Mera peak climbing

Team Composition

Trekking

While trekking, we will provide you a fully trained, English speaking, experienced trekking guide. Every 4 members are entitled to 1 assistant guide, also 1 porter for every two members to carry the luggage.

Climbing
We will provide you a licensed, English speaking, veteran climbing guide. There is also the provision of assistant guides, for a group size of 2-4 people; there will be 1 main guide and 1 assistant guide. In a group size of 5-8 people, there will be 1 main guide and 2 assistant guides. Finally with a group of 9-12 people, we shall be offering you 1 main guide and 3 assistant guides. Other staff members will include one experienced cook and necessary Sherpa staff, mostly assistants who will assist in setting up camps during the climb.
This arrangement of staff will ensure the safety of each and every member in the group; also if any member falls ill, the trip will still go ahead as planned. Please also note that the maximum number of people in a group will be 12, as this is the optimum size for a successful trip.

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements
The most significant thing that makes your Mera Peak Climbing trip successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek and climb leader and the crew members who have ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trekking/climbing leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. With an objective of sustaining local communities pinnacle Trekking employs Nepalese staff members who have proficient knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. Trek/climb leaders of HGT are also trained with following trainings to educate them on potential medical issues during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid – KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
• Trekking Guide Training – Nepal Government’s Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
• Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet – TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
• English Language – KEEP
• Conservation and Biodiversity – KEEP
• Rock climbing, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering – Nepal Mountaineering Association

Porter Care
Though often overlooked, it’s no exaggeration to say the entire trekking and expedition industry in Nepal is built on the back of hard working local porters. It is their tireless efforts carrying supplies, equipment and baggage that make journeying to these remote areas possible. So it’s very unfortunate that they have endured a history of exploitation and abuse at the hands of the industry. In an effort to combat this, we are firmly committed to porter rights. We ensure all our porters are well treated, well paid and we provide the level of shelter, clothing and footwear that these harsh environments demand. Porters who become sick are treated with the same care and attention as other team members and we have previously used helicopters – at our expense – to rescue porters from dangerous situations. making our resources available to them to help improve the working conditions of the porters.

Responsible Tourism Practice
Himalayan Region of Nepal is stunningly beautiful, but equally fragile. Future generations have just as much of right to appreciate it as we do. So, the tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve it. We employ a ‘zero impact’ policy on the natural environment.

Travel Insurance
It is a condition upon joining any of pinnacle treks trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization
It is important to acclimatize to the high altitude in order to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can be fatal if one is not careful. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder are symptoms of AMS. For a safe trekking and climbing experience, it is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatization. The itinerary for Mera Peak Climbing moves forward in a steady pace so as to allow plenty of time for acclimatization. This along with a separate day set aside at Khare helps guests acclimatize to the high altitude.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
The difficulty for Mera Peak climbing is rated 2B. This means that the technical requirement is very basic and includes use of ropes, ice axe and crampons. You are also required to have good cardio-vascular fitness. Mera Peak is not categorized as a technical peak but a bit of technical knowledge would be beneficial for a small section of the climb which is about 50m. This will probably be the toughest part of the climb as the slope is around 40 degrees of ice/snow. Previous experience with using ice axe and crampons is preferred, although not mandatory because a basic ice-climbing training will be provided before the summit. Lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh conditions, reasonable fitness and good health will help in making this trip successful. It is important that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known pinnacle treks at the time of booking.

Best Time to Travel
The best time of the year to summit Mera Peak is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The best months has been defined on the basis of visibility and weather condition.

Equipment & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for trekking and peak climbing. Also, please understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by pinnacle treks inclusive in the service. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter, but you are required to carry a daypack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

• Valid passport
• 2 extra passport size photos
• Airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport
• Visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport)
• Proof of insurance
• Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
• Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards)

Personal climbing-gears

• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Harness
• Tape slings (2)
• Screwgate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
• Descender/eight figure
• Plastic mountaineering boot
• Ascender/Jhumar
• Helmet

Group climbing-gears

• Snow bar*
• Rope*
• Ice hammer*
• Ice screw*

Head

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens; consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner

Lower Body

• Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• 1 pair of hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks
• Gaiters

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag 30 degree DC
• Fleece sleeping bag liner

Backpack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium rucksack or 1 large duffel bag *
• Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS (optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• Large ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map/guide book
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swim suit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Day 01 – Kathmandu (1350m)
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Meet your Climbing Sherpa guide, check equipment and conduct any last preparations for the trek.

Day 02 – Kathmandu: Sightseeing Tour
We’ll meet up today bright and early after breakfast for a full morning of sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. The capital and surrounding geographical area contain more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere else on Earth, and we’ll be visiting some of the highlights. Bring your camera as we tour Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath (the ìmonkey templeî), and Durbar Square. Afternoon and early evening bring a final briefing and preparations for trekking.

Day 03 – Lukla (2800m): Rest Day
We take morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m) and spend the rest of the day in Lukla for acclimatization. Lodge accommodation.

Day 04 – Chutanga (3450m)
Duration: 4 hour trek
A leisurely trek from Lukla to Chutanga through pine and rhododendron forests.

Day 05 – Cross Zatrwa La (4600m) to Khartitang at (3900m)
Duration: 6 to 8 hours trek
This is a challenging day as you hike up nearly 1200m (4000 feet) to cross over the Zatrwa La Pass and then descend to Khartitang at 3900m.

Day 06 – Kothe (4095m)
Duration: 5 hours trek
Trek from Tuli Kharka up the beautiful Hinku Valley to Kothe or Gotay (4095m) this takes about five hours.

Day 07: Tangnang (4350m)
Duration: 4 hours
We continue up the Hinku Valley as the forest gives way and the vegetation becomes more sparse. We will enjoy fantastic view of south face of Mera Peak throughout the day.

Day 08 – Tangnang (4350m): Rest Day
Rest and acclimatization day at Thangnak. We will take a day hike for acclimatization to Sabal Tsho Lake and hike to the cairn (5271m) on the flank of Kusum Kangguru (6367m).

Day 09 – Khare (5,045m)
Duration: 3 hours trek
Trek from Tangnang to Khare where you will have excellent views of Kyashar, Mera and Kusum Kangru.

Day 10 – Mera Base Camp (5300m)
Duration: 5 hours trek
Trek and climb from Khare to Mera Base Camp. Your guide will give you some training on the basic use of crampons, rope and ice axe.

Day 11 – High Camp (5780m)
Duration: 5 hours trek
Trek and climb from Mera Base Camp to High camp. High camp lies on rock ledge perched just above the glacier with fantastic views of the surrounding summits.

Day 12 – Mera Summit (6476m) and Descend to Khare (5045m)
Duration: 12 to 15 hours trek
Today is the big day. We start around 1am so as to reach the summit by sunrise and descend all the way to Khare by afternoon. The quick decent means a long day of trekking but fewer problems with acclimatization.

Day 13 – Kothe (3600m)
Duration: 5 hours trek
We retrace our route down the Hinku Valley to Kothe

Day 14 – Thuli Kharka
Duration: 6 hours trek
Continue hiking down the Hinku Valley to Thuli Kharka

Day 15 – Lukla
Duration: 8 hours trek
This is the last big day as we climb over Zatrwa La (4600m) once again on the way back to Lukla. This is last evening in the mountains.

Day 16 – Kathmandu (1350m)
Early in the morning fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, which takes about 35 minutes, transfer to hotel. Relax in Kathmandu.

Day 17 – Kathmandu (1350m)
This is an extra day built into the itinerary in case of flight delays in Lukla. Enjoy a day tour of Kathamdu which includes; Durbar square, Buddhist gompas, Swoyambhunath and Bouddhanath. Enjoy a final farewell and celebration dinner with the Pinnacle team.

Inclusive of costs

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• Kathmandu valley sightseeing
• 3 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
• All necessary paper work; trekking permits and Mera Peak climbing permit
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipments
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Exclusive of costs

• Nepalese visa fee
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters

Accommodations

We will be staying in hotel in Thamel, standard teahouses during trekking and tents when climbing which are all included in the cost. Most teahouse accommodations will only have shared toilet facilities. For tent accommodations, a 4-season sleeping bag and foam mattress will be provided. In climbing section, toilet facilities will be provided with necessary natural preservation. All accommodations in Kathmandu and in teahouses are on a twin-shared basis whereas a single tent will be provided to each individual for the climbing section. We can also request for a single room in Kathmandu by paying a single supplement of USD 50. However, there are several teahouses on the trekking route that do not allow single room accommodation. On paying a single supplement, you will get a single room in Kathmandu but sometimes it is feasible only in the trekking areas of the lower elevations.

Meals

During our Mera Peak climbing trip, we can enjoy Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian and the more common continental cuisines. All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available during the trekking and climbing sections. Welcome and farewell dinners are also something to look forward to.

Why you should book the tours with Pinnacle Trek?

• Best price with better hospitality
• You have a big group? We can help!
• Local experienced guide and porters
• Top-notch customer service
• Depature date is guaranteed
• We can help you to make it fits for your budget
• We can customize the trip for your need
• 15 years of experiences of trekking field

Cancellation Policies

We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $170 cancelation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Kathmandu and Lukla your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.