Mera Peak Climbing - 17 Days

Upon landing at Kathmandu’s airport, a representative from Mountain Treks Nepal will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You can either take a rest at your hotel or explore the cultural heritage and modern charm of the capital city. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city, such as Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.

In the evening, you can stroll around the city and taste traditional Nepalese food and local markets in Thamel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

On the second day of the Mera Peak Climbing, you will fly to Tenzing Norgay Airport from Kathmandu. A flight of 30 minutes from Kathmandu brings you to Lukla, where the majestic heights of the Himalayas wait to be conquered at 2840 meters. This flight offers to take the traveler in full view and experience the vastness of snow-covered summits, the green valleys and the fascinating farmlands suspended in terraces. 

Lukla is a small, busy town whose major purpose is to be the link to the Everest region. In the evening, you will stay at your lodge in Lukla.

Today, we will trek from Lukla to Chuttanga, which can be completed in around 5 to 6 hours. The trek begins with a smooth approach into the pine and rhododendron forests. The journey goes over a distance of approximately 8 kilometers and an elevation difference of about 200 meters. 

You will pass through small Sherpa settlements, where one can observe the traditional way of living by the locals. A transition to tougher terrain signals that one has ascended to greater altitudes on their approach to Chuttanga. Chuttanga is that gentle, serene patch, quietly enveloped by forested hills, perfect for acclimatization.

Day 4 of the Mera Peak Climbing 17 Days will bring you to Chhatra from Chattanga. This section of the trek is a challenging climb through thick alpine forests leading to the Zatrwa La Pass. It’s a very long pass, taking about 6-7 hours. You can see very scenic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Kusum Kanguru highlight of the day’s walk.

Chhatra, the last destination of the trek, generally has a cool evening, and the temperatures even go below freezing at night. The village has superb scenic views of the Hinku Valley and is a very important acclimatization station.

The journey entails a continuous 6-hour ascend into the enchanting Hinku Valley. The trail stretches through lush alpine meadows, through the rhododendron forests, along the banks of Inkhu Khola. The hike reveals initial views of Mera Peak’s south face and surrounding snow-capped high peaks. 

Kothe is a vibrant Sherpa settlement with a Tibetan Buddhism ambiance. The village sits at the bank of the river and provides several spaces for discovery of local traditions. You will stay overnight at a tea house in Kothe.

Today’s hike is fairly easy, taking about four to five hours. This is a trail that runs on the west bank of the Inkhu Khola and takes you up to the high-altitude zone. It will be offering views of both Kusum Kanguru and the south face of Mera Peak throughout the day. While passing small settlements and grazing pastures, you will also see a monastery hewn in the rock, adding a spiritual aspect to the day.

The village of Thagnak serves as an important acclimatization point, giving you clear views of the Sabai Glacier and the nearby peaks. Overnight stay at Thagnak.

The seventh day of the Mera Peak Climbing is set for acclimatization. In the meantime, you can also take a short hike to Sabal Tsho Lake or go to a nearby ridge, which ascends to around 5000m. The lake actually reflects the surrounding peaks, a perfect spot for taking some pictures and relaxing in the sun. 

Thagnak ‘s exposure is really good for viewing Kusum Kanguru and other peaks pertaining to the Hinku region. The cold temperature reminds you that you are high up, thus requiring good gear to survive. Take this time to rest and mentally prepare yourself for the more challenging days to come.

Today, you will hike to Khare, which introduces you to glacial terrains. The gradual ascent goes through an open valley with stunning views of the Sabai Glacier and Hinku Nup Glacier’s north faces. Along the way, you will also have beautiful sights of the tranquil Tama Pokhari Lake as you cross some parts of moraine and icy patches.

Khare is the base where you can acclimatize and prepare for Mera Peak. The view here dazzles everyone who comes here as the majestic peak rises above the skyline. Nights here are cold, and temperatures fall way below the freezing point. Today, you will prepare your climbing gear and relax before the final ascent at night.

It is acclimatization and practice day today, which is planned for the summit. As you prepare and acclimatize, you also enjoy the clear views of Mera Peak and nearby ranges. Here, the climbing guide will demonstrate the basic techniques of using crampons, ice axes, ropes and other climbing gear, which are crucial for Mera Peak Climbing.

Khare has very frosty and crisp weather because night temperatures drop below -10 degrees C. This extra day will not only acclimatize but build confidence into that very grueling climb. Short exploration walks around Khare can be made to experience the beauty of high altitudes.

Trek to Mera La is a very steep 4-5 hour trek that passes through glacial terrain. During the journey, the views of the towering peaks such as Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse become even more stunning. 

Mera La gives great views over the snowfields and peaks surrounding it, but it is also pretty unpredictable, with sharp winds and temperatures. Today, you will camp at Mera La and spend the evening preparing for the following day’s climb.

This journey from Mera La to High Camp takes less than 4 hours but is quite challenging. The path begins to steepen while you are going up and gives way to ice paths and rocky ridges. Though climbing requires concentration and endurance, the enchantment of stunning views of Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Baruntse will fuel your spirit.

High Camp is located on a rocky outcrop and is said to offer one of its best panoramic Himalayan views. The conditions can be harsh, with temperatures that often go as low as -15 degrees or below. You will stay at a tented camp.

The summit day of Mera Peak Climbing commences early in the morning. The headlamps are used to enlighten the way through the icy terrain. Climbing the Mera Peak summit takes around five to six hours. As a summit reward, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and other giants of the Himalayas.

After relishing the moment, one will revert to High Camp for a quick rest and then proceed to descend to Khare. This is one long day, a challenging trek, but it is highly satisfying. By evening, you’ll be back in Khare, ready for some warm food and a place to rest.

Today, we will descend to Kothe from Khare following the same track through glacial terrains and alpine meadows. Descending is much more effortless than ascending, with the drop in altitude. You will cross Hinku Valley once again, and the lower you go, the clearer the view of the surrounding peaks becomes.

It is quite warm in these regions after the difficulties of crossing mountains. It is, in fact, very calming here because of the Inkhu Khola river. You will stay overnight at a tea house enjoying a warm dinner.

Trek from Kothe to Chatra takes about six hours, going back through the forests of rhododendron and pine. The hike is moderately challenging, with ups and downs, which becomes more scenic as the heights are reached because the views of the Hinku Valley and other tall peaks come back. 

Now you are in Chhatra, where the temperature begins to cool again, especially at night. So, here is a good place to reflect on your journey so far: stay in a teahouse and prepare for the final steps of returning to Lukla.

It’s a long trek from Chhatra to Lukla and at least seven to eight hours long. You will pass through the Zatrwa La Pass one last time and take in the panoramic views of the Dudh Koshi Valley and the peaks like Kusum Kanguru. The trail gradually descends, and it becomes easier as one approaches Lukla.

Lukla is where all trekkers come for the final celebration of their treks. You will spend the evening tasting the local food and resting at a tea house.

Today, we will fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla. The flight takes about 30 minutes, allowing one to have a thrilling feeling. You will reach Kathmandu, and spend the rest of your day relaxing, shopping for souvenirs, or visiting parts of the city you have not yet experienced.

In the evening, you will enjoy a grand farewell dinner organized by Mountain Treks Nepal. Overnight stay at a hotel.

On the last day in Nepal, we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. After completing this beautiful Mera Peak expedition, you will bid farewell to the country and Mountain Treks Nepal Team.