Itinerary Disclaimer
As we know, weather and route conditions are unpredictable during the trek to higher elevations. So for your safety and convenience, we might need to make some changes to the given itinerary because our main priority is to ensure your well-being throughout the trek rather than completing the trek in the given interval of time. During such conditions, the guide will provide you with an alternative option to guarantee your safety. In case of sudden incidents, we hope that you will properly coordinate with our team and understand the situation. Other than such incidents there won’t be any changes in the given itinerary provided to you.
Airport pickup and drop
Airport pick-up and drop-off facility is a complimentary service provided to our clients by High Camp Adventure to ensure you have an enjoyable journey from the beginning. One of our team representatives will be waiting for you at the airport for your warm welcome and after you are ready to go he will be transferring you to your designated hotel in Kathmandu via private vehicle. The same goes for the drop-off facility, after your trekking journey is completed he will be dropping you off at the International Airport from your hotel according to your flight schedule.
Safety and Security
Camp Adventure ensures that you have a safe and well-experienced trek in Nepal. During the trek, your safety and security are our top priority. We have a group of well-experienced guides and porters who will navigate you throughout the trek making your trek a memorable one. Accommodations and meals provided to you are selected based on quality, hygiene, and preferences of trekkers. Proper equipment with good physical fitness helps you to enhance your trekking experiences considering your safety and security. High Camp Adventure provides you with all the basic trekking equipment needed for you during the trek. Therefore, we ensure to complete the journey with full safety and security providing you with unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
Packing list for the Island Peak Climb
Packing is crucial before your trekking journey as it ensures you have all the necessary items for a secure and pleasant journey. Before the trek, create a thorough checklist so you don’t forget your essential items such as appropriate attire, snacks, first aid kit, etc. Carrying all your things according to your needs and preferences helps you for a stress-free journey and lets you enjoy your time during the trek. Some of the essential packing lists are mentioned below:
- A base layer includes underwear, a trekking shirt, and a thermal layer to keep you warm during the trek
- Sturdy boots that are waterproof and provide support to your ankles
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof backpack to keep your belongings
- Hiking poles to help you during the trek for extra support
- Sleeping bags
- Several pairs of hiking socks with warm gloves
- Sunscreen, first aid kit, sunglasses and medicines
Accommodations and Meals
Accommodations and Meals provided to you during the trek are selected based on the reviews of trekkers along with comfort, safety, and hygiene. Accommodations provided to you during the trek are on a Tea house with the basic facility of rooms and a shared washroom. The rooms and washroom are comfortable with proper hygiene maintained. The higher you trek the less facility will be available to you as getting things according to your needs and preferences can be difficult.
Three meals will be provided to you during the trek which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner freshly prepared by the local Sherpas. You can also order according to your needs and try local cuisines like Momo, Thupka, Dal Bhat, Soup, Chapati, etc. During the trek, you are advised to stop the intake of meat products as it may impact your and your body making it difficult for you to walk. Alcohol and Caffeine products are also not safe for you throughout the trek.
Best Season to Trek
The best season to trek Island Peak is during the time of Pre-monsoon (Spring) and Post-monsoon (Autumn) providing you with favorable temperature and climate along with stunning views of surrounding peaks.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is considered the peak time to trek in Nepal. During the time of Spring, many of the trekkers hike towards the Island Peak making the route a bit more crowded than other seasons. Spring season provides you with moderate temperatures along the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. This time is best to experience the vibrant green subalpine forest covered by Rhododendron trees along with clear skies and predictable weather conditions.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is also considered the best month to trek in Nepal with a less crowded route along with snow in some parts of the trek. During this time, the temperature is colder than in the Spring season with few chances of rainfall and clear skies. Therefore, temperatures drop significantly as you trek to higher elevations. During this time, you can have a tranquil experience of the trek because of the few crowds allowing you to witness the visibility of peaks and valleys.
Therefore, every season is good to trek in Nepal as every season has its advantages and disadvantages but Spring and Autumn are considered the best time for the trek enchanting your trekking experiences.
Permits and Documents
The trekkers, willing to trek the Island Peak are required to obtain a permit issued by the Tourism Board of Nepal in Kathmandu. Without the permits, you are not allowed to trek in those areas. So, for a safe and comfortable trek, you need these permits throughout the trek. The permits you need are mentioned below:
Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit (NMA Permit): The Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit is necessary for trekkers trekking on different peaks of Nepal, including the Island Peak. This permit is required for climbing peaks that come under the ‘Trekking Peaks’ category, which also includes the Island Peak Climb. The Nepal Mountaineering Association issues these permits in Nepal. Trekking through a licensed trekking agency helps you to handle all your application processes on your behalf. The permit fee depends on the time you are trekking, however, the permit fee is included in your trekking package. Therefore, NMA monitors your trekking activities to ensure safety along with proper rules and regulations throughout the trek.
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:you can also check the latest permit fees, rules, and regulations from the Service Charges for Foreign Climber per person in US dollar
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: As you will be trekking through the Sagarmatha National Park, you must have a permit from the National Park. Without this permit, you cannot trek in the Sagarmatha National Park. This permit is issued by the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) in Kathmandu. This Permit can be obtained in Kathmandu or even from the entrance gate of the Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo. There are checkpoints throughout the trek where your permits will be checked so carry your permits with you throughout the trek.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fees
- NRP 3000 For Foreign Nations
- NRP 1500 For SAARC Nations
- NRP 100 For Nepali Citizens
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: This permit is required for trekkers for trekking in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. The main focus of this permit is to improve the local infrastructure and community development in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. This permit is issued by the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Office which is in the Khumbu Region. The permit can be obtained at the Khumbu Lhambu Rural Municipality Office. Don’t forget to carry the permits as there are many checkpoints where these permits are checked.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Pemit Fees
- NRP 2000 For Foreigners and SAARC Nations
Gears and Packings
Packing can be a major problem for many of the trekkers who are planning to trek the Island peak because you need proper gear to reach the summit. Proper gear includes thermal tops, waterproof and windproof jackets, sturdy boots, trekking poles, sleeping bags, waterproof backpacks, trekking socks, harnesses, helmets, etc. Your essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, first aid, headlamps, water bottles, and snacks. Make sure your backpack is lightweight which makes it easy to trek during the trek. However, you will be provided with a porter during the trek.
Travel Insurance
During the trek, you must have your travel insurance done before the start of the journey. Travel insurance is very important as you will be trekking toward higher altitudes and in case of any unfortunate incidents travel insurance helps you to reduce your medical charges, hospital bills, and emergency evacuation via helicopter to Kathmandu. So, we suggest having your travel insurance done before the start of your trek for your safety and convenience.
Challenges and Considerations
Altitude Sickness
For most of the trekkers, altitude sickness is the main problem during the trek towards higher elevations. Altitude sickness can create a huge impact on your trekking journey so before the trek make sure that you alternative treatments for such problems.
- Symptoms: fatigue, headache, dizziness, shortness of breathing, loss of appetite, insomnia, swelling of hands and legs, difficulty in walking, rapid heartbeat.
- Preventive measures: proper acclimatization, keeping yourself hydrated, gradual ascend, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, medications, knowing symptoms your body is sending
Weather conditions
Trekking to high altitudes, such as Island Peak comes with unfavorable weather and temperature conditions throughout the trek. High wind and temperature drops during the night can be major problems for trekkers which increases the risk of hypothermia. You can enjoy the snowfall during the time of winter enhancing your trekking experiences. Spring and Autumn are considered the best time to trek in Nepal whereas Summer and Winter are favorable seasons to trek because of frequent rainfall and heavy snowfall making the route challenging and risky. Therefore, choose your trekking season accordingly for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in Nepal. Before starting your journey make sure to check the weather forecast and plan your day according to it.
Steep and Challenging Trail
Trek to high elevations includes some of the most challenging and steep routes yet the most rewarding experiences of life. Reaching the Island Peak requires good physical strength, technical skills, and a good presence of mind. The higher you trek the less supply of oxygen will be there so you need to be very careful with everything. The routes include trekking through rough and rocky terrains which requires good support and grip. During the unfavorable seasons, you have to face more difficulty throughout the trek because the routes get more slippery with snowfall. However, trekking with experienced Guides with proper physical as well as mental training can make your trek a smooth one along with unforgettable memories in Nepal. If you are a beginner trekker then proper fitness and training can help you during your journey.