Mera Peak Climbing

The bulk of Mera, officially the highest of Nepal's permitted trekking peaks, rise to the south of Everest and dominates the watershed between the wild and heavily woded valleys of the Hinku and Hongu Drangkas . Mera (Peak) is a chance to venture into a little visited and as yet unspoilt region of Nepal where the hillsides are still densely forested and a need to be self-sufficient is essential. There is also, of course, the pleasure of going above 21,000 feet.・Both the Hongu and Hinku valleys remain uninhabited although there are Kharka in the Upper Hinku basin where Sherpa from the South, near Pangkongma, graze their animals during the grass- growing monsoon. The upper Hongu Basin is truly a mountain wilderness, a place of massive moraines, glacial lakes and spectacular peaks that include Charmlang and Baruntse.

Additionally, it offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery, pristine forest, and high altitude climbing in the world. We start this climb with a hair-raising flight into the small town of Lukla at 2,800 m (9,184 ft). From there it is a six-day trek, with plenty of acclimatization days to keep us healthy at our ever-increasing altitude, through some of Nepal's most pristine Rhododendron, oak, silver fir and birch forests, past beautiful alpine lakes, and finally up to the foot of Mera Glacier where well establish base camp. We will set up two more high camps, the first over 300 m above B.C. on the Mera Glacier, and the second after we cross the Mera crevasse field at 5,800 m. From here it is a steady and steep climb to reach the summit, with awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga and Makalu to the east, Everest and Lhotse to the north, and Ama Dablam and Cho Oyu to the west.

 

 

Fact of this Trip

Trip Duration      16 days
Max. Altitude: 6495m/21433ft.
Minimum Altitude: 2650m./8745 ft.
Grade: Hard 
Activities: Trekking /climbing
Accommodation: Lodge/ tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee
Transportation: Plane
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the week
Group Size: 1 person (minimum) to 14 persons (maximum)
Best season: March, April, May, September, October and November
Available Time: All months except December, January, February, June, July & August
Per day hiking: 4 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers and staff everyday
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-on

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla and trek to Chutanga ( 3450m./1320ft.) 4 hours walk
This morning you will be transferred to domestic airport and fly to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft). It takes 40 minutes scenic flight up to small airstrip to Tenjin-Hillary airport to Lukla and experience your first breakfasts in the mountains whilst the Nepal alternative team organizes porters, while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek further an easy day through the woodland above Lukla. A good trail leads through pasture to the edge of a diminishing forest of rhododendron and pine which clothes the steep hillsides above Lukla. We make steady progress on a good trail, crossing ridges and streams up to kharka used for grazing yaks. We reach Chutanga and stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Acclimatization day
This morning after a breakfast at the camp we will have full day leisure at camp or spend a day walking up to a small grassy peak below the Zatra Teng Pass reaching an altitude of (4000m/13,120ft). There are excellent views out over the valley of the Dudh (milk) Kosi (river), and also views of our route towards the Zatrwa La. We stroll back to  Chutanga for the overnight at same lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chutang-Tuli Kharka via Zatrwa La pass ( 4250m./13944ft.) 6 hours walk
After a rest/acclimatization day at Chutanga we continue a long day walk crossing the Kalo Himal Ridge that separates the Khumbu from the Hinku valley that lead across this ridge is the Zatrwa La (4,600m/15,093ft), traversing to the right and finally descending steeply to Tuli Kharka (big pasture) where there are several basic lodges. We stay overnight at lodge .

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Tuli Kharka- Gothey ( 3600m./11821ft.) 5 hours walk
Today, after a breakfast we continue our journey descending to Hinku valley of Gothey . You can visit the local people and watch the local lifestyle in the remaining time and we will stay near by the teashops and stay overnight there at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Gothey-Thagnag ( 4350m./14272ft.) 5 hours walk
The following day is another short day as you trek in the shadow of Mera Himal along the ridge of the Hinku Khola. The west bank of the Hinku Drangka northwards, we will take lunch at Gondishung, a summer herders settlement. Beyond Gondishung we pass a 200 year-old Gompa built beneath a massive boulder, to burn some juniper at the shrine, an offering that just might ensure a successful ascent of Mera Peak. Thagnag is a summer grazing area with the simplest of lodges and shops starting to develop. We stay there overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Acclimatization day
Another an acclimatization day is essential here. It is in a superb setting surrounded by stunning peaks. There is a huge moraine in the north of Tangnag where a beautiful glacial lake, Sabal Tsho is dammed which is definitely worth a visit. A cairn (5,270m/17,290ft) on the flanks of Kusum Kangguru can also be rewarding and beneficial for acclimatization. Stay at same lodge overnight.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Thagnag-Khare ( 5025m./16486ft.) 3 hours walk
Today, we are heading up from Tagnag towards the Mera Base camp at Khare. We follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines and to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then climbs more steeply to  Khare. Stay there overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ice climbing practice near Khare
This morning after a breakfast, we prepare our gear for ice climbing just above the Khare and need to walk couple of hours from where there are good views of the Mera La and the route up the mountain. This will also be a time for practicing few hours Ice climbing and our leader will teach you and instruct about the climbing. After few hrs practicing at glacier, stroll back to camp and final preparation of our equipment and packing of our mountain bags and stay overnight there at tent.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Khare-Mera La ( 5415m./17766ft.) 4 hours climb
A very short trek allowing for as much acclimatization time and a day walk as you make your way to Mera Base Camp. We first climb to the crest of the moraine above Khare and then up a steep slope of snow to reach a boulder strewn bowl below the lower tongue of the Mera Glacier. Reaching the pass Mera La allows us to see spectacular views; we then descend 100m (328ft) towards the Hongu side and set up base camp in the moraine below the ice and we stay at Mera Base Camp (5,350m/17,552ft) overnight at tent.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Climb to Mera high camp( 5750m./18865ft.) 4 hours climb
Making your way to Mera High Camp can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. You make your way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. You set up a high camp and from here the views are outstanding, with Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and more piercing the skyline. This evening we stay overnight in Mera High Camp at tent.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Summit day and descend to Khare ( 5025m./16486ft.) 8 hours 

This is a big day, we wake up at 2.30 am around and after a breakfast, the group will put on crampons and rope up before setting out for the summit. From the high camp a well acclimatized party will take 3 - 4 hours to the central summit of Mera peak. If time and conditions permit we may opt to make the traverse to the slightly higher north summit. This excursion adds 2 -3 hours to the day is of a more technical nature than the rest of the climb and the decision as to whether we attempt this will be taken by the trip leader.

From the summit can be seen the magnificent views of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Cho-Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Makalu (8,463m/27,766ft), Kangchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft), Nuptse (7,855m/25,770ft), Lubuche (6,145m/20,160ft), Chamlang (7,319m/24,013ft) are spectacular from the summit. You then retrace your steps to Khare after the climb with a rest and some hot soup at high camp on the way down. A long but inspirational day! Stay overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: A spare Summit attempt day
This day we use to keep as a spare day, set aside in case we have to postpone the attempt on the peak because of bad weather or because some of the group have not yet acclimatized well enough to make the ascent. If already climb this day you can use for another Ice climbing day or spent one more night at village of Lukla.

Day 13: Khare- Gothey ( 3600m./11821ft.) 6 hours walk

After a great succeed of the expedition to Mt. Mera, we descend to Hinku valley to Gothey for our overnight stop at lodge. Enjoy the evening with local wines or whatever you want to relax at the lodge and stay overnight there at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Gothey-Tuli Kharka( 4250m./13944ft.) 5 hours walk

Today, we again climb up through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Tuli Kharka below the Zatwra La where we are staying overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Tuli Kharka- Lukla via crossing Zatrwa la ( 2800m./9240ft.) 5 hours walk
Today, we have a last day for the trek and we start to climb few hundred meters to the Zatrwa La top will be our last climb of the trip. After the top we descending up to Lukla village where we concludes the trekking part and this evening enjoy with crews at the last dinner at the mountain and stay overnight at lodge.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Lukla - Kathmandu ( 35 minutes ) over flight
In the morning, we rise early for breakfast, then walk to the airport. Before boarding the flight to Katmandu, you say goodbye to the porters and also goodbye to the mountains. The plane rolls down the short runway, then soars across the Dudh Kosi River and makes its way back to Katmandu. Transfer to your hotel. 

Meals included : Breakfast

Trip Ends

Makalu - Barun National Park fee

You must obtain Makalu- Barun national park fee to enter this trip. It is determined as the world heritage site by UNESCO. It’s main aim is to protect the wild life, flora and fauna in Makalu- Barun region. We can find there himalayan tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pika (mouse hare), weasel, jackal, black bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard. 193 species of birds including impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, red-billed chough, yellow-billed chough, snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon and lammergeyer birds are found in this national park area.  As the vegetation, pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, while above 3,500 m, forests are dominated by silver fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees . Entrance fees are fixed for SAARC nationals - NPR 1,700 per person per entry, foreigners - NPR. 3,300 per person per entry. Trekkers can apply to obtain it in Nepal tourism board ( NTB) or government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks or directly in entry point at Khare. You are required to bring your passport copy, one passport sized pictures and fee in cash.  It is included in our package. 

Mera Peak climbing Permit

It is mandatory to climb Mera Peak. The fee structure is fixed by Nepal Governtment and Nepal Mountaineering association ( NMA ). US $ 250 per person during spring season March- May, US $ 125 per person during Autmn Septebmer to November, US $ 70 per person during winter December to February and US $ 70 per perosn during Monsoon June to August. You can obtain the permit through government registered and NMA affiliated Trekking agency as Nepal Alternative Treks with certain formalities. 

Trekking /Climbing Clothing Equipment

When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 

- Light weight pants, shorts

- At night -track top, pants 

-  T-shirts. 

- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 

- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 

- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 

- Vaseline for feet and crutch.

- Water bottle - 2 liters.

- Sunglasses and strap 

- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch

- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 

- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 

- Small daypack - 25 liters. 

- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack. 

- Small towels 

- Warm down fiber filled jacket - 15 c  ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 

- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 

- A pair of gloves 

- Snow glasses and strap 

- Personal climbing gears 

You can hire below equipment at Khare for climbing purpose : 

Price approx.. US $ 70 per pax

·  Climbing boot.

.    Crampons,

·  Ice axe / Ice hamber,

·  Harness, Jumars,

·  Karabiners,

·  Finger eight / ATC guide,

·  Tap sling,

·  Fix / Main Rope,

·  Snow Bar,

·  Ice Crew / Rock Piktung etc.

 Other equipment you can get on hire :

·      Oxygen cylinder & Max regulater, Gloves, Sun  glasses, Sticks, Halmet, High thermos, Hot Bag, Water bottle, Ski Boards, Sleeping bag, Clothing (Water proof trousers & jacket, Down jacket, Socks, etc), Walkee talkee(talk back), Thurya Set light phone and other.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 

Recommended Travel insurance companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). If you follow precautious and our guide then you can avoid it. 

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Climb the mountain gradually and slowly
  • Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters)
  • Sleep at a lower altitude when possible
  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will various choices. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges and two men north face tents during the trip. We will provide shared washing room and toilet.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) at lodges and our cook will prepare delicious varities of meals during camping and climbing period. There will be served breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route on your own choice from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

Mera peak climbing is hard trip, Suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will  get the highest elevation 6461 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trip successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past climbing experience would be an asset but no mandatory for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trip.

Maik Reger
Germany

Hi All,
I have a nice trip with my family. My guide Dhan was the best. I will come back. Thank you !

Siobhan Murphy
UK

The trek was excellent. The service has been brilliant from before we left the Uk and the whole trip. I can’t fault the services-problems sorted out immediately Mr. Dillip and Lal porter were excellent, helpful, and always cheerful. We will always remember this trip. I will recommend this company to everyone and I hope you continue to be successful Tej.

Kornkamon Chittreekhun
Thailand

For the whole package is so good. I am very satisfied with the service, guide and porter while trekking. Good guide for sightseeing is also Ok. I will probably come back and use the company’s service again soon! Thanks for everything!

Ms. Anna
USA

Thank you –Tej for wonderful trip. Nepalese are great loving, caring people. I will come back again!  I enjoyed it.

 

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TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
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