Mera Peak (6476m) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. Mera peak climbing expedition takes us away from the track leading to Everest Base Camp to the sparsely-inhabited Hinku Valley.
We walk through the beautiful high alpine environment, where Mera Peak towers over the valley. The ascent is a non-technical climb; anyone who has strong willpower, has average fitness, and is comfortable with ice-ax and crampon can reach the summit of this beautiful mountain.
At the summit, we are rewarded with amazing views of five of the six highest mountains in the world - Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu: which makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Again, even though the Mera Peak Climbing expedition is technically elementary, fresh snowfall next to numerous deep crevasses adds challenge.
If you have already done a high-altitude trek and coped well, then Mera is the perfect next adventure. However, the extreme altitude does mean that no matter how fit you are, climbing Mera Peak will be a tough challenge.
The challenge is about stamina and endurance, though, as no technical skills are needed to complete the climb. At this altitude, the oxygen content in the air is less than half of what it is at sea level - for this reason; we would not recommend you take on Mera as your first high-altitude trek.
You need to understand how your body acclimatizes to the altitude before taking on a climb like Mera Peak.
This itinerary of Mera peak climbing takes climbers through Paiya and Pangom, which takes longer days but gives ample acclimatization time, thus fewer chances of altitude sickness.
A few years before, the teahouse trek/climb to Mera used to be only through Zatrwa La, which takes climbers directly to very high elevation, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. But now, as in Paiya/Panggom route, new teahouses are opened; we have been running our trek to Mera Peak through this route.
Mera peak climbing via Paiya and Panggom route is perfect for giving time for your body's acclimatization process.
Like all other treks in the Everest region, you start your Mera Peak escapade with the exciting Kathmandu to Lukla flight with great mountain views all the way. After assembling more of the crew at Lukla, our route takes you south around the mountain to Paiya and Pangom.
The early days of this route are tranquil - you are traveling through an area that is terraced and heavily farmed. The trek then moves on up the Arun Valley to Khote. At this point, you are well above the tree line. Mera Peak towers over the route on your right all the way.
At Khote, you stop for two nights for an acclimatization trek which takes you up a hill immediately opposite Mera Peak, where you can get a great view of the challenge ahead of you.
From Khote, the trail heads north to Khare, where two nights to aid acclimatization. The acclimatization day will also practice glacier traverse techniques with your guides.
Backed by the acclimatization and ice climbing practice at Khare, we now begin our ascent on Mera Peak. First, we trek to Mera Peak Base Camp, and from here, we make our real climbing adventure to Mera High Camp and eventually to the summit of Mera Peak.
The summit extends awe-inspiring panoramas adorned with snow-capped peaks of Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855 m), and Chamlang (7,319 m) amongst many more above 6,000m and below 8,000m.
The summit day is a tough grind up the glacier, followed by a short sharp scramble up an ice wall using crampons and an ice ax. Your guide will put in a fixed rope for your safety.
After summiting, you descend back to Khare, where you will stay overnight before tracking back down the Arun Valley with the steep face of Mera Peak on your left.
Even though you will be descending to a lower altitude, as always in Nepal, this doesn't mean that you will go downhill; there will be plenty of uphill, too, even on your descent! Subsequently, we return via Kothe, Thuli Kharka, and cross the rugged Zatwa La pass to begin your final descent back down to Lukla.
Why Mera Peak Climbing?
Is Mera peak climbing an adventure for me?
| Day | Highlight | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival | Kathmandu |
| Day 2 | Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation | Kathmandu |
| Day 3 | Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Paiya | Paiya |
| Day 4 | Trek Paiya to Panggom | Panggom |
| Day 5 | Panggom to Ramailo Danda | Ramailo Danda |
| Day 6 | Ramailo Danda to Chhetra Khola | Chhetra Khola |
| Day 7 | Chhetra Khola to Kothe | Kothe |
| Day 8 | Kothe to Thangnak | Thangnak |
| Day 9 | Thangnak to Khare | Khare |
| Day 10 | Rest Day in Khare | Khare |
| Day 11 | Khare to Mera Peak Base camp | Mera Peak Base camp |
| Day 12 | Mera Peak Base Camp to High Camp | High Camp |
| Day 13 | High Camp to Summit to Khare | Khare |
| Day 14 | A contingency day | Khare |
| Day 15 | Trek to Kothe | Kothe |
| Day 16 | Trek to Thuli Kharka | Thuli Kharka |
| Day 17 | Trek to Lukla | Lukla |
| Day 18 | Fly back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
| Day 19 | Departure |
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,338m/4,390ft
A hearty welcome in the city of temples with artistic beautification and the country of Himalayas. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will meet one of the representatives of our office. He/she will forward you to your hotel.
Relax at the hotel to get rid of jet lag. If you feel okay, Holy Mountain Treks office representative might visit you or you might take time to visit the tourist hub of Thamel to shop around the things that you lack for your adventure.
Tour Time: 4-6 hours
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,338m/4,390ft
Our day commences heading towards UNESCO heritage sites of the valley. We shall be seated on a private vehicle/ tourist bus with an experienced tourist city guide. Initially, we head towards Swyambhunatha, popular as Monkey Temple.
We shall have scenic views of Kathmandu valley from the top. Exploring the culture, religion, and tradition therearound we move towards the Hindu shrine- Pashupatinath. We shall observe the cremate place as well as the core Pasupatinatha temple there.
By and by, we head Boudhnatha, one of the largest Buddhist stupas. Visiting this stupa, we move towards our final destination of the day, Kathmandu Durbar Square. Along with the palace, we enjoy exploring many Nepalese-styled temples.
After the trek, you shall have some moments to be refreshed. In the evening, you will meet your trekking guide/s for pre-meeting. They will check and inform you about the needed equipment for the trekking. You will have the last minute to hire/buy the essential accessories.
Distance: 8 km
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Lukla Altitude: 2,840 meters (9,317 feet)
Paiya Altitude: 2,730 meters (8,956 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 73%
Early morning, we fly across the Himalayas on a small plane to Lukla in the Everest region; a thrilling but breathtaking air journey. Keeping your camera ready would be wise. Started at 1350m you land at 2860m in 35 minutes.
We meet your porters’ team who re-arrange the luggage while you drink a cup of tea or breakfast (if you have not already) and we make your way up and across the Chutok La Pass to Paiya. If its spring and pre-autumn to autumn expect lots of greenery and the occasional mule trains hard at work, transporting anything from food to fuel up to the villages.
Distance: 12km
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Paiya Altitude: 2,730 meters (8,956 feet)
Panggom Altitude: 2,804 meters (9,199 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 72%
Today’s walk is a hard walk but the pleasant environment makes a feel-better type of thing. Today, walk through forests, bushes and uneven trails with steep inclines. Today almost we go 1700 downhill and again almost the same altitude uphill. The lunch stop would be Karte.
Fluttering Buddhist flags (Lungta) welcome you to the village of Panggom. Upon reaching Panggom, if you have some energy left, there’s a small hike up to a monastery which is great.
Distance: 10 km
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Panggom Altitude: 2,804 meters (9,199 feet)
Ramailo Danda Altitude: 3,276 meters (10,748 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 68%
The trek today starts with a slow decrease in elevation up to Ningsow followed by a steady increase. We pass through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests and a lot of mani stones and start over the Panggom La Pass (3,174m) on the route.
We walk through the point that separates the Dudh Koshi River Valley and Hinku Valley. Enjoy inspiring views of Kongde, Manju Peak, and Number Himal. We follow a gradual incline to the settlement of Ningsow, where we stop for lunch.
After lunch at Ningsow, there’s a steep incline going up to Ramailo Danda too hard but a beautiful walk. Some people stop at Ningsow and keep uphill walk for the next day which we think is not a good decision.
You could see very nice views from Ramailo Danda including the Mera itself, so it’s worth climbing to Ramailo Danda. 'Ramailo Danda' means 'enjoyable hill', someone named this place Ramailo Danda because of the beautiful and pleasurable views it offers.
Distance: 10 km
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Ramailo Danda Altitude: 3,276 meters (10,748 feet)
Chetra Khola altitude: 3,150meters (10332ft)
Oxygen Concentration: 65%
We can say today is an excruciating day through the dense forest of Makalu Barun National Park. The way to Chetra Khola dives right into the bamboo forest. We ascend along the winding Chhetra Khola River and then join the Pasang Lhamu trail (named after the first women to scale Mt.
Everest) as it enters Barun National Park, you may encounter the national park's residents like red panda, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, pale blue flycatcher, snow leopard, spiny babbler, etc.
If you sit around very quietly for long enough, you might get a chance to spot the rare red panda. However, the path is not easy to follow, and the area is not well-traveled. No teahouses along the way, we will eat packed lunch that we take from our teahouse in Ramailo Danda.
Distance: 7km
Time Trekking: 6-7 hours
Chetra Khola altitude: 3,150meters (10332ft)
Kothe Altitude: 3,580 meters (11,745 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 66%
Head north to Kothe across a lush bamboo forest, passing the surreal shapes of moss-covered trees as you go. At Tok-tok we stop for lunch at a seasonal teahouse and see the landscape change by the moment as you enter the rocky, glacial moraine that surrounds the Hinkhu Khola River. We join the larger trail and more activities of humans as the trail from Zatrwa La pass (the harder trail) joins our trail here.
Today is an easier day compared to previous days. Surprisingly leading to a sign “Welcome to Makalu Barun National Park”. You have arrived in Khote! At Kothe, we see impressive views of Mera peak. After walking through 'no civilization' zone for a few days you feel relaxed reaching the 'big town' of Kothe.
Distance: 7km
Time Trekking: 3-4 hours
Kothe Altitude: 3,580 meters (11,745 feet)
Thangnak Altitude: 4,358 meters (14,297 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 60%
Easy walk with slight incline along the glacial river bank.
Compelling views of Mera Peak, Charpati Himal, Kusum Kanguru, and Thamserku. No more forest and the vegetation become sparse. Now we walk through meadows (Kharkas-means grazing ground in Nepali).
After walking for some time, we reach Gondishung, where we stop for tea and refreshments. We also stop by an ancient 200-year old Lungsumgba Gompa, a Buddhist shrine. The shrine is sheltered by a huge rock. The mountaineers usually burn incense or juniper and pray for good weather and a successful ascent to Mera Peak.
An hour’s walk from here brings us to Thaknak, a summer camp used by yak herders. Charpati Himal lies very close and we see the whole mountain, from the base to the summit. There are a couple of newly built teahouses offering food and shelter to trekkers and climbers heading to Mera Peak. Overnight in Thaknak.
Distance: 4 km
Time Trekking: 3-4 hours
Thangnak Altitude: 4,358 meters (14,297 feet)
Khare Altitude: 5,045 meters (16,551 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 55%
The route turns to the east as we walk through Dig Kharka and Charpati Tal. We trek through the valley floor and slowly make our way past stunning high-altitude peaks, Black Mera is a spectacular mountain rising right out of the valley, we pass amazing lakes, glaciers, in one of the great Himalayan valleys.
We can enjoy mesmerizing views of the Kyeshar glacier, Charpati Himal and Mera Peak. From Dig Kharka a steep ascent through the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers brings you to Khare. It has a few teahouses and climbing gear and equipment outlets. From here you get a close-up view of the north face of Mera Peak. Head to your teahouse and have lunch. We can relax for the rest of the day.
Trekking Time: Acclimatization Hike
Khare Altitude: 5,045 meters (16,551 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 55%
A day spent at Khare for acclimatization purposes. There is a hill which is although not much higher than Khare, it’s still a good acclimation hike. Most people stop at the prayer flags, we suggest you go to the top.
The hike only takes an hour, and although it’s steep, it has incredible views from the top facing the opposite direction of the village and Mera La. You will also receive a pre-climb rehearsal from your climbing guide.
Final gear checks up and packing for the final climb will be done too. You can go ahead with renting your climbing gear at Khare from some equipment outlets. The quality of the equipment is good enough.
During the pre-climbing training and discussion/briefing, your guide will instruct you on the basic climbing techniques along with instructions on how to use climbing equipment (ice axe, jumar/ascender, crampon, the figure of 8, harness, etc.).
This training is important, especially if you are a novice climber. Listening to your climbing guide share some practical tips on how you can keep yourself safe in the mountains could be valuable.
Distance: 4.6 km
Time Trekking: 3-4 hours
Khare Altitude: 5,045 meters (16,551 feet
Mera Base Camp altitude: 5,350 meters (17,552ft)
Oxygen Concentration: 55%
Situations and moods sometimes change when you are in the mountains. As it's a short walk from Khare to Mera peak base camp, some people directly want to do Khare to High camp but we highly recommend spending one night at Mera peak base camp (5350m). You will have fewer chances of getting altitude sickness and high chances of summitting Mera peak if you follow the itinerary.
Leaving Khare we take a steep ascent through a rocky path to Mera La. All three summits of Mera Peak – Mera North(6476m), Mera Central(6461m), and Mera South(6065m) are visible from the We are walking above 5k meters, so taking every step becomes a struggle.
Once we reach Mera High Camp, we have hot drinks and soup. No more lodges here, so our cook (if the group is big) or guide will prepare hot soups/tea for us. From High Camp, we enjoy inspiring views of the five highest peaks in the world- Mount Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu(8188m), and Makalu(8485m). We also get good views of Mt. Baruntse (7129m), Mt. Gaurishanker (7134m), and Mt. Chamlang (7319m). Tomorrow we are starting around midnight, so early to tented bed tonight.
Distance: 1.5 km
Trekking/climbing Time: 2-3 hours
Khare Altitude: 5,800m/ 19,029ft
Oxygen Concentration: 65%
We head back onto the glacier to where we dropped off yesterday and follow the easy graded snow slopes, and after a short distance arrives at an area of crevasses which we will have to navigate carefully. We then make our way slowly up to High camp.
Remember to look behind you where you will see views of Everest, Makalu, Nuptse and Lhotse and this trek up to high camp holds some Himalayan jewels. Mera Peak High camp is hidden behind a rocky section.
The campsite is small and has some drop-offs on the right as you enter the camp. It is time to rehydrate and recover for the summit push. Distance 1m/ 1.6km and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Distance: 671m (Summit)
Trekking Time: 10-12 hours
High Camp Altitude: 5,780 meters (18,963 feet)
Summit Altitude: 6,461 meters (21,197 feet)
Khare Altitude: 5,045 meters (16,551 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 46% at the summit
The most important day is ahead. Your dream has come true today. Getting up much early at around 2 am, we march towards Mera Peak with all the arrangements. Crossing the main glacier from the southern side, we continue our trek. We shall encounter snow humped ridge after some walks. Afterward, we will face around 30 degrees slope walk instead of steep ups and downs. Now you can see the summit.
Everything depends upon the conditions. You will be attached to the fixed rope now. Gradually we head towards the summit.
Yes! You are at Summit now. We shall have the magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse Kanchenjunga, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, Baruntse and Chamlang from here.
In case the weather does not support us the previous day, we summit today. If there were storms and snowfall yesterday and we could not move towards the peak, we have chance today. This day is kept as a contingency day if the preplanned schedule is postponed.
Distance: 6.5 km
Time Trekking: 4-5 hours
Khare Altitude: 5,045 meters (16,551 feet)
Kothe Altitude: 3,580 meters (11,745 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 60%
Enjoying the successful journey, we hike downhill passing Hinku valley. Passing moraines of Dig glacier, Dig Kharka, Thankak, some streams, summer settlements, pasturelands, lavish forests, having the magnificent scene of snow-clad and dazzling mountains we reach Kothe for our overnight stay at the end of the day.
Distance: 8.5 km
Time Trekking: 5-6 hours
Kothe Altitude: 3,580 meters (11,745 feet)
Thuli Kharka Altitude: 4,300 meters (14,107 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 60%
Day by day, we are trekking towards lower elevation. We trek along with the Inkhu River. Crossing an ancient gompa, lavish forests, some streams, several rhododendron trees, and some summer settlements, we reach Tashing Ongma. Further marching downhill, through lavish hills and valleys, greeneries, viewing Mera peak from different angles, we reach Thuli Kharka today.
Distance: 10.5 km
Time Trekking: 6-7 hours
Thuli Kharka Altitude: 4,300 meters (14,107 feet)
Lukla Altitude: 2,840 meters (9,317 feet)
Oxygen Concentration: 72%
It is the last day of trekking. Having an early meal, we head towards Zatrwa La Pass. Following the trial further, passing many colorful flags, we reach Zatrwa La Pass.
Further marching from the pass, we reach Chutanga. After some breaks and refreshments, we bustle downhill towards our destination Lukla. Finally, we reach Lukla. In the evening, we conclude the trek forgetting all the struggles and pain which occurred throughout our journey.
Time-Flight: 35 minutes
Lukla Altitude: 2,840 meters (9,317 feet)
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,338m/4,390ft
Being aware of the afternoon strong wind, most of the flights are scheduled in the morning at Lukla. So, having a morning meal we head towards Lukla Airport for our scheduled flight for Kathmandu.
Flying over the lush hills and forests, valleys and snow-clad mountains, we land Kathmandu at around 30 minutes later. As you land at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your respective hotel. Being refreshed you can stroll around Thamel area buying some souvenirs for your beloved ones.
You endured with us for 18 days. You did such a wonderful trek/climbing. Keeping all these things as a memory, you are leaving this amazing country today. We will transfer you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) 3 hours before your flight. Expecting the positive recommendations, we bade goodbye.
Have a safe journey!!! See you again.
Regarded as one of the sought-after trek
An ascent expedition on Mera Peak is pro
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