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South-East Ridge

2A | PD | II Edit route
This is the standard and best-documented climbing route on Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse. It is a glaciated alpine climb with a long approach from the Khumbu Valley to base camp. The upper mountain typically involves steep snow slopes, a glacier crossing, and a final ridge section to the summit. Conditions can vary significantly with snow, ice, and crevasse exposure. The route is commonly climbed with fixed ropes on the steeper upper sections. Objective hazards include crevasses, serac fall from surrounding ice, and altitude. It is generally considered a non-technical Himalayan trekking peak route, but still requires crampons, ropework, and glacier travel skills.

Route Outline

Chhukhung or Island Peak Base Camp -> glacier approach to the south side
Base Camp -> high camp or summit camp on the upper glacier
Summit camp -> steep snow and ice slopes -> south-east ridge
South-east ridge -> summit of Island Peak
Descend by the same route to base camp and Chhukhung