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MERA PEAK (6654m)(20 days) |
Mera peak (6654m) is officially the
highest of Nepal's permitted trekking peaks. It rises to the south
of Everest and dominates the watershed between the heavily wooded
valleys of the Hinku and Hongu Drangkas. The first ascent on Mera
was made in May 1953 and the route taken then, has now become the
standard route. There are many routes to Mera peak, none of them
easy. Some of the route traverses through difficult passes, and
the arduous climb becomes a true mountaineering experience. The
end however, is worth all the effort, as Mera is definitely the
finest viewpoints in Nepal.
The panoramic view here takes in Chamlang, Kanchanjunga, Makalu and Baruntse in
the east and the peak of Choyu, Amadablam and Kang Thega to the west. To the
north one can glimpse Everest over the crumpled sedimentary rock bands that
makes up the massive unclimbed south face of Lhotse and the Nuptse/Lhotse ridge.
If weather conditions permits, it is possible for an experienced team to reach
the summit from the base camp and return on the same day. It is also possible
for very skilled skiers to "ski" to the summit ridge, enjoy the breath-taking
views and return the same day.
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| Trip
Facts |
Trip length: 20 Days
Grade: Strenuous - Alpine grade: F
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Group size: Maximum 12
Accommodation: Hotel & camping
Transportation: Flights, private car
Maximum altitude: 6654m
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| Outline Itinerary |
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02 : Sightseeing in Katmandu
Day 03 : Flight to Lukla [2850m]
Day 04 : Trek to Chutanga [3050m]
Day 05 : At Chutanga
Day 06 : Trek to Tuli kharka [4300m]
Day 07 : Trek to Mosum kharka [3700m]
Day 08 : Trek to Tangnag [4350m]
Day 09 : at Tangnag
Day 10 : trek to Khare [5000m]
Day 11 : Khare upper end [5500m]
Day 12 : Trek up to campsite by lower part of Hinku Nup
glacier
Day 13 : Rest day
Day 14 : The ascent [6654m]
Day 15 : Contingency day
Day 16 : Gotay
Day 17 : Tuli Kharka
Day 18 : Lukla
Day 19 : Flight to Kathmandu
Day 20 : Depart Kathmandu |
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| 2008
Dates |
Monday 31 Mar – Saturday 19 Apr
Sunday 20 Apr – Friday 9 May
Monday 5 May – Saturday 24 May
Monday 15 Sep – Saturday 4 Oct
Monday 13 Oct – Saturday 1 Nov
Monday 27 Oct – Saturday 15 Nov
Monday 15 Dec – Saturday 3 Jan 2009 (CHRISTMAS)
> PRICE (per person on twin sharing)
2 paying persons: USD
2560
3-5 paying persons: USD 2330
6-9 paying persons: USD 2100
10-14 paying persons: USD 1895
Single Supplement: USD 55
PRICE INLUDES:
• Full board camping trek,
• Kathmandu/ Lukla/ Kathmandu airfare
• English speaking local expert guide, porters
• National Park Fees, Peak permit,
• 3 nights’ accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on double
room sharing with breakfast.
• All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees.
• Airport transfers and escort
• Equipment clothing for porter & staffs, Local climbing Sherpas,
• Insurance for all staff & porters, Rope, Icescrow, Snowbar and
Gammov bag (altitude chamber).
PRICE EXCLUDES:
• International flight & departure tax
• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
• Personal climbing gears & clothing, (available on hire).
• Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.
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| Detailed Itinerary |
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a
clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience as
exotic panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range
peaks sprawls before you. The Nepali support team will meet you
at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Day 02 : Sightseeing in Katmandu
Kathmandu, being a historical and cultural heart of Nepal, is a
popular destination for tourists, trekkers and adventure
seekers. The city presents a wonderful mixture of Hinduism,
Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and
Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities which bear
immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There
will be a half day guided tour to the famous & biggest Hindu
shrine PASUPATHINATH, the largest Buddhist stupa in town
BOUDHANATH, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and
SOYAMBHUNATH. In the evening, a trip orientation meeting will be
organized.
Day 03 : Flight to Lukla [2850m]
We take an early morning flight to Lukla. During the flight, we
can bask in the mesmerizing views of giant snow-capped mountain
peaks. We will be camping for the night outside one of the many
lodges.
Day 4 Trek to Chutanga [3050m]
Day 04 : Trek to Chutanga [3050m]
On arriving at Lukla, we meet the trekking crew. We then head
eastwards from Lukla. The trail crisscrosses through pristine
hamlets and thick forest along Kalo Himal Ridge. We must stay
aligned with our specific route. Otherwise, we may deviate from
the target destination. At the time of winter, snow makes us
transverse steep terrain. But during favorable climatic
condition, the trail is usually straightforward. After 3-4 hours
of trekking, we enter Chutanga.
Day 05 : At Chutanga
We spend two memorable nights at Chutanga. This gives us
sufficient time for acclimatization prior to confronting Zatrwa
La. We can indulge in leisurely trek to a small 4000m peak below
the Zatrwa Teng Pass. Excellent views unveil as we glimpse over
the valley of the Dudh Kosi and the picturesque trail zigzagging
towards Zatrwa La. After exploring, we descend back to our camp
at Chutanga and succumb to complete relaxation.
Day 06 : Trek to Tuli kharka [4300m]
The trail crosses the Kalo Himal Ridge which separates the
Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. Further ahead, we transverse a
comfortable path showcasing a cairned notch on the ridge with a
collection of prayer flags at an elevation of 4450m. En route we
may encounter yak herders. The views across the Dudh Kosi
towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive and
so is the view across the rolling foothills east of the Hinku
Valley. Half an hour below the pass is a huge boulder which
marks our campsite, Tuli Kharka. 6 to 7 hours of trekking
finally take us to Tuli Kharka.
NOTE: If conditions are particularly bad, we do have the
option of crossing a lower pass to the south of the Zatrwa La,
an alternative which involves 2 additional days of trekking.
Day 07 : Trek to Mosum kharka [3700m]
The trail descends the rock-strewn path leading to a fine
vantage point of the Hinku valley where mesmerizing views of the
south face of Mera Peak become visible. The trail zigzags
through forested areas and then descends steeply into the Hinku
valley. Enchanting panorama of Peak 43 and Kusum Kangguru
unfolds as we bask in the splendor of nature surrounding us from
the Hinku Valley. We experience the most exotic and delightful
feelings as we walk past forests of pine and rhododendron. Soon
after reaching Mosum Kharka, we set a campsite by the banks of
Hinku Drangka [river].
Day 08 : Trek to Tangnag [4350m]
As we head to the west bank of the Hinku Khola northwards,
forest blurs in and valley zooms out. We spot meadows being used
as grazing areas for goats, sheep and yaks in the Upper Hinku.
After several ascents for 4-6 hours, we approach summer
settlement of Tangnag as we cross a single-plank bridge at
Gondishung. We halt for lunch at this spot. Lying in its
vicinity is 200 year-old gompa resting beneath a massive boulder
and a number of crude mani walls. The trail offers an
outstanding view of Peak 43.
Day 09 : at Tangnag
We utilize two days getting completely acclimatized. After
proper rest, we can explore other adventure possibilities like
strolling by Sabal Tsho, beautiful moraine-dammed lake which is
hidden behind the Sabal Glacier and climbing a peak up to an
altitude of nearly 5000m. We can also explore Hinku Nup Glacier
which leads north toward Kangtaiga. The upper Hinku valley turns
to the east at Tangnag, crossing the moraine of the Dig
Glaciers.
Day 10 : trek to Khare [5000m]
As we walk away from Tangnag, the trail ascends to a wide grassy
basin, popularly called Dig Kharka. We continue walking for
hours. After a while, we arrive at Khare. There are many
campsites at Khare and the most popular one is at the upper end
of Khare lying beneath a group of boulders. We choose this site
for camping. This campsite offers splendid vistas of huge north
face of Mera, Hinku Shar Glacier and Mera La.
Day 11 : Khare upper end [5500m]
We use this day for acclimatization. After proper rest, we take
a walk up to a small peak on the west side of the Hinku Nup
Glacier, where we can reach a height of around 5500m. At this
point, we get to capture stunning views of Mera La and Mera
Peak.
Day 12 : Trek up to campsite by lower part of Hinku Nup
glacier
We follow the trail leading to Mera La. We continue transversing
as far as the lowest part of the Hinku Nup Glacier. At this
point, we get captivated by the exotic beauty of snow-slope and
the panorama of Himalayan peaks.
Day 13 : Rest day
This day has been specially set aside for giving us time to
acclimatize completely and to have good rest. After relaxation,
we get a further boost to lift up our adventure spirit.
Day 14 : The ascent [6654m]
Early in the morning at around 2am after breakfast, we advance
towards the summit. By sunrise we can reach up to 6000m. With
Incessant attempts, we finally scale the summit. From the
summit, we can embrace the most spectacular view of at least
five of the world's fourteen 8000m peaks. Most of this
spectacular panorama can be seen from the site of the high camp
and all of it is visible from 6000m. After the climb, we descend
to the campsite on the Hongu side of the pass.
Day 15-18 : Return back to Lukla
Day 19 : Flight to Kathmandu
From Lukla, we take an early morning flight to Kathmandu.
Day 20 : Depart Kathmandu
Our The Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for
your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game
drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking
etc). |
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