Trip Reports

Mera Peak - 18 Oct - 10 Nov '13

Written by Leader Adele Pennington, November 2013

Mera Peak (6,461m) is a high remote 'Trekking Peak', which was certainly not a walk in the park for the Jagged Globe 18 October team. The twelve team members set out clean and naive about their future few weeks on this adventurous journey. It was soon apparent that the Nepalese flat was quite untrue and our Sirdar Dawa was never wrong with how many hours each stage would take; named as the Dawa hour, the team trekked and enjoyed the beautiful scenery as they walked towards the Hinku Valley.

The regimental diet of spam, omelette and porridge was soon the focus of the day, as was Danbi our kitchen boy's cheerful chants of bed tea, soupie, soupie and juicy juicy. We were not disappointed by the food we ate like kings to fuel our bodies for the rigors of each day. Unfortunately after eight days of trekking two members of the team were not so well and were evacuated by helicopter. This emotional 48 hours bonded the group further as we trekked up to the supposedly grassy pastures of Dig Kharka, which was in fact buried under several feet of snow. Not deterred the whole team set about making an idyllic campsite and learnt the delights of camping on snow. With camp erected by early afternoon it was time to take an afternoon nap in the sun before unleashing our ice axes for a pre-dinner walk to the porter boulder. Guarding our camp, no other teams dare cross the stream and team spirits soared as darkness fell and the amphitheatre of the surrounding mountains was illuminated by the stars. From our isolated camp we made the push up to Khare where the Tea houses were partially buried by the unseasonal snow. With plenty of time in the itinerary it was decided to spend an extra night in the village and ascend Khare Teng (5,150m).

This top gave stunning views over the Mera La and our objective. This little summit was an altitude record for many of the team. The following day the Lake Louise Scores on the doors were down to zero and the team were ready for their summit push. Packing only the essential kit required for the next few days; boots and crampons were put on straight away as the ascent out of Khare was on steep frozen snow compacted by other teams and porters on their way to base camp. The welcome sight of base camp and Danbi with hot juice was a delight as we snuggled into our tents to rest. The winds hammered our tents all night but the morning sunrise warmed us through before our departure to high camp. Roped up in three teams we ascended to high camp at 5,800m. The views of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu inspired us as we made progress on our challenging journey. A brief encounter with the Jagged Globe Mera and Island Peak group and their report of summit success encouraged us as we dropped down to the tethered tents at high camp.

Too windy to stay outside, the team members received their meals through small openings in their tent doors the Sherpas and cook team made a tremendous effort to look after everyone in what can only be described as less than a hospitable camp. With our summit time departure set we tried to rest. The gusting winds pushed and sucked the tents in and out and never really gave any respite. Apprehensive, the team waited for their call. At 1am Adele and Dawa assessed the conditions and decided to delay porridge for another hour or so. Although very windy the temperature was such that it would be possible to make a summit attempt. At 3am the first roped team left, Geddes, Scott, Alistair, Simon and Sherpa’s Dawa, Gyan and Jangbu departed camp followed by the second team Darinji, Stephanie, Dawn, Paula and Adele.

The winds did not abate and made progress slow. Cold and beaten and cautious to avoid cold injuries the second team turned around at 6,150m. Despite the conditions we were mesmerised by the breathtaking vista of mountains that appeared as the sun rose. Hoping our other team were strong enough to battle through, we returned to high camp. In less than half an hour our first team returned triumphant but exhausted from their ascent of Mera Peak. Following soup and juice we all escaped from camp back to Khare. Delighted that the stronger experienced members had reached the summit and chuffed that every member had given their best, we took refuge in the Tea house and lodge rooms. Trekking back was just as hard work and the Zatrwa La proved to be a summit day in itself. The relief of returning to our starting point was felt by all as the first ring pull of Everest beer was pulled and this report was compiled by the team. The group camaraderie and banter continued and being reunited with one of our fellow members that had been evacuated early on was exciting as we told our tales of Mera Peak. To end: Birthday Cake, Shopping and relaxation at the beautiful Summit Hotel brought our trip to a close. A massive well done to everyone who made this expedition a life-time experience! Summit success is one thing, but true adventures and friendships consolidated in the mountains are memories that last forever.

Adele Pennington, Expedition Leader « Previous report | Next report »

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