MERA AND ISLAND PEAK CLIMBING

Our representative will meet you at Tribhuwan International Airport. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu city. Our staff will assist you until the check-in procedure ends at the hotel. You can either rest at the hotel or visit our office for additional information about the trip.

Today, we will take an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to the airstrip in Lukla. Lukla is the gateway to Khumbu and the entire Everest region. From Lukla, we start our trek heading east into the thick forest on the hillside below the Kalo Himal Ridge. There are several trails that head away from the main trail on this section, so sticking to the group is the best option before arriving at Chhutang.

Leaving Chhutang we will follow the trail that gradually ascends and steepens as we head towards the crossing of Zatrawala Pass at 4600 meters. Our tiring climb to the top of the pass is rewarded with magnificent views of Numbur Himal, Kongdi Ri, Karyolang Peak and other surrounding peaks. Our trek goes along a level path for almost two hours before descending all the way to Tuli Kharka.

From Tuli Kharka, our trail is a mixture of both uphill and downhill trekking through dense forest filled with rhododendron, oak, pine and juniper trees. During our trek, we will have magnificent views of Mera Peak and surrounding snow-capped peaks. A steep descent to the Hinku River and a final uphill climb will lead us to Kothe. Kothe lies to the west side of the Hinku valley and offers serene wilderness with lush vegetation to trekkers.

Our trail from Kothe goes along the ridge of the Hinku river towards Gondishung. We will pass through Lungsumgba Gompa which was built approximately 200 years ago. Here we can find Mera Peak along with its route scripted in rock, a fantastic example of rock carving architecture. Our trek continues along a rather easy walking trail that leads to the summer grazing area of Thangnak where there are shops and tea houses.

Our trail from Thangnak goes over the lateral moraine towards Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers. From there, the trek involves a steep climb all the way to Khare. We will enjoy the magnificent view of the Northern Face of Mera Peak from Khare. Besides, Khare offers a number of good hikes for exploration and acclimatization.

Acclimatization is essential in higher altitudes to avoid mental and physical sickness. As we are above the 5000 meters altitude, we will spend a rest day at Khare for acclimatization and exploration. Our Sherpa team will make necessary checks on our climbing gears including ropes, ice axes, crampons, harness, and other equipment before heading further to higher camps.

Leaving the Mera High camp, we will follow the trail that climbs over through Mera La Pass and continue trekking along the rocky and often snow-covered trail towards Mera Peak High Camp. Once at the high camp, our Sherpa crew will quickly set up the camps and make necessary checks on our health conditions and climbing gears. From the high camp, we can enjoy amazing views of Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Baruntse, and Chamlang.

Today is going to be a long and tiring one as we head to the summit. We will have some amazing views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Chamlang, and Baruntse. The views from the summit go on forever! After some time at the summit we retrace our foot-steps back to high camp where we rest for a while before descending to Kongma Dingma for the night.

Today is a well-deserved rest day after yesterday’s mammoth effort to reach the summit.

This morning we head up a remote valley to the yak pastures further up. As we trek we have Chamlang on our left, and Baruntse in the distance. We continue up the valley in the direction of Mt. Everest and Lhotse. We will camp overnight at Seto Pokhari.

This is one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas, so it is rare that we see any trekkers on the trail unless it is in the peak tourist season. From Seto Pokhari we pass several lakes in the upper Hunku Basin. After passing Hunku Pokhari we come to Hunku Glacier. Tonight we will stay at Labtsa Base Camp.

Today we cross the Amphu Labtsa La Pass (5,845m) then cross the Amphu Labtsa Glacier. Lhotse Shar Glacier and Imja Glacier are very close. The trail then heads around Imja Tsho Lake and then follows the main Island Peak trail. As we continue we come close to Ama Dablam Glacier before arriving at Chhukung where we stay overnight.

Although Island peak does not require technical expertise, it does however require strength and stamina. It does however require some basic skills and how to avoid mishaps. It is essential that we reach the summit before lunch, as in the afternoon it can be extremely windy. The path climbs hundreds of meters from the bottom camp before facing a sharp incline initially on a sandy trail before turning to grass, and finally over boulders. The path eventually narrows before entering a steep rock vale (narrow channel of rock). We finally, after many steps across and through the vale emerge on the other side Your guide, for safety reasons, may fix a rope to each climber to assist in climbing the final snowy slope to the ridge at the summit. The rope may often extend to 350m depending on the season and danger of crevices. Some of these crevices may be 2 to 3 meters across requiring the use of ladders. Once at the summit it is time to take out your camera and capture the magnificent views and get your breath back!. We will then descent to Island Peak Base Camp, and with your guides, will celebrate our success. Meals - breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Although Island peak does not require technical expertise, it does however require strength and stamina. It does however require some basic skills and how to avoid mishaps. It is essential that we reach the summit before lunch, as in the afternoon it can be extremely windy. The path climbs hundreds of meters from the bottom camp before facing a sharp incline initially on a sandy trail before turning to grass, and finally over boulders. The path eventually narrows before entering a steep rock vale (narrow channel of rock). We finally, after many steps across and through the vale emerge on the other side Your guide, for safety reasons, may fix a rope to each climber to assist in climbing the final snowy slope to the ridge at the summit. The rope may often extend to 350m depending on the season and danger of crevices. Some of these crevices may be 2 to 3 meters across requiring the use of ladders. Once at the summit it is time to take out your camera and capture the magnificent views and get your breath back!. We will then descent to Chhukung, and with your guides, will celebrate our success.

Leaving Chhukung we return on the same path to Imja Khola heading up through the forest to Tengboche. If there is enough interest we can visit the nuns at their Tengboche residence. After lunch at Tengboche we descend along a path surrounded by alpine bush and juniper trees. After crossing the bridge over the Dudh Koshi watercourse, our path takes us to Dudh Koshi Gorge taking us through pine forests before finally reaching Sansa. On the way down we should keep our eyes peeled for glimpses of mountain goats, snow leopards, colorful pheasants, and other wildlife. After emerging from the forest we pass through Chorten before reaching the military camp at Namche Bazaar. Tonight we stay at Namche Bazaar.

The rocky path down is steep and it is advised to be cautious crossing this rocky landscape. We eventually cross the suspension bridges over the rapid flowing Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, where the path becomes flatter and easier to negotiate. After our arrival in Lukla we can stretch our aching legs and blissfully recall the exhilarating experiences of the last few weeks. Meals - breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Today we take a morning flight to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, we can reminisce and can shop for souvenirs. Our guides will steer you in the right direction and where to find some bargains! 

Your journey in Nepal involves an Associate in the trip finish today! there's nothing to try to however trade emails together with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking can take you to the airdrome, about three hours before your regular flight. On your means home, you'll need much time to set up your next journey within the marvelous country of Nepal.