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NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

23 Days$5240USD

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 19 day trek/mountaineering
Accommodation
  • 18 nights camping
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 1 night eco-lodge
Meals
  • 19 Dinners
  • 19 Lunches
  • 22 Breakfasts
8
Entry level Mountaineering or Exploratory Treks
Technical Grading: Basic
 
 

Trip highlights


  • Climb Mera Peak (6476m), the highest trekking peak in Nepal
  • Take in stunning views of the world's highest mountains from the summit
  • Experience ample acclimatisation and a generous summit window
  • Embark on an excellent approach trek though the traditional Sherpa villages of the Solu Khumbu and the forest trails of the Hinku Valley
  • Enjoy a supportive environment with a 1:3 climbing sherpa to climber ratio
  • Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu

Why Book With Us

  • Save money by using our trek pack which includes quality sleeping bag, down jacket, insulated mat and climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet
  • Led by a World Expeditions mountaineering leader expertly trained in wilderness first aid and equipped with group medical kit, portable altitude chamber and satellite phone
  • Stay energised with 3 hearty meals freshly prepared by our team of dedicated cooks. All drinking water included
  • 25kg luggage allowance on Lukla flights
  • Relax pre and post trek at the 4 star Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu

Mera Peak (6476m/21,246ft) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal and a suitable challenge for a first time climb in the Himalaya. Our carefully devised itinerary allows optimum time for building fitness and acclimatisation - key factors that have contributed to our success record. On our trek that leads though the traditional Sherpa villages of the Solu Khumbu and the blue pine and rhododendron forest trails of the Hinku Valley you appreciate why we have selected this magnificent approach to the base camp. Fully acclimatised we ascend to a high camp just below Mera La and prepare for our attempt on the Central summit of Mera Peak. While climbing at this altitude is physically challenging, the ascent is not technically demanding and unequalled views of five of the six highest mountains on earth will more than satisfy your aspirations on this fine Himalayan climb.

Meals included
in the price
Valued at USD$950
Trip Code: MPE

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of gear (sleeping bag, down jacket and kitbag) and climbing packs (ice axe, crampons and harness). This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals:  Nil

This morning final gear checks will be held and afterwards we will depart for Thamel where any necessary items will be hired, ie plastic boots, or purchased. After the gear check has been completed, you will either have a free day to explore Kathmandu or depending on the season, depart for Ramechap, a small town that operates flights to Lukla, the gateway of trekking in the Khumbu region. Our campsite will be in close proximity to the runway for our early morning flight to Lukla. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or private eco-camp *NB: Domestic flights to/from Lukla during Spring and Autumn trekking seasons (March-May and 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.

Meals:  B

An early start to the airport to catch the 45 minute flight to the STOL airstrip at Lukla. It is a memorable flight, with marvellous views of the Eastern Himalaya. Our crew and porters assemble, loads are sorted and after a cup of tea, we are soon on our way down a trail below the air strip to the river at Surke Khola, which brings us adjacent to the racing glacial waters of the Dudh Kosi. Our route takes a southerly direction along old trade routes, a trail of farm settlements growing subsistence crops such as millet, corn and buckwheat and then as we trek higher, into stands of oaks, maple and rhododendron.

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow the main trail briefly before turning up a path that leads into the forest and traverses around many ridges to the valley of the Kari Khola. Although our camp elevations are similar for the last days, we are undulating over two major ridges, the Chutok La (2945m) and the Khari La (3080m). As we approach Pangum, set in the base of a small bowl like valley immediately below the Pangum La, we travel through forests of rhododendron, pines and oaks. This is a little known trail used only by the local families and apart from a couple of small settlements along the way we see little evidence of human activity. Pangum is a very old settlement little changed, with a new gompa and expansive views out over the valley.

Meals:  B,L,D

We climb the half hour or so to the Pangum La (3175m) and our gateway toward the Hinku Valley, and now start to head eastward and then in a northerly direction. Today is a solid descent to the Hinku River of at least 900 metres depending on which path we take, and then a climb up to our camp high on the other side near the Surke La. We are once again traveling through a mix of terraced slopes containing grain crops interspersed by undisturbed forests of the upper temperate zone; maples, rhododendrons and fir.

Meals:  B,L,D

Climbing up to the Surke La (3085m) 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.

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

This is a good time in the program to have a rest day and a lovely natural setting to explore further.

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.

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, 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, initially at the confluence of the Sanu Drangka above Kote, if the weather is clear we see the dramatic south face, and then on our final approach into Tagnag. We are now among mountains and starting to prepare for our climb.

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.

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.

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. 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. Although it is a shorter distance here, it can be difficult in poor conditions and 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. 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a contingency day allowed for inclement weather, and or poor conditions on the mountain. People not wanting or able to continue on to the summit bid on the mountain are able to stay comfortably at our base camp in a grassy hollow with easy short walks possible and mountain views all around. One or two of our staff at least will mind the camp along with the porters.

Meals:  B,L,D

Feeling tired and exhilarated by our adventure, we pack up and descend the two hours to the permanent settlement in the valley and a climb party prepared by our cooks.

Meals:  B,L,D

Retracing our steps we follow the pastures and juniper meadows for a couple of hours before dropping down to the river bed and walking through the boulder strewn path to Kote. Kote is a large collection of timber huts that have spilled out on to the river bed and very much a 'half way house' for porters and trekkers going to Mera.

Meals:  B,L,D

After an initial meander through the forest and beside the river, the path then winds up through thick forest of birch, rhododendron and pine, seemingly forever. It is not long before we break out of the forest, to small shrub like rhododendron and then above the tree line altogether as we traverse around numerous ridges to our last camp at Chetrabu, or Thuli Kharka. It will be a solid seven hour day winding our way up to camp but we are also trekking fit now and have established a steady trekking pace that makes it manageable. In clear weather much of Mera Himal can be seen and remote valleys leading up to its south side, a small reward for our ascent.

Meals:  B,L,D

A short steady climb up to the pass of Zatrwa La (approx 4600m), and then another 45mins or so onto another pass which is a little lower and our last before the long descent. The terrain and countryside is spectacular, with expansive views to the south and west; to Karyolug and Numbur and rows and rows of foothills. Initially it is a steep descent over rock slabs, snow and ice, and then steep pastures down to the rhododendron forests which show the first signs of permanent farming activities. It is a 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 so on and a chance to put your feet up.

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day with a scenic flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 22 breakfasts, 20 lunches and 20 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$950
  • World Expeditions mountaineering leader
  • The use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
  • World Expeditions duffle bag
  • Climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet
  • Airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and departing on day 23 or if you have booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson hotel through World Expeditions
  • Return flights to/from Lukla included
  • 25kgs luggage allowance on Lukla flights
  • Expedition medical kit
  • High altitude chamber and satellite phone
  • Park entrance fees and permits
  • Porters to carry personal and group equipment and porter's insurance

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes.
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$5240USD

Your trip price includes:

  • Meals valued at USD$950
  • Internal flight valued at USD$352
Options & Supplements*
  • Hotel Only Single SupplementUSD$140
  • Tent Only Single SupplementUSD$330
  • Single SupplementUSD$470
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Mera Peak Expedition trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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