Mera Peak and Island Peak

Away from the worn-down paths, this alpine oriented trip is of a very good quality. With premium, undescribable views on the prestigious summits of Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Lothse, and Everest etc.... an excellent physical and mental condition is essential!

• Day 1/  Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2/  Flight to Lukla (9,350 feet) - Chutok
• Day 3/  Chutok - Pangkongma (9,678 feet)
• Day 4/  Pangkongma - Kurke (12,467 feet)
• Day 5/  Kurke - Tulikharka (13,780 feet)
• Day 6/  Tulikharka - Tashing Ongma (11,811 feet)
• Day 7/  Tashing Ongma - Tangnag (14,272 feet)
• Day 8/  Tangnag
• Day 9/  Tangnag -  Khare (16,076 feet)
• Day 10/  Khare - Mera La (17,765 feet) - Base Camp (17,552 feet)
• Day 11/  Base Camp - Altitude Camp (19,029 feet) 
• Day 12/  Mera Peak (21,197 feet) - descent at Kongme Dingma (15,748 feet)
• Day 13/  Kongme Dingma - Cham Lang Base Camp (15,584 feet)
• Day 14/  Chamlang Base Camp - Bottom of  Hunku Nup glacier (17,060 feet)
• Day 15,16/  Hunku Nup glacier - Amphu Laptsa (18,963 feet) - Chukung (15,682 feet)
• Day 17/  Chhukhung - Pareshaya Gyab (16,798 feet)
• Day 18/  Island Peak ascent (20,305 feet) - Pareshaya Gyab
• Day 19/  Pareshaya Gyab - Dingpoche (14,436 feet)
• Day 20/   Dingpoche - Pangpoche (13,058 feet) - Tengboche (12,664 feet)
• Day 21/  Tengboche - Namche Bazar (11,286 feet)
• Day 22/  Namche - Phakding - Lukla
• Day 23/  Flight to Kathmandu 
• Day 24/  Reserve day Kathmandu 
• Day 25/  Depart from Kathmandu.

In the middle of a splendid group of mountains, this alpine oriented trip is for very good hikers.
In a wild universe of snow and ice, it leads you on to the top of a beautiful 20,000 foot high mountain, with premium, unspeakable views on the prestigious Ama Dablam and Baruntse summits.
The return on the high valleys of Khumbu is carried out via Amphu Laptsa pass (18,963 feet) which we prefer over Mingo La (due to the fact that it is now more delicate to cross due to a glacier that has retreated). Classified in Nepal among the easiest trekking peaks is Island Peak, at the foot of the immense southern face of Lhotse. It is quite proud and does not let itself be conquered by the first arriving hiker!  From Dingboche, one can not help but be impressed by this summit which climbs up to attack the sky.
On a geographical level, its situation is in the middle of Khumbu's most beautiful mountains, the country of the valorous Sherpas. Also, its top is a true view-point.
An exceptional voyage!

Day 1/ Arrival Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 stars. Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/ Kathmandu - Lukla (9,350 feet) - Chutok
In the morning, flight for Lukla: splendid sightseeing on the Himalayas. Upon landing, organization of the loads with the carriers and Sherpas.
Beginning of the trekking right away. Crossing the village of Surke then ascending to Chutok La (9,662 feet). Camping at the village of Chutok (9,186 feet).
3 H walk

Day 3/ Chutok - Pangkongma (9,678 feet)
Crossing of Poyan Khola before climbing the Khari La (10,108 feet) then a traverse through a succession of paths  dominating Khari Khola. Many villages: Kharte, Nyrungso, before joining Pangkongma. Camping.
6 H walk.

Day 4/ Pangkongma - Kurke (12,467 feet)
Absolutely superb stage. Ascent of Pangkongma La (10,410 feet) then a ridge climb on Zattara Danda dominating all of the wooded and green area. Potential visit of Pangkong's small monastery at the start. Camping on the ridge, in the Kurke area.
4 H walk.

Day 5/ Kurke - Tulikharka (13,780 feet)
We continue this day on a steep pathway which follows the ridge. Traversing a pass at 14,436 feet and descending towards the mountain pastures of Tulikharka. Camping.
6 H walk.

Day 6/  Tulikharka - Tashing Ongma (11,811 feet)
The downhill pathway on the mountain's side through alpine meadows reserves, for us, beautiful views on the southern face of Meru Peak; further down, through the forests of Himalayan blue pines, the path joins Tashing Ongma. Light ascent; camping at the edge of the Hinku Drangka River.
4 H walk.

Day 7/ Tashing Ongma - Tangnag (14,272 feet)
While following the western bank of the Hinku Drangka towards the north, we cross the summer pastures of Gondishung, Dupishung, and Lungsamba.
The valley becomes narrower, wedged between Kanguru (20,896 feet) and Mera West (20,522 feet). Tangnag (in Tibetan, "the black plain") is a superb place to set up camp.
6 H walk.

Day 8/ Tangnag
Day of altitude acclimatization around Tangnag.
To perfect our physical form...

Day 9/ Tangnag -  Khare (16,076 feet)
The ascent begins again along the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier. Camp at Khare, a little before the glacier which leads to Mera. The camping is installed at) 16,000 feet.  From here on out, we are well acclimatized.
3. 30 H walk.

Day 10/ Khare - Mera La (17,765 feet) - Base Camp (17,552 feet)
This morning, accessing the glacier can be a little delicate. However, once accessed, the glacier itself does not pose much difficulty in reaching the pass. Passage of Mera La and camping a little downwards, on the Hongu side, on gravel terraces.
4 to 5 H walk.

Day 11/ Base Camp - Altitude Camp (19,029 feet)
Installation of an altitude camp around 19,000 feet, close to a rocky summit which separates the Mera glacier from the Naulekh one. The view from this camp presents a festival of 23,000 and 26,000 foot high mountains: Kanchenjunga, Chamlang, Makalu, Baruntse, Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu... This panorama is regarded as one of Nepal's most splendid.
3 to 5 H walk.

Day 12/ Mera Peak (21,197 feet) - descent at Kongme Dingma (15,748 feet)
Very early morning departure for the northern side ascent of the central Mera Peak summit. Long ascent on a glacial plateau without much technical difficulty. It is a glacier with little crevasses.
The last meters are steeper, around 35 with 40°. Descent to Kongme Dingma, where we find a grassy camp.
10 H  walk.

Day 13/ Kongme Dingma - Base Camp of Cham Lang (15,584 feet)
The stage is short and makes it possible to recover from the  previous days. We go in the direction of the Panch Pokhari lakes. Camping at 15,984 feet from where we discover the Chamlang (23,917 feet).
6 H walk.

Day 14/ Base Camp of Chamlang - Bottom of Hunku Nup glacier (17,060 feet)
Today, we go up to Hunku Drangka valley, closed off from everywhere with an aim point on, Baruntse (23,688 feet) which blocks the horizon in the North-East. At the junction with the Mingbo route, the path becomes steeper (moraines).
We set up camp at the lake's edge, right at the bottom of the pass which we will cross the following day.
5 to 6 H walk.

Day 15,16/ Hunku Nup glacier - Amphu Laptsa (18,963 feet) - Chukung (15,682 feet)
Seen from the bottom, the route seems rather insurmountable...But, by going up a small glacier (cut out steps in the ice for the carriers and the hikers, even small fixed ropes), we arrive at the pass in approximately 2 to 3 hours. Other the other side, we cross a delicate passage approximately 100 feet (with a fixed rope attached to handrail) before finding somewhat of a path on a scree covered slope. One hour from the pass, we arrive in the middle of the Amphu bowl. We then have three hours of easy downhill walking to Chukung Lodge. It remains three hours of easy downhill walk until Chukung. Lodge.
5 to 6 H walk.

Day 17/ Chukhung - Pareshaya Gyab (16,798 feet)
Easy walk to the base camp of Island Peak, itself, or to a slightly higher camp.
On this 13th day of hiking, we are now well prepared in altitude acclimatization to undertake the following day's ascent of Island Peak. Settle in at camp for two nights.
4 H walk.

Day 18/ Ascent of Island Peak (20,305 feet)
Night departure from the altitude camp. Slow ascent up to 19,357 feet. Initially via an easy path, followed by a stone drain and a rock cliff; 500 feet of uneven ascent on an easy glacier with crevasses: leads us up to more than 19,500 feet. It is then necessary to go up a 45°snow/ice slope, 430 feet long, using a fixed rope to lead us to the edge from where we discover Lhotse; we then follow this aerial edge. Some obstacles to cross and then the arrival at the top! Return to the base camp.
8 to 12 H walk.

Day 19/ Pareshaya Gyab - Dingpoche (14,436 feet)
We leave the base camp and start the descent into the Khumbu valley, under the faces of Ama Dablan. Hike to Dingboche village and night in lodge.
4 H walk.

Day 20/ Dingpoche - Pangpoche (13,058 feet) - Tengboche (12,664 feet)  
Beautiful descent into the Khumbu valley which is enveloped in the faces of Ama Dablan.
Snack stop in front of Pangboche monastery. After crossing a footbridge over the torrent, we traverse, for one hour, a very beautiful forest maintained by the monastery monks.
Lodge close by the monastery.
4 H walk.

Day 21/ Tengboche - Namche Bazar
Fast descent into a beautiful forest. Footbridge at Phunki before a slow hike up, then a balcony path leading to Namche Lodge Bazaar.
4. 30 H walk.

Day 22/ Namche - Phakding - Lukla
Following the Sun Kosi river, we descend to Lukla, the "door" of Khumbu valley. The last lodge, generally, one celebrates the success of the trek with our Sherpa friends.
7 H  walk.

Day 23/ Lukla - Kathmandu
Flight for Kathmandu. Settle in at the 5 star deluxe Yak and Yeti hotel for two nights. Free afternoon.

Day 24/ Kathmandu
Free or potential spare day to spend in Kathmandu. Hotel.

Day 25/  Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

Extensive trek of altitude acclimatization climbing to 17,700 feet, an excellent physical condition is essential to completely benefit from this circuit.
The ascent of Mera Peak is generally an easy snow climb depending, however, on the current conditions. Between 20,000 feet and the top,we find slopes of snow with passages at 35/40°maximum steepness. Crossing Amphu Laptsa pass requires constant attention (depending upon the conditions, it may be necessary to help the team carriers).
Ascent of Island Peak: fairly difficult snow climb, with a passage in easy rocks.
Then, between 19,360 feet and 20,015 feet: a steep slope (40/45°) which we equip with a fixed cord. From the top of this slope to the summit itself (21,197 feet): a narrow edge, in ice. The general length of the course, with one ascent after another, and the total distance and commitment require excellent physical and mental strength for maximum appreciation of this splendid voyage.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice. 

Each participant walks with a light backpack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half (or whole) day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
The other part of the equipment is transported by the carriers to the camps. We are asking that every one have only one bag (trekking bag); the maximum weight of this bag should not exceed 40 pounds. At your arrival, we will provide you a bag cover in order to protect your bag during the trek.

The guides
- a Western English speaking Mountain World Travel high mountain guide (UIAGM-IFMGA)
- a guide specialized in the Kathmandu valley

Local team
- a Sirdar, head of the porter organization, generally English-speaking
- porter (Sherpas) staff;
- a cook and, if necessary, their assistants
- high altitude Sherpas, those aspiring Sirdars will insure your comfort by closing the circuit and double checking that no one is left behind. They will help you during the ascents.
What to know about carrying:  in Nepal, carrying is part of every day life. It begins its' practice with the very young. Provisions to feed the villages, building materials, harvests, are carried on men's backs. For their personal needs, outside of trekking season, the Nepalese often carry between 130 and 170 pounds. The carriers often come from the lower valleys. Sherpas come from the Khumbu region, at the foot of Mount Everest. We ask the Sirdars to ensure that the weight-load does not exceed 67 pounds per carrier (no including personal material). The wages that the porters earn during the trekking season benefit the entire family even throughout the long months of tourist inactivity.

- Most Domestic flights on Yeti Airlines
- Ground transportation is organized by private tourism bus vehicles.

- Kathmandu: Yak and Yeti, 5 star deluxe Hotel, based on double room occupancy.
- Dingpoche, Nemgboche, Namche, Lukla: hotel/lodge
- Throughout the trek: accommodation in lodges. Often comfortable lodging meeting strict standards of construction, established by a charter: double rooms, separate beds, toilets outside. Some lodges are equipped with showers (water is often tepid) and with electricity, thanks to solar panels. However, the higher in altitude the lodges are, the more basic their comfort becomes.
To note: because of the lack of insulation and lack of fuel, the rooms of the lodges are generally not heated. For your comfort, it is essential to have a good, warm sleeping bag.

Many of our nights will be spent in tents. The tents are "dome" style with three areas made to accommodate two people. One mattress per person is provided. We eat in "mess" tents which are set up with tables and chairs.  There is also a kitchen tent and a "restroom" tent.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors. 

 

Meals
Downtown and during the transfers: restaurant.

During the trekking:
- on the paths from one village to another, we will either have lunch in a restaurant along the way, or the meal will be prepared for us by the local team, depending on the day
- a energy food complement is provided,
- for nights in lodges: breakfast and dinners are served in the lodges
- for nights under tents: breakfast, lunches and dinners are prepared by a cook and his assistants, and served under the mess tent.

Drinks:
Kathmandu and in the lodges, mineral water, coffe, tea included  

To note: In Nepal, Hindus and Buddhists are mainly vegetarians. Little meat or fish is thus eaten there. The dishes are containing pastes, rice, potatoes, lentils, etc....

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Katmandu
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water and tea/coffee during trekking)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porters
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa
• Airport taxes and depart from Kathmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Kathmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Katmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Katmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; a visa is required.
Please visit    http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
The visa can be obtained directly upon your arrival at the airport in Nepal.

Please bring 2 ID photos with you: one is for obtaining the entrance Visa to Nepal and the second is to enable us to obtain a Trekking Permit.

For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements.
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese embassy of your country.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are mandatory.
We advise you to be up-to-date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and a vaccination protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for all.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check-up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is advisable to consider with your doctor a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 7 and 8
At least 4 months prior:  Hike over 13 miles every week-end, carrying a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds and you should be engaged in another intense sports activity that develops endurance on a year round basis AND, in addition, you have implemented a third training element (of your choosing) at least 4 months prior to departure

 

Basic Equipment
- Thermal underwear (fast drying)
- Thin thermal fleece turtle neck
- A warm fleece jacket in fleece (light weight/well insulated).
- A mountaineering jacket and a down jacket.
- Mountaineering pants.
- Thermal long underwear.
- A ski hat and a neck gaiter.
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun.
- Very good ski sunglasses with side protections.
- A ski mask for the summit.
- A pair of warm/waterproof technical mountaineering Gore-Tex gloves (double layer of down) or a pair of Gore-Tex over-mittens and warm under-gloves.
- A pair of replacement gloves.
- A rain poncho
- A survival blanket (reinforced model).
- A water bottle (no Camelback, as tube will freeze).
- Hand and foot warmers

Shoes and technical material
- Mountaineering shoes with rigid soles compatible for crampons.
- Thermal Socks
- A head lamp.
- Waterproof/breathable Over-pants (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gaiters.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles (optional).
- A pair of crampons with anti-balling plates.
- An ice axe.
- Mountaineering helmet.
- An adjustable, light and compact harness, adapted for walking.
- A locking carabiner, for rope maneuvers.
- Slings and cordelettes.

 Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Pharmacy
- You own small "pharmacy" to have validated by your Doctor. It should contain: sun lotion, bandages, sterile strips and double skin, anti diarrhea medication, pain killers, an anti inflammatory, a muscle relaxant, eye lotion, cough drops, a broad spectrum antibiotic, disinfectant, tweezers, personal ear plugs, and personal drugs. And anything else indicated on the "Trip Details" page or in "Important Information" (including necessary items to treat altitude sickness).
- However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).

Luggage
- A robust and technical back pack of a capacity of 11 to 14 gallons.

Miscellaneous
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duck tape
- A small anti-theft pocket or belt, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.