Climb Mera Peak Brochure - Action Challenge€¦ · At the heart of every challenge is team ......

MeraPeak

actionchallenge on Mera Peak

● Activity: Trekking - at altitude● Location: Himalayas, Nepal● Duration: 20 days / 15 days trekking● Difficulty: Tough● Distance: Average 5-6 hrs trek / day● Group size: 15 - 25

Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups,charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations,often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetimeadventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.

At 6,476m, Mera Peak offers a full varied mountain experience on one of the highest classic altitude treks,situated in the famous Khumbu region, north-eastern Nepal. From the summit, views stretch across theHimalayas taking in 5 of the six highest mountains in the world including Mount Everest.

Our challenge starts flying into Lukla, seeing the impressive range from above, before we trek through beautifulforested hillsides, into the Hinku valley. We cross the river and trek over several high passes before climbing upto the Mera La base camp. The trek allows plenty of time to acclimatise as we climb steadily into higher altitudes.

At our base camp there is instruction in the use of ice-axe and crampons before we establish a high camp onthe Mera Glacier at 5,800m. The summit climb takes the north face glacier in a steady, exposed and excitingrise to the final ridge and onto the top.

After the climb we descend by the direct route across a dramatic ridge to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu forour group celebrations.

trip highlights● Summit the highest, trekking peak in Nepal, at 6,476m● Enjoy breathtaking views of 5 highest peaks in the world● Take on this non-technical mountaineering climb● Experience remote, quiet valleys away from the crowds● Explore the bustling city of Kathmandu

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at a glance

The best times to visit this region andclimb this 6,000+m mountain is betweenMarch and May, then between Septemberand November. The weather is usuallyfair, dry and stable. The later dates areclearer but colder with snow conditionsmore stable. Be prepared for all types ofweather, bringing layers to easily warm upor cool down when needed. A warmsleeping bag (four-season) is alsoessential.

when to go

This fully-inclusive adventure to Mera Peak will begin as soon as you register! You willreceive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all theessentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all theformalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offerpre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet ourmountain leaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges aroundthe world. On the day of departure you meet your group and Action Challenge leader atthe airport in London. Whether you’re joining the challenge on your own or with others,you will instantly be made to feel welcome. As a team we will board our flight toKathmandu, ready to take on Mera Peak and the trekking adventure of a lifetime!

introduction dates

brief itineraryDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7Day 8Day 9Day 10

Depart LondonKathmanduLukla - 2,840 mPangkongma - 2,846 mNajing Dingma - 2,650 mChalem Kharka - 3,450 mKhola Kharka - 4,110 mKhote - 3,750 mTangnag - 4,230 mAcclimatisation Day - Tangnag

what’s included

cost

extensionsWhy not stay on after the challenge andexplore some more of Nepal’s highlights?

We can extend your flight booking, placesare limited and is subject to availability.

Please email us for more information

7 - 26 April 201827 October - 15 November 2018

All inclusive trip cost from £3,125 for 2018Initial £499 deposit to sign up

Three payment options available

Please visit our website for more details

· International and domestic flights· Action Challenge Mountain Leader· Action Challenge UK Medic· Full support team, including English-speaking local guides· All accommodation & camping, on a twin-share basis· All meals, except in free time· Drinking water· Airline taxes (except fuel surcharges)· All transfers in local vehicles· National Park entrance fees· Free time in Kathmandu and celebration dinner· Pre-challenge briefing in London· Discounted UK training weekends· Fitness and training guide· Discounts from UK retailers - Cotswold Outdoor, Trek Hire & more· Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health

how tough is the challenge?Summiting Mera Peak is a toughchallenge, at altitude, but one that isachievable with correct training. Itrequires a good level of strength, staminaand determination. Although the trek doesnot require any winter mountaineeringexperience, be prepared for some longtrekking days, especially on summit night.Your training should incorporate aerobic(endurance building), anaerobic (strengthbuilding) exercises and good long walks!

Day 11Day 12Day 13Day 14Day 15Day 16Day 17Day 18Day 19Day 20

Khare - 4,970 mMera La Camp - 5,315 mHigh Camp - 5,750 mMeraSummit- 6,461 mTashingh Dingma - 3,500 mTuli Kharka - 4,500 mLukla - 2,840 mKathmanduKathmandu (contingency day)Depart Nepal

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+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com events@actionchal lenge.com

Breakfasts each morning will be at ouraccommodation/campsite. Lunches willbe en route and evening meals will be atour night’s accommodation or in a messtent at the campsite. Variety in the menuat this altitude is limited, but we attempt tooffer a mix of typical Nepalese and disheswith an international influence.

Please let us know if you have any dietaryrequirements in advance.

itineraryDAY 1 - Departure from London

DAY 2 - Kathmandu

food

Depart UK for our overnight flight to Kathmandu, accompanied by your UK ActionChallenge Leader.

Meals: In flight Accom: Flight

We are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Kathmandu. Here we have anextensive briefing from our head guide that will be taking us on the challenge to makesure we are fully prepared for the trek ahead. For the rest of the day, we have sometime to rest after the flight, before our welcome meal together as a group.

Meals: D Accom: Hotel

DAY 3 - Lukla - 2,840 m

We leave our hotel early and transfer to the airport for our spectacular flight to Lukla withviews over the Himalayas. On arrival at Lukla airport, we meet our trekking crew with allthe equipment needed for our trek. We then start making our way south through theterraced fields that line the Dudh Kosi river to Piuyan, where we set up camp.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 4 - 5 hours

DAY 4 - Pangkongma - 2,846 m

After an early breakfast, we set off for Pangkongma. Our first climb takes us off the mainroute leading south and instead we ascend steadily to the Khari La Pass (2,990m).Views from here stretch all the way to the sixth highest mountain of Cho Oyu.Afterwards, we make our way through rhododendron forest, bamboo thickets andterraced farmland before arriving at the village of Pangkongma where we set up camp.


DAY 5 - Najing Dingma - 2,650 m

The morning's steep route takes us to the Pangkongma La Pass (3,180m) which marksour entry into the remote Hinku valley with fantastic views to the south and theHimalayas to the North. Just after the pass as we descend towards Shibuje, we catchour first glimpse of the triple summit of Mera Peak. We stop for lunch above the Hinkuriver, then cross over using a suspension bridge. After a few hours trekking we arrive atNajing Dingma hamlet where we overnight.


additional costs• Insurance - price varies on cover• Entry Visa• Vaccinations - please seek advice fromGP & check your boosters are up to date• Tips for local staff - recommended £50• Airline fuel surcharge - capped at £170• Any additional food/drink, outside meals

kit & equipmentA kit list will be sent to you on receipt ofregistration. Many everyday items can beused on this challenge. We offer a kit hireservice as well as discounts with UKsuppliers to help keep costs down.

Our trail steepens again this morning as we climb up to Surkie La (3,085m). The toughascent is worth it as we take in spectacular views, Kanchenjunga is even visible. Wecontinue climbing as we make our way north to the green meadows of Chalem Kharka.


DAY 6 - Chalem Kharka - 3,450 m

DAY 7 - Khola Kharka - 4,110 m

A shorter day takes us through wilder country, it is still tough as we ascend stone stepsto a high pass at 4,330m. From there we descend to the five holy lakes at PanchPokhari. Our overnight camp is at Khola Kharka a short trek past the lakes.



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DAY 8 - Khote - 3,750 m

After breakfast we trek towards the village of Khote, set among the Hinku Khola’sboulders and huge high altitude conifers. We pass through forests, following thecontours of the hillside and eat lunch next to the roaring river. We arrive early into thevillage, so we have time to wash or explore. Overnight at the camp.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 5 hours

DAY 9 - Tangnag - 4,230 m

As we approach the tiny village of Tangnag, the valley walls steepen and rise to craggytops with snow covered 6,500m high peaks. The famous Kusum Kanguru and fortress-like Kyashar constantly draw the eye with stunning glaciers and icefalls. We are nowclear of the trees but small alpine plants like dwarf rhododendrons and juniper provideus with some greenery. We arrive into Tangnag early afternoon, now deep in the valleywith towering walls of the high peaks surrounding us. Overnight at camp.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 7 hours

DAY 10 - Acclimatisation Day at Tangnag

land onlyIf you are planning on travelling to Nepalbefore or after the challenge or wish toorganise your own flights, we do offer aland only option, with a significantdiscount off the trip price. You will berequired to meet your group at the hotelon day two of the itinerary.


We spend a day here acclimatising our bodies to the altitude. We have a hard day walkon the flanks of Kusum Kanguru (6,200m) to help our bodies acclimatise. We spend asecond night in Tangnag.


DAY 11 - Khare, 4,970 m

Today is a shorter, easier trekking day past Dig Kharka glacier onwards to Khare, ourMera Peak base camp. Our trail over the river from Lake Sabai Tsho leads us to yakpastures and up to Khare. From here rocky outcrops, moraine ridges and stunning sidevalleys allow us more good acclimatisation. We spend the rest of the afternoonacclimatising, checking equipment, practising crampon use and ice axe technique,before an early night's rest.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Approx 4 - 5 hours

accommodation

● 4 nights in comfortable 2 - 3* hotels inLukla & Kathmandu● 14 nights in well-equipped 2-persontents or basic lodges along the trek.

All accommodation is on a twin-share,single-sex basis and we will pair you withsomeone of a similar age, where possible.

If you wish to share a room with someoneyou are travelling with, please specify thison your registration form.

single supplementIf you decide that you would like to haveyour own room/tent on the challenge, wecan accommodate this in the majority ofplaces, just let us know at sign up.



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DAY 12 - Mera La - 5,315 m

Using our newly-learned ice axe and crampon techniques, we head over the ridge ontothe glacier. We follow the glacier to Mera La camp, which is quite exposed and windy,but has spectacular views of the peaks as the sun sets. We settle in for a good night'ssleep before tackling high camp the next day.Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Distance: Approx 4 hours

As we climb steadily towards Mera high camp, the fantastic views stretch out across thehighest peaks: Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Chamlang, to the East, Kantega and Cho Oyuto the West and Everest rises up to the north. The climb isn't too steep as we make ourway to high camp however it will be steady as we cope with the altitude. We arrive intohigh camp, with some time to prepare for the next day's summit and retire early to thewarmth of our sleeping bags. The conditions on the mountain will determine thestructure of the summit days and we build flexibility into the itinerary to allow for badweather or delays to maximise your chance of success.Meals: B,L,D Accom: Camp Approx 4 - 5 hours

DAY 13 - High Camp, 5,750 m

We start our extremely long day with a hot cup of tea at around 2am, before headingout with our ice axes and crampons ready. The Mera Peak glacier is like an ice cap andproves an exhilarating summit day. The going is slow with the altitude as you traversethe wide, open glacier. We then reach a snow ridge before the slope steepens justbefore dawn and the peak comes into view. At the base of the summit, we may attachto a fixed rope depending on conditions. The summit is only a few metres away, wemake the final ascent and take in an unforgettable moment. We have a panoramaacross 5 of the 6 highest Himalayan peaks visible, which can only be seen from Mera.We spend a short time taking it all in, before descending down to our base camp atKhare late afternoon where we celebrate and sleep well at lower altitude.


DAY 15 - Tashingh Dingma - 3,500 m

With the summit behind us we head back down the valley, crossing the Chetra La highpass which seems easy in the increased oxygen levels. We retrace our steps andovernight at Tashingh Dingma (3,500m) for some much-needed rest.


DAY 16 - Tuli Kharka - 4,500 m

DAY 14 - Mera Summit - 6,461 m

We run a number of training weekendsthroughout the year in the Peak District,Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. Theseare fully-inclusive - accommodation for 2nights and all meals. We also organisetraining days in London and the North andSouth downs. On both, you will get thechance to meet our mountain leaders andtest out your kit and fitness!

You will also received an invite to achallenge briefing in central London.


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training weekends / briefings

We continue back through the mountains, taking a quicker route back to Lukla keepinghigh above the river. We can still glance back at Mera Peak from a different angle. Wemake our camp at Tuli Kharka for the night.


DAY 17 - Lukla - 2,840 m

The trail climbs further this morning to cross the pass at Zatrwa La, before making oursteep descent into the valley and onto the town of Lukla.


DAY 18 - Kathmandu

Today we leave Lukla, and head towards the bustling town of Kathmandu, a perfect endto your trekking challenge. We settle into the hotel before exploring the city or relaxingbefore heading out to dinner for our group celebrations.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel

DAY 19 - Kathmandu

Today is a spare day and has been added to the itinerary as contingency in case ofweather delays earlier in the challenge. Kathmandu is bouncing back after theearthquake in 2015 and it is a great time to visit; you are free to explore the markets topick up last minute souvenirs, visit traditional temples, including the Monkey Temple forfantastic views of the city or take some time to rest after the challenge.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel

DAY 20 - Arrive London

Depart Kathmandu, arrive London

Meals: B* Accom: Flight (*Dependent on flight schedule)


payment optionsAction Challenge is 100% ATOL bonded,which provides you with full financialprotection. On receipt of your registrationfee, you will receive an ATOL certificateexplaining your protection. ATOL is ascheme that protects you from losingmoney or being stranded abroad if yourtravel company collapses.

A REGISTRATION DEPOSIT of £499 is required to secure your place, paid in full bycard at the time of registration

Once registered, there are 3 PAYMENT OPTIONS to fund the balance of the trip cost.Full details are on our website.

1) SELF FUNDEDFor anyone who wants to pay for the entire trip themselves. It’s then completely up toyou whether or not you choose to raise any money for a charity of your choice.

The total all inclusive cost of this trip is £3,125 for 2018, which, after you pay the £499Registration Deposit, leaves a balance of £2,626. This final balance is due forpayment 10 weeks before your departure along with any fuel surcharges levied by theairline.

2) SPONSORSHIP FUNDEDThis is for anyone who wants to take on this challenge and will link it with fundraisinga significant sum of money for a charity of their choice. You would have to raise atleast £5,260 for 2018 via sponsorship and donations from friends, family and col-leagues, and be confident at the outset that you can achieve this total.

Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraisinggoes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least £5,260, your charitywill pay for the balance of your trip costs to Action Challenge. That balance, paid byyour charity, is £2,626 for 2018 (the same as if you were you were ‘Self Funded’) - thecharity will retain at least £2,634 to help fund their work. You will have to pay anyairline fuel surcharges 10 weeks prior to departure.

3) MIXED FUNDEDA mix of the 2 options above! You pay about half the trip cost yourself, and alsofundraise for your charity. They pay the remaining balance of your trip costs. Ideal foranyone who wants to take on the challenge and also fundraise for a charity, BUT ishappy to pay a reasonable proportion of the trip cost themselves, which with yourregistration deposit, is set at a level that covers at least the costs of flights &accommodation; perfect for those who feel more at ease asking for sponsorship inrespect to the ‘challenge’ component of their trip.

Pay the Registration Deposit and nominate a charity to fundraise for. All fundraisinggoes directly to your charity and providing that you raise at least £3,360 for 2018, yourcharity will pay a portion of your trip cost to Action Challenge. That balance, paid byyour charity, is £1,676. At the same time, you will be required to pay the remainingbalance yourself, which will be a figure of £950 for 2018 (These two amounts add upto the same as the ‘Self Funded’ final balance) - the charity will retain at least £1,684to help fund their work. You will have to pay any airline fuel surcharges 10 weeks priorto departure.

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Action Challenge UK LtdUnited HouseNorth RoadLondonN7 9DPUnited Kingdom

To book on to this challenge, please visitour website; www.actionchallenge.com fora full list of prices and all available dates.

If you are a charity, business, school orprivate group with a minimum of 10 peopleand fancy your own bespoke trip, pleasecall us on +44 (0) 207 609 6695or you can send us an email [email protected] for moreinformation.

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