Mera Peak, at the altitude of 6476m above sea level, is the highest trekking peak of Nepal. The higher altitude comes with great difficulty. So, You will need specific training for climbing Mera Peak. With proper training and a lot of motivation; it’s a unique trekking adventure. Especially, the final 600 to 700m needs climbing through the snow, rocks, and ice which require the use of basic mountaineering tools. Mera Peak climb is a long duration high altitude climb with a load on your back. And yeah, it’s hard. Victory over such a tough condition needs a combination of different training methods. Here is the training you are supposed to get for Mera Peak Climbing.
Contents
Aerobic Training
Cardiovascular training is a great help for Mera Peak climb. It prepares you to cope with high altitude and also low oxygen conditions. It focuses on the ability of your lung, heart, and blood cells.
Aerobic training includes regular walks, jogs, swims or cycling which improves your breathing and heart. You can also train on a stair-master and incline treadmill. After a few days, practice with weight in your backpack. Let the weight be at least 5kg/ 11lbs.
These types of exercise help to push your lactic threshold higher which enhances your performance at higher heart rates for longer. Ideally, you can start training around a month earlier and slowly increase.
Strength Endurance Training
Excellent strength and conditioning of your body are needed for a successful Mera Peak climb. Note that the low oxygen environment weakens the body. So, you need to slowly develop a conditioning program for your body. Mera Peak climb needs 6/7 hours of a daily walk along rough and rocky terrains.
You need to include lunges, squats and step aerobics to your training. Further, sit-ups, pull-ups, shoulder press, back, and shoulder flies improve your core muscles and upper shoulder muscles. You can start on 10-12 repetitions and then work your way up using weight.
Hiking Training
Hiking to places with a similar trail with a weighted backpack is the most helpful practice. You can gradually build it up to 10kg.
During Mera Peak climb, you have to walk up and down to the steep steps and across the glaciers while wearing heavier mountaineering boots. The lower oxygen level makes it even tougher. Push your limits when you are training so that you can even walk for 10 to 12 hours a day.
Initially, you can start with slow hikes. Make sure you gradually extend to week-long hikes.
Diet
Obviously, a proper diet is part of your Mera Peak climb training. A proper diet contributes well to your physical fitness. Your diet should include protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
Keeping yourself hydrated is key. During high altitude treks, your body will be losing water because of the heat generated. So, building a habit of water consumption is key to a successful trek. During the trek, you should drink at least 4l of water on a daily basis.
A proper diet and adequate water is a great precaution for altitude sickness.
Mental Preparation
Never underestimate a high altitude trek – prepare your mind for the worst while you enjoy the best moment.
The climb will be a long trek and you will get tired, wet and muddy. Only a positive attitude and mental strength motivate you to move forward. Physical training contributes to improving your mental stamina.
Being around a great group of support staffs and trekking partners will give you positive energy and enthusiasm needed.
Mera Peak Climb Difficulty Level
Internationally, the difficulty of Mera Peak Climb is rated 2B. This means you will need some technical climbing skills and basic mountaineering tools as an Ice Axe, Fixed Ropes, Crampons for the climb.
Mera is not a strenuous peak. There is no any slope steeper than 30 degrees except for the latter 40 to 50m distance before the peak (the later part has 40 degrees of snow/ice).
However, it is not that technical peak and anyone with good cardiovascular fitness can do this climb.
Tips for Mera Peak Climb
Before you start Mera Peak climbing, you need to consider certain factors like training you have taken, your previous experiences, right time to start your trek and so on. A few important tips for Mera Peak climb which you cannot ignore are discussed below.
Right Acclimatization Schedule
The climb may take 2 weeks to a month, you can choose any duration that suits you. The itinerary should have the right acclimatization schedule – extra days for rest and adaptations. It’s time for your body to adapt to the lack of oxygen.
Previous Altitude Trekking Experience
Previous high altitude trek experience helps you figure out if your body reacts well to the low levels of oxygen or not. This knowledge will keep you physically and mentally prepared.
Basic Mountaineering Training Course
If it sounds possible to your schedule and pocket, a short, basic mountaineering course is a good way to start. They teach you to use the equipment you need while climbing and improves your abilities to climb. There are many tour agencies which provide this course.
The Right Time to Start Training
Build your confidence, start a training program earlier and give your body enough time to develop physical strength. Only start when your mind tells you that the time is perfect.
