Mera Peak Climbing

Trip Facts

Duration

Duration 16 Days

Difficulty

Difficulty Moderate

The bulk of Mera, officially the highest of Nepal’s permitted trekking peaks, rise to the south of Everest and dominates the watershed between the wild and heavily wooded valleys of the Hinku and Hongu Drangkas . Mera (Peak) is a chance to venture into a little-visited and as yet unspoiled region of Nepal where the hillsides are still densely forested. There is also, of course, the pleasure of going above 21,000 feet. Both the Hongu and Hinku valleys remain uninhabited although there are Kharka in the Upper Hinku basin where Sherpa from the South, near Pangkongma, graze their animals during the grass- growing monsoon. The upper Hongu Basin is truly a mountain wilderness, a place of massive moraines, glacial lakes and spectacular peaks that include Charmlang and Baruntse.

Overview 

It offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery, pristine forest, and high-altitude climbing in the world. We start this climb with a hair-raising flight into the small town of Lukla at 2,800 m (9,184 ft). From there it is a six-day trek, with plenty of acclimatization days to keep us healthy at our ever-increasing altitude, through some of Nepal’s most pristine Rhododendron, oak, silver fir and birch forests, past beautiful alpine lakes, and finally up to the foot of Mera Glacier where well establish base camp. We will set up two more high camps, the first over 300 m above B.C. on the Mera Glacier, and the second after we cross the Mera crevasse field at 5,800 m. From here it is a steady and steep climb to reach the summit, with awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga and Makalu to the east, Everest and Lhotse to the north, and Ama Dablam and Cho Oyu to the west.

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Highlights

  • Explore high altitude peak, hanging glaciers and beautiful landscapes of the Makalu – barun region.
  • Panoramic view of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Amadablam, Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest.
  • Peek in the lifestyle of the Sherpa people.
  • Enjoy the trek through the verdant forests of Makalu Barun National Park .

Day-to-day-Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Lukla then trek to Chutanga

Day 1 Facts

Trekking Time Average

12km Uphill hike
(Avg 4hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Chutanga

Altitude

3450m./1320ft.

This morning you will be transferred to domestic airport and fly to Lukla. It takes 40 minutes scenic flight up to small airstrip to Tenjin-Hillary airport to Lukla and experience your first breakfasts in the mountains whilst the Nepal alternative team organizes porters, while the guide sort and divide the load baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek further an easy day through the woodland above Lukla. A good trail leads through the pasture to the edge of a diminishing forest of rhododendron and pine which clothes the steep hillsides above Lukla. We make steady progress on a good trail, crossing ridges and streams up to kharka used for grazing yaks. Stay overnight in Chutanga.

Day 2

Acclimatization day

Day 2 Facts

Trekking Time Average

Leisure Day

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Chutanga

Altitude

3450m

This morning after a breakfast at the camp we will have full day leisure at camp or spend a day walking up to a small grassy peak below the Zatra Teng Pass reaching an altitude of (4000m.). There are excellent views out over the valley of the Dudh (milk) Kosi (river), and also views of our route towards the Zatrwa La. We stroll back to  Chutanga for overnight stay.

Day 3

Trek to Tuli Kharka via Zatrwa La pass

Day 3 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Uphill Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Tulu Kharka

Altitude

4250m./13944ft.

After a rest/acclimatization day at Chutanga we continue a long day walk crossing the Kalo Himal Ridge that separates the Khumbu from the Hinku valley that lead across this ridge is the Zatrwa La (4,600m/15,093ft), traversing to the right and finally descending steeply to Tuli Kharka (big pasture) where there are several basic lodges. We stay overnight in Tulu Kharka .

Day 4

Trek to Gothey

Day 4 Facts

Trekking Time Average

13km Uphill Hike
(Avg 5hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Gothey

Altitude

3600m./11821ft.

Day 5

Trek to Thagnag

Day 5 Facts

Trekking Time Average

12km Uphill hike
(Avg 5hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Thagnag

Altitude

4350m./14272ft.

The following day is another short day as you trek in the shadow of Mera Himal along the ridge of the Hinku Khola. The west bank of the Hinku Drangka northwards, we will take lunch at Gondishung, a summer herders settlement. Beyond Gondishung we pass a 200 year-old Gompa built beneath a massive boulder, to burn some juniper at the shrine, an offering that just might ensure a successful ascent of Mera Peak. Thagnag is a summer grazing area with the simplest of lodges and shops starting to develop. We stay there overnight in Thagnag.

Day 6

Acclimatization day

Day 6 Facts

Trekking Time Average

Rest Day

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Thagnag

Altitude

4350m

Another an acclimatization day is essential here. It is in a superb setting surrounded by stunning peaks. There is a huge moraine in the north of Thagnag where a beautiful glacial lake, Sabal Tsho is dammed which is definitely worth a visit. A cairn (5,270m/17,290ft) on the flanks of Kusum Kangguru can also be rewarding and beneficial for acclimatization. Stay overnight in Thagnag.

Day 7

Trek to Khare

Day 7 Facts

Trekking Time Average

8km Uphill Hike
(Avg 3hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Khare

Altitude

5025m./16486ft.

Today, we are heading up from Tagnag towards the Mera Base camp at Khare. We follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines and to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then climbs more steeply to  Khare. Stay there overnight in Khare.

Day 8

Ice climbing practice near Khare

This morning after a breakfast, we prepare our gear for ice climbing just above the Khare and need to walk couple of hours from where there are good views of the Mera La and the route up the mountain. This will also be a time for practicing few hours Ice climbing and our leader will teach you and instruct about the climbing. After few hrs practicing at glacier, stroll back to camp and final preparation of our equipment and packing of our mountain bags and stay overnight in Khare.

Day 9

Climb to Mera La

Day 9 Facts

Trekking Time Average

8km Uphill Hike
(Avg 4hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Mera La

Altitude

5415m./17766ft.

A very short trek allowing for as much acclimatization time and a day walk as you make your way to Mera Base Camp. We first climb to the crest of the moraine above Khare and then up a steep slope of snow to reach a boulder strewn bowl below the lower tongue of the Mera Glacier. Reaching the pass Mera La allows us to see spectacular views; we then descend 100m (328ft) towards the Hongu side and set up base camp in the moraine below the ice and we stay at Mera Base Camp (5,350m/17,552ft) overnight in Mera La.

Day 10

Climb to Mera high camp

Day 10 Facts

Trekking Time Average

3km Uphill hike
(Avg 4hrs)

Accommodation

Camping

Altitude

5750m./18865ft.

Making your way to Mera High Camp can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. You make your way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. You set up a high camp and from here the views are outstanding, with Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and more piercing the skyline. This evening we stay overnight in Mera High Camp.

Day 11

11 Summit day and descend to Khare

Day 11 Facts

Trekking Time Average

6km Climb
(Avg 8hrs)

Accommodation

Camping

Altitude

5025m./16486ft.

This is a big day, we wake up at 2.30 am around and after a breakfast, the group will put on crampons and rope up before setting out for the summit. From the high camp a well acclimatized party will take 3 – 4 hours to the central summit of Mera peak. If time and conditions permit we may opt to make the traverse to the slightly higher north summit. This excursion adds 2 -3 hours to the day is of a more technical nature than the rest of the climb and the decision as to whether we attempt this will be taken by the trip leader.

From the summit can be seen the magnificent views of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Cho-Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Makalu (8,463m/27,766ft), Kangchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft), Nuptse (7,855m/25,770ft), Lubuche (6,145m/20,160ft), Chamlang (7,319m/24,013ft) are spectacular from the summit. You then retrace your steps to Khare after the climb with a rest and some hot soup at high camp on the way down. A long but inspirational day! Stay overnigh in Khare.

Day 12

A spare Summit attempt day

Day 12 Facts

Accommodation

Villager's Lodge

This day we use to keep as a spare day, set aside in case we have to postpone the attempt on the peak because of bad weather or because some of the group have not yet acclimatized well enough to make the ascent. If already climb this day you can use for another Ice climbing day or spent one more night at village of Lukla.

Day 13

Trek to Gothey

Day 13 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 6hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Gothey

Altitude

3600m./11821ft.

After a great succeed of the expedition to Mt. Mera, we descend to Hinku valley to Gothey for our overnight stop at lodge. Enjoy the evening with local wines or whatever you want to relax at the lodge and stay overnight in Gothey.

Day 14

Trek to Tuli Kharka

Day 14 Facts

Trekking Time Average

14km Hike
(Avg 5hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Tuli Kharka

Altitude

4250m./13944ft.

Today, we again climb up through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Tuli Kharka below the Zatwra La where we are staying overnight  in Tuli Kharka.

Day 15

15 Trek to Lukla via crossing Zatrwa la

Day 15 Facts

Trekking Time Average

13km Hike
(Avg 5hrs)

Accommodation

Luxury Lodge in Lukla

Altitude

2800m./9240ft.

Today, we have a last day for the trek and we start to climb few hundred meters to the Zatrwa La top will be our last climb of the trip. After the top we descending up to Lukla village where we concludes the trekking part and this evening enjoy with crews at the last dinner at the mountain and stay overnight in Lukla.

Day 16

Fly to Kathmandu

Day 16 Facts

Trekking Time Average

35min

Accommodation

Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu

Altitude

1295m./4273ft.

In the morning, we rise early for breakfast, then walk to the airport. Before boarding the flight to Katmandu, you say goodbye to the porters and also goodbye to the mountains. The plane rolls down the short runway, then soars across the Dudh Kosi River and makes its way back to Katmandu.

What do you get in the Trip?

Included

  • Tribhuwan International Airport ( Airport – Hotel – Airport )  transfer in Kathmandu.
  • All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) .
  • Twin sharing accommodation ( Lodge/Tent) during the trek and climbing.
  • All camping gear & Kitchen utensils for the Climbing period.
  • One experienced, educated, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, specialized in Everest region and government authorized trekking trekking guide, cook, climbing guide, staff, required porters ( one porter for two persons) etc.
  • All staff’s expenses as food, salary, insurance, equipment, accommodation etc.
  • Both way flight tickets Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu.
  • Makalu- Barun National park fee.
  • Mera peak climbing permit.
  • A route map, first aid medical kit box, water purification, oxygen saturation check up everyday,  company t-shirt,  and complementary climbing/trekking certificate.
    Garbage deposit.
  • Government tax and service charge etc.
  • Public Liability Insurance.

Climbing  includes :

  • A professional climbing guide and his all expenses. ( 1- 4 pax = 1 climbing guide, 6- 10 pax = 2 climbing guides, 10 – 14 pax = 3 climbing guides)
  •  Assistant Cook & Transportation: Trekking assistant cook & necessary kitchen helper on the basis of Member and they carry of  camping equipment and tent from Khare.
  • Camping Equipment Utensils: EPI Gas, gas stove or fuel stove for Cooking, Fuel or Kerosene oil,  Cooking pot, Mattress, Walkee Talkie( Talk Back) etc.
  • Staff salary and Allowance: All our staffs & porters daily wages/equipment/food/clothing etc
  • High Altitude Tents : North Face Dome Tent Space for Two Pax, Wall/Cabin Tent for Dining and Kitchen, etc
  •  High Camp Lodging & Fooding Service: Chocolate and Three Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) a day for Member And Staff.
  • Drinks & Beverage: Tea with Biscuits and Hot drinking water in climbing Period and Hot washing water in case required.
  • strong>Fixing Gear : Fix rope, main rope, snow bar, ice crew, rock pitons etc

Excluded

  • Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
  •  Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, boiled water, battery charge, laundry, desert, bar bill, phone bill etc.
  • Personal Travel insurance.
  • Personal climbing gears as Climbing  boot, Crampons, Ice axe / Ice hammer, Harness, Jammers, Karabiners, Finger eight / ATC guide, Tap sling, etc.  (Possible to hire at Khare)
  • Tips for guide and staff.( Highly suggested  ).

Book the Trip

Available dates..

Group trips are fun and interesting, you can make new friends and often budget-friendly. Join any upcoming group trips listed below.

Need a private date?

The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.

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Traveler Reviews

From the first email to the last hug, I cannot recommend Tej and his team at Nepal Alternative Treks and Expeditions enough! I've just returned from a Mera Peak attempt and can safely say - after 15 years of travelling back and forth to Nepal, that this trip has taken the proverbial cake. Nothing was a bother for Tej - a brain filled with detail and attention and an abundance of knowledge about his team, the regions and how best to cater the trip for his clients. Despite the weather having other plans for us - the climb/trek was a complete success, not just on a personal level, but thanks to planning, fantastic support from my trekking guide Ugal and climbing guide Gyalje, the porters, chefs and each village we stopped at. We were some of the first to open the trails for the season, so it was super quite and peaceful during our walks. We went up in sunshine and blue skies and came down in some of the most incredible snow i've seen in a long time. Not once did I think my safety was a concern - despite falling off Mera La at 5500m and maybe even into a cheeky crevasse at one point. The food on trail was delicious and hygenic. The tea houses were comfy and warm and so very welcoming. I've never had the comfort of a heated blanket at 5000m in all my travels to Nepal - but Refuge Mera at Khare has you covered - some of the best, well-rested nights of my life, which is an achievement at altitude. A last minute decision by me meant plans down the line needed changing - which was a non-issue and done without any hassles, and everyone involved was supportive and excited to participate. I ended up travelling as a solo female when our second member had to cal last minute - and i was treated with such respect and dignity, as I have been during all my travel to Nepal. Again, Tej and his team of experts were fantastic and I highly recommend if you're planning a trip to Nepal to get in touch and see what they have to offer.

5.0

Erin Hosking

Australia
"Trekking through the Himalayas is a magical adventure that everyone should experience. We wanted to explore a quieter, higher and more technical region than Everest Base Camp - Mera Peak was the perfect challenge. We also wanted to work with a local Nepalese company so that any money we spent went directly to the community. After a thorough "Google" search, we came across Tej at Nepal Alternative Treks. He communicated quickly and efficiently with us via email to arrange our trip, from start to finish, and easily answered all our questions. Our trek guide, Nauser, is a credit to the company. We were very lucky to have such a fun, organised and knowledgeable guide with a permanent smile on his face! Thank you team :)."

5.0

Maria Bentley

Hamilton, New Zealand

Additional Trip Information

Best time for the visit

The best periods to climb Mera Peak are in the spring and October. At this time of year, you will be able to take advantage of the wonderful climate and weather. In a similar spirit, the weather at this time is pleasant and reliable. To fully appreciate the natural magnificence, many people flock to this area at this time of year. The climate of this weather does just that. There are also fewer individuals there.

The difficulty of this trek

Whenever you travel to a high altitude that is always difficult. If you are not an experienced trekker, then you will have a lot of difficulties. Including altitude sickness. Furthermore, this trek is 2 weeks long. So, this trek will push your body to its limit. Therefore, you should be prepared for this trek ahead of time. Make sure your body is fully prepared for that. Similarly, if you travel here during winter then the climate might also affect your journey.

Travel insurance

Your travel insurance is the most important thing that you should have during your high-altitude trek or tours.  Similarly, if you don’t have your travel insurance with you then it will be very difficult for us to take you with us. Furthermore, please make sure that your travel insurance policy has covered all your adventure and trekking above 3000m. Including, all your hospital bills, rescue mission, loss of properties, etc.

Required Permits

Makalu – Barun National Park Fee : NPR. 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1500 for SAARC.

Mera Peak Climbing Royalty fee:  USD 250 per person for March – May
USD 125 per person  for Sept – Nov
USD 70 per person for Dec – Feb and June – August

Note: Child below 10 years are free

Meals and Accommodation

We provide the best food and Accommodation facility to our consumers. However, we don’t provide any kind of soft or hard drinks to our consumers as it could hamper them or their performance during the trek. Similarly, we also provide you the facility of both Nepali local foods and western foods. Furthermore, the lodges we provide are very comfy and suitable for any kind of trekker.

Fitness and experience requirements

Mera peak climbing is a 16-day long trek. So, you need to be both physically and mentally fit. In addition, you should have experience climbing small peaks because if you try to climb this peak then it will be difficult for you to complete this trek. So, we recommend you first climb small peaks then come after to climb this peak. Furthermore, you should not have any diseases.

Climate and weather

The climate and weather of Mera Peak are mostly cold and cloudy. Therefore, it is very difficult to see the beauty of the surroundings if you go there at the wrong time. So, it is very important to choose the right time. Similarly, the best time to visit this trek and have perfect weather and climate is during the spring and autumn seasons. However, this climbing also can be done during monsoon seasons.

Safety and security

The Safety and Security of our trekkers are very important for us. We carefully check every route for the trek. So, don’t worry you will be safe with us. Similarly, we also take good care of the belongings of our trekkers. Therefore, you feel free and fully enjoy yourself during the trek, you should not worry about yourself and your belongings. We fully take care of that.

Frequently
Asked Questions

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