Climbing Group Size
We organize climbing on Mera peak for any number of people above two pax. The maximum number of members in the climbing group will be 8 pax. If the group consists of more than 8 pax, we will split the group and arrange accordingly. We will assign one trek leader, and necessary number of climbing guides for the group. This arrangement ensures that the group can still go ahead as scheduled itinerary despite any member’s illness on the way in the trekking.
Experience and Health Requirements
Mera Peak is not a technical peak rather a popular trekking peak for trekkers to test their climbing ability in high Himalayas. No previous climbing experience is required to climb it, however, mountaineering skills will be an asset to climb the peak. What is required is the good physical fitness, strong will power, ability to tolerate harsh conditions. Obviously hiking in the high altitude will not be so easy rather physically more demanding, however our itinerary is scheduled for the proper acclimatization while gradually gaining the altitude in the trekking and preparing for the climbing. It will be advisable to have some walking and hiking or other outdoor activities for more than two weeks which will contribute to comfortable accomplishment in hiking on the high altitude and reaching to the summit of the peak.
The climbing guide of Ang Rita Trek will have a demonstration of using gears as well as the basic skills required for climbing such as ascending and descending on ropes safely at the base camp. The climbing guide makes the fixed line on the difficult sections and assists the climbers in every aspects while climbing. It is highly recommended for the climbers to consult with the doctors before coming for this trip. Trekkers who have asthma, allergy or any other diseases related to hurt, lungs should take more precaution on this trip.
Travel Insurance
Members need to have traveling insurance which covers the comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and medical treatment costs). Insurance companies in Nepal do not provide travelling insurance for the foreigners and the trekkers need to get the travelling insurance from one of the international insurance companies. Ang Rita Trek will have accident insurance for the trekking staff.
Accommodations
Accommodation in Kathmandu will be arranged on twin sharing basis on BB plan except the extra cost for the single supplement (depending on the room availability) according to the choice of the standard of the hotels before and after the trekking. Accommodation during the trekking will be arranged at standard teahouses/ lodges with unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses on twin sharing basis. The members will have to share washing and toilet facilities. Ang Rita Trek can arrange rooms with attached bathroom in some places in the trekking with extra cost for the separate groups. For this kind of arrangement, the request should be made at least four months prior to the trip date. We make camping arrangement at Island peak base camp and two members of the same sex will have to share a tent.
Meals
Members are provided three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking. They can enjoy wide variety of food from typical Nepali food, Sherpa food, Tibetan food and continental cuisine prepared by our professional cook at the camp sites. The members will be provided high food at the high camp and on the climbing day for the good energy required for climbing.
Acclimatization
Anyone can get altitude sickness while trekking in the high altitude despite strong physically fitness. What is important is giving enough time for the proper acclimatization for the trekking. Ang Rita Trek has planned the itinerary with gradual altitude gain giving enough time for acclimatization for the trekking and preparing for the climbing Mera peak . Hiking slowly specially in the high altitude help prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness ). If anyone feels dizzy, suffer palpitation or severe headaches and loss of appetite, he / she will be moved to the lower altitude immediately or arrange the helicopter rescue in the severe case of AMS.
Equipment and Packing List
A variety of clothing is necessary for trekking as well as climbing Mera peak. While choosing the equipment one needs give emphasis on two simple aspects: Lightweight and Functional. The items should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme weather conditions. The quality of the trekking and climbing equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain. For this reason you have to be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing. Weight limit ( 15 kg including the hand carry ) for the flight to Lukla is another aspect to consider
Personal Climbing Gears:
- Plastic boots
- Crampons
- Harness
- Tape Slings / prussic ( two )
- Karabiners ( 2 unlock, 2 lock )
- Joomer ( Ascender / decender )
- Gaiters
- Ice axe
- Helmet
Group Climbing Gears ( Ang Rita Trek provides group climbing gears )
- Climbing ropes
- Snow bars
- Ice screws
- Ice hammer
Clothing:
- T – shirts
- Hiking shorts
- Undergarments
- Full sleeves shirts
- Long light weight cotton pants
- Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants.
- Insulated pants / nylon windbreaker
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Down jacket
- Light warm fleece hat / woolen hat
- Sun hat
- Lightweight gloves.
- Heavyweight gloves for climbing
Foot Wear
- Hiking boots
- Light and comfortable camp shoes
- Thin, lightweight inner socks.
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Accessories:
- Down Sleeping bag
- Trekking bag / Duffle bag ( to carry for the porter )
- Day pack ( to carry with the trekkers to put the things required during the day time )
- Large plastic bags ( to keep items dry inside the trekking bag )
- Water bottle
- Head lamp with spare bulb and batteries
- Trekking poles
- Personal medicine box
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Books, dairy, pen, walkman and any other game instruments
Toiletries and Personal Hygiene:
- Quick drying small towel
- Toothbrush / paste
- Soap
- Face and body moisturizer
- Sun block for lips
- Tissues / toilet rolls
- Wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Anti bacterial hands wash
Trek Leader(s) and Staff
All the climbing guides who lead Mera Peak trekking and climbing through Ang Rita Trek are the Sherpas from Khumbu region.Their in-depth knowledge about Sherpa culture, custom, the geological surroundings as well as their professionalism, sincerity, and their hospitality make your dream to stand on the foot of the Everest a enjoyable, memorable event in your life. Although our Sherpa Sherpa leaders are not highly educated, they are well experienced, professionally trained and posses good leadership skills to operate climbing trips in the Himalalayas. Most of our climbing guides have successfully climbed Everest and other peaks and trained by legendary climber Mr. Ang Rita Sherpa, the chairman of this company.
Porter Care
Ang Rita Trek is firmly believes that roles of porters are significant in arranging the trips smoothly and successfully. We are strongly committed to the porters’ rights. We make sure that they are well paid and have the proper clothing, foot ware and shelter. We are aware that no porter should be asked to carry a load that is too heavy for their physical abilities and the weight limit should be adjusted for altitude, weather and trail condition. We request our members not to have more than 15 kg weight of luggage to give to the porters. Porters who become sick while in the trekking are treated with high priority just like the other trekking staff or the members. If needed helicopter is sent and rescued in case of sever condition of sickness or accident. All porters are insured for sickness and accident.
Season
Nepal, as a tourist destination is good for all seasons, however, the best seasons for Mera Peak trekking and climbing are Spring (April – May) and Autumn ( mid Sept. – mid Nov.). Trekking and climbing in Autumn season is noted for clear weather and excellent views of silvery mountains against blue sky. It gets colder towards the end of November Flights to Lukla will be frequently disturbed during the monsoon season (June – mid Sept.). However, for those who can afford extra spare days in Kathmandu before and after the trekking and climbing for the flight to Lukla and back can plan their trip in beginning of September as well as the trail will not be so crowded.