Island Peak as most demanding and thrilling destination for Climbing

“Following the path to the Island peak”

Island Peak is the most amazing trip in Everest of Nepal. The peak resembles an island in a sea of ice on the elevated region ringed by Himalayas. Hence, the peak is popularly named as Island Peak which was further named as Imja Tse, 6160 m. It was successfully climbed for the first time in 1953 by the team of British along with Tenzing Norgay. And, it is one of the most demanding peak among the adventure lovers laying in the center of Khumbu Himalayas. The peak is a part of the south ridge of the Lhotse Shar forming an arc of cliffs which rises to the north of the summits of Nuptse, Lhotse, Middle peak and Lhotse Shar. East of Island Peak is beautified by Cho Polu and Mt. Makalu and south by the Baruntse, Amphu and Ama Dablam.

“Most challenging is while crossing crevasses on ladder fixed”

The Island Peak Climbing is an ideal peak to begin the Himalayan adventure of climbing and the challenges to conquer this beautiful mountain are considered moderate. The journey to the summit of Island Peak is scenic and thrilling. It is not very technical but a demanding one to climb. Thus, it requires enough mountaineering skills to plan. Due to the seasonal crevasses at every year, participants need to use few ladders to cross such crevasses to summit making the expedition more demanding and hard working. Itinerary is flexible from two weeks to even more depending on time, coverage of area and level of fitness. Well, the climbing part will be for 3 days including preparation days which is a challengingly fun. The trip would be even more interesting with trekking to Everest Base Camp Trek including Kalapattar, and High Passes. This, even allows climbers abundant acclimatization facilities.

Well the climbers should have basic technique and information of mountaineering such as using crampons on boots, using climbing ropes, ice axe, harness, carabineers, descender device etc. The climbing will be success if the participants is physically and mentally prepared with good level of fitness, as well as could walk 4 to 7 hours ups and downs a day. Sincere preparation and strong determination for the trip is very important.  As a trip preparation, the participants can do some outdoor sports such as swimming, cycling, running marathon or hiking in a mountain with some back pack etc. It is recommended to practice these sports regularly for at least of two months before joining our Island Peak Climbing trip. Exciting situation comes while entering to the Himalayas of Nepal.

“Most Popular destination- The Annapurna Trek”

The western Nepal is renowned as Annapurna region, a very popular and best destination with verities for trekking ranging from mostly visited to off beaten remote trek and short and soft to challenging climbing. The area is formed in the shade of stunning Annapurna (I, II, III, and IV), Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchre, Lamjung and many other snowline peaks. The major highlights are the ancient salt trade route of Manang, the Thorang-la Pass, sacred site Muktinath and the deepest gorge of the world- the Kali Gandaki River gorge. The hospitable Gurung, Magars and Manangis are the prominent dwellers following the Himalayan Buddhism and Hinduism as well contributing to rich cultural heritage. The monastery at ancient Manang valley, the Braga Gompa represent the historicity of more than four hundred years. Likewise, the people settling at Upper and Lower Manang celebrates Yartung and Nungne festivals representing ancient war and a series of meditation for purifying own soul simultaneously. Due to the extremes of elevation, this region contains an outstanding diversity of flora; from sub-tropical lowland forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendron in the south to the high alpine meadows and windswept desert plateaus in the north, bordering to Tibet. Fauna found here are Pika, blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr. With the aim of protecting the area’s natural and cultural heritage for sustainable benefit of local, the mountain and adjacent hill areas are protected within Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), officially launched in 1986 A.D. Gateway to Annapurna itself is a beautiful Pokhara City that fascinates the ample beauty of nature with wide selections in accommodation and services.

The popular trekking routes includes: Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Jomsom valley, Sikles, Ghorepani-Poon Hill, Lamjung, Manang Valley, Dhaulagiri and the village around Pokhara. The area also offer the best Peaks for climbing including Mardi Himal (5587m), Chulu East (6584m), Chulu West (6419m), Pisang (6091m), Singu Chuli (6501m) and many others. Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (September, October and November) is consider best season to trek in the Himalayas for the clear view of the stunning mountains and landscape. Mountain lodge are open in every route even local standard lodge to Luxury one.

Must Visit Destination Everest Region of Nepal

 The most dramatic and picturesque landscape of Everest region has amazed the world making it mostly visited area of Nepal. The area is protected under Sagarmatha National park and is the land of the highest peak of the world, the Mt. Everest (8848m), Highland Sherpas and the Yeti. The national park is the home to huge wildlife including Red Pandas, snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Marten, Pika (Himalayan mouse); more than 115 species of birds; high land plants like Juniper, silver fir, hemlock, pine, rhododendron and alpine plants. Excellency in natural appearances has convinced the UNESCO to list this area in the World Natural Heritage Site in 1979 A.D. Meantime, culture and tradition of Sherpas living in this region has even popularize the place to visit once in lifetime.

Just 35 minutes exciting flight from Kathmandu will take to Lukla airstrip from where, a journey to Everest starts. The area is widely settled by the ethnic group Sherpa and follows the Himalayan Buddhism. The valleys like Gokyo, Khumbu and Imja highly displays the rich monasteries culture and traditions followed by highland dwellers. The places like Thame, Khumjung, Junbesi, Namche, Tyangboche and Pangboche are the monasteries zone and hub of Sherpa culture. The major festivals celebrated by the Sherpa are Dumje, Mani Rimdhu and Lhosar.

The attractive views of snowcapped mountains over 6000 m includes Kongde, Kusum kangru, Thamaserku, Amadablam, Baruntse, Makalu, Everest, Lotse, Choletse, Lhotsesar, Nuptse, Choyu, and Pumori making the landscape wonderful and is made more exciting by the passes over 5000 m: Kongma-la, Cho-la, Renjo-la, Tashi lapcha, Amphu lapcha and Serpinicool. The astonishing views from the Gokyo Ri, hiking to Fifth lake, Khumbu Glacier to the foot of Mt. Everest at Base Camp, Kalapatthar Hike to view Everest are overwhelming adventurous experience at Everest region

The Everest region offers different option for trekking to expedition from short and moderate to challenging climbing and expeditions. The mostly used trekking route is Gokyo, Kalapatthar Everest Base Camp Trek. No doubts, the area used wide alternate routes and even offer remote trail to Peekey and Hinku Valley. Even, follow the ancient salt-trade route to Tibet following the Gokyo valley trail from Thame, the ancient traditional Sherpa village; still see the Yak Caravans coming down toward Lumde from Tibet. Participate in traditional “Hatt Bazzar” held every Saturday is really interesting and a great experience of shopping home appliance for a week. For accommodation, choose from Budget lodge to luxurious and camping too. Likewise, get the plenty of shops and restaurants at Namche, Khumjung, Lukla even offers good internet and good options for meals ranging from local Sherpa Cuisine to continental, Japanese, Chinese to Italian Spaghettis and Pizzas as well.

The Langtang Valley

The destination to be visited in 2017 is Langtang Region of Nepal. The New York Times 2017 has listed the Langtang Valley of Nepal in 43^rd Destination to be visited once. Out of 52 destination, the first and second listed destination are Canada and Atacama Desert of Chile. The Langtang valley was nearly wiped out by the avalanche of 2015, which is now standing as one of the most targeted destination. Appreciating Tourism as an important source of livelihood, the welcoming people of Langtang has now opened the valley for visitors.

This Langtang valley is the closest Himalayan region from Kathmandu valley bordering to Tibet. It is an isolated and awe-inspiring place which is visited by fewer tourists. Just some hours’ drive with no options of flight to valley unfolds the colorful culture, religion and traditions of Tibetan origin ethnic groups on the back dropped of astonishing mountain scenario with least effort while trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal. The area is protected under Langtang National park and also designated as first protected Himalayan National Park of Nepal in 1971 A.D., becoming home to the number of flora and fauna; wildlife includes the migratory birds, Tahr, Panda, monkey and Pika. Changes in elevation combined with the complex topography and geology have produced a unique patchwork of vegetation in this region. This trekking route heads through a varied landscape ranging from ever green forests, cascading waterfalls and turbulent streams to sub-alpine grasslands and closer to the peak profile of Langtang Lirung (7246m), Gang Chhenpo (6388m), Lenpo Gang (7083m), Dorje Lakpa (6990m). To give extra flavor, trekking to Langtang region could be combined with Gosaikunda and Helambu in the south and Ganesh Himal in the south. Trekking to these routes, is an opportunity to enter to the secret land exposing the Tibetan Buddhism, maintaining rich cultural heritage evident in ornately carved wooden windows, lively dance festivals, and skilled weaving traditions. Access to Gosaikunda and Helambu is very quick and easy while trekking from Sundarijal, the nearest stop for trekking. However, for the Ganesh and Langtang, the stop starts and ends at Dhunche and Syabrubesi. The highlight of this region are: Kyanjin Gompa, Shin Gompa, and sacred Gosaikunda with more than 108 lakes, Briddim cultural dance and the historical fort- Rasuwagadi. The festival celebrated here are the Shaman worship on the Janaipurnima (Full moon day during August/September), Lhosar, and Sakadhowa.

Trekking to Langtang region is accessible with good transportation services, enough lodges en-route expect in Ganesh Himal area giving an opportunity to explore the Tamang villages, Himalayan culture and tradition and a climb to small peaks along with a visit of glaciers in more comfortable altitude.