Mera Peak Adventure

 

Mera Peak Adventure – 19 Days

A must for serious trekkers, Mera Peak is the highest trek in Nepal at over 6,000m. Exciting and scenically stunning, the slopes are not technically difficult but demanding to trek up due to the altitude. During this unforgettable expedition, you’ll enjoy:

  • Walking through the virgin forest of the Hinku Valley
  • Perfect views of the world’s 8,000m-plus mountains as they rise above the clouds – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and Cho-Oyu.
  • The lovely valley views in the famous Kumbu Region
  • Stunning Pine and Rhododendron forests
  • Wild mountain animals
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Due to the current glacial changes on the highest peak, Mera North (6,476m), our Mera Peak Adventure operates from the Mera Central Peak (6,064m). Should more experienced trekkers and climbers wish to attempt Mera North, we can organise a special expedition on request.

This 19-day adventure is designed for trekkers with a real sense of adventure and peak physical fitness. Adventure-junkies or those with less time may prefer our 14-day Everest Base Camp Adventure. For something slightly less challenging, our 16-day Annapurna Sanctuary Adventure may suit you.

 

Mera Peak Climb – 19 Days

DAY 01: Kathmandu Arrival [1300m/4264ft]

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (visa, etc), collect your luggage and look for our representative holding a Himalayan Adventures display board with your name(s) at the arrival gate.

You will be then transferred to the Hotel Shanker or another hotel of a similar standard. After checking in and a brief rest, you might visit our office, meet other members of the group and the climb leader, and do some preparation for the trip. Later in the evening there will be a welcome dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we will enjoy a Nepalese cultural programme along with a fine meal. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included: dinner (D)

 

DAY 02: Sightseeing and Preparation Day

After breakfast, you can enjoy a free day on your own or participate in a sightseeing programme organised by Himalayan Adventures. The sightseeing programme aims to introduce you to some highlights and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu, such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath.

After some hours’ sightseeing, we go to the office and get our equipment checked by the climb leader, prepare things as needed and introduce ourselves to any group members we haven’t met.  After a briefing about the trip by Himalayan Adventures, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B)

 

DAY 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Paiya (Chutok) (2,730m/8,954ft): 3–4 hrs

After breakfast, we are transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early-morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination where our trek starts. After an exciting 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 mountain peaks. Here we meet the other crew members. We have time to stroll around while the guide divides up the baggage between the porters.

We start our trek down from Lukla – it makes sense to fly up to Lukla for Acclimatisation and walk down. We descend through the jungle to Surke and shortly afterwards we have lunch at Pakhapani, or nearby. The trail continues through many traditional villages, through jungles, and over hills, eventually bringing us close to Paiya for the first night’s camp. We will see a number of peaks from here, such as Knogde Ri, Khatang, Tang Ragi Tu and other peaks above 7,000m/22,960ft. Overnight at Paiya.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 04: Paiya – Pangkoma (2,850m/9,348ft): 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, we walk down to the nearby wooden bridge and then proceed carefully along the slippery trail to cross Kari La Hill (pass). We have our lunch in the village and start walking up through the rhododendron and bamboo forest along the narrow mountain trail. We need to keep our cameras at the ready to catch the outstanding views of the Dudh Koshi river valley and Dudh Kund Himal before reaching the farming and trading village of Pangkoma for a night`s rest. Overnight at Pangkoma.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 05: Pangkoma – Nigmsa (Shibuche) (2,745m/9,004ft): 4–5 hrs

We descend the rock-strewn path leading to the rhododendron forest, coming across a lot of Mani walls along the trail. After passing hills, ridges and teahouses, we start downwards and have lunch shortly afterwards in a nearby village. Mesmerising views of the south face of Mera Peak (6,064m/1,9890ft) and Naulekh Peak lie ahead of us. The trail zigzags through forested areas and then descends steeply. We are delighted and charmed by the forests of pine and rhododendron on the way to Nigmsa (Shibuche) where we camp for the night. Overnight at Nigmsa (Shibuche).
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 06: Nigmsa (Shibuche) – Chetrakhola (3,150m/10,332ft): 7–8 hrs

After breakfast, we start out along a typical, steep, narrow mountain trail. Clambering through rhododendron and bamboo forests is quite challenging; we pass landslides and make our way down to the side of the crystal clear stream. This is where we have our lunch today. In the rhododendron forests that lie ahead of us, we may see wild animals if we are lucky. After a short descent through bamboo forest and past an interesting cave by the side of a river, we camp for the night. Overnight at Chetrakhola.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 07: Chetrakhola – Kothe (3600m/11,808ft): 6–7 hrs

Birdsong wakes us up early in the morning. We start after breakfast and reach a fine vantage point of the Hinku valley where we revel in the splendour of nature all around us. The narrow trails lead through the bamboo and pine forest, offering views of Mera and the Hinku valley. We may catch sight of wild mountain animals, such as a sloth bear or jungle cat, among the tall pine trees. Past Tashing Dingma, we find shops and teahouses where we have lunch. We continue along the side of the Hinku valley up to Kothe, where we camp for the night. Overnight in Kothe. (B, L, D)

 

DAY 08: Kothe – Thaknak (4,350m/14,270ft): 3–4 hrs

Today is another short trek day in which we trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We have lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement on the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung, on the way to Lungsamba, we pass a 200-year-old Gompa where we can find Mera Peak scripted in rock, along with the route to follow to reach Mera. We pray for our successful ascent of Mera Peak, offering incense on the boulder of the gompa. A short walk takes us to Thaknak, which is a summer grazing area with primitive lodges and shops. Camp overnight in Thaknak.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 09: Acclimatisation Day: Hiking to Charpate Himal Glacier

Today is our rest day. It is not a good idea to laze around even though it is a rest day. Instead, we have to keep active to be ready for tomorrow’s adventure. So after breakfast, we hike for about 3 hours up to the Charpate Himal glacier. Seen very close from Thaknak, Charpate Himal is regarded as holy by the Sherpa community and is worshipped by traditional mountain Sherpas. We will get an outstanding view of Mera North from here. After an hour’s pleasant hike downwards, we will be back at the camp at Thaknak. Overnight at Thaknak.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 10: Thaknak – Khare (5,045m/16,486ft): 2–3 hrs

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 to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers and then climbs more steeply to our camping spot at Khare. The experience of camping at Khare is one we will cherish for the rest of our lives. It is wonderful to gaze at the beautiful North face of Mera Peak from our campsite. Overnight at Khare.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 11: Khare – Mera Base Camp (5,300m/17,384ft): 3–4 hrs

Today after breakfast, we cross boulder-strewn terrain to the Base Camp of Mera Peak. Parts of the route are very steep and it takes around 2–3 hours to reach Base Camp. We have a short break for lunch when we get there and then we start ice-climbing training with our climbing guide. Inexperienced climbers will have much more to learn today. After about 2–3 hours’ training, we might choose to go to Mera La. However, as our route to High Camp tomorrow takes us through Mera La, we might opt to rest at our camp at Base Camp today admiring the incredible views. Overnight at Mera Base Camp.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 12: Mera Base Camp – High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft): 4–5 hrs

We take the route through Mera La to reach Mera High Camp today. This involves walking across a rock-strewn area for about two hours, which 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, which is marked by a large cairn. We set up a High Camp and enjoy the rest of the day. The sunrise and sunset views of Mt Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the south face of Lotshe, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse are outstanding. The mountain peaks seem to be piercing the skyline. Overnight at Mera High Camp.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 13: Mera High Camp – Summit (6,461m/21,1907ft) – Khare (5,045m/16,547ft):
8–9 hrs
This is a really big day. Our crew will wake up around 1am to make preparations. We should get up around 2.30am – breakfast is very early today. After breakfast, our group will put on crampons, rope up and set out for the special journey to the summit. If the group is well Acclimatised, it will take around 4–6 hours to reach the summit of Mera Central.

From the summit there are magnificent views 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/22,235ft) and many peaks over 6,000m (19,680ft). After reaching the summit, we retrace our steps down to High Camp for a rest and some hot soup/tea. We will continue down to Khare for a night’s rest. You will find this day really long, but the inspiring memories will remain with you for the rest of your life! Overnight at Khare.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 14: Reserve Day for Contingency

There is no guarantee of favourable weather on our planned day for the summit (day 13), so day 14 is used as a contingency in case we are unable to climb to the summit of Mera as originally planned. If the weather becomes exceptionally bad, or if someone in the group has problems acclimatising well enough to make the ascent, it is wise to postpone the climb by a day. If everything goes smoothly, we will not need this spare day.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 15: Khare – Kothe (3,600m/11,808ft): 4–5 hrs

After a very successful expedition to Mt Mera, we leave behind the outstanding Himalayan background and descend to Kothe in the Hinku valley, where we camp overnight. This evening we will enjoy local wines and foods and relax at the camp. Overnight at Kothe.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 16: Kothe – Thuli Kharka (4,300m/14,100ft): 5–6 hrs

Today, we climb again for about 2 hours up through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku valley to Thuli Kharka. It’s a nice walk through the red rhododendron forest with beaten trail of Himalaya of Nepal[1] . From Thuli Kharka we are able to see the range of Mera peaks: Mera North, Mera Central, Mera South. Overnight in Thuli Kharka.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 17: Thuli Kharka – Lukla: 6–7 hrs

A 2-hour trek up from Thuli Kharka brings us to the Zatrwa La pass. After crossing the pass we are rewarded with a beautiful view of Lukla valley, with Cho yu, Kongde Peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru and so many others. From Zatrwa La we descend all the way down to Chutanga; from there it is an easy walk to Lukla, where we conclude our trek. This evening we enjoy the last dinner in the mountains with our crew. Overnight in teahouse at Lukla.
(B, L, D)

 

DAY 18: Fly back to Kathmandu

Flights to Kathmandu are usually scheduled in the morning because Lukla becomes very windy in the afternoon. We fly back after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing in your hotel.

If you wish to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit some nearby shops for typical Nepalese goods, or venture out in Thamel with our guides or on your own. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, take the time to do that today! Remember, we will be enjoying a fantastic dinner together this evening to celebrate successfully completing the Mera Peak Climb! Overnight in Kathmandu.
(B, D)

 

DAY 19: Final Departure

You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but exchange email addresses with your travelling companions and organise your photos. If you have more time, you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Himalayan Adventures drops you at the airport and says goodbye. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
(B)

Occasionally, internal flights to/from Lukla are delayed by a few hours or cancelled for a day or more because of bad weather. This is not especially common, but it could happen even in the best trekking season, as you know how climate change is affecting our planet. Thus, we always recommend that you add an extra night or two in Kathmandu after your trek if possible (just in case).

If everything runs smoothly, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife watching, shopping, as you wish in those additional days.  However, if you want to be flown out by helicopter in the case of flights being cancelled to/from Lukla, we can organise it. A helicopter costs around US$5,000 and can carry 4 people per flight

 

What we’ve included

Himalayan Adventures’ philosophy is that as many expenses as possible are included in the price, so that customers know the total cost of the adventure trip up front.

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • Accommodation in a 4-star hotel (the Hotel Shanker or a hotel of a similar standard) in Kathmandu and tented accommodation in the mountains
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals and boiled water in the mountains
  • All ground transport by private vehicles as per the itinerary
  • All necessary staff: an experienced, English-speaking climb leader (guide), cook, assistant climb leaders (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter), other helpers (1 trekker: 2 helpers), including their wages, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • All necessary paperwork; trekking permits and Mera Peak climbing permit
  • Down jacket, 4 seasons sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map
  • Group mountaineering camping and climbing equipment – very high-quality North Face or Mountain Hardware or similar tents for
  • camping and kitchen, dining, toilet tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment
  • Travel and rescue arrangements
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Exclusive medical kit bag
  • All government and local taxes

 

What isn’t included

  • Nepal visa fee (bring accurate money in US$ and two passport photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 20kg luggage, the cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
  • Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure or earlier return from the mountains (for whatever reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of earlier return from the mountains than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Personal climbing guide, if requested
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharging, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.)
  • Optional trips and sightseeing, if extended
  • Tips for guides and porters

 

The climbing group

For the Mera Peak Climb, there will be one leader, one cook, assistant leaders (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter), other helpers (1 trekker: 2 helpers). This arrangement ensures that, should anybody in the group become unwell, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Mera Peak Climb for a group of at least 2, and up to a maximum of 12 people, as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to make a group booking for more than 12 people, we can arrange this too.

 

Fitness and experience

Mera Peak is not categorised as technical peak but a bit of technical knowledge would be beneficial for a small section of it, i.e., about 50m from the top Mera is a bit technical, with ice/snow slopes at 40°. This would be the toughest part of your adventure. Previous experience of using an ice axe and crampons is preferred, although not essential as pre-ice-climbing training is given in Mera Base Camp to teach you how to use climbing gear such as ropes, ice pick, harness and crampons.

Mera Peak climbing usually requires normally 5–6 hours of walking each day, with 8–10 hours on some days – as on the day we reach the summit. We suggest that you prepare by walking or jogging about 12km a day for 3 months before your Mera Peak trip because it will involve walking for more than 6 hours a day at physically demanding high altitudes in remote areas for many days. To join the Mera Peak trip with a good chance of success, you must have: lots of willpower, the ability to tolerate harsh conditions, a very high level of fitness and good health.

It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to Himalayan Adventures at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is also important that you consult your doctor for vaccination and other medical requirements for your trip. Himalayan Adventures reserves the right to require a medical certificate prior to booking your trip.

 

Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the trip cost. We have chosen the finest deluxe accommodation for 3 nights in Kathmandu in a 4-star hotel, 1 night in a lodge in Lukla, and 14 nights in comfortable two-person camping tents. For the nights in the tent, a 4 seasons sleeping bag and foam mattress will be provided. We maintain the highest standards of comfort, though obviously factors such as the weather lie outside our control.

All hotel and camping accommodation is on a twin-sharing basis. If you are a solo traveller, you will share a room/tent with someone else of the same sex from your group, and we will provide you single supplement if there is different sex without extra charge[2] . If you would prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get a single room/tent on request by paying a single supplement of US$350.

 

Meals

Freshly cooked meals on a full-board basis will be provided by our experienced and trained cook during the trek, with high levels of nutrition, hygiene and safety. Three meals a day will be provided at the camp from the Himalayan Adventures menu (Nepalese, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cuisine). Dinner and breakfast will be provided in the camp where you spend the night. We will stop to prepare lunch each day in scenic surroundings.

 

Acclimatisation and AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a medical condition caused by going up to high altitudes too fast – and it can prove fatal. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. For example, at the high camp and at the summit, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. It is absolutely essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatisation because our bodies need a few days to adapt safely to this lower-oxygen environment.

Himalayan Adventures does it’s best to minimise the risk of AMS through an acclimatisation-focused itinerary. However, it is important to remember that some people can be more vulnerable to AMS than others, so we advise guests with known heart, lung or blood conditions to consult their doctor before travelling.

Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Read more about it in “Altitude Illness” by Dr Jim Duff.

 

Your guides:

The most significant element that makes your Mera Peak Climbing trip successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and the crew members who make your days in the mountain run smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best and most professional leaders. All of our trek leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.

Himalayan Adventures aims to sustain local communities and only employs Nepalese staff who are knowledgeable about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography and history of Nepal. Our trek leaders also receive training in potential medical problems that may arise during their trek, biodiversity and environmental issues, English language, etc:

  • Intensive wilderness first aid – Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project (KEEP)
  • Trekking guide training – Nepal Government’s Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
  • Eco trekking workshop & adventure meet – Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal (TAAN)
  • English language – KEEP
  • Conservation and biodiversity – KEEP
  • Rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering – Nepal Mountaineering Association

 

What to pack

For trekking over suspension bridges, climbing along mountain ridges and chilling out at thousands of metres high – check out our list of essential gear.

 

When to go

The most favourable seasons for the Mera Peak Climb are Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (mid-September to November). This is when visibility and weather conditions are at their best. We do have some departures during other months as well because we want to offer opportunities to people who cannot take their holidays during the best months.

See our departure dates and prices