15 Dec 2020 Prakash Devkota
Island Peak (6189m) is a popular mountain peak in the Everest region. This incredible peak climbing adventure is on the bucket list of avid mountaineers. The peak looks like an island in a “sea of ice” which is why it is famously known as the Island peak. This peak was first ascended by the British Expedition team in 1953 A.D.
The adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the starting point of our peak climbing journey. The trail of this trek before peak climb passes through natural and cultural settlements of the region. The snow-capped mountain views including Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt Makalu (8463m), Mt. Nuptse (7855m), and others from the summit of the peak is quite enchanting.
We walk through several glaciers and remote trails to arrive at Island Peak Base Camp (5087m). You can observe the breathtaking views of the entire Mahalangur Himalayan range from various points along the trail. The trail of this trek coincides with the Everest Base Camp Trek trail for the most part. A basic level of fitness is essential to climb this incredible mountain peak.
We have listed all Island Peak climbing permit required along with their costs. Also, their costs depend upon the time of the climb. The permit fee taken by the Nepal government goes into the protection of the environment and rare and endangered wildlife of the region.
Moreover, you will have to pay the NMA listed permit fees for peak climbing as well. These permit costs will go on the conservation of the natural biodiversity of the region. Hence, you should abide by laws and get these permits as there are legal actions if you don’t. Read on to know more about permits required for Island peak climbing and other related information in detail.
Required Permits for Island Peak Climbing
There are different permits that you must get before taking on this adventure. The permits required for Island Peak Climbing along with their costs are as follows.
Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit Fee
The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) has a separate Island Peak climbing permit fee. The climbing permit declared by NMA depends upon the season of the climb.
The stable weather conditions and clear skies make Spring the most favorable time for this climb. The cost of climbing Island Peak is USD 250 in this peak season of Spring as there will be a large number of climbers. You can climb this beautiful mountain peak with a lot of fellow climbers in these seasons.
Autumn is another ideal time for climbing Island Peak. You will find stable weather conditions with great views of the snow-capped mountains in Autumn. The cost of climbing Island Peak Climbing is USD 125 this season. However, if you love climbing in a quiet atmosphere you might want to look for other off-seasons.
Moreover, the summer seasons and winter seasons are off-seasons for climbing in Nepal. Hence, the cost of climbing is low in these seasons. The NMA Island Peak climbing peak costs USD 70 in these seasons.
Our peak climbing route starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The route then merges with the Everest base camp trail as it passes through settlements of Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche to arrive at Island peak base camp. After climbing the Island peak summit we make our way back to Lukla before taking a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:
You will require a Sagarmatha National park entry permit as well as you will enter its premises. This permit fee for SAARC nationals is Nrs. 1500 which is approximately US$ 15. Similarly, for foreign nations the fee is Nrs. 3000 which is approximately US$ 30. Besides that, the Garbage Deposit fee for all the 27 NMA Peaks including the Island peak is US$ 500.
Local Area Permit
The local area permits are also required for the Island peak climb as you will have to enter premises of various municipalities. You can get a local area permit at Lukla on arrival. If you travel with a trekking agency, you will have no hassles as they will get the permit ready for you. This Local Area Permit cost of Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality is around NRs. 2000 which is approximately USD 20.
Trekking Permits Vs Climbing Permits
There are various trekking permits and climbing permits required for these adventures in Nepal. These permits help in the conservation and protection of the local environment and reduce carbon footprints. Trekking information management system (TIMS) cards are essential for trekking in various parts of the country.
However, for trekking in the Everest region, you do not require a TIMS card. You only need a local area permit of Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit and Sagarmatha national park permit. These permit costs depend upon your nationality and there are special discounts for SAARC nationals.
Trekkers can trek as FIT (Free Individual Trekker) or in a group. However, trekking in ‘Restricted Areas’ is highly regulated, and hence FITs are strictly forbidden. Trekking in these restricted areas requires a special restricted area permit from the Department of Immigration.
Besides that, you will also require climbing permits if you wish to climb peaks in Nepal. These climbing permits vary according to mountain peak and time of the climb. We have already discussed the cost of Island peak climbing above. Nepal mountaineering association (NMA) decides the fee for these climbs. This peak climbing fee goes into the conservation of areas around the region.
How To Obtain This Permit?
You can apply for a Sagarmatha national park permit at the Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu. You can also apply for a TIMS card here however it is not required for a trek in the Everest region. The Nepal Tourism Board is in Pradarshani Marg, Bhrikutimandap, a 15-minute walk from Thamel. The office remains open Sunday to Friday from 10:00 until 17:00, with a lunch break between 13:00 and 14:00.
Trekkers need to be in a group of at least 2 or with a licensed trekking guide. Island Peak Climbing is ideal for beginners to gain some experience. Acquiring permits is important before embarking on this adventurous climb. Interested trekkers can apply for permits at the Department of Immigration after fulfilling all necessary formalities.
If you book with us, you don’t have to worry about any hassles regarding permits. We will get all permits required for Island peak climbing.
Documents Required For The Permits
To get the Island Peak climbing permits, you will need to produce certain documents. The documents required are as follows:
- 2 passport-sized photos
- A photocopy of your passport
- Nepali currency, which is essential to pay for the permit.
- Accurately filled forms
- Travel insurance (helicopter evacuation included).
Important Tips Regarding The Permits
- You must abide by the rules and regulations as soon as you enter national parks or conservation areas protected under the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 B.S.
- Island Peak Climbing Permits are not transferable or refundable. They are only for the designated person mentioned on the permit for some time.
- The permits should get placed safely as they are quite important and can get checked by personal during your climb.
- You may get fined or legally charged if you do not abide by these rules and regulations.
- Entry permits are issued and obtained from the entry points of the area whereas some permits are also available in the Nepal Tourism board’s office.
- You may get kicked out If you fail to show them the permits.
- Individual trekking is strictly forbidden in Restricted Areas and you should thus trek with a guide or in a group.
- A proper training regime at least two weeks before the trek is also essential in this peak climbing adventure.
- Trekkers should not indulge in any anti-social activity against the norms of society. Respect local customs and traditions
- Trekkers should trek only on the designated route as per the Trekking Permit and are not allowed to change the route.
- Safety gears, daily remuneration, personal accident insurance must get provided to Nepali citizens that work as a guide, porter, or others.
- Trekkers need to get authorized by officials in the Restricted Area trekking zone.
Best Time For Island Peak Climbing
Island Peak Climb is a great adventure that takes you to the top of a beautiful mountain. The peak climbing adventure is quite popular among beginners as it is a stepping stone before taking on more challenging 8000m climbs. The trek and climb are ideal in all seasons but especially popular in Autumn and Spring season.
March to May is the best time to climb Island Peak as it is a spring season with many climbers flocking the region. The natural trails, greenery, exotic beauty, rich flora and fauna, and the clear skies with great weather make this climb ideal in the Spring season.
October to November is the autumn season provides climbers with great weather and scenic vista of the mountains. Trails of this trek and climb remain packed as it is a peak season for climbing Island peak. It is ideal for beginners as a stepping stone to climb 8000m peaks like Mt Everest (8848m).
December to February is the winter season which means cold weather and extreme temperatures. However, those trekkers and climbers who love a bit of challenge can take this climb in winters with proper gear and preparation.
Island Peak Climbing Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan Airport and move to Hotel.
Day 02: Excursion around Kathmandu Valley.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu & Uphill Climb to Phakding
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Trek
Day 05: Exploration/Rest day for Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar.
Day 06: Trek to Tengboche from Namche Bazaar
Day 07: Trek to Dingboche from Tengboche
Day 08: Trek from Dingboche to Island Peak Base Camp
Day 09: Acclimatization and Exploration
Day 10: Island Peak Summit & Return to Island Peak Base Camp
Day 11: Trek to Dingboche from Island Peak Base Camp
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar from Dingboche
Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla Trek
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla
Day 15: Final departure from International Airport
Final Say – Island Peak Climbing Permit
Island Peak Climb is one of the best peak climbing adventures that take you to the summit of popular Island Peak (6189m). This incredible mountain is quite popular among beginners as well as avid mountaineers. It is like an island in a “sea of ice” in the Khumbu region hence it is popularly known as Island peak.
The trail passes through natural and cultural settlements of the region. The views of snow-capped mountains including Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt Makalu (8463m), Mt. Nuptse (7855m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), and others in the Mahalangur Himalayan range is quite spellbinding.
Island Peak Climbing Permit costs depend upon the time of the climb. These climbing permit fees help protect the environment and conservation of rare and endangered flora and fauna of the region. Hence, you must get these permits as there are legal actions if you don’t.
We hope you learned about permits required for Island peak climbing and other information in detail. Precautions and safety measures are essential in this climb. We hope you have a great time during your peak climb. Please feel free to contact us, for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is the total estimated permit cost of Island Peak Climbing?
The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) fees are generally based upon climbing season. Total permit fees range from USD 120 for off-seasons whereas it can reach up to USD 250 for the peak season of Spring. Sagarmatha National Park Permits and the Local Area Entry Permit of Pasang Lhamu Municipality is approximately USD 50.
What is the elevation of the Island peak?
The summit of Island Peak is 6189 meters which is also the maximum elevation you will gain during this journey.
Is oxygen cylinders required for the Island peak climb?
No, an oxygen cylinder is not required for Island peak climb. The high altitudes mountain climb is not as high and the oxygen is not thin enough so climbers do not require oxygen cylinders.
What is the cost of Island Peak Climb?
The standard 15-days Island Peak Climbing itinerary cost starts from USD 1855 per person.
Is Island Peak a technical climb?
No, Island Peak is not a technical climb. However, some sections of the headwall can be quite challenging for beginners hence a good amount of training is essential before the climb.
Is there a higher risk of altitude sickness with Island peak climb?
As the summit of the Island peak is above 6000 meters, there is a higher risk of altitude sickness. However, with proper acclimatization, regular hydration, and proper diet, you can tackle altitude sickness along the trail with ease. Also, you can carry altitude sickness medicines like Diamox tablets to help tackle altitude sickness.
How many members are in a group?
The Nepal Mountaineering Association allows a maximum number of 15 in a climbing group.
How many members are there in a climbing group?
The Nepal Mountaineering Association allows a maximum number of 15 in a climbing group.
Do climbers need prior experience for Island peak climb?
No, prior experiences are not essential for Island peak climb. The climb is ideal for beginners to gain experience and practice for 8000m climbs. However, a basic level of physical training will help you to build your stamina and fitness.
Are Nepalese currency essential for entry permits?
Yes, Nepalese currency is essential for entry permits. You can exchange into Nepalese currency in the exchange centers. If you book with a trekking company, you won’t need the exchange as they will get you permits in advance. However, you should carry Nepalese currency in hand just to be safe.
Is travel insurance essential for Island peak climb?
Yes, travel insurance is essential for high altitude mountain peak climbs. Your insurance will fund your helicopter rescue or any other medical treatment in case of any emergencies. So, you should get proper travel insurance for the climb.
Where can you get the permits required for Island Peak Climbing?
The Island peak climbing permits are available from the entry points. You can get them by showing all the required documents. Besides that, you can also get a travel agency or tour operators to get you the required permits for the Island peak climb.
What are the emergency protocols for the climb?
You will get proper medical facilities as all our tour operators and crew members have first aid knowledge. However, if your conditions worsen you will get evacuated by helicopter to the nearest hospital as per your travel insurance.
What is the minimum age requirement for the Island peak climb?
The climbers must be of the age of 18 or above to be eligible for the climb as per rules set by the Government of Nepal. So, you cannot take this peak climbing trip if you are below 18 years of age.
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.
