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MERA ISLAND AMPHU LAPCHA TREKS

Mera and Island peaks blended with impressive Amphu Lapcha pass makes this excursion a totally unique and challenging one. Mera peak offers a brilliant himalayan summit thrill. Island peak standing tall at 6189 m, is technically quite arduous. The views from both of these summit are surely breathtaking. We take longer route to Mera peak base camp through the lush forests of rhododendron and pine. We cross uninhabited alpine areas of higher Hinku valley. After the Mera peak summit, we head eastwards exploring the much less used route towards Makalu and the barren region of Hinku valley. Our subsequent challenge is crossing the tough Amphu Lapcha pass at 5700 meters on our way to Island peak. Eventually via monastery, we trek down to Lukla, a place to have a flight to Kathmandu. This trek is a lifetime experience that is really worth it.

Overview

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
Day 03: 30min flight to Lukla (2850m) and trek to Piuyan (2800m)
Day 04-06: Trek to Chalen kharka (3450m)
Day 07-08: Trek to Kote (3600m) via Khola kharka (4100m)
Day 09-10: Trek to Tangnang(4400m) & acclimatization
Day 11-12: Trek to Khare (5000m)
Day 13: Trek to Mera La pass (5400m)
Day 14: Trek to Mera high camp (5800m)
Day 15-16: Summit Mera peak (6461m) and trek to Kongme Dingma (4850m)
Day 17-18: Trek to Amphu Lapcha base (5600m) via Seto pokhari
Day 19: Cross Amphu Lapcha La pass (5845m) and trek to Island peak base camp (5100m)
Day 20: Rest day
Day 21: Summit Island peak (6189m)
Day 22-24: Trek to Lukla (2850m) via Pangboche & Namche
Day 25: Return to Kathmandu or proceed to another destination

Itinerary Details

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

We receive and welcome you at Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu, showing our signboard outside the airport terminal. You are then transferred to the respective accommodation for a wonderful stay.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley

After breakfast, sightseeing experience starts with city tours and some heritage sites.

Day 03: 30min flight to Lukla (2850m) and trek to Piuyan (2800m)

We fly to Lukla airport that takes around half an hour. We then trek descending south to Surke village where a path steeply climbs towards Chutok la. A little walk leads us to a village, followed by Hadi khola and we reach Puiyan.

Day 04-06: Trek to Chalen kharka (3450m)

We hit the trail to a mountain pass of Kari la. Our path goes via rhododendron plus bamboo forests to a sherpa village of Pangom and further to Pangom la pass as well as Peeng kharka, Surke la and Chalen kharka (3450m). 

Day 07-08: Trek to Kote (3600m) via Khola kharka (4100m)

We start moving through Makalu Barun national park to reach a rural Hinku valley. Trail goes along yak pastures. Locals bring their Yak flock to these kharka/pasture in summer. We pass through some ridges heading to the point for a splendid vista of Kanchenjunga (8586m) and other mountains. We cross the passes to reach holy lake Panch pokhari and remote corners of Barun valley going via snow moraines. We further move down along Hinku river to reach Kote village (3600m). 

Day 09-10: Trek to Tangnang (4300m) & acclimatization

We move through Hinku valley and cross glaciated route for Tangnang (4300m). It goes upstream along Hinku river to reach the height where one may see the views of Mera peak summits in addition to Kusum Kanguru. 

Day 11-12: Trek to Khare (5000m)

We reach Keshar peak in few hours and further climbing takes us to Dig kharka in a snow clad valley. We move through it for hours and ascend our trail to Khare, a point before Mera peak, where base camp is set.  We even acclimatize at Khare. 

Day 13: Trek to Mera La pass (5400m)

We start to climb snow & rock moraines and it gets quite steep. It goes out leading via rocky trails just overlooking Mera peak, where it is snow blown onto the glacier. We may even need ice gears and upon reaching glaciated trail, gradient eases off. A short trip leads us to Mera La pass (5400m). 

Day 14: Trek to Mera high camp (5800m)

As the final ascent of Mera peak is to be made from high camp, we thus embark on a steep climb and ascend for hours to reach Mera high camp (5800m). We may be rewarded there with a postcard view of highest mountains in himalayas, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Cho oyu, Makalu, Lhotse.

Day 15-16: Summit Mera peak (6461m) and trek to Kongme Dingma (4850m)

Exciting day begins early morning for the final ascent of Mera peak summit. We prepare ourselves with technical gears to commence. We should be careful as we may encounter a glacier with multiple crevasses. Path goes steeply to east of ridge just below the summit. Last section of our climb is the hardest one. Upon reaching summit, majestic vista of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Cho oyu, Makalu, Lhotse and other certainly spellbind us. We gradually descend down to Kongme Dingma. 

Day 17-18: Trek to Amphu Lapcha base (5600m) via Seto pokhari

Trail goes through yak pastures where one may see the shepherd huts alongside the magnetic charm of Baruntse peak on our way to Seto pokhari. We move via snow moraine and glacial lakes to reach there and it leads us to Amphu Lapcha base camp.  

Day 19: Cross Amphu Lapcha La pass (5845m) and trek to Island peak base camp (5100m)

We move along the snowy path leading to Honku valley and we continue along the glaciated trail to head down to Imja glacier. We walk hours along Amphu Lapcha glacier to reach Imja Tsho lake, just beside Imja glacier. Hours of trek gradually brings us to Amphu Lapcha La pass (5845m). Gradually along rocky moraine, we start moving towards Island peak base camp and reach there for a stay.

Day 20: Rest day

It is quite difficult to summit island peak compared to Mera peak. We spend the day as a rest day at Island peak base camp, preparing for an upcoming climb and enjoying around.

Day 21: Summit Island peak (6189m)

Our day starts early morning as we need to prepare for the final summit of Island peak (6189m). We carry snow gears and our adventure starts at a sluggish pace along the crevasses and ridge to reach the peak. There we enjoy our accomplishment of the day amidst a superb view of surrounding mountains. We continue gradually down to Chhukung village.

Day 22-24: Trek to Lukla (2850m) via Pangboche & Namche

We hit the trail along Chhukung glacier towards Dudh koshi that leads us to sherpa village of Dingboche and further towards Imja river. We cross it to move towards Pangboche and Tengboche village through Debuche. We visit Tengboche monastery and explore around. Along Dudh koshi river, we move towards Namche and down to Phakding village finally reaching Lukla.

Day 25: Return to Kathmandu or proceed to another destination

You may opt for returning back to Kathmandu or proceeding to another destination.

Essential Information

Passport & visa
All foreigners beside Indians have to get a visa to enter Nepal. Unlike other countries, Nepali consulates and embassies issue visas without much fuss. On-arrival visas also are issued instantly at Tribhuvan international airport or at the border checkpoints. It may without difficulty be acquired at the Nepal/China border too. While you arrive at the airport you have to fill in a form and submit a passport photo. A single entry visa is valid for 15, 30 or 90 days. At the airport, you could pay this sum in any major foreign currency. Kids below 10 are required to have a visa however are not charged. In case you are making plans to go to India, Tibet and Bhutan you can follow for a more than one entry visa. You could change your single entry visa to multiple visa at Kathmandu’s immigration office. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months. All foreign nationals getting into Nepal are required to arrange a visa either on arrival or in advance. A Nepalese visa may be received both prior to your arrival at a Nepalese embassy abroad and on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport. Note: Citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia are not subjected to obtain the Nepalese visa upon arrival. Nepalese visa can also be secured at entry at Nepalese borders.

Lukla [Everest]
Please note the flights to and from Lukla rely on weather conditions. Awful weather might delay flights. While planes are grounded due to terrible climate, helicopter charter organizations operate mountain flights to Lukla. On your request, we even arrange a helicopter flight (to or from Lukla) for you. Whilst trekking in the mountains we stick to the standard itinerary. However if bad weather persists or if something occurs (natural calamities like landslide, avalanche or so), our trek leader regulates the itinerary. For instance, if horrific climate persists for days that disrupts your journey time table, you get the choice to cancel your trek to Everest and book other trekking regions – Annapurna, Langtang and many others or a cultural excursion. We assist on proper itinerary for you; one which fits your budget and time.

Weather 
The coldest month is January and the hottest is July. We say weather of Nepal is mild which means winter is dry and summer is hot. Monsoon lasts from around June to August. However rest of the year is dry. March to May is spring and September to November is autumn and they are additionally the most pleasant seasons. During winter (December, January and February), temperature drops down with snowstorms mainly in the high mountain areas.

Banking and foreign exchange
Payment in hotels, travel offices and airways can be made in foreign exchange. Credit card payments are common at major business institutions. There are plenty of machines or ATMs in towns and most will receive cards issued through any of the banking networks. Cards like Visa, Master, JCB and American express are simply universal at hotels, restaurants, airlines and major visitor centers.

Custom formalities
Upon arrival in Nepal, your luggage should be cleared by customs at the entry. You are allowed a private computer, digital camera, movie/video camera or so.  If you buy an antique item in Nepal and need to take it back home with you, it needs to be licensed by the department of Archaeology. In Nepal, it is unlawful to take items abroad that are 100 years or older.

Emergency 
Please do not forget to provide your emergency contact records whilst filling out forms.  You could mention the contact information of a member of the family or a person close to you.

Safety and security
Nepal is one of the most secure and hospitable destination for tourists. Nepalese are friendly and most of them assist visitors. Crime rate is very low as Nepal police is strict and smart. Tourism police is always on high alert and stand by. As per the review, it has been found that travelers rarely experience any hassle and difficulties while in Nepal. 

Phone/SIM/data plan
Upon arrival in Nepal, you can get a sim card at ease under certain terms & conditions. We can arrange it on your behalf. While in mountains, you may face some difficulties to receive internet range. In that case, you might need mobile data plan since it works everywhere. We assist on this if you require. Yet wireless internet works in majority of cities & towns nowadays. Internet system has already been installed even in Mt. Everest. These days you can mostly get a good internet access in Nepal. 

Electricity 
In Nepal the standard voltage is 220-230 V and the frequency is 50 HZ. In cities, maximum hotels have multi-adapter style sockets but in the mountains the teahouses may or may not have these.  It would be good to have international adapter with you to fit your devices. Some teahouses along the trail use solar too.

Vaccinations 
We advise you to go to a health practitioner specialized in travel associated illness months before your trip departure. Take the specified boosters and vaccinations. You ought no longer to fear about tropical illness in case you are hiking in the mountains.

Baggage
On the path while your heavy baggage is carried by porters, you shall be carrying a light daypack of your valuables and accessories. Please make sure the baggage for a porter does not weigh more than 20 kg. One porter usually carries the bags of two guests. The luggage allowance for domestic flights is 20 kg. Maybe you ought to pay for extra luggage if your general bag weight exceeds it.

Body condition & experience
Walking in higher altitudes is physically demanding. In case you are in proper health; have common physical wellness, positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination; you can easily do the trek. We would suggest exercising and walking regularly for some weeks prior to the experience. This may assist you on your energy and balance. Participants who have heart, lung and blood illness are required to seek advice from their physician before participating.

Altitude sickness & Acclimatization
At higher altitudes, air gets scanty and oxygen level decreases. One has to acclimatize properly before going higher. Going too rapid will result in acute mountain illness. The symptoms consist of issue in breathing, nausea, headache, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, vomiting and many others. If left untreated, it might affect major organs too. All our itineraries permit enough time for acclimatization. One or two relaxation days have been allocated at lower elevations before you challenge into the higher levels (3500 to 4000 meters and above). This could supply your body enough time to get used to thin air. Additionally our guides bring a first-aid kit to stop and minimize the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness. On the trail, keep yourself hydrated with fluids as dehydration doubles the risk. To be more secure, we advise you to consult your medical doctor earlier than booking a trek.

Equipment & packing list
We also want you to take into account that the clothing items may vary with season and the trek duration. The listing given below is a basic guideline that may help you for your adventure:
Valid passport, passport size photos, airline tickets, insurance
Dollar, euro, pound or major currencies
Payment cards, ATM, coins
Required clothing … etc …

Travel coverage
It is a good idea to have a travel insurance policy whilst traveling to Nepal. Nepal is a great destination where most of the travelers encounter grand himalayan peaks and enjoy special adventure excursions. You attain above 4000m in most of the treks in Nepal and it is great to have a policy that covers clinical and emergency rescues. Helicopter rescue and emergency evacuation is common in Nepal so that you ought to pick out insurance accurately. It is a wise selection to have insurance coverage that can pay directly to hospitals as opposed to you having to pay for it.

Arrival & Departure
We offer airport pick up and drop off. On arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu, we are there to welcome you. On the final day, you will be transferred to the international airport well in time (3 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled departure) to catch your flight.

Include/Exclude

*Airport / hotel / pick up & drop off on a tourist vehicle ✓
*Guided town tour in Kathmandu valley or related attractions ✓
*All meals throughout the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) ✓
*Guesthouse accommodation during the trek ✓
*Required trek staff, guides and porters for your bags ✓
*Trekking equipment and special clothing ✓
*Food, accommodation, coverage, device and medicine ✓
*National park permits, TIMS permits & tickets ✓
*Vehicles to/from Kathmandu ✓
*Sightseeing/monument entry tickets in Kathmandu ✓
*Government tax, vat & revenue ✓
*Official costs ✓

*Visa fees ✖
*Travel insurance that covers emergency rescue and evacuation ✖
*International flight fares and airport tax ✖
*Alcoholic, canned or any beverage ✖
*Gratuities & private expenses ✖
*Any other that is not mentioned within the prices include section … ✖