What No One Tells You About Climbing Island Peak

Island Peak Climbing Difficulty  that’s the first thing I googled when I thought about signing up for the climb. As someone who had done a few high-altitude treks before, I was confident but little scared. That’s how Island Peak also known as Imja Tmse landed on my list.

At 6,189 meters (20,305 ft), Island Peak isn’t Everest, but it’s not a casual hill walk either. It sits somewhere between trekking and real mountaineering, making it a perfect goal for those looking to push their limits without going all-in on technical climbing. But don’t let that “beginner-friendly” label fool you this climb asks a lot from your body and mind.

The climb is split into two clear parts. First, the trek. It’s basically the classic Everest Base Camp route up to Chhukung, a small village in the Khumbu region. You’ll pass through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche all those postcard-like Sherpa villages that feel like they belong in a documentary. This part is beautiful but also demanding. You’re walking 5-7 hours a day, going higher each time, and the oxygen gets thinner. Altitude sickness isn’t rare, so acclimatization days are not optional they’re essential.

Then comes the real climb.

Island Peak Base Camp sits at around 5,100 meters. From there, it’s an alpine start. You begin your summit push around 1 or 2 in the morning. I remember the cold biting through my gloves as we walked in a single line under a sky full of stars. It felt surreal and exhausting at the same time.

The first stretch is mostly on rocky terrain. It’s steep, yes, but manageable. You keep walking, using your headlamp and trying to ignore how tired you already feel.

Then you hit the glacier.

That’s where things get technical. Crampons go on. Harness gets clipped. You’re now roped up, and everything slows down. The crevasses are deep, the ice is sharp, and it takes real focus not to trip or slip. We had to cross a few ladders tied over gaps, just like you see in Everest documentaries, except these weren’t camera tricks it was me, actually doing it.

And then comes the hardest part: the final wall.

There’s a steep ice wall just below the summit about 150 meters of pure effort. Fixed ropes are your best friends here. I used my jumar (a device that helps you pull yourself up the rope) like my life depended on it because it kind of did. My heart was pounding, not just from the climb but from the altitude. There’s around 50% less oxygen at that height, and every step feels twice as hard.

But standing on the summit? Worth every step.

You’re surrounded by giants—Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu in the distance. It’s quiet, cold, and completely unforgettable. I stayed there for about 10 minutes before we had to descend. Going down was tough too your legs are jelly, and you need to stay focused to avoid accidents.

So, how difficult is Island Peak climbing?

On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d call it a solid 7—more if you’re not used to high altitude. Technically, you don’t need to be a mountaineer, but you should have some basic knowledge of using crampons, harnesses, and ascenders. Most outfitters include a training day at Chhukung or Base Camp, and it really helps. Physically, you need strong legs, good endurance, and a lot of mental grit.

Things I’d suggest if you’re thinking of doing it:

• Train ahead. Running, stair climbing, hiking with a backpack—anything to build stamina.

• Learn basic mountaineering techniques before the trip, or at least pay attention during the training.

• Get good boots. Your feet will thank you.

• Take altitude seriously. Go slow and listen to your body.

• Be ready for unpredictable weather. The summit attempt can be canceled if it’s unsafe.

Island Peak is challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It was my first proper climb, and now I get why people fall in love with mountaineering. It's not just about the peak—it’s about discovering what you’re capable of.