it is a tough trek but worth every step
The Journey
On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel by our staff. We will have our mid-afternoon trip briefing at the hotel: a chance to meet your trekking partners and staff. They will explain where things are in Kathmandu, what will happen in the next couple of days in preparation for the trip, and check through your gear to ensure the smooth running of the trek and climb. We’ll take the opportunity for a guided sightseeing and cultural tour around the major sights and out of the way places around Kathmandu and allow time for you to explore on your own.
On day three we fly into the mountains and begin our trek from the village of Lukla 2900m. Most of our trekking crew will already be there, having organised all the porters, kitchen gear, personal & group tents, group climbing gear and food for the trip. After all, it is your holiday! We slowly make our way south through the terraced fields that line the Duhd Kosi to Piuyan and on to Pangum. We wind around ridges covered with rhododendron forest, bamboo thickets and fields, and stop at a dairy where we may be lucky enough to find fresh yoghurt. Pangkongma La marks our entry into the remote Hinku valley and affords views of the middle hills to the south and the Himal to the North.
We keep to the well-made track on the western valley wall, and from Sibuche, catch our first view of the triple summit of Mera Peak. Our gradual acclimatisation program means we will stop at the hamlet of Niumso and use a gorgeous bamboo-surrounded forest camp at Chetra Tenga before heading up to the village of Khote – set among the Hinku Khola’s boulders and huge high altitude conifers. We prefer to use this forest camp as, although a few very small teahouses do operate in the warmer months to service local woodsmen and trekkers, they are a far cry from their well-maintained counterparts in the Everest region.
This first section is over good trails through varied country. Some of the trail has only been open for a few years and must have taken a mammoth effort to build, with stairs and terraces that skirt waterfalls and bluffs. We will have plenty of time to relax and read a book in the afternoons and take photographs, and will plan for a rest day in Khote.
As we approach the tiny village of Tagnag, the valley walls steepen and rise to craggy tops and then snow covered peaks up to 6500m high. The famous Kusum Kanguru and fortress-like Kyashar constantly draw the eye and stunning glaciers and icefalls ornament the sides of the peaks. We are now clear of the trees but small alpine plants like dwarf rhododendrons and juniper provide us with some greenery.
We take a side trip from Tagnag, perhaps a day walk on the flanks of Kusum Kanguru, to help our bodies acclimatise. A trail over the old flood outflow from Lake Sabai Tsho and past an underground river leads us to a yak pasture and up to Khare. Rocky outcrops, moraine ridges and stunning side valleys allow us some further days of exploration and acclimatisation. After some basic training in rope work we head up on the glacier to Mera La.
We use two high camps on our way to the summit. Exactly where and when we establish these camps will depend on the conditions on the mountain. We build flexibility into the program to allow for bad weather or delays so as to maximise your chance of success. The Mera Peak glacier is more like an ice cap than the classic valley glaciers of the New Zealand or European Alps and as such is quite low-angled. It offers generally non-technical climbing which is one of its great attractions as an introduction to mountaineering.
With the summit behind us we head back down the valley, crossing a high pass called Chetra La, which with bodies well and truly acclimatised will now seem easy. Then down to Lukla and into our faithful twin otter aircraft for a 45 minute flight back to Kathmandu and civilisation. A farewell dinner is well deserved before we all head home on day 22.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2
Sightseeing and cultural tour around Kathmandu
Day 3-8
Fly to Lukla, trek in Hinku Valley
Day 9-20
Trekking and climbing
Day 21
Fly to Kathmandu
Day 22
Depart Kathmandu
Yes !!
Highlights
Trek from the forests and fields of Nepal’s middle hills to the alpine environment
Climb to the glaciated summit of Mera Peak 6476 metres above sea level
Our experienced guides are there to ensure your safety and enjoyment
View the Himalayan giants - Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu & Kanchenjunga
Develop high altitude expedition experience and skills
Meet, trek and climb with the friendly and famous local Sherpa people
The Attractions
A trek to Mera Peak takes you from the forests of Nepal’s middle hills to the alpine environment, culminating at 6476m on the glaciated summit of Mera Peak. The trek through the remote Hinku valley to Mera is a wonderful wilderness experience. We pass pristine forests with banks of strawberries and raspberries. We rest under huge magnolias, discover straight and massive blue spruce and marvel at the enormous variety of rhododendrons.
The views from high camp and the climbing day are truly spectacular. Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu (three of the worlds five highest peaks) surround you while Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga and a multitude of intervening glaciers and smaller peaks complete the scene.
the two Neils top out
Is it right for me?
Chessell Adventures' Mera Peak trek and climb is accessible to experienced trekkers. The climbing phase of the expedition is on predominantly low-angled glaciated terrain. Crampons are used for maximum grip, and harnesses and ropes are used for maximum safety. Our porters assist all the way to Mera La camp, and we have Sherpa support to high camp (we often camp above the snowline) and on to the summit.
As our high point is more than 6,000 m metres above sea level climbers must take their time to acclimatise. We have developed an itinerary (longer than many other operators) that should enable all members of the team to safely reach the summit and complete the trip in good spirits!
Experience required
Although we climb to more than 6000m metres, you do not need to have previous climbing experience. The trekking and climbing on this trip are strenuous but not technically challenging.
The climbing is straightforward and your leader will provide the small amount of instruction needed to use the equipment and keep you safe and secure. Throughout the trip your crew will be on hand if you need help, and particularly so on the days we trek up the glacier. A spirit of adventure and good level of fitness and stamina are the main pre-requisites for this trek.
Fitness required
You will need to be able to walk for around 6 hours a day on uneven ground, up and down, with your daypack. We have porters to carry our heavy camping equipment, food and climbing gear. There will be time to stop for a long lunch in the sun, to read a book and take some photographs.
The route follows the valley wall for the early stages so the terrain is uneven and quite steep in spots, and although not technically challenging, the walking is certainly very strenuous.
Rest days normally involve a part-day hike to a place of interest or viewpoint, and/or some climbing instruction or practice, as well as some relaxation time.
views are included...
Dates, Prices & Includes
What's included
Experienced expedition leader
Individual tents, and full camping service on trek
Group climbing gear
Personal climbing gear package (everything required except plastic boots and crampons - which are available for rent)
All airport transfers in Nepal
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu
Down jackets and sleeping bag rental
Shared high camp mountain tents, sleeping mats at high camps
All meals & cooking equipment on trek and climb
Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla (with up to 25kg baggage in total)
Trekking permits, peak fees and National Park entry fees
Sherpas, cooks, porters, and local staff insurance
In Kathmandu we stay at the Shanker Hotel (4 star). This charming historic palace has a peaceful garden with a pool and is just on the edge of the main tourist area, Thamel.
Not included:
International & home country domestic airfares, transfers en route & excess baggage
Nepal Visa (USD $30 available on entry)
International departure taxes (1,695NRs = USD $25)
Excess baggage (allowance: 25kg on Kathmandu-Lukla flight + USD $1/kg excess)
Tips for crew Allow (USD 200)
Personal travel insurance (REQUIRED)
Personal expenses such as gifts, phone calls, laundry and drinks (including alcohol)
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (it would be a pity to constrain your choices!)
Meals and accommodation other than those specified
Personal clothing for the trek.
Medical evacuation costs, extra accommodation or any other fees associated with early departure, change of itinerary, or breaking from the group due to illness or otherwise. The cost may need to be paid by you at the time and may be able to be claimed back from your travel insurance company
Travel Insurance
We recommend cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
We require participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation.
Please ensure that your chosen policy provides cover for the activities (trekking and climbing with guides and ropes) and the localities in which you will travel (Nepal, to elevations up to 6,476m metres above sea level).
We can organise insurance for you. Your trip dossier has further details and a full brochure is available on request.
Why Chessell Adventures?
Chessell Adventures provides a high level of service on Mera Peak with a generous time frame (22 days ex Kathmandu) that allows everyone to enjoy the trip and an opportunity to reach the summit. By using a steady acclimatisation program (and avoiding the ill-advised high route into the Hinku) and allowing time for bad weather along the way, we give participants the maximum chance for success. We provide sufficient support and instruction to make this 6,000m peak accessible, even to those who have not climbed before.
Chessell Adventures' expeditions are always led by talented and experienced leaders. Due to the remote nature of the trek and the significant altitude of the peak itself, Chessell Adventures uses only experienced leaders on Mera Peak adventures. They work with our local Sherpas and crew who know the region very well, have friends along the trail and have climbed the peak before.
Your accomplished and friendly trek guide will help you to enjoy and appreciate the cultural, and natural attractions of the region. We use a steady acclimatisation program and allow time for bad weather along the way, giving participants the maximum chance of success.
Your safety is our priority, our leaders are experienced in wilderness first aid and carry a comprehensive first aid kit. Our own experienced climber and physician Doctor David Tingay advises us, and our clients, on medical issues, and is available by satellite phone in the event of a medical problem or injury arising on expedition.
About Chessell Adventures
Chessell Adventures staff are expert climbers, these 4 sherpas have 14 Everest summit between them, Mera peak is not a problem for them !
Chessell Adventures is a world-class specialist adventure company catering to individuals and groups. We are acknowledged in the industry as a provider of high quality, good value expeditions with an edge.
We operate personalised adventurous expeditions to international wilderness destinations including the "Seven Summits". Our particular strengths are in the Himalayas of Nepal and Tibet, and on the tracks of Papua New Guinea and we arrange custom expeditions worldwide..
Chessell Adventures' team of specialist leaders is backed by superior logistics and support, and partnerships with like-minded organisations. We pride ourselves on high levels of safety and support for our participants that give genuinely small groups of participants pathways to success, fun and camaraderie in a dynamic outdoor environment. We are delighted to say that many of our clients to date are advocates for Chessell Adventures.
In charge of Chessell Adventures' Expeditions is Duncan Chessell. He is a qualified climbing instructor and veteran of more than 100 expeditions and adventures worldwide. Duncan has extensive experience of leadership, expedition logistics and health, and over the years has developed teams of talented staff that are the basis of Chessell Adventures' consistently high quality expeditions.
Mountain Designs Equipment - VIP privileges
Members of Chessell Adventures Expeditions receive a Mountain Designs VIP discount card valid from the time your deposit is received to the start of the expedition. This entitles you to a 20% discount on Mountain Designs' exclusive lines and 15% on all other gear in store. Mountain Designs reserves the right to change the discount levels without notice.
Mountain Designs manufactures high quality outdoor gear suitable for your expedition. You can visit one of
Mountain Designs
’ 38 outlets in Australia and New Zealand.
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Mera Peak Trek & Climb
Duration: 22 Days
Cost: $3,950 USD
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10Mera
29 October, 2010
19 November, 2010
22
$3,950 USD
$800 USD
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