EXPEDITION SUMMARY
| Expedition: | Mera/Island Peaks |
| Code: | |
| Region: | South Asia |
| Country: | Nepal |
| Activity: | |
| Duration: | |
| Cost: | *$ |
| *Per Person Twin Share | |
Mera Peak and Island Peak > Expedition Overview
Highlights- Trek through the Sherpa Villages of the Everest area
- Summiting two of Nepal’s highest Trekking Peaks
- Mera Glacier and the isolated Hongu Valley
- Climb the Amphu Labtse.
- Magnificent wilderness and wonderful people of the Hinku valley.
Overview
Mera Peak and Island Peak represent two of the most challenging “trekkable peaks” in Nepal. While alone, neither mountain is of any technical significance, combined and with the added remoteness and technical nature of the Amphu Ladtsa, the Mera Peak and Island Peak combined expedition is one of the most challenging, spectacular and rewarding journeys available. Mera Peak provides awesome remote trekking and unsurpassed views of some of the great Himalaya peaks. The journey over Mera La up the Hongku Glacier is rarely undertaken and provides the adventurous with great glacial challenges. The Hongku ends abruptly at the Amphu Labtsa, where our climbing guide will assist you in this technical ascent and descent down to the Imja valley. From there we will head for base camp of Island Peak. Sufficiently acclimatized, we ascend one of Nepal’s most beautiful peaks for awesome views of some of the highest mountains in the world.
North Face Glacier from Mera La
The base camp can be set up at 5,300m near Mera La on the Hongu side in the moraine below the ice. From here a high camp is set at 5,800m near a rocky outcrop on the Mera Glacier. The high camp proves to be one to the most glorious viewpoints in Nepal offering the panoramic views of Kanchanjunga, Chamlang, Makalu and Baruntse sweeping around from the east and Amadablam, Cho Oyu and Kangtega to the west. The giant faces of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse appear in the north. There are three main summits which are climbable without much difficulty. The south summit (6,065m) is the most accessible with the Northern Summit (6,476m), the highest, which can be reached by skirting the Central Summit (6,461m) to the north and following snow ridge to its top. Climbing the middle summit requires ascent up on steep snow and is more technical. Mera North is straight-forward to climb.
Amphu Labtsa pass
Return trek through the upper Hongu valley and then over the high pass of Amphu Laptsa to come out at Chukung in the upper Imja river valley near Island Peak. From here a visit can be made to Everest Base camp and return to Lukla. This is a very high altitude trek through glaciated valleys with possibilities of being stranded in adverse weather condition. Only strong, well equipped, groups should attempt this route.
Island Peak
Normally, the base camp is set at Pareshaya Gyab (5,087m), between Imja Tse and the lateral moraine of the Imja Glacier. It should not be forgotten that the place is more likely for avalanche in the event of heavy snow fall. From the base camp, a well acclimatized party in good conditions can make the summit and return to the base camp in a day. However, most of the climbers prefer establishing a High-Camp which helps a safe ascent. From the base camp the route skirts south east around and base of Imja Tse and climbs steep grassy slopes and small rocky steps. We scramble up on open gully which leads between two ridges to the site of high camp on the left-hand ridge below and to the right of a small hanging glacier (5,280m). From the high camp, the left hand ridge scramble across the broad open gully. After crossing a gully, a steep snow and ice ramp leads upward for nearly 100 meters to the summit ridge. Climbing near the summit is a little difficult due to steep climbing. In recent times the snow slopes below the summit has developed some large crevasses making the final ascent to the top difficult.
Itinerary
Day 01: Transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Free time around Kathmandu, buy last minute things etc. Pre-expedition briefing in evening.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2800m). Trek Chuthanga (3800m)
Day 04: Rest day for acclimatisation.
Day 05: Trek to Thuli Kharka (4500m)
Day 06: Trek to Thasing Dingma (4350m)
Day 07: Trek to Thagnak (4356m)
Day 08: Trek to Dig Kharka (4850m)
Day 09: Rest day for acclimatisation and exploration of area
Day 10: Trek to Mera La (5414m)
Day 11: Trek High Camp (5850m)
Day 12: Summit attempt (6,654m). Return to Mera La (5414m).
Day 13: Contingency day in case of bad weather.
Day 14: Mera La to Hongu Valley. We depart Mera La and trek down into the Hongu valley. An easier day decending down to around 4900m and trekking through the relatively flat Hongu Valley.
Day 15: Hongu Valley to Panch Pokhari. Trekking up to the end of the Hongu valley where we make a short ascent to Panch Pokhari. Our camp site is just below the Amphu Labtsa glacier with amazing views down the Hongu Valley from where we have come from.
Day 16: Cross the Amphu Labtsa pass to Chukhung. Starting off with the 100m climb to the top of the pass through the layered ice of the Amphu Labtsa glacier we then abseil down the north side of the pass lowering all our equipment down the same line. After a steep decent from the pass we trek along a relatively level track to Chukhung. Tonight will be our last night in tents. The climb over the high pass is one of the technical components of this expedition and is conducted under the supervision of the climbing Sherpa.
Day 17: Trek to Island Peak base camp.
Day 18-19: Island Peak climbing and summit.
Day 20-21: Trek to Thayangboche and Namche.
Day 22: Rest day in Namche (Extra day can be used on the mountain).
Day 23: Trek to Lukla.
Day 24: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu.
Day 25: End of expedition.
Price
Mera Peak/Island Peak 25 Days
9-12 people AUD$4950 ex Kathmandu
4-8 people AUD$5200 ex Kathmandu
2-3 people AUD$5500 ex Kathmandu
Expedition Schedule
2010/2011
This expedition is open to Private trips only. You let us know when you want to go and we will arrange it.
Note: All high altitude expeditions now carry Australian built PAC Portable Altitude Chamber. All treks start and end in Kathmandu, Nepal. Please plan your departure from Nepal 2 days after the expedition ends in case of delay of flights out of Lukla at the end of the trek.
Included:
- Trekking permits, National Park Entrance and Peak Permit
- All accommodation lodge or tent.
- Domestic Airfares
- 3 nights accommodation in 4 star hotel - Kathmandu
- Trek arrangements with guide, cook and porter/s.
- NMA Registered Climbing Guide for climbing
- Equipment Allowance for climbing guide.
- Service of Instructor and Sherpa Guide for Island Peak climbing.
- Group climbing equipment: (main rope, pitons, snow bars, etc.)
- Guide and porter insurance.
- Garbage deposit (US$250.00 per group) with NMA
- Sleeping bag, crampons and jacket
- Medical Kit Bag on every expedition
- Rescue arrangement and staff insurance
- First aid and eco-trained staff
Exclusions
- Travel insurance (appropriate insurance can be purchased from us)
- Personal climbing equipment (boots, clothing, head lamp, backpack etc.)
- Bottled/alcoholic drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Client insurance of any kind.
- Airport tax, tips and expenses of a personal nature.
Expedition Extensions
We have a range of short activities that are perfect as either a pre or post expedition extension. These 2-4 day extensions can be as relaxing as a Safari or as exciting as Whitewater Rafting. Whatever your penchant, our selection of trip extensions will give you a different perspective of Nepal and will show you another face of Nepal's many sides.
Garbage Deposit For All Trekking Peaks
A Garbage Deposit fee of US$250.00 payable to Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is required to obtain permits for all Trekking peaks. Refunds on the Garbage Deposit shall be as per NMA provisions.
If you book your trek with us we will take care of this formality, for no extra cost to you, as your operating agent in Nepal. While on the expedition you are required to cooperate with our guide/staff to collect and transport all non-biodegradable waste back to Kathmandu for proper disposal. We will take care of all the required formalities as per NMA recommendations.
Pre Departure Information
Once your expedition is confirmed we will send you detailed Pre Departure Information which includes a list of recommended clothing and personal equipment, along with many other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. Prior to the trip departure from Kathmandu, you will attend a detailed trip briefing and orientation meeting to make sure that you are well prepared for your river trip and trek.
International Airseats To Nepal
Have you made your air reservation yet? Please note that space on flights in and out of Nepal is very tight, especially during the tourist seasons. Therefore, we would like to suggest that you work on your dates for your flights AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and send us a request for your air seats. We can help you with dates for treks, raft trips and other services that you need so that you can make your decision.
Domestic Flights
All domestic flights in Nepal are operated using small planes seating 15 to 20 people. There are only a few flights to each destination every day. During the busy trekking/tourist season these flights get full very fast. To improve your chances of getting on these flights it is best to confirm your trips as early as possible. The sooner we get trip confirmation, the better your chances.
Nepal Tourist Visa
Nepal Visa is readily available on arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu (or any other land entry points to Nepal).
Single Entry Visa: US$30 per visa (valid for 60 days)
Multiple Entry Visa: US$80 per visa (valid for 150 days).
Please bring exact change if possible.
2 passport photos will be required.
(Nepal Visas are also available in all Nepalese Embassies and Consulates located in several countries and cities around the world.)
Special Hotel Room Offers In Kathmandu
We have special offers with many hotels in Kathmandu for our clients:
- Hotel Hyatt Regency (5 star): $190 per room (includes breakfast).
- Hotel Shangri-La (4 star): $100 per room (includes breakfast).
- Hotel Vaishali (4 star): $90 per room (includes breakfast).
- Nirvana Garden Hotel (2 star): $75 per room (includes breakfast).
- Int’l Guest House (2 star): $55 per room (includes breakfast).
We provide complimentary airport pick up for booking hotels through us.
Information and Support
If you have any comments, questions or want more information, please let us know. We are here to support you with all information to help you prepare for your travels to the Himalayas.
