Preparing to Climb One of Nepal’s Trekking Peaks

Travelling to Nepal is like stepping back in time to another world. This tiny mountainous country, no longer a kingdom since the monarch was deposed a few years ago, has barely any flat spots in it anywhere. Its so-called lowlands put the hills of many other places to shame, while its mountain ranges contain the highest mountains in the world.

Many people travel to Nepal to see its temples and shrines, but for me, no trip there is complete without time up in the mountains experiencing some of the nature that has shaped this land and its culture. For many people, a trip to the mountains means a trek around the Annapurna circuit or to Everest base camp. Yet a climb up one of Nepal’s famous trekking peaks should also be considered. These are in fact incredibly high mountains. Mera Peak, which reaches to almost 6,500 meters, is higher than the highest mountains on many other continents. Yet it is not beyond the reach of the average person because it does not demand much by way of technical climbing skills. You need to have a high level of fitness and some skills in mountaineering. You should, for example, be able to use a mountaineering ice axe and crampons. But beyond that you do not need advanced ice climbing skills.

Preparation really involves getting your fitness up as to climb a peak such as Mera you have to be prepared for long climbs each day, some with altitude gains of more than 3000 feet. You also need to have strong aerobic capacity because your heart and lungs will be working overtime in the high, thin air of these altitudes. So make sure you get in plenty of running or cycling to build your capacity for sustaining a high heart rate for an extended period.  You also need some specialised equipment. A lightweight ice axe and crampons are essential for crossing glaciers. You’ll need sufficient warm clothing and an expedition-grade down sleeping bag. But much of your gear can be hired from stores in Kathmandu and if you use a guiding company in Nepal, then your guides will be able to help you get what you need. After 10 or so days in the mountains you will come back with a much better understanding of the amazing lives and culture of the mountainous people who live there than if you had just stuck to the cities and lowlands.