11 Aug 2021 Prakash Devkota
Anyone who has ever visited Nepal knows what a great host the country is. It never fails to meet the expectation of its visitors and provides them with loads of options for a travel destination. It offers them some most interesting places to explore and even helps discover the local culture.
One of such wonderful places is Island Peak, whose trek provides visitors with marvelous scenes. It enables them to immerse in the beauty of nature and avoid the city’s uproar simultaneously. It is perhaps why trekkers are fond of climbing this snow peak and looking over the scenic spots.
But, before hopping into the flight for the region, they’ll have to know when to visit the mountain, or else the trip will be miserable. Due to the unpredictable weather, trekking Island Peak isn’t always feasible. The right time to visit the mountain is during the fall months, from September to October, when the weather is at its finest.
It’s neither scorching hot nor frigid cold during the season, making it the best time to scramble the peak. Trekkers relatively have an easy time tackling the trail in the months of Autumn with fewer challenges.
Island Peak Climbing in Autumn offers an incredible experience to hikers and delights them with stunning views. The cool breeze with colorful fall foliage at the backdrop and birds chirping makes the journey exciting.
It’s also the ideal time to get a crystal-clear view of lofty snow peaks, including Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku. They can easily catch a glimpse of sheer glaciers, expansive natural landscapes, and vivid valleys.
Highlights of Island Peak Climbing in Autumn
- A pristine view of snow peaks like Mt. Everest and Ama Dablam
- Explore Sagarmatha National Park and its unique flora and fauna
- A brief tour of the famous Tibetan monastery, Tengboche
- Sights of spectacular landscapes, lofty hills, and clifftops
- Witness the beauty of Island Peak and Imja Glacier
Weather and Temperature in Autumn
Autumn is a great time to slip into the Everest region and steer the trail while enjoying magnificent views. After the scorching heat of summer and heavy rain, the season clears the sky for hikers. Courses are just moist and easy to walk even after several hours.
There’s no risk of landslides, floods, snowstorms, blizzards, or any other unforeseeable disaster in Autumn. The season also comes with an impressive view of snow-capped mountains, colorful forests, vibrant valleys, and beautiful landforms.
Island Peak Climbing in September
September indicates the start of the Autumn season in Nepal, although it arrives a bit early in the Himalayas. It’s perhaps for which the crowds are fewer at the beginning of the month. But as time passes, the trail gets jam-packed with visitors enjoying the calm and placid weather while trying to reach the summit.
The temperature cools down in September, but visitors can still feel the warmth in the air. There is a little summerish vibe going at the lower hills, but it’s still cold and breezy at higher altitudes. As the fall foliage just starts to sneak in, trekkers get to relish an astounding view with surrounding hills and mountains in the frame.
The average temperatures range from 0 to 15 degrees Celsius, with the night getting chilly and unhostile. Days are bright and sunny, though, so you’ll be able to catch a few glimpses of Ama Dablam and Makalu. Sometimes, trekkers may get drenched in the rain, mainly in early September. Hence, they’ll have to be a bit careful even during Island Peak Climbing in September.
Island Peak Climbing in October
October gives the nod to hikers to visit Island Peak as it offers them nice and pleasant weather. The climate favors the trekkers and even helps them reach the summit comfortably. So, Island Peak Climbing in October is extraordinary and there are fewer troubles.
It’s not intensely hot in the month, and the rising temperature only comes as a spare before the wet and sticky winter. Days are filled with sunshine, increasing the visibility, while nights and mornings are a little chilly with easy winds.
Autumn is in full swing during October, with leaves turning into vivid colors, orange and tinted red. At the end of the months, the leaves slowly start to fall to the trail, making the forest look even more naturally beautiful.
Trekkers may also encounter wild animals like musk deer and Himalayan Thar during their walk to the sanctuary. The trails and teahouses are much noisier in October, with large crowds and trekkers.
The calendar is filled with cultural and religious events in October. Visitors trekking the mountain in October can join the locals in celebrations and festivities. They can take an insight into the rich and diverse culture of people inhabiting the region.
Island Peak Climbing in November
November is a pre-winter season, so the atmosphere is a bit cloudy and dull. Unlike October, it isn’t warm and cozy out there, but trekkers can still enjoy the sunshine during the day. The weather starts to cool off from the start of the month, but heavy snowfall is unlikely.
Since the weather is unforeseeable in the month, it’ll be wise of trekkers to keep updated on the weather forecast to avoid any dire circumstances. It gets chilly after the sun sets, but the days are still warm, with the temperature soaring up to 12 Degree Celsius.
The low temperature makes it better for the trekkers, though. They can take advantage of the climate and ascend the trail more slowly and restfully. The foliage slowly leaves the trees after the mid-season, so the views may not be as appealing as in October.
However, the visitors can still enjoy the dazzling view of snow-capped mountains like Ama Dablam and Thamserku. They might struggle a bit to sneak a peek of Mt. Everest due to the cloudy weather.
They can get to view the rolling hills, sweeping landscapes, and shimmering glaciers from atop the mountain. So, no doubt, Island Peak Climbing in November is fun-filled with some fantastic scenery to catch.
Late Autumn can be extremely cold, and trekkers can even expect a light snowfall by the end of the month. The temperature can drop up to -10 Degree Celsius at the mountain and even witness high winds which, can cause difficulty for mountaineers.
It’s time to wrap up yourself in warm clothes as the weather can get pretty bad at times, especially at high altitudes. Taking crampons will help a lot to walk the trails at Ngozumpa Glacier.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport
Day 02: Sightseeing Kathmandu
Day 03: Flight to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,860m)
Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,865m)
Day 05: Acclimatization at Namche
Day 06: Hike to Tyancgboche (3,965m)
Day 07: Tyangboche to Dingboche Trek (4,360m)
Day 08: Island Peak Base Camp Trek (5,087m)
Day 09: Rest day at Base Camp
Day 10: Summit Island Peak (6,189m), Return to Base Camp
Day 11: Trek to Dingboche (5,087m)
Day 12: Dingboche to Namche Bazaar Trek
Day 13: Hike to Lukla (3,440m)
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu
Why climb Island Peak in Autumn?
Autumn is the prime season for trekking Island Peak. It has excellent weather with an amazing atmosphere that keeps the trekkers engaged on the trek. They will find the walk less stressful and difficult. Even climbing the steep hills gets less exhausting in the season due to easy and relaxed climatic conditions.
1 Scenic View
Trekkers of Island Peak in Autumn are incredibly fortunate as they get to witness the autumnal glory. The bursting fall colors are magical enough to amaze the hikers.
Starting from the trek till the summit and back, it rewards with mesmerizing leaf displays.
Due to the clear sky and fresh air, trekkers will get to snap the magnificent view of Ama Dablam, Makalu, and even Everest. They’ll also get to watch the stunning landscapes, serene glacial lakes, and vibrant valleys.
Khumbu Valley is the most charming in Autumn, thanks to lush green forest, towering hills, and steep-sided valleys. Since the season falls right after the monsoon, streams and rivers are fed well, putting breathtaking scenes.
2. Weather and Temperature
Autumn has the loveliest weather of all four seasons. So, it’s worth doing the trek of Island Peak between September and November. Most of the time, the weather is mild and perfect for walking the trails of Island Peak.
With the mix of summer and winter, the weather, in general, is neither too hot nor too cold. The early few days of September might be scorchingly hot, but the temperature drops rapidly by the end of the month.
October has mild weather, which makes it easy climbing the trails. Unlike summer, trekkers won’t be sweating a lot while ascending the course that winds up and down. As the temperature varies from 0 to 12 Degree Celsius, it becomes comfortable for trekkers to walk the trail.
November is a bit cold compared to the previous months but not so frigid. The trails are covered in snow like that of winter so, no need to worry about frostbite and trench foot. It won’t hurt to carry a pair of gloves and crampons, though, as they keep the trekkers safe and avoid suffering.
3. Unique Culture and Traditions
Autumn is one of the few times when trekkers worldwide flock to the Khumbu region at once. Thanks to it, there’s a cultural exchange happening during the trip. People from different cultures, ethnicity, and religion come together and shares their experience which helps creates unity. They’ll also get to learn more about the local culture and lifestyle of Himalayan people and different ethnicities inhabiting there.
4. Festive Season
Autumn is the holiday season in Nepal. With the Hindu’s main festival, Dashain and Tihar, right around the corner, peoples are busy preparing for the celebrations just around the corner. It’s also a wonderful chance to get an insight into the customs and traditions of different ethnic groups residing in the region.
Visitors can participate in the festivals, perform rituals, folk songs, and dance during stops at the village. They can also visit the Tibetan monasteries, Chortens, and mani walls while heading to the mountain.
Difficulties of Island Peak Climbing in Autumn
Although Island Peak Climbing in Autumn is amazing with scenic views and impressive weather, there are a few difficulties that mountaineers have to overcome. Some of them are as follows.
1. Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is expected during the trek to Island Peak due to higher altitude. Most trekkers, especially beginners climbing the mountain, suffer from adverse effects of elevation gain. Unfortunately, Autumn doesn’t bring much relief to climbers of Island Peak as they have to carry off despite the low oxygen in the air.
Due to the changing weather and temperature, trekkers can’t adjust to the environment and are at risk of developing altitude sickness. It starts with very mild symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, among others. But, the continuous and rapid exposure to the high altitude makes the situation worse and even causes hypoxemia.
Therefore, trekkers have to give themself enough time to relax and adapt to the surrounding. They have to acclimatize well before going high, especially after the 500 meters elevation gain. Proper eating, medication, and exercise also help to cope with altitude sickness.
2. Crowded Trails
Autumn is a peak trekking season in Nepal, so visitors can expect a lot of crowds during the months. Trekkers from around the corner pour to the Everest region in fall for ascending Island Peak. It sadly puts them under a lot of stress, whether it’s finding a private space or dealing with the chaos.
At times, visitors are forced to manage their schedules in accordance with their fellow travelers. They can’t explore the places freely or walk according to their pace due to long waiting times.
Besides, there’s a traffic jam on the way to the summit, which causes trekkers extreme difficulties. It also lowers the pace of climbers and sometimes leaves them stranded in the mountain. Hence, trekkers will have to be well-prepared for Island Peak Climbing in Autumn so that they won’t have to deal with unfortunate circumstances.
Accommodation
Another matter of concern for trekkers of Island Peak in Autumn is the unavailability of accommodation due to swarming visitors. The higher demand for lodges and tea houses leaves trekkers with few or no options for dwelling.
Looking for accommodation at the last minute might be the worst idea as most guesthouses run-off rooms. And even if the trekkers manage to find one, it’ll cost them large bucks. So, to avoid losses and undesirable situations, trekkers should book the room beforehand.
This will help them find the accommodations of their choices and on the budget. The prices of rooms change rapidly during Autumn due to growing need. Therefore, to avoid getting charged higher amounts, travel smarter and buy the best travel rooms in advance.
Long and Steep Trails
The trails heading to Island Peak are no walk in the park. Stretching more than 10 miles, they’re highly demanding and strenuous. It takes the hikers an average of 6-7 hours trek each day without too many day-offs. Most of the sections are unpaved and rugged, filled with sharp rocks and boulders.
They even run beside the glacial moraine and climb up the rocky hills to make it to the summit. The steep snowy ridges don’t make the walk any easier; instead, it builds the pressure. People with weak physiques can’t withstand the mountainous terrains, so they’ll have to train their bodies for Island Peak Climbing in Autumn.
Training exercises for backpacking helps to improve stability and build endurance power to combat the rugged trails. Keep a strong mindset as it boosts up confidence and willpower to fight against the odds.
Food and Accommodation
Autumn is the busy season for out of mountain trekkers. It’s holiday time, so there’ll be more visitors in the region than usual, making it difficult to find accommodation. The occupancy rate of tea houses is cent percent of the time, so; trekkers will have to make the reservations earlier; otherwise, they’ll have to go without a bed.
Island Peak Trek is mainly a teahouses trek with a few lodges and guest houses available on the way but, it’s only up to lower hills. In the upper region, trekkers won’t come across too many human settlements and neither accommodations.
Therefore, teahouses are the most reliable options for hikers. They cost a few dollars, from USD3 to USD5, and are relatively standard than homestays. They provide basic facilities to sustain life, so if you expect to get large rooms with full-size beds, be ready to spend a few more bucks.
Most teahouses come with a single bedroom, a pillow, blanket, and a shared bathroom. But there are also a few teahouses which offer en-suite, but it costs a little bit higher. Any extra services like hot showers, electricity to charge batteries, and internet facilities will be charged separately.
Trekkers will get a three-time meal each day throughout the trip. Breakfast includes Himalayan yak tea, muesli, loaves of bread which cost anywhere from US$1.5 to US$3. Foods offered in teahouses are typical Nepali rice, pulses, vegetables, and pickle prepared from local ingredients and spices.
These days, many hotels and lodges in the Everest region have Asian and Continental dishes on the menu. Stir-fried noodles, vegetable soup, flatbreads are some most common foods served on the table. They’re a little pricier, though, due to the high transportation cost.
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Prakash Devkota
Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.
He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.
