Mera Peak Climbing - 13 days

The trek to Mera Peak’s base camp begins from Kathmandu. We will land at Lukla, the gateway to Everest, by a short domestic mountain flight. Leaving the crowded trail behind, we will pass Chutunga, Kothe, and iconic Thagnak villages to reach Khare.

We’ll acclimatize and prepare to climb Mera Peak on a rest day here at Khare. We will stay one night in the high camp. We will start the climb to the summit with a majestic view of snow-covered mountains all around us. From the top of the peak, you can see the sublime scenery of the magical Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, Mount Cho Oyu, and even Mount Kanchenjunga.

Hence, the hike’s starting point is Lukla, and the ending is the Mera Peak. After completing the expedition, the trekkers will return to the same route and end in Lukla. The next day, the flight from Lukla to Kathmandu concludes the Mera Peak Climbing Trek.

Mera Peak Climb is one of the short treks in Nepal. However, trekkers have to gain significant elevation to reach the peak of Mera mountain. The trek begins from Lukla, at an altitude of 2860m, and leads to Chhutanga on Day 1, climbing an elevation of 640m. On the second day, the trekkers must climb over 1100m elevation when they reach Zatrawala Pass. However, they will descend to Thuli Karka at 4200m. On the third day, the trekkers will have to descend and reach Kothe and Thangnak the next day, climbing an elevation of 500m and reaching Thangak.

The elevation increases continuously as the trekkers reach Khare, where they will climb another 700m. The crew rests in Khare for one day and, the next day gets to the High Camp at an altitude of 5800m, which means another elevation of 900m. Finally, the highest elevation of the trek is at the top of the Mera Peak at 6470m, which means adding a further elevation of 670m. Hence, it clearly shows that trekkers have to climb elevations every day.

The Mera Peak Trek is one of the best treks in the world because it is both fun and challenging. However, if you combine the exciting trek with the best time for Mera Peak Climbing, you will minimize the challenge of the treks and increase the fun. In Nepal, there are two ideal seasons for a trek: spring and autumn. Similarly, there are two off-seasons for trekking: the Monsoon and Winter. So, let’s get into them in more detail.

Spring

One of the most popular trekking seasons in Mera Peak is spring. In this season, the winter and temperature are clear, and climbers can enjoy the majestic scenery of the mountains, skies, remote settlements, and villages. The best attraction for trekking in Spring is the majestic flowering trails of rhododendrons and magnolias. The trails are also more accessible, and the atmosphere is pleasant overall. Remember that the ideal trekking season will bring many crowds to the trails and the teahouses.

Autumn

Another ideal trekking season other than the Spring season is the Autumn season. This season starts in September and ends in November. The weather, climate, and temperature of the Autumn season are perfect. The early days of September receive significant rainfall as it falls in the post-monsoon area. One of the major attractions of the Autumn season is the stunning golden views of the mountains and skies during the season.

Monsoon

Like the ideal trekking season, there are also off-seasons and monsoon season is one of them. The monsoon season brings many problems for the trekkers, like wet and slippery roads and insect infestation on the trails, and there is also the chance of increasing natural disasters like floods, landslides, and soil erosions. So, if you don’t want to risk injury or damage to the property, then unless you are a highly experienced trekker and climber.

Winter

Winter is another off-season for trekking after the monsoon season. It begins in December and ends in February. In this season, the weather is hazy and dynamic, and the temperature is extremely cold, and at night, it reaches even lower than the freezing point. Another reason not to trek in the winter season is natural disasters like blizzards, snowstorms, and avalanches.

The Trekking Route for Mera Peak Climbing is interesting but challenging. During the Mera Peak trek, you have to climb different trekking routes and reach teahouses from teahouses. The Mera Peak trek starts from the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The trek begins from Lukla to the Chutanga. The trek takes you to different places like Thuli Kharka and Zatrawala Pass.

The trek continues the next day through barren landscapes and reaches a small but beautiful village in Kothe. Trekkers continue climbing steep ascents and reach Thangnak after 5-6 hours of trekking. The next day, the trek continues from Thangnak and reaches Khare, the first acclimatization place.

After spending the night in Khare, trekkers start climbing the route to the snowy peaks and valleys. When climbing from Khare, they reach the High Camp, where they can see fantastic mountain views and the entire valley. The next day, the trekkers climb the Mera Peak and return the same route.

Despite being in the Sagarmatha region, it is overshadowed by Nepal’s most popular trekking region, Everest Base Camp Trek. This trekking region lies in the Sagarmatha zone, Mahalangur section, and Barun sub-section of Nepal. It is one of the least crowded trekking peaks in Nepal, as not many foreign trekkers know about the destination. Trekkers can explore some major attractions during the Mera Peak trek.

Makalu Barun National Park

One of the most popular trekking attractions is Makalu Barun National Park. The park’s height ranges from 435 m to above 8000 m and covers an area of 1,500 km2. Trekkers from the park can view some of the tallest peaks, like Makalu, Chamalang, Baruntse, and Mera. In the national park, many endangered flora and fauna are kept in conservation.

Mera La Pass

Another major attraction that trekkers can explore during their Mera Peak exploration is the Mera La Pass. This pass is located at an elevation of 5,415m, and when the trekkers are on their way, they can explore it. It’s a popular, rewarding, and challenging journey from which you will see breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

Stunning scenic vistas

Mera Peak lies in the impressive Mahalangur Range and Barun sub-section, where trekkers can see majestic views of valleys, rivers, skies, and mountains. This is also the chance for them to click some stunning photos. These photos will show the scenic beauty of the majestic Sagarmatha region and will surely last in your memory for a long time.

Cultural Immersion

Cultural immersion is another major attraction of the Mera Peak Trek. During the trek, you will visit several Sherpa villages and meet the local people who follow new culture, traditions, and rituals. You can also time it to the Autumn season and participate in their unique festivals, wear distinctive clothes, and eat delicious local foods.

Lukla is where your Mera Peak climbing adventure begins. You’ll take a short 45-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla in the morning. During the flight, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Nepal’s diverse geography and the majestic Himalayas. The landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla is Infamous for its short runway and extreme geographic location. You will have a nerve-racking experience while landing here.

You’ll have a proper introduction to the remote Himalayas from this flight. One of the major attractions of the Lukla flight from Kathmandu is the panoramic views of the mountains. The Lukla flight is very challenging, mainly due to the Tenzing Norgay Airport, where the runway is small, making landings very difficult.

You will have to issue and pay for the Mera Peak Trek permit. These trekking permits are the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, the Mera Peak Climbing Permit, and the TIMS card. Trekkers who want to explore the Mera Peak region must issue all these permits. Once you have issued the license for the other treks, there is no need to issue the same license for another trek in the same area.

Mera Peak Climbing Permit

You will need a particular Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) license for the Mera Peak Climbing. The cost for this permit by NMA differs according to the season. The general cost for Mera Peak is

• From March to May, USD 250 per person
• September to November: USD 125 per person
• December to February/ June to August USD 70 per person

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

You will also require the usual permits to trek in the Everest region and the Sagarmatha National Park. The first permit is to enter the Sagarmatha National Park (SNPP). It will cost you around 34 USD per person and will be valid for the duration of the trek. Similarly, the following permit will be for the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, available at Lukla. It will cost you about 20 USD per person.

Altitude sickness is common for trekkers over the Himalayas’ 3000 meters (10000 ft) mark. During the Mera Peak Climbing, you will also do plenty of high-elevation trekking, which invites the possibility of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is the state of the body when it doesn’t cope with the environment of high altitude, climate, weather, and, most importantly, lower oxygen levels.

The Primary symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, breathlessness, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, hallucinations and unconsciousness. Make sure you let your guides know if you have any of these symptoms anytime while doing the Mera Peak Climb. Proper acclimatization is one of the best ways of preventing altitude sickness.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization is the process that helps trekkers cope with the high-altitude trek and ensures their bodies adjust to the lower oxygen levels. The proper way of acclimatization includes gradual ascent and descent; do not rush to the altitude, trek high, and sleep low. The acclimatization process might not entirely prevent altitude sickness, but it will reduce the chance of it.

Some of the other remedies for preventing altitude sickness.

• Drink plenty of water and rehydrate at regular intervals. It is best to drink a liter every hour you’ve walked here.
• Try eating a balanced diet. Avoid too much salty food and alcohol throughout the climb.
• Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don’t push yourself too much while walking. The key is to ascend slowly and gradually.
• Do warm-up hikes and stretching before starting the walk for the day.
• If necessary, take the pills for Altitude sickness by consulting your guide. If you feel too uncomfortable, descend immediately.

Internet connectivity during the Mera Peak Trek is fantastic, especially in the villages and towns. However, when you climb the altitude, internet coverage decreases. WIFI and internet coverage may be available in the teahouses and lodges. So, if internet coverage is not optimal, there are other alternatives.

You can access internet data in Nepal from the NTC or Ncell sim card. You have to pay a minimum of Rs 50 to Rs 100. You can also access the internet from mobile hotspots in hotels and lodges. Another means of Internet access is satellite Internet, which can be reliable at high altitudes; however, the speed and coverage might not be as fast as you may like.

Travel insurance is essential for trekking and peak climbing expeditions in Nepal. It is best if your insurance policy covers expenses from personal accidents to medical bills in Nepal. Remember that your travel insurance mainly covers extreme adventure activities and helicopter rescue facilities. Otherwise, if you get stuck at a high altitude, the helicopter rescue alone costs about $5000 and other medical expenses.

Since you know what expenses the travel insurance covers, you must also understand what expenses it doesn’t. The costs that your travel insurance covers are the expenses incurred by drug abuse, negligence, costly personal jewelry, and acts of terrorism. After issuing the travel insurance, you must submit it to your travel agency, and only after that will you get the facilities from the travel insurance.

• To ensure your safety during the whole duration of the Mera Peak climbing in Nepal, HST will make sure:
• Your guides are licensed, experienced, and knowledgeable about the trek and basic first aid.
• The weather, trail, and climbing conditions are ideal for your climb with minimum risk.
• Balance diet and hygienic stay arrangement for the peak climbing period.
• You have all the necessary equipment and gear for the Mera Peak expedition.
• Your team has operational emergency contact devices like satellite phones.

The typical day in the Mera Peak climbing climb depends on the itinerary schedule the trekkers choose or curate. However, a general overview of the usual day in this trek is known by the trekkers and travel agencies. Generally, every trek starts with breakfast, the initial portion, lunch, the later portion, arrival to the day’s destination, lunch, and time for bed. So let’s get into it.

Morning

6 AM; 7 AM: The general trek starts around 6 AM, where trekkers will wake up and freshen up with a quick bath or shower. The preparation for the trek begins early on as they start packing the items necessary for the trek. Some items like snacks, sunscreen, goggles, etc., can be kept in the handbag, and the rest of the other items. Now it’s time for the first meal of the day, breakfast. Do not skip breakfast for these high-altitude treks, as they are essential to gaining a burst of energy to cover more distance in the initial portion of the trek. Now that you have finished breakfast, it’s time for a final gear check before starting your trek. So now, let’s get going.

7 AM – 12 PM: From 7 AM onwards, the trek officially begins. The trekkers will start moving from the previous teahouse where they were staying to reach the destination of the current day; in the initial part of the trek, the trekkers will pass through different types of landscapes and continue ascending and descending from teahouse to teahouse. Furthermore, the initial part of the trek is all about covering more distance.

Day

12 PM to 1 PM: After four to five hours of trekking, it’s time to stop for lunch and rest. Your guide will take you to the best restaurants in the area, where you can enjoy delicious local meals in Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari. You might get Western dishes like pizzas, burgers, dumplings, spaghetti, or macaroni in some areas. This is also the time for some acclimatization, as you constantly need to rest, so this is the ideal time.

1 PM to 5 PM: The trek to Mera Peak continues in the afternoon. It takes three to four more hours, slowing down as we pass through local villages and towns. The pace will be slower in the second half of the trek as you steadily ascend and descend. As the sun goes down, the villages cast long shadows on the mountains, creating a beautiful sight. The evening begins, and it’s time to reach the new teahouse destination.

Evening

5 PM to 7 PM: It is wise to reach the new teahouse in the early evening as it is risky to trek when the light is out. When you reach the new teahouse, you can freshen up and rest in your room. The trekkers will then stroll around the new place, meet with local people, and visit the local temples, monasteries, restaurants, pubs, etc. Indulging with the people and learning about their culture will be valuable.

7 PM to 8 PM: It’s dinner time at the teahouse from 7 to 8 PM. You’ll have various options, including local Nepali or Thalkali Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, and Western dishes. Some teahouses also offer Western dishes like Pizzas, Burgers, and Dumplings. Eating healthy, carb-rich foods for energy during lunch is wise, but try not to overeat, as it can make it hard to fall asleep.

8 PM to 10 PM: You can talk briefly after dinner, but going to bed early is a wise choice. After a long day of trekking, resting and sleep is essential, and it becomes even more critical when another intense day of trekking awaits you tomorrow. Getting as much REM sleep as possible is necessary to be fresh and rejuvenated for the trek ahead.

• Nepal is a beautiful country and it will always welcome travelers from all around the world. You must be a responsible traveler while in this country. This means: –
• Respect the local culture, lifestyle, and tradition. Be polite.
• Try to reduce your weight space and litter while traveling in Nepal.
• Have your documents and permits with you and be patient with the checkpoints.
• Don’t break any rules or laws and always be aware of these from your travel companies.
• Don’t disturb the wildlife or vegetation of the places you’ll trek in.
• Don’t take anything from the religious/ heritage sites back with you.

Mera Peak Climbing is one of the best and most fun challenges, offering stunning views of mountains and valleys. It is not as commercialized, and trekkers might not think there are challenges in this trek, but they are wrong. As explained below, trekkers can face many difficulties during the Mera Peak.

Dynamic Weather

One of the significant difficulties that trekkers will face during their climb to Mera Peak is the dynamic weather. At high altitudes, the weather never remains stable and changes constantly. One time, you will be trekking on a hot sunny day to a rainy day and immediately change into the snowy areas. The constant changing of the weather also brings sickness and illness to the region.

Tough Terrains

You will pass dense forests, mountain passes, and rushing rivers during the climb. You will also need to navigate steep and rocky areas covered with snow and ice. The climbing difficulty level is considered Alpine PD, which means the slopes are not steeper than 30 degrees, and there are fixed ropes for safety. The terrain is tough to climb, and the snowy mountains become slippery.

High Altitude

Because of the high elevation, there is a risk of altitude sickness. To avoid altitude sickness, it’s essential to take enough time to get used to the high altitude, take regular breaks, and stay well hydrated. Watch out for symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. If any person is suffering from altitude sickness, then they should take medication and lower the altitude immediately.

Mera Peak Trek is one of the underrated treks in Nepal. It is also not as popular and established as other treks, so there are fewer facilities compared to the other treks. Hence, the drinking water facility in Mera Peak is not as suitable as that of the other treks.

You can buy bottled water in city areas like Kathmandu; however, in the villages, the primary source of drinking water is taps and hand pumps. These sources are not ideal for drinking water, so they must be filtered and boiled before drinking. You must pay an additional charge to your teahouse and collect them for drinking water in your leather bottle.

Like drinking water, electricity is limited in high-altitude remote areas. Although the electricity might be continuous in some teahouses, most villages still suffer load-shedding. To rectify this problem, the local authorities have solar panels, which provide some relief to the villagers and trekkers.

Every trekker trying to complete the Mera Peak Climbing must be wary about the foods they will be eating. The foods they consume must be nutritious and full of proteins and carbohydrates. During this trek, the trekkers will have Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily. So, let’s learn some of the menus they will be having.

Breakfast

Breakfast is the first significant meal option of the day. Trekkers get breakfast early in the morning before their initial portion of the trek. They must not skip breakfast, essential for getting a burst of energy and covering the first portion of the trek. The menus for breakfast are porridge, pancakes, cornflakes, eggs, teas, and coffees.

Lunch and Dinner

Lunch is the second portion of the trek. After four to five hours of trek, trekkers like to rest and have lunch in one of the restaurants that your guide leads you to. Dinners are the most miniature meals of the trek, which you will have in the treehouse where you will be staying. The menus for lunch and dinner are Nepali, Dhal, Bhat, Pizzas, Burgers, Dumplings, Thukpas, etc.

Drinks and Desserts

The main items that trekkers can get for drinks are tea, coffee, energy drinks, hot chocolates, and even alcohol. However, during the high-altitude trek, highly caffeinated products and alcohol are prohibited as they can cause dehydration. Desserts like chocolate, cake, rice pudding, Khir, etc., are typical for trekkers to enjoy during their treks in the Khumbu region.

Mera Peak Trek is a challenging trek that involves trekking at high altitudes and covering long distances and durations. Hence, training and preparation for this trek are essential if the trekkers don’t want to get tired all the time. Proper training and preparation might be slow and take some effort, but they will naturally help the trekkers in the long run. Here are some ways to train and prepare for the Mera Peak Training.

Physical Fitness

One preparation or training requirement for Mera Peak Climbing is improving your physical fitness. Fitness training, such as cardiovascular and breathing exercises, is essential to improving core strength, physical stamina, and respiration problems at high altitudes. Some ways of improving physical fitness are swimming, jogging, hiking with backpacks, etc.

Gear and Equipment

Another way to prepare for the Mera Peak Trek is by trekking conditions of gears and equipment. It would be best to pack woolen clothes since you will be trekking at a higher altitude. Trekking on the slippery glacial mountain is also tricky, so you must carry hiking boots, poles, sleeping bags, and other things. Hence, preparing gear and equipment is necessary to avoid complex problems during your trek.

Proper Acclimatization

Since Mera Peak climb is located at a high altitude of over 6000m, so there is a considerable possibility of altitude sickness. One of the ways to prevent or minimize altitude sickness is by proper acclimatization. Knowing the meaning of acclimatization in the context of trekkers and peak climbers is essential. Acclimatization is getting customers to the Himalayas’ weather, climate, and low oxygen levels. So, figuring out how to properly acclimatize will save you from altitude sickness.

Read More: Trekking In Nepal: Everything You Must Need to Know

The accommodation during the Mera Peak Climbing is a significant factor to consider. In this region, the lower region consists of hotels, lodges, and teahouses trekking, while in the higher altitude, the trekkers have to spend their time camping in tents in the vast barren lands or rocky peaks and valleys. When climbing Mera Peak, there are places to stay in villages like Lukla, Chutanga, and Khare. They have simple rooms with shared bathrooms. As climbers go higher, there are fewer places to stay, so they might need to camp overnight.

Climbing teams usually bring tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies for camping. They set up camps at specific locations along the route to provide shelter during the climb. At even higher altitudes, over 5000m, the trekkers can stay in the previously established high camp where all the facilities are crafted for the benefit of the trekkers.

Mera Peak Climbing can be crowded during the peak season. Trekking’s peak seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the environment is favorable for trekkers, as they get ideal weather, temperature, and clear views of the skies and mountains.

During these seasons, trekkers from all around the world decide to visit the Everest Base Camp Trek; when the trails and the teahouses of the EBC trek become crowded, many trekkers diversify into the alternative trek of the Sagarmatha region. At that time, they will decide to trek the Mera Peak. Compared to other seasons, during these two seasons, the crowds pouring become more significant than other seasons. The accommodation facilities will also be crowded, so book in advance and get optimal food and accommodation services.

If you want to extend your trek, we have another trip package: 15 Days Mera Peak Climbing.

1. We are experienced. Our team has managed peak climbing expeditions in Nepal like Mera peak for over a decade now.
2. Our guides are fluent in English, Nepali, and Local Sherpa dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Everest region through & through.
3. HST will provide you best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
4. Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team.
5. We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete peak climbing experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for Mera Peak Climbing as well.

Mera Peak is a challenging trek involving climbing high altitudes, trekking long distances and durations, and climbing steep ascents, peaks, and valleys. Surviving high altitudes will be challenging, so you must pack all the essential items, such as clothing, gear, and equipment. So here are some of the crucial checklists for the Mera Peak Climbing.

Gears for climbing

• Helmet
• Ice Axe with a waist leash
• Mountaineering Crampons
• Lightweight Mountaineering Harness
• Carabiners (2 Screwgate and 2 Snapgate)
• Ascender/Jumar
• Prussik /Accessory Cord
• Gaiters

Clothing

• Thermal Base Layers – Tops and Bottoms
• Heavy Base Layers
• Trekking Pants
• Hard-shell pants
• Down Pant
• T-shirts – Short and long sleeve
• Mid Layer Top
• Insulated Jacket
• Hard-shell Jacket
• Double-insulated mountaineering boots
• Hiking boots (Full and waterproof)
• lightweight shoes for general use
• Gloves
• Sunhat and glasses

Other items

• Small pack (35-40 liters)
• Waterproof duffel bag
• Water Bottles with insulation cover
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp: 200-300 lumens with spare batteries
• Power bank/Solar Charger
• Warm Sleeping Bag