Georgy Kuzmin. The program "Ascent on Mera Peak". Notes and photos from the trekking route

Georgy Kuzmin, a regular participant in the programs of the 7 Summits Club, found himself in Nepal again after a long break. This time he chose the program of climbing Mera Peak. And he shares with us his travel notes and photos.

Finally again, the long-awaited Kathmandu. After an 8-year break, almost nothing has changed. From the first moment, a sincere, joyful meeting warms the soul, creating an incomparable mood, a flower garland that lies not on top of clothes, but right in the heart.  I was pleasantly surprised by the new A-Loft hotel, in some ways more interesting than Yak & Yaty. Especially the pool on the top floor, visually breaking off from the 16th floor somewhere into the abyss. Otherwise, the same noisy, hurrying Kathmandu, with a unique highlight of the presence of the scheming Hanuman.

Eight minutes before landing, Lukla was closed and we crash into the Paplu airfield against the rocks. Does anyone like crazy roller coasters? You are welcome! It was a wild cry, mixed with hysterical laughter, either from fear, or from delight.

Pilots are a miracle! How they do it is incomprehensible to the mind. We fall, very gently, on a short piece of asphalt, and the engines freeze with relief! Hurray! Lukla, a pleasant surprise in all respects, however, quite understandable. A clean, very cultured town. The whole atmosphere creates an upbeat mood. Finally, having traditionally turned the drums, and having asked for blessings, we embark on the first part of trek.

The second day...  On the pass there is an unexpectedly pleasant little stone palace with a young Nepalese princess, who is glad to "passers-by" . She greets with a kind, slightly embarrassed smile and hot tea. Cool after the wind. But immediately the descent from 4507 to 4200. Just half an hour and we are in the caring hands of the lodge . Without exaggeration, unexpectedly cool placement.

Mountains are always work, of course. (I don't mean professional guides. Everything is clear there). Often merciless, heavy. Lightness and lightness are impossible here. From the sofa and the office chair to come here is madness and a burden for those nearby. Even a good physical education is not a fact of success. You go to each mountain individually and physically, and psychologically and emotionally. Overcoming yourself, your weaknesses, sometimes purely on the outside.

I return to the frequently asked question: why do I go to the mountains?  I'm trying not to fuss: I watch the mountains grow up. Truly, there is no fuss.