Introduction
With its summit reaching an elevation of 6,189 meters (20,305 feet), this peak in the Khumbu region of Nepal has captured the imagination of adventurers from around the globe. Since it has been able to gather so much attention from the people, it is sure to have lots of people raising questions about it before deciding to climb this peak.
There are many questions regarding island peak climbing in recent times, so we have sorted out most of the asked questions. Among the sorted questions, we are now gonna dress the most important one. It goes like this – is Island Peak dangerous?
I want to say that, as it is one of the famous climbing peaks in Nepal, you must know that this activity isn’t as dangerous as you think. You must know that it is famous for some reason. If it is too dangerous, then it won’t be as famous as it is now. Correspondingly, it is not dangerous doesn’t mean that there are no risks at all. There are some levels of risk in it. However, to mitigate those risks, you have to do a high level of preparation and planning.
One of the biggest risks while doing this adventure happens to be altitude sickness. This sickness literally can kill anyone. Further than that, there are other risks while climbing the mountains and adventuring that we will be discussing in this blog. So in short for now, we want to tell you that these are the kinds of problems that could arise, but with the perfect guidance, equipment, and gears, the danger factor of this peak climbing can be completely reduced to 1%.
Island Peak is not Dangerous but it is Challenging
Before making a climb to this peak, you have to know that you are not going for a straightforward type of climb. For some experienced climbers, it may be easy, but the majority of the climbers are not used to it, so it will be challenging for them. To know the scale of the difficulty, we want to tell you that this peak has been designated as 2B level in the alpine grading system.
For this grading level, you will have to use the mountaineering tools to make it to the top. Climbers will have to have a working knowledge of different tools like crampons, climbing ropes, harnesses, ice screws, jumars, ice axes, snow bars, etc. Doing the adventure with this kind of equipment will help the climbers experience true mountain adventure.
During the journey, the climbers will have moments where they will pass through the steep path which consists of rocky ruins and slipper glaciers and ice. Especially, they will also pass through the infamous crevasses with the help of the ladders acting as bridges. Even though they will have practiced for it before the trekking, we are sure that they will feel challenged while crossing it. Crossing the way with these kinds of obstacles is not enough.
After passing all of those obstacles, climbers will have to cross the final obstacle before reaching the spectacular summit. Here they will find an intimidating headwall that serves the narrow path which will then ultimately lead you to the top of the peak. At this particular point, you will need the help of experienced guides and your fellow climbers. As you finally reach the top of the peak, your weeks of hardship will be paid off with a sense of accomplishment and utmost pride within yourself.
Choose the Acclimatization-friendly itinerary
You must know that there is a lack of oxygen in the mountain region. Not adapting to it, and speeding directly up to the top is a clear route to death. For 13 days of the journey, you have to at least take 2 days of rest in between. So we suggest you make the choices very carefully. In our case, we have designed an exciting + carefully planned trip to Island Peak which involves the route to Everest base camp and Kalapatthar before doing the climbing.
The biggest problem for climbers in Island Peak
As we have witnessed the biggest problem for climbers is themselves. They usually overthink and ask themselves if they are fit and capable of doing this or not. Most of the time, this thing happens to beginners as they feel they are not experienced enough. Another big issue with them is to do the camping. Most of the beginner climbers are not used to camping. So, they find it pretty hard in the starting days. For these reasons, it is so important for you to have an experienced and supportive guide with proper preparation while doing this adventure.
Is Island Peak Climbing for Beginners?
The straightforward answer to this question is yes. Island peak climbing can be the perfect start for those who are looking to excel in mountaineering. This adventure has it all, it provides the thrill and increases knowledge and confidence at the best level for beginners. Although they can do as a beginner, they should be guided in each step. So, proper care and assistance are required for beginners in technical sections.
Conclusion
Now as we come to the end, you must have realized that doing island peak climbing is not as dangerous as you might have thought. But you should consider that you have to prepare physically to ensure the success of this adventure. With preparation, also make sure that you are mentally ready to face any kind of challenges that come in the journey. Keep it easygoing and take guidance before you take any kind of action.
Another important thing to consider on this trek is to choose the itinerary with proper rest and acclimatization. Be careful while selecting the itinerary so that you don’t have any problems related to the altitude. Hence, by following the guidelines with sheer determination and willingness, we don’t think that any physically fit person would fail to complete this climb.
Birendra Duwadi by profession a trekking and tourist guide and an enterpreur whose passion is trekking in the himalayas start Mission Himalaya Treks in 2015 with a new vision to introduce Nepal Himlayas to the world. his vision is explore and documentation new trekking routes . Birendra leads Mission Himalaya, a small company that change the qualities of trekking in Nepal.
