3 Peaks Climbing Challenge (Island, Lobuche and Mera Peak)

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage’s in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Nepal Challenge Trek.

Meal: None

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for your exploration tour in Kathmandu, which includes Bouddhanath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. However, sometimes, depending on your flight arrival, if it’s too late into the night we will do this tour in the afternoon instead of morning to give you some sleep and rest so that you can get rid of that jetlag before you venture out of the Hotel for our interesting tour. In the evening, you will be briefed by your trek and climb leader about your trekking program the next day. In case you have fallen short of any trek and climb equipment that you may need, this time can be used to arrange for it.

Meal: (B)

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

After an early morning b/fast, we take the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. It is a memorable flight, with outstanding views of the eastern Himalaya (sit on the left side of the plane for the best views). At Lukla, we are immediately overcome by the scale of the massive peaks that surround the village but this is only an indication of what is to come.

After packing our gears, we we will leave Lukla and follow the relatively easy trail through the woods of colorful rhododendron and pine to Poiyan for overnight.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs

Crossing the series of ridges, we will go through rhododendron and bamboo forests. On our way, we can see yak joyfully munching the lush green grass. Continuing the trail through rhododendron forest, we will reach Pangoma where we will stay overnight.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs

Leaving Pangoma, we will follow the path for couple of hours before taking gentle climb to Pangoma La Pass. Today we get our first good views of Mera peak up the valley. We cross Ningswo Khola before we reach Ningswo bhuk for our overnight camp

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 7-8 hrs

Meal: (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trek to Chungbu Kharka [4,200m/13,776ft]

After an early morning tea, we will take about 3-hours of downhill trek through rhododendron forest. We will be taking lunch amid the forest before continuing the trek along Hinku River. It will take couple of hours to reach Kothe where we will stay overnight.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs

We will enter Barun National Park on this day. Leaving our camp in Khote early in the morning, we will proceed and enter to Barun National Park. The trail leads us along the edge of Hinku River about 4-5 hours to lead us to Thagnag which will greet us with awe-inspiring views of Thamserku, Kusum Kangru and Kangteka peaks.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs

We will take necessary second break from our trek on this day. Since an activity helps us in proper acclimatization, we will be taking side trip to Charpate Himal Glacier. It will take 3hrs to reach Charpate Himal Glacier. This glacier holds a great religious significance among native Sherpas. The glacier allows an unobstructed view of Mera North. Later, we will return to our camp in Thangnang for overnight stay.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs

After an early morning breakfast, we will leave Thaknag and move through the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to reach Dig Kharka. We will be greeted with pleasant view of Charpate Himal from Dig Kharka. We will follow the ascending path through moraines to the snout of Hinku Nup. Proceeding further, we will cross Shar Glacier and follow the steep path uphill to Khare where we will camp overnight. The camp site in Khare allows exquisite view of North face of Mera Peak.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs

You will receive a pre climb training from our climbing guide on this day. You will get instructions on peak climbing techniques. You will also be taught how to use the climbing gears like ice axe, crampons, harness and ascender properly. You will learn how to use ropes while you move up and down. So, even an amateur with no prior experience of peak climb can also participate in Mera Peak Climbing. We will head to the top of Mera Glacier and practice using our climbing gears. Later, in the evening we will return to Khare for overnight stay.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs

Journey continues along glacier for most of the day. The trail takes us close to the northern section where there are no crevasses. Mera La stretches south to meet the lofty sweep of Mera glacier which drops down from Mera Peak. We will stay overnight in MeraLa Pass.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs

We will need to use climbing gears like Crampons and axe to take the steep ascend to High Camp of Mera Peak. From Mera La, we will ascend the glaciated path. At around 5800m elevation, we will find a rocky section among glacier to set up our high camp. Existing at the edge of mountain, the area offers striking view of Kanchenjunga that rises to the east above the ridge of Chamlang. We will also get exquisite views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, the southern section of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar Mountains. Stay overnight in High Camp.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs

We will wake up much early on this day. After tea, we will take slow climb towards the summit. Temperature remains on an average 10 degree Celsius below Zero on this region. We will climb the glacier and proceed to snow hump-back ridge. We will follow the non-technical and classic route through the south-east ridge. Climbing further through the snout of glacier, we will climb over the south summit to the summit ridge. Finally, the moment comes for which all of us were eagerly waiting. We will get the 360 degree views of many eight thousand meter peaks including views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and other peaks and mountains. We will spend some time on summit witnessing the views before we descend to the foot hill of Mera and reach Mera La from where we will continue our walk till we reach Khongma Ding

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours: 9-10 hrs

After a long and tiring climb of Mera, we will pursue the easy trail to Seto Pokhari. Moving through the Hongu Valley, we will follow the scenic path with views of Chamlang (7319 m) and Baruntse (7129 m) from most of the point. The trail is mostly flat with occasional ups and downs. Finally, we will arrive at Seto Pokhari, the white Lake where we will stay overnight.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs

There are no inhabitants in this area as this is a very high and remote valley. We will follow the least crowded path to Chamlang Base Camp. Walking along the west face of Chamlang, we will reach Hongu River. Moving further through the Hongu glacier, we will reach Panch Pokhari, the Holy Five Lakes of Nepal. After spending some time to soak in the beauty of these five lakes, we will proceed to Amphu Lapcha High Camp where we will stay overnight.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Crossing Amphu Lapcha Pass requires technical skills. We need to cross the steep section of ice and rock. So, we need to be cautious not to stumble and fall. After climbing the difficult Amphu Lapcha Pass, we will lower down to the other end of the Pass at Imja Valley. We will continue walking to Island Peak Base Camp where we will stay overnight.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

This contingency day has been kept to make sure that our schedule will go on smoothly without interruption even if there occur complications while climbing the peak.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Since heavy wind blows during afternoon at the summit, our target will be to reach the summit before noon. We will take moderate climb for the first part of the climb before reaching the steep hillside. The terrain frequently changes to boulder. We will follow the tapered path through a steep rock channel to emerge to the gully. Walking through a ridgeline, we conquer challenges proposed by seracs and crevasses. We will proceed through the snout of the summit glacier with the help of ropes and move through 40- degree snow slopes to reach the summit. The challenge of the climb is rewarded with the gratifying views of Lhotse Mountain, Nuptse Mountain, Makalu, Baruntse and Amadablam Mountains. We will capture the memories in camera and then prepare ourselves for long descend to the Base Camp and then we will continue moving to Chukhung.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 10-12 hrs

Chukhung to Dingboche is a short trek that will take only couple hours to conclude. Agriculture is the chief occupation of locals in Dingboche. We can see fields enclosed by stonewall in Dingboche. Buckwheat, potatoes and barley are the major crops. We will stay overnight in Dingboche.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs

From Dingboche, we will retrace our route and begin a moderate walk to Dugla. After following the straight path for couple of hours, we need to follow the steep rocky trail towards Lobuche Glacier. The path offers spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Thamserku, Kantega, Pokalde and other peaks.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs

Leaving Lobuche Base Camp, we will move along rocky moraine path towards Lobuche High Camp. We will move through Lobuche glacier. We will climb through the rocky terrain to Lobuche High Camp. Once we reach High Camp, we will take lunch and rest. Stay overnight in Lobuche High Camp.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs

We will wake up quite early this day as we aim to reach summit before noon and thus we head out to summit during predawn. We need to cross ice slopes for which crampons and ice axe proves really useful. We may need to pass crevasses before climbing to the summit. The summit allows enticing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Pumori and other mountains in Everest region. After spending some quality time in summit, we will lower down to Lobuche Base Camp and continue walking to Pheriche where we will stay overnight.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 10-12 hrs

Contingency day for any delays

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Leaving Pheriche, we will lower down to Khumbu River. We will cross Khumbu River and follow the popular EBC trail through the scenic valley. Enroute, we will cross dispersed villages of Orsho and Shomare and reach Pangboche that is located at the base of Ama Dablam. Crossing the bridge over Imja River, we will walk through pretty Deboche village and arrive at Tengboche. We will visit Khumbu’s largest Tengboche Monastery and pass through rhododendron forest to Dudh Koshi River. We will cross Dudhkoshi River and reach Phunki Tenga. Walking through Sansa village, we will reach Kyangjuma. The campsite in Kyangjuma allows views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and other mountains.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs

Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of trek & climb with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.

Meal: (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Fully tented camping

Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs

Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. We will be transferred to hotel in a private vehicle in Kathmandu. Take leisure and soothe your aching limbs from long and tiring peak climb.

Meal: (B)

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

Enjoy a leisure day. You are on your own. Participating in a day tour in Kathmandu is a pleasant plan. You can also go for shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub where you can buy souvenir items like handicrafts and arts to your family. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate our successful climb. While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Meal: (B, D)

Accommodation: Hotel

Trekking Hours: 0

Finally, the undeniable day of departure arrives. Thank you for joining us on this climb and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. You will be assisted in your last minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Note:

Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits both at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both!  We do our utmost to avoid such delays, and fix you on next flight. Still, we suggest

You to be prepared for possible delays/cancellation, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. We also organize heli rescue in such conditions, if it’s available and upon request by our clients.

The helicopter charges around USD 4500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. If everything runs smoothly and if interested, you can also enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife activities, shopping, etc during your buffer days.

In case, the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip: such a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other regions.  If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for the trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla.

However, please note that there will be no refund, if you lose your time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancelation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc) included in the package that you would not use later.