Essential Information
Trip Profile
16 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 6189m, average 3680m.
Accommodation
4 nights hotel, 13 nights mountain lodges and 3 nights camping.
Food
Breakfast included in Kathmandu plus all meals whilst camping.
Reality Check
Island Peak is a tough trek. It is graded E with 16 days walking. The maximum altitude is 6189m (or 5545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3680m.
There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and should have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.
The ascent of Island Peak is optional. It requires strong lungs, a great deal of will power, previous experience of crampon and ice axe techniques, use of a jumar and abseil device and good acclimatisation. Though technically harder than Mera Peak, this expedition is within the reach of those seeking their first Himalayan summit.
The climb is graded alpine PD+ and starts with some rocky scrambling to a glacier. Crossing the glacier we then come to a steep 40-45 degree headwall, which leads to the exposed summit ridge. We will rope up to cross the glacier and you will be walking with an ice axe, crampons and plastic boots. The climbing sherpas will fix ropes up the headwall (approximately 150m) and along the summit ridge (approximately 50m).
Clients will need to use a jumar on the ascent and an abseil device on the descent. Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb, anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb. Because this trek is at high altitude it is important that you take heed of the leaders advice and decisions.
The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group.
Normal group size and age
Normally 3 to 14, plus leader, Sherpa climbing guides, and appropriate local staff. Minimum age 18.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
An E grade tour combines all the elements of our D Grade, tough itineraries, but adds extra difficulties such as tricky river crossings, very high or difficult passes, glaciers or peaks that require basic climbing skills. Often specialist equipment, like ice axes and crampons will be needed and you must have experience of them.
Serious Adventure: These trips are what Exodus is all about. Join us!
Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.
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