Alpinism

FOR CLIMBING

• Climbing harness
• Belay device
• Collapsible trekking pole
• Light ice axe with leash
• Strong crampons with anti-balling plates
• Ascender
• Locking carabiners
• Non locking carabiners
• Prusik loops
• Slings
• Helmet

LOWER BODY

• Walking shorts
• Trekking pants
• Lightweight thermal pants
• Expedition weight thermal pants
• Polar fleece trousers
• Snow Pants (water resistant with full side zips)
• Superior down pants
• Expedition down suit for the summit day

FEET 

• Mountaineering boots
• Walking boots with good ankle support
• Running shoes
• Down booties
• Pairs of med-heavy wool socks
• Pairs of liner socks
• Vapor barrier socks
• Lightweight socks

UPPER BODY

• Cotton t-shirts
• Polypropylene t-shirts
• Polar fleece pullovers
• Softshell jacket
• Alpine climbing jacket (waterproof, windproof and breathable)
• Lightweight down jacket 
• Expedition down parka with hood

HANDS

• Lightweight gloves
• Climbing gloves
• Mitts 
• Hand warmers

HEAD

• Warm wool hat
• Balaclava
• Ski goggles
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Neck gaiter
• Scarf

SLEEPING (INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE)

• Sleeping bag for basecamp (0°C to -10°C)
• Closed cell foam mats 

RUCKSACK AND BAGS

• Rucksack (50-70 litres)
• Waterproof rucksack cover
• Day pack
• 2 large (120L) duffle kit bags 
• Padlocks  
• Water bottles 
• Camera with extra cards and extra batteries
• Folding knife
• Passport, extra passport photos, flight tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport 
• Proof of insurance

MEDICAL & OTHERS

• First-aid kit (basic) with aspirin, first-aid tape, and band aids. Your Sherpa guide will have an Alpine first aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Anti-diarrhea medicines
• Anti-headache medicines
• Cough and/or cold medicines
• Anti-altitude sickness pills 
• Water purification tablets
• Earplugs
• Lip sunscreen
• Anti-mosquito spray
• Toothpaste/brush
• Soap and small towel
• Pee bottle (pee funnel for women)
• Garbage bags

*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE. 

What’s included

• Pre-departure support.
• Airport Pick up & Drop off (Tribhuvan International Airport).
• 4-Star Hotel on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu.
• Camping during the trek and the climb (except tea house on the way back to Lukla).
• Experienced and government licensed high altitude climbing guides & trekking guides during the trekking and climbing period (6 members : 1 climbing guide + 1 trekking guide ratio).
• Flight tickets: Kathmandu to Lukla & Lukla to Kathmandu.
• Land transportation.
• All trekking and mountaineering equipment such as kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tent, shower tent, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for Base Camp. 
• Common climbing equipment (necessary fixed and man ropes, ice screws, etc.). 
• Sleeping bag and closed cell foam mats as mentioned in the packing list (which need to be returned after the expedition).
• 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners with tea/ coffee) during the trekking and climbing period.
• Per person: 20kg baggage allowance during trekking (Porter/Yak).
• Daily Weather Report Services. 
• Trekking Permit.
• TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System).
• Expedition Royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Mera Peak.
• Nepalese Government Royalty and fees.
• All wages, equipment, medical and accidental insurances for all involved staff in trekking and expedition.
• Equipment allowances and wages for Climbing Sherpas and cooks.
• First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staff.
• Satellite phone available for members with the extra cost of US$3 per minute call.
• High altitude tent (per 2 members).
• Solar panel for light and battery charger.
• Required fixed and dynamic ropes during climbing period.
• Helicopter rescue insurance for high altitude climbing Sherpa guides, cooks and staff.
• Trekking and Climbing map of Mera Peak. 
• Cooking gas, stove will be provided at camps for cooking food, boiling water.
• Service charge and Government Taxes.
• Complete pre-departure information.
• Visa extension procedure service (if necessary).
• Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with local culture show in Kathmandu.

What’s NOT included

• International flights.
• EMERGENCY EVACUATION EXPENSES & insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that you subscribe a proper travel insurance policy that covers illness, medical emergencies, trip cancellation, etc.
• Airport taxes/ visa fees.
• Lunches and Dinners during your stay in Kathmandu (except the farewell dinner).
• Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutri-bars during the trekking period.
• Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips.
• Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc.
• Extra transportation.
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15kg (10kg luggage check-in + 5kg hand carry), cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg).
• Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
• Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation.
• Helicopter rescue.
• Walkie-talkies & Filming permit (if special camera or walkie-talkies).
• Personal climbing gear.
• Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone and Internet expenses.
• Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking Gear.
• Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods.
• Tips and gifts for base camp and high altitude trekking and climbing staff.
• Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Anything else not specified in the 'what's included' section above.

Accommodation: 

Training for peak climbing requires a focused and balanced routine program, and the ability to push yourself physically. Training your body is as important as training your mind.

Experience:

Previous winter mountaineering experience necessary.  

Health:

Good level of fitness.

Very fit and active walker-climber in good health.

Training Preparation:

• Training plan: hiking with backpack 2 to 4 times a week (2 to 6 hours per session).
• Indoor (weight training, swimming, …) and outdoor (running, cycling, …) workouts.