My Island Peak Climb: Cold Winds, Clear Skies, and a Big Smile

The weather during my Island Peak climb was a big part of my journey. Island Peak stands tall at 6,189 meters and is one of the most climbed peaks in Nepal. Most people, like me, go during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), when the skies are clear and the trails are dry. According to the Nepal Meteorological Department, these months have the lowest rain and the best chances for success.

When I started my climb in April, the days were warm enough to trek in a light jacket. The sun was strong, and I needed sunglasses and sunscreen every day. But as I went higher, the air got thin, and the wind turned sharp and cold. At Island Peak base camp, nights dropped below -10°C. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to find ice on my sleeping bag!

On the summit day, I started at 2 AM. It was freezing and dark. My hands felt like ice, even with gloves. The wind was strong, and sometimes it was hard to stand. But the sky was full of stars. As the sun came up, the snow sparkled like tiny diamonds. It was so beautiful that I forgot the cold for a while.

The weather can change fast in the mountains. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s cloudy. My guide always kept an eye on the sky and gave updates. I felt safe because of that. We were lucky – no storms, just cold and wind.

Climbing Island Peak was hard, but the weather made it feel real. It tested me, but it also gave me moments I’ll never forget. If you’re planning to climb, watch the weather, pick the right month, and stay warm. The view from the top is worth every cold step.