Mountain survival is often a real test of abilities. The hostile and hazardous setting can leave you facing freezing winds, driving snow, ice, rain and strong elevation variations. Your very best chance of survival is recognizing tips on how to get yourself out of danger and down the mountain to civilisation promptly. 
 
Right here are a handful of scenarios you may end up in when stuck on a mountain and how to escape.
 
Avalanches
 
Avalanches ordinarily occur usually for the duration of winter season but could also materialize in the course of warm climate and be brought on by spring rains. The drive of an avalanche grows as it gains momentum and mass. Most avalanches start off in a very smaller location designed up of loose snow just before it begins to spread.
 
An avalanche is often caused by several different aspects but there are some symptoms that will help you prevent potentially unsafe avalanche zones. 
 
Avalanches can come about most usually on mountain slopes ranging from thirty to forty-five degrees. They typically arise while in the exact space repeatedly. Just after a route continues to be developed it is extra common for an additional slide to arise. Seem for steep, open up gullies, pushed more than tress and tumbled rocks as indications of the prior avalanche.
 
When on a leeward slope snowballs tumbling downhill or sliding snow will even present you with an warning of a potential avalanche place. Listen and look at for indications of an avalanche at all situations. If snow appears hallow otherwise you see cracks within the snow there is risk of the slab avalanche.
 
For those who find yourself caught in an avalanche just take instant action to get rid of your backpack and skis. Your survival of an avalanche will rely on your ability to negotiate the snow all around you and get for the aspect of the avalanche. 
 
The best procedure is usually to use a double-action swimming back stroke together with your again on the drive with the avalanche as well as your head up. Remember to continue to keep your mouth shut. In the event you end up inside a powder snow avalanche quickly cover you mouth and nose with clothes to generate an air space.
 
Your most effective chance of survival will depend on you remaining calm and staying away from panic. Save your power until the avalanche starts to lose momentum and settle down. Operate your way towards an airspace around the floor promptly. In case you are thoroughly coated by snow, bit by bit dig towards the surface area. 
 
Moving down the Mountain
 
Your objective is to securely get down the mountain and from the cold and moist ailments. In advance of venturing just take a while to survey the area all over you and figure out the very best path of travel. Commence by looking for a valley because it can be the indicator of a modest stream or river. It will be your safest route to discover a way down.
 
Really don’t attempt to hike for the duration of conditions of very poor visibility or at nighttime. This could put you at a higher possibilities of receiving missing or injured. 
 
When functioning your way down the mountain to stay notify for added symptoms of one more avalanche. Check out to avoid the obvious signs of avalanche locations and run-outs. Continue to look previously mentioned you for snow slides and acquire instant motion to have out of the best way as quick as is possible.
 
When traveling in snow try in order to avoid thigh or waist-deep snow. This is actually the most tricky route and bodily demanding. Watch for darkened slopes as they could have rocks or vegetation underneath which offers greater footing. Snow ailments are additional stable while in the early morning right after a cold night time and in shaded regions.
 
When traveling in the group down a mountain side, remain within a single file formation. If doable, rope members of your group together for security. Alter the lead man or woman routinely. Due to the fact the leader will probably be picking out the route they will tend to tire quicker than the relaxation. 
 
Use a zigzag route to traverse steep slopes since it is significantly less annoying than a straight uphill or downhill climb. Room your methods evenly and shut with each other to create travel less complicated and preserve you balance. Whilst heading downhill rapidly, just take care that all of your current machines, like an ice axe is stored securely in you pack. 
 
All mountain backpackers ought to carry the required machines to travel about snow and ice. Having the proper resources can help you create anchors or intermediate protection factors throughout a climb or descent. These goods include a snow picket, snow fluke, tubular ice screws, coat hanger ice screws and solid ice screws.
 
Before starting a mountain climb or back-country skiing excursion be certain you’ve the crucial machines and survival expertise. Get the required time for you to familiarize on your own together with the place prior to the trip. Once you end up within a harmful condition or simply in an avalanche, make sure to keep on being calm and avoid panic. 

LHAKPA RI EXPEDITION WITH CLIMBING TRAINING AT YALA PEAK

(34 days)

An introduction to Himalayan climbing with an easy trek and ascent to Yala Peak in the Langtang region, in preparation for the big challenge – the ascent of Lhakpa Ri in Tibet.

This program accommodates climbing training at Yala Peak in the Langtang region and an expedition to Tibetan peak Lhakpa Ri.

The Langtang Valley is located only 19 miles north of Kathmandu, close to the border of Tibet, below the main crest of the Himalaya. The valley is dominated by Langtang Lirung (7246m), the highest peak in the area. This trek and climb to Yala Peak offers a wonderful introduction to mountaineering in the Himalaya, among some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole of Nepal.

Flush with the ascent of Yala Peak, you head towards Tibet for your real challenge – the ascent of Lhakpa Ri.

Lhakpa Ri (Xang Dong Feng) mountaineering expedition gives you an impeccable mountain climbing experience amidst the richly varied landscape. Lhakpa Ri (Xang Dong Feng), towering over Tibet mountain range at an elevation of 7,045 meters, divides the upper East Rongbuk glacier and upper Kharta glacier. It lies in proximity to mighty Mt Everest boasting mesmerizing sights of Nyonno Ri range in eastern Tibet, the north faces of Chomolonzo, Makalu and Pethangtse, Shartse, Kangshung (east) face of Everest, east face of Lhotse, the north east ridge of Everest, the North Col, Changtse, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma as stunning backdrops.

The ascent up this mountain is regarded as the easiest 7000+ peak ascent.

You make the ascent via the Everest Advance Base Camp.

TRIP FACTS

Trip length: 34 Days
Grade: Strenuous (Peak Climbing)
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel and camping
Transportation: Bus, 4WD Land cruiser
Maximum altitude: 7045m

OUTLINE ITINERARY

(24th Aug) Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu
(25th Aug) Day 02 Drive to Syabrubesi
(26th Aug) Day 03 Lama Hotel (2380m)
(27th Aug) Day 04 Langtang village (3500m)
(28th Aug) Day 05 At Langtang Village
(29th Aug) Day 06 Kyanjin Gompa (3800m)
(30th Aug) Day 07 Yala peak base camp 4800 m
(31st Aug) Day 08 Climbing training
(1st Sept) Day 09 Climbing training
(2nd Sept) Day 10 Summit day (5500 m)
(3rd Sept) Day 11 Lama Hotel
(4th Sept) Day 12 Syabrubesi
(5th Sept) Day 13 Drive to Kathmandu
(6th Sept) Day 14 In Kathmandu
(7th Sept) Day 15 Drive to Nyalam
(8th Sept) Day 16 Acclimatization
(9th Sept) Day 17 Drive to Tingri
(10th Sept) Day 18 Drive Rongbuk (5000m)
(11th Sept) Day 19 At Everest Base Camp (5200m)
(12th Sept) Day 20 At Everest Base Camp (5200m)
(13th Sept) Day 21 At Everest Base Camp (5200m)
(14th Sept) Day 22 Trek to Camp 1 (5460m)
(15th Sept) Day 23 Trek to Interim Camp (5760m)
(16th Sept) Day 24 Rest day at Interim Camp (5760m)
(17th Sept) Day 25 Trek to Camp 2 (5970m)
(18th Sept) Day 26 Trek to Camp 3 (6400m)
(19th Sept) Day 27 Rest day at camp 3
(20th Sept) Day 28 At camp 3
(21st Sept) Day 29 Climb Lhakpa Ri (7045m.), return to ABC
(22nd Sept) Day 30 Spare day for weather etc
(23rd Sept) Day 31 Trek to Base Camp
(24-25th Sept) Day 32-33 Drive back to Kathmandu
(26th Sept) Day 34 Depart Kathmandu

Contact as at enquiry@explorehimalaya.com for more information

http://www.explorehimalaya.com/lhakpa-ri-yala-peak-expedition.php

Breakfast can be granola, toast, fruit, eggs, and sometimes pancakes or French toast. During lunch time, you can have pasta or rice with fish or chicken as you climb up the mountain.

Lunches are normally taken as you are on the trail, either up or down the mountain. Fresh and hot vegetable soups are served after every meal though packed soup, tea or coffee can be made available on request. Make sure to do the climb with expert mountaineers as they will ensure that you will have the best foods for your summit. These companies normally have expert cooks who prepare all the meals for the you.

You should be fit for any trek or mountain climb.

A doctor’s through check up and go ahead is necessary for any summit. You should also be able to know to what limits your body can go to. Another thing is that you should keep fit, exercise regular and eat well a few months before the planned mount climb. You can also choose to take routes that are not very difficult. You must also be over sixteen years old in order to take this trip.

The rising popularity of backpacking and climbing draws a continuously growing number of people to the mountains every year. What can be more beautiful than the nature in its pure state? The mountains around the world attract people with their beauty, purity and the challenges they present. Climbing Mount Kinabalu, situated in the southeast of Asia, can offer people a unique experience due to its marvelous sites, its well-planned routes and the accessibility for all amateur climbers.

This pleasant experience can very easily become an unpleasant one if people do not respect nature and dispose their wastes wherever comes in handy. Because of its accessibility, the mountain can transform into a garbage pit at any time, if those who climb it would not make everything in their power to preserve the nature.

For some people, preserving nature can be even more challenging than climbing a mountain, but for most people this thing comes naturally.

These are the people who, after working hard to climb the mountain, want to feel like no one has ever been there before, they want to witness the beauty of the nature in its untainted form and they will do all they can to help protect and maintain the nature and the natural wonders.

Before climbing Mount Kinabalu, or any other mountain in the world, you should know some basic information about how to leave no trace on where you pass.
Do not destroy or disturb the historical artifacts, the rocks or the plants; in this way, the ones coming there after you are gone, will enjoy the same beauty as you did.
You must respect wildlife and observe it from a distance. You should never feed the wild animals, nor to leave food behind. When climbing Mount Kinabalu you will probably see many curious animals and interest plants, but you must resist and not touch them.
Pack out all your garbage and never leave it behind because it will not biodegrade. All waste must be packed in bags and disposed in special areas.
If possible, remove any waste left by others from the mountain. There are many visitors that start climbing Mount Kinabalu without the necessary things that they would need in order to pack their garbage – so they leave it behind.
Always carry a camp stove so that you can heat your coffee, tea or food, and do not make a fire every time you need one. The forest is in danger every time people make fires and do not take care of them. The dipterocarp and oak forests do not need to suffer because of careless people who do not put out the fires they have started.

If this minimal information is considered by every human that starts climbing Mount Kinabalu, the unique natural site will be kept as it is for many years and more and more people will enjoy it. We should understand that wildlife will not survive over the years if we don’t make an effort to respect its habitat.

What Should You Note When Travelling to Mountains?

The function of climbing is giving you fresh air, mountain quiet, beautiful. How to make it easier to climb easily? Mountaineering experts summed up tips:

Good exercise:
If you climb a high mountain to climb, or participate in sports usually less, then do some warm-up before the climbing exercise is necessary. Namely the use of 10-20 minutes to do some muscle stretching exercises or try to relax muscles, in order you can be easier when climbing.

Keep a good status:

The mountain should be preceded by physical examination. In particular, the elderly, chronically ill, they should do a comprehensive physical examination to avoid accidents.

Prior knowledge of good climbing routes:

Planning a good place for rest and meals, there is an acquaintance, to prevent the blind loitering in the mountains.

Increase the bounce action
When climbing up, at each step in the action are intended to add some bounce, not only effort, but also the spirit of people seem full of vitality.

Have a look at the weather report:

The climate features of the mountain should understand and try to get a reliable weather forecast before climbing.

Sooner or later, you had better take a good warm clothing, to prevent the common cold.

Just for entertainments:

Mountaineering is not for competition, just for fitness or pleasure. So don’t count rate, just Happy. Escalators or along the stone steps, or find tree-lined paths, a slow line, view scenery, browsing sites, while the iron travel and fun.

With luggage as little as possible:

For the elderly, should bring sticks, is both physically, and it helps security.

Walking on steep slopes, it is best to go “and” shaped line of climbing, this would reduce the slope.

Do not always look uphill
Do not always look uphill climbing, mountaineering, in particular at the beginning, because your legs are not used to climb the action, looking up too often, it creates a sense of fatigue. Generally speaking, upward climb, the eyes remain in their own front thirty-five meters at best. If the mountain is steep, you can be “Z” shape to climb, so more effort.

Divert attention
Climbers do not always think about how high the mountain, how much time is needed to climb that sort of thing. Hurry, stop and go can experience the fun of hiking, do not miss the beautiful scenery. In the tired, you can enjoy the surrounding scenery more, but also sing and to divert attention, tiredness will be cut.

Have to control myself down the pace, must not be rushed too fast, it is easy to hurt. Also, pay attention to the knee muscles to relax; stretch the legs too tightly will have a greater pressure on joints, muscle fatigue.

Amongst the Himalayan trekking peaks, Mera Peak is the highest of all. At the summit of Mera Peak [6476m], one can embrace the most outstanding and breathtaking views of the majestic towering Himalayan range. Mera peak trek offers comfortable trekking trail amid the spectacular natural vistas bypassing any chances of technical difficulty. Any physically fit individual can venture into this trek.

September to December and from March to June are the most favorable months for trekking.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 22 Days
Grade: Strenuous – Alpine grade: F
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Group size: Maximum 12
Accommodation: Hotel & camping
Transportation: Flights & private car
Maximum altitude: 6654m

OUTLINE ITINERARY
DAY 01- Arrival in Kathmandu
DAY 02- Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
DAY 03- fly to Phaplu, trek to Nuntala 2350m
DAY 04- to Kharikhola
DAY 05- Pangkongma
DAY 06- Rest at Pangkongma
DAY 07- Narjing Dingma
DAY 08- Chalem Kharka
DAY 09- Khula Kharka
DAY 10- Khote
DAY 11- Tagnak
DAY 12- Tagnak glacier acclimatisation day
DAY 13- Tagnak – Khare
DAY 14- Ridge ascent from Hinku Nup
DAY 15- Khare – Mera High Camp
DAY 16 -High Camp – Mera summit – Khare
DAY 17- Contingency day
DAY 18- Khare or Tagnak – Khote
DAY 19- Khote – Chetera
DAY 20- Chetera – Lukla
DAY 21- fly Lukla – Kathmandu
DAY 22- Depart Kathmandu

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience as exotic panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range peaks sprawls before you.

The Nepali support team will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

Day 2 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, being a historical and cultural heart of Nepal, is a popular destination for tourists, trekkers and adventure seekers. The city presents a wonderful mixture of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities which bear immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous & biggest Hindu shrine PASUPATHINATH, the largest Buddhist stupa in town BOUDHANATH, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and SOYAMBHUNATH. In the evening, a trip orientation meeting will be organized.

Day 3 – Fly to Phaplu, trek to Nuntala 2350m
The flight is less than an hour but an eye-opening introduction to rural Nepal. Landing, we step back in time. we cross the Trakshindo La (3071m), descending past the Trakshindo gompa to Nuntala, which is also called Manidingma.

Day 4 – To Kharikhola
We cross the Dudh Kosi (river) and climb to the pretty village of Jubing, the only non-sherpa village of the whole trek. Passing through the terraced fields of Kharikhola you realise just how much work these people put into farming. Where we stay will depend on where we make it to.

Day 5 – Pangkongma
Leaving the main route up from Kharikhola. We rise to a spur pass, Khari La (2,990m). This used to be the main path up from Jiri before the new one below was made, as witnessed by the ruins of the old bhatti tea house. The view north and west is fantastic all the way to Cho Oyu. Shortly we come to a small lodge where we make lunch, which seems suspended over the wide Kharikhola valley below. We can see the notch of the Pangkongma La ahead only just higher than this little eyrie. The afternoon brings us through gorgeous forests with many high waterfalls, to the handsome village of Pangkongma (2,846m), where we camp in the grounds of a fine Sherpa family house, the last of these robust stone buildings we will see before our return to Lukla. 

Day 6 – Rest at Pangkongma

Day 7 -  Narjing Dingma
In the cool of the morning we head up toward the Pangkongma La pass behind the village, and it is not long before we arrive at its distinct notch (3,180m), marked by some very ancient looking chortens. We have entered the Hinku valley and immediately there is a feel of unspoilt remoteness. Across the valley are thick forests broken only by a few kharka pasture settlements. Snow peaks top the ridge opposite but it is not until we round the corner that Mera comes into view guarding the head of the valley. From this angle it looks very impressive, and anything but easy! We descend through some scattered settlements and have lunch at one of the lower ones. The Hinku river, seen crashing through inaccessible gorges down from the north, is tucked away here, far below, reappearing as it winds its way south into incredible hazy distance. Another fantastic eyrie viewpoint that this trail is all about. We can see our night stop opposite, seeming so close, and can follow our route of the next few days running along the ridge above. The afternoon takes us down an excellent steep path to cross the river. The most dramatic waterfall so far plunges down the opposite bank. The climb up is less steep and takes us into some deep forests before emerging to camp in the pastures of Narjing Dingma (2,650m), a settlement of bamboo huts.

Day 8 -  Chalem Kharka
The forests continue as we ascend, now mainly rhododendron. From the Surkie La (3,085m) we head north along the ridge, and the whole of eastern Nepal opens out in front of us, over the wildly remote Hongu valley, with the solitary bulk of the Kangchenjunga massive marking the Sikkim border. As we head up this ridge today and tomorrow, we will pass from side to side with immense dramatic views either way. This first section we call ‘Raspberry Ridge’, and these delicious wild berries are ripe to perfection in October. We have lunch and later camp (3,450m) in the grassy pastures, kharkas, that occasionally widen the ridge.

Day 9 -  Khula Kharka
From here up the ridge is cragged with lichen rocks and heathers, and we wind our way up over several rises. The ridge narrows as dramatic gullies drop away steeply on either side. Over a final crest (4,330m) we reach the unexpected suspended ledge of the lakes of Panch Pokhari – five lakes, the sacred number. This is a place of pilgrimage for both Buddhists, who line the edges of the lakes with chortens, and Hindus, who leave a forest of tridents, the symbol of Shiva the mountain-born god of destruction and re-birth. This is a very potent, evocative site. A short descent beyond brings us into the wide cwm of Khula Kharka (4,120m), our night camp.

Day 10 - Khote
Another excellent day, first contouring the heathery slopes, now firmly on the Hinku side of the ridge. Dwarf juniper shrub turns gradually to trees again, before we descend steeply to the phenomenal cascading junction of two mountain torrents, crashing down through tall pine forests all around our lunch site. These totally unspoilt forests become even more majestic, as we soon rejoin the main river, crossing it to continue up the west bank and reach Khote (3,480m) where we will camp. This site was particularly devastated by the flood of ‘98 when the Sabai Tcho glacial lake broke its moraine dam. The tea huts have now been rebuilt but the previously grassy campsite is now a beach! The final crest of the Mera ridge including the summit is clearly visible up at the end of the valley ahead.

Day 11 – Tagnak
The forest gives way to open valley again by mid-morning, revealing the peaks which line either side. A small Buddhist gompa in the rock wall above the path, contains some unexpectedly fine Buddha statues within. The valley swings eastward into a new array of peaks and the route up toward the Mera glacier comes into view. We have reached the surprisingly well-established summer settlement of Tagnak (4,140m) by lunch time, and here we set up camp. Towering over our heads the sheer flank of the Mera ridge dramatically dominates the skyline.

Day 12 – Tagnak glacier acclimatisation day
This is a useful day for boosting our adaption to the altitude by gaining as much height as we can during the day but returning to Tagnak for the night. Opposite the Mera ridge the Tagnak valley leads up to a long range of peaks connecting Kusum Kanguru north to Kang Teiga. In the morning we climb to the glacier level (about 5,000m), mostly a rocky scramble, with great views of Mera behind. Returning for lunch, in the afternoon we head up the slopes to the north to look at what is left of the glacial lake, Sabai Tsho – not very much. You can still see a distinct line, far above, marking where the water had once reached.

Day 13 – Tagnak – Khare
This mornings walk up alongside the Dig glacier is easy and relaxed. This is an excellent valley opening out views to the north of the Hinku Nup glacier and the line of peaks beyond. Behind us is the dramatic spire of the less than romantically named ‘Peak 35′, which has yet to be climbed. Only the last section up to our base camp at Khare (4,940m) is steep and reminds us that we are gaining altitude. Its a short climb and we are there in good time for lunch. This will be our base for the next 3 nights, thoroughly developing our acclimatisation, with successively higher day ascents, descending to sleep low and consolidate our energies for the final ascent to come. We start this process this afternoon, with a gradual ascent of an excellent grassy ridge immediately behind the camp (to 5,260m) which also gives us great all round views – of the flattened ridge across the glacier which we will ascend tomorrow, and south to Mera itself, including the pass, the high camp rock outcrop and the 3 summits arrayed along the ridge.

Day 14 – Ridge ascent from Hinku Nup
Today we gain more valuable acclimatisation and pick up some stunning views as well. Following the lateral moraine of the Hinku Nup glacier into an arena of peaks and glacial lakes, we turn to ascend a grassy ridge that rises back to the south. At the top we eat our lunch and are surrounded by an stunning panorama of peaks including Mera itself and the whole of Hinku Himal to the north right round to the south face of Ama Dablam. We take a packed lunch with us, but top up with hot noodle soup back at base. In the afternoon we look at the principles of roping up for glacier travel, essentially different from other roped climbing.

Day 15 – Khare – Mera High Camp
We return to the glacier, and this time follow it round in a wide arc, keeping close under the northern flank where there are no crevasses. The last section is almost level and Mera La (5,410m) itself is a rounded snow col that bridges south to the main sweep of the Mera glacier coming down from the peak itself. The views that open out beyond, as we pull clear of the northern flank, are really fantastic; the Hongu valley opens out in front of us dominated by the massive south-west face of Chamlang. Makalu fills the gap to the north. This has got to be one of the most amazing camp view points in all the Himalaya. Kangchenjunga is now visible to the east above the ridge of Chamlang; the ice spire of Baruntse has appeared to the left of Makalu. Between it and the beautiful twin peaks of Ama Dablam, which now rise above the lesser peaks in the foreground, we can see the whole of the great sweeping ridge line from Nuptse up to the forbidding mass of Lhotse’s south face running through to Lhotse Shar. And over the ridge stands the summit of Everest, the final stages of the traditional route up the south-east ridge and over the south summit to the summit ridge, visible only from this angle (or from the summit of Ama Dablam!). Just to the right of Kang Teiga, which dominates the western foreground, we can see all the way up the Ngozumpa glacier past Gokyo to Cho Oyu, bringing our tally of 8,000 metre peaks to an unbelievable five. We are likely to get an amazing sunset.

Day 16 – High Camp – Mera summit – Khare
It can seem a bit of a shock to the system to be awakened before dawn (even by smiling Sherpas bearing steaming hot tea), with the prospect of leaving our warm sleeping bags and getting ready for the cold outside – always the toughest moment of any mountaineering trip. But we soon warm up, continuing up the main glacier then crossing back to the south side as we approach the snow hump-back ridge. The first shafts of the sun hit the big peaks behind us and are soon on our own slopes, an amazing horizontal red glow. The route is still non-technical; 30º slopes, one foot in front of the other, count the steps and take a breather. Our acclimatisation will be at its peak just when we need it, and, except due to weather conditions, we have still not had anyone attempt the summit and fail (though our leaders are now fluent in the language of encouragement). The slope steepens for a section behind the ridge and then we swing diagonally westward. The summit comes back into view and we are on the level summit ridge. At the foot of the final steepness we can attach to our only fixed rope on the route which safeguards this 30 metre 55º pitch. You can jumar or not. The snow conditions are normally excellent at this early hour and pulling out on top, such an amazing moment, is just a few whacks of the ice axe away. Some speechless back-slapping and then you start to take in the panorama. The best viewpoints of the Himalaya are the chance combination of accessible height and location. Mera has this to such perfection. It stands at the centre of the highest section of the entire range, a little bit back so the minor peaks do not obscure the major ones – 360° of the greatest peaks on earth! The exhilleration of reaching the summit; this incredible location; is it really impossible to describe to any one before they have done it. You will know what we mean if you have! Take the time to let it all in, the achievement, the experience. We head right down to Khare tonight, it really doesn’t take very long, and we’re ready for a bit of celebration, tired or not!

Day 17 – Contingency day
There is no such thing as a guarantee of good climbing conditions in the Himalayas, so an extra day maximises our odds in this normally fair-weather season. If we’ve done the deed already, we’ll decide whether to rest up or move on down. If we need yet another contingency day, Terra Firma have an excellent alternative route not a lot of people know about, which returns from Tagnak to Lukla in a very long single day. We keep that up our sleeves!

Day 18 -  Khare or Tagnak – Khote
If we had a rest day yesterday we may want to head on today and spend an extra night in Lukla where the beers are cheap. If we’re fresh off the mountain we’ll just take it easy.

Day 19 – Khote – Chetera
A new route has now been completed which stays high on the open hillsides west of the Hinku river, rather than wind through the forests down below. This makes for a quicker return with some fantastic views back of Mera herself from a completely different angle. Chetera (4,150m) is a small pasture by an enormous free-standing rock.

Day 20 – Chetera – Lukla
The trail goes over a series of rises and high plateaux before we finally reach the craggy Zatrawa La (4,580m), where we look back on the Hinku wilderness for the last time and the south face of the peak we have just climbed. A gradual descent traverses toward the rocky outcrop of the Zatr Og. Switching over to the north behind this we descend now steeply from the Kalo Himal, the ‘black mountains’, into the rocky slopes and cascading streams of the Sherpa populated Dudh Kosi valley. The high crags give way to forest, where we have lunch in a clearing, then to farmland as we approach the tourist bustle of Lukla (2,850m), our night stop, still high above the river. The village of our outward trek now feels like a metropolis, and a wild party is inevitable.

Day 21 Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu
From Lukla, we take an early morning flight to Kathmandu.

Day 22 Depart Kathmandu
Our The Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc).

Contact as at enquiry@explorehimalaya.com for more information

http://www.explorehimalaya.com/mera_peak.php

The ultimate climb, Kilimanjaro also known as the “the roof of Africa” 5895 meters high it is the highest summit of the African Continent. View the snow covered equatorial mountain, and experience a mysticism that defies all. As a result of the altitude, the climate is cooler and moisture is more abundant than the lower lands and as the elevation increases, the temperature drops gradually, Kilimanjaro highest peak can still be seen sporting a white crown of snow.

Treks are non-technical and can be undertaken by any reasonably fit person. The Kilimanjaro Airport is located in Tanzania about 30 minutes from Moshi which sits at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro; there are bus connections to the Hotels. All trekkers must be accompanied by an official guide (and eventually, by local porters): There are five main routes to the top-Marangu, Shira, Mweka, Umbwe and Machame.

The most popular route is the Marangu Route which starts at the Marangu Gate at 6000 ft. and has huts and facilities along the way. The other routes are more scenic with stunning views of the glaciers. They are also more challenging for the advanced trekker, requiring special permission and the use of tents.

The best times to go: January, February and September. These are the drier months and there are fewer hikers. Comfortable clothing will suffice for the first two days. However, many underestimate the frigid conditions of the mountain above 12,000 feet. Warm clothing is essential and should include a down-filled parka with hood, fleece shirts, warm pants, waterproof and windproof shell pants thermal underwear, mittens, wool hat. Good walking shoes and socks are appropriate to about 15,000 feet but sturdy hiking boots with warm socks and sock liners are needed to challenge the summit. At this altitude sun protection is necessary to bring snow goggles, dark glasses, suntan lotion and a hat with a brim to protect your face and neck.

A passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate are required to enter Tanzania. There are exceptions to the visa and vaccination requirements but it is advisable to check with the Tanzanian Embassy for current regulations. Try to read all you can about climbing Kilimanjaro before you plan your trip. It will make the planning process easier. Plan to use a local outfitter. It is very difficult to organize a trek without adequate transportation. Your experience will be more rewarding if you do not have to attend to the numerous details required. You will need to bring your own equipment. Accept the advice of your guides. They are trained to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and the mountain is no place to take chances with your health.

Challenging yourself on Mount Kilimanjaro is a once in a life time experience. Proper training and planning will create a memory that only a few in the World can share.

The correct pair of shoes can bring about a lot of difference in your performance if you are venturing to climb hard routes. While selecting shoes for mountain climbing, keep in mind a few points that will make climbing a pleasant experience for you.

The regular climbing shoes or sport climbing shoes are good enough for traditional climbing. They should have a close fit, a little bit of padding, a rough rubber coating to protect your toes and a sticky and smooth rubber sole along with an extended rubber rand.

For ‘bouldering’, make use of flexible and down-turned shoes because this sort of climbing is associated with overhanging angles, which requires you to wear shoes that provide friction, and can survive smearing. Shoes with a pointed toe, a curved profile and a clasping heel work like magic to create a strong grip on the rock.

An important feature to look for while buying climbing shoes is the ‘last’, which is the foot-shaped plastic or wooden platform forming the base of the shoe.

‘Slip-lasted’ shoes are better suited for technical and difficult climbing than ‘board-lasted’ shoes as they provide greater sensitivity and flexibility. Board-lasted shoes are meant for easier climbing and hard edging as they deliver all-day long support and comfort.

It is preferable to have handmade rock shoes, so that they are as smooth and seamless as possible. Shoes manufactured from heat-molded rubber mold to your foot perfectly like second skin.

Your shoes should neither be very tight nor very loose. They should be extremely comfortable and well-ventilated. It is wise to try out different pairs, without wearing socks, before buying them.

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There could well be Corporate Finance jobs going at Olympus as the storm clouds gather over the 92 year old company. The value of shares in Olympus have fell by half in the last two weeks as the furore over the fees paid to two relatively unknown advisory firms, Axes and it’s Cayman Islands affiliate Axam, will not go away.

Former CEO Michael Woodford claims he was fired on 14th October for revealing that Olympus paid a fee that amounted to 36% of the acquisition price when they bought British medical equipment company Gyrus for bn.

That adds up to a stunning 7m (£430m)! The normal fee for this type of advisory work would be around 1-2% of the price, -40m. Ernst and Young, the worldwide auditors for Olympus, signed off on the deal but let it be known it had reservations about the fee. This is not the only time these fees have been paid though, a string of recent acquisitions by Olympus merit a second glance as it has been revealed that they have cost over .2bn in charges and write-offs.

Olympus Chairman, Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, has stepped down this week, but not before blasting Woodford for revealing the fees.

He had moved up, leaving the CEO position open for Woodford to be his successor, only a fortnight before Woodford was sacked.

Woodford, who had hired forensic accountants from PricewaterhouseCoopers to investigate his claims, has dropped hints in recent interviews that he fears for his life; meanwhile the FBI in the US has become involved amid speculation that there has been Japanese underworld involvement in the shape of the Yakuza. This whole episode is starting to play out like a Hollywood movie.

New Olympus President, Shuichi Takayama, has tried to quell shareholder’s fears and restore some order by promising to appoint an independent committee to investigate the affair; Woodford has slammed the idea, he claims such an investigation has already taken place which cleared the Olympus board of any wrongdoing.

Atushi Saito, the head of the Tokyo Stock Exchange has told Olympus they could face a potential lawsuit if the panel is not as independent as claimed and shows any sign of bias towards management.

What is clear is that there will be further repercussions for Olympus; shareholders will not be happy as the share price continues to fall. It is looking very likely that more heads will roll in the next few days and weeks.