
Mera Peak Amphu Labtsa Pass trekking
Amphu Labtsa, also known as Amphu Lapche Pass, combined with Mera Peak, offers a superb trek that takes you away from the more frequented Everest trails, leading east over a high pass. Entering the sparsely inhabited Hunku Valley near Mera Peak (6,476 meters), the highest trekking peak in Nepal, you trek northwards through a stunning high alpine environment.
Amphu Labtsa, also known as Amphu Lapche Pass, combined with Mera Peak, offers a superb trek that takes you away from the more frequented Everest trails, leading east over a high pass. Entering the sparsely inhabited Hunku Valley near Mera Peak (6,476 meters), the highest trekking peak in Nepal, you trek northwards through a stunning high alpine environment. The ascent around the north side offers a gentler climb that is equipment-free, suitable for those who are well-acclimatized with strong lungs. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of four of the five highest mountains on earth, standing proudly among hundreds of peaks, many still unnamed.
The Amphu Labtsa trek starts from Lukla, hiking to Mera Base Camp and then the Mera summit. From there, the trail crosses Amphu Labtsa Pass and descends to join the classic Everest route via Chhukung or Pangboche, passing through Tengboche Monastery. The next day, trekkers proceed
Trip Facts
Group Size
Min. 1- Max. 20
Maximum Elevation
6474 m (21246.719 ft) at Mera Peak.
Location
Eastern part - Khumbu Valley
Route
KTM-Lukla-Mera-Ama Labtse pass -EBC-Lukla-KTM
Grade
Strenuous Plus
Best Season
Autumn (Sep. to Nov.) and spring (March to May)
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge and Tented Camping
Transportation
Flight to/from Lukla
Elevation: 6474 m (21246.719 ft) at Mera Peak.
Duration: Typically 21 days, depending on the chosen route and acclimatization needs.
Immersion in Sherpa culture, visits to monasteries, and exploration of traditional villages. Engage with the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people, explore traditional villages like Khumjung and Kunde, and immerse yourself in local customs and traditions.
Experienced guides trained in first aid, with a strong emphasis on acclimatization and altitude sickness prevention.
Amphu Laptse pass away from classic Everest trails. Trek through the beautiful, high alpine Hunku Valley. Challenging Amphu Labtsa high pass crossing (requires camping). Combination of guesthouse stays and camping along the route.
Nepal’s highest trekking peak, Equipment-free summit climb, suitable for well-acclimatized trekkers, Stunning panoramic views of four of the five highest mountains on Earth.
The vibrant heart of the Khumbu region, featuring the Sagarmatha National Park office, Sherpa museums, monasteries, and the Everest View Hotel, which provides stunning views of Ama Dablam and Everest.
The largest monastery in the region, offering daily worship ceremonies at 6 am and 3 pm.
to connect with the classic Everest trekking route at Chhukung, Island peak climbing or Lobuje peak climbing. Flexible itinerary ending in Lukla with flight or extended trek to Jiri or Salleri.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for optimal weather and trail conditions.
Guided by certified, first-aid-trained guides and Khumbu-based porters for safety and authentic insights.
- Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla both way by early morning domestic flight.
- Accommodation during the trekking: Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
- Accommodation during the tented camping after Khare until Chhukum: tented camp, camping gear, pillow, mattress etc.
- Breakfast: Porridge/Oatmeal (often with honey, fruits, or nuts), eggs (fried, scrambled, or omelets with veggies), Pancakes or Tibetan Bread (served with jam, honey, or peanut butter), Muesli/Cornflakes (with hot or cold milk), Tea/Coffee (black, milk tea, or ginger lemon honey tea) etc.
- Lunch: Dal Bhat (Nepali staple: lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, and pickles—unlimited refills!), Noodles/Pasta (fried noodles, garlic pasta, or ramen), Momos (dumplings stuffed with veggies or meat), sandwiches (egg, cheese, or tuna), soup (garlic, mushroom, or veggie—popular for warmth and hydration) etc.
- Dinner: Dal Bhat, Curries (veggie, potato, or chicken with rice or chapati), Thukpa (local noodle soup), Pizza, Pasta, Fried Rice/Noodles, Desserts (apple pie, rice pudding, or Snickers rolls etc.).
- Sagarmatha (Everest) National park permit.
- Makalu Barun National Park permit.
- Local Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality).
- Entrance fees in Monastery/temple during the trekking.
- TIMS Card: No longer required for Everest treks, if need we will provide.
- Trekking Guide: A First Aid and Eco trained & Government licensed holder professional equipped English-speaking guide.
- Support Sherpa: if the group size more than six persons, we provide one extra Sherpa to support the group.
- Porters: One Porter between each 2 members while on trek (Maximum weight for a porter is 25 Kg). If you are single booking the porter cost need to pay extra, please add the cost add on option.
- Accommodation, meals, daily salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of Asian Hiking Team staffs (guide, Sherpa, porter).
- Trekking Map /Itinerary: Asian Hiking Team provides free a copy of trekking map /trekking Itinerary to our client.
- Sleeping Bag: Asian Hiking Team provide sleeping bag, the sleeping bag is (-20 degrees). If you are planning high passes trekking/ camping trekking or climbing you should be need to bring your own which is -30.
- T-short: Asian Hiking Team provide the company T-short for a souvenir.
- Certificate: Asian Hiking Team provide Trekking/Hiking/Tour/Climbing success certificate for your memory and awardees.
- First Aid: First aid is the immediate assistance given to someone who is injured or ill until professional medical help is available. Its goal is to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. Asian Hiking Team staff carry the basic first aid. You need to bring your own personal medicine with you. If you are trekking in high altitude should be bringing Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more). You can buy here in Kathmandu any pharmacy.
- Farewell dinner: Asian Hiking Team provide a farewell dinner with Nepalese cultural programs the last day of the trip.
- Travel & Rescue arrangement service: You should bring insurance, must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.
- Accommodation: and meals Hotel in Kathmandu with meals. If you stay an additional day during the trek, you need to pay an extra cost.
- Hot drinks: Tea/ Coffees/ Hot water, hot showers etc.
- Cold/soft drinks: All cold drinks, alcohol drinks, beer, bottle water etc.
- Snacks: Pack energy bars, nuts, chocolate, or local chyura (beaten rice) for quick energy boosts between meals.
- Personal trekking gears & clothing (some of the equipment is possible to rent in Kathmandu): please check in check list for equipment list
- Internet / Wi-Fi/Telephone: There are almost all trekking reason you can buy internet/ Wi-Fi service in the hotel. It is also possible to buy the NCAL or NTC Sim card for telephone or use data.
- Insurance: Medical evacuation in case of emergency, expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. in such case extra will be charged as per actual.
- The tip for guide or porter: It's a way to show appreciation for good service and is often left as a small present or in addition. Tips are a common practice in many cultures and are often expected for services. It is not fix amount, so you can own decide.
- Porter: Asian Hiking Team provide one porter between two members. If you want to hire the additional porter, the cost in not includes.
- Sherpa/ Guide: If you want personal Sherpa/guide, it is not including on the cost.
Tailored add-ons in Nepal trips refer to customizable essentials that enhance and personalize your travel experience, allowing you to align your journey with specific interests, preferences, and schedules. These add-ons can be combined into various types of trips, including trekking, expedition, climbing, cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure activities.
Options include:
Customized Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to homestays, to match your comfort and budget preferences. Upgrade your stay to accommodation featuring attached bathrooms during your trek. Enjoy additional comfort at select stops.
Helicopter/mountain flight: if you have short time frame, we recommended you that one hour Mountain flight or helicopter flight to visit Everest base camp or Annapurna base camp or Langtang (Kyanjin Gomaba) or Gosaikunda, Muktinath. The cost depends on number of members, destination etc.
Adventure Activities: Incorporate thrilling experiences such as paragliding in Pokhara, bungee jumping over the Bhote Koshi River, zip-lining, mountain...
Asian Hiking Team’s trekking Guides are professionals with recognized records of honesty and personal integrity, committed to environmentally responsible trekking practices that minimize ecological impact.
Asian Hiking Team trekking guide duties are navigate trails, ensure safety, explain local culture/history, arrange permits/accommodations, monitor altitude sickness, and manage logistics. Our guide are fluency in English (and other languages), first aid certification, cultural knowledge, and government licensing. Require Nepal Government licensing, formal training (e.g., Nepal Academy of Tourism/NATHM), first aid certification, and language proficiency. Our guide are friendly, professional, and well-mannered. Trained in customer service, problem-solving, and group handling.
Asian Hiking Team porter: Porters duties is carrying trekker luggage (max 20–25 kg), transport equipment, and assist with camp setup. Physical endurance, basic trail familiarity, and teamwork. Most speak minimal English. No formal credentials, but reputable agencies ensure health checks, basic safety training, and gear provision etc.
Asian Hiking Team Porter-Guides: Porter guide is carrying light loads...
The difficulty of the climbing or expedition depends on the peak. Trekking peaks are easier than high mountain expeditions, but some of the less high trekking peaks are also technical for climbing.
We have to calculate the grade focus on following topic:
a) Length of trek and walking days /Easy glacier route. b) Which Mountain and altitude conditions. c) Average altitude, maximum altitude and average gain/loss per day. d) Likely prevailing weather conditions and temperature range. e) Remoteness of local services and general level of comfort. f) Rock climbing or Ice climbing. g) Technical climbing and complicated glaciers. h) Steep climbing or long snow/ice slopes i) Very difficult Long, serious, remote, and highly technical Climbing over thousands of vertical feet j) High commitment, and few bivouac sites.
Grade I: Easy glacier rout, average altitude. Grade II: Half a day or less for the technical portion of the route or not technical but exposed to knife-edged ridges, weather, and altitude. Grade III: Moderate...
Hotel/ Lodge: Single/Twin-sharing room with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets (bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth/hygiene). Most of the place have shared toilets (usually Asian-style squat or Western toilets). Some of the place has attached toiled. Hot showers available (on extra cost). Higher up, hot water is scarce.
Tented Camping: Tented camping is a classic and essential part of trekking, peak climbing, and expedition in remote areas of the Himalayas where teahouse accommodation is unavailable. Asian Hiking Team provides tent (2-person or single occupancy Dom and Box tent depends on area and numbers of days), sleeping mat (foam or inflatable), dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent (group use - for expedition), Kitchen equipment and utensils (carried by support crew), Power bank or solar charger, heater, Generator (for expedition) etc.
Meals: During the hotel/guest house trekking, there are international menus so you can choose whatever you like. During the camping,...
Nepal’s rugged terrain and remote mountain regions require a combination of transportation modes to ensure safe, efficient, and scenic travel. Asian Hiking Team offers a range of transportation options to suit your needs and itinerary, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, tourist luxury buses, cars, vans, and jeeps. We also arrange domestic flight tickets for major trekking routes to help you save time and enjoy spectacular aerial views of Nepal's diverse landscapes.
Air Transport:
Kathmandu to Lukla Airport (Tenzing–Hillary airport)
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is more than transit—it’s a thrilling Himalayan experience. With a steep, short runway at high altitude alongside rugged mountain views, it offers a surge of adrenaline and scenic beauty. Booking early for a morning flight and preparing for weather-related delays is essential.
Distance: Kathmandu to Lukla is approximately 367 kilometers (by flight 187km).
Runway: 527 m (1,729 ft) long with an 11–12% slope.
Altitude: 2,840 m (9,383 ft) above sea level.
Approach:...
General Climate Overview
Nepal's climate is incredibly diverse due to its dramatic range in altitude—from the lowland Terai plains (around 60 meters above sea level) to the Himalayan peaks above 8,000 meters. The country experiences five main seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter. Each region and elevation zone has its own unique weather patterns.
Mountain Region (High Himalayas)
Climate: Alpine to Arctic
Summer: Cool to cold, depending on altitude
Winter: Severe cold with frequent snowfall
Temperatures can drop below -20°C at high passes and base camps
Monsoon rains are lighter, but weather remains unpredictable
Nepal experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different trekking experiences:
Autumn (September–November)
Best trekking season clear skies, excellent mountain views.
Warm days, cold nights (as low as -10°C at high altitudes).
Ideal for long and high-altitude treks.
Winter (December–February)
Cold and snowy, especially above 3,000 m
High passes often closed: Thorong-La, Ganja-La, Chola, Renjo-La, etc.
Best for lower-altitude treks in the middle hills
Short days, brilliant sunshine
Spring...
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Foreigner: NPR 3,000 (USD 25–30)
SAARC national: NPR 1,500
Nepali citizen: NPR 100
Obtainable in Kathmandu (Tourism Board) or at the Monjo checkpoint
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Foreigner: NPR 2,000 (first 4 weeks), NPR 2,500 (after)
SAARC: NPR 1,000 / NPR 1,250
Available at Lukla airport or Monjo checkpoint only
TIMS Card:
No longer required for Everest treks (if need we will provide).
Makalu Barun National Park permit
Foreigner: NPR 3,000 (USD 25–30)
SAARC national: NPR 1,500
Nepali citizen: NPR 100
How to Obtain Permits:
Agency requirement: a registered Nepali trekking agency.
Documents: Passport copy, 2 passport photos, detailed itinerary, and proof of travel insurance.
Why These Permits Matter:
Conservation: Wildlife protection (snow leopards, red pandas), trail maintenance, and reforestation.
Community Support: Healthcare, schools, and tourism infrastructure.
Safety: rescue operations during emergencies (e.g., landslides)
Sagarmatha National Park (Everest National Park)
Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is one of the most iconic protected areas in...
Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Trekking in the Himalayas poses risks of Altitude Sickness (AMS). The body needs time to acclimatize to higher altitudes, a process known as acclimatization.
Types of Altitude Illnesses (Acute Mountain Sickness AMS)
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain
High Altitude Retinal Hemorrhage (HARH): Bleeding in the retina
Common Symptoms:
Headache
Nausea, loss of appetite
Sleep disturbance
Dizziness, mild weakness
Swelling of hands and face
Severe Symptoms (Seek Immediate Descent):
Severe, persistent headache
Shortness of breath at rest
Confusion, loss of coordination
Bluish lips or face
Coughing blood-tinged sputum
Coma or unconsciousness
Prevention Tips:
Drink 4–5 liters of fluids daily (avoid alcohol)
Ascend slowly and rest if symptoms appear
Avoid sleeping at a higher altitude if symptoms persist
Take Diamox (consult your doctor) before flying to altitude
Food & Water Safety
In Nepal, water and food contamination are common causes of illness.
Do:
Drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water
Eat thoroughly cooked meals
Wash fruits/vegetables before eating
Boil milk or ensure it’s purified
Avoid:
Uncooked...
Landline and mobile phone services are available in Nepal. The network covers Kathmandu, major cities and towns and most of Nepal, except some rural Himalayan places. The Nepal Telecommunications Corporation is the national service supplier. There are also private service suppliers such as Hotels and private communication centers also provide long distance telephone, internet and fax facilities. You can get SIM card either NTC or N Cell with data to use the internet. The price for SIM card US$ 1, and you need to recharge as you require. You can buy a SIM card inside the airport or anywhere in Kathmandu or major cities. You need to bring a passport copy with Nepali visa and one passport size picture.
To call from outside, the country code for Nepal is “977” and the area code for Kathmandu is “1”. To call Nepal from other countries: 00 + country code (977) + city...
Asian Hiking Team strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation, air ambulance/helicopter rescue insurance. You should be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, cover for this type of travel. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.
You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on the holiday; if you cannot provide this at the start of the holiday, you will be required to take out a suitable policy at that time. If this is not done or impossible for practical reasons, then you will not be allowed to continue with our trekking/climbing trips and will not be entitled to any refund for services not provided. Your insurance must include emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services.
Recommended Insurance Company in Nepal (Only for Nepali)
Neco Insurance Co Ltd. - www.necoinsurance.com.np
Sagarmatha Insurance...
At Asian Hiking Team, we believe that every journey should be both transformative for the traveler and respectful to the host environment and communities. Responsible tourism isn’t just a practice—it’s a core value that shapes how we operate, lead tours, and engage with people and places.
Environmental Responsibility
We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations while encouraging a greener way of traveling.
Our eco-conscious practices include:
Limiting group sizes to a maximum of 20 to reduce environmental pressure.
Using stainless steel mugs for tea/coffee to reduce single-use waste.
Relying on gas for cooking instead of wood fires, preserving forests.
Carrying out waste from high altitudes for proper city disposal.
Avoiding the use of soap near natural water sources.
Using reusable containers and encouraging travelers to bring their own refillable water bottles.
Leaving campsites cleaner than we found them.
Encouraging minimal water usage, especially in high-altitude regions.
Preventing trail damage by staying on established routes and avoiding switchback...
Credit cards like American Express, Master and Visa are accepted at major hotels, shops, Travel Company and restaurants. 3.5 to 4 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATMs are widely in use such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan-Sauraha, Bhairahawa, Namche, Lukla, Jomsom, Nepaljung, Biratnagar, Lumbini and other major cities and district head office.
All major cities or touristic place have money changer or Exchanger counter or Bank exchange counter. Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) provide service for exchanging foreign currency too.
Exchange rates are published in English dailies' newspaper such as "The Rising Nepal", "Kathmandu Post", and "The Himalayan Times" or visit in Nepal Rastya Bank website.
Trekking Poles : Poles come in handy for balance and easing impact to your knees. Get collapsible poles that can attach to your backpack and fit into your Duffel.
Backpack : You may choose to bring a smaller "day pack" for your airline travel carry on, and this can be used on the trek if you want to carry a smaller (35 liter or so), light trekking pack. You need a pack big enough for your clothes, water, camera, food, etc. during the day.
Pack Cover : Waterproof rain cover for your trekking pack.
Sleeping Bag : Bring a sleeping bag comfortable to -20 for trekking, however it is better to bring -30 to -35 for climbing. During the trekking in hotel/guest house -20 is fine but on the tented home you need -30 or -35. Down is lighter and much more compressible. Keep in mind that many of your nights will be much warmer than -20, especially on the trek in to base camp.
Duffel Bags : Asian Hiking Team provide one duffel bags each member as you want. We normally pack all our equipment in large Duffel bags. Make sure they are well labeled with indelible ink as well as a travel tag. The duffels go on the trek/climb with you and will be carried by porters or yaks. Except for them to get wet and muddy, so rugged, waterproof duffels are good. Bags with wheels are nice for the airport, but the porters and yaks don't like to carry them, so don't bring wheeled bags (or at least not two of them). You will also store some travel clothes at the hotel in Kathmandu while trekking, so a small additional bag with a lock might be handy. Bring 5 large plastic garbage bags to pack gear inside duffels to protect gear from rain.
Hiking Boot : These boots provide more stability and ankle protection against protruding limbs and rocks than hiking shoes do. Mountain walking or hiking boots are designed for mountain and hill walking, backpacking and mountaineering.
Gaiters and Micro spikes : if you are trekking in high passes you should prepare gaiters and Micro spikes in case of snow. You can buy in Kathmandu.
Sport sandals : Sandals (such as Teva's) are lightweight and tough, doubles as shower slippers.
Socks : Three/Four sets of warm socks.
Jacket : Lightweight waterproof-breathable construction with a hood -20 Down Jacket.
Pants : Lightweight waterproof-breathable hiking pants with full-length leg zippers. Mountain Hardware Compressor Pants or anyone.
Trousers : Water-resistant hiking pants (for TK), North Face and Patagonia are good brands, avoid jeans, pants with zip-off legs can come in handy.
T-Shorts : 1/2 pair of t-shorts (for TK), walking shorts. Loose and comfortable, preferably nylon, which (for men) double as a swimsuit. (Avoid shorts which are too revealing.) T-shirts (TK/TR).
Over-shirt : 1 long-sleeved over-shirt, light to medium weight and breathable, to protect you from the sun and bug bites. Hemp, linen or cotton is recommended.
Mid-Layers : Fleece or Soft Shell layering pieces that work well with the rest of your clothing. A Soft Shell jacket and an expedition weight long john top will work well.
Base Layers : - 2 synthetic tops and 1 bottom. Zip neck tops are the way to go.
Light Gloves/ Leather gloves : A warm insulated glove with leather palm will be worn a lot of the time. Polypropylene or fleece. Leather palms handle the fixed line better. Or good abrasion resistant climbing glove for the rock sections.
Belt : 1 belt, cotton or nylon lashing strap doubles as a gear strap.
Hat : Wool or fleece stocking hat with ear protection and Sun hat.
Neck Gaiter and/or a Buff : (highly recommended), Baseball hat and Bandana.
Underpants/panties, Bra : 2–3 pairs.
Passport (valid for at least 6 months) : It is easy to get your Nepal visa on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport, bring a passport photo. Bring a copy of the information pages and a couple of extra passport photographs. Carry these in a separate location. You'll be glad you did if you ever lose a passport.
Camera : with spare batteries, and film or memory cards, but keep it reasonable and weight. Consider a small USB drive to make it easy to share photos with your teammates.
Bathing Suit : Towel, Toothpaste and brush, floss, mini hairbrush, razor, soap, mini bottle of shampoo, travel mirror, nail clippers etc.
Travel Wallet : Some type of secure travel wallet is a must. Remember a pen for travel documents.
Headlamp : Bring a good LED headlamp with 2 sets of lithium batteries for cold conditions.
Water Bottles : 2 wide mouth plastic water bottles with insulated covers. A small Thermos bottle is great for cold mornings. Bring a pee bottle too (optional:)
Water purification : Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua or similar) or iodine crystals (Polar Pure). One bottle of Potable Aqua (enough to treat 25 liters) should be more than sufficient.
Eyewear : Bring good sunglasses with side protection. For contact lens wearers, ski goggles with light color lenses (for use at night) might be useful in windy conditions. The ski goggles are essential for all climbers in really stormy conditions and can serve as an emergency backup for broken or lost sunglasses.
Vision correction : Bring extra prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them. Lens solutions are not widely available in Nepal, bring enough for the duration.
Wrist Watch : With alarm and night light. An altimeter watch is useful.
First Aid : Hand sanitizer (Pirelli), moleskin or Compete, athletic tape, aspirin (some climbers take a baby aspirin every day up high) and/or ibuprofen / acetaminophen, Imodium, Band-Aids, antacid, insect repellant, ear plugs, and two rolls of toilet paper in quart Ziploc bags (we will have a supply at Base Camp), small towel, soap/shampoo.
Prescription Medications : Antibiotic for upper respiratory problems, Antibiotic for GI problems, Diamox for acclimatization (125 mg tabs recommended; enough for a week or more), Tylenol 3 or similar for severe headaches, Asthma medication, if any history.
Skin Care : Sun block lotion (at least #30 protection factor -- have at least one smaller tube (1 oz) that can fit in your pocket) and lip salve. Put your lip protection on a string and hang it from your neck. That way you'll use it. It also works great for your nose.
Personal Snack Food : The food is great on the trek, but you might enjoy a few snacks/chocolates.
MP3 Player and Books : As you want to read on the way to trekking. Plan on sharing books on hotel/guest house or MP3 player. Chemical Hand Warmers (not compulsory).