Mera Peak (6,476 meters / 21,247 feet) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal permitted by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Located in the Hinku Valley of the Everest region, it offers not only a physically challenging yet technically moderate ascent but also some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan giants, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga. This expedition is perfect for trekkers with good fitness and some alpine experience who are seeking to push beyond traditional trekking and into mountaineering territory—without the full commitment of a technical climb.
The journey typically begins with a scenic flight to Lukla, followed by a gradual ascent through remote and beautiful valleys, allowing for proper acclimatization. The trail takes you through rhododendron forests, traditional Sherpa villages, high alpine pastures, and ultimately to the Mera High Camp or Mera Base Camp, depending on the route. The summit day is long and challenging, requiring the use of basic mountaineering equipment such as crampons, harness, rope, and ice axe, but rewards climbers with sweeping views of five of the world’s tallest mountains from the top.
Welcome to Nepal! Your adventure begins as you touch down in Kathmandu on this first day. We understand that you've been eagerly anticipating this journey, and our representatives are ready to ensure your smooth transition from your flight to your comfortable hotel. After a warm welcome in the hotel, you'll have time to relax for a while. Further, for the remainder of the day, you will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the nearby areas and do shopping to fulfill your checklist for the trek. After you are done with the shopping, our team member will give you a brief introduction and provide valuable information about the trek in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
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Today is a more challenging day as you cross Zatrwa La Pass (4,600 m), offering your first views of Dudh Kosi Valley and surrounding peaks. After a steep ascent and descent, you’ll reach Thuli Kharka, a scenic grazing pasture with scattered lodges.
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Descend into the beautiful Hinku Valley, following a forested trail with rhododendron and pine trees. Walk alongside the Hinku River, passing small herder settlements before reaching Kothe, a riverside village with basic teahouses.
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The trail continues up the valley alongside glacial streams and dramatic rock faces. Pass by Lungsumgba Gompa, a centuries-old monastery carved into a cliffside, before arriving at Thangnak, a small settlement used by climbers for acclimatization.
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A short but steep trek takes you higher up the valley to Khare, the base village for Mera Peak climbers. Enjoy stunning views of Mera Peak’s north face, and rest well to prepare for higher altitudes.
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This day is reserved for acclimatization to help your body adjust to the high altitude before ascending further. It’s a crucial step for preventing altitude sickness and ensuring a successful climb. The guide may take you on short hikes in the surrounding hills for active acclimatization. In addition, you’ll participate in a basic mountaineering skills session, where you’ll be introduced to the use of climbing equipment such as ropes, harnesses, crampons, and ice axes. This practical training is essential for your confidence and safety during the summit push.
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Leaving Khare behind, the trail moves onto the glacier, where you’ll begin using your climbing gear for the first time. The route ascends slowly as you cross the Mera La pass and approach the base camp. Walking on snow and ice adds a new dimension to the trek, and the surrounding peaks grow even more imposing. The landscape is now completely alpine—icy, wind-swept, and rugged. Mera Base Camp is located on a sheltered section of the glacier, offering a quiet and remote setting below the summit route.
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From base camp, you make a slow, steady climb up the glacier to High Camp, located on a rocky outcrop that provides a strategic position for summit day. The route is not overly steep, but the altitude and cold make progress more challenging. Along the way, you’ll pass crevasses and navigate snowfields, all under the supervision of your guide. Reaching High Camp is a key milestone of the expedition. From here, the sunset views of Makalu, Everest, and other Himalayan giants are unforgettable, setting the tone for the big day ahead.
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The summit push begins in the early hours of the morning, typically around 2 to 3 a.m., when the snow is firmest and weather conditions are most stable. With headlamps lighting the way, you’ll follow your guide up the glacial route, using ropes and crampons. The climb is a slow, steady ascent rather than technically difficult, but the altitude makes it physically demanding. The final section involves a short, steep slope before the summit. Upon reaching the top of Mera Peak, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the world, featuring five of the world’s highest peaks. After taking photos and soaking in the moment, you’ll carefully descend all the way back to Khare.
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The descent continues as you retrace your steps through Thangnak and down to Kothe. Now that the most demanding part of the expedition is behind you, the trail feels easier, and you’ll find it enjoyable to walk through the Hinku Valley again, this time with a sense of accomplishment and relief. The lower altitude also makes breathing easier, allowing you to relax and reflect on your journey.
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Leaving the valley floor, the trail climbs back toward Thuli Kharka. Although you’re retracing steps, the scenery remains captivating. Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine meadows and forests, catching occasional views of Mera Peak in the distance. This section is a final ascent before the return to Lukla, offering a peaceful and scenic transition from the wilderness back to civilization.
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Today you’ll cross Zatrwa La Pass once again, which marks the final major climb of the trek. After crossing the pass, a long and steady descent brings you back to the Lukla region. The return to Lukla marks the completion of your climbing circuit, and it’s a fitting place to end the trek, surrounded by fellow trekkers, locals, and the dramatic mountain environment that has been your home for the past two weeks.
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You’ll take a morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, once again enjoying scenic mountain views from the air. Upon landing in the city, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxing, buying souvenirs, or exploring some of Kathmandu’s rich cultural landmarks if time permits. This day also serves as a buffer in case of flight delays from Lukla due to weather.
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After breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. As your Mera Peak adventure comes to an end, you’ll carry home not only photographs but unforgettable memories of a personal and physical achievement high in the Himalayas.
Breakfast
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Your meals during your stay in Kathmandu will be on a bed & breakfast plan. We will host a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Any additional meals during your stay will be at your own expense.
During the trek, your meals are included as part of our package. You will have a choice of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as tea/coffee during your trekking days with us. We will source food for your group from guesthouses, prepared by trained local chefs. We take care to ensure that your food is fresh and hygienic.
During the climb, your meals is cooked by our Sherpa Cook, and support team. They prepare fresh, hygienic food, and boil the water for drinking.
For this trip, we use 4-star deluxe luxury hotels in Kathmandu to ensure your stay is comfortable. During the trek, you will be staying in mountain lodges and guest houses owned by local Sherpas, offering a nice and comfortable experience. You will have hotel with attached bathroom staying in Lukla whereas other places will have regular Sherpa Community Lodges which are clean, neat and comfortable.
During your climbing days, you will be staying in two men tented camp (At Mera Base Camp & Mera High Camp).
We have compiled a list of departure dates for Mera Peak Climbing each month. Please feel free to select a date and time that best suits your schedule. In the event that none of the listed dates align with your availability, kindly inform us of your preferred date and time, and we will gladly accommodate your request. As a personalized tour and trekking operator in Nepal, we predominantly offer private departure dates for this climb.
However, if you prefer to climb Mera Peak in a group, please let us know. We will have no trouble organizing this climb as a group departure on a date and time convenient for you.
This is a Tough+ trek. It is activity level 9 with 16 days walking and full porterage throughout. The maximum altitude is 6,189m (or 5,545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3,680m. There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and must have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.
Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb (the summit attempt is optional), anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing Sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb.
The best and suggested time to trek to Everest Base Camp are Mid-September to Mid December (Autumn) and March to late May (Spring). However, this trek is possible year around. We suggest you to trek during the best time of year but we can organize if you need to trek during the monsoon or winter. During the winter it can be done with proper winter gear.
Yes, you need a sleeping bag sleeping bags rated -10°C (14°F) to -20°C (- 4°F) as per the trekking season you plan. Also, our guide can provide you an extra blankets if needed at the teahouses. It is always good to have a liner which you can buy here in Kathmandu or you can bring from home.
Yes, you can buy gears in Kathmandu at better price than your home but quality may not be the same. There are some branded items like Rab, North Face, Black Yak, Marmot etc. There are local brands as well. You can rent sleeping bags and down jackets but the other items you need to buy.