Island Peak Climbing

Thought the Island peak climbing is not technically challenging it is unquestionably physically demanding which is graded as Alpine PD+. Among all the trekking peaks in Nepal, Island peak is the most popular as it is suitable to all beginners and experienced trekkers which offers an thrilling climbing experience beyond simply trekking in Nepal together with hike to worlds famous Everest base camp. This strenuous plus expedition rises to an altitude of 6189m / 20,305 feet. However, anyone with sound fitness can join because altitude and acclimatization process is the major issue than the level of fitness. Mountain Monarch has an itinerary so designed as to provide ample time for acclimatization strategy with slow pacing and multiple side excursions. The level of Island peak climbing success with Mountain Monarch has always been far above the ground.

Island Peak is strenuous plus trek which involves trekking as well as climbing with all the expedition equipment. Though previous climbing experience certainly helps yet no prior experience is required for Island Peak climbing. However, anyone with knee, ankle, heart or lungs pre medical history need to seek medical consent before considering Island Peak. Moreover, at Island Peak base camp our climbing Sherpa guide will organize a special climbing training session on required climbing skills and use of climbing equipment. Pre physical training is must to prepare yourself to figure out how many hours or how much weight you can handle. Some cardio and couple of miles regular walk will certainly help prior to your arrival in Kathmandu.

Mountain Monarch is renowned for the quality service, proper safety back up, responsible travel with details logistic support though the trip. We invest on manpower and gears. We have the experience local climbing guide and we provide all the personal and group climbing gear including the climbing boots which means one can join the climbing trip with us with normal trek gear – No need to worry or invest on any of the climbing gear just for one trip.

Every year we are growing and many of the trekkers and climber are joining us as they have seen us in action on a earlier trip or have heard the great and reliable service we offer. Adventurers who have joined once with us are return with us because they know we do our best to make the trip responsible, safe and trip of a lifetime.

Mountain Monarch provides you with very warm sleeping bag with warm fleece liners and feather duvet jackets which is the mother of all warm clothing's. We also provide you with individual water proof duffle bag to fit all your gears in. For your inconvenience of buying expensive climbing gears Mountain Monarch provides you with personal La Sportiva climbing boots (size taken after your arrival), Black Diamond crampons, ice axe, ice bar, ice screw, zoomer, harness, figure of eight, safety helmet, plain and locking carabineers, prussic cord and new climbing rope etc. Furthermore, unlike many other company at Island peak base camp you will be facilitate with mountain hardware 2 member tent, Exped down fill mattress and solar lights with your device charging facility. We use the solar energy at Island peak base camp to go environment friendly.

Peaks below 5600 meter is being categorized as “ Trekking Peaks ” in Nepal Himalayas which are comparatively less technical but physically demanding. To join the trekking peak one must have the sound physical and mental fitness but no need to have the previous climbing experience. To make your climbing experience the safe and best one, we organize the special climbing training course at base camp in which our experienced climbing guide give you the practice training on all aspect of climbing skills required to scale the summit safely and successfully.

We, Mountain Monarch, have been organizing the Island peak climbing since 2 decades. Every year more than 100 trekkers have scale the Island peak climbing with us. So far we have managed to get more than 80% summit success rate.

Climbing day is the main day and obviously it is the tough and long day. We start the climb early in morning lets say by 3 AM to beat the windy situation and bad weather in the afternoon. Normally we scale the Top by 9 am and return back to base camp for the Lunch. A long day of around 9 hours but no doubt the most memorable day.

Most of altitude sickness cases and tragedy has been reported among trekkers in Everest region. Acute mountain sickness is something we get with rapid ascent and when our body fails to adapt to the thin air environment. Mountain Monarch provides medically professional leaders with medications, oxygen cylinders or oxygen chamber bag to deal with any altitude related ailments. Besides, your group leader will put forth some basic guidelines to get away with altitude sickness which is expected to be followed strictly and as well there are multiple things you can do as precautions to ward off AMS eg taking Diamox etc. Assistance from your leader is 24/7 until you are away from the danger zone. So far there has not been any record of fatal altitude sickness misfortune with mountain monarch groups.

In cases of emergency the necessary prompt assistance will be available only if you are affiliated with a reputed company. Furthermore, if you are looking for hassle free holiday in terms of issuing permit, hotel, flights, and transportation etc it's best to go with a reputed company that offers you leaders who are knowledgeable and professionals. Reputed companies are there to provide you with quality service at a very competitive price and are there to guarantee your safety which I suppose is the biggest concern. Leaders, besides giving you all the necessary information, are there to cater you at times of any crisis no matter if it’s a mountain ailments or any weather mayhem.

There are possibilities of flight delays and sometimes cancellation as Nepal air aviation is quite strict about these small planes flying high into the remote mountain airstrips like Lukla. Though Lukla happens to be the settlement hidden inside the magnificent valley the airport would be momentarily closed whenever there is a slightest weather chaos or high velocity winds. So there is no need to fear about flying in or out of Lukla. To deal with bad weather situation we have inbuilt the itinerary with 2 nights stay back in Kathmandu. We welcome the idea of having few more days extra in Kathmandu if you afford to explore it after the trip. People have so many legends about flying in and out of Lukla but in reality this 35 minutes flight is indeed very breathtaking rather than it being bloodcurdling. Taking group helicopter flight on extra cost could be an option in case of bad weather.

Usually not more than 6 – 8 hours excluding lunch. As for the time to Island Peak summit and back to base camp it solely depends on your pace. We allow you enough time to set up your own pace for acclimatization and to make everyday more entertaining yet the walking time varies depending on you and your group. We usually start early so that you could reach the destination on time leaving you enough time to explore and enjoy the serenity of the place.

While in Everest region Mountain Monarch uses the best family oriented lodges with twin bed sharing rooms with clean common toilets and occasional rooms with attach toilet bathrooms. Lodges are at its best offering you the comfort experience and its typical local environment. You have variety of choices for the food and most lodges prepare food better than most restaurants in Kathmandu.

In Island Peak base camp our professional cooks' gives their best to vary the menu as much as possible providing nutritious, plentiful and tasty meals which are hygienically prepared to enthrall you even in the mountains under less than ideal conditions. So far there has not been any complaints whatsoever in regards to food and accommodation provided by us.

With the advancement of technology availability of networks in the Nepal Himalayas is miraculous. Mobile and 3G data coverage is available in most areas of Everest including the base camp that is a luxury. Every tea house in the entire region provides you with the internet facility with minimum charges so that you can update your family and friends about your whereabouts. Surprising the Island peak top has very great coverage of cell phone.

Being more exceptional unlike rest of the company, in Island peak base camp we afford solar batteries for lights and charging facility with absolutely no additional charge. However, the charging privilege for any of your electronic devices is possible all the way around the Everest region tea houses but the charges may be levied. Still it is wise to carry some extra batteries or the fully charged power bank batteries to save some money and also your batteries run out pretty quick in the cold. Availability of hot showers is all through this region with minimum charges but your leader may restrict on taking hot showers at high elevation regarding the health issues. No hot showers in Island Peak base camp but we do provide you with bowl of hot water for basic cleaning.

Other than your group leader you will have assistant guides in your group. Your leader will sort out assigning each of his assistants in the group systematically while he takes responsibility for the slow walking people being at the tail of the group making it utterly non strenuous. Nevertheless, your leader would be counseling everyone in the group to stay together and walk collectively as a team.

Because of environmental concern we very strongly oppose the use of plastic mineral water bottles. Instead our staff will supply you with appropriately boiled water every morning and evening without any additional charge. We suggest you to bring at least 2 metal or plastic Nalgene bottles so that you can have enough to last the duration of the day. The tea houses at every stop also supplies you with properly boiled water with a small fee in case you ran out. Besides the hot water we fill up in your bottles in the night after dinner does really serves as a hot pack which you can use it in your sleeping bag and can still drink it in the morning when it's still warm.

We strongly suggest you to have an all-inclusive travel insurance policy covering all the aspects of your adventure though we ensure you that there would be hardly any evacuations or any health catastrophe as your leader is medically trained and has ample knowledge to deal with any life threatening situation. But it's always wise to have insurance as your back up for just in any case.

As for the Island peak climbing you would need special Island peak climbing permit along with ( Everest) Sagarmatha National Park permits, TIMS card (trekking information management system), Mountain Monarch obtains all of these permit and travel document for you.

To be honest Island peak can be attempted all through the year except for the Monsoon. However, April to mid June during spring and September to November during autumn before the harsh winter is considered to be the best time to climb Island peak when the view of 360 degree mountain range and astounding landscapes are at its best state.

People have without doubt climbed Island peak even in December despite the serious cold because winters have always offered crystal clear weather with exceptional mountain views. Nevertheless, the 3 nights camping at Island peak base camp in winter with so much of chill factor may not be very appealing for many. So winter Island peak climbing solely relies on how comfortable you are with the utter cold. All you need to do is prepare for the worst of chill weather circumstance.

You always reserve the right to modify the Island peak climbing itinerary as per the time convenient to you and the level of fitness. Depending on your time schedule you can either book for the whole circuit via the high passes (Renjo pass, Chola pass) or semi circuit that includes Gokyo, Chola pass and Everest base camp or you can simply do Everest base camp and Island peak. Mountain Monarch has always been successful in organizing customized trek for the clients as per their requirements.