Trip Reports

Mera Peak - 1 to 24 April 2011

Written by Leader Mungo Ross, April 2011

Back in Kathmandu a day early, despite losing a day at the start, having had 10 out of 12 on the summit of Mera, today enjoying the sunshine, the quiet of the Summit Hotel, the sights of Kathmandu, the pool and the beer! It has been a steep learning curve for some (nearly half the group had never even handled an ice axe), but then this is the Himalaya – renowned for steep slopes!

Facilitated flawlessly by Karma and his crew of Sherpas, cook team and 28 porters; blessed with unsettled weather providing us with demanding conditions for the trek, then finding perfect conditions on the mountain, this expedition has given this group the opportunity to learn fast what climbing high mountains is about. Discovering that it’s in the details like making sure crampons are adjusted properly, that gaiters fit over double boots, that boots are just a little oversize, that those fancy “high altitude” gloves actually keep your fingers warm.

Though disappointing for the two who never made it to the top, it’s in the biggest struggles that we get to learn the deepest lessons; and climbing six and a half thousand metre mountains offers plenty to struggle about! All 12 of the group are already talking about what they want to climb next, so it would seem that rather than having been put off by the experience, they are inspired to go harder and higher!

Mera might be an easy “Trekking Peak”, but the walk in and out and going that high demand all the competencies of mountaineering – there is no such thing as an “easy” 6000 metre mountain (all of us need oxygen!). The Greater Ranges are a mean classroom, but also an amazing office and church. Another disparate dozen are going home with a shared experience and wealth of learning that will feed their minds and souls (and tested bodies) for future adventures.

Thank you to Jagged Globe, Summit Trekking, and all 12 of you for another fun and successful three weeks in Nepal.

Mungo Ross, Expedition Leader « Previous report | Next report »

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