MERA PEAK
Max Altitude: 6,476m
Walking Per Day: 5-7 Hours
Summit day is 12 Hours
Group Size: 7-14
Land Only Package
Accommodation: Hotels, Teahouses and Tents
2023 - 17th October - 4th November
Strenuous Difficulty
14 Trekking Days - 19 Days Total
£3,450
£300 deposit to secure your place
Final balance paid 8 weeks before departure
ABOUT THE MERA PEAK EXPEDITION
Company Director, Matt Le Voi heading for the summit in 2013
Ever wondered what it'd be like to stand atop a Himalayan peak? Well why not put yourself up to the challenge and not only climb to the height of 6,476m, but also have the kudos of bagging Nepal's highest trekking peak. To top off this experience, from the summit you will be able to see infamous peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Chamlang and Kangchenjunga - as well as many hundreds more!
The journey to the summit of Mera Peak is varied, with a few days spent in rhododendron forests, walking through glacial moraine and then of course above the snowline as we make our way closer to the summit. Although classed as 'non-technical', there is still a requirement to wear crampons and cross a crevassed glacier (roped up) as we head to high camp, and then the summit. As part of joining this adventure with us, you do get a weekend of winter walking tuition in the Lake District to help you prepare for the journey ahead.
This trip is best suited to those with good levels of hiking experience, and a good level of fitness. Ascending to High Altitude is no easy task, so being as fit as you can for such a trip is the way to be.
Join LMG Treks & Expeditions on this unforgettable Himalayan adventure, climb to high altitude and have an amazing time along the way.
MERA PEAK EXPEDITION ITINERARY
By Day 1 You will have arrived in Kathmandu (First listed date on the itinerary). Upon your arrival we are transported to high spec hotel accommodation in Thamel, the tourist district of Nepal.
On the morning of Day 2 we will have a trek briefing, shortly after which we will commence our drive of 8-9 hours to the village of Dhap via private transfer. We now use this method of entry to the mountains instead of flying to Lukla as it isn't weather dependent. On Day 3 we finish the journey to Kharikhola, where we can enjoy a trek free afternoon and rest in preparation for what it to come.
On Day 4 and Day 5 we will spend our time on undulating trails in the rhododendron forests, trekking at a height just below 3000m. By the end of day 5 we will be at Ningsma (2,863m). We will also see Mera Peak for the first time on this day, albeit in the distance.
Over Day 6 and 7 we will trek to Chhatra Khola (2800m) and then up and through the 3,000m barrier to Kothe (3,691m)
Day 8 is Kothe to Tagnak (4,220m) and you'll feel like you're right in the heart of the Himalaya now. Mera Peak towers above you as you trek through glacial moraine. Ahead is the Matterhorn-esque peak of Chaar Pate Himal, as well as views of Kussum Kangaru.
Day 9 sees another jump in height gain but not too many hours on the trail. We essentially head around the side of Mera Peak to the launch pad of Khare (5,045m)
On Day 10 we take a rest day. We will go on a short hike to gain some height in order to aid acclimatisation and then after lunch we will run a skills refresher session so you are once again familiar with using crampons and fixed ropes (this will initially be covered on our UK Winter Skills weekend if you can make that)
Day 11 is another big day as we head up to High Camp at 5780m. This camp is situated in an incredible location and we will spend the night in tents. Day 12 is the big day. We will rise early and head for the summit of Mera Peak. All being well we will spend some time on the summit getting photos before descending all the way back to Khare (5,045m). This is an 8-10 hour day. We have Day 13 in place as a summit contingency day if needed.
Day 14 is a long day of descent as we travel down to Kothe once more (3,691m). Although now tired we'll be soaking up the seemingly thick air.
On Day 15 we will break off of the trail we'd used in ascent and venture around to Thuli Kharka (4,300m), which is a remote village nestled near the crest of the Zatrwa La Pass. Day 16 will see us cross the amazing Zatwra La Pass and drop down to Lukla.
Day 17 is our planned day to fly out of Lukla and then head back to Kathmandu from Ramechap.
Day 18 offers a half day of sight seeing and then plenty of time to get some shopping done. We will head our for a celebratory meal together on this night.
Day 19 is departure day (last listed date on itinerary) but depending on your flight time you may have yet more time to shop and explore Kathmandu.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS
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Internal Transfers - Airport Transfers, and flight from Lukla Airport
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Accommodation throughout, including high spec hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
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All food except Lunch and Dinners in Kathmandu
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Trekking Permits
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Trekking Staff, including English speaking Nepali Guides
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Experienced LMG Trek Manager
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2 Day Lake District based Winter Training Weekend (Feb '23)
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Medical Kit and Portable Altitude Chamber
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Team t-shirt & Duffle Bag
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International Flights from your destination country
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Personal Trekking Insurance - To cover trekking to over 6,476m. This is mandatory to join us on a trip.
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Trips for the trekking team (Roughly £50)
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Lunches and Dinners outside of the trekking phase
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Nepal Entry Visa £50
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Souvenirs
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Additional food and beverages
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Communications / Charging cost (Wifi / Sim Card)
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Personal trekking kit (Boots,rucksacks etc)
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Technical Kit Hire - Crampons, Axe, Mountaineering Boots
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why climb Mera Peak?
Being Nepal's highest trekking peak obviously has some kudos, but the great thing about Mera Peak is that it is one of the easiest ways to reach such extreme altitude without it being technically demanding.
How fit do I really need to be and what skills do I require?
The fitter you are the more you will enjoy it, and the more chance you'll have of getting to the top. Being able to complete 3-4 days of big hill walks in the UK is a good gauge that you're ready.
Being able to walk proficiently with crampons and use a walking axe for safety will be a good skill to have before heading to the Himalaya. Again, as part of this package you will be able to join us for a two day winter skills weekend here in the Lake District (Instruction only)
In order to reach the summit you will spend a day in crampons and then ascend a short section of 'fixed line'. There is a short abseil off of the summit to reverse this fixed line. We will also spend the summit day roped together as the ground can be crevassed. We will also have a skills refresher session at Khare to remind you of to do this, plus there will be climbing guides around to help you.
Matt is also a qualified Personal Trainer so if you want some formal training just get in touch with us via LMG Personal Training
What about Altitude Sickness?
Having concerns about AMS is very natural and it unfortunately unpredictable. Even the experienced could struggle to get over 6,000m if they get ill. We have however designed our itinerary to help us best acclimatise. The fitter you are, the less exhausted you'll get, which in turn has an impact on bringing on symptoms of AMS. These points combined with walking slowly, drinking lots and eating well all give you the best possible chance. We have a Portable Altitude Chamber (Gammow Bag) available on all our expeditions above 4,500m should anyone get particularly poorly with AMS.
What Technical Kit do I require?
On this trip we will require technical winter kit in the form of 'Double' Winter Boots, crampons, a walking axe, climbing harness and helmet. As part of the trip cost you are invited to a winter skills course with us in the Lake District (UK) to learn how to use it. Due to weight restrictions imposed on the Lukla flight we will likely hire this kit in Nepal. You will also need a good 4/5 season sleeping bag rated to -15 or -20. Again this can be hired in Nepal.
What about the Food and Accommodation?
The food in Nepal is fab. Expect a lot of rice, noodles and vegetables. If you have specific allergies or dietary requirements it may be worth researching what's on offer before committing. Eating well throughout is key to success on such an expedition. Our accommodation whilst on the trek will be teahouses, apart from 1 night (possibly 2 nights if the contingency day is used) will be spent in a tent.
Should you need to leave the expedition early, any additional accommodation costs will need to be covered by you (or depending on the circumstance, your insurance)
Do I require Travel Insurance?
Most certainly. Travelling, let alone adventure travel, can throw up all sorts of incidents or circumstances that need to be covered by insurance otherwise you could face a very hefty bill. As a minimum your insurance must cover the dates of the trip, the altitude you are trekking to and helicopter evacuation. Our recommendation for travel insurance is Campbell Irvine
Do your trips have a minimum required number of participants to run?
Our scheduled trips do. Our Mera Peak trip requires 7 people to ensure it is guaranteed to run. We will let you know when it is guaranteed to run and from this point you can book flights.
Do you organise bespoke trips?
Of course, just get in touch with your group size and we'll offer you a quote.
Why should I trek with LMG?
Join our trek if you want a personal experience right from the start. We will help you get ready for this trip here in the UK, both physically and mentally. We'll do what we can to get you prepared (hints, tips, forums) and you'll then have our friendly faces to lead you through the experience once in Nepal. We work closely with an agent in Nepal to ensure we have the best possible service throughout.
You are not 'just another booking' to us. We value your booking, and we will ensure that you know that throughout your time with us.
As a company, although small, we will operate responsibly, giving back where we can. One of our best partnerships is that with Trees4Travel. We will plant 2 trees on the behalf of every booking we get, and we will plant enough trees to offset the travel of our trek manager too. Click here to see our Responsible Tourism Policy
More info can be found in our Resources section
