Porter Life

Porter, what have you lost?
Search not in the darkness.
Porter, what hurts you?
Speak it among us.

The sound of money propels us.
What lies ahead? No one knows.
We may die without
Even knowing what for.

With money, life would be young.
Where is our security? No one knows.
Going barefoot in the Himalayas.
When will we die? No one knows.

Porter, you are wounded,
searching for some remedy.
Don't be afraid, porter, brother.
Here is your own salvation.

by R.D. Rai, as translated by Ben Ayers
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Island Peak is the most popular trekking peak in Nepal. From Dingboche the mountain is seen as an island in a sea of ice. The summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier.The mountain itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar seperated by a small col. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak. The extension of this ridge descending south-west is the part of the normal route of ascent and leads to the South Summit. Imja Tse not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the most spectacular scenery of Himalayas in the Khumbu region. Seen from the summit the giant mountains, Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m) and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) make a semi circle in the north. The views of Makalu (8475m) in the east, Baruntse and Amadablam in the south add more charm for climbing Island Peak.

Climbed May 12, 2002 by Angela Hawse