From the autumn 2016 season the Mera Peak trek/climb by this tour operator changed from a camping based itinerary of previous years to lodge or tea house based accommodation. I/we departed in October 2016. Before commencing the trek Id convinced myself that the trek in to Mera would be broadly similar to the Everest Base Camp trek, I was very wrong. There is no gentle start and long days requiring sustained effort are the theme pretty much throughout. The route taken for the first few days is very quiet and had a feel of "going around the houses" for me. That quieter route also makes for much more basic lodges than those found on EBC for example but they were all adequate. The longer approach route does however allow for excellent acclimatisation, a major key to success. All the approach routes converge in Kote and it is then a straight shot up the now rocky Hinku valley. I didnt find the approach trek in to be very scenic and that wasnt helped by day after day of cloud cover. I wonder if a November departure would be worthwhile for clearer skies. Khare, which I thought of as base camp village, was a surprsingly busy place with climbers from all over the world either preparing for or returning from Mera. Stories of six groups having been beaten back by high winds the previous day brought about a realisation that nature could quite easily scupper our plans. Having left Khare and reached the snow line, those of us that brought our own mountain boots and crampons were reunited with them by virtue of some porters that had gone ahead of us. I was now using mountain boots and crampons on snow for the first time, I found I tired far quicker than I cared to admit at the time. After a short but steep climb things level out and then it was a relatively short walk to Mera La camp for the night. The sunset and night time stars were very nice. We were now in tents for the first time. I wish I hadn't binned off my Thermarest mattress as a weight saving effort for the Lukla flight. Foam mattresses were provided but I could still feel the cold coming up from the ground. The next day was a short one from Mera La to High Camp. It however is one of those sections where the destination never seems to get any closer despite feeling you're working like a steam train at full speed. The amusement of high camp's precarious position soon passes as you try to concentrate on getting some sleep for the upcoming 0030 wake up call. I got no real sleep. We then started our torch lit climb through the night in deeply sub zero temperatures. It was hard going, really hard going, there was little talking amongst us. It was just heads down and endure it. The group were imposing more rest stops on the guides than they wanted but I don't think there were any negative consequences when all said and done. My fingers were numb with cold. The sun slowly rose and Mera central summit could now be seen ahead. We left our rucksacks at the foot of the summit and using our Jumars went up the surprisingly short roped section fixed by our guides, it was easy and I was on the summit in a minute. It had taken around 7 hours from leaving High Camp with no sleep (for me) since Mera La the previous day. It was bitterly cold on the summit and very windy, there wasn't any open celebration. There now followed an extremely long walk all the way back down to Khare village with only a short pitstop at High Camp along the way. It was exhausting. Availability of water was a problem too since much if not all of our water was still frozen despite the now blazing morning sun. I was gasping for a drink. Ngima our leader had some warm water in a flask and I will definitely take a small flask when I find myself back on a high mountain again. What now remained was the trek "home" to Lukla. The third day of decent involved far more steep climbing than we were in the mood for but we gt where we were going. Conditions on the Zatrwa pass werent as bad as they could be. During our trek trail crampons or shoe grips weren't necessary. There were only a couple sections of ice a few paces long. The decent from the pass is long and steep, thankfully the national park authority have been building a stone staircase which makes things a little easier but you still have to watch your step. There is the potential for an overnight stay a few hours short of Lukla but depending on progress it can be skipped and we pressed on for Lukla and some comfort... relatively speaking
ClimbingTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge, Tent
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Tangnag, Mera Peak Ba
Kathmandu, Tangnag, Mera Peak Base Camp, Mera La, Mera Peak High Camp, Mera Peak, Zatrwa La Pass, Lukla, Piuyan, Pangkongma, Nashing Dingma, Chholem, Sukye La, Kothe
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging and rewarding trek around the world's eighth-highest mountain, Manaslu, at 8,163 meters. It offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks, diverse landscapes, a rich culture, and wildlife. The trek typically lasts 10–14 days and requires a special permit. The best time to do the trek is during the spring and autumn, with moderate temperatures, clear skies, and good visibility. The winter and monsoon seasons are less crowded but pose more challenges and risks. The trek follows the Buri Gandaki River Gorge, passing suspension bridges and lush forests, waterfalls, and villages. The average cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek depends on factors like season, duration, itinerary, service level, and trekking agency chosen. Some additional factors that can affect the cost of the Manaslu Circuit Trek include accommodation choices, transportation expenses, and any additional activities or side trips included in the itinerary. It is recommended to research and compare different trekking agencies to find the best value for your budget and preferences.
I highly recommend this local tour operator! We took 18 days trek to Everest Base Camp and 3 High Passes in November and the experience was just amazing. We had everything professionally organized by Chris: transportation (including flight to Lukla), food and lodging, permits, you name it... The contact with the company was always quick and easy, Chris was super helpful and everything went smoothly. We were even provided with really good and warm sleeping bags and jackets! Our guide Lakpa was really experienced and knowledgeable, he showed us some of the most incredible places we've ever seen, helped us through all the though parts of the trail and was always there to answer questions and offer advice. We felt really well taken care for every step of the way. We're already planning our next trek in Nepal and we'll most definitely come back to Nepal.
Trekking and HikingMountains
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
10-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Everest Base Camp trek, Everest
Everest Base Camp trek, Everest Base Camp - 3 Passes trek, Everest Region, Phakding, Gokyo, Lungden, Thame, Namche Bazar, Lukla, Kathmandu, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung Ri, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, Dzonglha
In November 2023 me and my friend embarked on a bucket list adventure. We booked a private tour for the drive in and out EBC via Gokyo Ri trip. Right from the get go everything was smooth, the communication at the head office made it appear there was no time difference between the U.K. and Nepal.
Upon arriving in Nepal the pick up from the airport and briefing were clear and to the point with no delays or issues. The trek itself has definitely been one of the most beautiful and difficult things I have ever embarked upon and I have NO regrets with my choice in agency or itinerary!
My tour guide for the 3 week package we booked and every day he stayed happy, tried his best to keep our spirits uplifted and made sure all the little things behind the scenes were sorted so all we had to do was focus on the trek itself. I highly recommend having him as a tour guide especially if you’re trekking in the Everest Region. Also, our Porter deserves a special shout-out for showing the strength of these Nepalese people, much stronger than I could imagine to be.