Island peak climbing is one of the best peak climbs in the Everest region. It is peak climbing to Imja tse at the summit of 6189 m above sea level. The peak lies in an extension of Mount Lhotse’s ridge that runs south of Lhotse Shar peak.

This journey starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla. Then, the route follows the classic way to Everest Base Camp until you reach Dingboche. After reaching Dingboche, you will head towards the village of Chulukung and hike to Pareshaya Gyab, Island Peak Base. The next day, in the early morning, you head to the summit.

The interesting fact about Island Peak is that members of the 1953 Everest expedition named it as it looks like an Island from Dingboche. This Island looking peak requires a permit to have rights for climbing. A climbing permit and a trekking permit are needed to climb Island Peak. Let’s see the details.

Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit

To attempt Island Peak Climbing it requires a climbing permit. This permit provides you the legal rights to climb this peak summit. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Permit is mandatory to climb Island Peak.

This permit can be issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. A person cannot issue this permit. You will need a government-registered local trekking travel agency to get this permit. You need to provide the necessary documents and wait for the permit.

Cost

The price of this permit varies based on the seasons. It costs USD 70 to USD 250, depending on the season. The price is expensive during peak seasons and cheap during off-seasons. Spring and Autumn are peak seasons, while Winter and Summer are off-seasons.

  • In Spring, it costs USD 250 per person
  • In Autumn, it costs USD 125 per person
  • In winter and summer, it costs USD 70 per person

It is most expensive during the Spring season due to its favorable climate and is very comfortable for trekking. This is the most crowded season. At the same time, the cost of this permit is cheap during the Winter and Summer seasons because of harsh weather conditions. These are less crowded seasons.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit

The other permit required for Island Peak Climbing is a local area permit. Island Peak lies in the Khumbu Region of Solukhumbu District. So, Khumbu Pasand Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance permit is mandatory to trek in this region. The fund is utilized for the management and welfare of the Khumbu Region.

This permit is not available in Kathmandu. You can get this permit from Lukla.

Cost

It costs USD 18 per person to enter the Khumbu Region. The cost of this permit is constant for all the seasons.

Documents Required

You must provide the following documents to the travel agency for these permits.

  • A passport with visa validation of at least 6 months is mandatory.
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Photocopy of Passport
  • Forms filled with documents (done by agency)
  • Travel Insurance
  • NRP because you can only pay in Nepalese currency to get these permits. So, exchange your money before getting permits.

Conclusion

Therefore, Island Peak is an Island look-alike Peak in the Everest Region. This summit climbing takes you to an altitude of 6189 m above sea level. If you are preparing for high-altitude peak climbing, Island Peak Climbing is a great start.

To accomplish this summit climbing, you will need the NMA permit and the Khumbu Region Permit. These are mandatory, and NMA permits can only be issued by registered travel agencies.

Attempting this trek without a permit is against the law, and you will be severely punished. So, plan your trek with an authorized local travel agency to get permits. Get yourself a professional guide to ease this trek. Enjoy your trek to the fullest!