Island Peak Climbing

Island peak /Imja Tse 6189m is the most popular trekking peak in Everest region. First Island peak is known as Imja Tse peak , Eric Shipton’s party in 1953 named by Island peak but after 1983 again renamed as Imja Tse .Island peak was first ascended in 1953 by a British team as preparation for climbing Everest. Tenzing Norgay was one of the members who successfully ascended it. Island peak summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier.The mountain itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar seperated by a small col. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak . The extension of this ridge descending south-west is the part of the normal route of ascent and leads to the South Summit . Imja Tse not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the different spectacular scenery of Himalayas in the Khumbu region including the Mt. Everest 8848m,Mt.Nuptse 7,855m, Lhotse 8,516m, Lhotse Middle Peak 8,410m and Lhotse Shar 8,383m make a semi circle in the north. The views of Makalu (8475m) in the east, Baruntse 7720m, and Mt. Amadablam 6856m in the south add more charm for climbing Island Peak .

The normal route for climbing Island Peak is South East Flank & South-West Ridge Normally, the Island Peak base camp is set at Pareshaya Gyab (5,087m), between Imja Tse and the lateral moraine of the Imja Glacier. Proper care should be taken to avoid the possible avalanche in the event of heavy snow fall. From the base camp, a well acclimatized party in good conditions can make the summit and return to the base camp in a day. However, most of the climbers prefer alpine style camping at high camp which adds the joy of climbing and helps a safe ascent.