Expedition at the apex of Mera Peak

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

   Highlights:

   • Visit UNESCO heritage sites

   :

3. 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/4,593 ft). 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 Konde 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.

   Highlights:

   • Observe Surke Helipad
   • Walk through rhododendron, fir, pines and birches forest
   • Views of Konde Himal along the trail
   • Scenic flight to Lukla

    

4. Day 04: Trek from Paiya to Pangkongma (2,850 m/9350 ft): 7-8 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/9,383 ft), 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. A gradual hour-long descent to lunch is followed by a steady climb for 2 ½ hours take to the village Pangkongma.

   Highlights:

   • You might encounter with yak, blue sheep, pheasant along the trail
   • You can see view of Mera peak, Kusum Kang, Thamserku and several other peaks from Khari La Pass.
   • Walk through shaded forest of varied types of rhododendron trees
   • You can see varied range of wild flowers and plants such as bamboo.

    

5. Day 05: Trek from Pangkongma to Nashi Dingma (2,600m/8530 ft)- 8 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 (3,173 m/10,410 ft) where you can see clear view of Mera peak. From there we walk down steeply to Swiss 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.

   Highlights:

   • Views of Mera peak, Barunche and several other peaks
   • Walk through rhododendron forests
   • You can see yak herder and if you are lucky you might spot with blue sheep, mountain goat, pheasant along the trail
   • Traverse bridge and pass mani walls
6. Day 06: Trek from Nashi Dingma 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. After 15 minutes of flat trail we stop for the lunch. Then we continue to ascend for 3 hours that takes you to Chalen Kharka where we set our camp amid fir trees and rhododendron bushes. 

   Highlights:

   • Pass deep black lake on the way
   • Walk through pasture land where you can see yak, mountain goat grazing in the field
   • Walk through rhododendron forests
   • You are likely to see Tibetan snow cock and Pheasant

    

7. Day 07: Rest day at Chalem Kharka (3,600m/11,811 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/13,779 ft) in order to make the next day easier for you.

   Trip Highlights:

   • Views of Kusum Kangaru, Mera, Baruntse and several other neighboring peaks from Chunbu Kharka La pass

    

8. Day 08: Trek from Chalem Kharka to Chunbu/Khola Kharka (4,200m/13,779 ft) - 7 hours walking.

   Today we ascend 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 Kanchenjunga range.

   Highlights:

   • If you are lucky you might come across with blue sheep
   • Views of Numbur, Kusum Kanguru and the Kanchenjunga range.

    

9. Day 09: Trek from Chunbu /Khola Kharka to Kothe (3,691m/12,109 ft) 7-8 hours walk approx

   After breakfast we will take ascend for 20 minutes and then trek through leveled path. We take descend trail through rhododendron, juniper and bamboo forests.  After that, we cross the small river and stop at the spot for the lunch. After having lunch, we take gradual ascent for two hours that lead you to Kothe. Kothe consists of few huts and it is the summer yak grazing land.

   Highlights:

   • Walk through pleasant and peaceful day walking through shaded pristine forest of tall pine, moss, lichen and rhododendron
   • You can see the view of Mera peak, Kusum Kangguru from Kothe

    

10. Day 10: Trek from Kothe to Thangnak (4,200m/13,779 ft) 5-6 hours walk approx.

    After breakfast we will have short-trek along 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. We stop here for lunch. 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.

    Highlights:

    • Walk along Hinku Khola
    • You might encounter with blue sheep
    • Visit ancient Lungsumgba Gompa
    • Views of Mera peak

     

11. Day 11: Acclimatization day, hike to shoulder of Kusum Kanguru (5,000m/16,404 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. After lunch guide leader will provide basic climbing training.

     In the afternoon you can start organizing and preparing trekking gear for the climb ahead. In the meantime, you can relax and enjoy the view around. 

    Highlights:

    • Views of Mera Peak, Charpate Himal, Kusum Kangguru

     

12. Day 12: Trek from Thangnak 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 gradually all the way through pastureland to Khare. From Khare you can see beautiful north face of Mera Peak.  We stay overnight in Khare.

    Highlights:

    • Follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier
    • Walk through meadow
    • Beautiful view of Charpate Himal from Dig Kharka
    • Splendid backdrops of North face of Mera peak from Khare
13. 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.

    Highlights:

    • Explore around Khare area or trek above Khare

     

14. Day 14: Trek from Khare to Mera la (5,415m/17,765 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.

    Highlights:

    • Views of Baruntse, Amadablam, Chamlang, Cho La range and several other peaks.
15. Day 15: Trek from Mera La to Mera Peak high camp (5,800m/19,028 ft); 3 hours

    We continue to ascend up the ice 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.

    Highlights:

    • Incredible view of majestic Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and Everest peak along with sunrise and sunset vistas.

     

16. Day 16: Summit Day (6,461m/21197 ft) then descend to Khare (10-12 hours approx.)

    Today we rise early morning for arduous climb to the peak. After early breakfast, 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),Kanchenjunga(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.

    Highlights:

    • Magnificent view 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

     

17. Day 17: Khare to Kothe (3,600m/11,808ft) ;6 hrs

     After the expedition to Mt. Mera we move down to Hinku valley to Kothe . We overnight at Kothe.

    Highlights:

    • You can see the view of Mera peak, Kusum Kangguru from Kothe

     

18. Day 18: Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300m/14,107 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. 

    Highlights:

    • Walk through shaded red Rhododendron forest
    • Magnificent view of extensive range of Mera peaks, Mera North, Mera Central, Mera South.
19. Day 19: Return to Lukla by crossing the Zatra la (4,600 m/15,091 ft)

    After climbing up for two hours from Thuli Kharka we reach Zatra 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 Zatra La we continue all the way down to Chutanga and then straight forward easy walk takes us to Lukla village where we stay overnight. 

    Highlights:

    • Eye-catching views of Lukla valley
    • Beautiful views of Cho yu, Kongde peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Kangguru and several beautiful landscapes

     

20. 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.

    Highlights:

    • Scenic flight to Kathmandu
21. 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.

Fast Facts