How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climb?
The Everest Base Camp Trek combined with Island Peak Climbing is a moderately challenging adventure that requires a high level of physical fitness and mental determination. The first EBC trek is itself considered moderate with 12 days of trekking through of daily hikes of around 6 hours. The trek takes you through a variety of terrains, including rocky paths, suspension bridges, and steep ascents, all while dealing with the effects of high altitude.
Adding Island Peak to the trek not only increases the difficulty but also adds full of excitement to the journey. Island Peak stands at 6189 meters above sea level. The trekking peak is classified as 2B as it consists of a few technical aspects. The ascent involves navigating tough terrain, including glacier travel and a steep headwall that requires the use of fixed ropes, crampons, ice axes, jumars, carabiners, etc. The physical demands are intensified by the need to carry climbing gear and the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Best Season for the Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing
More than decades of experience in tourism and after completing many thousands of successful trekking and peak climbing trips, we have concluded that spring and autumn are the best seasons for these adventures. But why? Let us explain.
Spring Season (March to May)
The season right after winter brings a greenery charm to the Everest region. Spring offers moderate temperatures ranging from 0°C to 20°C during the day and chilly nights 0°C to negative 20°C. The skies are generally blue and free of clouds, with excellent visibility of the Himalayan peaks. Additionally, newly grown plants and flowers, such as rhododendrons, add vibrant colors to the landscape. The best part is you get to encounter the diverse flora and fauna along the trail of Everest
Autumn Season (September to November)
Following the heavy rainfall of the monsoon season, autumn indeed brings stable, clear weather with low precipitation. Temperatures are mild 0°C to 15°C during the day and 0°C to negative 20°C at night. Due to the clear atmosphere, the views of the Himalayan peaks are exceptional. The landscape takes on the charm of the autumn season, with colorful foliage adding to the picturesque scenery.
Moreover, autumn is the time for some of the biggest festivals in the region, such as Teej, Dashain, Tihar, Chad, etc. These festivals gives a unique opportunity for trekkers and climbers to immerse themselves in Hindu culture and traditions
Accommodation
In the Everest region, accommodation options range from basic to luxury. Until Namche Bazaar, trekkers can find luxury lodges offering western bathrooms, private rooms, Wi-Fi, and hot showers. These amenities provide a comfortable stay in a remote area. Beyond Namche, accommodation is more basic, with teahouses offering twin bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Despite the simplicity, these teahouses are cozy and provide essential services for trekkers to have a place to rest and recuperate during their journey.
Note: As per the classic package NTE provides a private common room. Mostly, a common room will have a twin bedroom in the Himalayas and toilet bathrooms will be shared. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation, feel free to talk to us.
Food
In the lower altitude region, trekkers can enjoy traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, a meal of lentil soup, rice, and vegetables, and momos, Tibetan-style dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, along with Western options like pasta, pizza, and sandwiches at teahouses. At the upper altitudes, trekkers are offered a balanced diet of Tibetan food such as thukpa, a hearty noodle soup, thenduk, noodles, potatoes, and vegetables, as well as rice and dal. These meals ensure trekkers remain nourished and energized throughout their journey.
Telephone and Wifi
In the high elevations of the Everest region, access to internet and telephone services is available.
Many tea houses along the trekking routes offer Wi-Fi access for a fee, ranging from $3 to $5 per day. Similarly, there are areas with phone services and mobile reception, allowing trekkers to stay connected with the outside world.
To ensure continuous connectivity throughout the trek, it's advisable to purchase a local SIM card from providers like Nepal Telecom in Kathmandu before starting your journey. This allows you to make calls and use mobile data where available along the trail. It is required to purchase a local SIM card from providers like Nepal Telecom.
Note: Wi-Fi and reception in the Himalayas may be affected by the weather and technical issues.
Porter
Hiring a porter for your trek in the Everest region is not mandatory, but they provide valuable assistance by carrying extra luggage that allows you to focus on enjoying your journey. Porters typically carry up to 20 kg per day, which can include additional gear for trekking or climbing expeditions. Their support is particularly beneficial for those who prefer to lighten their load and maintain energy for the trekking experience.
NTE highly recommends hiring a porter since it enhances your journey and your hard earned money goes directly to his family education, health, and meals. You are not giving your load to the porter, but in fact you are supporting and uplifting a poor family life.
Permit Cost
For the Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak climb, you'll need to obtain several permits, each with its own cost:
Everest Base Camp Trek Permit Costs:
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3000 per person.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2000 per person.
Lobuche Peak Climbing Permit Costs:
- Spring (March–May): USD 250 per person.
- Autumn (September–November): USD 125 per person.
- Winter (December–February): USD 70 per person.
- Summer (June–August): USD 70 per person.
Travel Insurance
Given the physical challenges and high-altitude nature of both trekking to Everest Base Camp and climbing Island Peak, comprehensive travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection. Make sure your insurance policy specifically covers trekking at high altitudes and includes provisions for mountaineering or climbing activities if you plan to ascend Island Peak.
Since trekking and peak climbing involve different levels of risk and require specific coverage, it might be prudent to consider two separate insurance plans: one tailored for trekking that includes evacuation and medical coverage for altitude-related issues and another plan that specifically covers mountaineering or peak climbing activities.
Before purchasing travel insurance, carefully review the policy details, coverage limits, exclusions, and any specific requirements related to high-altitude activities. It's advisable to choose a reputable insurance provider and ensure that you understand what is included in your coverage
Trekking with peak climbing gear
Clothing
- Raincoat, poncho, or combination jacket/trousers
- Four Seasons down jacket
- A down vest
- Windproof trousers/Down Pant
- Two pairs of hiking pants
- One pair of shorts
- Four T-shirts (depending on the duration of the trek)
- One fleece jacket
- Two pairs of base layers (Merino wools or similar)
- Four pairs of hiking socks and a couple of pairs of thicker socks (Merino wool or similar)
- Two pairs of gloves—one light fleece, the other waterproof/windproof
- Undergarments
- Harnesses, Jumar, carabineers, safety helmet, ice axe, rope, 4-season tents, sleeping pad, ice screw, snow bars, etc.
Footwear
- Climbing boots
- Flip-flops for leisure time around camp or one pair of sneakers
Other Accessories:
- Climbing Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, sun hat, woolen or fleece hat, first aid kit, Swiss army knife (optional), luggage cover, headlamp, trekking poles, gaiter, crampons, water purification tablets or Steripen, extra batteries, adapter, power bank, water bottles/camel bag/Thermos, washing powder/multi-purpose soap, shampoo, a small towel, antiseptic hand wash, toiletries, female hygiene products, wet wipes, mosquito spray (optional), earplugs, reading books, playing cards/chess
- Sleeping bag rated to minus 25 degrees Celsius, depending on trekking or climbing route and season.
- Backpack (60 liters)
- Daypack (25 to 35 liters)
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