Trek Overview
Mera Peak (6,461m/21,190 ft) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. The mountain is in the Mahalangur section, Barun sub-section of the Himalaya and located in Nepal’s Sagarmatha Zone, Solukhumbhu District.
It is an adventurous peak surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan range, and the scenic views including the world’s 8000-meter peaks: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga.
Mera Peaks has three summits: Mera North, 6,476 meters (21,247 ft); Mera Central, 6,461 meters (21,198 ft); and Mera South, 6,065 meters (19,898 ft) as well as a smaller trekking summit which is visible from the south of Nepal.
Passing through the beautiful village and communities give the glimpse of the rich culture of the locals. The route from the north involves the high altitude glacier walking.
Mera peak is an opportunity to all the adventure seekers who are physically fit. The only qualification we need to ascend Mera peak is we need to be physically fit and have an extrovert sense of adventure.
And the west and south route is more difficult. Thus you must use the technical climbing.
The trekking to Mera Peak is technically straightforward ascents for experienced trekkers. That’s why Mera Peak is a very popular destination for trekking.
Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,302m/4,270ft)
You will be received and escorted to the hotel by our staff, refresh yourself and take some rest or explore the area around your hotel. Accommodate in a hotel.
- Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and Trek preparation
Kathmandu is the cultural heart of Nepal and has been a famous destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its borders to visitors. Today after breakfast we will explore Kathmandu valley, a guided tour will be conducted to major world heritage sites inside the valley. As Kathmandu valley is a beautiful combination of Hinduism and Buddhism we will visit historical sites like; Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (monkey temple) and Buddhist shrine of Bouddhanath which is one of the largest stupa in the world. After the tour you will prepare yourself for the trek, will be briefed about the trek; buy all the trekking equipments required and overnight at hotel.
- Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Puyan (2,820m/9251 ft). Approx 5 hours walk
We will take early morning spectacular flight from Kathmandu (1400m). The flight duration from Kathmandu to Lukla is approximately 35 minutes. After we reach Lukla, we take rest for an hour while our crew prepare for the trek. We walk down steeply on the way to the Dudh Koshi. Then we walk approximately two hours to Surke through the jungle. Then ascend steeply up from the far side of the valley to where there are magnificent views both upwards to Cho Oyu and down into the plunging canyon to the river below. We will stop for lunch break after 2 hours walk. We continue to walk through forest shaded by rhodendron, fir, pines and birches along with picturesque village. We reach at Puyan and stay overnight there.
- Day 04: Trek from to Pangkongma (2,850 m/9350 ft): 5-6 hours
Today we leave Paiya behind and head towards Pangkongma. We walk all the way down to the wood bridge that continue on a slippery path up to Khari La pass (2,860m), which is about 1.5 hour climb. We can see our today’s destination from the distance as we pass through dense forest with occasional glimpses of the snow capped mountain emerging above the clouds. You can also see the views of the Dudh Kosi (‘Milk River’), the intense white-water river that originates in the Everest massif. A gradual hour-long descent to lunch is followed by a steady climb for 2 ½ hours take to the village Pangkongma which is an attractive farming and trading village.
- Day 05: Trek to Nashi Dingma (2,600m/8530 ft)- 6 to 7 hours approx
After breakfast we set off our trek to Nashi Dingma. The trail lead us to rocky path and walk through the blanketed rhododendron forest and bamboo to the Pangom La (3173 m) where we have a first glimpse of Mera peak. From there we walk down steeply to a bridge traversing the Hinku river and we will have lunch shortly afterwards. There is ascending up to Nashi Dingma where we set up camp for tonight.
- Day 06: Trek to Chalem Kharka (3,600m/11811 ft) - 6 to 7 hours approx.
Gaining height slowly all the way through meadow and lush greenery, the trail steepens as you ascend to the Surke La. Finally you’ll reach at Chalen Kharka where we set our camp amid fir trees and rhododendron bushes.
- Day 07: Rest day at Chalem Kharka (3,600m/11811 ft).
Today we take rest and its day for acclimatization before walking over the pass to Chunbu Kharka La. We encourage the group to do a day walk to the pass at the elevation of 4,200m in order to make the next day easier for you.
- Day 08: Trek to Chunbu Kharka (4,200m/13779 ft) - 5 to 6 hours walking.
Today we ascend to two passes on the Surkhe Danda ridge before descending to the holy lakes of Panch Pokhari. There are splendid vistas of Numbur, Kusum Kangguru and the Kangchenjunga range.
- Day 09: Trek to Kothe (3,691m/12109 ft) 5 hours walk approx
After breakfast we will have a short but steep 500m ascend where you can see beautiful views; South to the rolling foothills of a few days before, North to Mera Peak itself and our first view of its spectacular southwest face. Today you have pleasant and peaceful day walking through shaded pristine forest of tall pine, moss, lichen and rhododendron. After that we descend to the upper Inkhu Khola and arrive at a few huts and the summer yak grazing land that is Kothe.
- Day 10: Trek to Thangnak (4,200m.) 4 hours walk approx.
After breakfast we will have short-trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shade of Mera Peak. We march towards Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. After that pass a 200 year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera peak inscription at boulder along with its route to reach Mera. After a short walk we reach our destination, Thangnak.
- Day 11: Acclimatization day, hike to shoulder of Kusum Kanguru (5,000m/16404 ft).
Today is our rest day. Although it is a rest day instead we have to stay active to be ready for next day’s adventure. So, we have a few options for hikes. We can go to either the shoulder of Kusum Kanguru or to the moraine dammed lake of Sabai Tsho. We will return at camp for a late lunch. In the afternoon you can start organizing and preparing your trekking gear for the climb ahead. In the meantime, you can relax and enjoy the view around.
- Day 12: Trek to Khare (4,900m/16076 ft) approx 4 hours walk.
We march towards Mera Base Camp at Khare. Our trail to Khare lead us eastwards across the moraine of the Dig Glacier. We then follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers magnificent backdrops of Charpate Himal. The trail ascends all the way through moraines and to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then ascends more steeply to Khare. From Khare you can see beautiful north face of Mera Peak. Overnight at Khare.
- Day 13: Acclimatization and glacial skills practice day
Today we will organize a practice session for the group who would like to practice skills require for glacial trek above Khare. Otherwise, you can go for a day walk and explore the area.
- Day 14: Trek to Mera la (5,415m/17765 ft) - 5 hours walking.
Today we walk up to the glacier above Khare and then go across it to the Mera la. We will set up camp just below the pass on rocky outcrop
- Day 15: Trek to Mera Peak high camp (5,800m/19028 ft).
We continue to ascend up the glacier to the Mera Peak high camp which is situated on a rocky outcrop. You can enjoy the clear and fantastic view of majestic Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Everest peak along with sunrise and sunset vistas.
- Day 16: Summit Day (6,461m/21197 ft) then descend to Khare (10-12 hours approx.)
Today we get ready early morning for arduous climb to the peak. After early breakfast, your group will rope up and set up for special expedition to ascend the final steep hurdle to the summit of Mera (6,461m). If you are a well-acclimatized group, it takes around 4-6 hours to reach the Mera peak. From the summit you can see the superb backdrops of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,021ft), Cho-Oyu (8,210m/26,928ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,935ft),Makalu(8,463m/27,760ft),Kangchenjunga(8,586m/28,165ft),Nuptse(7,855m/25,765ft),Chamlang (7,319m/24,010ft), Baruntse (7 ,129m 23,383ft) Ama Dablam (6,812m/22,343ft) Kangtega (6,779m/22,235) and numerous other peaks. After the summit, we move down to high camp. After having some rest we will continue to descend to Khare.
- Day 17: Khare to Kothe [3600m/11808ft]: 4-5 hrs
After the expedition to Mt. Mera we move down to Hinku valley to Kothe . We overnight at Kothe.
- Day 18: Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300m/14107 ft ), 5-6 hours walk
After a descent breakfast we ascend for two hours through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Thuli Kharka. It’s a pleasant walk through shaded red Rhododendron forest with beaten trail of Himalaya. From Thuli Kharka we can see magnificent view of extensive range of Mera peaks, Mera North, Mera Central, Mera South from Thuli Kharka. We overnight in Thuli Kharka.
- Day 19: Return to Lukla by crossing the Zatra la
After climbing up for two hours from Thuli Kharka we reach Zatrwa La pass. After crossing the pass we see stunning vistas of Lukla valley, Cho yu, Kongde peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru and several beautiful landscapes. From Zatrwa La we continue all the way down to Chutanga and then straight forward easy walk takes us to Lukla village where we stay overnight.
- Day 20: Fly back to Kathmandu:
We will fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival back in Kathmandu we will stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu. You have leisure time to do shopping and take rest.
- Day 21: Fly Back Home
You will be assisted by our staff in a vehicle and transferred to TIA airport in Kathmandu from where you will take your flight back home.
Reviews
“I have used Nepal Sanctuary treks many times over the past 3 years to organise and guide everything from simple day walks and weeklong tea house treks with my family, to 3 week expeditions to climb some of the high trekking peaks in Nepal. On each and every occasion I have found them to be very professional and thorough in their preparation for the trek, and on trek the guides and porters were excellent. For the mountain expeditions the equipment supplied has been excellent and the food has been delicious, hygienic, plentiful and varied. Having compared them to other agencies I also believe they offer good value for money.
I have recommended Nepal Sanctuary Treks to my friends over the years and will continue to do so.”
