 |
| Mera Peak - Himalayas Range - Nepal |
Om Shanthi Om Shanthi Om Shanthi!!
Ascent into the Silence: Mera Peak Expedition Begins
Five of us came together for this journey of soul and summit. Our paths converged in Kathmandu, the vibrant heart of Nepal, where anticipation stirred like mountain winds. From there, we drove to Ramechhap — a quiet town that serves as the gateway to the eastern Himalayas. Aboard a tiny 14-seater Dornier aircraft, we took off into the skies, bound for the legendary airstrip of Lukla — a village that floats between clouds and cliffs.
 |
| Lukla Village with its Rustic Charm |
 |
| Our irresistible 'TEAM' |
Day 1: Chhutanga – A Blooming Welcome
Our trek began with a steady climb to Chhutanga, our first campsite. The trail led us through a forest ablaze with rhododendrons in full bloom, their vibrant reds and pinks glowing against the green hills — an unforgettable visual treat. Our team consisted of 5 trekkers, 2 guides (Head guide and assistant) and 3 porters, a team of 10 people.
 |
| Rhododendron in full bloom |
 |
| Monal - National bird of Nepal |
The weather was kind, and spirits were high. All things were rosy.
Was it the 'The calm before the storm !'
Day 2: Chhetrabu – Trials of Snow, Cold, and Spirit
The next morning, the trail turned unforgiving. We ascended over the Zhorthala mountain pass @ 4650 meters on our way to Chhetrabu, nestled at 4200 meters. As we climbed, the weather closed in. Winds grew sharper, and snow began to fall steadily — veiling the landscape in a spotless white silence.
Muscles strained, breaths shortened in the thinning air, and the weight of our packs seemed to grow heavier with every slippery stair. Somewhere along the path, instinct took over — a prayer rose unbidden to my lips. In a quiet moment, moulded a Shiva Lingam from the snow, offering it to the mountain, to the divine, for strength and safety.
 |
| We made a Shiv Lingam out of Ice and prayed :-) |
As night fell on Chhetrabu, we huddled inside our tents, battling the cold, our bodies aching and minds racing. We were only two days in. The mountain had already tested us hard.
Did we make the right choice in picking this trek?
Had we chosen a challenge too great?
Only time — and the test of endurance — would tell.
Day 3 & Day 4 : Steep Descents and a Welcome Pause in Kothe
Our next destination was the village of Kothe, nestled at around 2,800 meters. The descent was steep and relentless, cutting through rough terrain that tested our knees and patience. After the grueling climbs of the previous day and battling increasingly harsh weather, our head guide made the wise decision to call for an acclimatization day once we reached Kothe.
And so, Day 4 was declared a rest day.
Kothe welcomed us with its rustic charm and a climate that seemed to cycle through all four seasons in a single day. Mornings were bright and sunny, casting golden light on the valley. But by noon, a cold mist rolled in, cloaking the village in fog. Late afternoons brought showers, followed by a light snowfall in the evenings—magical and moody in equal measure.
With an unexpected extra day to recharge, we embraced the slower pace. Laughter echoed through the lodge as we passed time with endless rounds of UNO, shared stories from past treks, and indulged in hearty delicious meals.
Day 5: The Climb to Thangnak – Paradise Found, Step by Step
After a rejuvenating rest in Kothe, we set out for Thangnak with a sense of calm purpose. The ascent was gentle, climbing roughly 600 meters over the course of the day, and the trail itself was surprisingly kind to our legs. But what truly set this day apart was the sheer beauty of the path ahead.
 |
| Scenic beauty. Charpatte himal/Peak 41 |
The route hugged the banks of the Hinku Khola, meandering through forests that slowly gave way to alpine meadows and wide, open landscapes. With each passing step, it felt like we were walking deeper into paradise. Towering peaks framed our journey, and waterfalls spilled down rocky faces in shimmering threads. The stillness of the valley, the crisp air, and the raw purity of nature made it one of the most magical stretches of the trek.
 |
| A small avalance breaking out [Right most corner] |
 |
| Mesmerizing Snow caps |
 |
| Mountains are always inviting |
We found ourselves pausing often—not out of exhaustion, but in awe—trying to absorb the overwhelming beauty around us. Cameras clicked, yes, but mostly we stood still in quiet wonder, knowing full well that no photo could ever capture what we were seeing and feeling.
By late afternoon, we arrived in Thangnak. A humble cluster of teahouses nestled beneath jagged peaks, Thangnak felt remote and raw. As always, the weather performed its now-familiar show: bright sun in the morning, fog in the afternoon, and a snowy hush settling in by evening.
Day 7 and Day 8: Journey to Khare and Acclimatization at Khare– Touching the Sky
On our journey to Khare we were rewarded with a stunning sight—Krishnasagar Lake, perched at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Its serene bluish tinge shimmered like a jewel in the barren highlands, a sight so pure it seemed untouched by time. Salutations to Mother Earth for holding such munificence in her lap and preserving this pristine beauty for the rare few who journey here.
 |
| Pristine beauty : Krishna Sagar lake perched at an altiude of 4000 meters |
Post the short climb, we continued our gradual ascent to Khare, the last major settlement before the summit push. Nestled at around 5,000 meters, Khare greeted us with biting cold, thinner air, and breathtaking views of the Mera glacier that now loomed large on the horizon. With every breath, we felt the mountain drawing us closer to its heart.
 |
| A New beginning - a NEW life! |
In the bitter cold of Khare, where night temperatures dipped to -5°C, life quietly defied the odds—a local dog gave birth to a single, fragile puppy. It was a humbling reminder that even in the most unforgiving environments, nature finds a way to begin again.
As Darwin wrote, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." This tiny life, cradled by the mountains, was a quiet triumph of resilience.
 |
| A Buddhist Monastery |
Even, God rested from his creation work on the seventh day, declaring it blessed and holy. Our chief guide called for the 2nd Acclamatization day, one day later and day 8 was rewarded as the rest day for our team. On Day 8 the climbing Sherpas joined us in Khare and gave us brief instructions, and we were handed for the climbing shoes and related equipments in preparting for the final push!
Day 9: Mera Base Camp to High Camp – Precision in Every Step
Day 9 marked a pivotal phase in our expedition as we ascended first to Mera Base Camp and then pushed onward to Mera High Camp. The day began with a steady 3-hour climb to Base Camp, where the glacial expanse opened before us in all its icy grandeur. But the true test lay ahead.
 |
| A challenging assent : Mera Basecamp to Mera high camp: |
The climb to Mera High Camp, perched at around 5,800 meters, took five and a half hours—arguably one of the toughest journeys of the entire trek. Yet what stood out wasn't the strain, but the striking calmness and resilience that enveloped our team. We moved like a unit, each of us walking 25 measured steps before pausing to draw deep breaths for 10 seconds—a rhythm born of necessity, sustained by quiet determination.
 |
| Mera High camp: Synchronized steps |
 |
| Mera High camp : -17 deg C @ Night |
There was no rush, no panic, no sign of struggle—just focus, cooperation, and an almost meditative resolve. In those hours, teamwork was at its purest, and despite the thin air and biting wind, we reached High Camp with clockwork precision. It was a triumph not of speed, but of spirit—a reminder that the mountains are conquered not by force, but by respect, rhythm, and resolve.
Day 10: To Summit or Not to Summit
Summit day began under the cover of darkness, at 00:45 hrs, with hope in our hearts but uncertainty in the air. By then, three of our team members had exited the climb—two due to health issues (one at Mera Base Camp and one at High Camp), and a third who chose to stay back in solidarity and care. It was a reminder that the mountain first tests the team resolve, then our body and last but not the least 'our mind'
 |
| The pathway to Mera Peak summit |
As we moved upward, the weather turned increasingly hostile. At –17°C, gusty snow-laden winds ripped through the silence of the night, piercing our faces with needle-like chill. Every breath grew heavier, every step more demanding, as we trudged through deep snow and shifting ice.
After nearly three hours of intense climbing, two of us had reached an altitude of around 6,038–6,100 meters—just 400 meters shy of the summit. But the conditions were deteriorating fast. The wind howled louder, visibility worsened, and the snow turned razor-sharp. Our breathing had become strained, and though our spirits were willing, the mountain was smiling and making its judgement call. The spirit was willing but not the flesh!
We made a hard but necessary decision—a safety-first retreat.
 |
| With Mount Everest and Lohtse peak background |
 |
| With humbleness and gratitude, i surrender to the great mountains |
There were moments of doubt, even some discouraging energy from sections of the climbing Sherpa team. But in retrospect, I hold no resentment. Perhaps they, too, were acting in our best interest. Their job was to guide; our job was to listen to both them and the mountain.
And so, I turned back—not in defeat, but in deep respect for the elements and our own well-being. The summit wasn’t meant for us this time, but the journey, the preparation, and the spirit with which we trekked remain untouched and triumphant.
In many ways, this expedition was never only about the summit. It was about rhythm—the rhythm of breath, of the body, of yoga, of running, of diet control and of life itself. We came for a peak, but we left with something deeper, A sense of purpose and meaning.
 |
| Ooty Ultra 60 km : Preparation for Mera Peak expedition: the more you sweat in peace the less you sweat in war!! |
Our descent took two more days, tracing back the familiar paths, through ice and stone, past valleys and rivers. We reached Lukla safely, and from there, made our way back to Kathmandu—tired, fulfilled, and at peace.
In the heart of the Himalayas, we discovered more than just trails and peaks; we found resilience, camaraderie, and a deeper connection to ourselves. While the summit remained unconquered, the experiences and lessons etched into our souls are victories in their own right. The mountains taught us that sometimes, the journey itself holds the most profound rewards, sometimes, the mountains gift you the summit. Other times, they give you something even greater: humility, perspective, and the quiet joy of simply returning home—to be with the loved ones together!!
