Mt Mera is the highest of the "trekking peaks" in Nepal. These are mountains that are designated for climbing by people who may not have extensive technical climbing experience. Moreover, in a bid to encourage tourism the government charges a far lower fee for permits to climb these mountains than it does for some of the higher and more famous peaks such as Mt Everest.
Make no mistake, however, that these mountains are easy. Mt Mera rises about 6,500 meters above sea level. At this altitude the air is thin and the risk of altitude sickness is high. Moreover at this altitude the weather is cold and unpredictable so climbers need to ensure that they are properly equipped and in peak physical condition. Despite its classification as a "trekking peak", Mt Mera should not be underestimated.
An essential element of preparation is choosing the right footwear. At this altitude climbers will be exposed to temperatures that are many degrees below freezing, even in the climbing season just after the monsoon rains have ended and before the onset of winter. These conditions mean it is prudent to have a really good pair of warm boots for this expedition. Most people who climb Mt Mera (or Mera Peak, as it is sometimes known) use double-plastic boots. These consist of a sturdy plastic outer that is waterproof and rigid to accept crampons coupled with a warm, soft inner boot made of insulating foam. The reason for using a double boot is two-fold. The first is that it provides a great deal of warmth and insulation. The second is that because you can remove your inner boot you can allow it to dry out at night as it will become soaked with perspiration during the day.
In my expedition to Mera I in fact used a simple pair of fabric boots with a waterproof liner all the way up to 5,800 meters in altitude. These boots were quite warm enough when worn over a double pair of socks (a thin inner liner made of polypropylene and a thick outer sock made of wool). Yet once I passed my high camp and had to start breaking trail through deep snow I needed a pair of completely waterproof boots with solid gaiters to keep the snow out of them. Even with those warm boots and two pairs of socks my feet felt frozen by the end of the day. I did not get frost bite, but feel that I almost certainly would have without such warm boots.
In short, on the approach to Mera, a pair of trekking shoes or ordinary hiking boots is fine, but once you pass over the glacier just below Mera and move on to your high camp you need to have well insulated and protective boots to keep your feet warm and safe.
