Island Peak Expedition - 15 days

Teahouses and Lodges are abundant in the Everest region as a result of trekking popularity. Teahouses are simple and comfortable with basic facilities. Additional facilities like hot shower, Wi-Fi, charging of electronic devices, and laundries are available too with additional charge. The price rises as the altitude rise and sharing must be done as space and service are limited. Interact with the locals and learn about their culture, and tradition as most of the teahouses are owned and operated by the locals of the region. Respect the local norms and be humble during your stay in this region.

Meals are basic but are healthy and suitable for the trekkers during the trek and expedite. The prime dish is Nepali Dal Bhat with curry which provides energy to the trekkers. Sherpa Stew (Shyakpa) is a common dish that is also good for health at that altitude. The common international cuisine is available at Namche and Lukla. Follow the guide’s advice for a healthy, and hygienic diet.

Drinking water is essential in the mountains to keep yourself hydrated. It prevents altitude sickness. Mineral water costs USD 1-3 and else one can fill up the water bottles at the teahouses. With an additional charge, one can fill up boiled water too. It is a good idea to carry water purifying tablets to perform a water treatment system on your own. One can easily fill up water directly from the freshwater streams in a water bottle while trekking/expediting. The Himalayan water is fresh and not polluted and one can drink it directly or else use a water purifying tablet and drink it.

Internet is easily available in the Everest region and all thanks to the Everest Link’s Wi-Fi cards. One can easily purchase these cards from one of the shops during the trek and connect with the near ones. The connectivity is stable. Otherwise, one can use mobile data from the Sim card that one may have purchased in Kathmandu.

For any expedition/trekking in the Everest region, Lukla is the gateway and starting point. A scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. From Lukla, trek to Phakding. Traversing the beautiful settlements of Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, and Dingboche reach Chhukung village. Chhukung is a small village from where trekkers commence on a trail to the Island Base Camp. From the Island Base Camp, climbers prepare to expedite the summit of the Island Peak.

Permits are mandatory in the mountains. Three permits are required i.e. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Entrance Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Permit (SNP), and Island Peak Climbing Permit. The permits can be purchased at the tourism office. The Khumbu permit costs NPR 2000 and SNP permit costs NPR 3000 respectively for foreigners. For SAARC nationals, the permit cost is NPR 1000 and NPR 1500 respectively.

Island Peak is categorized as a Group B trekking peak. Island Peak permit cost varies according to different seasons and is listed below:

• Spring (March-May): US$ 250 per person
• Autumn(September-November): US$ 125 per person
• Winter (December-February): US$ 70 per person
• Summer (June-August): US$ 70 per person

Since Spring is the peak season followed by Autumn, during these seasons the permit cost is high compared to the summer and the winter seasons. Some primary identity documents are required while collecting the Island Peak Permit and are mentioned below:

• Passport-sized photos
• Passport Photocopy
• Nepali currency (NPR)
• Application forms
• Travel insurance (includes helicopter evacuation)

Environmental preservation is a global concern. Proper Garbage Deposit has been a big issue in the mountains. Therefore, the trekkers must pay a garbage deposit of US$ 500 to the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) while expediting in the Himalayas. The cost is fully refundable as per the provision of NMA. This procedure is carried out to the proper disposal of the garbage which climbers bring back after accomplishing the trek. A small step to preserve the environment as well as a movement for responsible climbing/expedition.

Travel Insurance is essential while traveling or trekking. In the case of the expedition, travel insurance is mandatory. Travel insurance plays the role of a safety net and safeguards against all unforeseen events and travel-related emergencies. Travel Insurance should cover an altitude of above 4000 meters along with emergency evacuation, medical extremities, luggage loss/theft, flight cancellations, etc. One must get Travel Insurance from a trusted agency to enjoy hassle-free travel.

HST guides are well-trained, certified, seasoned travelers with over one decade of experience. They are technically skilled, pleasant in nature, have proven safety performance, and spotless judgment, able to provide useful and expert instructions. Personal protection equipment and first-aid kits are readily available with guides for climbers’ safety. They know about the peak in detail and have proper knowledge of gears and equipment. The HST itinerary is designed in such a way that acclimatization days are properly utilized and climbers can accomplish the expedition. HST is always at a service to fulfill the various demands of international clients and assures that you are in the safe hands of professionals. HST wishes our clients to have safe, exciting, and unforgettable experiences.

Trekking and Expediting in the mountains is full of uncertainty. As there is no access to ATMs and banks in the high altitude it is wise to carry extra cash. These can be helpful for extra personal expenses. Some are as follows:

• For your Travel Insurance
• Extra or personal porter
• Gears and Equipment
• Hot showers, internet access, battery charging, laundry, and other extra services in the mountains
• Emergency evacuation cost
• Souvenirs from the Himalayas, such as medicinal herbs, paintings, and other things
• Flight cancellation/Extra stay
• Any kind of drinks, energy bars throughout the trek, tips to the guides and porters at the end of the trek

Expert Guides and porters play a vital role to accomplish the expedition. Their effort and service are commendable. One may wish to tip them. Though tipping is a personal choice, the general rule is to tip about 10% of the trekking/expedition cost. It is completely your wish to tip more or less.

Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time to expedite Island Peak. The Winter season is considered risky and expedition in the monsoon season is forbidden. The Spring season is the crowded climbing season and therefore, the permit cost is USD 250 per person. The weather is clear and a great view from the summit during the Spring season. The Autumn season is less crowded compared to Spring and the permit cost is USD 125 per person. The weather is mild and pleasant and fun to expedite as the climbers are fewer.

Island Peak is classified as a Group B trekking peak. Climbing Island Peak is challenging yet adventurous. For a first-time climber who is trying to expedite in the mountains in the Everest region, Island Peak is a perfect choice. Island Peak climbing is physically demanding but a climber with good physical fitness and sound health can accomplish it. It is best to take some mountaineering experience in high altitudes and train on climbing using gears and equipment before expediting the actual peak. First-time climbers need not worry as the professional experts of HST provides you with full training and guidance. Climbers are requested to make climbing a routine in their daily life several months before the real expedition. Build strong physical stamina and carry out cardiovascular training (jogging, running, aerobic workouts, walking up and down a hill with a backpack of 10-15 kg.) The peak is at an altitude of 6,160 meters and has a steep ascent. The breathing air is thin thus, climbers must be physically and mentally fit and should follow the experts’ advice properly to prevent altitude sickness. Though, the hardest part of the climb is the foot of the headwall with experts’ proper guidance it can be crossed. The climbing route is safe due to the fixed lines but strong willpower plays a key role to expedite the summit of Island Peak. The essential instructions and guidelines related to the expedition/climbing will be sent from Hillary Step Treks (HST) earlier than your visit to Nepal. Monsoon expedition is prohibited, and Winter expedition is risky. Thus, Spring is the best season followed by Autumn to expedite the Island Peak.

Altitude sickness is common in the mountains above the altitude of 3000 meters. The Island Peak climbing commences from the altitude of 2610 m in Phakding and rises to the altitude of 6160 m at the summit of Island Peak. HST team has properly scheduled the itinerary and with the proper consultation with the experts, the acclimatization stopover is designed. The halt at Namche Bazaar, Chhukung village, and Island Peak Base Camp is vital to adjust the body temperature and prevent altitude sickness. Headache, nausea, breathlessness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and hallucinations & unconsciousness in extreme cases are initial symptoms of altitude sickness. Only a few percent of climbers/trekkers suffer from altitude sickness and with proper medication and guidance from the experts, it can be solved. Just be sure to share the guides/experts immediately if one has any of the initial symptoms. Some key points to preventing altitude sickness are:

• Do warm-up hikes and stretching before starting the journey for the day.
• Drink an adequate amount of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals. It is best to drink a liter every hour you’ve walked then. Set yourself to urinate further throughout the day and night.
• Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don’t push yourself too much while walking. The key is to ascend slowly and gradually. You should trek slowly and gradually.
• You need to have an applicable balanced diet throughout the journey. Avoid too-much salty food and alcohol throughout the trek.
• If necessary take the capsules for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide. If you feel too uncomfortable descend immediately.

• A pair of trekking shoes, base camp shoes, crampon-compatible boots, Rubber sandals
• A windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket
• Base Layers, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments
• Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
• Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
• Warm Sleeping bags, Map
• Duffel bag and a day pack
• Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness
• Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Insulated cup/flask, Choco-bars, Mints
• Gears: Accessory cord, Ice Ax, Crampons, Climbing Harness, Trekking Poles, Ascender/Jumar, Descender/Super 8, Karabiner, Ice Screws, Helmet, Ropes, Prusik Rope, Tape Slings, Belay Device, Snow Bar

Note: The above list can be customized as per the necessity of the climbers.

• Our professional and experienced team of over one decade has accomplished treks and expeditions in Island Peak and other treks too.
• Our government-licensed guides are fluent in English, Nepali, and Sherpa dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Everest region through & through.
• HST provides you with the best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
• Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team. Thus, in case of an emergency first-aid kit or provision of rescue teams as a requirement.
• We are a government-registered company providing you with real care services at the best reasonable rate.
• Our company also has 70% repetitive clients over the years which shows their trust in us.
• We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.