Mera Peak, at 6476m, is the highest trekking peak of Nepal. You need specific training for Mera Peak Climb. With proper training, you will surely get a unique trekking adventure.
With an alpine PD peak, it is a technically superior peak than the rest of the smaller peaks in the region. You need to prepare and train for it.
You will be trekking for most parts of the trails. But, the final 600-700m requires climbing through snow, rocks, and ice. This part of the trek may require the use of basic mountaineering tools.
The Mera Peak climb is a long duration high altitude climb. It requires you to ascend to high altitudes on continuous days with a load on your back. This needs a combination of different training methods.
You need to take preparation for high altitude trek like Mera Peak seriously. You need to prioritize your training efforts.
Aerobic Training
Aerobic training or cardiovascular training is great and a must while training for Mera Peak Climb.
Cardiovascular training helps you to cope with the high altitude and low oxygen conditions. These are some of the common condition you will face on the Mera Peak Climb.
Aerobic training focuses on the ability of your heart, lung and blood cells. For this, you can go for regular jogs, walks, swims or cycling. These kinds of training help improve your breathing and heart.
You can also opt to train on a stair-master and incline treadmill. Gradually add weight in your backpack and increase it to 5kg/ 11lbs.
Aerobic and cardiovascular training help push your lactic threshold higher. This helps you to perform at higher heart rates for longer. This type of conditioning helps your body to adapt quickly to the lack of oxygen in the high altitudes.
You should start training depending on your physical fitness level. Ideally, you can start training 3-4 days a week and slowly increase.
Strength Endurance Training
For a successful Mera Peak Climb, you need to prepare for excellent strength and conditioning of your body.
The low oxygen environment of the high altitude weakens the body. Hence, you need to develop a strength and conditioning program that builds slowly.
Mera Peak Climb requires you to walk 6/7 hours on a daily basis. You will walk on rough and rocky terrains. To help with this, you need to build good core and length strength along with endurance.
You can include lunges, squats, step aerobics to your training program is great for this. This type of training also helps to minimize the risk of injuries.
You can also include sit-ups, shoulder press, pull-ups, back, and shoulder flies. This helps improve your core muscles, upper shoulder muscles.
Always start on a comfortable level (10-12 repetitions) then work your way up using weight. You need to maintain a proper form
Hiking Training
Another great way to prepare is to build a training program similar to the actual trail and climb. To do this, you should train with a weighted backpack. You can gradually build it up to 18kg/ 40lbs.
For Mera Peak Climb, you will be walking up and down steps of a steep trail. You will walk across glaciers, wear heavier mountaineering boots with crampons on. The oxygen level is too low. Hence, you need to consider these elements while during your training.
On Mera Peak climb you are going to walk 4 to 8 hours a day. You may also end up walking 14 hours a day. Push your limits when you are training and prepare accordingly.
If you are not used to hikes, you can start slow with day-long hikes. Make sure to gradually extend to week-long hikes. Get in some multi-week hikes as well. Start with 2/3 hours walk and slowly build it up to 6/8 hours.
Diet
A proper diet should be part of your training for Mera Peak Climb. Maintaining a proper diet contributes to your physical fitness.
A proper diet should include proper portions of protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrate. Keeping yourself hydrated is also key.
During high altitude treks and climbs like Mera Peak Climb, your body will be losing water because of the heat generated. So, maintaining a healthy intake of water and proper diet is a key to a successful trek.
On the treks, you should drink about 4 liters of water on a daily basis. Maintaining a proper diet and keeping yourself hydrated is also a great precaution for altitude sickness.
Mental Preparation
You should never underestimate a high altitude trek. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for a great and successful trek.
Mera Peak climb is certainly a long trek. You may get tired, wet, muddy or exhausted on the trails. You will need to have a positive attitude and mental strength to keep moving forward. Physical training contributes greatly to improving your mental stamina.
During your physical exercises, try and push yourself forward even when you reach your limit. This is one way to build your mental stamina. It proves to be a great example for yourself that you can achieve more if you put your mind to it.
Having a great group of support staff, trekking partners are also great motivation. They provide the positive energy and enthusiasm needed.
Mera Peak Climb: Difficulty Level
The rating Mera Peak Climb has is 2B. You need basic technical climbing skills to do this climb.
You will need to use some basic mountaineering tools on this trek like Ice axe, fixed ropes, crampons. However it is not a technical peak, anyone can do this climb. Having some technical knowledge or mountain climbing experience is beneficial.
Mera Peak is not a strenuous peak. There are rarely any slopes steeper than 30 degrees excluding for the final ascent to the summit. This latter 40 to 50m distance before the peak has a slope of around 40 degrees of snow/ice.
The difficulty level of Mera Peak Trek can be easily overcome. Anyone with good cardiovascular fitness and great motivation can do this trek.
Things to Remember while Training for Mera Peak Climb
Right Acclimatization Schedule
There are a lot of options when it comes to the duration of Mera Peak Climb. From 2 weeks to a month, you can choose the duration suited for you.
Yet, make sure the itinerary you choose for a Mera Peak Trek has the right acclimatization schedule. The right acclimatization schedule has extra days for rest and adaptations. These extra days give your body time to adapt to the lack of oxygen when reach above 5500m.
Previous Altitude Trekking Experience
Most trekking agencies recommend you altitude trekking experience before climbing Mera Peak. This helps you figure out how your body reacts to low levels of oxygen.
Having this knowledge helps you to come physically and mentally prepared. This can make your climb easier and more comfortable.
Basic Mountaineering Training Course
If you have the time and resources, indulge in a short, basic mountaineering course. You will need to use some basic mountaineering tools.
Being competent using this equipment is an added bonus for your climb. It helps to improve your abilities and provide mental encouragement. Some tour agencies provide this course in brief during the climb itself.
The Right Time to Start Training
The right time to start training is different for everyone.
If you are not confident about your fitness, start a training program earlier. This gives you enough time to increase your physical strength and endurance. It allows your body to adapt to the training.
If you are quite fit and do involve in running sports, then you can start training 2 to 3 months in advance.
Packing the Right Gears, Equipment and Supplies
Unlike regular high altitude treks, you need to pack some basic mountaineering equipment.
Go through your checklist for Mera Peak Climb packing essentials. Make sure you have all the supplies needed for the climb.
Best Time to Climb Mera Peak
The best time to climb Mera Peak in Nepal is the local autumn and spring season. These seasons have more stable weather conditions and are dry.
Choosing the best seasons gives you a better chance of success and comfort.
During the summer, rain can make the trails slippery and muddy. This adds more challenge to the trek/climb.
During the winters, the temperature is extremely low. The cold weather conditions and occasional snowfall might be challenging. This season is not ideal for beginners to climb Mera Peak.
Maintain Your Own Pace
Mera Peak Climb is not a competition. You are here to enjoy your holiday. Always maintain your own pace. Do not rush. This helps your body to adjust to the altitude. It also gives you time to appreciate the incredible views that Mera Peak Climb has to offer.
Final Say,
Being physically and mentally prepared is ideal for a comfortable and successful Mera Peak climb. This is possible through the Training for Mera Peak Climb.
The above-mentioned training is some of the training methods for Mera Peak Climb. You can ask for trek specific training as well.
These trainings are great to help you enjoy the trek. Mera Peak Climb has some of the best mountain scenery of the world.
You will see 5 of the 8 world’s highest mountains on the trek. You also pass through fabulous glaciers, suspension bridges, forests on the way.
To enjoy the perks of Mera Peak Climb, you need to prepare and train yourself.
For more information, questions or queries please feel free to contact us.
