At a Glance
Trip Overview
Mera Peak
After Argentina cancelled the Aconcagua season, I decided to continue training and attempt Mera Peak. The trek is generally challenging but was further complicated by the on-going pandemic and complex rules of Nepal to ensure the safety of climbers during these times. I reached out to Trekking Team Group and Shreehari was fantastic in making all the necessary reservations and assisting with the process. After I made my reservations, Nepal relaxed some of the more cumbersome rules, especially around the visa process (when I arrived, they were beginning to issue visas at the Kathmandu airport instead of being required to have them prior to landing). I wanted to utilize the same guide, Birman Tamang, who assisted me with Everest Base Camp (EBC). Although Birman is not a mountaineering guide, Shreehari agreed and was able to arrange a very experienced Sherpa to guide us up the mountain during the final days of the trek. Also, given that I had already purchased most of my gear for Aconcagua, I decided to bring my own mountain climbing equipment instead of renting (which I would highly recommend). This added additional weight, so I opted to hire an additional porter to ensure that no one carried too much during the journey. We started with the usual flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and took the long way to Mera Peak (via Nashing Dingma and Chunbu Kharka) to provide additional time to acclimatize. The landscape is varied from forest to rocks on the side of rivers to mountains. There are many instances where you gain a few thousand feet of elevation only to lose it and make it up again in the same day. Physical preparation is critical but having a good sense of humor and openness to the experience to ensure that mentally you are prepared for the final part of the experience is key. There were a few teams that we heard about prior to our assent and the success rate was typically around 50%, so we knew it would be a challenge to get to the top. We had a thunderstorm in the hours before our final summit that turned into a snowstorm, which made each step up the mountain feel like three (and the only thing we saw reflecting in our headlamps was the newly falling snow). It certainly helped that the person who was tied to me at the other end of the rope was the same person who had gotten me to Everest Base Camp and I had spent the prior 12 or so days with getting to upper camp. We started our summit push at 2am and were on top of Mera Peak by 7am. Having last been in Nepal in 2018, there is a stark contrast with the low number of trekkers in the country today due to Covid. Mera Peak is typically a less traveled route, but we primarily only saw other trekking teams towards the end of our journey. Fortunately, many more people were starting their Mera Peak attempt during our final few days, so seems like there is a little recovery in the trekking industry. Nepal is very conscious of Covid with mask requirements, testing to enter the country and various other precautions throughout the experience. Shreehari was able to provide information and help that allowed me to complete an incredible experience. Trekking Team Group is a company that I would highly recommend today or whenever you feel comfortable traveling again.
How these top guide books have described us?
"Ein Absolut verlässlicher, superfreundlisher veranstalter mit erstlkassigem Service.”
“Long-established trekking company with a breadth of experience and an easy-to-find location."
"A very reliable, super friendly agency offering top-notch service.”
“une agence engagée avec une belle expertise du terrain.”
What makes this trip different ?
Trekking Team Groups is one of the main supporters of Ambe Foundation, a non-political and non-profit social organization. We contribute our support to the remote village of Nuwakot and different schools like Gramin Devi, Khumbeshwori through donation, sponsorship and partnership in various projects. For details click here what we do and why we do?
Donation
Trekking Team Group donates a percentage of business profits to the foundation on a yearly basis, which supports the ongoing maintenance cost required for Gramin Devi and Khumbeshwori school, a community-based school in Nuwakot.
Sponsorship
One of the major activities of Ambe foundation is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted with full collaboration with Trekking Team Group.
Partnership (Volunteering Program)
The Ambe Volunteer Program, organised by Ambe Foundation and Trekking Team Group, aims to mobilize teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capital for education, health and community development in Nuwakot District.