Yes – the trip fully met my expectations, the summit climb was exceptional and the weather was truly exceptional. I am more than satisfied. Vern and Carole Tejas are the most professional guides I have experienced to date. Their focus on skills development and safety way exceeded my expectations and anything that I have experienced with other outfitters. Vern’s willingness to stay harnessed to a tree while everyone did two rotations of belay and waiting for everyone to figure it out rather than just doing it for them was a standout example in his commitment to skills development. I was also impressed with Vern’s willingness to focus on the weaker members of the group. This certainly made a big contribution to my summiting and I imagine this was true of others also. Exceptional guides.

Yes, I enjoyed the expedition very much. I thought the guides and the experience was first rate. We were fortunate with the weather, and the accommodations and the food were of the best quality that was available, considering the primitive environment in which we were climbing. It was also good to be on Alpine Ascent’s first expedition to Mera Peak. It is a beautiful area and I liked the fact that very few people were in the valley. This could be a great alternative for those who have been to the Khumbu and wish to avoid the crowds.

Vern is a world-class guide. It is rare to find someone with his level of accomplishment and skill. He is very firm and clear as to the plan for the day and as to what he expects of the team. He also has a sense of humor which is important in the mountains. Some of the best days were trekking and listening to him play the guitar. Carol also had lots of insights and I appreciated them very much.

I thought both Vern and Carol did a good job of teaching us mountaineering skills. We had several skill days and these were very helpful. Vern told lots of stories and lectures that always seemed to have an educational point to make. It was also great having Gordon along with us for part of the ride; his insights into religion and local culture (and amazing adventure stories) were enjoyed by everyone. We were sad to see him leave! All of my interactions with Alpine Ascents have been professional and helpful. The materials were accurate and descriptive.

This was Alpine Ascents’ first Mera Peak climb and I thought it was great. There were very few people in the Valley (mostly all climbers), the scenery was spectacular and the climb and the descent were challenging. I think Mera Peak is a great trip for those who want to escape the crowds and commercialism of the Khumbu or who have already done the EBC/Kala Pattar climb. It is also a great choice for a first high altitude climb. It is also a great time to polish mountaineering skills; we used most of them in an environment where there was not much exposure.

This is a great expedition and I look forward coming back again. Vern and Carole are awesome – very skilled and work well with the team both clients and local staff. They did a great job of sharing their skills, abilities, the culture and their experiences. I would sign up for another trip with them in a heartbeat if given the opportunity. Everyone at Alpine is always helpful and great to work with.

Amazing trek. Technical rope course and use of ascenders and repelling was really integral to climb so once we were on the Mountain it seemed like review. Safety was foremost, from personal care hydration, eating, acclimatization to carefully finding the best weather window to summit. – Spring 2017 Climber

Group was good. Guides were excellent. High camp was set up excellently as well. Accommodations as good as can be noting the area.   Appreciated the “extra’s” like salami and oysters! Strengths: Support/logistics both in and out of country. Attention to safety/health by guides/staff was outstanding. Training on trip good for me. – 2017 Climber

Vern and Carol were exceptional guides. Vern Tejas’ decades of experience provided valuable insights and best practices for acclimatization, climbing skills, and self-care. Practice sessions using ascenders and goat-tail device for rappelling with gloves and mitts helped build confidence in critical skills necessary for the climb. – 2017 Climber

Honestly, it is quite difficult trying to identify any true flaws with the program. The acclimatization schedule was spot on. Our gear that traveled by Yak / Porter was ready & waiting for us each evening (despite the gear bag the airline “lost” on the way to Lukla). The food was amazing, especially Dipak’s cooking! Accommodation was comfortable and generally, very “clean” considering the environment. The knowledge, professionalism, and general attitude of the guide staff (Winslow, Passang, Ang Norbu, Dipak) and support staff is why I will be returning to the Khumbu with Alpine Ascents in the future. Without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life thus far.

The logistics of the trip were well-organized. The Sherpa support was fantastic – food was clean, tents/equipment carried and assembled, friendly.  The route selected is the classic Everest trek, and you will see all the big peaks – Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam etc. Itinerary built in enough time to acclimate well. High summit day success rate – while observing safety The Alpine Ascents group was, by far, the most upscale group in the Khumbu.  Endurance is the key to succeeding, regardless of who you ultimately choose. I recommend Alpine Ascents (with whom I had climbed with on Kilimanjaro and in their 6-Day training course) because I want to focus on the beautiful scenery, friendships with the group, and the cultural exploration. I highly recommend Alpine Ascents for this, or any other climb.

Superb logistics. Very Professional.  Food and all cooking, water, juice, table setting – luxury standard.  Entire experience 5 stars pus one. My guide was patient, strong, knowledgeable, and performed an incredibly difficult job with energy good grace and panache. The entire staff was so happy, amicable, friendly, always smiling, and such an open demeanor – this was one of the high points of the trip, this astonishing positive attitude of all the Nepalese people. As an ex-guide and NOLS instructor, Alpine Ascents for this trip sets (also including other trekking groups on the trail) the very highest standard.

I found the entire expedition very well organized and maintained. It was very much what the itinerary stated.