Located in the Everest Region of Nepal, Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the world.
With its spectacular views and moderate difficulty, it's no wonder why thousands of people do the climb each year.
Island Peak: At a Glance
Location: Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal
Mountain Range: The Himalayas
Height: 20,210'
First Ascent: 1956, Hans-Rudolf Von Gunten and two Sherpas whose names are unknown.
Did you know? Island Peak was named by a British Everest Expedition.
Location
Island Peak is located in the Everest region of Nepal, in the Himalayas. It lies between the Dudh Kosi and Imja Khola rivers in the Chhukung valley, near Mount Everest. It is part of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stands at 20,210 feet or 6,189 meters above sea level.
Island Peak Climbing History
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a 6,189-meter (20,210 feet) mountain between Everest and Lhotse in the Himalayas. The mountain, part of the Sagarmatha National Park, has seen increasing attention from climbers.
The first recorded climb of the main summit of Island Peak was done in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay, Charles Evans, and more on their way to Mount Everest for an attempt on the mountain.
In 1956, the main summit was climbed by Hans-Rudolf Von Gunten and two unknown Sherpas; the team was seeking an alternative route to the South Col of Mount Everest and chose to attempt the peak. After two days of hiking, the team reached the summit.
Since then, Island Peak has become a popular destination for mountaineers and adventurers. It’s considered a relatively easy peak to climb with one climbing route that's usually used and is often used as a training climb for those attempting more advanced peaks in the area.
Over the years, thousands of climbers have successfully reached the summit of Island Peak. But that doesn't mean it's safe. Anyone attempting this climb should consult guiding companies and only travel to the area if they have significant mountaineering experience. People die in the Himalayas every year, and this area of the range is no different.
Geography
The Everest region of Nepal lies in the Mahalangur Himal mountain range and is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest. Tibet borders it to the north, India to the south, and Nepal to the east. The region spans an area of 11,356 square kilometers and is mainly comprised of alpine and sub-alpine vegetation.
The region's terrain is extremely rugged, steep slopes and jagged ridges, and consists of glaciated valleys, snow-covered mountains, and lush forests. The highest peak, Mt. Everest, is 8,848 meters above sea level. Other notable peaks include:
Lhotse
Everest
Cho Oyu
Nuptse
Pumori
Ama Dablam
The region's climate is dry and cold, ranging from -40 °C in winter to 10 °C in summer. The monsoon season is, from June to September, marked by heavy rainfall and snowfall. The mountain slopes become slippery during this time, and trekking can be dangerous.
Climbing Island Peak
There is one main route to get to the summit of Island Peak, and the route is only suitable for climbers with experience with tall mountains and steep snow, as Island Peak is over 20,000 feet tall. Often, this mountain is their first Himalayan peak.
Flora and Fauna
The Himalayan region of Nepal is home to various beautiful flora and fauna. The area around Island Peak comprises high-altitude grasslands, alpine meadows, rocky areas, and snow-capped peaks. The unique environment of this area provides a habitat for a wide range of species of plants and animals.
The most common tree species in the region are juniper, blue pine, and birch. The alpine meadows are full of wildflowers, including edelweiss and wild roses.
The wildlife in the region is also very diverse. You can find snow leopards, red pandas, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and the monal pheasant. Other species include Himalayan marmots, goral, wolves, and lynx. Birdwatchers can spot various species, such as Himalayan vultures, golden eagles, Himalayan griffon vultures, and lammergeyers.
It’s important to remember that you should never disturb or interfere with wildlife in any way when visiting the Everest Region of Nepal. Enjoy this region's amazing flora and fauna from a distance and respect the fragile ecosystem that these animals and plants rely on.