Useful Information
Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass trekking expedition can be done from mid-Feb to mid-May and the beginning of September to mid-November. We have a very professional crew for this trek and climbing expedition. Trekking through the stunning Lukla village to the high ridges of the Himalayas, the Mera Peak, and Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek is also a very famous and popular trekking destination for the amazing Amphu Lapcha La pass and stunning Mera Peak Summit. The expedition is a special and memorable one as we not only explore the exotic mountains but also we get to explore the unique lifestyle of Sherpa people, their culture and tradition and many historic Buddhist monasteries.
Mera Peak climbing and Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek is a teahouse plus some days of camping based trek. The first part of the trek from Lukla to Khare will be a full tea-house trek based on the guides, porters, and meals from the teahouses. The second part of the trek from Khare to Mera Peak Summit and then to Amphu Lapcha La pass will be fully camping trek based on meals prepared by our camping team. The third (last) part of the trek from Chukkung to Lukla will be again teahouse based with meals from the teahouses. For, more information and advice please read the following topics.
How difficult is the Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass High Altitude Trekking?
Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass climbing tour is a thrilling and challenging trek plus climbing trip in Nepal. This trek is the right choice for those adventure lovers who are moderately fit and looking for both trekking and peak climbing trip and remoteness adventure in Nepal. To do this trip no need any previous adventure experience but you need to be fit for walking 7 to 8 hours a day in the mountain. And, there is no limit on our adventures, as long adventurers have healthy and willing. We strongly recommend you have some days extra in your schedule for this trek.
Physical Fitness and Experience Requirements
Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass climbing holiday is considered as a strenuous plus trip in Nepal. In such expedition, you are likely to walk for 6 to 8 hours, crossing steeps, hilly terrains and occasional high passes of up to 5700 meters. You are likely to be in a remote environment with extreme weather on some days. You will also be facing high-altitude air with low levels of oxygen. Therefore, physical fitness and a positive attitude are essential. Exercising, hiking and jogging regularly or join a gym (especially cardio section) at least 3 months prior to the trek is a great idea to enhance your strength and stability.
Summiting Mera Peak, this is not categorized as a technical peak but a bit of technical knowledge would be beneficial for a small section of the climb which is about 50m. This will probably be the toughest part of the climb as the slope is around 40 degrees of ice/snow. Previous experience with using ice axe and crampons is preferred, although not mandatory because a basic ice-climbing training will be provided at Mera Peak Base Camp by our climbing team before the summit.
For this trek, it is vital for trekkers with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Alpine Eco Trek about your medical condition before booking this trip.
Acclimatization during the Trek and Climbing Trip
We have planned Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass climbing and trekking itinerary with a high priority of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Two extra days are set aside for acclimatization. Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above 4000 meters, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs several days to adapt to an environment with less oxygen.
Alpine Eco Trek suggests our guests with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are major symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itinerary is planned to try to prevent AMS as much as possible and our guides and crew members are well trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.
What is the Normal Group Size for the Trek?
We need at least 2 people to issue the Mera Peak Climbing permit at NMA so that minimum group size is two, and for this trek, there will be one licensed trekking leader, one experienced climbing guide, one assistant trekking guide, one cook, one assistant cook and some Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (1 porter for two trekkers). This arrangement ensures that even if someone in the group gets sick or is unable to continue, the trip can still go ahead as planned for the rest of the group. We can run the trek for groups of any size, but generally, a maximum of 10 people is ideal as we have found this to be the optimum size for a memorable and successful trip.
What is the best season for the Trek?
The best seasons for this trek are autumn (from September to mid-November) and spring (from March, April to May).
What type of accommodation do I get during the Trek?
We choose the best standard accommodations for 3 nights in Kathmandu and during the trek, from Day 3 to Day 09 and Day 17 to Day 19 will be in the best available guesthouses/lodges. From Day 10 to Day 16, the comfortable two-men tented camp will be provided. To sleep in a tent, 4 season high-quality sleeping bag, and a foam mattress will be provided. We maintain standard comfort in every matter based on enforceable conditions such as weather calamities. All the hotel/guesthouse and camping accommodation will be on twin sharing basis, and we will provide you single supplement if there is different sex without. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single room/tent on request by paying single supplement USD 400.
What type of meals and drinking water can I expect during the Trek?
Hotel in Kathmandu is based on Bed and Breakfast basis and from Lukla to Lukla (Day 3 to Day 19) all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included. The camping part is accompanied by an experienced and well-trained trekking cook and Sherpa helpers. For the camping part, breakfasts will include porridge or cereals and sometimes eggs, with tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Lunches are generally prepared on the trail and can include cooked or tinned vegetables, rice, chips, freshly made Tibetan bread, as well as tinned tuna, meats or cheese. On occasion, this can be augmented by noodle soup. Dinners always start off with soup, followed by a locally inspired main course such as rice, dal, and spicy vegetables, or a more international dish like pasta with a tomato sauce or pizza and chips. Dessert can be tinned fruit with custard or rice pudding or cake with custard. The emphasis is on providing a high-carbohydrate and largely vegetarian diet, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. During the camping, there will be very few opportunities to purchase snacks and drinks from simple shops. All meals while on the trek and also while staying in tents is included in the trip cost. In the end, we will offer farewell dinner in Kathmandu. It is time to celebrate the success of a great journey with your trekking team.
We do not recommend you drink untreated water from the taps. In this trek, during the camping, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 liters bottles. Additionally, we suggest you take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in the guesthouses or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single-use plastic bottles.
Guides and Crew Members for the Trek
The most important thing that makes the trek enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced and helpful guides and crew members. This trek will be led by only the best and most professional guides. All of Alpine Eco Trek's guides and crew members are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills, knowledge about the region and personal aptitude. With the objective of sustaining local communities, Alpine Eco Trek only employs local staffs who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of the Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass tour holiday. Our guides and crew members have undergone the following training:
- Intensive Wilderness First Aid
- Trekking Guide Training
- Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
- English Language
- Climbing and Mountaineering
- Conservation and Biodiversity
What kind of Communication available during the trek?
Although Mera this trek is an extremely demanding trip that leads you to the remote and isolated region of eastern Nepal, Cell Phone works most of the days so that our guides bring N-Cell Sim Card Cell Phone for logistical, safety and personal use. Personal calls charged at USD 2 per minute and USD 1 to send and receive SMS text.
Do I require travel insurance for this Trek?
A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up for the trek with us so that we strongly recommend you take travel insurance before joining the trip which should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and helicopter evacuation at high altitude places and loss of your luggage. Please kindly provide us a copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come on the trip.
What type of Equipment do I need to pack for this Trek?
Trek to Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass climbing tour is an extremely amazing and adventure trip. We trek up to 5700m walking through villages, green hills, high passes, and white snow paths and reach Mera Peak summit at 6460m so that you need to have the right equipment with you. The weight limit for your luggage is 20 kg max. Remember that your main luggage will be carried by our porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Equipment for head
- Bandana or headscarf, also useful for dusty conditions
- Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Equipment for Upper Body
- Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Equipment for Hands
- 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.
- 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
Equipment for Lower Body
- Non-cotton underwear briefs
- 1 pair of Hiking shorts
- 1 pair of Hiking trousers
- 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
- 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
Equipment for Feet
- 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, broken in)
- 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Cotton socks (optional)
- Gaiters (winter only), optional, low ankle-high version
Equipment for Sleeping
- 1 sleeping bag (good to -30 degrees C )
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
Rucksack and Travel Bags
- 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
- 1 large duffel bag
- A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables should have good shoulder padding
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
- 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
- Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
- 1 skin-blister repair kit
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Anti-headache pills
- Cough and/or cold medicine
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.
- Water purification tablets or the water filter
- 1 set of earplugs
- Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Practical Items
- 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
- 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
- 1 compass or GPS (optional)
- 1 alarm clock/watch
- 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
- Large Ziplocs
- 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
- 1 small folding knife
- Binoculars (optional)
- 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
Toiletries
- 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Female hygiene products
- Small mirror
- Personal Hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial handwash
- Extras/Luxuries
Journal and pen
- iPod
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
- 1 modest swim suit
- Binoculars (optional)
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs).
Reasons to choose Alpine Eco Trek for this Trek
- We are Alpine trekking specialists and we have been organizing strenuous plus treks in Nepal for many years. Ram Kumar, owner and founder of Alpine Eco Trek, has modified this itinerary based on his first-hand experience of the Everest and Mera Peak region.
- Read our reviews received for the Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass trek where our overall holiday rating is 100%.
- Alpine Eco Trek has organized a successful trip to Mera Peak Amphu Lapcha Pass expedition. Due to the remoteness and logistical challenges it is important to have a crew who has previously trekked in the Everest and Mera Peak Region.
- In our itinerary, we have included two rest and acclimatization days. These extra days will help you acclimatize to the high altitudes and also increases chances of completing the traverse in case of any delays flying from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu.
- We use high-quality tents for the Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass trek. These are two-man domed tents with plenty of space for two people sharing plus gear.
- Our guides bring a cell phone on the Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass trek. It is essential for your guide to have reliable communications with the Agency for logistics, planning and group safety.
- Our guides for the Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass trek will bring a comprehensive first aid kit plus high altitude medicine, antibiotics and other medicines. There will be a wide range of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We bring along a supply of chocolate, muesli bars, Pringles, biscuits, and nuts.
- We have trouble-free payment options.
Important Note
The above information is just a guide and a standard pattern of what we provide. The trip can be tailored at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. On adventure trips of this type, weather, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are needed the person in charge will make a decision on what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does arise, we do everything we can to reduce its effect, but we cannot be liable for the results of changes or delays.
Further Information
Our website contains as much information as possible about the Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha Pass trek. However, if you have any questions regarding the trip, please feel free to contact us. We answer all inquiries within 24 hours. If you want to book or enquire about this trip, you can send us an inquiry or contact our team leader directly by phone: +977 98510 36844 (Ram Kumar Adhikari).
