Where is Island Peak?

Introduction:

Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft) is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. It is an easy peak to climb, but its location above the clouds in the world’s 3rd deepest valley makes it spectacular.

There are many routes to the top, and the view is always the same: pure, deep, and clear. Good weather and low crowds make this a popular trekking peak. The climb is a moderate experience in a beautiful mountain setting with a range of options in terms of campsites and altitude. You will have a great view of the glaciers and snow peaks around.

Where is Island Peak?

Besides being the highest point in Nepal (6189m/20,305ft), Island Peak is located in Sagarmatha National Park, which is located between the districts of Sindhupalchowk and Nuwakot, near the border with India. The district of Sindhupalchowk is on the southern side of the mountain, and the district of Nuwakot is on the northern side. These two districts meet at the western base of the mountain, and that area is called “Sindhapuri” (literally, “meeting point”).

Finally, the eastern part of the national park is called “Rasuwa” (meaning “lake”), and it is the most densely populated area of Nepal. In total, there are six trekking peaks located in Sagarmatha National Park. The two highest are Mt. Everest (8848m/29,028ft) and Lhotse Shar (8516m/26,906ft). They are both south of Island Peak.

Then come Ama Dablam (6812m/22,346ft), Kwangde Shar (6807m/22,122ft), Nilgiri (6058m/19,680ft), Pemako (5937m/18,952ft), and Renji Wangchuk (5900m/18,914ft). All these peaks are north of Island Peak. Island Peak is a granite dome with a flat top. It is almost always snow-covered during the months of June through August.

Perfect time to climb

Definitely go in May or September if you want to climb it. The reason is simple: The weather is much better then. Also, you will avoid crowds. Island Peak Climbing Routes There are many routes to the top of Island Peak. The most popular ones are Northern Route: This is the most popular route because it avoids the densely populated area of Rasuwa.

In addition, this route goes by some of the best camping grounds on the mountain. However, it is longer than the southern route, which makes it more difficult and takes 1–2 days extra. Southern Route: This is the shortest route to the top, but it passes by very little camping ground. Therefore, it is much less traveled. However, this means that you will have the mountain almost to yourself.

And then, the view from the top is spectacular! Surprisingly, there are only 350m (1,148ft) of elevation gain from the bottom to the top of Island Peak. And the views from the top are extraordinary. Also, this is the only route where you can camp at the actual top of the pass. Altitude sickness doesn’t affect you as much here because there is a “plateau” on which to rest.

Furthermore, this route has fewer ups and downs than the northern route. Best Time to Climb Island Peak There is no best time to climb Island Peak. The reason is simple: If the weather is not good, you will be forced to wait for better conditions. However, if the weather is perfect, you will still have to wait for the crowds to leave. If you are going to do it in May or September, you should go when the weather is bad.

For example, if the weather is perfect in May, you will still have to wait for another 3 months (September) until the next perfect day. On the other hand, if you are going to do it in September, you should go when the weather is good. For example, if the weather is perfect in May, you will still have to wait for another 3 months (September) until the next perfect day.

Next Best Time: October and November are also good times because the days are shorter and the nights are longer. This means that you will have more time to recover from the altitude after your long journey to the top. Worst Time: The winter is not a good time to climb Island Peak because it is very cold and there may be snow on the pass.

Things to take into consideration

There are three main routes to the top of Island Peak. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, each one is spectacular! The northern route is the most scenic, but it is also the most difficult and takes the most time. Therefore, it is not recommended for first-time trekkers.

Nevertheless, if you have already done a few treks and feel ready for something challenging, this is the best option for you. It is the most direct route and avoids some of the steepest parts of the mountain. Therefore, it will take approximately 4–6 days to complete this route instead of 5–7 days as in the southern or southernmost route. The southern route is longer (about 12 to 14 hours), but it is very gradual and easy-going. You will have fewer ups and downs than in the northern route. Also, it has spectacular views of Dolpo, the deepest and most beautiful valley in the world. However, because it is longer, it will take more time to reach the top and to acclimatize to the higher altitude.

Easiest Route

Without a doubt, the southernmost route is the easiest one and takes the least amount of time to complete. It is only for experienced trekkers who are used to high-altitude travel. The western route is a bit harder and longer than the other two. This means that it will take 6 to 8 days to complete instead of 4 to 6 days as in the northern or southern routes. What Equipment Do I Need? As you can see, all three routes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your experience and fitness level, you may find one route easier and faster than the others. However, no matter which one you choose, you must be prepared for all types of weather. In fact, you should expect bad weather about half of the time (snow, rain, strong winds).

Later in the season (after mid-June), you can avoid much of the snow by going around Island Peak. However, during the spring and early summer months (March to June), there is very little chance of good weather. Therefore, you should always be prepared for bad weather. When it is not bad weather, the views from the top are spectacular. You will have a chance to see the world’s highest mountain, Kusum Kangaru (7454m/24,421ft), the Himalayas, the great rivers of Nepal such as the Mahakali, Karnali, and Trishuli, the deep and mysterious Dudh Kosi river, and many other peaks and glaciers.

Conclusion:

It all depends on your experience, fitness level, and preferences. However, the easiest (and safest) route is the southernmost one. It only takes about 5 to 6 days to complete and it is relatively easy no matter your experience or fitness level. Also, it is usually not very crowded, has no technical climbing, and provides spectacular views. The western route is slightly harder than the southern one. Therefore, if you are an experienced trekker who is fit and in good shape, you may find this route faster and easier. On the other hand, if you are a beginner, you may prefer the southern route. The western route requires more time and effort for acclimatization and for reaching the top of the mountain.