The summit of Mera Peak (6,461m/21,190ft) which is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. Ascend Mera Peak preferably during the spring and autumn seasons as it’s the best time to climb the mountain for its astonishing views of the Himalayan Vista. Five 8,000m peaks are visible from the summit including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Alpine Club of Himalaya organized its first climbing trip to Mera Peak in 1992. Our itinerary is carefully designed with steady ascent and a separate day set aside in Khare to allow plenty of time for acclimatization. The usual route to Mera Peak is direct via the Zatra La Pass, but we follow the route that heads south from Lukla and up the beautiful Hinku Valley and later returns via Zatra La pass. Following this route has a few advantages. We not only pass through the beautiful Nepalese wilderness but also through quaint villages which will give us a glimpse into the rich culture of the locals. Additionally, since the route is longer, it’s better for acclimatization. This is an excellent option for anyone with moderate mountaineering experience. It is a challenging trekking peak due to its elevation, but the technical mountaineering skills requirement is very basic. Besides, Alpine Club of Himalaya’s seasoned Sherpa guide will provide us with basic mountaineering training before the actual summit.
Itinerary
Day 14: Khare to Kothe (3600m/11808ft): 4-5 hours
Start trek from Khare to Kothe along the same trail used previously. After reaching Kothe, we celebrate our success by trying out local delicacies and wines. Overnight in Kothe.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft)
Upon arrival, complete the customs formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Then our representative will greet you at the gate and drive to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day taking a rest. In the evening, let's try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kathmandu for trip preparation
Today is mostly rest and unpack. Then visit our office in the afternoon. Our climbing leaders will check your set of climbing equipment to make sure that they are in good condition for the coming journey. We also get introduced to fellow participants and discuss the trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Fly to Lukla, trek to Paiya (Chutok) (2,730m/8,956ft): 40 mins flight, 5-6 hours trek
Early morning flight to Lukla and begin our trek to Paiya after landing at the Tenzing-Hillary airport. We walk on a jungle trail, cross a bridge over the Handi Khola and reach Surke Village. From here continue moving south and cross the Chutok La pass before reaching the small settlement of Paiyan, also known as Chutok. Overnight in Paiya.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Paiya to Panggom (2,846m/9,337ft): 5-6 hours
Descend for a while and reach a small bridge. From here the trail is slippery until we cross the Kari La pass. We walk through rhododendron and bamboo forests on a narrow mountain trail. On today’s trip, we also get to be in awe of the Dudhkoshi Valley. Continue our trek to Panggom Village whose settlers are dependent on farming and trading. Overnight in Panggom.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Panggom to Ningsow (2,863m/9,393ft): 4-5 hours
After breakfast, start trekking out from Panggom. Cross the Panggom La pass then ascend, walk on a steady path and turn north. We cross Peseng Kharka Khola first then after walking for some time, reach Peeng Kharka Danda. We cross Ningsow Khola (stream) before reaching the Ningsow Village. Overnight in Ningsow.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Ningsow to Chhatra Khola (2,800m/9,186ft): 7-8 hours
From Ningsow, climb first then descend for a while and climb some more to reach Ramailo Danda. From here we get extraordinary views of Mera Peak and Salpa. After ascending and descending on our trail, we enter the Makalu Barun National Park. From here to Chhatra Khola is called Pasang Lhamu trail. On the way, if we are lucky, we might even come across the elusive Red Panda. Overnight in Chhatra Khola.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Chhatra Khola to Kothe (3,691m/12,109ft): 6-7 hours
Start walking towards the north on the main trail to Mera Peak. After walking on a trail next to the Majang Khola, we merge with another trail that moves alongside the Hinku Khola. Our trail moves straight ahead towards Tashing Ongma which has seasonal tea shops. Continue our trek and cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola before reaching Kothe. Overnight in Kothe.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Kothe to Thaknak (4,358m/14,297ft): 3-4 hours
We trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. Lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders' settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung, we pass a 200-year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera Peak scripted in rock along with its route to reach Mera. A short walk takes us to Thaknak, which is a summer grazing area with primitive lodges and shops. Overnight in Thaknak.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Thaknak to Khare (5,045m/16,486ft): 2-3 hours
Leaving Thaknak, we follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then climbs more steeply to Khare. From here, we can see the northern face of Mera Peak which will be an amazing experience. After lunch, we can hike in and around Khare. Overnight at Khare.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Khare: Acclimatization and pre–climb training
We have a separate day set aside solely for acclimatization and basic training just to prepare ourselves better for the Mera Peak climb. Our climbing leader will help us polish our basic climbing techniques and demonstrate the best ways to use our climbing gears like the ice axe, harness, ascender climbing boots, and crampons. The training will also include learning the best climbing technique with the rope. Overnight in Khare.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Khare to Mera High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft): 6-7 hours
Walkthrough a boulder-strewn course on a steep trail to reach the Mera Peak Base Camp. From here, we continue further through the Mera La pass to reach the Mera High Camp. The path is along a rocky trail, which can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. Then we set up a high camp while enjoying excellent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, and Baruntse. Overnight at Mera High Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Mera High Camp to Summit (6,461m/21,1907ft) and back to Khare (5045m/16,547ft): 8-9 hours
Today is a really important day for the expedition. We wake up around 2 am for breakfast. It’s going to be very cold in the beginning but soon we warm up as we continue up the glacier and onto a peculiar ridge. The first rays of the sun hit the big peaks in an amazing red glow. The route is still non-technical as we slowly climb higher into the ever-thinning air. The slope steepens for a section behind the ridge and the summit comes back into view. At the foot of the final steep summit cone, we may use a fixed rope if the climbing leader believes it’s required. The summit is only a few meters away. From the summit, we take in spectacular views of the mighty Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7,129m) and others. Later, we retrace our steps back to the high camp where we rest for a while before descending to Khare. Overnight in Khare
Day 13: Reserve Day for Contingency
There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Mera on the desired day due to bad weather conditions or any other unanticipated reason. However, if the trip goes smoothly, this day will not be required.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Kothe to Thuli Kharka (4,300 m/14,107ft): 5-6 hours
Start trek to Thuli Kharka after breakfast. We climb up and descend, cross several tributaries of the Inkhu Khola before reaching a forked trail nearby Taktho. We choose the trail on our right and continue walking. This trail passes by a Chorten after which we walk downhill on a steep trail. Next ascend to Thuli Kharka and pass by another Chorten on the way. Overnight in Thuli Kharka.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Thuli Kharla to Lukla via Zatrwa La pass: 6-7 hours
Today we cross the Zatrwa-La pass at 4,600. As soon as we cross the pass, we are welcomed by the sight of the beautiful Lukla Valley which is surrounded by Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru, and other Himalayan peaks. From Zatrwa La pass we walk all the way down to Chutang and then straight forward to the Lukla village. In the evening enjoy dinner in the Himalayas of Nepal with our crew. Overnight in Lukla.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Fly to Kathmandu
Catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, we could plan today. Our guides can help you with both souvenir shopping or sightseeing. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate your successful summit of Mera Peak. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 18: Final Departure
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but exchange emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. Our representative will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Inclusion
Arrival/departure transfers for domestic and international flights.
3-night stay in Kathmandu hotel with breakfast (3-star, twin sharing).
Licensed climbing and trekking guides.
Round-trip flight tickets for Kathmandu-Lukla.
3 daily meals with tea/coffee during the trek.
Professional porters (1 per 2 trekkers) with gear, salary, and insurance.
Sagarmatha National Park trekking permit.
TIMS card.
Mera Peak climbing permit.
Group/staff first aid kit.
Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles.
High-altitude staff helicopter rescue insurance.
Mera Peak trekking/climbing map.
Service charges and government taxes.
Farewell dinner with cultural show in Kathmandu.
Alpine Club of Himalaya T-shirt.
Twice-daily oxygen meter checks.
Ncell SIM card with 20 GB data (one per group).
Exclusions
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner).
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, health bars.
- Items of personal nature - laundry expenses, tips.
- Rescues, repatriation, medicines, medical tests, and hospitalization expenses.
- Medical insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Travel insurance and helicopter rescue.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for a 15-day visa.
- Personal climbing gear.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
Reviews
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Expedition Information
$2,699
Q4
Mera Peak
Climbing
Fitness Level
4
Technical Level
4
Group Size
2-10
