We climb Island Peak in this fast moving Climbing Expedition to the Khumbu region of Nepal, one of the most popular regions in the Nepal Himalaya.
Set in spectacular surroundings a short distance from Mt Everest and in the shadow of Lhotse South Face, this peak is an excellent choice for newcomers to Himalayan mountaineering. The mountain is graded as moderate to climb i.e. requires the use of ropes, crampons and ice axe, but is within the capabilities of most fit climbers/winter hillwalkers.
The group will be led by an experienced British Himalayan Mountaineer, assisted by high altitude Sherpas, and a Guide of the Nepalese Mountaineering Association.
Our trips no longer include international flights as our clients come from all over the world and the internet has made available very cheap flights.
During the 8 day walk in to the Khumbu commencing at Jiri where we spend the first night, our team of experienced porters will be carrying our camp equipment food and spare personal gear. Our own Sherpa guide and cook crew will prepare the food and generally look after us during our mountain adventure. Each day following a full morning briefing, we should, weather permitting, be able to obtain great views from high above the rhododendron covered ridges and valleys of the region. Most of our overnight stops are at traditional stopping places and we will be able to meet many local people during the 8 day trek to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazar.
After 2 rest and acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar we continue to ascend for 6 days until Island Peak base camp is reached. Our Sherpa guides will establish a high camp at around 5700m which we will occupy the evening before our summit attempt. Departing for the top at 2am, we should summit by around 8 or 9am. The climb is straitforward and is likely to present little difficulty to our well acclimatised group. The final few hours is on snow and ice so crampons will be used. Our Sherpa guides will help with any instruction needed should any participant not be familiar with using crampons before and they will generally assist our ascent by placing any fixed ropes that might be needed.
Return to Kathmandu We return to the STOL airfield at Lukla by way of Thyangboche Monastery and Namche Bazaar before taking an early morning scenic flight back to the city of Kathmandu. All being well we should be enjoying the luxury of a hot shower at our hotel by lunchtime ready for the end of trip meal at the famous "Rum Doodle" restaurant.
In order to minimise our impact on the local environment, we travel as a self contained group . Additionally, our cooks use only kerosene for cooking and all rubbish is disposed on the waste disposal sites set up by the local government.
Grading. Suitable for climbers competent on Scottish grade 1/2 or Alpine PD. Strenuous.
The Nepal Himalaya is one of the most beautiful areas in Asia but conditions can be harsh with rescue and medical infrastructure patchy at best.
Our experienced Sherpas, Cook and Guides will make your Island Peak adventure memorable for all the right reasons. All our leaders are qualified first aiders with experience of higgh altitude ailments. All our groups are well equipt with Gammow bag and satellite telephone to handle emergencies.
