Region
Makalu
Grade
Modrate
Duration
16 Days
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge, Camp
Group size
2 - 15 People
Best Seasons
March-May/Sep-Nov
Maximum Altitude
6476m
Trip Type
Budget Travel, Nature Walk, Weekend Trips

Overview

Mera is the highest trekking peak in Nepal – it has an alpine PD difficulty grade. It is a physically demanding snow trek with straightforward climbing. Our Mera Peak climbing is suitable for all fit trekkers who dare to dream of standing on a Himalayan summit and for all experienced trekkers looking for an exciting expedition-style tented camping and climbing trip in Nepal.

Trip Profile

Mera peak climbing highest trekking peak in Himalayas
Expedition style tented climbing trip Mera
All person and group climbing gear Provided including the La sportiva climbing boots.
All camping gear including EXPED matrres
Full board meals prepared by expedition cook
Experienced climbing guide
Trek and climbing permit to Lukla flight.

Day 01 :

Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner.

Day 02 :

Trip preparation day

After breakfast, we will meet to check your clothing and trekking equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking boots). This evening will be spent in Kathmandu.

Day 03 :

Fly to Lukla 35 mins flight & trek to Chutanga 3-4 hrs trek Altitude: At Lukla 2,800m & Chutanga 3,450m

We drive to airport early in the morning to take our flight to Lukla. The scenic 35 minutes flight to Lukla caters the panorama of the peaks of Langtang, Rolwaling and Annapurna Himalayan Ranges. Landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla . Instantly, after making the final arrangement for the Mera Peak Climbing , we kick off. A good trail leads through pasture to the edge of a diminishing forest of rhododendron and pine which clothes the steep hillsides above Lukla. We make steady progress on a good trail, crossing ridges and streams up to ‘kharka’ used for grazing yaks where we’ll stop for overnight tented camp

Day 04 :

Trek to Tuli Kharka via Zatrwa La Pass 5-6 hrs trek Altitude : 4,250m

Today we cross Zatrwa la pass (4,600m/15,093ft). From Chutanga we continue a long day walk for around 6-7 hours crossing the Kalo Himal Ridge that separates the Khumbu from the Hinku valley. Traversing across the ridge, that lead across this ridge is the Zatrwa La Pass to the right we finally descend steeply to Tuli Kharka (big pasture) where there are several basic lodges. We make camp beside the lodges. Rest and relax at the camp after a long walk.

Day 05 :

Trek to Gothey 5-6 hrs trek Altitude: 3600m

Today, after a breakfast we continue our journey descending to Hinku valley of Gothey. This is a good place to camp and there are several teahouses around and you can visit and go and watch the local lifestyle in the remaining time and we’ll camp near by the teashops and overnight.

Day 06 :

Trek to Thagnag 5-6 hrs trek Altitude: 4,350m

The following day is another short day as you trek in the shadow of Mera Himal along the ridge of the Hinku Khola. The west bank of the Hinku Drangka northwards, we will take lunch at Gondishung, a summer herders’ settlement. Beyond Gondishung we pass a 200 year-old Gompa built beneath a massive boulder. At the Gompa we burn some juniper at the shrine, an offering that just might ensure a successful ascent of Mera Peak. Thagnag is a summer grazing area with the simplest of lodges and shops starting to develop and we overnight in Thagnag.

Day 07 :

Acclimatization day at Thagnag

An acclimatization day is essential here. It is in a superb setting surrounded by stunning peaks. There is a huge moraine in the north of Tangnag where a beautiful glacial lake, Sabal Tsho is dammed- definitely worth a visit. A cairn (5,270m/17,290ft) on the flanks of Kusum Kangguru can also be rewarding and beneficial for acclimatization. Our climbing Sherpa will provide you training course.

Day 08 :

Trek to Khare 3-4 hrs trek Altitude: 5,025m

Today we are heading up from Tagnag towards the Mera Base Camp at Khare. We follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines and to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then climbs more steeply to your camping spot at Khare after 3-4 hrs walk.

Day 09 :

Trek to Mera Base Camp 3-4 hrs trek Altitude: 5,350m

A very short trek allowing as much as acclimatization time as you make your way to Mera Base Camp. We first climb to the crest of the moraine above Khare and then up a steep slope of scree or snow to reach a boulder strewn bowl below the lower tongue of the Mera Glacier. Reaching the pass Mera La (5,415m/17,766ft) allows us to see spectacular views; we then descend 100m (328ft) towards the Hongu side and set up base camp in the moraine below the ice and we overnight in Mera Base Camp.

Day 10 :

Climb to Mera high camp 4 hrs trek Altitude:5,750m

Making your way to Mera High Camp can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. You make your way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. You set up a high camp and from here the views are outstanding. The views of Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyu piercing the skyline is breathtaking. This evening we overnight in Mera High Camp.

Day 11 :

Summit day and descend to Khare 3-4 hrs trek Altitude: 6476m

This is a big day, we wake up at 2.30 am around and after a breakfast, the group will put on crampons and rope up before setting out for the summit. From the high camp a well acclimatized party will take 3 - 4 hours to the central summit of Mera peak. If time and conditions permit we may opt to make the traverse to the slightly higher north summit. This excursion adds 2 -3 hours to the day, which is more technical in nature than the rest of the climb and the decision is to whether as we attempt this will be taken by the trip leader. From the summit can be seen the magnificent views of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Cho-Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Makalu (8,463m/27,766ft), Kangchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft), Nuptse (7,855m/25,770ft), Lubuche (6,145m/20,160ft), Chamlang (7,319m/24,013ft) are spectacular from the summit. You then retrace your steps to Khare after the climb with a rest and some hot soup at high camp on the way down. A long but inspirational day!

Day 12 :

Trek to Gothey 4-5 hrs trek Altitude: 3600m

After a great success of the expedition to Mt. Mera we descend to Hinku valley and then to Gothey along the retracing trail for our overnight stop at camp. Enjoy the evening with local wines or whatever you want to relax at the camp and overnight.

Day 13 :

Trek to Tuli Kharka 5-6 trek Altitude: 4250m

Today, we again climb up through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Tuli Kharka below the Zatwra La where we’ll stay overnight at camp.

Day 14 :

Trek to Lukla 5-6 hrs trek Altitude: 2865m

Today, we have a last day of the trek and we start to climb few hundred meters to the Zatrwa La top will be our last climb of the trip. After the top we descend up to Lukla village where we concludes the trekking part and this evening enjoy with crews at the last dinner at the mountain and overnight at teahouse.

Day 15 :

Fly to Kathmandu Altitude: 1300m

Our flights is in the morning for Kathmandu from Lukla. After breakfast at Lukla hotel, you will check in to the airport and take your flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel. You will have free time to relax, freshen up and rest. In the evening, we will meet you again, take you feedback of Everest Base Camp Trek and host a farewell dinner at one of the finest Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu. O/N at Kathmandu.

Day 16 :

Depart Kathmandu Altitude: 1300m

Breakfast Today you will depart Kathmandu.

Travel Gear

Shoes

Almost all climbers use Italian OneSport shoes today. The One Sport company has been aquired by Millet – boots still looks the same but the brand tag is different.

Get them oversized (1-2 sizes). This is not your average weekend climbing trip and you need something where your toes have space to move freely, or you’ll get frostbite by rush delivery.

HotTronics make great heating pads and wires that can be used in your boots on your summit attempt. Michael Strynoe rebuilt the battery packs to give more power at a lower weight using AA Lithium batteries.

Crampons

Camp makes the ultralight titanium crampons. They are light, but considered not durable. We took our chances with them and they never broke on us.

Bring spares and carry one spare at the summit attempt. Secure them to the boots with steel wire if they keep falling of. There are however many brands of crampons around. Choose your favorites, remember only that ice climbing crampons differ from glacier crampons.

Clothes

You will need multi-layer clothing for climbing between BC and C3. The temperature changes dramatically when the clouds obscure the sun.

One or two layers of lightweight Gore-Tex over fleece will work well, since the layers will be easy to shed or add. Carry a lightweight down jacket at all times. Use a cap to protect your head in the sun. Wear water-resistant gloves in the icefall and a good pair of down mittens higher up. Carry a spare mitten on your summit attempt.

Use a heavy down suit for the summit. We wear it already from C2 on the summit attempt in order to save weight. If you choose to do that, move early in the morning or you’ll boil.

We have used down suites from both Mountain Hardware and North Face and they all worked equally well. Check that the hood will work together with the oxygen mask, covering your face properly. If possible, bring a spare down suit for cold nights in BC. Bring plenty of lightweight socks to change.

Face mask

Use a heat-exchanging, wired face mask for protection against Khumbu- cough. Use the mask already from Gorak Shep. You’ll get used to it and be protected right from the start. You should find the mask in stores for cross-country skiing. If you don’t, check the gear link list on this web site. The Finnish manufacturer is listed there.

Harness

North Face makes a great no-nonsense harness. Remove the stuff that you don’t need. Tie about half a meter of line with a carabiner for the fixed ropes. Forget screw carabiners, you want them big and simple at Everest. Make a knot halfway up the rope and hook up a jumar with another carabiner. Secure the jumar in the front to your backpack straps or at chest level when not in use, this being the easiest way to get hold of it. Use a repelling device or just a carabiner if you know the technique.