Trip Reports

Mera Peak - 30 Mar to 22 Apr '12

Written by Leader Mungo Ross, April 2012

The power of the Puja is perhaps more of a test than a blessing. We with our Western minds have this expectation that the ceremony is to confirm blessings on what we want and expect (or paid for). Not having the faintest idea of what the Lama is actually saying, he may well have taken one look at us and suggested (to whoever) that just getting us all back home alive is good enough, never mind try climbing a mountain in the meantime! And that has nothing at all to do with unseasonal weather, more snow than usual in the hills, crevasses that no-one has seen before on the mountain, the logistics of a potential six day walk-out instead of three and a few folk who could have done with a bit of extra time (there is no such thing as an “easy” 6000 meter peak).

So Mera does it again. Stories from the very few who had made it to the summit so far this season were full of tales of hardship and danger; there were far more who had not made it that far or even close. Our flight into Lukla had been diverted for an overnight stay in rustic accommodation in Lamidanda, setting the theme for this expedition’s itinerary-in-pencil and the need for us to be not merely flexible, but downright floppy.

A revised approach up the east side of the Hinku Valley through the forest on a trail that defies gravity in places and definition most of the way, provided the highlight for some and considerable anxiety for many. The decision to abandon any attempt on the peak itself became inevitable in the face of the combined circumstances, but we did manage a practice day on the snout of the Mera Glacier. A personal best of over 5,000 meters for some and the experience of having to acknowledge decisive decision making in the mountains for all.

At least by the time we were on the way back, the weather and conditions were beginning to settle down, allowing us to cross the Zatrwa La from the Hinku into the Khumbu , which provided an alternative highlight for many of the team, with still a lot of snow on the ground and wonderful views under a blue sky.

The option of a few extra days in Kathmandu was taken up by others, while the rest of us trekked up to Namche for the early morning view of Everest and the upper Khumbu Valley – just seeing Everest being one of the big ticks of this trip for some.

So perhaps the Puja performed after all; no summit of Mera, but another fabulous three weeks in the mountains of Nepal, sharing time with the Sherpas and porters, learning (yet again) that success is not necessarily about getting to the top and all going home with a bit more experience (and all of our fingers and toes). Thank you Jagged Globe for the organisation and support and thank you team for your understanding, cooperation and company – (and for NOT falling off!!!).

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

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