MERA PEAK Tea House Trek

(16 days) ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE FOR MERA PEAK An easy and cost-friendly Mera Peak Climbing offer. EXPLORE HIMALAYA offers you a SPECIAL MERA PEAK CLIMBING package based on TEAHOUSE TREK backed by our Sherpas at Base Camp. Mera Peak is not only Nepal's highest classified 'trekking peak', it is also technically the most straightforward and has the biggest all round view from the summit (Mount Everest and four more of the world's 8000m peaks). From High Camp you get impressive and panoramic views of the Himalayan range. The ascent itself involves a moderately steep walk up the Mera Glacier and a final steep snow slope to a flat and spacious summit. Though the standard is equivalent to Alpine grade 'F', but you will be at a very high altitude. The trek to and from the peak is a 'classic' in its own right, allowing a lot of time for acclimatization and exploration of the maze of valleys and lesser peaks 'en route' The trek to Mera Peak takes you to wild country, devoid of human settlement. Till recently there were no teahouses in the higher region and trekkers were left with no option but to rely on a fully organized trek. However, of late enterprising locals from nearby villages have set up teahouses at all points upto Base Camp giving a much easier and cheaper option for trekkers. By introducing this budget friendly trek, Explore Himalaya seeks to help out these Tea House owners by bringing in business. The trek will run on Tea House basis upto Khare (base camp) where you will be met and welcomed by our team of Sherpas. This team of sherpas will be stationed at the Base Camp throughout the season with food, equipments and other gears. They will guide you to the summit of Mera Peak and bring you back to Khare with necessary support. At Khare, your trekking guide will be waiting for you and will guide you back to Lukla. TRIP Highlights: Climb Nepals highest trekking peak via an easy route Duration: 16 days Grade: Strenuous Highest elevation: 6476m Starts in: Kathmandu Ends in: Kathmandu Accommodation: Lodges Transportation: Flight OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 01 Flight To Lukla [2850m] and Trek To Chutanga [3050m] Day 02 At Chutanga Day 03 Trek To Tuli Kharka [4300m]

Day 04 Trek To Mosum Kharka [3700m] Day 05 Trek To Tangnag [4350m] Day 06 At Tangnag Day 07 Trek To Khare [5000m] Day 08 Khare Upper End [5500m] Day 09 Trek Up To Campsite By Lower Part Of Hinku Nup Glacier Day 10 Rest Day Day 11 The Ascent [6654m] Day 12 Contingency Day Day 13 Gotay Day 14 Tuli Kharka Day 15 Lukla Day 16 Flight to Kathmandu

Fixed Departures 2012 18th October 2nd November - 1 person confirmed 23rd October 7th November - 2 persons confirmed

PRICE USD 1670 per person minimum group size required PRICE INCLUDES All meals during trek Accommodation during trek (local lodge) Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu airfare Peak permit Tims (Trekkers information Management system) card Local climbing Sherpa, Mera Peak Base camp support by Expert Sherpa Certification in Kathmandu PRICE EXCLUDES International flight & departure tax Kathmandu Portion (accommodation, tours, transfers etc. in Kathmandu) can book for you Personal Climbing gears & clothing (available on hire) Tips, any expenses of personal nature Client's insurance Note: Please schedule your flight to arrive Kathmandu 2 days prior to the departure date. It will need

to prepare for the climbing. Also, kindly let us know if you need accommodation and airport transfer in Kathmandu.

DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 01 FLY TO LUKLA [2850M] AND TREK TO CHUTANGA [3050M] We take an early morning flight to Lukla. During the flight, we can bask in the mesmerizing views of giant snow-capped mountain peaks. 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 02 REST AT CHUTANGA We spend two memorable nights at Chutanga. This gives us sufficient time for acclimatization prior to getting across the Zatrwa La pass. We can indulge in leisurely trek to a small 4000m peak below the Zatrwa Teng Pass. Beautiful views unveil as we glimpse over the valley of the Dudh Kosi and the picturesque trail zigzags towards Zatrwa La. After exploring, we descend back to Chutanga for complete relaxation. DAY 03 TREK TO TULI KHARKA [4300M] The trail crosses the Kalo Himal ridge, which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. Further ahead, we traverse a comfortable path displaying a cairned notch on the ridge with several 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 and 6 to 7 hours of trekking finally brings us to Tuli Kharka. DAY 04 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 we reach Mosum Kharka, by the banks of Hinku Drangka river. DAY 05 TREK TO TANGNAG [4350M] As we head to the west bank of the Hinku Khola northwards, we spot meadows used as grazing areas for goats, sheep and yaks in the upper Hinku. After several ascents for 4-6 hours, we approach the summer settlement of Tangnag after crossing a single-plank bridge at Gondishung. We halt for lunch at this spot. Lying in its vicinity is a two centuries old Gompa resting beneath a massive boulder and a number of crude mani walls. The trail offers an outstanding view of Peak 43.

DAY 06 REST AT TANGNAG We utilize two days for complete acclimatization. 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 Kantega. The upper Hinku Valley turns to the east at Tangnag, crossing the moraine of the Dig Glaciers. DAY 07 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, which offers splendid vistas of huge north face of Mera, Hinku Shar Glacier and Mera La. DAY 08 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 09 TREK UP TO CAMPSITE BY LOWER PART OF HINKU NUP GLACIER We follow the trail leading to Mera La. We continue to traverse as far as the lowest part of the Hinku Nup Glacier. At this point, we can see the amazing white panorama snow covered Himalayan peaks stretching before us. DAY 10 THE ASCENT [6476M] Early in the morning at around 2 AM after breakfast, we advance towards the summit. By sunrise, we reach upto 6000m. After a grueling climb, we finally scale the summit. From the summit, we can get 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 Hongu side of the pass. DAY 11 CONTINGENCY DAY This day has been set aside as a contingency day. DAY 12 - 15 RETURN Trek TO LUKLA We retrace our steps back to Lukla. When we reach Lukla, we spend the last evening partying with our sherpa guides and porters. We get to sample chang (local wine), try some Sherpa dance steps and end our trip on a merry note. Day 16 Fly to Kathmandu From Lukla, we take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. GEARS FOR TREKKING PEAK Many people spend a lot on gear that isn't entirely necessary, so consider carefully what you need and remember that if conditions are horrible, it is unlikely that we will be climbing. Conditions may worsen during the day but if that is the case, we will be on our way down.

However, if you are a real climber and don't mind climbing in rougher conditions, then bring good gear and we won't waste an opportunity. What to expect When it is sunny with no wind a thermal top is enough, backed by a fleece or light down jacket for rest stops and a windproof breathable jacket for when the wind picks up (Gore-Tex, Windstopper or similar). GEAR LIST This assumes you have all the trekking gear like warm hat etc. Majority of items in this gear list can be rented (from us or other outlets) or bought in Kathmandu.

high quality sunglasses. Side pieces are not essential; we can always use tape for a day. Ski goggles are unnecessary. neck gaiter or balaclava balaclava, only if you don't have a neck gaiter new liner gloves (ie thin gloves) fleece gloves/windstopper gloves windproof gloves/mittens if you don't have windstopper ones. trekking pole ice axe, non-technical is generally better crampons light harness (Black Diamond Alpine Bod is perfect) jumar belay device: ATC or figure of 8 etc two locking carabineers, two ordinary ones two prussics, one short, one longer windproof pants - these don't have to be fancy and you can buy in Kathmandu cheaply snow gaiters Plastic boots/leather boots - see the discussion below leather boot waterproofing (snow seal etc)

Sleeping bag Down-filled bags (4-5 season) are the best to bring because high altitude nights will be cool, and there is nothing worse than to be cold at night. Sleeping bag liner Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home. Fleece ones is readily available in Kathmandu and will cost you next to nothing. Day Pack This should be comfortable and a good waistband that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends. You pack your daypack in the morning and give the rest of your baggage to the porters.

You should have everything you need trough the day with you, since it is likely that we dont see the porters again before we camp for the night. Down Jacket This is something you dont want to miss on those cool evenings. If you don't already have a down jacket they can easily be rented in Kathmandu for around $1 a day. Helmet It is always sensible to climb with a helmet, but it is one more thing to carry and only use for a few hours. For the trekking peaks it is rare for climbers to use a helmet, but that is your decision. On Island Peak rockfall is possible but rare. More information about this trip please visit this link http://www.explorehimalaya.com/merapeak-tea-house.php Contact us enquiry@explorehimalaya.com