Mera Peak & Island Peak via Amphu Labsta Expedition 2018

October 2018
I embarked on a 30 day expedition with World Expeditions to climb two peaks in the Himalayas. The first peak was Mera Peak (6478m/21,246ft) then crossing the Amphu Labsta Pass at 5845m into the Imja & Khumbu Valley to climb Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft).
Music from MusicVine.Com
Traveller's Hymn - Aarron Paul Low
Give Us A Chance - Tell No Tales
Aurora - Josh Stewart
Light The Way - Arcansa
Voyager of Dreams - Patrick Runblad
Filmed with
Panasonic GH5
Leica 12-60mm
Panasonic Lumix 25mm f1.7
Panasonic Lumix 42.5mm f1.7
GoPro Hero 6
DJI Mavic 2 Pro with PolarPro ND Filters
If you want to know more drop me a message on Instagram @DaveWhyte89

[@davidketley5359]

The main thing is to take as much time as possible. Acclimatisation is a funny thing, but time at altitude is very important. Mera Peak is a serious climb and it's easy to get the wrong impression that it's only a trekking Peak. It was the hardest thing I have ever done as I was not properly prepared. I found Island Peak relatively easy but we went the long way round. Because of the time constraints of organised trekking groups I went back many time to Nepal organising my own treks, that way I could dictate the pace of a trek and if I really liked an area we would just stop and take it all in. Thanks for your effort taking the film I know it can be hard work.

[@LA144.]

Beautiful, i cried at the end but of happiness, your words touch, we are all equally as important as each other in this great story called life on our beautiful planet mother earth. An amazing tribute to your dad and uncle 🙏💫

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks for taking the time to watch, I’m glad it moved you. Exactly definitely a team effort 😊

[@shafiq7667]

Awesome. It is amazing & wonderful video.

[@atreidis3946]

Great video, Thank you very much.

[@mauricelamain1978]

Great video work amazing place, planning it for next year, I have been once before in Nepal, love this country and the people

[@mahedihasan7978]

Absolutely great place

[@atikulislamshamol4046]

outstanding video and the place is very adventures

[@MdMasudRana-sr5md]

Really jayga ta onek sndor nice video

[@smdas4360]

Wow beautiful natural place

[@thefryday7220]

what a nice video i never seen its really outstanding video

[@ExpeditionJack]

Hi Dave, first discovered you when you produced your Iceland video, and rediscovered you with your three part Himalayan series on insta, you definitely have the photographers eye for a shot. Nice work! ATB Jack

[@faysalazad2209]

amazing place, like this, content well, i feel this place

[@mdshahajalalislam5466]

This plase is really really beautiful place.. I am impressed..

[@noproblem6765]

This really beautyful video, And your voice really mind blowing.

[@jasonrogers1758]

Mate this is absolutely brilliant! I can’t believe I’ve only just come across this now. Unbelievably put together👌what an achievement

[@mdabdulmatin3943]

Extraordinarily beautiful. This is one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever seen. When I looked at the clouds from the top of the hill, it seemed like a heavenly place.

[@KavitaChand]

Excellent video about mera peak, love from Nepal

[@APairault]

Beautiful images. I climbed Mera Peak 11 years ago via Makalu Base camp, not the same quality of images. Watching your video made me travel back there! Thank you for sharing!

[@Dave_Whyte]

Angélique Pairault Thank you very much for taking the time to watch it 😊. I am going to watch yours later on tonight , although I don’t speak French , I’ve had a quick look and your images still look incredible. Also I had the benefit of 11 years of technological advancements in my favour 😊. Really looking forward to getting back to Nepal .

[@APairault]

@@Dave_Whyte Thanks for you reply and your interest in my video. Editing is not my best either. Your video looks way more professionnal, and really inspiring! Yes, looking forward to going back to Nepal as well, for more climbing in the wonderful Himalayas!

[@Dave_Whyte]

Angélique Pairault I just finished watching your video I really enjoyed it. Did you enjoy the view from Mera or the Sherpani Col more ? I’ve not been to the Sherpani Col but I think you may have sold it for me 😊

[@APairault]

@@Dave_Whyte Hi Dave, both views are breathtaking but the atmosphere is different for each. From Mera Peak the view is open on the Himalayan chain and several 8000m+ peaks, but you don't feel so much in the heart of the mountains. From Sherpani Col, although the altitude is a bit lower, you feel much more deep in the heart of the Himalayas. 7000m+ peaks seem at hands reach and the climb is also more technical than Mera Peak as you need to abseil down both Sherpani Col and West Col. I guess you'll want to go back and see for yourself now!

[@damiancaniglia6157]

Great work mate...:)

[@khademulhaque2422]

It's really amazing video and thanks for sharing this video bro..... Keep going

[@MJBold_1]

Did I hear that correctly at 8:22 that one of you was from Luxembourg? Damn what are the odds - so am I! Great vlog style video!

[@kawserjahanara2908]

Hi Dave I like this video chalan

[@mukiturrahman282]

The video is excellent.

[@syumassh]

Well done mate and captured nicely.

[@rjriyad8915]

this video is amazing

[@piyakhan4311]

This video amazing

[@mdesrafil9773]

Super amazing video bro 💞💞⚠️

[@scottp1969]

Fatastic video Dave, seriously good weather

[@rickvan23]

beautiful video

[@infoicedancing3266]

so many good memories of the time spent there, of the incredible staff team and their boundless dedication and immense sensivity.

[@mst.pervinbegum3335]

This place is very beautiful ❤️.I can't off my eye.Thank you so.much

[@s.m.farukhnur9207]

Amazing video! Very inspiring. I am just starting mountaineering.

[@abdussadik9703]

This is so good video

[@Steven-jm6hx]

Very good video. I am more than impressed!

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it. Glad you enjoyed it

[@ericcarrazedo8136]

Great video! Im going there this october!

[@mdsaifulislam-xm8hl]

This is Very wonderful place. When i see this i am very happy

[@negarsultana31]

The places are so beautiful!! I can't take my eyes off❤️ Thanks for sharing.

[@johnwalker7312]

Hello Its John Walker from Aecom what a brilliant experience and great video

[@sajeebroy9159]

It's such an amazing content The place are looking amazing Thanks for amazing content

[@dawnchamling5710]

Mera Peak, Amphu Labtsa and Island Peak in one go...wow that sounds brutal...but you did it..congratulations and cool video!

[@Dave_Whyte]

It was long but worth it . The few days after Mera felt like the worst . Thanks for taking the time to watch it

[@rafinhasan1407]

Really outstanding place bro.... Really amazing and outstanding content ☺️. keep growing bro ❤️

[@tumpadas8088]

The video is very beautiful. Nice to see the place. The place is very beautiful to see. Loved the video. Loved it.

[@viralbd8277]

This environment and nature very beautifull

[@artbyemu]

Such a superb video.Really outstanding.Thanks for sharing.Gives us more videos like that.Keep it up

[@mahbubali5061]

The video has been captured in a wonderful way. It was not known before that the scenery was beautiful. Thanks for sharing the video

[@boeingpilot716]

Wow .. beautiful. Thank you for liking my country and my Sherpa people ...namaste 🙏🙏🙏🙏 The best video I’ve seen so far

[@Dave_Whyte]

Namaste and thanks, I really appreciate that a lot. 🙏🏼

[@boeingpilot716]

@@Dave_Whyte You welcome.. Namaste 🙏🙏 hope one day you will go back to Nepal for another trekking and make the same beautiful Video 🙏🙏🙏

[@UdoKellner]

SchönesVideo, toll kommentiert. Welche Drohne hast du verwendet Mavic Mini? Ich war auch schon da, sind allerdings wegen schlechtem Wetter nur bis zum Mera La gekommen (siehe meinen Kanal). Schreiben auf Deutsch um der Diversität der Sprachen gerecht zu werden (und weil es praktischer ist).

[@Dave_Whyte]

Danke, hoffentlich schaffen Sie den Gipfel in Zukunft. Schade, wenn das Wetter nicht mitspielt. Ich habe die Mavis 2 Pro verwendet.

[@UdoKellner]

@@Dave_Whyte Dear Dave. Thanks for your fast answer! I also have the Mavic 2 Pro, a super drone. Wasn't that a little too much weight? Did you take several batteries with you? How manny? were there possibilities to charge? And yes, I plan to do a little more in that region - when it is possible again. After all, I made it over 6800m at the Kedar Dom, so in principle it will be possible to climb Mera Peak.

[@Dave_Whyte]

@@UdoKellner No problem always happy to help. Yes for sure I was carrying more equipment that the others in my team and it often was hard going. I had 3 batteries with me and one powerbank. The powerbank I could charge with my solar panel and it would be able to charge one battery. Also I needed to keep the batteries against my body for the summit bid. I was able to charge my batteries at tea houses occasionally , however some did not have enough power to do so. Anywhere running off generator power was generally fine. After Mera there wasn’t much chance to charge again so I had to rely on solar. That’s a good sign then , you should have no troubles with Mera.

[@LakmalBuddikaMeegahapola]

Great video Dave. Good job (y)

[@Dave_Whyte]

Lakmal Buddika Meegahapola Thank you 😊

[@maidulislam9789]

পাহাড়টি অনেক সুন্দর। ভিডিও টি দেখে আমার অনেক ভালো লেগেছে

[@abdullahfahad3]

I really enjoyed your blog, because i am also a tour lovers as a tour lovers your video gave more plesure, keep uploading like this more video♥️

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@tubefor2483]

Today I got to see such a beautiful place through this video given by you Beautiful images. I climbed Mera Peak 11 years ago via Makalu Base camp, not the same quality of images

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks I loved that it brought back memories ! :)

[@tomk3732]

Doing it this October but solo. Thanks for the video I can use as beta on my way to the top! I am planning on doing exactly same route you did over 30 days (I am also doing Everest BC at the very end).

[@Dave_Whyte]

You will enjoy it . Hope it helps with some planning. Good shout on going to Everest BC. If you need anything else drop me a message on Instagram DaveWhyte89

[@philiphicks2530]

Dave, great video. My son and I did Mera 2018. I recognize the cough in the background, It followed me up from Khare. Great to bring back some awesome memories. Looking forward to when we can head out again. Keep sharing your adventures!

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks Phil 👍🏼 hopefully we can be back out in Nepal soon!

[@torotaxi1]

Nice video Dave. Glad you had good weather on all of the climbs. We left it late on the Amphu Labtsa and it started snowing on us on the way down. Pretty cool views at the top though.

[@Dave_Whyte]

torotaxi1 Thanks very much I really appreciate that. Awesome place with great memories .

[@torotaxi1]

@@Dave_Whyte I'm hoping to do Makalu-Sherpani Col-East Col-Amphu Labtsa soon too, can't wait.

[@Dave_Whyte]

torotaxi1 I was looking at the stage of the GHT with world expeditions for April 2021.

[@kidatheart88]

amazing drone shots, did you have to get special permission from the Nepali govt for the drone? what is the process? When I did the EBC trek, we were told no drones were allowed

[@rajmusic6074]

So beautiful places 💜 I wish I go there 👍 Thanks for share this video keep it up

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thank you, I will

[@jasyamaha]

Fantastic work Dave, Thanks for the effort it must have taken to film up there. I'm looking to do the same 2 peaks, don't know if I can handle the fear of heights yet. I'm also keen to do the Three Pass's hike and come in from Jiri. I walked in from Jiri in 1989 to Base camp and it was spectacular.

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks really appreciate that, it definitely wasn’t easy at times to film and keep batteries charged etc. The only real exposure on this expedition was abseiling the Amphu Labsta pass and the ascent of Island Peak. Would loved to have seen what it was like back then. I’ll hopefully have plans to go back and do something 2022

[@prachirastogi9215]

Wonderful! I did EBC ..and planned to do mera and island seperately...doing it together is like simply Wow!!

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks Prachi, I guess the one benefit of doing it together is that you will be acclimatised by the time you climb the second. Island Peak was a breeze in comparison to Mera, but I’ve heard the opposite from people who have done island peak first.

[@andrewsamson9102]

Hi, Was the head guide's name Balram Rana? he looked super familiar.

[@Dave_Whyte]

Definitely Balram not sure on the Surname but does sound/look familiar .

[@petervanderkolk4807]

Well done you 👍🏻

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thank you , thanks for watching 😊

[@leighstephenson6164]

Amazing video Dave, spectacular camera shots, and I loved how you narrated the film, how did you do that? You're right, the back up crew are amazing aren't they. Well done and good luck with future challenges. I hope you managed ro raise lots of funds for your Uncles cause. Well done ☺

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks Leigh was hard work getting the shots at altitude. Glad it made an enjoyable watch for you.

[@bencloete7586]

Hi Dave, really beautiful video! May I ask which expedition group you went with and who your summit guide was?

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks Ben World Expeditions is the company I went with and I cannot fault them at all, highly recommend them I have been with them several times and plans to go with them again. Thunang Bhote was my climbing Sherpa .

[@Chittudesai]

Great adventure Dave! Very inspiring! I'd like to know about your photography gear that you carried on the expedition.

[@Dave_Whyte]

Chittaranjan Desai Thanks for taking the time to watch it. I filmed it with a Panasonic GH5 , 12-60 Leica , 25 f 1.7 , 42.5 f1.7 and a 100-300. Also used a GoPro hero 6 and Mavic 2 Pro with polar pro filters. I charged batteries remotely via an omnicharge power bank and Rav solar panel.

[@Chittudesai]

@@Dave_Whyte Thanks very much for the information, many more adventures ahead!

[@saltymammals]

@@Dave_Whyte did you have to carry all of the photography gear in your day pack?

[@Dave_Whyte]

@@saltymammals Yes I did . There may have been the odd charger and cables that the porters carried .

[@Yiannis172]

great video ,i thought Nepal wont allow drones

[@Dave_Whyte]

It is possible to get permission. Just not the most fluid process.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi Dave! Great film, amazing mountains! What model of boots did you use for this summits? Oct-November shouldnbe good months there right? Just cold:) Cheers

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks Gabriel, I have Scarpa Phantom 6000’s. Feet still got cold but they are good boots. Weather is typically more stable in Oct-Nov compared to April-May. But yes very cold above 5000m. Most nights were -20 and below. Mera Summit night was around -35.

[@thugmeme4874]

0:20 omg My dream is it Like me I am in your new subscriber

[@wannabecrooner8024]

Hi Dave - Thanks for a great video and story! I'm thinking of the same expedition, also 2021, as Matt below (though don't know him...) and I was wondering about hiring equipment there, as recommended by a lot of the operators. Your views? Particularly on boots?

[@Dave_Whyte]

That’s for taking the tune to watch it. Personally I would recommend taking your own. You can break them in before you go and also you will know that they will fit. One of the guys on my expedition rented from Kathmandu at he was a size 14 or 15 I believe. He struggled to find a pair and the only pair he did find were literally falling to bits. He summited Mera and the Amphu Labsta but decided not to risk it again in Island peak as he had got a bit of frost nip. Other equipment I don’t see a problem with renting but feet I would definitely look after. The boots aren’t the cheapest but I would have hated to have not made it due to poor equipment.

[@wannabecrooner8024]

@@Dave_Whyte Brilliant, thanks very much for the swift reply. I do have a pair of Scapa trekking boots, crampon compatible, about 16 years old, not used much but did most of Lhakpa Ri when new and also did summit night Kili last year. I can't see the model, but they are reverse leather and blue. Any knowledge of these or comments ...

[@Dave_Whyte]

Not sure about these boots but I guess if you had them on Lhakpa Ri at 7000m then they should be fine. I’ve got Scarpa Phantom 6000’s. Feet still got cold but they were good. Island Peak I believe you can get away without double boots but for Mera Peak it’s definitely recommended, we did see a lot of unsuccessful attempts on Mera due to the cold.

[@Fun_in_retrospect]

Hey man, spectacular video, the footage and documentation is incredible. I’m leaving for this same exact trip in October 2021 (bumped from this April)... any advice? Cheers!

[@Dave_Whyte]

Matt Adkins Thanks man really appreciate that. That’s unfortunate my plans have also been knocked on the head for now. Plus side is usually the weather is more stable in October compared to April. My advice would be to get some good training in months before , the trek in will also build your fitness when you are there. Also ensure you have good gear. Don’t rely on renting double boots from Kathmandu, we seen a lot of people turn back on Mera Peak due to the cold. If you are filming and stuff consider a good solar charger to take with you. If you need anything else just give me a shout 👍🏼 best of luck to you.

[@Fun_in_retrospect]

@@Dave_Whyte thanks man. Yea I’ve done a fair amount of mountaineering and no stranger the concept of good gear, pays its dividends in warmth and weight. Planning on wearing my G2SMs, although I’ve seen some videos with people in 8km boots so just hoping those are warm enough... I’d imagine so. I would love to film something but it wouldn’t be half the production quality as yours, that’s pretty professional looking. I do plan on bringing a solar charger though.

[@Dave_Whyte]

Matt Adkins They will do you fine, I was in Phantom 6000’s and they done fine , I still did get cold feet and a bit frost nip, but definitely felt a lot better than those in the rented plastic boots.

[@JimboBrown87]

Excellent video Dave. I'm currently looking for a big trip and this looks really appealing! How busy did you find the trails and the peaks at that time of year? I know that the Everest region gets a lot of visitors.

[@Dave_Whyte]

Thanks for that, I can highly recommend this trip , definitely escapes the main trails and it’s definitely a challenge whilst not being too technical . Not really that busy in all honesty. First couple days out of Namche were busy but after that it was quiet until joining back on the main EBC trail after island peak. Seen one or two other groups on our summit days and had the summits to ourselves.

[@JimboBrown87]

@@Dave_Whyte thanks Dave. Mera peak is the only one that makes me nervous - when people start talking about getting frostbite 😄 and it's a bigger investment when you have to get high altitude boots/possibly some super duper gloves. Have you done any other trekking peaks? I have been looking at a list of Nepal's official trekking peaks and there are many more than are typically advertised.

[@Dave_Whyte]

@@JimboBrown87 if you have the right gear you would be fine. Personally I would take your own boots and not chance what they may have to rent in Kathmandu. I’ve not done any other trekking peaks I had plans to do Peak Lenin and Khan Tengri last year... But I would like to return to Nepal and either do the Everest & Makalu part of the Great Himalayan Trail that world expeditions offer or possibly Baruntse so I can break 7000m

[@MardiMacGregor]

Who did you go with Dave? Would you recommend them? I am looking to go, but would like a leader or a sherpa to accompany me! Thanks :-)

[@Dave_Whyte]

World Expeditions I highly recommend them.👍🏼

[@pizzagamer6062]

Was this with world expeditions?

[@Dave_Whyte]

Yes it was . Can’t recommend them enough !

[@pizzagamer6062]

@@Dave_Whyte im going with world expo in 2026!!! going for mera peak. island peak ill do another time when i know my body is capable of the altitude

[@Dave_Whyte]

@@pizzagamer6062 I found Island Peak pretty easy , Mera really took it out of me being at higher altitude . But also I know people who did it the opposite way around and found Island Peak harder. Good luck for 2026 , reach out if you have any questions on the Mera expedition .

[@joykundu5388]

Such a nice place... I watch it when i am in bed for sleeping.. So satisfying ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Dave_Whyte]

I'm glad you like it

[@dingus2218]

hey mate - random question but did you have to get permission to film with your drone? cheers

[@Dave_Whyte]

I did try to get permission to fly to everywhere but received no answers. I was just careful where I flew it e.g not around other people.

[@dingus2218]

@@Dave_Whyte thanks mate - i ended up leaving my drone back in KTM because so many people warned me of the fines... i think I'll do the same on my next trek! great clip by the way- loved it

[@Dave_Whyte]

@@dingus2218 I didn’t fly mine at all within Sagarmatha National Park for that reason. Too busy. I did want to fly it at island peak but was advised not to. I was prepared to be fined to get the shots 😂. As I said I was prepared to get whatever permit I needed but there was no response from anyone in government. Hopefully they relax rules in the future or make it easier to obtain a permit.

[@dingus2218]

@@Dave_Whyte here here - loved the clip, mate

[@YnseSchaap]

Climbing the Himalayas with Gerard Butler 😉

[@Tiger0810]

Very annoying background music

[@roan6357]

Amazing video! Very inspiring. I am just starting mountaineering.

[@goroutesadventure]

contact us, we will organize your mountianeering expeditions.