Mera
Peak Climb
Remote Trek and Classic Non Technical Climb of Mera Peak (21,825 ft.)
4 Nights in Kathmandu
20 Days Trekking in Remote Hinku Valley,
with Climb of Mera Peak
NEPAL
At 21,825 ft., Mera Peak is the highest of all Nepal's
official trekking peaks. Located in the Hinku Valley, it is a mere 12
kilometers (as the crow flies) from Mount Everest. A climb to Mera's
summit is a challenging and thrilling opportunity even for adventurers
new to mountaineering, and the views on the way up are truly spectacular!
But the fun begins early on the journey -- long before
we reach Mera Peak, and this is the ideal time for adventure and discovery.
The key to a successful trip at high altitude is a slow
start and plenty of time to acclimatize. At roughly 9000 ft., Lukla
is a good place to begin. The acclimatization for this climb will start
with a two day hike and over the Zatrwa La (15,000 ft.) then back through
lush green hills, forests of rhododendrons and bamboo, then finally
into the Hinku Valley itself. This valley was virtually reshaped a few
years ago by the destruction of a large glacial lake that once lay at
the northern end. The lake burst through its southern banks after a
heavy spring thaw and poured into the valley. A deep river gorge now
runs down the center, and our journey will take us up through this amazing
display of waterpower.
Once reaching the glacier, our climb up Mera Peak will
take about eleven days. We'll set up a base camp, then spend time resting
and preparing for our summit bid. Next, we'll move up to an advanced
base camp, from which we'll see the actual summit of Mera Peak. This
is a beautiful spot to rest and prepare for the next move to a high
camp, which we'll set at approximately 19,100 ft. The air is crystal
clear, the snow sparkles in the sun, and the camp will buzz with anticipation
of the climb. Then it's off to high camp for the last night before summit
day. High camp is breathtaking: the views from the glacier are simply
stunning. Most people feel content to reach this point; and while many
want to continue to the summit, the view from high camp is plenty rewarding.
It is here at high camp that you'll start to understand what high altitude
mountaineering is all about.
We'll finish up by returning to Lukla and the short
flight back to Kathmandu for one more day of shopping for gifts.
Technically, Mera Peak is a fairly straightforward climb;
with altitude and the challenges of glacier travel being the biggest
hurdles. Each member must have basic experience using mountaineering
equipment and be in top-notch physical fitness.
Difficulty:
Moderate/Strenuous
6 - 8
hours spent hiking each day, with scheduled rest days. All trips that
involve mountaineering or extreme altitude are rated strenuous. To enjoy
this expedition you should be in excellent health and fitness, used
to rugged trails and varied terrain. Each participant must have some
basic training in the use of ice axe for self arrest and crampons. You
should also understand how to be attached to a fixed line or roped up
in a group for safer travel, if needed.
NOTE:
Due to
the very remote location of this trip and the special skills needed
to be able to travel on the glacier, each applicant will be interviewed
before his/her application is accepted.
