Mera Peak Summit Trek, Nepal

21 Days

Price from: £2149.00

A truly exciting expedition to one of the introductory Himalayan peaks...

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Overview
Itinerary
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At 6476m this is the highest of Nepal's Trekking Peaks and offers an ideal introduction to Himalayan mountaineering for those with limited experience of using ice axe and crampons.

Highlights
Surrounded by 8000m giants
Ice equipment experience
Sample Nepalese culture
3 week expedition

The summit of Mera Peak offers a truly stunning panorama over the Himalayas with no less than five 8000m mountains dominating the view - Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Advantages over this expedition as an introductory Himalayan trek is that here the trek into base camp is a very different experience from the main Everest trail, offering a rare insight into a far less developed area than the normal routes come across.

Participation Statement
Mountaineering and trekking can be dangerous and carries an inherent risk of injury or death. Our professional leaders will continually undertake dynamic risk assessments to minimise the level of risk but it is impossible to reduce the risk entirely, nor is it desirable to. Objective dangers such as avalanches, rock fall and altitude illness will occur in the mountains. Participants must understand and accept these risks and take responsibility for their own involvement.

Accommodation

Combination of hotels, lodges and camp sites, depending on location

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive in Kathmandu and complimentary transfer to your comfortable hotel just outside Thamel, the bustling hub of Kathmandu. Meet up with the rest of your team and your leader for a full briefing and equipment check.
Day 2	Early morning flight to Lukla (2850m). This 40 minute flight deposits you in the foothills of Everest at the jaw dropping Lukla airport perched on the very side of a cliff. Here you will the meet the rest of our team of porters who will load up your kit bags and head off up the trail. The first days easy walking takes us away from the bustle of the main Everest trail and heads south to the village of Poyen (2800m)
Day 3	Trek to Pangkonngma (2845m). We turn away from the main trade route from the south, contouring around the hill side before climbing steeply to a ridge line. As the view opens up we traverse to the welcoming village of Pangkonngma
Day 4	Trek to Nashing Dingma (2600m). A second leisurely day as we climb up through the bamboo and rhododendrons thickets to cross the Pangkonngma La (3170m) which offers fine views of Mera Peak across the Hinku valley. Our route then descends to cross the Hinku Kola before a steep pull up to a lovely campsite at Nashing Dingma.
Day 5	Trek to Chalem Kharka (3600m). The trail today leads over the Surke La (3085m) before continuing to climb through pine and rhododendron to our campsite just beyond the village of Chalem Kharka.
Day 6	Trek to Chunbu Kharka (4200m). As we climb the scenery becomes far more rugged and alpine as we emerge from the tree line. The bulk of Kanchenjunga and Jannu offer spectacular views to the east.
Day 7	Trek to Khote (3550m). A steep but short climb gives us access to the main Hinku Valley which runs north beneath the intimidating west face of Mera Peak. We make a steep descent to the valley floor to the large settlement of Khote and a leisurely afternoon by the river.
Day 8	Trek to Tagnang (4350m). Another short day as we ascend through stunning alpine scenery. The distinctive summits of Kusum Kanguru and Kyashar dominate the views while the bulk of Mera will never be far from your sight or thoughts.
Day 9	Trek to Dig Kharka (4650m). Traditionally expeditions trek to the final settlement of Khare today but we opt for a shorter day and the smaller settlement of Dig Kharka reducing the effect of any big jump in altitude as well as giving us more time to explore our spectacular surroundings
Day 10	Trek to Khare (4950m). Our final days walking before we begin our ascent of Mera Peak. The track climbs through the moraine to the village of Khare nestled below the glacier emanating from the Mera La.
Day 11	Trek to the Mera La (5300m). The climb to the Mera La traverses the glacier with a risk of crevasses. With a good path the way is obvious and safe with crampons but after heavy snow this can be a real struggle and the team will rope up for safety. We situate our Base Camp in the rocks just beyond the col overlooking the Hunku Valley. From here the whole route of ascent is obvious while to the north the distinctive peak of Baruntse (7220m) comes into view.
Day 12	Acclimatisation day at the Mera La. Our final chance to practice the many skills we will employ in order to be successful in climbing Mera Peak and to ensure we are fully acclimatised for the task in hand. Your leader will work with you to develop your skills in moving together over glaciated terrain, crevasse rescue and ascending & descending fixed lines.
Day 13	Climb to Mera Peak High Camp (5750m). The route follows easy snow slopes in 3 hours to an exposed camp which is our launch pad for our summit attempt tomorrow. There are a usually a few impressive crevasses to be crossed so the team will stay roped together throughout.
Day 14	Summit Mera Peak (6476m). Our ascent begins a few hours before sunrise as we follow snow slopes south west. The maximum steepness should be around 30 degrees and the summit can take between three and eight hours to attain. Many teams head for the easier (and lower) east summit but we make the traverse to the true summit of Mera West. In recent years the bergschrund just below the summit has opened right up making the last few metres a lot harder necessitating ascending and descending a fixed line. An exciting finish to your climb and a taste of the style of climbing employed on higher and harder mountains such as Baruntse and Cho Oyu. Both can be seen from the summit along with five of the worlds six highest mountains. After the obligatory summit photos and congratulations we will descend all the way to the comforts of Khare.
Day 15	Spare summit day. We have a spare day built in to our itinerary to allow for poor weather or extra acclimatisation.
Day 16	Trek to Khote (3550m). After your efforts above 6000m the thicker air means that the 12km descent to Khote usually flies by.
Day 17	Trek to Tulli Kharka (4200m). After a week above the tree line the smells and sounds of the pines and rhododendrons are very distinctive and make the descent to the huge rock of Tulli Kharka a very pleasant experience.
Day 18	Trek to Lukla over the Zatrwa La (4600m). We leave our approach route and take a shortcut over the Zatrwa La which overlooks Lukla. A steep descent leads down to the airfield and the comforts of a tea house for your final night in the Khumba.
Day 19	Flight to Kathmandu. If the weather is fine we make the short flight back to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu with its showers, restaurants and bars for a well deserved celebration!
Day 20	Day enjoying the delights of Thamel and Kathmandu. Tours can be arranged to visit Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath and the World Heritage Site of Durbar Square. This is also a spare day in case of bad weather or delayed Lukla flights.
Day 21	Departure. Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your return flight.

Reference

This itinerary is only a guide. Adventure travel in a developing country can be affected by a huge variety of factors including weather, landslides, strikes, breakdowns etc. Our staff will work hard to give you the best possible experience but please be aware there are some things outside our control.

What's Included?

Trip planning, organisation and local logistics
Airport transfers in Nepal by air-conditioned vehicle
Complimentary welcome dinner with live Nepali cultural show
Experienced Western mountain leader. Smaller groups may use a local mountain leader
Airline ticket - Kathmandu to Lukla return
All permits and entrance fees for National parks
Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Kathmandu (3 nights) at Thamel Eco Resort (a boutique hotel)
Local guides and porters
Daily wages, proper equipment and full insurance of whole staff
Climbing Sherpa guide (at ratio of 1 guide: 6 climbers)
Full board accommodation in lodges on the trek (14 nights)
Full board accommodation while camping (3 nights)
Group equipment including tents and ropes
Hyperbar Chamber (PAC)
2 litre oxygen bottle, mask and regulator
Duffel bags for trek
Satellite mobile telephone for emergency use (pay call)
Discount clothing voucher for Cotswold Outdoors and Montane

Not Included

International flights
Excess baggage charges
Tourist visa for Nepal (approximately US$40)
Personal equipment
Travel Insurance
Lunches & evening meals in Kathmandu
Optional Kathmandu sightseeing tour
Tips for porters and local staff
Costs incurred if the expedition finishes early or late
Costs incurred if you leave the expedition early

FAQs

Q. How fit do I need to be?

A. Although technically easy, Mera Peak is physically and mentally demanding. The extreme altitude, heavy rucksacks and harsh environment mean most people will have to do plenty of training prior to their expedition. Long days in the hills with a 15kg rucksack is the best training supplemented by aerobic training (running or cycling) and some lower body strength training. Some experience of 12 hour plus days on the hill will also be useful mentally. We can advise on the type and duration of the training you should be aiming for.

Q. I am a vegetarian. Will this be a problem?

A. No. The cooks in the Nepalese teahouses are experts at producing a huge variety of dishes from a very basic kitchen. Omelettes, Dal Bhatt, pancakes, potatoes, rice, momos etc. form the basis of a carbohydrate rich diet which is very useful to aid acclimatisation. It is also possible to order western dishes such as pizza and chips along with Pringles and Coke. In Kathmandu there is a wide selection of restaurants and it is possible to eat very well.

Q. I am concerned about porter welfare?

A. Our hardworking Sherpas and porters are fundamental to the success of our expeditions and are very much part of our team. We support the work of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG) and work very hard with our local agent to ensure all our staff are well equipped, insured and provided for. We welcome your feedback on any aspect of this either during the trip or on your return.

Q. I have never been to altitude before. What should I expect?

A. For many people a trip to Mera Peak is their first experience of going to altitude. We have a very gentle acclimatisation profile which should allow you to enjoy the experience with nothing more than the occasional minor headache. We recommend you download the free booklet called Travel at High Altitude.This was written by MedEx, a collective of Doctors with an interest in mountaineering and high altitude medicine and provides clear and simple advice on going to altitude. See our 'Useful Links' section from the home page.

Q. I would like a single room and tent. Is this possible?

A. Accommodation in Kathmandu is on a twin room basis with a member of the same sex or a double room where requested. During our trek most tea houses offer basic twin rooms. Where possible we can offer the option of a single room or tent (approximately GPB15 supplement per night) although this may not be physically possible in some tea houses.

Q. Is it possible to charge camera batteries, MP3 players etc?

A. Nepal has an electricity supply of 220V using round two pin and three pin sockets in two sizes. Powercuts are common but our hotel has a back up generator. Many of the tea houses are now offering a charging service for a small fee. You should bring your normal charging unit and a travel adaptor.

Q. Is Nepal safe?

A. Nepal is one of the friendliest and safest developing countries in which to travel. However as it emerges from a decade of civil war there are still frequent strikes and small pockets of unrest. We support the British government campaign: Know Before You Go. This provides invaluable information on any potential risks as well as lots of other useful information.

Q. What equipment will I need?

A. You will be supplied with a detailed equipment list on booking but you will require the following specialised equipment: 1) Double mountaineering boots (B3) 2) Crampons 3) Ice axe 4) Climbing harness 5) Jumar 6) 7000m Down Jacket 7) 4-5 season sleeping bag If you are looking to purchase new equipment team members receive a discount at Cotswold Outdoors and Montane. If you need to get any additional equipment in Kathmandu then we recommend Shonas. Their own brand mitts and down booties are particularly good. You will be able to leave any spare clothing and equipment in our hotel in Kathmandu. Please note for our Kathmandu - Lukla flight there is a 15kg checked baggage restriction.

Q. What happens if I get ill?

A. When travelling in developing countries there is always a risk of illness or accident. Our staff will work hard to reduce this risk to an acceptable level. Our itineraries include extra acclimatisation and spare days in case of inclement weather or illness. This gives us plenty of flexibility to deal with any unexpected occurrences. All our leaders have a current mountain first aid qualification and they will carry an extensive first aid kit. The following websites all provide useful information on staying healthy while travelling: MedEx Book , BMC Medical Information, UIAA Fact Sheets, NHS Choices, Fit for Travel, Travel Health.

Q. What insurance do I require?

A. It is a requirement of your booking with Activus Outdoors that you have adequate travel insurance for the planned activities which covers you for emergency medical, repatriation and rescue expenses, including the use of helicopters, up to the maximum altitude of your trip. We also recommend you have cancellation cover as your deposit is non-refundable. Some good insurers for high altitude trips are Snowcard and BMC.

Q. What previous experience do I need?

A. This expedition is ideally suited to regular UK walkers with basic experience of using crampons and ice axe. If you need training in this then our Winter Mountain Skills course based in the Lake District or Scotland will give you a solid foundation. Mera Peak gets an alpine grade of F+ and is mainly climbed moving together over glacial terrain. In the last few years the bergschrund has opened up just below the summit which now requires climbing and descending a fixed line. Experience of rope work in climbing or scrambling would be useful but not essential as there will be time allocated at base camp to develop and practice these techiniques.

Q. What visas do I require?

A. The following is the latest information we have on file. However it is your responsibility to check with the relevant authorities and ensure you have the correct visa or the means to get one on arrival. British passport holders can purchase their tourist visa on arrival in Nepal. You will need approximately US$40 in clean unmarked bills, your passport with a least 6 months validity beyond the end of your trip, an application form and a passport photo. We will send you an visa application form with your joining pack which you can fill in in advance in order to save time at Kathmandu airport on arrival.

Q. Who will be leading my expedition?

A. One of the most important factors affecting the enjoyment and success of your expedition is the quality of your leader. Activus leaders have successfully led expeditions to all seven continents, they have climbed 8000m peaks, they are active in mountain rescue, they train and assess mountaineering instructors and are out walking and climbing in all conditions across the UK everyday of the year. As soon as your trip is confirmed we will look to appoint a suitably experienced leader who will be in contact with you prior to the trip departing. They are selected on their communication & group management skills as well as their experience and qualifications. Many of our leaders are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors or British Mountain Guides. For trekking holidays they may also be a member of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders. All leaders will also hold a Mountain First Aid Certificate. Smaller groups may use one of our regular local leaders. This will be discussed with you prior to any decision being taken.