Baruntse (7129m) and Mera Peak (6476m) with Andrew Lock

At the airport you will be met by a WE representative and transferred to the Radisson Hotel where you will meet your group leader. Your kitbag containing sleeping bag, down jacket will be issued and individual equipment/gear checks will be held during the afternoon. A pre-trek briefing will be held at approx 6.00pm and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

Meals:  Nil

This morning final gear checks will be held and if required, we will travel to Thamel where any necessary items will be hired or purchased. The hotel is centrally located and a short walk from shops, cafes and other features of interest. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B

An early morning flight to Phaplu in the heart of the lower Solu Khumbu region. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. In the event of weather which is unsuitable for flying, we will drive to Phaplu to ensure our expedition timeline remains on track, with the cost of the flights applied to a vehicle instead. We will spend the night in the vicinity of Phaplu. Overnight wilderness camping or ecolodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we'll join our vehicles for drive to Bung. The trip will take between 5 and 6 hours, depending on the conditions, which differ depending on recent rains and ongoing road upgrades. The excitement builds as we near the start of our trek. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will meet our porters and after a hearty breakfast and dispersal of loads, we will join the trail. We will be travelling through a mix of terraced slopes containing grain crops interspersed by undisturbed forests of the upper temperate zone; maples, rhododendrons and fir. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

We now follow the spine of the Surkie Danda ridge northwards towards Mera and the Hinku and camp part way along at a yak herders clearing or 'kharka'. These next few days are far from teahouse and trekkers trails and should be some of the finest Himalayan wilderness trekking of the trip. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Continuing along the ridge, we climb higher and higher over knolls (lumps in the ridge) of 4000 metres and then 4500 metres. The terrain has now elevated well above the tree line and is grassy slopes and rocky outcrops and cliffs, where birds of prey may be seen flying overhead such as Griffon vulture, lammergeier or eagles. We then descend to a camp set near a series of five lakes, Panch Pokhari, set beside the river of the Chunbu Drangka. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Our route now contours around many ridges on the eastern side of the Hinku, descending lower into forests of rhododendron and scree. Our campsite is on a pleasant grassy patch, on the higher bank of the rocky riverbed. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

We are now in the Hinku Valley proper, and cross over by way of a yak herders bridge and join the main trail. The first settlement we pass is the busy village of Kote, primarily servicing the trekking groups that come through for Mera. As a result of the tremendous washout of boulders and debris following the bursting of a natural dam in 1998, the trail follows the riverbed mostly, a good trail among rounded stones and silt. We gain our first views of dramatic peaks of the valley; Kusum Kanguru to our left and an unnamed peak over 6700m that stands directly before us. The path then weaves up on to the pastures on the left hand side and pleasant easy trails through to Tagnag. Today we also enjoy our first views of Mera peak, initially at the confluence of the Sanu Drangka above Kote, if the weather is clear we see the dramatic south face on our final approach into Tagnag. We are now among mountains and starting to prepare for our first climb. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Tagnag is a location to have an acclimatisation day and we will prepare and check our climbing gear also. There are many good ridges and slopes to trek up for a few hours and spend valuable time acclimatising ourselves at these greater heights. We aim to gain at least 500 metres following a ridge behind the village as a side excursion on this day. There are views of peaks towards Kusum Kanguru and across towards Mera. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

A steady approx 4hr climb out of the valley and up through lateral moraine and grassy culverts to our last camp below the snowline. Enroute we will be able to glimpse the remains of the Lake (Sabai Tsho) that has caused so much damage. It is directly fed by some massive, almost vertical glaciers and it is suspected that there was an enormous avalanche of ice into the lake, and subsequently, a wave that broke through the loose rocks forming the wall on it's far side. A day is set aside for further preparations for the climb, rehearsal of using harness, crampons and axe, and travelling roped up etc. All members will not travel up on to the mountain and glacier without being briefed and skilled beforehand. Whilst the route itself is fairly straightforward, there are objective hazards and good basic technique and awareness of changing conditions is vital for every individual. Your guide will supervise the entire proceedings on the mountain, from the route taken and timings, and equipment required (we only take what we need for the climb, and the rest of your gear remains at base) through to people's fitness (mental and physical) to proceed. This means that the guides decision is final; he or she is responsible for everyone's safety and well being throughout the expedition, and no compromise will be made on these aspects. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

All going to plan and the weather on our side, we will move up to a rock and glaciated camp just off the Mera La saddle at approx 5400m. This intermediary camp, which is often not included on Mera expeditions, provides excellent acclimatisation and being above the snowline, a chance for us to become comfortable in an alpine environment. Double mountaineering boots are usually worn from base through to the summit bid and return. Whilst they feel clumsy they are perfect for the job, providing warmth, protection and stability for the variable terrain including loose rocks, snow and ice. Another camp is set half way up the long north slope of the mountain, at about 5700m near a rock knob with dramatic views across the mountains. Although it is a shorter distance here, it can be difficult in poor conditions, you are at altitude and is harder and further than it first appears. The summit bid will commence early in the morning (anywhere from 2 to 5am) from this high camp and take around 4 to 6 hours to make the summit. Whilst the distance doesn't look far, we can assure you it will be hard work, and all the preparations and a positive, tempered attitude will pay off here. It is usually necessary to rope up for much of the summit approach due to crevasse hazards along the route. The route can vary depending on the conditions of the season but usually skirts around a major shoulder in front of us to the back side of the mountain and then traverse in a fairly straightforward approach to the summit knob. As the light comes, we enjoy incredible views across to Baruntse (7129m), Chamlang (7319m) and Nau Lekh (6360m) with Makalu (8481m) looming behind. Further to our left is Everest, Cho Oyu and in the distance on a clear day, Kangchenjunga. Please note that due to the unstable nature of the northern summit knob, we will generally ascend the central summit (6461m) of Mera, travelling up a fixed rope for safety. The exact schedule will depend on many factors, including the weather, condition of the route and condition of the members. Our contingency of equipment and experienced staff and a time buffer, gives us a fair amount of flexibility to achieve success for all who have worked hard from the beginning of the expedition. The day will be long, and this is where all the training beforehand, the trek approach, and the right attitude will combine to give you stamina and confidence to be part of a sound team, with optimum chances for the summit. We'll continue from the summit down to our campsite at Kongma Dingma. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Feeling tired and exhilarated by our adventure, we descend further into the Honku Valley and camp at Seto Pokhari where we will spend a night. The following morning we will proceed to our base camp and main objective of the trip, Baruntse. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Already well acclimatised, we spend the coming days establishing camps and load carrying (with the support of our climbing sherpas and crew). Our itinerary during this time is flexible. We ask that all participants follow the advice of the expedition leader and crew at all times and participate actively in the setting up of camps and preparing of meals when required. Having established C1 on the West Col at 6100m and C2 further up the Baruntse slopes at 6400m we will wait for favourable weather conditions before attempting the summit. The route above C2 requires some fixing and our sherpas will help set up the route. The itinerary is flexible allowing for inclement weather and a prolonged stay in our high camp. On return to basecamp, we may choose to repack our loads and send some porters and staff back to Lukla via Mera La and the Zatwra La while the rest of us prepare for the challenging crossing of the Amphu Laptsa. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

An alpine start for our pass crossing. Once again, ferrying across all our loads together with all party members, crew, porters and members takes time. The approach to the pass from the Hunku is deceptive. Facing east and southward there is much more sun and little snow, just a collection of rocks that gradually lead up to the gap we travel through. On the north facing side we find steep slopes of snow that we must take care to descend by fixed ropes to the snow basins below and subsequent moraine and alpine valley beyond. The views from this 5780m pass crossing to the peaks of Khumbu are unmatched. Any spare moment one may have whilst we are climbing and descending will allow a deep appreciation of the spectacle of the peaks of the region. Overnight wilderness camping

Meals:  B,L,D

An easy day trekking down the valley towards the village of Pangboche. Back on the main trails now and with it a noticeable contrast to the relatively untouched wilderness of Hongku valley. Overnight eco-comfort camp

Meals:  B,L,D

Our exit trek continues, descending through the famous Khumbu Valley to Namche Bazaar. Namche is known as the Sherpa capital and it is a great place to wander around, visit the Tibetan stalls or enjoy the bakeries. Overnight eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

It is a long, long way to the relatively steamy environment of Lukla, so take your time, but maintain your pace or it will be a very long day. Most people don’t need too much encouragement on our last day’s trek, with the thought of cold drinks and a chance to put your feet up. Our porters and crew will leave us on arrival in Lukla, keen to return home and celebrate their successful trip. Overnight eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day with a scenic flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Domestic flights to/from Lukla during Autumn trekking seasons (October-December) may operate from Manthali Airport, Ramechap. This is determined by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and dates are subject to change. Your leader will brief you on flight arrangements locally. If we fly to Ramechap, we'll be met on arrival for the drive to Kathmandu, which takes around 5 hours. Upon arrival at the Radisson Hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B

The day is free for you to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in Kathmandu after breakfast with a transfer to the airport

Meals:  B