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 Highlights
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
Day 2 Trip Preparation and Rest Day in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
Day 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2,413m/7,915ft) – 8 to 9 hours drive
Day 4 Drive to Khari Khola and Trek to Panggom (2,846/9,335ft) – 4 to 5 hours drive, 3 to 4 hours trek
Day 5 Trek to Ramailo Danda (3,276m/10,746ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 6 Trek to Chhatra Khola (2,800m/9,184ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 7 Trek to Kothe (3,691m/12,107ft) – 6 to 7 hours trek
Day 8 Trek to Thaknak (4,358m/14,295ft) – 3 to 4 hours trek
Day 9 Trek to Khare (5,045m/16,547ft) – 3 to 4 hours trek
Day 10 Acclimatization Day at Khare and Pre-Climb Training
Day 11 Trek to Mera High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek
Day 12 Summit Mera Peak (6,461m/21,193ft) and descend to Khare (5,045m/16,547ft) – 10 to 12 hours trek
Day 13 Contingency Day for Summit
Day 14 Trek to Kothe (3,691m/12,107ft) – 4 to 5 hours trek
Day 15 Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300m/14,107ft) – 6 to 7 hours
Day 16 Trek to Thamdanda and Drive to Khari Khola – 7 to 8 hours trek, 1 hour drive
Day 17 Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) – 10 to 11 hours drive
Day 18 Free day in Kathmandu
Day 19 Final Departure from Nepal
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
On arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Third Rock Adventures will welcome you to the International Airport. From the airport, you’ll drive to the respective hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the rest of the day exploring nearby places.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
DAY 2
Trip Preparation and Rest Day in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
Today you’ll visit our head office and meet your climbing guide for the trip briefing. Your guide will discuss the trekking route and describe the basic day-to-day activities. He’ll also share some protocols that you need to follow during Mera Peak Expedition via Phaplu. After the briefing, you’ll have time to check the gear and equipment. If you need any climbing/ trekking gear or equipment, you can hire or buy it in Thamel or Khare. Later, you can get back to your hotel and prepare for the upcoming trek.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
DAY 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2,413m/7,915ft) – 8 to 9 hours drive
Set your day with a hearty breakfast and embark on the Mera Peak Expedition journey. You’ll drive to Phaplu and behold some great countryside scenes along the way. However, the road conditions are rough, so you’ll experience a bumpy ride on some portions. But you’ll enjoy some of the excellent views of the mountains and green hills on the way. After a few hours of ride, you’ll reach Phaplu, a gateway village in the lower Solu Khumbu. It also has only domestic airports in the region.
Overnight stay in Phaplu.
DAY 4
Drive to Khari Khola and Trek to Panggom (2,846/9,335ft) – 4 to 5 hours drive, 3 to 4 hours trek
Early morning you’ll grab breakfast and take a few hours drive to Khari Khola. From here, you’ll start your trekking journey. You’ll enter the Dudh Koshi Valley. The trail comes across some traditional farms. There are truly some spectacular scenes along the path as you’ll spot tiny villages with natural beauty. Passing from the forest trail, you’ll reach the charming settlement of Panggom. Sherpa people inhabit this village and are involved in farming and trading.
Overnight stay in Panggom.
DAY 5
Trek to Ramailo Danda (3,276m/10,746ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek
After having a filling breakfast, you’ll start your hike by leaving Panggom. In the first section of the trail, you’ll cross the Panggom La Pass. After that, you’ll gradually ascend, walk on the steady path, and take a turn to the north side. Here you’ll cross Peseng Kharka Khola and reach Peeng Kharka Danda. After that, crossing Ningsow Khola, you’ll get to Ningsow village. Further, you’ll climb uphill and downhill for a while and reach Ramailo Danda. You’ll get the exceptional panorama of Mera Peak and Salpa from here.
Overnight stay in Ramailo Danda.
DAY 6
Trek to Chhatra Khola (2,800m/9,184ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek
Today you’ll head towards Chhatra Khola. After walking for a while, you’ll enter the Makalu Barun National Park. You’ll walk along the path named Pasang Lhamu trail. The trail goes through some dense portion of forests, so if you’re lucky enough, you’ll even spot some elusive Red Panda.
Overnight stay in Chhatra Khola.
DAY 7
Trek to Kothe (3,691m/12,107ft) – 6 to 7 hours trek
Leaving Chhatra Khola, you’ll start walking towards the north section on the main trail to Mera Peak. Continue your walk alongside the Majang Khola. Afterward, the path merges with another route that moves alongside the Hinku Khola. After that, you’ll head towards Tashing Onggma, where many seasonal tea shops exist. In the last section, you’ll cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola and reach Kothe.
Overnight stay in Kothe.
DAY 8
Trek to Thaknak (4,358m/14,295ft) – 3 to 4 hours trek
Today, you’ll trek along the ridgeline of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. En route, you’ll cross the summer herders’ settlement of Gondishung, which lies on the west bank of Hinku Drangka. After that, you’ll come across a 200-year-old Lungsumbga Gompa. Inside the gompa, you’ll witness the beautiful rock with Mera Peak scripted along with its route to reach there. After a short walk, you’ll finally arrive at Thaknak. It is a summer grazing area with some old lodges and shops.
Overnight stay in Thaknak.
DAY 9
Trek to Khare (5,045m/16,547ft) – 3 to 4 hours trek
Today you’ll leave behind Thaknak and trek to Khare. You’ll follow the path that goes by the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka. On the way, you’ll enjoy the magnificent sight of Charpate Himal. Gradually, you’ll climb through moraines and from here, the path begins to get steeper. After climbing for a few hours steep hill, you’ll reach Khare. You can savor the spectacular view of the north face of Mera Peak. You can hike around and explore the surroundings.
Overnight stay in Khare.
DAY 10
Acclimatization Day at Khare and Pre-Climb Training
Today is dedicated to acclimatization and basic climbing training to prepare you for Mera Peak Expedition via Phaplu. Your climbing guide will help you with some basic climbing techniques. He will also show the best ways to use climbing gears like ice axes, harnesses, ascenders, climbing boots, and crampons. This prior climbing training is helpful and will boost your confidence, especially if you’re a novice climber. You’ll also learn to use the rope up and down while climbing. After completion of training, you can explore the surrounding area and relish the amazing sight of Mera peak.
Overnight stay in Khare.
DAY 11
Trek to Mera High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek
Today you’ll trek to Mera High Camp, one step close to Mera Peak. En route, you’ll relish the outstanding views of three summits of the Mera Peak- Mera North (6,476m), Mera Central (6,461m), and Mera South (6,065m). Following the boulder-strewn path and some steep sections, you’ll first reach the Mera Peak Base Camp. After then, you’ll cross Mera La Pass, where you’ll get marvelous views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc.
Overnight stay in Mera High Camp.
DAY 12
Summit Mera Peak (6,461m/21,193ft) and descend to Khare (5,045m/16,547ft) – 10 to 12 hours trek
Today is the most important, exciting, and challenging day for the Mera Peak Expedition. You’ll wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, put on your crampons and headlight, and begin your expedition. Follow your climbing guide; even though it is a non-technical climb but the altitude and cold will make your climb challenging. When you’re 50-60 meters close to the summit, you must be careful while crossing this section, as this might be a tough stretch on the steep snowy slopes. However, with the help of fixed ropes and jumars, you’ll be able to make it to the summit.
You’ll get jaw-dropping views of the mighty Himalayas from the summit, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, etc. After spending fabulous moments and capturing great photos, you’ll retrace to the high camp. Here you’ll rest for a while and descend to Khare again. As this has been a long summit day, and of course, you are tired, so rest well.
Overnight stay in Khare.
DAY 13
Contingency Day for Summit
In the Himalayas, we can’t predict the weather condition. So, there is no guarantee that the weather conditions will be favorable on the summit day. Thus, this day is set aside as an extra day if you can’t climb the peak per our itinerary on the planned day due to bad weather conditions or other undesirable situations such as getting sick or injured. However, if the trip goes as planned, we’ll skip this extra day from the itinerary.
DAY 14
Trek to Kothe (3,691m/12,107ft) – 4 to 5 hours trek
Today you trek back to Kothe following the same earlier trail. After reaching Kothe, you can celebrate your accomplishment of climbing the Mera Peak Summit. You can try out some local delicacies with wine.
Overnight stay in Kothe.
DAY 15
Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300m/14,107ft) – 6 to 7 hours
Early morning you’ll have a hearty breakfast enjoying the surrounding mountain views. As you begin, you’ll again start noticing the tree line in some sections of the trekking path. You’ll also witness some kharkas or grazing meadows for yaks. You’ll walk downhill on the same trail you
took earlier. After passing Gondinshung, you’ll arrive at Thuli Kharka.
Overnight stay in Thuli Kharka.
DAY 16
Trek to Thamdanda and Drive to Khari Khola – 7 to 8 hours trek, 1 hour drive
After having breakfast, you’ll begin your trek to Thamdanda. Following the pristine rhododendron forest trail, you will continue walking on the downhill route until you arrive at Thamdanda. As this is your last day on the trail, relish the panoramic sight of snow-capped peaks in the distance. After taking a short break at Thamdanda, you’ll again ride back to Khari Khola.
Overnight stay in Khari Khola.
DAY 17
Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) – 10 to 11 hours drive
After the hearty breakfast, you’ll take an overland tour to Kathmandu. On the way, you can again enjoy the countryside scenery of rice fields, rivers, quaint villages, and distant mountain views. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can rest in your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
DAY 18
Free day in Kathmandu
This day is free as you’ll explore the Kathmandu Valley on your own. You can visit nearby places and learn about Nepalese culture and lifestyle. Later you can even do some souvenir shopping.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
DAY 19
Final Departure from Nepal
You’ll bid farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country with a heart full of joy and lovely memories. A representative from Third Rock Adventures will drop you at Kathmandu International Airport for your final flight back home. However, there are many options for trip extending also. You can choose our trekking and tour packages and discover Nepal more!