Overview
Island Peak climbing Mountain resembles an island in the sea of ice as it stretches the southern ridge of Lhotse Shar, divided by a tiny col. As a result, it was given the name Island Peak by Eric Shipton of the 1953 Mount Everest expedition. This peak is ideal for beginners because it is physically demanding but not difficult. Good physical fitness and an average amount of technical climbing knowledge are prerequisites for climbing Island Peak.
We will assist you in sharpening your mountaineering abilities along the journey, and by the time you complete the Island Peak Climb, you will have acquired sufficient climbing abilities to conquer the Island Peak's challenge. The next day after you arrive in Kathmandu, the Island Peak climb adventure begins. You will have an exhilarating 30- to 35-minute flight to Lukla, from which you will begin a walk towards Chhukung and Island Peak base camp before beginning the ascent.
The stunning villages of Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung are accessible by a few day hikes from Lukla. Other highlights of the trip include learning about the various ways of life of the locals, sampling regional cuisine, and engaging with them as you trek through these fascinating Himalayan villages.
Itinerary
Expand AllOnce you arrive in Kathmandu, our team member welcomes you to the airport. You will be transferred to the hotel, where you can enjoy well-deserved relaxation.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Our guide member will give you a brief presentation about the itinerary followed by tips for successful climbing. After the brief training session, you have a day to prepare yourself. You can utilize the day to purchase the gear and equipment. You also have the option to explore the surroundings freely. It is a perfect chance to experience the Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Preparation Day
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
You will catch a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali depending on the seasons. During peak months ( March-May, September- November ), flights might operate from Manthali. It will take a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu to reach Manthali. Then, you will take a flight to Lukla. After 20 min you will arrive at Lukla. Lukla is our starting point our trek. You will trek to Phakding . It is ideal for acclimatizing and for exploring local monasteries.
Total Trek Distance- 6.2km / 3.8miles
Flight Hours- 40-20 minutes
Maximum elevation -2,850m / 9,350ft
Trek Duration- 3 hours
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
You begin the trek to Namche Bazaar, along the bank of Dudh Kosi. The trek will take six hours reaching several tributaries of the majestic river. Once you enter the Sagarmatha National Park , the climb is steep and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Namche is popularly known as the ‘’ Gateway to Everest’’. It is home to numerous lodges, hotels , restaurants, lodges, internet cafes , shops and a bakery.
Total Trek Distance -7.4km / 4.6miles
Trek Duration- 6 hours
Maximum Elevation-3,440m / 11,285ft
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation - Lodge
Namche will give you a day to get used to the high elevation. You should not miss the Sherpa Museum, which honors ancient Sherpa culture. You will also trek to the Everest View Hotel and the Syangboche Airport. With breathtaking sunrises and sunsets above the Khumbu Peak panorama, the Everest View Hotel offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Everest.
After having breakfast at Namche Bazar , youwill trek to Tengboche. You will be rewarded with the majestic views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and Island Peak. You might notice the presence of wildlife such as Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, pheasant along the route. You descend to pass the Dudh Koshi River.Once you cross the lush forests, you reach small village named Phunki Thenga.After crossing the Phunki Thenga and trekking for a while, you will reach Tengboche. You can visit the biggest Tengboche Monastery which is the biggest monastery in the Khumbu Region.
Total Trek Distance- 9.2km / 5.7miles
Trek Duration- 5 hours
Maximum Elevation- 3,440m / 11,285ft
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation - Lodge
Today you will trek to Dingboche. You will pass numerous chortens, mani walls, and tiny settlements on your way uphill to Pangboche. The trails offer breathtaking views of the pinnacle of Mount Island. Following the Lobuche River, you will enter the Imja Valley and hike up a hard trail to Dingboche. Mt. Lhotse (8,516m) and the Island peak (6,812m) are seen from Dingboche.
Total Trek Distance- 9.2km / 5.7miles
Trek Duration- 5 hours
Maximum Elevation- 3,440m / 11,285ft
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation - Lodge
After breakfast in the morning, you proceed east through the Imja Khola Valley's stone-walled fields on your way to the Chukhung Valley. You will be treated to breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and Mount Lhotse as you stroll along the rocky trail. You will eventually arrive in Chhukung. The trek will take 6- 7 hours to reach chhukung. You will be staying overnight in one of the lodges at Chhukung.
Total Trek Distance- 12km / 7.45miles
Trek Duration- 5 hours
Maximum Elevation- 4,360m / 14,290ft
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation - Lodge
You have another day for acclimatization to adjust to the elevation. We will utilize this day for training and instruction from our guide. You will receive peak climbing instruction from our Sherpa climbing guide, who will also show you how to use the ice axes, climbing boots, crampons, harness, and other equipment. Prior training experience is not required for Island Peak. However, climbers with prior climbing experience will have more confidence and a higher probability of reaching the peak.
Ascending north from Chukung, you follow this valley eastward along the moraine from the Lhotse glacier. After a 30-minute ascent, we arrive at Island Peak Base Camp after a quick trek beside the river that climbs up to a large rock. You will receive brief instruction on peak climbing techniques following the setup of our tents, covering the use of equipment such as ice axes, climbing boots and crampons, harnesses, and rope abilities.
Trek Distance- 5km / 3.1miles
Trek Duration- 4 hours
Maximum Elevation -5000m / 16,690ft
Meal - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation - Camp
You begin early in order to avoid the afternoon wind and get at the summit of Island Peak before noon. Our knowledgeable Sherpa guides will be your guides. teaching. Before arriving at the foot of a glacier, you will first climb to the rocky ridge. You then proceed up the glacier to the south ridge and pursue it to the top using ropes. Outstanding views of Lhotse (27,890 feet), Makalu (27,805 feet), Island Peak (22,493 feet), and Baruntse (25,328 feet) can be seen from the summit of Island Peak. Following some of the most memorable moments at the summit, you will head back to the base camp before making your way down to Chhukung for the night.
Trek Duration-11km / 6.8miles
Trek Duration-10 -11 hours
Maximum Elevation - 6,189m / 20,305ft
Meal- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation – Lodge
In the event that the weather on our planned summit day is unfavorable, we added an extra day to make up for it. If the summit day goes well, we will unwind and enjoy our time in the Himalayas. If not, we'll climb Island Peak on this day. Chhukung is where we'll be staying the night.
You will follow the same rough path back to Chhukung and finally Dingboche today. The renowned Tengboche monastery, the largest monastery in the Everest region, is located in Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will descend to.
Trek Distance-12.9km / 8miles
Trek Duration-6 hrs
Maximum Elevation -4,730m /15,518ft
Meal- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Accommodation -Lodge
The trail to Namche Bazaar takes us through forests teeming with wildlife like pheasants, musk deer, mountain goats, or even snow leopards. We will be trekking on the steep slopes and trails with several bends, past prayer flags hung along the way. While heading back, you can click pictures and enjoy the views of the tip of Everest and the backside of Lhotse. After finally arriving at Namche Bazaar, we will head to our lodges and rest.
Trek Distance-5.9km / 3.6miles
Maximum Elevation-3,870m / 12,304ft
Trek Duration- 6 hrs
Meal - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation - lodge
You descend uphill to Lulka from the Kusum stream. Before heading towards the Lulka, you need to head towards the west. After a few hours of climb, we reach a small village and take a left turn. Toktok Village is reached after the trial continues down to the main path, which joins at the side stream.
Total Trek Distance-13.5km / 8.3miles
Trek Duration-6 hrs
Maximum Elevation-3,440m / 11,285ft
Meal- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation - Lodge
For an outward trip, there are flights from Lukla airport that go straight to Kathmandu or from Ramechhap Airport that include a transfer to Kathmandu. There is a free day in Kathmandu if you take a direct trip there. If you take a flight to Ramechhap, you will arrive in Kathmandu early in the afternoon.
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight one of our team member will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels
Included & Excluded
Included Points |
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ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE :
Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
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HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU :
3-night hotel in Kathmandu With breakfast plan.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
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CARGO CLEARANCE :
Assistance for cargo clearance in Nepal’s Customs, clearance cost is subject to a charge.
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PERMITS :
Expedition Royalty and permits fee of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to climb island Peak, Sagarmatha National Park, and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit and fee.
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GARBAGE MANAGEMENT :
Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit Fees.
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INSURANCE :
Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
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MAP :
Trekking and climbing map.
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DUFFLE BAG :
One Alpinist club Duffle Bag.
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
(Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu – to Lukla and while returning Lukla - to Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
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EXPEDITION STUFFS TRANSPORTATION :
All necessary expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Lukla (by air cargo) and Base camp (by Porters / Yak) – While returning: Base camp to Lukla (by porters / Yak) and Lukla to Kathmandu (by air cargo).
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 25 Kg per member as personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters.
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FOOD AND LODGING :
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tent during the trek and at the Basecamp.
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PORTER :
Porters per member up to the Base camp and from the Basecamp (both ways).
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HIGH ALTITUDE CLIMBING SHERPA :
1 government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back.
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ASSISTANCE :
Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
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CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
Climbing Sherpa’s Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
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OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) :
Oxygen bottles will be in stock at base camp in case of an emergency (with an appropriate charge).
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OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR :
1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks will be in base camp in case of an emergency.
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HIGH CAMP SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE AND LOGISTICS :
High Altitude Tent, Lights, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews. Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
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HIGH ALTITUDE TENT :
Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
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WEATHER FORECAST :
Weather forecast report during the entire expedition.
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GUIDE :
Local government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
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MEDICAL KIT :
Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
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CERTIFICATE :
Island Peak climbing certificate issued by NMA (after climbing Island Peak successfully).
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SUMMIT BONUS :
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - 300 USD. |
Excluded Points |
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AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE :
The Nepalese Visa fee is $50 USD for 30 Days.
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
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EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU :
Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
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INSURANCE POLICY :
Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
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PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Not included during the trek and the expedition.
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TIPS :
Calculate some tips for the high camp and other staff– Minimum 100 USD.
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EXTRA :
Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section. Note safety Measures: At the Alpinist club, safety is our top priority. Our expert guides ensure a fun and successful Trekking and climbing while keeping safety first. We carefully plan each trip, monitor weather, and bring medical kits, rescue gear, and reliable communication tools for the journey Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of unforeseeable, your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary, for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from participant to participant. |
Trip Organization
ISLAND PEAK CLIMBING DETAILS
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese Team may include several members, each with specific responsibilities:
- The Guide Leader (Sirdar: is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
- Climbing sherpa: Responsible for fixing ropes, guiding you to the summit, and assisting with technical climbing while carrying essential gear.
- The Cook: is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
- The kitchen boy: is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek )
- The Assistant Guide: is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
- The porter: carries loads for the trekking group, essential in Nepal’s mountainous terrain where roads are limited. Regulations ensure a maximum weight limit and a minimum wage for their work. Porters are provided with proper gear based on the trekking route and are insured for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allowed a maximum weight limit: 15 kg for lodge (tea house) accommodations, 22 kg for tent camping, and 27 kg for expeditions or summit ascents. Porters receive a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. Additionally, the Nepal Alpinist Club ensures that guides and porters have insurance. They are also provided with specific equipment for high-altitude pass crossings, though many porters prefer not to wear certain gear due to lack of habit.
Accommodations in Kathmandu during Island peak climbing
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Island peak climbing
During the trek until we reach the base camp we will stay in a Lodge or Tea house and at Base camp, we will stay in a Tent
- During the trek to Island Peak: You will stay in the Lodge. Lodges in Nepal are very random in terms of comfort. Lodges can look like a refuge or sometimes a homestay. They are mostly family homes with double, triple, or dormitory rooms. Toilets and showers are always separate.
- Island Peak Base camp: At base camp, we stay in tents. Since we'll be here for several days, we aim to make it as comfortable as possible to help everyone recover after returning from higher camps and summit. Each 2-person has a 1 tent with a comfortable mattress. There's a heated mess tent where we gather to eat and relax, with tables and chairs set up inside. We also have a shower tent and a toilet tent, where solid waste is collected in barrels for proper disposal
- Island Peak High Altitude Camp: During the ascent, at the high camps, we have a high-altitude tent for 2 people, or even 3 people at the last camps.
Meal In Kathmandu, Trekking and island peak climbing period
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is provided on the first evening. Similarly, upon return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided. In the cities, many small (or large) restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine.
- During the Trekking in Lodge Meal: Evening Meals and Breakfast are prepared by the lodge cooks and are taken in the lodge dining room or under the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day's walk and/or presence of water), midday Lunch will be served hot in the Lodge
- Island Peak Base Camp Meal: All meals are prepared by the kitchen team using local ingredients including rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, a little meat, etc. They are served to you in a Dining tent. Non-alcoholic hot drinks such as tea or coffee are offered to you at will. We recommend that you stay constantly hydrated.
- Island Peak High Altitude Camp Meal: At high altitudes, eating can be challenging, and freeze-dried food is often necessary. It may taste fine at lower elevations but can become unappealing in high camps. We provide freeze-dried meals and consider your preferences based on availability. You can also bring your favorite foods. Each tent in higher camps has a stove to melt snow for water, prepare meals, and make hot drinks. Gas cartridges will be supplied.
Here is a typical one-day menu for the trekking and Base camp for example:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffeeDuring the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: We provide water purification tablets. and Recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Island peak Difficulty Level
This program requires mountaineering equipment like crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and ropes. The route may include small challenges, such as steeper glacier sections or continuous effort. It is designed for beginners with some mountaineering experience who have completed similar or slightly easier routes
Preparation for the Island Peak climbing
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up Before going Peak climbing
Being in good health is essential to enjoy your Alpinist Club trip fully. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes so that some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Transfers/ Transport During Trip
All transfers are provided in private vehicles. and plan to Kathmandu-Lukla-kathmandu
Group size for the Island Peak climbing
The group is composed of 1 to 10 participants maximum. The number of participants is voluntarily limited to allow a better immersion, to not embarrass our hosts, to develop spaces of freedom and to allow a great flexibility of operation. However, the maximum number can be exceeded in the case where the last person who registers wishes to travel with another or several other people. The services will not be modified and the conditions of the trip will be identical as a result.
Camping Equipment for Island Peak Climbing
All logistical equipment is provided, including individual tents at the base camp with mattresses, mess tent, shower tent and toilet tent, as well as all collective and individual cooking equipment. At altitude, tents, stoves with gas cartridges, ropes and anchors.
Personal Equipment
Personal equipment is not provided, but a complete list will be shared later. We will refine the list with you during the preparation days and up until departure based on your questions.
High-altitude sleeping bags, full suits, and quality down jackets are costly items you may not use often. We offer these specific items for rent during the expedition. You must return the equipment clean and in good condition, with a deposit required.
Security And Communication
We have at least one Iridium satellite phone for logistics, weather updates, and security. Participants may use it under certain conditions—please contact us for private use. All camps are connected by radio, with access for the expedition leader, participants, and high-altitude Sherpas. A hyperbaric chamber will be available at base camp, and a lighter, essential pharmacy will be stocked at higher camps.