Reference Code: SMMPNP
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trek Start: Lukla
Trek Days: 16
Maximum Altitude: 6470m
Age: 20 years to 60 years
Season: Spring and Autumn
Accommodation: Lodge and Camp
Service: Full Board
Destination: Nepal
Trip End: Kathmandu
Trek End: Lukla
Trip Durations: 20
Physical Rating: Strenuous
Group Size: 2-12
Theme: Expedition
Meals: Standard
Mt. Mera Peak 6470m is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. At this altitude, the oxygen content of air is less than half of what it is at sea level - for this reason we would not recommend you take on Mera as your first high-altitude trek. You need to understand how your body acclimatises to altitude before taking on a climb like Mera Peak.
If you have already done a high altitude trek and coped well, then Mera is the perfect next adventure. The extreme altitude does mean that no matter how fit you are, climbing Mera Peak will be a tough challenge. The challenge is very much about stamina and endurance though, as no technical skills are need to complete the climb.
We think it is definitely worth the effort! The expedition starts with a beautiful approach up the Arun Valley which takes you away from all the crowds on the Everest trek. On this part of the trek you will see local villages farming the terraces as they have done for generations. Our founder Mr. Bhai successfully summited this 3 times in past with French team, Australian team and British Army team.
This peak climbing is further more suitable to the Expedition members willing to climb +8000m. peak for high altitude Aclimatization before climb the real expedition peak.
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
Namaste! And welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting on arrival at the exit gate of Kathmandu airport. Our staff will welcome you and pick you to your accommodated hotel. Please seek our company palmplate to find our staff at the main exit gate of the airport. Rest of the day you can relax at the hotel or short evening walk around local market on your own as per your wish. Hotel.
Day 02 Rest and Preparation day
A well deserved rest day at cosy of hotel after a long tiring flight. This day, one can move around nearby local market to purchase or hire trekking equipment that is necessary for the trekking like sleeping bags, walking sticks etc, exchange currency as requirement or simply walk around in the local market or Kathmandu Durbar squire nearby with small entrance fee as per your preference on your own. Evening at the hotel lobby there will be pre-trip briefing in which you will be introduced with your trekking guide and explained about your trip in short, instruction for safety etc. Hotel.
Day 03 Drive to Ramechhap (4 hours) and Fly to Lukla and trek to Paiyu (2730m)
As with most of our Khumbu treks, the road to Mera Peak starts at Lukla. After arriving at Lukla's tiny airstrip (it looks even smaller when you realise that's where you have to land), we'll meet the rest of our Kandoo team and hit the trail south.
We descend first to Surke to cross the river, then a steep rise to Chutok La. The rest of the way to Paiya is flat but undulating terrain, and a good end to our first day of trekking. Lodge.
Day 04 Trek to Panggom (2804m)
Today we'll cross the Piya Khola river, after a gentle descent to a sturdy wooden bridge. On the other side it is another steep climb up the valley side to reach Kari La. Once again, the last leg of the trek is over fairly flat terrain until we reach the village of Panggom. Lodge.
Day 05 Trek to Ramailo Danda (3276m)
This day takes a curving path along the foot of the Zatrwa Massif, with plenty of short, steep climbs and descents in fairly rugged terrain. Lodge.
Day 06 Trek to Chhetra Khola camp site (3122m)
This is where we really get off the beaten path and we will need to carry a packed lunch with us. We begin with a steep ascent to Ramailo Dada and then descend on a zig-zag trail to the Tama Khola river. We continue through mixed forest of bamboo and rhododendron to a place. Lodge
Day 07 Trek to Kothe (3580m)
We'll continue through the jungle today, over more steep up-and-down terrain. We'll pass through a village called Tashing Ongma, then downhill to Mosom Kharka and the Inkhu Khola river. We'll follow the river to the village of Kothe and the lodge where we'll spend the night. Lodge.
Day 08 Trek to Tagnak (4358m)
Today we'll leave the forest, reaching a more open valley well before lunch. We'll be in Tagnak by midafternoon.
As we near it, we can see the route we'll be taking up Mera glacier. We can also see the damage the collapse of Sabai Tsho (a glacial lake). Lodge.
Day 09 Rest day
Today we'll tackle the slopes behind Tagnak, getting as high as possible in order to get more used to exerting ourselves in low air pressure. The view of Mera from this height is not to be missed either!
After half an hour or so at the high altitude, we'll descend to Tagnak for lunch.
There is also an optional afternoon trek up the north slopes to see what remains of Sabai Tsho after it broke through its bounds and caused so much flooding downstream. Lodge.
Day 10 Trek to Khare (5045m)
The hike to Khare is a gentle rise, and we can take our time. We'll cross the river just above Tagnak then ascend the Dig Tsho glacier. We'll be able to see the Hinku Nup glacier hanging above us as well.
The trail gets steep again just before Khare, but we can rest for a bit in the village before taking another acclimatisation excursion along the ridge behind it. From here, we'll be able to see the glacier we'll climb tomorrow. Lodge.
Day 11 Rest day at Khare
This day we will introduce the climbing Sherpa and have some standard climbing training with the group. Further if the weather and fitness of the group is good then we can hike to Mera La Glacier with pack lunch. Lodge.
Day 12 Trek to High Camp (5780m) ,
This is the first part of the real summit push, and we'll need our crampons again. We'll return to Mera La pass then head up the glacier itself to High Camp, set on a rocky outcrop 5700 metres above sea level.
The view from High Camp is stunning, including Kangchenjunga in the east, the ridge of Chamlang, Baruntse Ice Spire, Makalu and the peaks of Ama Dablam. Just turn slightly, and you can see Nuptse, Lhotse, Everest and Cho-Oyu. camp.
Day 13 Summit Mera peak (6470m) and decent to Khare (5045m)
We'll be up by 2am on day thirteen. After a hot drink and a large breakfast, we'll make the attempt on Mera Peak's summit.
The path travels along the main glacier and crosses over to the south side to the snowy hump-back ridge. The 30 degree slope is challenging, but not really a technical climb. After getting behind the ridge, we'll head diagonally to the west. Our climbing Sherpa will attach a fixed rope for the final steep ascent, and we will use our ice axes and jumars to make the last 30 metres (at a 55-degree angle).
The view from the summit is everything you could hope, including mighty Everest in the distance. Lodge.
Day 14 Contingency Day
In case, bad weather for climbing period or domestic flight fluctuations. Lodge.
Day 15 Trek to Kothe (3580m) Descend Trek Starts
We'll follow the Hinku Valley again, retracing our steps back to Kothe. We need to watch our step as we will be walking on rocky moraine. Lodge.
Day 16 Trek to Chetera La
Today is uphill again, following a new route to Chetera La. This new path is both a faster way to the village and offers superior views of Mera. Lodge.
Day 17 Trek to Lukla via Zatrwa La
Our last day of proper trekking takes us back to Lukla. We'll climb a series of ridges before reaching the Zatrwa La Pass. The terrain here is quite craggy, and we can see both Hinku Valley and the south face of Mera clearly.
We'll scale down Zatr Og, a rocky outcrop, and continue downhill back to the Dudh Koshi valley. We'll enter forested terrain again, then the farmland at the outskirts of Lukla. Lodge.
Day 18 Fly to Ramechhap and Drive to Kathmandu
We'll take an early flight back into Ramechhap (15 mins) and Drive to Kathmandu
(4 hours' drive). Hotel.
Day 19 Rest and final shopping day
Shop in some of Kathmandu's many markets for clothing, embroidery, carpets or ceramics. If shopping is not your thing, take a trip over the Bagmati River to the adjacent city of Patan, with its abundance of temples and monasteries. Hotel.
Day 20 Final departure
We say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. For your final departure, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu airport approximately 3 hours prior to your international flight time.
Inclusion
Lodge + 1-night Camp Basis
All ground transportation as per itinerary
4 night hotel Manang accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B plan.
Both way domestic Air fare (RAM-LUK-RAM) with airport tax including member + guide
Everest National Park Entry fee
Makalu Barun National Park Entry fee
TIMS Card
Peak climbing permit for Mera Peak
Food for the members and Nepalese staff on 1 night camping basis and Lodge basis as per itinerary
2L of drinking water per day per member
All camping equipment and camping charges during climbing period
All required group climbing equipments( like fixed ropes, man rope, ice bar, ice screw.....)
All required Nepalese staffs including 1 climbing support sherpa. Climbing Sherpa will be hired from Khare.
1 English Speaking Trekking Guide and 1 local porter including their daily wages, food, accommodation during the trek
Climbing support Sherpa Summit Bonus + wages
Special Climbing Sherpa (High altitude insurance as per government rule)
All Nepalese staffs insurance
Company service charge and government taxes etc.
Exclusion
International flight with airport tax.
Nepalese Entry Visa fee
Food during stay in Kathmandu
All personal equipment and personal expenses
All personal climbing gears
Photography Charges, Monument charges and Monument entry fees
Personal Medical and travel insurance(must cover helicopter rescue evacuation cost)
Personal Medicine
Telephone and internet charges
Laundry charges
Alcoholic beverage, bottled drinks and cold drinks during the trip
Rescue evacuation charges if required
Staff and porters Tips
This trekking equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.
Climbing equipment:
» Climbing harness;
» One 3 metre/10 foot sling and three 2 metre/6 foot slings.
» Figure 8/Abseil belay device;
» 1 large mitten sized ascender (most members use the large petzl) and arm length leash;
» 2 locking carabiners, (1 large and 1 small)
» 4 regular carabiners;
» Good quality Ice axe with leash;
» Crampons - must fit boots perfectly. Steel crampons with anti-balling (anti-bot) plates are the best;
» Optional; Adjustable trekking poles;
Upper Body:
» 2 cotton t-shirts;
» 1 polypropylene t-shirt;
» 1 long sleeve polypropylene shirts, lightweight;
» 1 polar fleece pullovers, medium weight;
» 1 polar fleece jacket.
» Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable;
» Lightweight down jacket for those chilly days in camp;
Hands:
» 1 pr. lightweight poly-liner gloves. These will be worn when tying knots, but not inside your mitts;
» 1 pair mittens, consists of 1 Gore-tex over mitt matched with the very warm polar fleece mitt liner (For more about high altitude mitts.
Head:
» Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears;
» Balaclava;
» Face mask;
» Ballcap or brimmed suncap;
» Glacier sunglasses with side shields (you can purchase these inexpensively in Kathmandu,
» 1 pair ski goggles (Optional) with light and dark lens;
» Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs;
» Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions.
Lower Body:
» Cotton underwear briefs;
» 1 pair walking shorts;
» 1 pair walking trousers for trekking and around camp;
» 1 pair lightweight thermal bottoms;
» 1 pair medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms;
» 1 pair polar fleece trousers;
» 1 pair Gore-Tex trousers, salopettes, or bibs. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips;
Your clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.
Feet:
» 1 pair Double Plastic boots (Koflach);
Modern single waterproof-leather climbing boots with special insulation for cold weather/winter climbing on 4000 metre/13,000 foot high peaks are OK, as long as they will fit comfortably with two thick pair of socks and a vapour barrier liner and the boot will fit the crampon perfectly.
» 1 pair sturdy leather walking boots with good ankle support (we mean leather trekking, not climbing boots) for the trek;
» 1 pair trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for Kathmandu and in camp;
» 1 pair down booties (optional);
» 2 pair med-heavy poly or wool socks;
» 2- pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool;
» Vapour barrier liner socks or plastic bread-bags;
» 2 pair lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool;
» Cotton socks for in town.
Sleeping:
» 1 good quality sleeping bag (good to -30 degrees C)
» At least 1 closed cell foam kari-mats. We do not recommend inflatable mats, as we have never seen one not puncture. You can buy these non inflatable mats very inexpensively in Kathmandu. Why carry foam mats around the world, when you can purchase them inexpensively in Kathmandu?
Your sleeping bags should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.
Rucksack and Travel Bags:
» 1 medium rucksack (50-70 litres / 3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for airplane carry);
» 1 or 2 large (120 L / 7500 cubic inch) duffle kit bags for clothing and equipment. Must be durable for use on pack animals or porters;
» Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.
Personal Hygiene:
» female or male hygiene supplies;
» 2 tubes lip sun cream, 1 large tube skin sun cream (min.factor 15);
» anti-mosquito cream;
» 1 toothpaste/brush;
» 1 bar soap or hand sanitizer gel/1 small towel;
» hand wipes.
Medical:
Medications are inexpensive and readily available in Kathmandu with no Doctor`s prescription:
» small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin, first-aid tape, plasters (band-aids), personal medications, etc. The leaders will have extensive first-aid kits, so leave anything extra behind. Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb;
» 1 skin blister repair kit;
» 1 small bottle anti-diarrhea pills;
» 1 small bottle anti-headache pills;
» 1 small bottle cough and/or cold medicine;
» 1 small bottle stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc.;
» 1 small bottle anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox, Acetylzolamide.
» Do not bring sleeping pills. They are a respiratory depressant;
» 1 small bottle of water purification tablets or water filter;
» 1 set earplugs;
» Extra prescription glasses, contact lens supplies. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu, Lhasa, or Kashgar for just $20. Please order upon arrival if you are interested.
Personal Food:
On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas/local porter will be carrying this food to the higher camps.
» We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-3 kilos/4-6 pounds is a good amount (for the trek and Island Peak combined). A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country. Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.
Practical:
» 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit;
» 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box matches;
» 1 compass or GPS;
» Recent good quality map of visiting area.
» 1 battery powered alarm clock/watch;
» 1 camera and film, or digital camera with extra cards and extra batteries;
» nylon stuff sacks For food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are useful also;
» 3 Water bottles (1 litre) wide-mouth Nalgene (1 is a pee bottle);
» 1 plastic cup and spoon;
» 1 small folding knife;
» binoculars (optional);
» 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks;
» passport, 2 extra passport photos, flight ticket, flight itinerary;
» separate photocopies of passport and relevant visa pages, proof of insurance;
» dollars, pounds or euros cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, Tibet visa, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts;
» credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for use for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.;
» 1 bathing suit/swimming costume (you never know);
» basecamp entertainment. It is good to bring additional items which you have found to be useful on previous expeditions. For example: paperback books, playing cards, ipod mp3 player, short-wave radio, game boys, musical instruments, ear plugs, lots of batteries, etc.;
» travel clothes for basecamp and in town;
This Peak Climbing equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.
Please submit any equipment questions or concerns to: info@advzambuling.com
