Mera Peak 2008
North Ridge Expedition |
| 6, 746m / 21,246ft |
October 10 - November 7, 2008 |
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Mera Peak is a technically straightforward climb and is the highest "trekking peak" in Nepal. It is the perfect climb for people looking for their first ascent in the Himalayas. The steady, but strenuous, glacier climb to the summit rewards us with fantastic views
of Nepal and a vista that takes in Kanchenjunga and Makalu to the east, Everest and Lhotse to the north, and Ama Dablam and Cho Oyu to the west.
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This will be my 25th trip to Nepal and Celia’s 13th. Let’s just say we have the place figured out. I have climbed Mera Peak three times and Celia twice. The altitude should not scare the competent trekker since the north ridge route to the summit is easy glacier travel on a well-traveled route.
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| What sticks in my mind about Mera Peak is that it is a photographer’s paradise. Everyday of this 21-day trek you will be exposed to extraordinary photo opportunities. After only one day of hiking we will get views of Cho-Oyu and Kongde. As we cross the Zata La we will receive excellent views of the Khumbu Valley. After crossing the pass we look east into the Hinku Valley and up to Mera Peak. |
| As we spend the next week hiking up the Hinku Valley we will be surrounded by awesome peaks such as, Kasum Kanguru, Mera Peak and the spectacular Kyashar. After passing through the village of Targnag our trail leads up and toward the east. The west face of Mera Peak (see photo) will be on our right as we ascend toward the north ridge. |
| From this point onwards have your camera ready and shooting. Each day brings new peaks and views in all directions. We will be hiking along the results of a burst glacial dam as we move up the valley and you will be able to see the affects of the awesome power which the water had as it broke loose and made its way down the valley towards India. The walls of the river banks have been greatly eroded away. On a rest day we will walk up and take a look at what is left of the lake and the damn that burst when a piece of glacier let loose during the night and landed in the lake causing waves to wash out the dam. |
| On the north ridge we will be able to see five 8,000 meter peaks at one time! From east to west they are – Cho-Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenzunga. Bring your wide angle and telephoto lenses to take advantage of this fabulous sight! Celia and I will shoot the digital equivalent of 30 rolls of film during this part of the trip and we have been there before! Bring extra memory chips and batteries. |
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| We will pitch our high camp at 19,000 feet. High on teh North Mera Glacier. From this camp we have a medoim difficulty summit day. With a pre dawn start we should be on top by late morning which is the best time of day for super photos. On our last trip it was unusually cool. We require double plastic boots for summit day. |
| Please don’t hesitate to call us directly for more information concerning this spectacular climb. We are looking forward to sharing our Nepal adventures with you. |
Sincerely,
Rick & Celia Wilcox |
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| Land Cost |
$4,800 |