Best Time to Climb Island Peak in Nepal
- 31-Jan-2022
- 0
"When nature offers you Mountain, put on your boots and climb peaks to embark the hidden power in you."
Are you Wondering and bewildering about the best time to climb Island peak? If yes, No worries, we'll make you clear. Island peak is also named Imja Tse, lying at an elevation of 6160m in the heart of Chukhung valley. Its name island peak is because it appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche.
Before starting your climb to any peak foremost, you need to ensure appropriate timing, climate, temperature for your safe and sound expedition.
Each season offers a different flavor to your experience. The best time for island peak climbing is autumn and spring due to the favorable climatic condition needed for your successful summit.
In contrast, the Monsoon/Winter and summer seasons are less considerable due to hostile weather situations, leading to difficulties while carrying on the journey and even death sometimes.
Your expedition to Island peak is not only limited to climbing. You can also grab the chance of exploring the world-famous Everest base camp, Kalapathar viewpoint, Namche Bazar, Tengboche Monastery residing in the lap of the Everest region.
Your journey will pass through a wide range of flora and fauna, snow-clad mountains, a local ethnic group of sherpa peoples, panoramic views of High lofty mountains such as Mt Everest, Mt Cho Oyu, Mt Makalu, and Mt Nuptse, tempting you to taste the nectar of Nepal's lusting nature and tradition.
Brief description of seasons to climb Island peak
Generally, climbing to the Island peak is done throughout the year except at the height of the monsoon. Here we provide you a brief description of seasons in island peak so that you can understand and decide yourself when to climb.
Island peak in the spring season (March-May): Spring is the best and most favorable season for trekkers to climb Island Peak for their safe, sound, and successful summit. The weather is stable and dry.
The spring season has an alluring aura filled with blooming rhododendron, lush forests, greenery-meadows having freshness and newness in everything around nature. In addition, you can enjoy the spectacular and clear view of the high elevated Himalayas.
You can also meet the Everest expedition team along the way, as this season is also ideal for Everest climbing.
The weather of day time is primarily sunny with a temperature of around 15-17 degrees Celcius. However, the night temperature goes below -10 degrees Celcius.
Advantage of climbing island peak in spring:
- Enjoy the indulging nature full of the wide range of fauna and flora.
- Less chance of rainfall and snowfall.
- Recommended as the best time to climb by the experts and trekkers due to favorable weather.
- Enjoy the clear panoramic views of mountains.
- Make new friends along the way as many trekkers hike in this season.
Disadvantages of climbing island peak in spring:
- Hassle in flight tickets, accommodation facilities due to more demand.
- Not preferable for trekkers desiring a peaceful environment.
Island peak in autumn season (September-November): This is another ideal month for climbing to island peak, offering similar spring season features. It is the most popular and safest season for trekking in Nepal. This season has dry and stable weather.
This season has enticing nature filled with green forests, stunning pastures, landscapes, low rainfall, clear sky, green and fresh vegetation. This season's specialty offers the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas as the sky is crystal clear.
This season is the month of festivals in Nepal such as Dashain, Tihar, Chatth Puja, Mani Rimdu, Indra Jatra. You can explore this festival along with your trekking journey, and especially Mani Rimdu is the 19-day festival celebrated by Buddhists in the Everest region.
The weather is a bit colder than spring, but it's moderate. This season has day temperatures ranging from 0-15 degrees Celcius, but the temperature goes below -15 degrees Celcius at night.
Advantages of climbing peaks in the autumn season: Features are almost spring season.
- Favorable climate and temperature to safe and sound climbing
- Low chance of rainfall and snowfall
- Stunning and epic view of mountains
- Explore Nepal's most important festivals
Disadvantages of climbing peaks in the autumn season:
- Crowded trails and a noisy environment
- Difficulty in flights and accommodation facilities
Island Peak in the winter season (December-February):
The winter season is the off-season and is one of the challenging seasons to climb the Island peak due to its unfavorable climatic condition. However, regardless of its unsuitable temperature, some trekkers still climb, facing difficulties.
The winter is the driest and coldest weather, with thick snowfalls and breezes. During this season,
The temperature of lower regions (Below 4000m)
Minimum = -5 degrees Celcius
Maximum= 12 degrees Celcius
The temperature of higher areas (Above 4000m)
Minimum= -15 degree celcius
Maximum= 8 degrees Celcius
We recommend early December and late February as favorable months to climb the island peak in winter. However, we don't consider climbing the island peak in winter for a novice trekker.
Advantages of climbing Island peak in winter:
- Rare chances of rainfall
- Peaceful trails
- Crystal clear sky and panoramic and breathtaking views of high-elevated mountains among all seasons.
- Chances of getting discounts in the accommodation facility.
- Easy access to flight tickets
Disadvantages of climbing Island peak in winter:
- Packing of more gears and equipment-making heavy in carrying
- Heavy snowfall and breeze
- Shorter days and cold freezing temperature
- Insufficient accommodation facility as fewer of them are open
- Problems in climbing like; Falling ice, snow avalanches, falling from ice slopes, falling into crevasses, altitude sickness.
Island peak in Summer/Monsoon season (June -August): Summer season is another offseason in Nepal and less considerable to climb Island peak due to nasty weather for climbing.
Rain clouds revolve around the sky throughout summer, resulting in periodic rainfalls.
The temperature is almost hot and humid, with scorching sun. During summer,
The temperature of lower regions (Below 4000m)
Minimum = 2 degrees Celcius
Maximum= 18 degrees Celcius
The temperature of higher areas (Above 4000m)
Minimum= -2 degree celcius
Maximum= 10 degrees Celcius
However, the lower region receives the most rainfall
Advantages of climbing Island peak in Summer/Monsoon:
- Peaceful trails
- Easy access to flight and accommodation facilities due to off-season.
- The pollution-free environment due to rainfall
- Possibility of getting discounts due to off-season.
Disadvantages of climbing Island peak in Summer/Monsoon:
- Heavy rainfall results in slippery and muddy trails.
- High chances of landslides and floods.
- Hot and humid temperature.
- Less visibility of scenes
However, we recommend early June and late August if you are willing to climb the Island peak in summer due to less rainfall.
Frequently asked questions asked by climbers
Based on experience and recommendation, when is the best time to climb Island peak?
Seeing the above description, we can clearly state that the best time to climb the Island peak is in the spring and autumn season, giving the best climatic condition for your lifetime memorable and safe summit.
This season offers the best scenery and environment, which allures you to taste the essence of nature, relishing your soul. Based on our company experience and consulting with expert guides we can conclude that with no doubt that best time to climb Island peak is in spring and autumn.
Is the Island peak easy to climb?
Island peak is often rated as moderate risk for climbing. Yes, It may be easy if you're going with overall needed kits and equipment and some physical exercises in dealing with altitude and changing climatic weather. This climbing is best for novice climbers and trekkers who desire to climb high-elevated mountains. If you're a newbie climber, we prefer you to go with a guide as they ensure all your safety.
Which itinerary is best to climb the Island peak? Which one is more preferable?
We offer you two different itineraries. One is 14 days based on Island peak climbing, and another is 18 days best Island peak climbing with Everest base camp trek.
Both of them offer different routes and experiences to your trek. The first itinerary (Island peak climbing) goes on Flying Lukla-Phakding-Namche Bazzar-Tengboche-Dingboche-Chukkung-Island peak base camp. It doesn't include trekking around the Everest base camp rather direct going to the island peak base camp.
The next one is Island peak climbing with Everest base camp; this goes by, first trekking to Everest base camp and heading further to Island peak base camp. This routes goes; (Lukla-Phakding-Namche-Tengboche-Dingboche-Chukkung Ri-Dingboche-Lobuche-Everest base camp-Gorakshep-Kalapathar-Dingboche-Island peak base camp ).
We prefer the second itinerary (Island peak climbing with Everest base camp) as it has more acclimatization days making easiness for you to adapt to the environment. In addition, you'll grab the chance of exploring the world-famous and high demanded trek-Everest base camp in one trip, offering you dual benefits in one package.
In a Nutshell,
Climbing to island peak, choosing the best time can be the best opportunity to explore the vastness of the Himalayas and an excellent opportunity to deeply inspect Nepal's tradition, local people, and vegetation.
In addition, climbing to the island peak will make you grow stronger physically and mentally, giving you challenging experiences enriched with learning and understanding. Climbing to island peak can be the first step of your journey to climb the high elevated mountain.
