Highlights of Island Peak Climb
For Island Peak Or Mera Peak climbing, here are some contrast based on itinerary, cost, elevation, best season, view, and options for both adventure. Located on route to Everest Base Camp around beautiful Imjatse valley and towards Amphu-Labtsa pass. The climb of technical skills to the top of Island peak offers amazing mountain scenery close view of Mt. Everest. A straightforward climb from base camp with few technical difficulties to face to reach its high summit.
Camping from base camp for only a few overnights rest of the walk in the comfort of nice cozy lodges. Island Peak with another name Imjatse Himal stunning peaks places in the midst of Imjatse valley. The walk leads you on the popular route most of the days till your reach at nice Dingboche settlement.
Highlights of Mera Peak Climb:
Situated off from the main route of Everest base camp around hidden corners of scenic Inku valley. The climb of less technical effort to reach the top of Mera Peak offers a view of glorious peaks with Everest. A straight-forward climb all the way from base camp without the problem of technical difficulties to the top. Camping throughout the route and climbs from Lukla to Lukla with all camping facilities provided. Mera Peak located east of Khumbu area and south of Everest and close on roué to Amphu Labtsa pass. Trek takes you on a quiet and isolated path away from villages and from mainstream trekking trails.
Overview
Both mountains listed as trekking peaks of Nepal Himalaya, controlled by NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association). The difference between Island and Mera Peak Climbing although lesser peaks of above 6,000 meters. Here climb and route make a vast distinction.
Mera Peak, one of the highest trekking peaks of Nepal at the height of 6,461 m and 21,190 ft high. Grade of climbing Mera Peak taken from international and popular French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification as just only ‘F’. Means “Facial Easy” of least technical effort to reach the summit of Mera Peak.
Island Peak or Imjatse Himal one of the most popular peaks to climb due to its closeness and accessibility. Situated at the height of 6,160 m and 20,205 ft. The grades of climb listed from international and popular French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification as just only ‘PD +’. Means “Per Difficult” a straight-forward climb of some technical effort to reach the summit of Island Peak / Imjatse Himal.
Route of Mera Peak Climbing
On reaching Lukla Tenzing and Hillary airport where the route to Mera Peak takes you away from town and villages. Moving into the sheer wilderness of dense woodland of rhododendron-pines and oak tree lines. With a climb over high ridges of Kalo-Himal and Naulekh to reach the hidden valley of Inkhu.
We reach within the nice forested area and nice green grazing pastures for local villagers animals to graze. And then pass three lines to reach the arctic zone of ice and glaciers on the foot of Mera Peak. Rest days and practice takes place before the big haul to the summit of Mera Peak.
Route of Island Peak Climbing
Lukla is a popular town after a short scenic flight from Kathmandu, we then pack and start our journey. Lukla is the gateway to various trekking and other adventure destinations around Khumbu and beyond. From Lukla heading on main popular trekking trails to reach past Phakding-Monjo village.
Enters into Sagarmatha national park from the main entrance then head towards high Namche Bazaar with rest days for acclimatization. And side hike then carries on trekking to beautiful Tengboche Monastery within green forested areas with grand views.
From Tengboche heading, we then go to Imjatse valley passing Dingboche and Chukung. With an overnight stay in a nice lodge to reach on the foot of Island peak. With moraine and glaciers, where rest days included for acclimatization and practice climb before the final summit day to reach the top of Island Peak.
To Mera Peak Summit Climb
Either starting from base camp at 5,045 m or from Mera High Camp at above 5,780 m high. Where we head to cross moraine of ice and glaciers with few crevices to take care. Then on long climb could lead to strenuous walks due to high altitude.
Lead you to straight forward climb of the minimum technical side to encounter all the way to its summit. The top offers grandeur panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, and Baruntse Himal with Makalu and as far towards Kanchenjunga in the east directions.
Descend is made on the same route. All the way to base camp and towards Lukla after a great enjoyable adventure on top Mera Peak Climbing.
Although the grade of F/Facial Easy and no technical skill required, climbers need to be fully equipped with climbing gear. With ice-ax, climbing boots and other necessary accessories for a safe and successful climb.
To Island Peak Summit Climb
Starting early morning either from base camp or high camp takes you to cross over a glacier taking pre-caution avoiding crevasses. As climb reaches you straight north over snow-covered scree in-between a glacier to a top ridge.
Vigorous and tough climb over rocks facing icefall sections. Then heads towards a steep snow and ice ramp to reach near 100 m (300ft). On top of the summit of Island Peak / Imjatse Himal, we will enjoy the glorious vista of landscapes and mountain range. After a wonderful experience descends to base camp.
From the top, views of Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse-Shar, Nuptse, Amadablam with Makalu towards east includes nearly all mountains located within Khumbu. Descend to base camp with last camping and then back to Lukla in the comfort of a nice warm lodge.
Island Peak grade as PD+ or Per Difficult, quite technical on the section of the climb. With the straight-forward climb to reach the summit top. Where climbers need all climbing gears including ice-ax, climbing boots, and other necessary accessories for a safe and successful climb. Main and fixed ropes required throughout the climb above high camp on the steep and icy area.
Options to other areas after or before the climb of Mera Peak
To reach Mera Peak, one can take the normal route from Lukla to the hidden valley of Ink. To Mera Peak base camp and beyond to high camp close to Mera-la after the climb or before. Travelers can reach the high route of Amphu-Labtsa at 5,780 m high. Pass to reach Imjatse valley and back to Lukla on the normal route.
Trekkers and climbers can start from main treks passing Namche to Dingboche and Chukung around Imjatse valley. With a climb over Amphu-Labtsa towards Panch Pokhara within Hongu valley and then reach Mera Peak base camp. We then take the route over Nau-lakh and Kalo-Himal to Lukla.
Options to other areas after or before the climb of Island Peak
Before the climb of Island Peak where one can trek to Everest base camp and climb Kalapathar for closest views of Mt. Everest and Pumori, allows you with much acclimatization and exercise for the climb of Island Peak.
Where one can walk to Gokyo valley crossing Cho-la to Everest base camp. Then towards Imjatse valley for the climb on top Island Peak, after or before Island peak climbing. People can reach from Lukla taking the options of the higher route of Mera Peak to reach Imjatse valley via Mera-la. Hongu valley over Amphu Labtsa pass to reach for the climb of Island Peak.
Views and places on Island Peak Climb
View from the top of each peak is also an important point while doing Island Peak or Mera Peak Climbing observation. Island peak is the most popular and scenic route with many possibilities of using tea-houses and lodges throughout the treks. With few nights camping involved during the climb of Island peak or Imjatse Himal.
Trek leads into nice villages provide excellent accommodation and food menus all the way to Chukung. Chukung is the last human settlement on route Island Peak base camp.
Constant views of high snow-capped peaks daily facing Kongde, Kusum-Kanguru, Tharmarserku, Tarboche, and Cholatse. We will also see majestic Amadablam, Kantega includes views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, an+d Nuptse.
This leads you to explore nice villages of Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, scenic Tengboche and the monastery. With last permanent Pangboche village, where other places are temporary settlements catering needs for travelers.
Dingboche and Chhukung are some of the temporary settlements in the early days. A huge grazing area for Yaks and other domesticated animals. Since the flow of trekkers and visitors where many lodges have been built.
Views and places on Mera Peak Climb
The route to Mera Peak different from Island Peak’s main trails where Mera Peak located on the outskirt of the Khumbu and Everest region. As the walk takes you away from main busy trekking trails to reach the complete wilderness of mountains. The destiny offers scenic valley and dense woodland of rhododendron, magnolia, birch, oaks, pines, and fir tree lines.
Leads you away from town and farm villages, the only settlement coming across are temporary huts and few lodges around Thangnak areas. Otherwise a complete wilderness all the way to Mera Peak base camp and beyond.
Views of peaks include Kongde on route high ridge of Nau-Lekh facing views across Dudh Kosi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive. The scenery across the rolling foothills of Inku Valley.
As walk leads closer to Mera Peak and from the top views includes Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Peak 24 with Baruntse and Makalu extends towards far-east with views of Kanchenjunga range.
Also Read: Important message Regarding Lukla Flight
Cultural expect on route Island Peak Climb
Culturally very interesting Island Peak Climb route moves around nice traditional villages. Adorned with religious monuments of prayer walls and spinning bells that decorates most of the trail around villages on the climb to Island Peak climb till Dingboche.
On Island Peak walks where one can visit famous monasteries of Tengboche and Pangboche villages. Monastery of Tengboche of more interest and larger adorned with colorful religious painting on interior walls. Decorated with famous idols of Lord Buddha and other famous saints and Gurus.
Cultural expect on route Mera Peak Climbing
Culturally, the Mera Peak route is almost nil. As trip leads you away from villages and towns that lack culture and heritage way of local Sherpa. Where only at a place called Gondishung houses fascinating 200-year-old small Gompa (monastery) beneath a great rock overhang. Idols and painting of Lord Buddha with several Buddstava, prayer flags and a number of crude mani walls.
Best time and season for Island Peak
All months of the year suitable for Island Peak Climb except the monsoon and rainy months of June to August. The best time and high peak months are March to May and September to early December. March to May the finest time during the spring season. Wildflowers are in bloom like rhododendron, magnolia, primroses and other species.
Where days are much longer with sunlight hours can be cold during morning and night times including shady area. Travelers can expect freezing cold with wind-chill factor around the highest elevation on route Island Peak base camp. Another fine and a good time from September to early December with clear fine days and blue sky. But shorter sunlight hours due to autumn/fall and pre-winter season, cold and freezing temperatures morning and night times. Expect snow sometimes during the walk and climb to Island Peak.
Best time and season for Mera Peak
Since Mera Peak Climbing takes you to remote and isolated regions of Khumbu and Everest. Recommended seasons start from April and May with September till November. During spring the valley with forest are lively with wildflowers in the season with longer sunlight hours, although freezing and cold morning and night times.
September to November another best time of the year for Mera Peak climb. And walks where most days are clear with fine blue sky, but sunlight hours last for shorter times can be very cold. During morning and night times and in shade, can expect snow on trails or on the climb.
Conclusion on Island Peak and Mera Peak
So now, concluding our topic Island Peak or Mera Peak climbing Whatever the choice and options both mountains take you to experience an adventure of a lifetime. Where all interested trekkers and beginners in climbing or mountaineering can join on this fabulous adventure.
As long you are fit and able with health can tackle the hard climb on trekking peaks of Nepal with Island or Mera Peaks. Both offer excellent climbing experience with a breathtaking view.
