| Activities: | Trekking, Sightseeing & Climbing | Fitness Level: | Strenuous |
| Max Elevation: | 6,476m/21,247ft at Mera Peak Summit | Transportation: | Private vehicle/Flight |
| Best Month: | March to May & Sep to Dec | Group Size: | 2+ |
| Arrival on: | Kathmandu | Departure from: | Kathmandu |
| Meal: | Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the trek/climb | ||
| Accommodation: | Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and teahouses/tent during the trek/climb | ||
| Price: | USD:5150 |
Mera & Island Peak via Amphu Laptsa is a stunning climb that takes you through two famous trekking peaks in Nepal. Climbing the Island Peak and the twin peaks of Mera combined with crossing the high spectacular and challenging Amphu Laptsa pass makes the climb an extraordinary one.
Island Peak features glacier trekking and snow and ice climbing. It is located in the very center of the Khumbu region. Despite being dwarfed to the north by the massive Lhotse Face, the summit's views are outstanding. The climb from Island Peak to Mera Peak involves traversing Amphu Laptsa's highest pass (5,845m/19,176ft), which must be done.
This challenging journey is open to anyone in good health with previous high-altitude trekking experience. One can have extra days to acclimate to the variable altitude and weather. Those who are willing to advance their exploration and adventure might seize the chance to attempt Mera and Island Peak.
1st Day: Arrival day in Kathmandu
2nd Day: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu & trip preparation day
3rd Day: Magical Flight to Lukla (2800m/9184ft) & commence trekking to Puiyan (2800m/9184ft)
4th Day: Trek to Pangkongma (2,850m/9348ft), 4-5 hrs walk
5th Day: Trek to Nashing Dingma (2600m/8528ft), 5-6 hrs walk
6th Day: Trek to Chalem Kharka (3600m/11808ft), 5-6 hrs walk
7th Day: Trek to Chunbu Kharka (4200m/13776ft), 5-6 hrs walk
8th Day: Rest day at Chunbu Kharka
9th Day: Trek to Hinku valley camp (3600m/11808ft), 5-6 hrs walk
10th & 11th Day: Trek to Tagnag (4400m/14432ft), 5-7 hrs walk
12th Day: Trek to Khare (4,940m/16203ft), 3-4 hrs walk
13th Day: Trek to Mera Base Camp (5000m/16400ft), 3-4 hrs walk
14th, 15th & 16th Day: Summit attempt on Mera (6,476m/21,247ft), 5-9 hrs walk
17th & 18th Day: Trek to the Hunku Valley, a 5-7 hrs walk
19th Day: Rest day at Amphu Laptsa base camp
20th &21st Day: Cross Amphu Laptsa (5845m/19171ft) to Island Base Camp (5100m/16728ft), 8-9 hrs walk
22nd Day: Summit Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft), 8-9 hrs walk
23rd, 24th & 25th Day: Trek to Lukla, 4-7 hrs walk
25th Day: Flight back to Kathmandu
27th Day: Departure from Kathmandu
"End of our services"
Note: Because of bad weather we could face problems with domestic flights to/from Lukla delayed by a few hours or canceled for a day or more. Very rarely, but it could happen even in the best trekking season also as you know how climate changes affect our world. Thus, we always recommend you add supplement night/s in Kathmandu after your trek if possible (just in case). If everything runs smoothly, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting, wildlife activities, and shopping, as you wish on those additional days. However, if you want heli rescue in the state of flight cancellation to/from Lukla-we can organize it as per your request with extra cost.
#@#Welcome to Nepal, a country in the Himalayas. Our representative will be waiting to greet you upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport to help you with the transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. After taking some time to re-energize, you will meet again in the evening. We will be transferred for a welcome dinner and short trip briefing at a traditional Nepalese restaurant in the Centre of Kathmandu. You will then spend the night at the hotel.
#@#We will have a final gear check in the morning. We'll then head off on a sightseeing excursion. You will be taken to the major sights of Kathmandu, including the Hindu temple Pashupatinath, the largest stupa in the world, Bouddhanath, and the monkey temple Swyambhunath Stupa. We will also visit the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square to explore its surrounding temples, distinctive buildings, and Kumari after touring the neighborhood (living goddess). In the evening, we'll have a pre-trip conversation and staff introductions for your adventure excursion.
#@#We'll be driven to the airport for one of the magnificent Himalayan flights. We will get our first glimpses of Everest and the region we will be climbing if the sky is clear during our flight. The Twin Otter will fly us to Lukla, a hamlet perched on a slope, where our trip to Mera will begin. We will be able to meet our camp personnel and porters here before departing immediately for Puiyan, where we will set up our camp for the night.
#@#After eating breakfast, we will cross the Poyan Khola and take an ancient road that will ascend sharply to a ridgeline with a view of the Khare Khola. The older route will divert from the main trade route coming up from the south. Following a descent from the opposite slope, we will contour down a hillside before gently ascending to the charming agricultural and trading community of Pangkongma. The locals will welcome the expedition participants as they have been doing They have enjoyed several enjoyable hours warming up in front of an open fire in the engulfing and welcoming ambiance of the neighborhood's traditional Sherpa dwellings.
#@#We will make the roughly 30-minute ascent to the Pangum La (3175m/10410ft), which will serve as our gateway to the Hinku Valley. From here, we will begin to go east before turning north. Depending on the route we will pick, the day will involve a substantial fall of at least 900 meters to the Hinku River, followed by an ascent to our camp, which is high and situated close to the Surke La. Once more, the terrain will combine unspoiled upper temperate zone forests, including maple, rhododendron, and fir, and terraced slopes with grain crops.
#@#After breakfast, we will ascend to the Source La (3085m/10118ft) and then proceed to follow the Surkie Danda ridge northward towards Mera and the Hinku. We will set up camp along the way at a kharka. The following days will be spent away from teahouses and popular trekking routes, and they should be among the best Himalayan wilderness trekking of the entire journey.
#@#As we continue along the ridge, we will ascend steadily higher, passing over knolls (ridge lumps) that are 4000 meters to 4500 meters in height. The terrain will be grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and cliffs that will lie well above the tree line, where raptors like eagles, lammergeiers, and griffon vultures may be seen soaring overhead. We will then make our way down to a tent located close to Panch Pokhari, a chain of five lakes next to the Chunbu Kharka River.
#@#We will take a rest day at Chubu Kharka to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. You can spend the complete day in leisure. You can also choose to stroll around the places as there is a great natural location to discover more about the Chunbu Kharka.
#@#On the eastern side of the Hinku, our path will follow the contours of numerous ridges before descending into rhododendron forests. We will come across the destruction left behind by the 1998 bust of a natural dam at the top of the valley, close to the valley level. The valley has been decimated, leaving stones, dead trees, and silt in their place where once there were old-growth forests and meadows. On the now much higher bank of the rocky riverbed, our campsite will be located in a beautiful grassy area.
#@#We will enter the actual Hinku Valley, cross over on a yak herder's bridge, and merge with the main route. The bustling village of Kote, which mostly caters to the trekking parties passing through for Mera, will be our first home. The trail will primarily follow the riverbank, which makes for a good trail among rounded stones and silt, due to the massive washout of boulders and other debris. We will get our first glimpses of the valley's majestic peaks, including Kusum Kanguru, which will be just in front of us to the left. The path will then ascends onto the fields on the left and wind through Tagnag on nice and simple pathways. We also get to see Mera for the first time on this day, first at the Sanu Drangka's confluence above Kote, where, with clear skies. We will also see the impressive south face, and then we will move to on our final approach into Tagnag. We will be getting ready to ascend each day.
#@#We will have a beautiful valley with views of the Hinku Nup glacier and the peaks beyond to the north. The towering spire of the unromantically named "Peak 35," which has yet to be scaled, can be seen behind us. We will have the final ascent to our base camp at Khare which might be quite difficult. It will serve as a reminder that we will be ascending in elevation. We will ascend quickly and then arrive in plenty of time for lunch.
#@#A steady ascent will lead us to our last camp below the snowline after ascending through lateral moraine and grassy culverts out of the valley. Although the route itself will be quite simple, there are some real hazards, so everyone must use strong fundamental techniques and be cautious of changing weather conditions.
#@#If everything went according to plan over the next three days and the weather cooperated, we will ascend to rock and glaciate camp at approximately 5,400m/17712ft, just off the Mera La saddle. Mountaineering boots made of plastic are typically worn from the beginning to the ascent and descent of the top. Despite their awkward appearance, they will be ideal for the job because they offer stability, warmth, and protection against unpredictable environment, which may include loose rocks, snow, and ice. A second camp will be located halfway up the mountain's steep north slope, at a height of roughly 5,700 meters, next to a granite knob. Although the distance will be shorter here, the path can be challenging in bad weather because you are at a higher altitude. The journey will be much tougher and further than it first appears. From this high camp, a summit bid will be made early in the morning (between 2 and 5 am), which will take us about 4 to 6 hours to reach the top. Although it may not seem like a long way, we can promise you that it will require a lot of effort. All your preparations and a good, sensible approach will pay off in this situation. Due to the risk of a crevasse along the route, it is typically essential to tie up for the majority of the summit approach. The path will change depending on the weather and time of year, but it often goes around a large shoulder in front of us to the mountain's backside before making a very simple approach to the summit peak.
As the sun rises, we will be treated to the stunning vistas of Makalu (8,481m), Chamlang (7,319m), and Baruntse (7,129m) across Nau Lekh (6,360m). We get to witness a number of unidentified peaks of the Hinku with Mt. Everest to our left. We can see miles down to the ground to the south. We will plan to reach the summit in the early to mid-morning and descend back to base camp. The weather, the state of the route, and the members' health are a few of the variables that will affect the precise schedule. We will have a reasonable amount of flexibility to accomplish success for everyone who has worked hard and regularly since the expedition's start. We must thank our backup equipment, skilled crew, and time buffer for this. The day will be long, and at this point, all of your preparation, your approach to the journey, and your positive outlook will come together to give you the strength and confidence, you will need to work effectively in a team. We will have the best odds of reaching the peak.
#@#We'll need to get going quite early as the day will be quite long. We will start the expedition's most remote parts once our porters will be organized. The Honku Valley opens up before us, surrounded by five sizable glacier lakes. They go by the name Panch Pokhari (five lakes). The Hunku and Imja valleys are separated from one another by the Amphu Laptsa pass, which is located directly at the head of the valley to our right. We are in the Hunku appropriately on this day. The camp will be situated near the rocky ascent to the pass. We will also ask members to be cooperative and flexible during these times. We will set up the camps where the weather will permit us. Your leader will keep you updated on the daily schedule.
#@#We have reserved a day for recuperation. We will take a rest day for the day which can be either a total leisure day or exploring the valley. You can also go for the last-minute gear inspections and preparations for our pass crossing of Amphu Laptsa.
#@#We will have an early breakfast followed by an ascent to our pass crossing. Again, it will take us extra time to ferry across all of our stuff with the help of the entire party, crew, porters, and members. The Hunku's approach to the pass will be deceiving. There is significantly more sun and less snow on the east and south sides, with only a group of rocks gradually escalating to the gap we walk through. In order to reach the snow basins below, the succeeding moraine, and the alpine valley beyond, we must carefully descend the steep snow slopes on the north-facing side using fixed ropes. The unmatched vistas of the peaks of Khumbu will be clearly seen from this pass crossing. One may have some free time to take in the spectacular view of the surrounding peaks while we will be ascending or descend the trails.
#@#We will begin the trek in the mountains and climb rapidly up the southeast face's lower sides. This is a well-known summit, hence the tune will be frequently used. The rocky spur will lead us to a snow ramp that will climb to the upper snowfields after a little amount of occasionally required rock scrambling. As we will ascend higher, the peaks of Makalu and Lhotse will become visible. Fixing ropes will be required to climb a short yet steep ice face that will climb to the summit ridge after crossing the upper nave. We will set ropes here as well. We will climb up the summit ridge, a traditional alpine ridge that will be rather exposed. We will get a great view of all the peaks south of the majestic Lhotse face, although being dwarfed by the seven and eight-thousanders that surround it. After some thrilling moments on the summit, we will return to our starting point by taking the same way down.
#@#We will start our return trip by descending past Namche Bazaar and Tangboche Monastery in the renowned Khumbu Valley. Namche, often known as the Sherpa capital, is a wonderful destination to explore, stop by the Tibetan vendors, or take pleasure in the Swiss bakeries. We will leave Namche's mountains and descend to the Dudh-Kosi, where we will also join the main trail that will lead us through many villages along the river to Phakding. We will walk a short distance up and around the large, flat spur on which Lukla is located after crossing the bridge. The final night is usually special because the crew and porters will join together for a farewell celebration.
#@#Our guide will transport you to your accommodation in Kathmandu after your early-morning flight there. After a lengthy journey, you might need some time to unwind, catch your breath, and recover at your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure sleeping, relaxing, or exploring and shopping in the town.
#@#You will have some time for any last-minute souvenir or gift purchasing for family, friends, or relatives before your departure flight or drive. You can also plan to start any further adventures or activities you may have planned with us. You will be transferred to the international airport if you are departing in order to catch a flight to another location.
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu as per the itinerary suggested.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Travel cost to and from Kathmandu to the destination
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, entry fees, permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes
❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner apart from treks and except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
Clothing & Packing Information
Correct Clothing & Equipmentâs are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your travel with us.
We are advised to consider the following equipmentâs as essentials while packing for the Mera & Island Peak via Amphu Laptsa. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to our requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip. We can find variety of these gears to buy in Kathmandu. Majority of the gears which are in sale in Kathmandu are locally is much cheaper and must be tried on carefully and checked carefully for quality, but on the whole it is OK. We can find very high quality branded gears too in some famous stores in Kathmandu; mostly top notch imported gear, Mountain Hardware, The North Face, Marmot, Black Diamond climbing gear plus head torches and others, and prices are reasonable.
The hotel stores free of cost whatever you don't take trekking, and of course they have a laundry service. You might want to plan with a clean set of clothes for your return from the trek.
Who carries what?
You carry a daypack with your camera, a jacket, water and day snacks. The porters will carry everything else, so pack this in a duffel/kitbag rather than backpack. Since, luggage has weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds or 15 kg.
Important documents
⢠Passport (must be valid for 6 months after trip), 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
⢠Photocopy of the information pages of your passport and Insurance
⢠Insurance â this MUST include helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical coverage. Money â US$200 to US$300 personal spending for trek and for Kathmandu depending on souvenir hunting (but donât change money at the airport as you will get a better rate of exchange in the Thamel District of Kathmandu).
⢠Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines.
Packing List
»Personal Climbing Gears»
Ice axe, Crampons, Harness, Tape slings (2), Screw-gate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock), Descender/eight figure, Plastic mountaineering boots, Ascender/Jhumar & Helmet
»Running shoes»: 1 pair for casual comfortable support shoes wears on lighter walking days.
»Hiking boots»: 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots. Sole should be flexible but still provide enough support for your feet. Boots should be very water repellent.
»Wool socks»: 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks and 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
» Gaiters»:Only for winter, âlowâ ankle high
»T-Shirts» Polypropylene shirts (2 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves), Light and expedition weight thermal tops
»Jacket» Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover, Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, Down vest and/or jacket and Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
»Trekking pants» 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 and 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
»Head wears» Bandana or head scarf, useful for dusty conditions also, Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic), Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs, Sunglasses with UV protection
»Hand wears» 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)
»Sleeping Bag»: High quality with hood to at least - 10 Degree Celsius or 14 degrees F (Company provide you sleeping bag for this trek)
»Rucksack and Travel Bags» 1 medium rucksack (60-80 liters/3500-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon), 1 large duffel bag (Company provide you duffle bag for this trek), A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding, Small padlocks for duffel bags, large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
»Trekking Poles»: Optional
»Water treatment tablets»: Iodine or Chloride Dioxide tablets. A small bottle or multi pack is sufficient. Taste neutralizer tablets remove iodine taste. Chloride Dioxide formulas will not discolor water
»Water Bottles» 2 Wide mouth bottles with minimum 1 Liter capacity per bottle No water bag or bladder systems; they freeze or are hard to fill.
»Pee Bottle» (Optional) but very useful
»Pee funnel for Women» (Optional) Lightweight urinary director (For minimal undressing for discreet use)
»Sunscreen» SPF 30 or better, 2 small tubes and make sure that the sunscreen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating.
»Hand/foot warmers»: (Optional) recommended if you easily get cold hands and feet 1-3 pairs.
»Lip screen»: SPF 30 or better, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months
»MP3 player» (Optional) Flash memory only players since hard drive players do not work at high altitude (above 13,000ft). Chargers can be used at several lodges along the way.
»Towel» Bring towel for trekking. »Toiletry bag» Include toilet paper, soap, towel, and toothpaste & brush, Wet wipes 1-2 per day and hand sanitizer: Hand moisturizer.
»Extra luggage» Please note you do not need to take all your gear with you while trekking - luggage can be safely stored at the hotel in Kathmandu and collected at the end of your trek.
First aid
»Personal first aid Kit (small and simple)» Aspirin, Moleskin, Adhesive tape and Band-Aids.
»Drugs/medications/prescriptions» Trekker should bring Mupirocin (Bactroban) cream; excellent topical antibiotic for scrapes and cuts.
Cirprofloxin (Cipro) 500mg tablets for travelerâs diarrhea and for urinary tract infections. Loperamide (Lomotil) or Immodium for diarrhea.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg tablets for altitude headaches.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg tablets for stomach sensitivity.
This above list is only a guideline for you. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT traveler's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Visionâs Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is full of fun and adventure but you have to be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And thatâs where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. For your adventure, Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so, every traveler must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurance for your safety.
Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong.
Trip Meal Plan
Eating is a big part of traveling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the Mountains. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine served and soup along with some, Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.
When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh, fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.
Trip Accommodation
During this trip, we will spend three nights in Kathmandu at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House is a combination of a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the Western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities while some of them may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative.
There is a large dining room more like the lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.
Best time to visit Nepal
Nepal is for all seasons! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, the climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. The most recommended seasons for trekking are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, and May). In these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with clear skies and outstanding views. During monsoons (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem with trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanicals, a monsoon is a blessing as the higher valleys, mountains, and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can also trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb). Only, the issue will be cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations.
The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather the best of nature. However, because of the effects of global warming, the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be the possibility of exceptions in these weather patterns. There could be a hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months during the best seasons too.
Leader(s) & Staff
The Trek Leader of your group has a role to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:
Altitude Information
What is Altitude?
Altitude is known as elevation, and it is often used to refer to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, if the indicated altitude is high, the air pressure becomes low. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring supplemental (extra) supplies of oxygen and limit their time in the 'high elevation'.
Acclimatization
We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.
Symptoms & signs of Acute Mountain Sickness
Treatment
The only cure for mountain sickness is either acclimatization or descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with a descent to the lowest possible height.
What do we do if we are affected by Altitude Sickness?
Sometimes trekkers might suffer from ailments like altitude sickness, heart problems, dysentery, or fracture while trekking in the Himalayas. While there are clinics at some places for minor ailments, major hospitals are days away from most of the trekking trails. So, a clientâs life could be at risk if he/she is not rescued immediately. If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, Nepal Vision Treks will arrange rescue and evacuation services for our clients.
Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without you either making a cash deposit or a promise in Kathmandu. While you are traveling with us, we can become the guarantor for the helicopter operators, make the initial payments, and send a helicopter for your rescue. We claim the amount later from you or your insurance. Please make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter services for rescue to avail of this service.
Our expert and trained guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. They are equipped with necessary first-aid medical supplies and will assist with basic first-aid treatment. The safety of our clients is taken very seriously and conducted the operation swiftly and didnât panic for a second to come up with a proper operation.
Vaccination:
Vaccination is the most important thing to consider while traveling to prevent possible diseases. For traveling to Nepal, we recommend you take vaccines against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. However, it is not a must to have but it is recommended. You should check up with your doctor before the departure of your trip. Your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information on the required vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.
Extra Expenses Information
You are responsible for your expenses, a cold beverage, mineral water, extra meals, and drinks (more than 3 meals a day), and other services which are not mentioned in our service Includes column. So you should be planning to bring at least US$20 to US$30 per day for these expenses. It is not necessary to obtain local money before departure. Nepal has modern banking facilities so you can use ATMS in Kathmandu where you can easily use your credit card, Debit card, Master card, Visa card, etc. to withdraw local currency.
COVID Precautions
Fully vaccinated travelers don't require a pre-departure PCR test for COVID-19 to enter Nepal. You must bring the vaccination certificate completed at least 14 days prior to arrival at the Airport. In case you are not fully vaccinated or have not completed a full dose of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Nepal, you have to bring a COVID-19 test report which can be either RT-PCR, Gene Experr, True NAAT, or WHO accredited test that shows the negative result done within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport. In case you are entering through the land border, you will need to do the test within 72 hours before entry. The provision will not be accepted for children below 5 years.
Things to Consider
There are a few important things you need to know before traveling to Nepal so that you can have a smooth journey to Nepal.
#@#Is Island Peak a technical climb?
#@#Island Peak is achievable for most people if they have technical training. With the physical condition and excellent acclimatization, you can climb the Island peak.
#@#Can beginners climb Island Peak?
#@#With the help of guides, a physically fit person who is passionate about the climb can climb Island Peak easily if he has some basic climbing skills, reaching the summits of Kala Pattar and Island Peak.
#@#How is Mera & Island Peak via Amphu Laptsa Trek?
#@#Mera Peak expedition is the highest of the peaks that are considered trekking peaks in Nepal at 6461 meters which is a less-frequented trail in the Khumbu, itâs located to the east of the main Khumbu.
#@#What is the height of the Amphu Laptsa pass?
#@#The Amphu Laptsa Pass is located at the height of 5485m which is one of the rarely climbed trails on the trek to the Mera & Island Peak.
#@#Is Mera Peak difficult?
#@#Mera Peak is one of the most challenging treks to climb. It is located at 5780m which is challenging due to its technical path.