The stunning Mera Peak is the most popular and highest trekking peak of Nepal situated on the edge of famous Khumbu Region, rising south of Mt. Everest.
Mera peak stands at an elevation of 6,461 m (21,190 ft) one of the hidden and most attractive peak in Nepal among its massive moraines, glacial lakes and eye-catching mountain sceneries. Climbing on the summit of Mera Peak allows you to have the most mesmerizing views of massif 8000m Himalayan range including the crowning Mt. Everest (highest mountain in the world), Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga (third highest mountain in the world) , Mt. Lhotse and the sixth highest Mt. Cho-Oyu.
In May 20, 1953 when the summit of Mera Central was first climbed by Col. Jimmy Roberts and late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, since then, Mera peak has attracted many climbers from all around the globe. The advance trek for Mera peak starts with super scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, then continue trek through the exceedingly gorgeous Hinku valley to reach the Mera Peak area.
This peak climbing doesn’t demand mountaineering skills and previous mountaineering experiences but one should have excellent physical fitness and astrong determination to accomplish. Climbing from standard route (Lukla-Thagnag-Base camp and above) is not a difficult. Somehow, there are several routes and some of them are very strenuous, resulting often return backs before reaching to the summit of Mera Peak, but this is one adventure and a perfect choice for climbers preparation and practice for further mountaineering expeditions to some higher Himalayan climbing expedition.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02-03: In Kathmandu tours and preparation for the expeditions.
Day 04: Fly to Lukla 2,800m 30 mins flight trek to Chutanga 3,430m 04 hrs.
Day 05: Rest day at Chutanga for acclmatisation.
Day 06: Trek to Tuli Kharka 4,300m. 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Mousum Kharka 3,430m 04 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Tagnag 4,360m 05 hrs.
Day 09: Rest day for acclimatisation.
Day 10: Trek to Khare 5,000m 05 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Mera Base Camp 5, 300m/17,384 ft 04 hrs
Day 12: Trek and climb to High camp 5,780 m / 18,958 ft 04 hrs
Day 13: Climb to Mera Summit 6,461 m / 21,1907 ft 08 hrs
Day 14: Reserve day in case of unfavorable weather condition.
Day 15: Trek to Khothey 3,600 06 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Thuli Kharka 4,200 m 05 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Lukla 07 hrs.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu & transfer to hotel,
Day 19: Rest day in Kathmandu at leisure for individual activities.
Day 20: International departure for home ward bound.
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you are warmly greeted by our Sherpa Mountaineering Expeditions staff at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). SME representatives will assist then transfer to respective hotels.
Day 02: In Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
In Kathmandu sightseeing program includes visit of world heritage sites the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the world biggest Stupa Boudhhanath, known as little Tibet, Swoyambhunath Stupa (monkey temple) located on a hill side one of the oldest religious spot of more than 2,500 years old and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with unique architectural temple, and the virgin Kumari known as Living Goddess in Basantapur at central Kathmandu. Kathmandu is not only naturally beautiful but it also holds the beauty of incredible Newar people culture with ancient architectures.
Day 03: Preparation day for expedition.
On this day you can buy your essential equipments, gears, harness, crampons, ice axe with leash, webbing, cord, trekking poles, sleeping bag, headwear, footwear and other stuffs. Our representative will work on making your necessary permits and papers for the expeditions. There will be a special meeting in the evening regarding our pre-expeditions discussion with all our fellow expedition staffs.
Day 04: Fly 30 mins to Lukla 2,800m begin trek to Chutanga 3,430m 04 hrs.
Early morning transfer to domestic airport then board in the smaller twin otter or similar plane for the sweeping panoramic flight to Lukla, on arrival you will be received by our trekking guides. In Lukla you will have time to wander around, while the Sherpa crew sort and divide the load baggage to prepare for this outstanding adventure. First day trek is an easy walk which leads eastwards, the path from here is less frequented than the other main trails from Lukla, walk follows through a number of hamlets and wood yards until we reach a thick forest of silver fir, birch, pines and rhododendron trees and bushes on the hill side below Nau Lekh also known as Kalo Himal Ridge, on this portion follow the Sherpa or the group as there are many path leading away from the main trail. There are many small streams with numerous places for camp, whole of this area referred to as Chutanga which is a summer pasture. Campsite in the wilderness is pitched on the meadows with time for a short walk around.
Day 05: Rest day at Chutanga.
Necessary rest day for acclimatization, before heading to higher region and crossing of Zatrwa-la at 4,600m, a short hike can be done to stretch your leg and muscle walking up to a small peak at around 4,000m below the Zatrwa Teng Pass, which offers excellent views over the valley of Dudh Koshi, and also views of our route towards the Zatrwa-la.
Day 06: Trek to Thuli Kharka 4,300m 06 hrs.
After a good rest day at Chutanga, adventure continues with a steep climb to cross the Kalo Himal Ridge in the Nau Lekh range which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. A steep uphill climb from the camp brings to a cairned notch in the ridge with a collection of Buddhist prayer flags at 4,450m. This small pass is called the Zatrwa-La, from here the path traverses across a boulder slope, round a corner and climbs once again to the Zatrwa-La at 4,600 meters. In bad weather to find the path of our route can be quite misleading care should be taken, in fine weather, the view across the Dudh Koshi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive, and the scenery across the rolling foothills of the Hinku Valley. From here less than hour descends will bring to a large boulder which will be the campsite for the overnight at Thuli Kharka.
Day 07: Trek to Mousum Kharka 3,430m 04 hrs.
After camp at Thuli Kharka, a short trek on the downhill slope, the path descends with superb scenery of Peak 43 and Kusum Kanguru and then coming to a fine vantage point of the Hinku Valley, with grand views of the South Face of Mera Peak entering the forest once again, the trail drops steeply into the Hinku Valley.
A pleasant walk leads through the forest full of tall Himalayan pine and rhododendron trees, camp on the clearing known as Mosum Kharka by the Hinku Drangka River.
Day 08: Trek to Tagnag 4,360m 05 hrs.
From Mousum Kharka, route follows the west bank of the Hinku Drangka northwards, eventually leaving the forest, the valley widens and opens, coming to a pasture and small kharkas (a shade of the Shepard’s) then the path leads to a small bridge to reach at Gondishung at 4,350m, a summer settlement of Tagnag with its huts and stone walled enclosures. Gondishung itself has a fascinating 200 year old Gompa (monastery) beneath a great rock overhang. Trek continues for another hour passing beyond Lungsamba as the valley narrows between the flanks of Kusum Kangguru 6,369m to the west and the truncated far western peak of Mera 6,255m then finishing our today’s walk here at Tagnag, a settlement made by the yak herders. Nowadays there are several tea houses here to cater the needs of the local staffs and porters who accompany Mera expeditions and beyond. Here we will have three nights camping on this beautiful surrounding.
Day 09: Rest day for acclimatization.
A rest day for acclimatization and local hike in this wonderful setting, surrounded by stunning peaks, specially Peak 43 which rises to 6,769m altitude.
Just north from the camp there is a huge moraine behind which is dammed a beautiful glacial lake known as the Sabai Tsho, into which plummets the hanging Sabai Glacier well worth exploring with time spent will help you to acclimatize well.
Day 10: Trek to Khare 5,000m 05 hrs.
After a great time at Tagnag, today’s destination is a short day walk of 3-4 hours but take it slowly acclimatizing and enjoying the surrounding scenery. Route follows a relatively good trail leading up across the moraine which dams the Charpatti Tal, and then reaching a high point lined with cairns overlooking the glacial lake after more than half hour climb. From here the path descends slightly before touring the ridge and crossing a sandy bowl to the steep stream that descends from Dig Kharka, proceed on the right bank until after 45 minutes then reach the large pasture of Dig Kharka, here cross the stream with the help of stepping stones towards the walls of an old shelter, after Dig Kharka, walk leads to a steep climb for few minutes, passing a large bivouac stone and then contouring around the hillside reaching the stream once again. Re-cross the stream at an obvious spots on large boulders, following a trail for more than an hour across the boulder strewn hillside, reaching Khare for the overnight.
Day 11: Trek to Mera Base Camp 5, 300m (17,384ft) 04 hrs
Today we follow the trail that first ascends up to Mera Glacier, and walk straight on ice around half an hour. We then make a gentle descends to reach Base Camp. Your guide will give you every detail regarding the climbing on this day. Overnight at Mera Base Camp
Day 12: Trek and climb to High camp 5,780m (18,958ft) 04 hrs
Leaving base camp we head for high camp, cross Mera La to reach the Mera High Camp today. Upon reaching High camp we set up a high camp for overnight spend. We can have the marvelous view of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and south face of Lotshe, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse from high camp.
Day 13: Climb to Mera Summit 6,461m (21,1907ft) 08 hrs
We start our climb early in the morning after packing all our climbing stuffs. The guides will fix a rope wherever necessary. You can enjoy with success and brave to get a summit and dramatic mountain views. After spending some time in summit we descend along the same route, down to base camp.
Day 14: Reserve day in case of unfavorable weather condition
The weather condition of around high Himalaya is unpredictable; have to wait with rest at the base camp till weather improves, so a reserve or extra day is necessary in this wilderness.
Day 15: Trek to Khothey 3,600m 6 hrs.
On leaving base camp move to Kothey for overnight stop morning walk on downhill path leaving massive high mountains behind, Walk further more for few hours through Tangnag village to reach the small settlement of Khothey for overnight halt.
Day 16: Trek to Thuli Kharka 4,200 m 06 hrs.
Morning walk back to forests of blue Himalayan pines and rhododendrons passing the pleasant meadow, then with gentle ascends on hillsides with panoramic view of Mera Peak and other high Himalaya Mountains then reaching a small settlement of Thuli Kharka for overnight.
Day 17: Trek to Lukla 07 hrs.
Leaving early for the last day trek of this great adventure on the downhill trail enjoying lush green and magnificent mountain scenery around, then with a last climb and a long descend back Lukla for last overnight stop in the mountain region of Khumbu.
Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason, depending upon the flight time make way to the terminal for security check, this scenic flight from Lukla takes about 30 minutes to Kathmandu, a panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen during the flight. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, our staff will receive and transfer you back to Hotel.
Day 19: Free day at leisure.
A free day in Kathmandu, please inform our staff if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley.
Day 20: Transfer to airport for international departure.
Today as per your international flight time, our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.
Cost include:
1. Transport from Air port to Hotel ( pick up and Departure)
2. Kathmandu Hotel 3 Nights BB plan
3. All land transport (Bus, Car, and Van) etc.
4. Domestic flight Tickets as per the itinerary
5. All entrance fee at list Itinerary (National park fee & TIMS)
6. Food on trek( all the meals include in Camping trek with Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Tea, Coffee) for Staff and Members
7. Flight Tickets for staff.
8. Food for Trekking And High altitude food, and Fuel,
9. Climbing Guide daily wage, food, insurance, and transportation
10. Sherpa’s equipment’s allowance and daily wage transpiration.
11. All the equipment for Trekking and peak Climbing (Tent Table, dinning tent, Rope and Kitchen crew and food).
12. Cook daily wages, equipments & allowance
13. Kitchen boy daily wages and allowance
14. Insurance for Nepali staff and climbing Sherpa including medical insurance.
15. Medical Kits for all staff.
16. Sight seen around Kathmandu valley 3 places with guide and transportation by private car/ van bus etc.
17. Gamo bag
18. Potters carry Luggage
19. Heli insurance
Cost exclude:
1. Nepal visa
2. International flight Ticket
3. Lunch and dinner food in Kathmandu
4. Insurance of any kind and vaccination,
5. Personal equipments and extra Baggies charge in the flight
6. Emergency evacuation (Hire Horse, rescues, flight and extra porter if you take)
7. Tips and other expenditure of a personal nature such as laundry alcohol