Trek to top of the world

Four Maltese youths will be attempting to reach the summit of Mera Peak in the Himalayas on November 2.

Marco Cremona, Nicky Debattista, Odette Taliana and Gregory Attard got together earlier this year and decided to have a go at scaling Mera Peak in Nepal - the highest trekking peak in the Himalayas at 6,476 metres above sea level. The peak itself rises to the south of Everest and offers great views of five of the world's 8,000m peaks.

The trek takes 16 days and the terrain changes from densely forested hillsides to remote glaciated valleys and passes.

The four members are not newcomers to high altitude trekking, having reached Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) as part of the first and second Reaching Out Kilimanjaro Challenge expeditions in 2004 and 2005.

Reaching Out is a charitable group that raises funds for various humanitarian projects in Third World countries.

The group are currently on an extensive training programme including a three-day trek up Mt. Etna (3,300m), a two-day non-stop trek around Gozo, rock climbing, simulated altitude training and cardio-vascular exercises.

The group sets off for Kathmandu on October 16. Donations may be sent via SMS to 506 173 71 for a donation of LM 1; 506 180 77 for a LM 2 donation; 506 189 27 for a donation of LM 3.