Photojournal: Attempt on Mera

The party trekked towards the village of Kothe at 3,600m which is in Maoist territory. The sign of the hammer and sickle on the rocks marks the beginning of their sphere of influence.

Stuart was worried that the Maoists would want to take his satellite phone which he used to contact his partner, Jane, in the UK.

"Having Jane on the end of the line for reassurance is vital for me if I am to succeed with this trip."