19 Days Mera Peak Climbing

  • Moderate
  • 2 Days Tent
  • 6,461 M
  • 12 Days Tea House
  • 4 Days Hotel Days
  • 14 Days Trekking Days

Mera Peak is the highest permitted trekking peak of Nepal. It stands to the south of Everest. The peak dominates the watershed between the heavily wooded valleys of the Hinku and Hongu Drangkas. J.O.M. Roberts and Sen Tenzing made the first successful ascent on 20 May 1953.

The Mera Peak trek starts from Kathmandu with a drive to Jiri and a trek to Lukla at 2800m. This is a good way to begin as it helps develop physical fitness. And this trip is excellent for altitude acclimatization. But most of the people take a flight to Lukla and stay there overnight.

From Lukla to Chutanga we walk through rhododendron and pine forests. Crossing the Zatra-La pass the trek is very steep but the reward is a view of Cho Oyu and the number Himal. Cho Oyu is the world’s 6th highest mountain. We now descend into the Mera Valley. From Chatrabu, after a walk of about around one and half hours, we get the best view of Mera’s South, Central, and North peaks.

Then we go through more forests, of rhododendron, bamboo, and pine to reach Kothe (Hinku Khola). From Kothe, the trekking is easier to Khare Base Camp, at 5000m. From Khare to Mera-La it is steep, but from Mera–La to our high camp at 5800m is easier. But we must take care as there are many deep crevasses. We will follow the ‘standard route to the summit, reaching the Central peak and, perhaps, the slightly higher North summit.

There are many other routes to the peak, but none of them are easy, some requiring the crossing of high and difficult passes (though, of course, this adds to the true mountaineering experience). But in the end, all the effort and hard work pay off as Mera provides one of the finest viewpoints in Nepal, with a panoramic view of Chamlang, Kangchenjunga, Makalu, and Baruntse to the east, and Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Kangtega to the west. Similarly, Everest is seen to the north over the massive unclimbed south face of Lhotse and the Nuptse/Lhotse ridge. Under favorable conditions, it is possible to climb the peak and descend to Base Camp on the same day.

How Difficult Is Mera Peak Climbing?

The Mera Peak climbing is considered suitable for beginners. It is a moderately difficult mountain to climb. It is classified as a non-technical climb and requires only basic mountaineering skills.  

However, its summit lies at an elevation of 6,476 meters (21,247 feet) above sea level. Climbers will have to ascend and descend on various terrains including snow slopes. Therefore, the climb has its challenges. Various components make Mera Peak climbing difficult. Let’s take a look at these components: 

Technical factors

Mera Peak is non-technical but a challenging climb. One does not need to have technical skills but needs basic mountaineering skills. While climbing the peak, you will have to ascend and descend on icy slopes and steep sections. Similarly, there are also many deep crevasses.   

Basic mountaineering skills are enough to conquer these difficult sections. But there are climbing sections on Mera Peak that require technical skills. So, climbers need to be comfortable using equipment like ice axes, ice screws, fixed ropes, and crampons. 

Elevation 

The Mera Peak sits at an elevation of 6,461 meters. The oxygen level reduces as you move higher altitude. Because of the high altitude, there are chances of climbers getting altitude sickness. It is one of the major difficulties of Mera Peak climbing. Therefore, acclimatization is crucial for avoiding altitude sickness.  

Acclimatization helps to adjust your body to the higher elevation. It also reduces the risk of altitude sickness. Likewise, you have to be careful about the altitude sickness symptoms. It is best to take precautions but if symptoms appear, you should take prompt action. 

Trekking Distance

Another difficulty of Mera Peak climbing is the trekking distance. The whole trek takes around 19 days including a proper acclimatization period.  The approximate distance of the whole climb is 125 km (78 miles) approximately. Therefore, you will have to walk around 6-7 hours a day on average during the trek. 

It will be quite difficult to do without proper physical and mental preparation. The climb will push your physical endurance and stamina. Proper training and exercise help you to be prepared. It adds to the challenge of Mera Peak climbing. 

Best Season For Mera Peak Climbing 

The best season for Mera Peak climbing is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) season. Here are a few reasons these two seasons are the best for the Mera Peak climbing:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is an ideal season for Mera Peak climbing because of its clear visibility and warm weather. It falls in pre-monsoon season so there is a low chance of rainfall. The temperature around the region ranges between 15°C to 20°C. However, during the morning and nighttime, the temperature at higher altitudes can drop to -8°C.  

Another reason for climbing Mera Peak during spring is the blooming forests. The trail of the peak passes through rhododendron forests. Thus, you can see the whole forest blooming in red, pink, and white colors. The flowers also emit a sweet fragrance. Likewise, you can see the colorful Himalayan wildflowers in full bloom. 

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another ideal season of the year for Mera Peak climbing. The weather and temperature are warm as well as favorable. It falls in the post-monsoon season. Hence, most of the dust and pollution is washed away by rain. The forests, waterfalls, and rivers also all look fresh and nourished.  

Most of the big festivals of Nepal fall in the autumn season like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere while on the climb. The visibility is exceptionally excellent during the season. So, you can enjoy the full panoramic mountain view from the summit. The temperature ranges around 10°C to 18°C during daytime and can drop to minus during morning and nighttime. 

Training and Preparation For Mera Peak Climbing

You have to be prepared physically and mentally for the Mera Peak climb. Although a moderate trek, it is going to be challenging. So proper preparation plays a crucial role in the success of your Mera Peak climbing. You can train and exercise to prepare yourself.

You can enhance your endurance level by running, cycling, climbing, and hiking. Similarly, you can also do strength training that focuses on your leg, core, and upper body. You can simulate trekking conditions by taking regular hikes with a heavy backpack. It is also highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the mountaineering gear. You can practice using an ice axe, ice screws, crampons, harnesses, etc. 

You also need to be mentally prepared for the climb. Do your research and be mentally prepared for the long walks, weather changes, difficult climbs, and mental stress of climbing on a high elevation. Be ready to cope with the physical and mental challenges that you can come across during the Mera Peak climbing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners climb Mera Peak?  

Mera Peak is the highest permitted trekking peak that is suitable for beginners. However, climbers need to have a good level of physical fitness. They also should be physically and mentally prepared for long treks, ascending, and descending on varied terrains.  

Is Mera Peak a technical climb? 

Mera Peak is a non-technical climb that requires basic mountaineering skills and experience. The trekking peak requires climbers to ascent and descent on varied terrain including snow and ice slopes. Climbers have to be comfortable with using basic mountaineering gear.  

Can you see Mount Everest from Mera Peak?

Yes, you will be able to witness the majestic panoramic view of mountains including Mount Everest. Note that the visibility can be excellent or worse depending on the weather conditions. On clear days, you can view Mount Everest along with Mount Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and many more. 

Is Mera Peak trek or climb?

Mera Peak is a trekking peak. It means that it involves both trekking and climbing. Up to base camp, you will have to trek. From there on, you need to climb to reach the Mera Peak summit. It is an ideal destination for trekkers to introduce themselves to mountaineering.   

Do I need permits to climb Mera Peak? 

Yes, you need several permits to climb Mera Peak. These include TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System), Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and Mera Peak Climbing Permit. Himalayan Leaders’ Mera Peak Trek package includes all the permits.  

Note: B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner

Day to day schedule to 19 Days Mera Peak Climbing

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu o/n in a hotel.+D

    Arrival and pick up from the international airport in Kathmandu, after some refreshment we will invite you for a traditional nepali dinner.

  • Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley o/n in a hotel +B

    After breakfast we will start for sightseeing tours around in Kathmandu valley, the sightseeing program is focused to introduce some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu such as Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath. Preparation for the trek and check the equipment list and buy the equipment that is necessary for climbing.

  • Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Paiya (Chutok) (2800m, 3/4 hrs) o/n in Lodge+B+L+D

    Early morning after breakfast, we get transferred to domestic airport to fly to Lukla. After an adventurous 40-minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport, we meet our other crew members. We get time to stroll around while the guide divides and manages baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek down from Lukla. It will make sense to fly up to Lukla for acclimatization and walk down. We walk through the jungle down to Surke then a bit ahead we have lunch at Pakhapani or ahead nearby. Continuing ahead through many traditional villages, jungles, and hills, we gradually reach the vicinity of Paiya for the first night’s camp. We see number of peaks from here such as Knogde Ri, Khatang, Tang Ragi Tu and other peaks above 7 thousand meters from Paiya.

  • Day 4: Trek to Pangkoma Goun (2850m, 5/6 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    After breakfast, we march a little down until we reach wooden bridge and then carefully we have to go ahead through the slippery trail to cross Kari La Hill (pass). We have our lunch in the village ahead and start up walking through the rhododendron and bamboo forest through the narrow mountain trail. We need to keep our cameras ready with full charge to catch the outstanding views of Dudhkoshi River valley and Dudh Kund Himal before reaching the farming and trading village of Pangkongama for night`s rest.

  • Day 5: Trek to Nigmsa yak kharka (2745m, 4/5 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    The trail descends the rock-strewn path leading to the rhododendron forest. We come across a lot of Mani walls through the trail. Passing again through hills, ridges and teahouses, we start downwards and have lunch around there in village nearby. Mesmerizing views of the south face of Mera Peak (6064m/19890ft) and Naulekh Peak awaiting our insight ahead. The trail zigzags through forested areas and then descends steeply. We experience the most interesting and charming feelings as we walk past forests of pine and rhododendron to reach Nigmsa (Shibuche) where we camp for the night’s rest.

  • Day 6: Trek to Chetrakhola (3500m, 7/8 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    After breakfast, we start up though a steep and slope trail through narrow and typical mountain trail, a bit complicated ahead through rhododendron and bamboo forests, we pass in the course of landslides and down we reach to the stream. By the side of the crystal clear stream we have our lunch today. Straight ahead and up through the rhododendron forests we may encounter wild animals if we are lucky. A little down through the bamboo jungle and past a nice stone cave by the side of a river, we will camp for the night’s rest.

  • Day 7: Trek to Kothe (3600m, 6/7 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    Chirping birds wake us up early in the morning. We start after breakfast and reach a fine vantage point of the Hinku Valley where we line around in the splendor of nature surrounding us. Straight through the bamboo and pine forest in the narrow trails while enjoying the views of Mera and the Hinku Valley, there is possibility of encountering with mountain wild animals like sloth bear, jungle cat, etc., among the tall pine trees. Past Tashing Dingma we find shops and teahouses where we have lunch. We continue ahead by the ridge of the river in the Hinku valley all the way up and reach Kothe where we have the night’s rest in a camp

  • Day 8: Trek to Tangnang (4,350m, 5/6 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    Today is another short-trek day in which we trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We take 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. We pray for our successful ascent of Mera Peak in the boulder of the Gompa offering incense. A short walk takes us to Thagnag, which is a summer grazing area with the primitive lodges and shops.

  • Day 9: Acclimatization day: Hiking to Charpate Himal Glacier o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    Today is our rest day. It is not recommend to stay idle although it is a rest day instead we have to stay active to be ready for next day’s adventure. So after breakfast, we hike for about 3 hours up to Charpate Himal Glacier. Seen very close from the Thangnag, Charpate Himal is regarded holy by the Sherpa community and is worshiped by traditional Sherpas of the mountains. We will observe Mera North very close and outstanding from here. After an hour’s pleasant hike downwards, we will be back at the camp at Thangnang.

  • Day 10: Trek to Khare (5,045m, 2/3 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    We head towards 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 our camping spot at Khare. The camping experience at Khare is something that would cherish us throughout our life. It is pleasure to view beautiful North face of Mera Peak from our campsite at Khare.

  • Day 11: Trek to Mera Base Camp (5300m, 3/4 hrs) o/n in camp +B+L+D

    Today after breakfast, we walk through boulder strewn course to reach Base Camp of Mera Peak. We have to march through steep route (about 260 meters) and it takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach Base Camp. Upon reaching there after a short rest accompanied with our lunch, we start ice climbing training with our climbing guide. Inexperienced climbers need to learn much more today. After about 2-3 hours training, we might choose to go to Mera La. However, as we will be taking the route to High Camp through Mera La the next day, we might opt to rest at our camp at Base camp today admiring the eye-catching views the area offers.

  • Day 12: Mera Base Camp to High camp (5,780m, 4/5 hrs) o/n in camp +B+L+D

    We take the route through Mera La to reach the Mera High Camp today. You need to walk through rock-strewn area for about two hours while making your way to Mera High Camp and this can be a bit 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. We set up a high camp and enjoy rest of the day the sunrise and sunset view along with the Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and south face of Lotshe, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse are outstanding and seems like they are piercing the skyline.

  • Day 13: Mera High Camp to Summit (6,461m) and back to Khare (5045m, 8/9 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    This is really a big day. Our crew will wake up around 1 a.m. for preparation. You should also wake up around 2.30 am and you will have very early breakfast today. After breakfast, your group will put on crampons and rope and set up for special journey to the summit. If you are a well-acclimatized group, it takes around 4-6 hours to reach the summit of Mera central for you. From the summit can be seen the magnificent views of 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) Ama Dablam (6,812m) Kangtega (6,779m) and many peaks over six thousand. After achieving the summit, you retrace your steps down to high camp. After having a rest accompanied with some hot soups/tea at the high camp, we will continue down to Khare for the night’s rest. You will really find this day really long but inspirational one for your life!

  • Day 14: Khare to Kothe (3600m, 4/5 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    After a great success of the expedition to Mt. Mera we descend to Hinku valley to Kothe for our overnight stop at camp. Leaving behind the outstanding Himalayan background, you arrive in Kothe. The night we enjoy with local wines and foods and relax at the camp

  • Day 15: Trek to Thuli Kharka (3500m, 5/6 hrs) o/n in Lodge +B+L+D

    Today, we again climb up about two hours through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Thuli Kharka. It’s nice walk through the red Rhododendron forest with beaten trail of Himalaya of Nepal. We observe the wide range of Mera peaks, Mera North, Mera Central, Mera South from Thuli Kharka.

  • Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2800m, 6/7 hrs) o/n in lodge +B+L+D

    Two hours up from Thuli Kharka we walk to reach Zatrwa La pass. After crossing the pass we see beautiful view of Lukla valley. Cho yu, Kongde peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru and so many others. From Zatrwa La we walk all the way down to Chutanga and then straight forward easy walk takes us to Lukla village where we conclude the trekking and this evening we enjoy the last dinner in mountain with our crew

  • Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel +B

    The flight time to Kathmandu are scheduled in the morning normally because Lukla suffers a lot of wind in afternoon. We fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. We can rest and relax throughout the day in our hotel or if interested to take some Nepalese souvenir for friends and relatives, we can visit some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.

  • Day 18: Sightseeing in Bhaktpur and Patan o/n in a hotel +B

    After breakfast we take off for a full-day interesting sightseeing tour of Patan, which is one of the ancient and biggest cities in Nepal, known for its beautyful handcrafted and architectural works and after a stop we go to Bhaktapur Durbar Squares which is the most famous devotee’s city of the gods and goddes. This city is exclusively rich for its own culture and traditional life.

  • Day 19: Transfer to international airport +B

    After Breakfast, you are transfer to the international airport for your onward destination.

What is included?

  • 3 meals a day during trekking (B, L, D)
  • Domestic flight ticket KTM- LUK-KTM
  • Government licensed guide with privet transport during sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Peak permit and conservation fee
  • Pickup and drop from to international airport in Kathmandu
  • Twin sharing spacious tent, dining tent, toilet tent kitchen team with all necessary items during the camping
  • Accommodation in lodge and camp during trek

What is excluded?

  • Personal expenses and tips for staff
  • Monument entrance fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Garbage Deposit USD 500 (Sharing of the total person)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance and helicopter rescue in case of emergency
  • International flight ticket

Trip Dates and Availibility

From/To Availability
From 26 Mar, 2024 To 13 Apr, 2024 Guaranteed when booking Inquire
From 7 May, 2024 To 25 May, 2024 Guaranteed when booking Inquire

Best Seasons Listing

Best Season
March to April
End of September to November

Trip Customization

Nepal Trekking

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