, with proper climbing gear, instruction and training at Island Peak Base Camp by our experienced, professional and well-qualified climbing guide help to develop your climbing skill. Then, you can successfully attempt the Island Peak without any stress.

Question 11

Do I need training for Island Peak Climbing?

Accepted Answer

Island Peak climb is considered a non-technical peak but training is highly recommended  and requires a previous altitude trekking experience for Island Peak Climbing. It is recommended to do regular exercise such as  normal walking, day hiking, running, biking, jogging, swimming and if you have a place for high altitude hiking, these are beneficial to complete the Island Peak Summit.

Question 12

How long do I need to walk per day during the trip?

Accepted Answer

The walking distance depends on your fitness level, the terrain, elevations and destination. Normally the walking hours range is 5 to 8 hours till to the Island Base Camp and back to Lukla but you have to walk 10 to 12 hours on the summit day of the Island Peak.

Question 13

What is the total cost for Island Peak Climbing?

Accepted Answer

The cost of the Island Peak Climbing trip depends on group size and your preference. The 14 nights 15 days trip from arrival and departure date to Island Peak Climbing package cost can range from USD 1800 to 2500 per person.

Question 14

Can we pay by credit card or cash for the trip cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can pay by either credit card, bank transfer,  or cash.  We recommend you to pay in cash for the remaining trip balance because the payment by credit card charges you 4 % extra service charge by bank.

Question 15

Can I use debit or credit cards during the trip?

Accepted Answer

No, you can not use your card payment during trekking because there are no ATM facilities. So, we highly recommend you to withdraw some cash before departing for the journey from the city.

Question 16

What are the cancellation and refund policies of the trip?

Accepted Answer

If you want to cancel the trip and refund the advanced fund, these policies are very clear and simple. First, you have to send us an email about trip cancellation and then we process the cancellation of your hotel, transport and guide. About the refunds, 15% of the advance deposit that was your booking confirms the trip, it will be considered a cancellation fee. This fund will be difficult to resend back. That's why, you can postpone the trip to a later date or recommend to others friends or family to use this fund.

Question 17

How safe is Island Peak Climbing?

Accepted Answer

The Island Peak Climbing is very safe during the spring and autumn season with our experienced trekking and climbing guide. We (high pass adventure teams) guarantee clients safety and security by preparing necessary trekking gears, climbing  gears and first aid kits to face any condition of risk. It is considered not safe during the summer and winter season because you have to face slippery and humid trails due to rainfall and snowfall.  High Pass Adventure crews will be always with you to assist all emergencies during the Island Peak Climbing.

Question 18

How busy is the Island Peak Climbing Trip?

Accepted Answer

It is a pretty busy trail to the Island Peak Climbing route by internal and foreign travelers during the  spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons because the route is located near Everest Base Camp trail.  But in the summer and winter seasons it is not a busy trail due to not good weather for the views, hikes and climbs.

Question 19

What is the height of Island Peak?

Accepted Answer

The height of Island Peak is 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level. It is situated in Imja valley and south part of the Massif Lhotse Mountain. After summiting the Island Peak, you will capture the  best view of surrounding mountains.

Question 20

What is the weather condition in the Region?

Accepted Answer

The weather condition of Everest region is dependent on different seasons. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best weather conditions with milder temperatures including Island Peak Climbing Summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) seasons are not recommended because the weather is not good for trekking and climbing.

Question 21

Do I need travel insurance for trekking and Climbing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need travel insurance for Nepal trekking and climbing because it is compulsory. You have to make sure that it should cover the highest elevation of your trip for the emergency evacuation. If you need to recommend travel insurance companies, please check out the recommended list of the travel insurance companies.

Question 22

What about the insurance of guides and porters for trekking and climbing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the trekking and climbing insurance of the guides and porters are necessary during the trekking and climbing in Nepal. So all staff of High Pass Adventure have life insurance for trekking and climbing in Nepal.  Furthermore, the daily wage of the guide and porter Meals, accommodation, insurance and required equipment cost are also included in your total cost.

Question 23

How cold is it during the Island Peak Climbing?

Accepted Answer

The places in the mountains region are always cold at night no matter which season or what time. The temperatures vary depending on the season and altitude but will be perfect temperature for trekking during the day time.   So, It is recommended to bring suitable warm clothing, including thermal layers, a down jacket, a hat, gloves, and good quality trekking boots to stay warm and comfortable during the Island Peak Climbing trip.

Question 24

Can you provide trekking and climbing gear for the trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide you refundable trekking gear such as walking poles, sleeping bags and down jackets. Also we provide rope, ice-axe and camping tent  for the climbing. Rest of the equipment you have to manage yourself.

Question 25

Can we buy the trekking and climbing gears in Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can buy or hire all the trekking and climbing gears in Kathmandu. There are many shops and offers the best price for trekking and climbing gear to sell or rent. We can assist to show the best shopping center to buy or rent the trekking and climbing gear in Thamel.

Question 26

What are accommodation and food arrangements during the trek?

Accepted Answer

There are tea houses and lodges available for accommodation with basic twin sharing rooms till Chukkung and two nights Camping tent for the Island Peak Climbing Trip. The room may have a basic bed with mattress, bed-sheet, blanket and pillow. We recommend to trekkers that you should bring a sleeping bag for warmth and comfort especially at higher altitude. Toilet and bathroom (shower) are the limit in the teahouses, so we have to share with other groups. The teahouses usually offer a variety of local and international dishes but options will be limited compared with cities.  You may get local dishes such as chapati, rice (Dal Bhat), potato item, tsampa porridge, Tibetan bread, Sherpa stew, Momo (dumplings), Tenduk, noodles, thukpa and a few other foods.  They also offer the western food such as Pizza, roast, pasta and burger during the Island Peak Climbing trip.

Question 27

Is internet service available during the trip?

Accepted Answer

The internet service is available at all tea houses along the way to Island Peak Base Camp but you have to pay extra fees. We advise you to not expect internet access for communication during the trek because the internet does not work well and fast.  There are also mobile phone network services along the Annapurna Base Camp trek but not a strong network connection to the whole area to use the data. Our guide helps you to communicate with your family, friends or colleagues.

Question 28

Can I charge my electronics device in lodges during the Trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can charge all your electronics devices in a lodge but you also have to pay an extra cost.  Sometimes it is difficult to get a charging place and electric power during the busy trekking season, especially in higher places.  So we recommend you to bring your own power bank to charge your mobile and camera for the trekking in himalayas.

Question 29

Should I bring medicines for the trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should bring advisable and basic medicines for the trip to Nepal including Island Peak Climbing because the remote of the trekking routes where there is not a medical facility.  If you have any allergies, it is important to ask with a healthcare or medicine specialist to consult about your detailed needs. They can advise you to take basic medicine depending on your health and trekking altitude.

Question 30

How to avoid altitude sickness during the trip?

Accepted Answer

High Altitude Sickness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness. It is a common anxiety during the trekking to higher altitude. It is not possible to completely remove the risk of altitude sickness but you can follow these below rules for prevention. There is less chance to get altitude sickness during the island Peak Climbing because you will have enough acclimatization day to reach the Base Camp of island Peak.  Follow these rules for prevention:  -Drink plenty of water -Climb slowly -Take it easy -Do not drink alcohol -Eat regular meals that are high in carbohydrates -Sleep lower elevation  -Take a medication (Diamox or Acetazolamide) according to doctor

Question 31

Do I need any permits for the Island Peak Climbing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all trekkers need trekking and climbing permits to do Island Peak Climbing where applicable. We manage all necessary permits to make your trip hassle-free.

Question 32

Do I need to carry a water bottle and what are the drinking water conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need to carry your own bottle for drinking water during the Island Peak Climbing, especially recommended to bring thermos. If you want to buy a bottle of water, the cost increases in every higher place. So the normal cost range of the one bottle water is 100 to 500 Nepali rupees. So we recommend you to use the water purification tablets or drops for drinking water. The thermos is more useful during the Island Peak Climbing.

Question 33

Is tipping necessary for porters and guides?

Accepted Answer

Guide and porter will expect the tipping and they appreciate it after receiving it.  Porter and guides are part of the hero to successfully complete the trip and your tipping is a compulsory to appreciate their service to you during the trekking and climbing in Nepal.

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Island Peak Climbing

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