Mera Peak, standing at an elevation of 6,476 meters (21,247 feet), is the highest easy peak in Nepal. This incredible expedition offers unparalleled views of five of the world’s highest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. For mountaineering enthusiasts, Mera Peak provides a unique opportunity to experience the majesty of the Himalayas, with an ascent that, while challenging, requires only basic climbing skills. The adventure begins with an exhilarating flight from Kathmandu to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, one of the world’s most extreme airports. From Lukla, the path to Mera Peak leads us through the remote and less-traveled valleys of Hinku and Honku, where the untouched beauty of the landscapes and the serenity of traditional Sherpa villages accompany us throughout our journey.
As we progress, we will pass through dense forests of rhododendrons, pines, and bamboo, encountering ancient Buddhist villages and meadows where yaks and sheep graze. The fresh mountain air and pristine surroundings will rejuvenate you as you prepare for the ascent. Mera Peak’s Base Camp is the prelude to what’s ahead. From here, we will make a gradual ascent to High Camp, where acclimatization is crucial. The summit of Mera Peak is reached with a pre-dawn departure, guided by our expert Sherpas, who will assist you in handling climbing equipment such as crampons and ice axes. Although the climb is technically demanding in some sections, the reward is unparalleled. From the summit, we will witness a spectacular panorama encompassing some of the most iconic mountains in the world. It’s a view that will leave an indelible mark on your memory.
This 15-day expedition is ideal for those seeking an authentic experience in the Himalayas, combining the thrill of mountaineering with the rich culture and traditions of the Khumbu region. The best seasons to undertake this climb are spring and autumn, when the conditions are most favorable. With our highly trained team, we ensure that your experience on Mera Peak will be safe, exciting, and utterly unforgettable. Prepare to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Himalayas and realize your dream of reaching one of Nepal’s most impressive summits.
On this Mera Peak expedition, expect an immersive journey into the heart of Nepal’s Himalayas, where every day brings a new adventure. You’ll traverse through pristine valleys, dense rhododendron forests, and remote Sherpa villages, experiencing the unique culture and hospitality of the Khumbu region. The ascent itself is a thrilling challenge, with high-altitude trekking that gradually builds in intensity as you approach the summit. You’ll navigate glaciers and icy terrains, using essential mountaineering gear like crampons and ice axes, all under the expert guidance of seasoned Sherpas. As you reach Mera Peak’s summit at dawn, be prepared for the breathtaking reward: panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse, bathed in the golden light of sunrise. This expedition is not just about the climb—it’s about the entire experience, from the moment you set foot in Lukla to the triumphant feeling of standing on top of one of Nepal’s most renowned peaks. Expect to be challenged, inspired, and completely captivated by the natural beauty and cultural richness of this remarkable adventure.
The day before our expedition begins, we’ll gather for a memorable welcome dinner. It’s a perfect occasion for us to connect and become acquainted with one another before we set off on our exciting adventure. This dinner also provides a valuable opportunity for you to approach your guide with any final questions or concerns you may have.
Flight: 40min
Trek: 5h 30min, 8km distance
Our adventure begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) to Lukla (2,850m / 9,350ft), offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a seemingly impossible airstrip below. Rest assured, the experienced pilots make this journey look effortless, having completed it countless times. Upon arrival in Lukla, we’ll begin our trek to Paiya.
Trek: 5h 30min, 12km distance
The day we set out from Paiya to Panggom is one of the most challenging of the expedition, marked by steep inclines and uneven terrain. The trail winds through dense jungles, creating a stark contrast to the snowy landscapes we will encounter later on our journey to Mera Peak. Along the way, we cross several bridges and continue ascending and descending, accumulating significant elevation gain and loss. During the trek, we stop at Karte for lunch, enjoying the warm weather that allows us to hike in light clothing. Upon reaching Panggom, if you still have energy, you can take a short hike up to the local monastery, where Puja ceremonies are sometimes held, adding a spiritual touch to the demanding day.
Trek: 4h 30min, 9.5km distance
Setting off from Panggom, we embark on a trek along a rugged path through vibrant Rhododendron forests, gradually ascending and descending through rolling hills and ridges. The majestic South Face of Mera Peak provides a constant backdrop as we navigate the winding trail. After several hours of trekking, the path leads us down into the serene village of Ningsow, where we’ll spend the night. The evening offers a tranquil respite in this picturesque setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Trek: 7h 30min, 6.5km distance
Today’s trek from Ningsow to Chhatra Khola is characterized by its rugged charm and natural beauty. We start by navigating through lush Rhododendron forests, where the trail, though narrow and steep, offers a quintessential Nepalese mountain experience. As we descend, we encounter a gentle stream and a picturesque stone cave nestled by the water’s edge. This serene spot provides opportunities for spotting local wildlife amidst the verdant surroundings. Continuing through the forest, we make our way to our overnight stop at Chhatra Khola, where we can unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance of this enchanting riverside location.
Trek: 6h 30min, 13.5km distance
Today’s journey from Chhatra Khola to Kothe offers a rich tapestry of natural and cultural experiences. As we trek through dense pine and bamboo forests, keep an eye out for elusive wildlife such as sloth bears and jungle cats that inhabit these lush surroundings. The trail features a stunning vantage point that provides panoramic views of the Hinku Valley and offers an awe-inspiring perspective of Mera Peak. Along the way, we encounter a sacred cave revered by Buddhists, which is adorned with symbols representing the three elements of Buddha. After a rewarding lunch, we continue by following a scenic river ridge, gradually making our way to Kothe, where we’ll settle in for the night.
Trek: 3h 30min, 6.5km distance
Today’s trek from Kothe to Thaknak is shorter and more accessible, allowing us to fully appreciate the scenery and explore our destination. As we ascend, we follow a gentle path along the Hinku River, leading us to Lungsumba Gompa, a Tibetan monastery approximately 200 years old, which we will have ample time to explore. This gompa provides a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual life of the region. The surrounding landscape is spectacular, featuring prominent views of Mera North and other impressive peaks. After visiting the gompa, we make a brief walk to Thaknak, a seasonal village dedicated to summer livestock grazing. In Thaknak, we will find a few teahouses where we’ll spend the night, enjoying a well-deserved rest in this picturesque village.
Trek: 3h 30min, 5.5km distance
Today’s trek from Thaknak to Khare is short but exhilarating, with a focus on acclimatization and stunning mountain vistas. We set off along the lateral moraine of the Dig Glacier, navigating through the rugged terrain towards Dig Kharkapasture. The trail ascends steeply, offering breathtaking views of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glacier. As we climb, the northern face of Mera Peak comes into view, showcasing its impressive grandeur. The path is demanding, with the altitude adding an extra challenge to the steep inclines. Upon reaching Khare, we’ll find everything ready for a restful night. The area is known for its charming features, including a German Bakery that provides a delightful treat, perfect for unwinding after the trek. The trek to Khare not only prepares you for higher altitudes but also provides a fantastic opportunity to acclimate while enjoying some of the best views of Mera Peak.
Today will be dedicated to acclimatization in Khare at 5,045 meters, preparing for the upcoming climb and ensuring our equipment is in perfect condition. We will spend the day doing specific mountaineering training, where our specialized guides will instruct you on the proper use of all climbing gear. It’s crucial to become familiar with the equipment before tackling the challenge ahead. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to acclimate further by exploring nearby hills, although only a few hundred meters higher than Khare, will provide excellent views and help your body adapt to the altitude. The climb is short but steep, and offers stunning views from the top. This extra day in Khare will not only help you adjust to the altitude above 5,000 meters but also allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and perform a final check of your gear before the climb.
Trek: 6h 30min, 6km distance
The trek begins with following the Mera Glacier towards Mera Le Pass, navigating through rock-strewn trails. The trail ascends steeply over rocky and icy terrain, requiring the use of technical climbing skills and dealing with small crevasses. As we approach High Camp, you will notice the change in environment and altitude, often encountering challenging weather conditions. Despite the tough terrain and potential for poor visibility, the experience provides a rewarding perspective on the surrounding majestic peaks including Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Baruntse, and Everest. This is your first opportunity to put your mountaineering equipment to use. At Mera High Camp we will ensure that all gear and acclimatization are in optimal condition.
Summit and trek: 9h, 9km distance
The day begins very early, around 2 am, to start the ascent to Mera Peak. Equipped with crampons, ice axe and helmet, you’ll follow your guide’s instructions to climb over glaciers and snowy fields, which will take some hours. Upon reaching the summit, we’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of peaks such as Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. After spending some time at the top for celebrations, we’ll begin the descent back to Khare, a journey that may take several hours. Upon arrival, a well-deserved dinner and rest at your accommodation await, providing a chance to recover from the day’s efforts.
One day is kept in case there is bad weather on the summit day or in case of illness in the group.
Trek: 5h 30min, 14km distance
After a good breakfast at Khare, we begin our descent back to Kothe. The trek is primarily downhill, making the journey somewhat easier compared to the ascent. The valley, glaciers, and pastures appear even more vibrant with the experience of summiting Mera Peak fresh in our minds. We will first head towards Thangnak, where we’ll take a short rest. The trek continues for some hours through subtropical forests and along rocky trails, eventually arriving in Kothe. The descent, while easier, can be challenging if the weather is poor, as rain can make the rocky paths slippery. In good weather, this trek offers a relaxing downhill walk with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. We’ll spend the night in Kothe, enjoying the tea house accommodation.
Trek: 5h 30min, 8km distance
Early in the morning, we leave Kothe and embark on the trek to Thuli Kharka. The trail begins with a steep ascent through lush forests of Rhododendron, bamboo, and pine, reminiscent of the terrain from earlier in the trek. As we follow the ridge of the Hinku River, we are greeted by panoramic views of Mera Peak, a reminder of our recent achievements. Continuing along the western section of the Hinku Valley, the trail gradually climbs, offering breathtaking vistas of Mera North (6,476m), Mera Central (6,461m), and the southern face of Mera Peak (6,476m). After several hours of trekking through diverse landscapes, we arrive at Thuli Kharka, also known as Chatra-La. Here, we check into a tea house, allowing us to rest and soak in the stunning views. The area is renowned for its exceptional scenery and provides ample opportunities to relax and appreciate the beauty of the Himalayas.
Trek: 7h 30min, 11km distance
On this final day of trekking, you will embark on a long and challenging journey. After an early breakfast in Thuli Kharka, you’ll set out to cross the Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m). The trek starts with a steep ascent up the Kalo Himal ridge, leading you to the pass. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you bid farewell to the Makalu Barun National Park and greet the beautiful Lukla Valley ahead. From the Zatrwa La Pass, you will begin your descent. First, you will pass through Chutanga before continuing down to Lukla. The trek can be demanding as you cover a significant distance and navigate varying terrains. The path may be covered in snow, making it slippery and challenging; thus, proper footwear and equipment are essential for safety. Upon reaching Lukla, you will spend your last night in the trek region, reflecting on your adventure and preparing for the flight back to Kathmandu. This will be a day to say goodbye to the crew and to take in the serene beauty of the rhododendron forests as you descend. The walk through these vibrant landscapes will serve as a fitting end to your expedition before heading back to the bustling city of Kathmandu.
Flight: 40min
This is the last of our expedition. This morning, after having breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to Mt Everest and the Khumbu Region as we board our flight back to Kathmandu Airport. Depending on weather conditions we will be back in Kathmandu for brunch or in the early afternoon.
Weather is a crucial factor that impacts directly reaching and summiting Mera Peak. Due to its altitude, Mera Peak is never too warm. The high elevations in the Mera Peak regions show four distinct seasons – spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season provides a different experience, but for the best experience, you can choose spring or autumn.
Spring (March-May): Spring is a perfect time to trek and summit Mera Peak. The temperature is very favorable, and the blooming flowers, especially rhododendrons, will delight your heart. The first few weeks of March are a little cold due to the recent winter, and there is a chance of rain in late May. Temperature: -15°C to 10°C.
Summer/Monsoon (June-August): The summer season in Nepal coincides with the Monsoon. So, the trails will be wet and slippery. Because of the clouds, you might not get clear views of the glorious mountains. Due to these difficulties, we do not conduct Mera Peak Climb during the summer. If you are determined to climb, you need to wait for autumn or at least late August to climb Mera Peak. Temperature: 3°C to 16°C.
Autumn (September-November): This is a perfect time to climb Mera Peak. The temperature is just right, there is almost no rainfall, the forests are lush and green, the pastures look glorious, and you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow peaks. There might be little rain during the first few days, and late November might bring some snow. Temperature: -11°C to 12°C.
Winter Season (December-February): The high altitude in the trek region is covered with snow. The path is icy and slippery, and the temperatures are frigid. For the safety of our valuable clients, we do not conduct Mera Peak Climbing during winter. However, early December and late February treks can be feasible. Temperature: -20°C to -4°C.
The temperature in the high Himalayas is unpredictable and changes rapidly.
Health insurance is compulsory for the climb. All the climbers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes.
Climbing members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers all costs incurred during mountain rescue service.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure to call the insurance company and recheck if they have heli-rescue at high altitudes.
You must acclimatize for Mera Peak Climbing. Altitude sickness is common among climbers and needs immediate treatment. During this trek, you will be acclimatizing at Khare. Mera Peak Climbing is a relatively more challenging expedition.
Sherpa climbing guides will train you to use the climbing gears, ropes, knots, ice axes, climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, etc. Mera Peak does not require prior training experiences. Although without a doubt, such training opportunities will boost climber confidence, sharpen climbing skills and increase the chances of scaling the summit.
Our climbing leaders and guides are well qualified and experienced at high altitudes, and they are extensive first aid trained. Your health and safety are important to us, and they are our first priority.
If a climber gets rigorously affected, the only cure would be to descend immediately. In such cases, your climb leader has the authority to decide whether to descend immediately or continue the climb based on the overall situation.
We recommend you bring a container for one liter of water. In the teahouses we can buy boiled water suitable for drinking with which to fill our bottles. Another option is to refill the water from the fountains that we find along the way or from the tap of the teahouses themselves, for this we have to count on water disinfectant tablets that we can find in pharmacies.
Visitors to the Khumbu fly into the tiny airstrip at Lukla. Set at 2800m and sloping at an angle of 12 degrees, Tenzing-Hillary Airport can only accommodate tiny Twin Otter or Dornier aircraft. During the climbing season there are up to 100 flights daily to and from Kathmandu, carrying climbers, porters, guides and cargo.
Flights to Lukla do not always take off as planned. Note that flights are regularly delayed or cancelled at short notice if there is insufficient visibility at the airstrip. If this happens at the Kathmandu end, the airline will normally find space for us on the next available flight. If aircraft are grounded at Lukla, it can lead to days of delays and rebooking. For this reason, we recommend you book your return flight home with at least three days to spare in Kathmandu.
Mera Peak, the highest easy peak in Nepal, was first summited on May 20, 1953, by Col. Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing. The peak’s climbing history is closely intertwined with the early pioneers of Himalayan exploration, including legendary figures such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Eric Shipton, and George Lowe. In the early 1950s, these iconic explorers led a British expedition that thoroughly explored the Mera Peak region, marking it as a significant milestone in the history of Himalayan mountaineering.
Mera Peak Climbing is a challenging yet rewarding climb. The hiking will be from 5 to 7 hours a day depending on the destination, taking regular breaks to admire the mountain views. The trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents, and a steep forward trail in the rocky paths and forests. For Mera Peak Climbing, the fitter you are, the more comfortable and enjoyable your journey will be. If you have prior experience, this may be an advantage for you. However, we do not recommend this trek for those suffering from sensitive medical conditions like heart or lung disease.
Each day you will be rewarded with a unique trekking experience, climbing, enjoying the incredible scenery, taking photos, and exploring local villages. During your expedition, our experienced, friendly, and qualified guide will accompany you while informing you about the places as you trek.
The day starts with an early morning hot cup of tea/coffee. After a wholesome breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk from around 7 am to 8 am, depending on the duration and nature of that day’s walk. After trekking for three to four hours, we will serve you lunch around midday on the route to the next destination. We will rest after lunch and then continue on the path.
The afternoon walk is generally shorter, about two to three hours. Once you reach our overnight tea house, you can explore nearby places till it gets dark.
You will be having dinner from around 6 PM to 7 PM. After dinner, you can indulge in friendly conversations. The expedition leader will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing, you can read books, enjoy onboard games like cards, or watch mountaineering documentaries. Most foreigners indulge in light and fun learning of the Nepalese language from our crew before heading off to bed for a well-deserved sleep.
During the expedition, you can use the internet at most lodges by paying a small service charge. You can contact your family and friends from the lodges, but once we reach high altitudes, we will use mobile phones for communication. We will communicate with all our trek teams through our trek leader at least once a day to ensure all trek members are safe and feel right. You can easily purchase a local sim in Kathmandu, but based on the network, the signals at high altitudes may not be strong enough.
Nepali culture accepts tipping. However, tipping is at travelers’ discretion and should reflect the quality of service received, trek length, and trek costs.
After completing this expedition, if you may want to stay a couple of days extra in Nepal, we can organize other activities for you, including sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara trip, Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing, etc.