I Climbed Island Peak and All I Got Was Frozen Toes and a Story Worth Telling

(If you want an adventure that humbles you and makes you laugh at yourself, Island Peak is waiting.)

I signed up for Island Peak Climbing full of excitement, a backpack full of chocolate bars, and absolutely zero idea of how cold my toes would get. The summit sits at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) above sea level.

1. The “I’ll pack light” lie

I told myself I’d pack just the essentials. But then I added extra chocolate. At base camp (~5,087 m) you realize that those sugar hits are lifesavers. But by summit day, my toes were frozen in ways only the Himalayas can do. Yet somehow I laughed when I managed to wiggle them.

2. The climb starts like a hike, ends like a roller‑coaster

We trekked through the heart of the Khumbu region, villages, and dusty trails. Then came the glacial ice, crampons, fixed ropes and a headwall that made my heart skip beats. At 5,900 m the snow slope got steep. That’s when the roller‑coaster kicked in and I realised: this isn’t just a walk.

3. Views that punch you in the soul

When I finally reached the top, surrounded by peaks like Lhotse and Ama Dablam, I forgot the cold, forgot my toes, forgot the chocolate meltdown. The world stretched out beneath me. It was raw, real, and inspiring.

4. What I learned about myself

I learned I can wake up at 2 a.m., cram in crampons, and still grin.

I learned that pain (toe‑freezing, muscle‑burning) can turn into pride.

I learned the joke of “just one more meter” when you’re already shaking. And I learned that reaching 6,189 m wasn’t just a physical win, it was an emotional one.

5. So, what’s next?

If you’re reading this and your heart is itching for a challenge, this is it. A climb that will test you, charm you, freeze you, and reward you in ways you didn’t expect. Pack your gear. Pack your jokes. Yes, pack extra chocolate. Because when you’re standing on the summit of Island Peak, toes thawed and self‑respect soaring, you’ll have the story worth telling.