 Hello all, I'm currently in the (very!) early stages of planning a guided trip up Mera Peak in Nepal for October 2009. I'll be going with a few friends and there are a few differering opinions as to what kind of company to go with. The main considerations are price (unfortunately) and obviously having a great experience when we're there. The choices seem to be between nepalese-run companies that are cheap(ish) but are all local staff, or more expensive UK companies that are about £500 more expensive but provide a UK guide. I suppose another option would be to find a company in Kathmandu when we arrive, but I'd rather have it organised in advance. Does anyone have any experience of similar trips or could offer advice as to the pros and cons of the different options? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance... 
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 Local firms are very experienced in dealing with such trips - it can be hard to find the right one with any confidence. They all have internet sites that can promise the world. My only real hint to solve your dilemma is the obvious one - that you should choose a good UK company with a sound reputation or a Nepalese company that comes well recommended to sort the wheat from the chaff.
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 I did that trip some time ago with Karakoram Experience. Excellent organisation, friendly helpful staff. Recommended.
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As I'm a tight wad, in your shoes I'd try to find a local company. You could go to a big bookshop, look thru the general guide books (LP, RG etc) and she if they provide any recommendations. If they have them, also check the hiking/climbing guide books such as Cicerone & Trailblazer. Then check out any recommendations using Google and some message boards.
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Hi, I also have the same question to ask. Thinking of going to Mera Peak in beginning of November 08. Am very keen on information regarding: -the time of the season. Sadly cannot go in October, therefore my only option for this year is November. What shall i expect? Less daylight, so colder? More snow? -Am keen to select a UK company. Any recommendations? Have seen 2 companies and one has the trip for 21 days and the other 24. Would prefer the 24 but cannot find the right days. What do you think would be the minimum for duration to minimise the Altitude sickness effect? Many thanks for all your help.. A
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 I have climbed Mera Peak twice, the first time in April and again in November last year so hopefully can help answer some of the questions. On balance I think that the best time of year is probably November, at this stage one is well into the post monsoon stable weather period.For the last few years there has been a heavy monsoon so the rains continued on to mid October. In October '07 there was a period of poor weather where practically all Lukla flights were cancelled between 6th to 11th. Once into November one generally gets stable weather with blue skies and sun and this is the best time for clear views of the mountains and photography. Of course the temperatures are beginning to cool off, however as long as you have the right gear (plastics boots, good sleeping bag and down jacket) you will be fine.There were groups from UK companies that summitted Mera Peak in December last year although my feeling is that this would be too cold especially for the summit day. The other factor is that the days are getting shorter so have to move faster/leave earlier (when it is colder) on the summit day.You can also climb Mera Peak in April during the pre monsoon season although the weather tends to be less stable and it is normal to get a week or so of bad weather at this time of year. If this coincides with when you are climbing then it is unlikely you will have the time to sit it out. I find that often pre monsoon trekking feels colder than October & November mainly because cloud tends to builds up around mid morning and blocks the sun (and views of course). Whereas later in the year the overnights temperatures are lower but you are very likely to get sun all day.For the itinerary I would really recommend spending longer and not rushing, not only does this increase your chances of summitting, by being well acclimatised but also enjoying the summit day. I think that the view is one of the best in the Himalayas so it is good to have the energy to enjoy it!The longer itineraries tend to follow the trail heading south of Lukla via Pangom and Panch Pokhari. This is a very enjoyable trek as you see the typical villages of the Solu Khumbu. You will see a cross section of Nepal from sub tropical vegetation when you drop down to cross the Hinku River on a suspension bridge to Sherpa & Rai villages and then walk over to Panch Pokhari a holy site for Hindu pilgrims.The other advantage of this trek is that you will get fit and acclimatised before getting to Mera BC, this will increase your chances on Mera Peak later on. The faster itineraries tend to go over the Zatra La behind Lukla at the start of the trek rather than walking south as described. I would not recommend this approach as walking over a pass at 4600m unacclimatised is too high too fast. Also, it is enjoyable to make the trek into a circuit by walking in from the south at the start of the trip and then out over the Zatra La at the end.
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I agree that is a always a tough call to decide whether to go with a local Nepalese company or pay the premium to have a western leader and organisation. If you are thinking of going with a local company I suggest you ask them exactly what is provided in terms of group equipment. There are very few local companies who use good mountaineering tents for Mera most use locally made A frames that will not stand up to a storm at Mera La or High Camp. You should also ask if the local agency brings a satellite phone in case required for emergency use. Each time that I have been to Mera I have lent my sat phone to other groups and also had to provide medical assistance to people who get severe AMS from ascending too fast. The issue with Mera is that it is hard to get injured people out because the the valley south of Kothe is a long way and going back over the Zatra La is too high. Your only option in this situation would be to organise a heli evacutaion, where of course a sat phone is required. The experience and training of your local guide is v. important to establish. There are many trekking guides in Nepal although it can be hard to find top climbing Sherpas especially in April & May because they will be working on 8000m expeditions who will pay much better. I am lucky because I work with the same Sherpa climbing guide each year, although expensive having a guide who is a double Everest and Manaslu summitter is certainly worth it. If you would like to find out more information about the 24 day Mera Peak itinerary I suggest you take a look at our website at www.themountaincompany.co.uk . I am going to Mera in November with a group and there is still availability if you are interested. We have uploaded to our photo gallery the shots from last year’s trip. Good luck!Cheers,Roland
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Note: I have reposted my first one as for some reason there was a problem with the format..... I have climbed Mera Peak twice, the first time in April and in November last year so hopefully can help answer some of the questions. On balance I think that the best time of year is probably November, at this stage one is well into the post monsoon stable weather period. For the last few years there has been a heavy monsoon so the rains continued on to mid October. In October '07 there was a period of poor weather where practically all Lukla flights were cancelled between 6th to 11th. Once into November one generally gets stable weather with blue skies and sun and this is the best time for clear views of the mountains and photography. Of course the temperatures are beginning to cool off, however as long as you have the right gear (plastics boots, good sleeping bag and down jacket) you will be fine. There were groups from UK based companies that summitted Mera Peak in December last year although my feeling is that this will be too cold especially for the summit day. The other factor is that the days are getting shorter so have to move faster/leave earlier (when it is colder) on the summit day. You can also climb Mera Peak in April during the pre monsoon season although the weather tends to be less stable and it is normal to get a week or so of bad weather at this time of year. If this coincides with the time you are climbing then it is unlikely you will have the time to sit it out. I find that often pre monsoon trekking feels colder than October & November mainly because cloud tends to builds up around mid morning and blocks the sun (and views of course). Whereas later in the year the overnights temperatures are lower but you are very likely to get sun all day. For the itinerary I would really recommend spending longer and not rushing, not only does this increase your chances of summitting by being well acclimatised but also enjoying the summit day. The view is simply amazing and I think one of the best in the Himalayas so good to have the energy to enjoy it! The longer itineraries tend to follow the trail heading south of Lukla via Pangom and Panch Pokhari. This is a very enjoyable trek as you see the typical villages of the Solu Khumbu. You will see a cross section of Nepal from sub tropical vegetation when you drop down to cross the Hinku River on a suspension bridge to Sherpa & Rai villages and then walk over to Panch Pokhari a holy site for Hindu pilgrims. The other advantage of this trek is that you will get fit and acclimatised before getting to Mera BC, this will increase your chances on Mera Peak later on. The faster itineraries tend to go over the Zatra La behind Lukla at the start of the trek rather than walking south as described. I would not recommend this approach as walking over a pass at 4600m unacclimatised is too high too fast. Also, it is enjoyable to make the trek into a circuit by walking in from the south at the start of the trip and then out over the Zatra La at the end.
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 Hi SteveK Boy am I jealous of you! From my experience (two treks in Nepal) I can whole heartedly suggest a local company called Global Adventure Trekking http://www.treksntours.com/ . I have used this company twice and had excellent service both times. I am still in regular contact with the MD of the company Suman Dahal over email and have recently got a quote from him for trekking to Island Peak (he said this and Mera are very similarly priced. ) I can send you my quote if you like to see whats included. Take a look at the website and let me know. Cheers
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Hi Roland, Many thanks for the information provided! It is much more than i asked, and i am grateful for the info. It is good to know that November can be a good month to go to. Will check itinerary (so i can understand better which route they will be using). I had looked at 2 western companies and one was using 24 days while the other was using 21 and was not certain if 21 is enough preparation in order to decrease chance of experiencing AMS. Again many thanks! A
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Hi, I'm also considering Mera and have been looking at the trips run by KE adventures based in Keswick does anyone have any experience with this company? Good to hear about the weather at different times of the year, looks like I'll be tied to December though as it saves on holidays and I quite fancy Christmas in the mountains.
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 You could also look at Doug Scott's company, it's either C.A.N or C.A.T, (can't find the broucher at moment), the profit made from treks goes back to his charity, to fund the likes of building and running schools, basic hospitals, clean water supplies, etc. in Nepal.
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 Why not use Roland Hunter the fella that's posted on here? He's the fella if your looking to bag Mera Peak.
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I've no direct experience of KE, but I walked to Everest Base Camp a couple of years ago and I seem to remember seeing more KE groups than any other (regardless of base country).
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Iain Gallagher, who posts on forum and runs courses like Nav. Skills, Winter Skills, for OMers, may put a climb of Mera together, if he gets enough interest from OMers. If Iain got enough interest, I, would consider going on trip. It's a mountain I want to climb, I just need to save a bit more. www.kendalmountaineeringservices.co.uk I know from meeting him he's climbed Mera at least once and has contacts from his time in Nepal.
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KEadventures? Excellent company!
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Come Back... Namaste! and thank you very much for a great organization of our 8 days trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Hari and Krishna did a wonderful job and helped us experience our journey to the fullest! We will not forget Nepal and will definitely come back! Come Back... Namaste! and thank you very much for a great organization of our 8 days trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Hari and Krishna did a wonderful job and helped us experience our journey to the fullest! We will not forget Nepal and will. For more details log on: http://www.gotonepal.com
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