Itinerary Advisory
Your Island Peak Trek with Everest Base Camp can be a bit challenging for you because of unfavorable weather and trail conditions. However, your guide will always provide an alternative option for you to ensure your safety and security. Trekking at higher altitudes, you must prepare yourself for various factors that may arise during your trek. For many trekkers altitude sickness is the main cause of the delay as it can be prevented by slow ascend along with proper time to acclimatize yourself. So, for such incidents that may arise during your trekking journey, there may be some possible changes in the given itinerary as our team mainly focuses on the safety of trekkers. Proper communication with the guide along with engaging yourself with the locals can help you for a better experience of trekking in Nepal.
Airport pickup and drop-off
The team of High Camp Adventure has provided an Airport pickup and drop-off facility as a complimentary service for our trekkers to ensure you have a safe and secure journey from start to end. One of our team representatives will be there at the Airport to transfer to your designated hotel in Kathmandu. Similarly, at the end of the journey, the representative will drop you at the International Airport from your hotel to ensure your return trip is as smooth and relaxing as your arrival.
Note: The team representative will help you with your sightseeing journey in Kathmandu via private vehicle to some of the major tourist attractions places.
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations and Meals provided to you throughout the trek are based on safety, security, and hygiene along with feedback from the trekkers. As at higher elevations, it is hard to find things according to your needs and preferences, so you will be accommodated with a basic facility Tea house that provides you with freshly prepared meals. At some places during the trek, you can order meals according to your preferences but need to pay extra for them. During the peak time for trekking in Nepal, the tea houses are fully packed by trekkers.
reaching the Everest Base Camp and Island Peak Base Camp, you will be provided a tent house along with sleeping bag and sleeping pads for better comfort. Most of the accommodations during peak time for the trek are based on a twin-sharing facility with a shared washroom.
Note: Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you have an option to upgrade your hotel but will have to pay extra for it.
Safety and Security throughout the trek
As our team mainly focuses on the safety and security of our trekkers you don’t need to panic in any of the situations. Our well-experienced expert guide will always provide you with an alternative option throughout the trek. From start to finish, our team members will help and support you throughout the journey to provide you with a sense of safety and security. Travel Insurance can be beneficial for you as traveling to high altitudes can be risky with various factors arising during your journey. So, you must have your travel insurance done before your journey starts. Be careful about the trail conditions as you may need to trek through some of the challenging routes with steep ascend. Proper physical training with a basic level of climbing skills can be beneficial for you.
Gear and Packings needed for the Island Peak with EBC
Before your journey make sure to carry all the essentials you need throughout the trek based on your preferences. You are advised to avoid unnecessary items, as they can be a bit burden for you during your journey. However, you will be provided with a porter throughout the trek for your comfort. Carrying a lightweight backpack can be helpful for the porters. Some of the important gear and stuff you need during your journey are mentioned below:
Trekking and Climbing Gears
- Trekking boots (sturdy, waterproof, and comfortable for you)
- Trekking poles for better grip (which can be adjusted easily and lightweight)
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pads
- Climbing harness (well-fitted and adjustable)
- Crampons (suitable with your boots) and Climbing helmets (lightweight)
- Ice axe (suitable for climbing) and Carabiners (proper locking for safety requirements)
Clothing and Accessories
- Base layer (moisture-absorbing tops and bottoms) and Outer layer (waterproof and windproof jacket and pants)
- Trekking pants (comfortable and quick drying)
- Gloves and hat
- Sunglasses (protection against UV rays)
- Headlamp with additional batteries
- First aid kit
Best time to reach EBC and Climb the Island Peak Summit
Tekkers planning to trek in altitude areas need proper planning considering the trekking season in Nepal as these factors can create some difficulties and risks in your trekking activities. Trekking in Nepal is mostly done in Spring and Autumn with many trekkers visiting Nepal from all over the world. Why Spring and Autumn are considered as the best time to trek in Nepal are explained below:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is considered the best time to trek through the Himalayas of Nepal making your trek worth a visit with awe-inspiring moments of the nearby peaks. If you trek this month, it will be favorable for you as the routes are well-maintained with clear sky views. The weather is predictable with moderate temperatures enhancing your overall trekking experience.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is also regarded as the best time to trek in Nepal with less crowd providing you with a peaceful landscape. The higher you trek, the colder the temperature along with few chances of rainfall. There might be chances of sudden temperature drop so be very careful along with proper planning. At the top, you will be blessed with dazzling views of the nearby peaks and valleys. For trekkers who want to experience less crowd can trek during this season.
for trekkers thinking of doing expeditions in the Himalayas of Nepal, Spring and Autumn can be the best season as it offers you various advantages along with boosting your experiences. According to a majority of trekkers, these two seasons provide you with well-managed route conditions as well as favorable weather and temperature.
Permits and Documents Required
As you know, to climb the Summit you need to have all the required permits and documents as there are many checkpoints where your permits are checked. Therefore, for an easy and comfortable trek, carrying all your valid permits along with documents is required for you. Some of the important permits required to Climb the Island Peak Summit with EBC are mentioned below:
Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit (NMA Permit): trekkers planning to climb Island Peak must obtain a Nepal Mountaineering Permit from Kathmandu. The main objective of this authority is to help promote mountaineering activities in Nepal and ensure the safety and security of natural resources and biodiversity. But you don’t have to worry about the permits as High Camp Adventure will help you with all the permits and documents before starting your trek as it is included in the trekking pack. Therefore, the ultimate goal of NMA is to monitor all your trekking activities for your safety and security along with implementing rules and regulations throughout your trekking journey.
Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit Fee
- USD 250 for citizens of Foreign Nations (Spring), USD 125 (Autumn) and USD 70 (Winter and Summer)
- NRP 4000 for Nepali citizens (Spring), NRP 2000 (Autumn), and NRP 1000 (Summer and Winter)
Note: For the latest fee of the NMA Permit along with rules and guidelines to be followed during the Peak Climb in Nepal you can visit the official website Service Charges for Foreign Climber per person in US dollar
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: The Sagarmatha National Park is obligatory for trekkers as the permit is required to trek through the National Park. The permit needs to be obtained separately as Sagarmatha National Park is regarded as one of the Conservation Areas in Nepal. This permit can be obtained in Kathmandu or even from the entry point of the National Park. But it’s better to obtain it from Kathmandu as it can be an easy and comfortable journey for you. The Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Area is the main authority to issue this permit in Nepal. Throughout the trek, you will find many checkpoints where you need to show your permit so without your permit you are not allowed to trek. However, our team members will be helping you obtain this permit from Kathmandu on your behalf.
Permit fee for Sagarmatha National Park
- NRS 3000 for citizens of Foreign Nations
- NRS 1000 for SAARC Nations
- NRS 100 for Nepali Citizens
Child discount. Free for children below 10 years
Note: In case of any changes in the permit fee you can check the website National Park Entry permit fee - Nepal Tourism Board
Khumbu Pasang Lhambu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit: This permit is required for you to trek in certain areas of the Khumbu Region. The main objective of this permit is to ensure that you are trekking according to the legal guidelines set by the local authorities. The best thing about this permit is the amount raised from it is fully used for the maintenance of the areas which helps the locals and visitors during the trek. Therefore, this permit not only helps you to provide a better trekking experience but overall supports the local community people.
Rural Municipality Entrance Permit Fee
- NRP 2000 for foreign citizens
- NRP 1000 for SAARC Nations
Note: The Municipality Entrance Permit Fee can vary since they fluctuate annually. So, it’s better to discuss it with your trekking agencies. However, you don’t need to worry about the permit as our team will help you manage the permits before your journey starts.
Travel Insurance Before Your Trek
It is advisable for you to complete your travel insurance before your journey starts. The trekking agency with help you with your insurance process which can be profitable for you as climbing to the Summit requires a huge challenge with more risk of life. So, it’s better to do travel insurance as it reduces your medical charge bills, as well as in case of emergency conditions you need to be evacuated by a helicopter to Kathmandu. Therefore, having your travel insurance can be beneficial for you as you can have a peaceful trek.
Note: Trekking to higher elevations mainly associated with the Peak Summit requires travel insurance done before your journey in case of any emergencies.
Summit Day Guidelines
Before you start your Summit Climb, you must be fully prepared as throughout the route you need to face many demanding obstacles. One day earlier, your guide will provide you with all the instructions that need to be followed for a safe summit climb. Listen to the instructions carefully while addressing all your questions. Take proper rest, hydrate yourself, and wear proper gear before the climb. Your trek starts, early in the morning because the weather is stable during this time. The guide along with the team members will assist you throughout the journey ensuring that you are safe and secure. Always stay in contact with your guide and listen to every instruction provided to you.
Challenges and Considerations during the trek
Altitude Sickness
For most of the trekkers, high altitude can be the major fear throughout the trek. High altitude sickness can create a huge impact on your trekking journey. However, here are some preventive measures that can help you during your journey.
- Symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, swelling of hands and legs, rapid heartbeat, difficulty in walking, fever, sore throat, blurred vision, vomiting, etc.
- Preventive measures: stay hydrated, slow ascend, eat a balanced diet, limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine, monitor your health, and medications, stay warm, avoid sleeping pills, etc.
Altitude sickness is a major problem for every human as trekking to high altitudes itself is a very big task. The above preventive measures can help you during your journey in case of any symptoms of altitude sickness. Consult with your guide or team if there are any emergencies.
Weather conditions during your trek
Trekking to high altitudes includes gradual ascend with unfavorable weather conditions during your journey. The higher you trek, the more unpredictable the weather will be making the route conditions challenging for you. High winds along with sudden temperature drops can be a major problem for you as there is a high chance of hyperthermia. You will get a chance to enjoy snowfall during the winter season. Spring and Autumn are regarded as the best times to continue your trekking journey in Nepal as you will be offered predictable weather and moderate temperatures making your trek full of enjoyment. Whereas, during Summer and Winter you will be facing frequent rainfall with slippery route conditions making your trek full of challenges.
Therefore, the season you are trekking also determines the weather and temperature conditions in the higher elevations as during the peak time you can predict the weather. Before your trek starts, make sure to check the weather forecast for a better experience of trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Steep and Challenging trail conditions
As you know, trekking to high altitudes involves gradual ascend and descent along with challenging route conditions during your journey. During the Summer and Winter seasons, the trekking route is more demanding as there are more chances of rainfall and snowfall making the trail conditions slippery. Trekking in these seasons, you can see less crowded routes as many of the trekkers prefer to trek during the Spring and Autumn.
During the peak time of the trek which lies between the Spring and Autumn seasons, you will offered well-maintained trail conditions with more numbers of trekkers along the route. Trekking with an experienced Guide along with proper physical and mental health can make your trek smooth and easy. If you are a beginner trekker then proper physical fitness can help you throughout the trek to enhance your trekking experiences.
Limited Facility
Trekkers who are trekking to higher altitudes must know that there are no high facilities provided to them during their trek. You are provided with you basic facility tea house and three meals per day freshly prepared by the locals. The higher you trek, the lesser the facility gets as it is difficult to get things according to your needs and preferences. You will be offered a shared room with a washroom during the peak trekking time. Therefore, don’t expect high facilities throughout your trekking journey as you won’t be provided with your demands and choices because it is not possible to find things accordingly.