Mera Peak Climbing 16 Days

Best Time

The two popular tourist seasons of Spring (March to May), and Autumn (September to November) are two ideal periods for Mera Peak Climbing. The pre-monsoon days of spring and the post-monsoon days of autumn are dry, with warm temperatures and clear blue skies with longer days.

The 25 species of the National Park are in full bloom with lively wildlife enriching the forest along the way. Plus, the high Pass and the summit itself are covered in thin layers of snow making the climbing journey easily accessible.

Summer (June to August) is a period of monsoon rains in the valleys, poor communication, and difficult conditions. In winter, most high shelters will be closed and snow and cold make it impossible to reach many places.

What to expect?

Mera Peak Climbing offers one of the most stunning panoramas of the entire Himalayas. Looking around, we can see five of the world’s 6 largest mountain peaks at the same time: Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu rising almost at arm’s length in front of us.

In the distance, the other two giants, Kanchenjunga and Cho Oyu also rise, not to mention the innumerable peaks of six or seven thousand meters altitude. We can also see the huge glacial streams and the multitude of turquoise or deep blue glacial lakes hidden in the valleys.

From Lukla, we catch our first glimpses of the snow-capped peaks that are still teasing in the distance. Then as we descend to Hinku Valley, we arrive in truly untouched countryside, along roaring mountain streams, on a winding forest path between huge rhododendron trees and pine forests.

This is a breathtaking region, a real Himalayan wilderness, far from civilization, from the tourist groups that are increasingly flooding the Everest region these days.

Elevation and distance

The majestic Mera Peak stands at an impressive altitude of 6461 m above sea level at a distance of around 75 km from Kathmandu. The beginning point of our trek is Lukla situated at an elevation of 2800 m at an aerial distance of 135 km from the capital. The distance can be covered in a mere 30 to 35 minutes by local flight. The highest elevation we attain after the summit in this climbing expedition is at the High Camp at 5855m. above sea level.

On our well-designed 16-day itinerary, every day we will cover 7 to 8 km by foot ensuring we will have adequate acclimatization time during the entire trek and climb period.

Maximum/Minimum walk per day

During our 16-day Mera Peak climbing expedition, we will have 11 days of hiking schedule traversing 7 to 8 km on average every day. During these trekking days, we will walk for 5 to 7 hours per day.

However, the hiking duration and distance will differ based on the planned program of each day. Such as on 3rd day of the trek, we will trek from Lukla to Chuthanga which requires only 3 hours of walking. It is the minimum and easiest walking day of the journey.

Whereas, on the 10th day, we ascend from Mera High Camp to the summit and hike down to Khare. We will cover approximately 17 km this day walking 9 to 10 hours. It is the longest and toughest walk of our entire journey.

Difficulty and Acclimatization

Mera Peak climbing is a slightly difficult but not technically demanding expedition in Nepal. You don’t need climbing skills to stand on its peak, and, it does not require complicated formalities regarding the highest mountains. The peak is reachable as the culmination of a not-very-long trek, which makes it ideal as the first mountain destination above 6,000 meters.

However, the daily stages need up to 7 hours of hiking duration and around 9 to 20 hours on the climbing day. Therefore, the highest level of fitness and good health at the constantly high altitude is a must.

We have carefully planned our travel program with a separate day for acclimatization in Khare and a steady climb on other trekking days.

Can a beginner join this trek?

This mountaineering expedition in Nepal is a good alternative trip to gain experience before heading to Everest. With a good level of physical fitness, sure-footedness, and basic climbing skills, anyone can complete this journey with ease.

Besides, we provide a professional and licensed climbing guide who will provide climbing training and preparation on using basic equipment in Khare. He will also attach fixed ropes for climbing the summit if necessary. He will help you to secure yourself and also keep a careful eye on you.

However, if you have any illness, we recommend you consult your family doctor before your trip.

Since you will be staying at unusually high altitudes for several days and will climb over 6,000 meters during the Mera Peak climb, we also advise you to bring a sleeping bag with a temperature of minus 20 degrees in the comfort area.

Preparation and training

Climbing Mera Peak requires you to be physically active and aquire training, preferably in the mountains. You also need to engage in endurance and muscle strength training at least 4 weeks before your trip. You will have to hike with a backpack for many hours when trekking in Mera. We suggest you practice hiking with a backpack for at least half an hour every day.

If you go to a gym, exercise on a treadmill to increase cardiovascular endurance and practice exercises related to major muscle groups such as legs, back, and abdomen. On the other hand, sports such as swimming, cycling, jumping rope, and climbing stairs can also help you improve
your physical fitness significantly.

Alternate routes

We can approach the Mera Peak with another route: from Lukla, we will hike to Paiya and cross numerous small Passes above 2500 m altitude. Then we will pass through the original Tibetan villages of Panggom, Ramailo Dada, and Chhatra Khola. From here, our route then joins Kothe.

Within 15 day’s journey, we will have incredible views of Kongde Ri, Khatang, and Tang Ragi Tu. Through this trail, we will be hiking in more secluded regions immersing ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes and remarkable views.

You can also combine the ascent to Island Peak at 6165 m altitude. From the Mera Peak area, you can descend east into the Hongu Valley and cross the difficult Amphu Labsta Pass. Passing there means entering Sagamartha National Park, which requires an additional permit. The Hongu Valley is undeveloped and devoid of shelters, so such a continuation requires logistical support.

Altitude Sickness

Mera Peak is a mountain that requires the least climbing skills compared to other places in the region. However, Mera has a high altitude and needs to travel for many long days. Such high altitude not only affects your strength but also your entire metabolism, leading to decreased appetite and altered sleep patterns resulting in altitude sickness.

To ensure you are in the best shape for the day you climb to the top, you need to change your diet appropriately and drink more water than usual. You should also maintain a slow pace, with reasonable physical control. Always eat enough meals, rest as much as possible, and always keep your body warm.

Transportation, Meals and Drink

Our exclusive Mera Peak CLimbing Peak package includes all your accommodation, transportation, meals, and drink services. We offer airport pick-up and drop-off as well as transfers to and from the trekking point in comfortable tourist vehicles. We have also included Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flight costs in our service.

In this trek, you will stay for three nights in a cozy 3-star hotel with bed and breakfast services. During the trek, three hearty meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) will be served at the best available teahouse or lodges along the trekking route.

The menu at the lodges is quite rich with a mix of local Sherpa dishes and Western recipes. You can order yourself burgers and fries while in Lukla. However, when you come to Mera, you will see that most lodges will serve Dal Bhat or Momos because this place is not as developed as other areas in the region.

During the camping period at High Camp, we offer a spacious tent that is shared between two group members. In addition, our climbing crew members will prepare fresh hygienic meals for you three times a day.

Communication, Gadgets charging, and Internet/wifi

Communication, gadget charging, and internet connectivity are readily available in lower regions of the trail. But as our altitude increases, the amenities reduce which means these services may not be available, particularly at base camp, and High Camp.

The mobile networks of NCELL and NTC can also be limited but we carry satellite phones for urgent communication. At higher elevations, electricity in shelters is provided by solar panels. There is no electricity in cloudy weather. Charging a phone costs 500 rupees. So we suggest you stock up on powerful power banks and batteries.

Permits

Mera Peak climbing permit and Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit for this trip are needed for our Mera Peak Climbing expedition. The climbing permit is issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association costing USD 250 each person in spring. In autumn, the price is USD 125, and in monsoon and winter, the cost is USD 70 per person.

The Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit is obtained at USD 30 for each person.

All these permit costs and processes to obtain the permits are included in our service.

Mera Peak Vs. Island Peak

Mera Peak and Island Peak both are the incredible Himalayan giants of Nepal with altitudes of more than 6000 m above sea level. The climbing expedition to both of these snowcapped peaks requires basic mountaineering skills that can be obtained when ascending the peak.

The route to both of these peaks will take you through some of the unspoiled regions of Nepal where you can literally enjoy the untouched beauty of Mother Nature.

You can combine Island Peak climbing with Mera Peak climbing and vice versa as both these high mountains are located between Makalu Barun and Sagarmatha National Parks.

However, Island Peak can be relatively more demanding than Mera Peak as the path to the Island Peak is quite treacherous including some steep narrow icy paths. Therefore, a past hiking and mountaineering experience is welcome in Island Peak climbing.