Some climbs leave a mark. Island Peak was one of those for me not just because I stood on a 6,189-meter summit, but because every moment felt like a story waiting to be captured.
As a photographer, I have chased light through forests, deserts, and cities. But the trail to Island Peak gave me something raw. It was cold. It was bright. It was real. And I carried not just my backpack but also my camera, hungry to frame every shift in the mountain's mood.
Why Island Peak?
Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, sits proudly in the Everest region. It doesn’t get as much attention as Everest or Ama Dablam, but that’s what pulled me in. From afar, it looks like it rises from the middle of the Imja Valley like an island in a sea of glaciers hence the name. The British Everest expedition in 1953 gave it that name, and yes, even they trained here before heading to Everest.
For me, it was a mix of adventure and accessibility. You don’t need to be a hardcore climber. If you’ve done some trekking and have basic fitness, with the right guide and gear, this peak is within reach.
The Journey Begins: Lens First, Feet Second
The trip started with that classic flight into Lukla. From the tiny plane window, I saw the folds of the Himalayas stretch out like wrinkled paper. That’s when I knew the camera wouldn’t get much rest.
We walked the Everest Base Camp trail first through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. These places gave me some of the most honest photos of Sherpa life kids chasing each other in dusty alleys, yaks kicking up snow, old women spinning prayer wheels with the patience of time.
By the time we reached Chhukung, the trail had thinned out. Fewer people. More silence. I started sleeping with my batteries close to my body so they wouldn’t die in the cold. At 4,730 meters, everything feels slower walking, eating, even focusing a lens.
Climbing Island Peak: One Step, One Shot
The climb itself begins from Island Peak Base Camp at around 5,100 meters. We slept in tents, ate hot soup under headlamps, and listened to the wind flap against nylon. I kept my camera in the sleeping bag at night. It was the only way to keep it from freezing.
Summit day starts early midnight or so. Headlamps cut through the dark as we climbed up rocky steps. Eventually, you reach the glacier. That’s where the mountaineering part kicks in.
We put on crampons, harnesses, and ropes. The sun began to rise just as we stepped onto the icy world. I turned around and shot a silhouette of our team against the first pink light. That photo still gives me chills.
The final stretch is a steep ice wall, about 100 meters high. One foot, then the other. Ice axe. Breathe. Repeat. I couldn’t shoot much here my hands were frozen and my mind locked in on the climb. But reaching the top… that was something else.
From the summit, I saw Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, and more. The wind was sharp. I clicked just five photos before heading down but each one told a full story.
What You Should Know
Fitness matters. This isn’t a technical climb, but it’s not easy. Train before you go.
Acclimatization is key. Follow a proper itinerary to avoid altitude sickness.
Climbing gear like boots, crampons, ice axe, harness you’ll need all of it.
Guides are gold. A good climbing guide can make your experience safer and smoother.
Photography in cold? Bring extra batteries. Keep them warm. And carry a lightweight camera if possible.
More Than a Climb
Island Peak gave me more than just a summit shot. It gave me moments. Like the tea shop owner in Dingboche who offered me a free refill because I looked cold. Or the prayer flags flapping wildly on the summit as if cheering us on.
It’s not the tallest, nor the most famous. But it’s wild enough to feel real and reachable enough to make it your first Himalayan peak.
