Overview:

There is a trek and then there is an Island Peak trek filled with all the greatness. The peak is so popular amidst trekkers that it barely needs an introduction. So astounding it is that no one seems to get away with the beauty of Island Peak. 

It has been a gem to the Khumbu region while heaven for mountaineers. The peak has so much in store from the marvellous view of Lhotse to Cho Polu and glistening glacial lakes. However, to watch the glorious scenery, you have to take a weeks-long trek.

Otherwise known as Imja Tse, Island Peak lies in the Khumbu region. This spectacular peak shows up as an exquisite island in a sea of ice when watched from Dingboche. 

It happens to be an extension of the ridge from the southern side of Lhotse Shar. Island Peak climbing offers the visitor with a breathtaking view of Lhotse and Baruntse. 

How to prepare for Island Peak climbing? 

Lying at an altitude of 6189m, Island Peak trek isn’t as easy as you think. The trekkers have to cope with a lot of difficulties from the start to the end of the trek. Physical fitness and stamina becomes important to overcome steep glacier headwall and moraines. 

Besides the training sessions, hikers also have to take care of the essentials. Early preparation of equipment is must as right gear can help achieve the trek. 

Previous hiking experience can also help deal with the challenges. So, it’s much better if the trekkers get into pre-hiking and keep traversing short distance trials. 

Don’t miss the diet and carry snacks and chocolate bars to provide yourself with energy. To ease your problems, we’ve lay out the details on how to prepare for Island Peak Climbing. 

Altitude Acclimatization

Possibilities of altitude sickness usually remain high above 2500 meters. And in case of Island Peak, it lies at an elevation of 6189m so the sickness is pretty much expected. 

From nausea to loss of appetite and dizziness can be witnessed amidst trekkers of Island Peak. The presence of oxygen is low at high altitude due to the reduction in air pressure which causes sickness. 

People also endure altitude sickness by ascending too fast and not letting the body rest. So it’s important to take the time and allow yourself to get used to the atmosphere. 

Symptoms of altitude sickness can be seen in about 6 to 24 hours after arriving at the altitude. Minor sickness like headache and fatigue should be taken seriously. Paying no attention to the symptoms can result in high-altitude pulmonary edema and cerebral edema. 

The one and only best way to prevent altitude sickness is acclimatization. Taking a day’s rest and allowing the body to adapt with the temperature and climate can entirely prevent sickness. 

Another way to reduce the likelihood of sickness is by drinking a lot of water. Mountaineers often overlook this but they must drink at 5 litres of water each day. Having high-calorie food and taking time-off after traveling every 600-900m above can prevent altitude sickness. 

Physical Training and Previous experience of Trekking 

Island Peak is relatively tougher to come up with than most other treks in the Himalayas. Most trails leading to the peak are rugged that hikers will be put to a real test. For those who hadn’t countered trekking that high previously will have even more hard time. 

Hence to restrain the difficulty level, it’s better that one start training in advance. It’s not necessarily that mountaineers have to settle hard core exercise. Instead they can stick with regular workouts such as cardio and squats to increase endurance power. It’s even better if they keep taking short hikes time after time. 

Daily physical exercise such as cycling and jogging is highly recommended ahead two weeks before trek. One’s early trekking experience can too be a great help during Imja Trek. Therefore, complement the training with shorter treks. 

The list of exercises to help prevail over Island Peak Climbing are. 

• Start training about 4 weeks before trek 

• Take a long trek at least once a week 
• Build stamina by swimming and cycling 
• Strengthen your muscle with cardio and step-ups 
• Improve balance by defying longer and harder trails 

Proper Accommodation 

So far Island Peak Climbing provides the best accommodation service. Throughout the trek, there is a facility of standard lodge, hotels and guest house. Teahouses are more prevalent in the region but the amenities are still great. 

They offers cosy room with both a single and double bed. Additional facilities include a clean bedsheet, warm blanket and hot water bath, for which some lodges charge extra price. 

Nevertheless, it’s very hard for the lodges to compete with hotels in Kathmandu. Accommodation services in Kathmandu varies from 5 star hotels to classy restaurants and guest houses. As per your comfort, you can choose either of them. 

Meals during Island Peak Trek 

Building physical strength will be no help until you don’t regenerate the energy. So, don’t just train your body to stay fit and rather practice eating healthy before and during trek. Having gluten-free meals will serve as a power source to hikers. It’ll allow them to take on the trail more comfortably. 

Our three-course meal included in the package will apparently provide energy to hikers. Besides that, mountaineers should eat chocolate bars full of carbohydrates. Make sure to stick with your diet plan and eat as nutritious food as possible. 

Essential Equipments 

The first thing that hits the mind after planning any trek is the equipment. This happens to be the most crucial one as most people don’t have a hint of what essentials makes the trek easy.  Most people usually decide the needed gears examining the length and complexity of hiking. 

The distant locations and rugged trails also help come with the right gears to accomplish the trip. As Island Peak Climbing happens to be a difficult one, you must have enough equipment. So here’s the list of some essentials needed while ascending Island Peak. 

• Fixed line: Get a standard fixed line to climb the steep hills and rocks. Look out the diameter, fabric and length of the rope.
• • Mountaineering Boots: High-insulated stiff boots with hard soles are much accompanying. They help beat the frigid weather and snow terrains of the Himalayas.
  • Crampons: Always pack crampons compatible with climbing boots. Make sure they are stainless and fully cover the soles.
• Carabiners: Acquire 2 lockgate and 2 straight gate carabiners to fixed the rope
• • Mountaineering Helmets: Carrying a quality climbing helmet is the most appropriate thing. It helps avoid the risk of injuring the head even after hitting a steep rock surface. Just make sure that the outer shell of the helmet is hard and inner soft, wrapped with foam while buying one.
  • Climbing Harness: Adjustable climbing harness is generally much preferred by hikers as they fit over every clothings. 

• Ice Axe: Measure the length of the axe from bottom of thumb to ankle to get a convenient one. Ensure that the picks and adze are strong with a steelhead. 

• Ascenders (Jumar): Ascenders: Look after your safety with a strong hand ascender. Choose a lightweight ascender with an aluminium frame and rubber handle for good grip.
• Figure 8 Belay Device: Allows the climber to have smooth abseiling with the rope looped inside the hole of belay device.