A magnificent circuit of the Everest region with a challenging ascent of Island Peak (6189mt.) is a wonderful trek that takes us first of all into the heart of the Khumbu as we follow in the footsteps of the great Everest climbers through Namche Bazaar towards Everest Base Camp. An ascent of Kala Patar (5545m) is a good acclimatization and that gives us magnificent close-up views of Everest. Leaving the main trail, we cross the little used Kongma La Pass to camp below Pokalde Peak. We then move into the Imja Valley to the base of Island Peak before short walk to the high camp.This challenging trek involves scrambling on rock followed by the ascent of a snow face and then up the final ridge. For those who are well acclimatised and have the determination and energy, the views from the top provide some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu - the rugged summits of Nuptse rear above us, while Lhotse, Cho Polu, Baruntse, Makalu and Ama Dablam are just some of the magnificent Himalayan giants we will observe from the top.
We leave the Everest Base Camp Trek at Dingboche and walk up to Chhukung. Then a base camp and/or an advanced base camp can be established between 5300 and 5600 m. The route to the summit includes a rather steep slope and a narrow ridge. Hence, Crampons, Ice-axe and ropes are to be carried while on climbing the peak.
The name Island Peak was given to the mountain in 1952 by Eric Shipton's party who were on their way to explore the Barun Gorge. The Imja Tse is an extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar and is separated from it by a small col. Apart from providing an enjoyable climb, the peak also provides some of the most striking scenery in the Khumbu. If the peak can be likened to an island in a glacial sea, then the mainland forms a semicircle of cliffs that rise in the north to the rugged summits of Nuptse (7.879m) Lhotse (8.501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8.410m), as yet still unclimbed and Lhotse Shar (8.383m). To the east, rising above the frozen waves of the Lhotse Shar Glacier, is Cho Polu (6.734mt.), beyond which can be seen the red granite mass of Makalu (8,475m).