Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak standing at an elevation of 6,476 m (21,247 ft) . It is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal and lies south of Mt. Everest. Mera Peak Climbing offers trekking through the off-the-bean paths relishing the tranquility of nature whose beauty is intensified by the backdrop of soaring Himalayas.

This trek also introduces you to the warm hospitality and rich culture of the Sherpas. The panorama of the highest mountains in the world including Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Cho Oyu seen from the Mera Peak summit is the perfect example of what Shangri-La might look like. Here in Mera Peak, each day feels like a different adventure. 

There is a common misconception that there liees 3 different summits of Mera, all of which can be climbed and the Mera Central is mostly climbed due to being the easiest one which is completely false. 

There is a single summit of Mera Peak (6,476 m) and although we could find many packages on the internet claiming several routes and different summits that can be trekked to, there are only a couple of regular Mera peak routes that is open and possible to trek. 

Mera Peak was first climbed by J.O.M Roberts and Sen Tenzing on the 20th May 1953, 9 days before the first ascent to Mt. Everest. Although explored very earing during the ’50s, this peak remained pristine lying in a serene valley but now has received the attention it deserves. Several travelers from all around the world visit Nepal to climb Mera Peak as it is beginner-friendly and perfect for first-timers.

Climbing Route

Although many trails are mentioned, below two routes are the safest and relatively more trekked ones. This peak lies in an isolated region of Hinku Valley. 

Hinku Valley is an almost uninhabited valley situated on the lap of the Himalayas. This highlander’s valley is where the trekkers will get to experience the unspoiled culture, traditions, lifestyle, and warm hospitality of the brave Sherpas.  

Our journey to conquer Mera Peak begins with a thrilling flight from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to the Lukla Airport. After reaching Lukla, we will trek towards Paiya (Chutok) crossing the Chutok La pass. We will spend the night in Paiya and the next morning we will trek through the winding paths of Rhododendron and bamboo forests towards Pangkongma Village also known as Panggom via Kari La pass and Dudhkoshi valley.

Our journey then moves towards Ningsow after we cross Panggom La Pass, Peseng Kharka Khola, and Peeng Kharka Danda. After breakfast in Ningsow, we will trek to Ramailo Danda, one of the best view-points en route from where the astounding view of the landscape, villages, Mera Peak, and Salpa can be seen. We will then follow the Pasang Lhamu Trail towards Chhatra Khola through the pine, oak, and Rhododendron forests, terraced fields, florescent meadows, rivers, waterfalls, and Sherpa villages. From Chhatra Khola, we will trek to Tashing Ongma, cross Sanu Khola, and reach Kothe.

From Kothe onwards, the trail is the same even if followed the alternative route. The adventurous alternative route starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek towards Chutanga. We will spend two nights in Chutanga for acclimatization. The next morning, we will cross the Zatrwa La pass and descend to Khartitang and stay overnight there. After having breakfast, our trek to Kothe begins in the shadow of Mera peak, through the riverbed of Hinku river and then climbing uphill to reach Kothe.

We will spend the night in 4,095m of Kothe and the next morning, we will head towards Tangnang/Thangnag/Thaknak. Thangnag is a beautiful village from where the up-close view of the Himalayas can be seen. En route to Thangnag, we will visit the 200 years-old Lungsumgba Gompa and get blessings from the monks for a successful journey. Similarly, we will leave Thangnag and trek towards Khare through the rugged trails and steep moraines of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, towards the toe of Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers enjoying the view of snowy Charpate Himal. After reaching Khare, prepare yourself to be stunned by the view of the Northern face of Mera Peak.

We will stroll around in Khare and stay overnight there. We will spend the next day in Khare too for some basic training for climbing that will be provided by our guide. This day we will prepare ourselves for climbing Mera Peak and polish our skills for using climbing gears. We will spend the night in Khare and our true adventure begins the next day towards Mera High Camp.

We will trek on the rocky paths from Khare to Mera Peak Base Camp and then head towards the Mera Peak High Camp. The distance between Mera Peak Base Camp and Mera Peak High Camp is very less so we suggest staying overnight in the high camp but if the climbers prefer spending the night in the base camp to avoid altitude sickness then that could be done too. 

The path to Mera Peak High Camp is very rugged and steep. We will walk on the rocky bands and high ridges overlooking the mesmerizing view of the snow-capped mountains. Mera High Camp offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas and we will spend the night here in a tented camp, enjoying the campfire and delicious meals prepared by the cook. This place is also fantastic for stargazing and enjoying the sunset in the Himalayas.  

The next day is the highlight of our journey. We will wake up before the sunlight, have breakfast, and start the uphill climb through the glaciers. The climb is not long-distance and we will reach the summit for sunrise. The 360 view of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, and others along with the glorious sunrise seen from the summit will make the climb worth it. 

We will spend some time in the summit capturing its beauty and relishing in its tranquility and will climb down towards Khare and spend the night there. After breakfast in Khare, we will descend to Kothey through the same route and will spend two nights there. We will hike around and explore the majestic village of Khare and then trek forward to Thuli Kharka. After spending the night in Thuli Kharka, we will trek back to Lukla via Zatrwa La Pass. We will stay in Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu the next day.

Difficulty and Fitness Level for Mera Peak Climb

Mera Peak in Nepal is a straightforward peak that is not on the technical side of Peak Climbing in Nepal but it has a hint of adventure. High altitude is what makes it a little bit challenging to climb. Although considered quite easy to climb, physical fitness and good health are a must to climb this peak. 

Previous climbing experiences are not required for climbing Mera peak which makes it very popular among beginners.

Use of crampons, harness, rope in very few places is required but it will not be a problem because we will spend a couple of nights in Khare for acclimatization purposes and our guide will also provide us climbing training before the actual Mera Peak climbing.

Physical fitness is the key to Mera Peak Climb. We recommend the climbers to engage in some physical/outdoor activities like hiking with bags/rucksack, trekking, or jogging prior to the climb. Typically, exercises that increase heart rate in the gym or by doing cardio, pilates, or aerobics are of great help.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization in Mera Peak Route

Planning acclimatization schedules and sticking to them while climbing/trekking is important. We should avoid rushing and always trek/climb gradually to prevent altitude sickness. There are three types of altitude sickness.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMN):

AMS is the mildest stage of altitude sickness which must be treated as soon as possible. Its symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, muscles aches, and others.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE):

HAPE is a very dangerous kind of mountain sickness that might be life-threatening. Here, the fluids will build up in the lungs of a person making them hard to breathe.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE):

HACE happens when fluids fill up the brain. It is the most severe and life-threatening stage of altitude sickness that must be treated right away.

If you feel the symptoms of altitude sickness, you must immediately inform your guide so that he will take necessary actions. Likewise, to prevent altitude sickness, one must consume lots of fluids to dodge dehydration, avoid alcohol intake, smoking, and taking sedatives. Our guides always carry garlic with them and we recommend trekkers too because it is scientifically proven that eating garlic in any form will help with altitude sickness.

Best time to climb Mera Peak

The best time to climb Mera Peak is during Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). Weather is the best during this time of the year and it is also very safe. Although the mountain weather is unpredictable, there are the very lowest chances of rainfall, snowfall, natural calamities, and other unfortunates during spring and fall. The climbers will get to trek and climb the Mera Peak enjoying warm weather, clear view of the mountains along with the blue sky. 

Climbing Mera Peak during Summer (Monsoon) and Winter is as good as impossible. Nepal faces summer Monsoon and Hinku valley is a rather wet region that receives lots of rainfall. Even during the peak season, the paths are kind-off slippery here so trekking here during monsoon is very dangerous. 

Winter is as dangerous as Monsoon too. This region also receives lots of snowfall which is pretty much expected because of situated at a high elevation. When this region faces heavy snowfall, it is impossible to trek because the Mera La Pass and the entrance to climb Mera Peak are blocked with a big door of snowfall.  

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is mandatory for peak climbing in Nepal. We recommend all the travelers either trekking or climbing in Nepal to get Travel Insurance that includes medical evacuation. Climbing in Nepal comes with a package of spending time at a very high altitude so sometimes unfortunates like altitude sickness, bad weather, health hazards, natural calamities, etc. may occur. 

Getting a travel insurance will be of great help if such ill-fated occurs. It also helps regarding thefts and delays. Travel Insurance will provide you a layer of security and save a heavy amount of money which can be utilized for traveling.

Peak Climbimbing Permits and Entrance Fees

Mera Peak climbing requires two permits: 

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) and Peak Climbing Permit. Only the authorized travel agencies are allowed to issue the permits. The TIMS is provided by the government and Peak Climbing Permit is provided by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) as Mera Peak falls among the 28 peaks promoted by NMA. The authorized trekking agency should also be a certified member of NMA to receive the Peak Climbing Permit. 

Himalayan Trekkers will provide you both of the permits after fulfillment of all the documentation and royalties. If the climbers want permits upon arrival or if you have a limited timeframe, you could provide us all the necessary documentations beforehand so that we can issue the permits prior to your arrival.

Accommodation and Meals

In Kathmandu and Lukla, from 5-star hotels to budget hotels, lodges, and homestays are available. But as we start the trek, teahouses will be the only available luxury for us because this trekking route is located in a very remote part of the Khumbu region. 

The teahouses are only seasonal i.e. people run teahouses only during Spring and Fall because of the extreme climate. We will start the tented camping trek from Mera Peak High Camp or Mera Peak Base Camp as per where we will be spending the night. The camps will be prepared by our camping team.

As per meals, any cuisine you could think of is available in Kathmandu. In Lukla, Nepali, Thakai, Continental, India, and Western cuisines are available. As we start the trek, the teahouses offer very delicious traditional meals prepared by the Sherpa communities. While camping, our camping team will prepare delicious and nutritious meals in the camping kitchen.

Trekkers will not have to worry about the hygiene of the food and cleanliness of the hotels/teahouses/camps. Our guide is always concerned about your health and safety and will definitely look into the places before deciding.

Drinking-Water in Mera Peak Climbing Route

Drinking water is one of the main concerns while trekking/climbing in Nepal. Bottled mineral water is available for purchase but we rather not suggest you buy it. The water is sold in plastic bottles which are not environment-friendly. 

We suggest you to bring non-plastic water bottles of your own and refill the water. Himalayan Spring water both purified and un-purified is available during the trekking. You could either bring your own purifiers like chlorine drops, UV water purifiers, or water filter hand-pumps to purify the Himalayan Spring water that flows in the rivers and taps. 

Or you buy the boiled and filtered Himalayan Spring water from the locals which we highly suggest to you as it helps for sustainable tourism and local income generation. 

While camping, our team will provide you the boiled and filtered water which they will collect by melting the ice while in the Himalayas, and do not worry, it is completely safe as they will boil and filter it using the proper methods.