Mera Peak Ski Expedition

We transfer to our hotel, and begin the process of getting over jetlag.

Today we explore some of Kathmandu’s most famous sites. These include Swyambunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupati (Nepal’s largest Hindu temple), Boudanath (Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist temple) and the old city’s original central square, Durbar. We also have our first team meeting, and organize our gear.

One of the most beautiful and memorable mountain flights in the world, our 45-minute flight takes us from Kathmandu to Lukla, the town where we begin our trek. After organizing our yaks and porters we begin our hike to the town of Monjo. The trail is excellent, and after descending to the town of Phakding, it climbs easily from the river and across our first suspension bridges up to our lodge in Monjo.

The walk begins with a couple of thrilling suspension bridges and wanders along the banks of the raging Dudh Khosi River, before climbing steeply up a 2,000 foot (610 meter) hill into Namche Bazaar. This hill is the first of our challenging climbs. Along the way we are rewarded with our first views of Mt. Everest, and plenty of well-built stone terraces to stop and rest. We have lunch in Namche Bazaar, and spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant town. Namche is the most important town in the Khumbu Valley, and is filled with fun shops, great bakeries, and colorful winding streets. We also visit the local monastery and the Sherpa Museum of Culture and Himalayan Climbing History. The museum’s exhibits chronicling sherpa climbing history are not to be missed.

For acclimatization purposes we spend a second night near Namche Bazaar. After a relaxing morning exploring town and enjoying our first stunning views of Ama Dablam from a viewpoint above town, we have lunch and then take a one-hour walk to Khumjung and our sirdar’s (lead sherpa’s) home. We spend the night with Phurba Tashi and his family in his comfortable lodge, and possibly visit the Hillary School in Khumjung, and the Khunde hospital, both projects of Sir Edmund Hillary, and significant centers of Sherpa life.

Phortse is home to most of our sherpa team. It is an incredible mountain town perched on the walls of a massive river valley and sees almost no Western visitors. To get there we set off from Khumjung on small trails, featuring a long stone staircase through vertical rock cliffs that ends at the Mong La, a high pass with striking 360 degree views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kantegri. From the pass we descend to the river, and then climb easily to Phortse, arriving in time for lunch. We spend the afternoon visiting our sherpa team in their homes, drinking tea and tasting the locally made yak yogurt.

We begin today’s trek far from other trekkers on the trail from Phortse to upper Pangboche. In Pangboche we visit the oldest monastery and temple in the region and explore its paintings and statues. If we are fortunate, we may also receive blessings from the local lama. Once finished, we continue hiking to Dingboche, a small seasonal town perched at the base of Lhotse’s South Face that has incredible views of Ama Dablam’s North Ridge.

Chukkung Ri is not glaciated, but provides an excellent way for us to gain additional acclimatization, as well as stunning views of Lhotse’s South Face and the huge glaciers filling the Amphu Valley. In the afternoon we return to our lodge in Dingboche in time for a late lunch and some time relaxing in the sun. As needed, this day also makes for a great rest and recuperation day.

Climb Kala Patar (18,192/5,164 meters) and return to Lobuche. Summiting Kala Patar is a non-technical but strenuous hike on good, generally snow-free, trails. The views of Everest from its summit are the best anywhere in Nepal, and well worth the hard hike.

Today we get some much needed rest and practice the skills we'll need on Mera.

The route from Lobuche climbs out of the valley on a progressively steepening scree slope. Eventually, we cross a series of rock bands (fixed ropes) before reaching this beautiful camp perched below Lobuche’s glacier and summit.

Summit day on Lobuche East (20,075 feet/6,119 meters). (Possible ski; conditions dependent.) We start early, climbing through rock slabs and steps. When we reach the glacier, from there steep snow and ice takes us to the final knife edge summit ridge. After enjoying the views we reverse our route and descend all the way to the town of Lobuche.

Rest, heli to Khare (15,285 feet/4,660 meters). In Khare, we are now above tree line, leaving us with incredible views of our main objective, Mera Peak.

Possible heli contingency day. Rest in Khare.

Today we hike/skin to base camp, getting our legs back underneath us, and reviewing techniques along the way.

For today’s move to high camp, we are able to spend most of the time skinning. As we approach our camp, we are are rewarded with stunning views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.

Mera Peak summit day and ski! Return to Khare. We skin for as long as possible today before changing over to crampons if necessary for the final portion of the ascent. We then descend 4,000+ foot (1,220 meter) on skis, providing us with the ski experience of a lifetime! Every time we stop to catch our breath, we will be staring at the peaks that give the Himalaya its fame.

Summit and ski contingency day.

Heli to Lukla, continue by plane to Kathmandu. This 45-minute flight begins with one of the most exciting takeoffs in the world. Once airborne the flight offers incredible views of the mountains, the foothills, and finally the city. After landing in Kathmandu we return to our hotel for an afternoon of celebration, great food, and perhaps much needed massages. Night in hotel.

Contingency day for flights from Lukla to Kathmandu. Since the flights to and from Lukla are often delayed or cancelled due to bad weather in the mountains, this is an essential extra day. If we arrived back in Kathmandu on time, this day can be used for sightseeing in the city, shopping for souvenirs, or sleeping in and enjoying the fantastic pool at the hotel.

Depart Kathmandu for home. After a final group breakfast, return to the airport to catch international flights home.