Island Peak, Lobuche East, and Mera Peak are three popular mountains in Nepal for climbers seeking their first experience at 6,000 meters. Island Peak stands at 6,189m, Lobuche East at 6,119m, and Mera Peak at 6,476m. All three are located in the Everest region, though Mera Peak requires a significant detour, while Lobuche East and Island Peak can be easily added to an Everest trek.
Here’s a comparison of the three peaks:
Difficulty: Mera Peak is technically the easiest, followed by Lobuche East, with Island Peak considered the most challenging of the three. Lobuche is steeper and more direct, whereas Island Peak, though not as steep, presents more obstacles. Mera Peak requires more endurance due to its higher altitude.
Summit Push Gain:
- Island Peak: 1,100 meters (or 900 meters if using high camp)
- Lobuche East: 600 meters
- Mera Peak: 700 meters
Technical Grade (Alpine Grading System):
- Lobuche East: PD+ (Peu Difficile Plus), indicating a technically moderate climb that requires proficiency in using mountaineering equipment.
- Island Peak: PD (Peu Difficile), which is more straightforward but still requires knowledge of glacier travel and skills in navigating snow slopes and rocky cliffs.
Location and Surroundings:
- Lobuche East: Located in the Khumbu region, rising above the Lobuche Glacier, situated between the Cholotse and Pumori mountains, and approximately 8 kilometers southwest of Mount Everest.
- Island Peak: Perched above the Chhukung village in the Everest Himalayan region, at the foothills of the Chhukung Glacier, nestled between the Imja Glacier and Lhotse Shar Glacier, and about 10 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest; located between Ama Dablam and Lhotse.
Views: All three peaks offer spectacular views. Lobuche East is considered to have the best views, including the biggest peaks in the world, such as Ama Dablam, and views down the main valleys of the Everest region. Island Peak offers a great view of Ama Dablam but is close to Lhotse, making the summit seem smaller. Mera Peak provides exceptional views of a sea of huge peaks from its high camp.
