Highlights
- Climb the highest "trekking peak" in Nepal
- View Cho Oyu (26,906 ft), Everest (29,028 ft), Makalu (27,765 ft) from the summit
- Trek through the wild and remote Hinku and Hongu Valleys
- Enjoy the pink, purple, red, and white Rhododendrons in bloom (in spring)
Overview
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 23 days |
| Max. elevation | 6,476 m / 21,246 feet |
| Start/finish | Lukla |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Mera Peak is Nepal’s highest ‘trekking peak’, classified as a mountain less than 7,000 m/ 22,970 feet that still requires some technical knowledge, but that can be attempted in Nepal with a climbing permit, rather than a costly expedition permit. While Mera Peak requires some knowledge of mountain climbing technique (such as crampon use) it is not an overly technical trek. Thus, Mera Peak would be a good first attempt at climbing a Himalayan mountain.
The trek to get to (and from) Mera Peak is a major highlight of this trip. After arriving in Lukla, instead of heading towards Namche Bazaar on the Everest Base Camp trek, veer east towards the Hinku Valley. The first few days pass through stunning Rhododendron forests (especially attractive and colorful in spring).
From the village of Tangnag, views of Mera Peak ahead can be seen. Tangnag is a good place to stop for a couple of days, to rest as well as to make some acclimatization hikes, such as up to the Base Camp of Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m/ 20,889 feet) From Tangnag, the trek towards Mera Base Camp passes through lateral moraine and meadows. At Base Camp, further acclimatize and refresh technical climbing skills to prepare for the ascent, and then proceed on to Mera La and the Mera Peak summit.
The normal return route is via a different path to Lukla, crossing the high Zatrwa La Pass (which shouldn’t be too difficult because of your acclimatization at this point) and descending gently back to the starting point over a few days.
Brief itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Kathmandu! | |
| Day 2 | Explore Kathmandu | |
| Day 3 | Fly to Lukla; Trek to Paiya | 2,860 m/ 9,383 feet |
| Day 4 | Trek to Panggom | 2,800 m/ 9,186 feet |
| Day 5 | Cross Panggom La (Pass) to Dzomshawa Bush Camp | 3,174 m/ 10,413 feet - 3,000 m/ 9,842 feet |
| Day 6 | Continue through Rhododendron forests to Bamboo Camp | 3,145 m/10,318 feet |
| Day 7 | Trek to Mosom Kharka | 3,700 m/12,139 feet |
| Day 8 | Trek to Tangnag | 4,250 m/ 13,943 feet |
| Day 9 | Rest day | |
| Day 10 | Rest day and acclimatization hike towards Kusum Kanguru | |
| Day 11 | Trek to Mera Base Camp | 4,800 m/ 15,748 feet |
| Day 12 | Acclimatization and training day | |
| Day 13 | Hike up to Mera La | 5,200 m/ 17,060 feet |
| Day 14 | Climb to High Camp | 5,800 m/ 19,028 feet |
| Day 15 | Attempt Mera Peak summit; Overnight at Base Camp | 6,476 m/ 21,246 feet - 4,800 m/ 15,748 feet |
| Day 16 | Trek to Mosom Kharka | 3,700 m/ 12,139 feet |
| Day 17 | Trek to Tashing Dingma | 4,350 m/ 14,271 feet |
| Day 18 | Trek to Thuli Kharka | 4,200 m/ 13,779 feet |
| Day 19 | Cross Zatrwa La (Pass); Onwards to Chutanga | 4,600 m/15,091 feet - 3,480 m/11,417 feet |
| Day 20 | Trek to Lukla | 2,860 m/ 9,383 feet |
| Day 21 | Contingency day (could be used at any point in the trip) | |
| Day 22 | Fly Lukla to Kathmandu | |
| Day 23 | Depart Kathmandu |
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Variations
This trip could be combined with an Island Peak summit attempt. While Mera Peak and Island Peak are quite close, they are separated by a high mountain range. Attempting Mera Peak first, this variation would then take you over the Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,780 m/ 18,963 feet) to join the Island Peak itinerary that leads back via Namche Bazar toward Lukla. This would add around ten days to the expedition. There is also the option of returning along the Island Peak trekking route without summiting Island Peak.
Other ideas for combining Mera Peak with various treks and climbs in the Everest Region can be found in the article about unique Everest Base Camp itineraries.
Best season
The peak Nepali trekking and mountaineering seasons are the best times to attempt Mera Peak: the spring season (March-May) and autumn season (September-November). The conditions are best at these times.
Getting there & away
This trip starts and ends in Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu region. Numerous flights are made daily from Kathmandu, in small fixed-wing airplanes, taking around 30 minutes. However, bad weather frequently closes the airport, so it’s wise to prepare for delays if flying to Lukla. The suggested itinerary includes a contingency day.
It’s also possible to trek to Lukla (rather than fly) from outside Kathmandu, the “pioneers’ route” that connects to the trailhead at Jiri and passes beneath Lukla. However, this isn’t necessarily recommended as an addition to a long trip such as climbing Mera Peak, unless you want a serious adventure, as it lengthens the expedition by about a week.
Accommodation & food
This is a camping trek (with the exception of Lukla). You will be sleeping in everything from forests to meadows to high snowy camps. Nutritious and energizing food will be prepared in a camp kitchen.
Permits
As a trekking peak, climbing Mera Peak requires a cheaper climbing permit (US$70-250, depending on the season), rather than the pricey expedition permit required for peaks about 7,000 m. As part of this trek also passes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a permit for here is also required. Your climbing company will organize these permits for you.