introduction - jagged globeisland.pdf · baruntse and makalu. to complete your expedition circuit,...

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1 Altitude 6,476m (21,246ft) / 30 Days / Grade 3B Mera Peak (6,476m) and Island Peak (6,189m) are both highly sought after summits. Although geographically fairly close together, they are separated by the formidable mountain chain dividing the Hongu and Khumbu Valleys. This expedition provides an opportunity for mountaineers to attempt both peaks, linking them with a crossing of the remote and stunning Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,780m). Mera Peak is the highest "trekking peak" in Nepal. It is less technical than Island Peak, but summit day is a tough outing, and it's often bitterly cold. The usual route to Mera Peak is via the Zatrwa Pass, but at Jagged Globe we prefer to go the extra mile and offer something special. We've been organising expeditions to the mountain since 1993, and have perfected an itinerary that gets you off the beaten track and immersed in local culture. There's an extra benefit to our route it offers more time to acclimatise, so you can fully enjoy the rewards of the final climb to Mera's summit. The adventure begins with a breathtaking flight over the Himalaya to the Lukla airstrip. Then you'll trek south taking an esoteric, wild route through beautiful forests, over several high passes and across steep valleys. You'll visit remote farming communities and a mountain monastery along the way, and may well be invited to warm yourself by the fire in traditional Sherpa's homes as you pass through. INTRODUCTION If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone: +44 (0) 114 276 3322 Alternatively, please email us via our website: www.jagged-globe.co.uk

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Page 1: INTRODUCTION - Jagged Globeisland.pdf · Baruntse and Makalu. To complete your expedition circuit, you’ll descend from Island Peak into the Khumbu Valley and join the Everest trail,

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Altitude 6,476m (21,246ft) / 30 Days / Grade 3B

Mera Peak (6,476m) and Island Peak (6,189m) are both highly sought after summits. Although geographically fairly close together, they are separated by the formidable mountain chain dividing the Hongu and Khumbu Valleys. This expedition provides an opportunity for mountaineers to attempt both peaks, linking them with a crossing of the remote and stunning Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,780m).

Mera Peak is the highest "trekking peak" in Nepal. It is less technical than Island Peak, but summit day is a tough outing, and it's often bitterly cold. The usual route to Mera Peak is via the Zatrwa Pass, but at Jagged Globe we prefer to go the extra mile and offer something special. We've been organising expeditions to the mountain since 1993, and have perfected an itinerary that gets you off the beaten track and immersed in local culture. There's an extra benefit to our route – it offers more time to acclimatise, so you can fully enjoy the rewards of the final climb to Mera's summit.

The adventure begins with a breathtaking flight over the Himalaya to the Lukla airstrip. Then you'll trek south taking an esoteric, wild route through beautiful forests, over several high passes and across steep valleys. You'll visit remote farming communities and a mountain monastery along the way, and may well be invited to warm yourself by the fire in traditional Sherpa's homes as you pass through.

INTRODUCTION

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the expedition or your suitability for it, please contact us by telephone:

+44 (0) 114 276 3322

Alternatively, please email us via our website: www.jagged-globe.co.uk

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In all, you'll spend two weeks trekking to Mera Peak. Then you'll begin the ascent by climbing up to 5,300m, where we'll set up base camp at Mera La. In good conditions it's possible to reach the summit and return to here in a day. However, to give you the best chance of making a successful ascent, we'll establish a slightly higher camp at 5,800m on the Mera Glacier. This also allows you to fully enjoy the rewards of your summit day.

And what rewards! From the camp below the summit, the setting sun casts an unbelievably magic light on the surrounding mountains. The next day, as you climb steadily up the glacier to the exposed summit ridge, the view keeps getting better. Kangchenjunga and Makalu lie to the east. To the north, the Everest massif appears beyond Nuptse and Lhotse. On the western horizon stand the spires of Ama Dablam and Kangtega, and in the distance the mighty bastion of Cho Oyu.

On the summit there's time to soak in this jaw-dropping panorama of many of the world's highest peaks, then we'll begin descending, at first to the Mera La and then into the remote Hongu Valley. The Hongu Valley is a special place; there is no grazing of animals up here - the base of the valley is at 5,000m - and it is flanked by massive ice-fluted faces on either side. At the head of the valley the glaciated Amphu Labtsa provides a way out, with its crossing being the most technical mountaineering day on the expedition. Weaving your way amongst serac cliffs, the top of the pass is reached in a position of considerable exposure. Many feel that this is the highlight of the expedition. Island Peak's summit appears almost level with you, as you abseil down the far side of the pass and make your way to its base camp.

The South Ridge of Island Peak is a justifiably popular climb. The route to the top is steeper than Mera, though nowhere is it too difficult and by the time you are on your way, you are extremely well-acclimatised having spent the previous 11 days above 5,000m! It begins with a Grade 1 scramble to reach the glacier. After negotiating crevasses and crossing a bergshrund you’ll climb a steep (40°) 100m snow slope to reach a col on the exposed summit ridge. This can be corniced. From here it’s about three rope lengths to the summit, with magnificent views of the Khumbu Valley to the south, the imposing South Face of Lhotse to the north and looking eastwards you’ll see Baruntse and Makalu.

To complete your expedition circuit, you’ll descend from Island Peak into the Khumbu Valley and join the Everest trail, trekking through the famous villages of Thyangboche and Namche Bazaar on the route back to Lukla.

If you do one expedition to Nepal, then you could do worse than consider Mera and Island Peak. Alternatively, our Khumbu Climber expedition is based around the Khumbu Valley and climbs Lobuje East together with Island Peak and Pokalde.

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» Our teams are led by highly experienced expedition leaders who have a proven track record mountaineering in Nepal above 6,500m.

» Jagged Globe has organised over 30 expeditions to Mera & Island Peak since 1994. We have used our vast experience of climbing both mountains to refine our expedition.

» Our teams repeatedly achieve a high success rate. Our itinerary provides better acclimatisation than the standard approach route to Mera over Zatrwa La (surprisingly, mass market operators still cross the Zatrwa La (4,600m) on day 3 of their trek,which increases the incidence of altitude sickness).

» We use high camps on both peaks, meaning our groups repeatedly achieve a high success rate. We also have a spare weather day on Island Peak, giving you more flexibility.

» We take special care of our porters. They are probably the best equipped and clothed in Nepal.

» We aim to offer the best standards possible. Over the years every aspect of our expedition from tents to food have been constantly monitored and improved.

» We try to reduce our environmental impact wherever possible. We are the only company that we know of who use Clean Mountain Cans for human waste at Mera Peak high camp.

» We have a fully staffed office here in the UK. It includes people who have climbed Mera and Island Peak recently and are happy to answer any questions.

» The hotel we stay at is a real oasis in Kathmandu. Our teams always really appreciate it, especially after the climbs!

» First and foremost Jagged Globe is a mountaineering company with a solid reputation based on years of running successful expeditions.

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Day 1 - 2 Fly to Kathmandu, explore the city

Team members joining the scheduled group flight from London will fly in the evening and arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2. For those joining “land-only”, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 2, when services begin. The Summit Hotel lies ten minutes outside the noise and bustle of the city centre. It has extensive gardens, a swimming pool and an atmosphere of restful charm. The twin rooms are large and en-suite - single rooms are available for a supplementary fee.

Day 3 Drive to Ramechhap, fly to Lukla and trek to Poyan (2,800m)

You will leave Kathmandu at around 03:30 for the 4 – 5-hour drive to Ramechhap. From here you will take a morning flight to the airstrip at Lukla, the gateway to Nepal’s famous Khumbu region. It's an exciting flight - and landing! If the sky is clear, you will get your first sight of Everest from the left-hand side of the aircraft. After meeting your camp staff and porters you'll set off for the first camp at Poyan.

Day 4 Trekking across the river and over a ridge to Pangkongma (2,846m) After crossing the Poyan Khola ('Khola' means river) you'll turn off the main trade route and join an older one, which climbs steeply to the ridge overlooking the Khare Khola. You'll descend, then climb steadily to the attractive farming and trading village of Pangkongma for the night.

Day 5 A monastery, lush forests and Mera views as you trek over the Pangkongma La pass to Nashing Dingma (2,600m) Lovely views of Takshindu Monastery and Lamjura today, as you climb through forest and bamboo to the Pangkongma La ('La' means pass) and visit the monastery nearby. The pass offers good views of Mera and its neighbour Naulekh. More stunning views across the endless foothills rising from Hinku Valley as you descend to cross a rope bridge across the Hinku Khola. A climb leads to an excellent campsite at Nashing Dingma (2,600m).

Day 6 A steep climb over the Surke La pass and forest camping at Chalem Kharka (3,600m) The trail gains height gradually through pasture and lush greenery, then steepens as you climb up to the Surke La, where you can enjoy a cup of tea in a lodge just over the pass. Eventually you'll reach a pretty campsite near Chalem Kharka, set among fir trees and rhododendrons.

Day 7 Views of Kangchenjunga lead to the camp at Chunbu Kharka (4,200m) Climbing the side of a ridge, you'll emerge from the rhododendrons and the terrain becomes more rugged. Passing through high grazing country and crossing a small pass, you'll be treated to excellent views of Kangchenjunga and Jannu to the east. Next you'll continue climbing to Panch Pokari and then on to camp at Chunbu Kharka.

Day 8 Rest day, check equipment and skills

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You may have a well-earned rest day today. Those feeling fit can walk up to a hanging corrie lake behind the camp, which offers good views. Today is also a good day for putting in an equipment check session: boots and crampons, harness and knots.

Day 9 Descent into the Hinku Valley and riverside camp (3,550m) Well-rested, you'll set off from Chunbu Kharka and climb steep ground to high above the Hinku Valley. You'll then descend through rhododendron to the valley floor and cross to the west bank of Hinku River via a wooden bridge at Khote (3,550m). We'll camp on a pleasant grassy patch not far from the river.

Day 10 Tangnag (4,360m), tea shops and views of towering Peak 39 A towering mountain known as Kayashar or its survey name Peak 39 dominates the head of the valley. The trail leads steadily through open pasture grazed by yaks brought up from the lower reaches of the valley in summer. Finally, you'll reach Tangnag, which has grown into a small hamlet of tea-shops and lodges.

Day 11 The climb to Dig Kharka (4,650m) at the foot of a glacier Today you begin heading towards the mountain as the trail swings to the east, and gain height gradually until you find yourself at Dig Kharka, close to the foot of the Hinku Nup Glacier. This is a pleasant, grassy camp in an impressive situation.

Day 12 Climb to Khare (5,100m) and glacier skills session Depending on how the team are acclimatising, you may spend another night at Dig Kharka but you'll probably head up to Khare today. Here we can do a glacier skills session. The views of Mera from the breakfast table are stunning.

Day 13 Climbing up to the Mera Peak base camp at Mera La (5,300m) An exciting day - you'll climb onto the Mera Glacier and follow it to the pass today. This superb high mountain setting is a worthwhile objective in itself. We'll establish a base camp on the far side of the pass, to avoid sleeping on ice.

Day 14 Acclimatisation and skills day at Mera Peak base camp

Another acclimatisation day (at 5,300m), in final preparation for the climb tomorrow. There will also be another snow and ice training session on the snout of the glacier that descends from the Mera La. This 'ecole de glace' provides essential skills training in the use of fixed ropes and abseiling.

Day 15 Move to high camp (5,800m)

Easy angled snow slopes today, and crevasses - looking into their deep, dark depths is always impressive but in normal conditions they are easy to walk around. The crevasses give way to slightly steeper but open snow slopes that lead without difficulty to the high camp. It’s in an excellent setting with wonderful views of Everest, Makalu and the Nuptse, Lhotse wall.

Day 16 The summit push! (6,476m)

The climb starts gradually. Much depends on snow and weather

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conditions. Mera has three summits: the central one is the one that everyone climbs, but you will also have the opportunity to climb the northern summit if you wish to do so (it’s 15m higher!). After crossing snowfields you’ll climb to follow a classic snow ridge to the final wall that guards the top of the central summit. The last 50m requires a big effort. Your reward is a magnificent panorama from the top. From here it is possible to descend and traverse around to the northern summit (if time and snow/weather conditions allow) to tick off both summits. After taking pictures and enjoying the view, you'll return to the campsite below the Mera La.

Day 17 Descend into the Hongu Valley

From the Mera La you’ll descend into the Hongu Valley. After about 3 hours you stop for lunch by a lake and then continue to the Hongu River, which is followed for another 3 hours to yet another spectacular campsite by the 'White Lake' (c5,000m) near Chamlang.

Day 18 Trek up the Hongu Valley to the base of the Amphu Labtsa (5,300m) The team will venture further up this spectacular high-altitude valley, following the bank of the Hongu River. Directly ahead is the Amphu Labtsa, with Lhotse and the Everest group beyond and Ama Dablam just to the left. From our campsite we have an excellent view of the Amphu Labtsa and are completely encircled by beautiful mountains. Altitude: c5,300m.

Day 19 Rest day below the Amphu Labtsa (5,300m) Time to enjoy a relaxed afternoon as our Sherpa team prepare the route over the pass.

Day 20 Cross the Amphu Labtsa (5,780m) to Island Peak Base Camp (5,000m) This is the most involved and serious mountaineering day of the expedition. At first you ascend glacier and climb around stunning ice flutings and formations. Then steeper sections (40°) lead to the top of the pass, which is an exposed ridge. The descent down the far side is on snow, ice, rock and scree and will be safeguarded by approximately 250 metres of fixed ropes, until easier ground is reached. There is also a section where you need to abseil. A loose path is followed into the valley below from where you descend a moraine ridge by the side of the Imja Glacier to Island Peak base camp.

Day 21 Rest day at Island Peak Base Camp (5,300m)

Day 22 Ascent to Island Peak High Camp (5,600m) The path leads quite steeply up beyond base camp for several hundred metres before striking off left up the hillside. Initially sandy, the path soon turns to grass before becoming boulder strewn. As you climb, the slope narrows and the path enters a steep rock gully. You’ll camp just below the gully on rock platforms.

Day 23 Ascent of Island Peak (6,189m) Your first task, early in the morning, is to climb the rock gully. This involves grade 1 scrambling by head torch, and several short rock steps. The route then follows a rocky ridge-line, which leads to an

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exhilarating and exposed traverse onto the snout of the summit glacier. You will rope up here due to crevasses. It leads easily enough to the bergshrund and a 100m snow and ice slope, on which the Sherpas fix a rope. Then it’s just three rope lengths along a sharp summit ridge to the top. After enjoying the summit views you’ll descend all the way to base camp.

Day 24 Spare day in case of bad weather

Day 25 Trek to Kyangjuma (3,550m) via Thyangboche Monastery You’ll descend the Imja valley and through Chukkung to Dingboche. Then you’ll re-join the main Everest trail and pass through Pangboche, re-crossing the river before climbing to the monastery at Thyangboche, where there is a welcome bakery. A steep descent of around 500m leads through bird-filled rhododendron bushes and fir trees to the Dudh Kosi river. From here you'll continue to Kyangjuma to spend the night.

Day 26 Leisurely trek to Phakding for your last tented night (2,610m) Today you'll descend to Namche Bazaar. There's time to shops, get coffee, cake and Internet access. You’ll sweep down the steep descent of Namche Hill to the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi and into the small village of Monjo. You can take your leisure with tea whenever you fancy a break, before arriving in Phakding for your last tented night.

Day 27 Steady trekking to Lukla with plenty of tea house breaks (2,840m) The trail now flattens out and you'll cross the river twice more before a rising traverse up the hillside, past numerous tea houses to Lukla. Your last day of steady trekking will be a real joy as, at lower altitudes and with nothing left to prove, you can soak up the atmosphere in each of the villages. All excess energy is guaranteed to be exhausted at a party tonight with our Nepalese crew.

Day 28 Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap and drive to Kathmandu Today, you will fly from Lukla back to Ramechhap, then drive to Kathmandu. The afternoon/evening is free to do your own thing.

Day 29 Kathmandu sightseeing A chance to explore the city and its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We recommend an early start to visit the gompa at Bouddhanath, then the temples of Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, the latter of which you can combine with a visit to Thamel, the tourist centre of the city. If you want to go further afield, there is the old city of Bhaktapur, famous for pottery and curd or, not too far from the Summit Hotel, is Patan which has a superb museum and many temples around its Durbar Square.

Day 30 Fly home The scheduled group flight back to London, UK will leave Kathmandu in the morning. You’ll arrive at Heathrow in the evening. For those joining “land-only”, you should book your flight home today as services end.

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PLEASE NOTE: Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of climbers can all contribute to changes. The expedition Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!

» Economy class return airfares from the UK (unless Land Only). » UK airline taxes. » One in-country, return flight between Ramechhap and Lukla by scheduled,

fixed-wing aircraft. » Return transfers between Kathmandu airport and the hotel (one on arrival and

one on departure of your international flight). » Return transfers between the hotel and Ramechhap Airport. » 3 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the Summit Hotel in Kathmandu

on a twin-sharing basis. » 25 nights' full board accommodation in tents on a twin-sharing basis. » All costs for Sherpa staff, cook staff and porters. » Jagged Globe expedition leader. » Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece.

» Visa fees. » Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline

ticket. » Bar bills and laundry. » Travel insurance. » Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu. » Optional trips and sightseeing tours. » Tips.

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The maximum team size is 12, plus a Jagged Globe leader, Sherpas and porters. Jagged Globe leaders are selected for their excellent personal track record of climbing at high altitudes, and their ability to successfully manage a team with differing mountaineering backgrounds. Recent expedition leaders on Mera and Island Peak have been:

» Ed Chard (Jagged Globe Head of Operations and Scottish Winter Courses Director, who leads expeditions every year) » Alex Langdon (led teams on Aconcagua, Lhakpa Ri and Everest 3 Peaks 3 Passes) » Olan Parkinson (led teams on Aconcagua, Bolivian Climber, Ecuador Volcanoes).

You can read more about these leaders and others on our website here:

https://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/jg/leadership.html

The itinerary could be considered by fit climbers with experience of Alpine routes of PD/AD or Scottish Winter Climbs of Grade II and III. Porters are employed to carry loads to high camps, meaning climbers only need carry their own personal equipment, which should weigh no more than 8 - 10Kg.

Our Scottish Winter Courses and our Alpine Courses would provide good skills training for this expedition. You can find out more about these on our website.

Having a solid base of fitness prior to departing on the expedition will give you the best chance of reaching the summit and enjoying it along the way. There are many different ways to train the body and it is important to choose the correct method.

Climbing 5,000m and 6,000m peaks in Nepal requires that you to have a high level of endurance. Training for endurance means developing the aerobic energy system in your body. Essentially your objective is to train the energy production systems to meet the demands of the activity for as long as required. For Mera and Island Peak this means consecutive tough days whilst acclimatising before even tougher summit days.

In order to better advise you, we asked Steve House and Scott Johnston, authors of the authoritative book, Training for the New Alpinism, for their advice.

Our Kit List and Trip Information document, which you receive once you have booked, has some general training advice in it from Steve and Scott. Additionally you can purchase an 8 week, 16 week or 24 week training programme via the website, Training Peaks: http://www.trainingpeaks.com/

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A complete equipment is sent to you on booking. We recommend that you wear double mountaineering boots (plastic boots) on the climbs, for warmth. Our equipment hire service includes plastic boots, down jacket and down sleeping bag. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

An expedition is a complete adventure and the culmination of training; it is the time to put learning into practice. We might rehearse, and refresh, but the objectives will be the summits we climb, the paths we trek, or the slopes we ski.

As a team member, you will be with likeminded people, all seeking adventure and the camaraderie that people share when facing challenges together. You should be technically competent, so please check you meet the pre-trip requirements before booking.

Whether climbing, trekking or skiing, the expedition will broaden your experience and deepen your knowledge; for example, by reaching new altitudes, by extending yourself technically and physically or by coping with extreme conditions. All the time, you will revel in the simple thrill of being among the mountains and enjoying the cultures encountered en route. Fundamental to this, will be the chance to make new friends along the way.

Jagged Globe expeditions are not 'guided' or 'instructed', as our courses are, but 'professionally-led'. An expedition comprises a team leader (appointed by Jagged Globe), team members (you) and local guides (recruited in-country for their local knowledge). Our expeditions are well resourced and equipped, to ensure the objectives can be met.

The leader will set the tone and the overall parameters for the conduct of the trip. The leader will ensure that every opportunity is taken to fulfil the objectives described in the trip's itinerary, whilst not slavishly being bound by it. The leader will establish a framework of safety, and engender a positive attitude towards ensuring a safe outcome. As a team member, you are responsible for your own participation, especially in those activities that are hazardous by nature. We look to you to be mindful of risks at all times and to use your initiative, common sense and previous experience to face up to them and to reduce them where possible.

Local guides possess the detailed local knowledge we need to achieve our goals. Local guides are not sent to 'Guide', as is now understood when climbing in the Alps with a European-Certified Guide, but to act in the more traditional sense as pathfinders and helpers.

We like our expedition teams to operate within an envelope of mutual support and trust, and the leader will work to build this as the trip progresses. This acknowledges that everyone on the team (the leader, yourself and the local staff) has a contribution to make in helping towards the safe outcome of the venture you are participating in, proportionate to each person's knowledge and experience.

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Jagged Globe offers pre-trip weekends for all expeditions and treks. The pre-trip weekend is a key element of your trek or expedition. You do not have to be booked onto a trip to attend a weekend, so it’s the perfect opportunity to meet us and find out more about Jagged Globe.

The pre-trip weekend provides team members with important information and skills that will enhance your experience of the trip. It is a chance to meet other team members, should they be attending, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet our office team, visit our specialist equipment shop and try on any hire equipment you may need. Normally a number of different teams meet over the weekend.

The Saturday is based in and around Sheffield with presentations on personal equipment, dealing with altitude, expedition safety and staying healthy. In the evening there will be a meal and social gathering to get to know others on your trip. On Sunday we will go outdoors to the nearby Peak District. The activity will be focused on your trip. This will be a walk, scramble or rock climbing sessions using fixed rope and abseiling, if appropriate, at a nearby crag.

The weekends are free to attend and are normally scheduled 6–8 weeks prior to your trip departure date. If you are booked onto a trip confirmed dates will be enclosed with your Booking Confirmation email. If you have yet to book a place on a trip, please email us to enquire about a suitable pre-trip weekend date. To book a place we will need to know at least 10 days beforehand. We look forward to meeting you at the weekend.

Programme

Day Time Activity

Saturday

9.30am Meet at Jagged Globe (tea/coffee on arrival). After a quick introduction, we will cover:

• Illustrated talk about your trip.

• Clothing and Equipment.

• Altitude Illness.

• Health, hygiene and physical preparation.

12.30pm Lunch.

1pm Drive to the Peak District for a short walk and to socialise with other expedition team members.

4pm Return to Jagged Globe in Sheffield.

7pm Dinner.

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Sunday

9am Meet at a designated car park in the Peak District.

This is mainly a social day to talk to your team members and expedition leaders.

4pm Practical session finishes.

Sunday is a practical day that will be focused on your trip. Depending on your expedition or trek, you will need normal UK hill-walking equipment including packed-lunch, boots, waterproofs and warm layers. Some options for the day may include:

Trekking Trips (Everest Base Camp, Huayhuash Circuit etc)

Hathersage to Higgar Tor via Stanage Edge. 500m ascent and descent. 8km walk over heather moorland, stony footpaths and wooded trails.

Non-Technical Peak (Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua etc) Kinder Scout from Edale. 750m of ascent and descent. 10km walk over paths and rough moorland and rocky paths.

Technical Trekking Peak (Mera Peak, Island Peak etc) Either a hill walk taking in steep and rocky paths or a technical rope session including abseiling and using fixed lines.

Technical Expedition (Alpamayo, Ama Dablam, 8000m peaks etc) Rock-climbing,

looking at movement skills, abseiling, using fixed lines and crevasse rescue.

GETTING HERE

Set S3 8EN into your GPS/phone.

Jagged Globe is located close to Sheffield city centre at: 45 Mowbray Street, Sheffield, S3 8EN. We are around 15 -20 mins walk from Sheffield train and coach stations. You can find us next to The Foundry Climbing Centre in the Kelham Island area of the city. There is free car parking within the Foundry Climbing Centre car park and nearby on-street parking.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels within walking distance of Jagged Globe include:

• Holiday Inn. 4 Star, Victoria Station Rd, Sheffield, S4 7YE.

• Hampton by Hilton. 3 Star, West Bar Green, Sheffield, S1 2DA.

• Easy Hotel. 2 star, 71 High Street, Sheffield, S1 2GD.

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The trekking route to Mera Peak is under considerable environmental pressure, as are the camps on the mountain. In particular, human waste at Mera high camp has become a problem. We do our best to minimise the impact of our expeditions. This includes the following measures: General waste is burnt or taken to appropriate collection points. Used batteries are taken back to the UK. On this trek toilet facilities are available at some tea houses, or we use a communal toilet tent. At Mera Peak base camp and high camp, you can use Clean Mountain Cans for human waste. Jagged Globe supports the work of the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) and you are asked to adhere to its guidelines, which we provide.

We can organise this expedition on a 'tailor-made' private basis for groups such as families, clubs or charities. Depending on your mountaineering experience, you might require a Jagged Globe leader or prefer to go 'self-led' with assistance from local Sherpas. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly self-led options. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and preferred dates. We will put together a no-obligation quote.

Climb, Trek, Ski Ltd (trading as Jagged Globe) is a fully licenced and bonded tour operator. The air holidays and flights shown on our website are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. This means if you book your expedition package with Jagged Globe, including international flights from the UK, your payments are covered by our ATOL Licence. Please visit the ATOL website to find out more.

If you would like to book a place on this expedition, you can do so securely on our website, over the phone or by sending in a booking form by post. A deposit secures a place on your chosen departure. You will initially receive an automated email acknowledging that your booking has been received. We will then confirm your booking in writing and send you a receipt for the deposit, an invoice for the final balance, ATOL certificate and equipment list. You will be given an account on a secure area of the Jagged Globe website, where you can complete other essential administration relating to the trip.

Book Now: http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/climb/exp/i/mera+island.html