Krishna,

Denise and I wanted to give you our impressions of the trek to Mera Peak.

This trip was an experience that combined Mountaineering, culture, nature, and most of all, great people.

Before we started our official trek, we spent several days exploring the history, and culture outside of Kathmandu.  Travel to Nature created an Itinerary, guides, and transportation each day.

Nepal had just opened up after being shut down by Covid for a year. We were fortunate to experience Nepal when there were very few tourists. The trails were quiet and we were able to have many of the Tea houses to ourselves.  This gave us a chance to spend more time with our Sherpa hosts who were all very friendly and welcomed us where ever we stopped.  Our Guides, Mingma Sherpa and Chirring Sherpa, told us stories of their families as we walked which helped us gain a personal understanding of how people live there. We even met a relative along the trail who treated us like family with generous servings of tea.

One of the highlights of each leg of the trek was when our host Krishna would walk into each tea house and light the whole room up with an exuberant “woooah!”. His positive energy defined the whole trip.

Krishna introduced us to the many plants, flowers, birds, monkeys, and almost a red panda. His enthusiasm for the nature that surrounded us on the approach trek made the daily hiking go by, even when it was snowing or the climbs were steep. Along with the natural wonders, we visited Several Buddhist shrines, schools, and monasteries. We got to taste fresh Sherpa cheese made over an open fire. Dancing by a campfire with our porters, guides, the local host, and their family made for a very special evening.

Once we reached the base of Mera, our guides shifted into mountain mode. They were very professional and made sure we were prepared and confident to be part of a rope team.  We were fortunate to have ideal weather for the peak, and as a result, our whole team summit-ed in good spirits. We enjoyed hanging out on the top taking pictures. We descended back to advance camp where we were greeted with hot food and a chance to rest up before descending all the way back to base camp.

Denise and I really enjoyed the time we spent with our hosts in Nepal. The trip was rewarding and filled with many experiences that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

– Dwight Curry & Denise Hunter, Germany