Peak Climbing

Mera Peak Climbing

Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal at 6,461 metres.  Situated in the Khumbu (Everest) Region, from its summit you can see and wonder in awe at five 8,000 plus metre peaks. Not to mention experiencing almost daily vistas of the Himalayas on this 20 day adventure. This is an expedition for those with some mountaineering experience.  Although not very technical, the peak is at high altitude and this is something to take into account when considering whether this climb is for you. Refresher training will be given before reaching High Camp. The itinerary has been designed to allow for gradual acclimatization and a contingency day has been built in incase of bad weather on the summit day. 

As well as summiting the peak, your trek takes you through the Hong and Hinku Valleys, through yak pastures, and forests, to cross moraines and hike through the Makalu Barun National Park. You will also pass through beautiful small settlements and over several mountain passes. In a sentence - you will be presented with the best of culture, flora and fauna and mountain views. With all this beauty, summiting the highest trekking peak is the cherry on the cake!

Note: This trip can be somewhat shortened if necessary. Please contact us if you only have time for a shorter version.  What follows is the standard itinerary for Mera Peak Climbing.

Want to Know More?

If you would like to know more about this trip, or any other trip in Nepal, please do not hesitate to contact Sherpa and Swiss Adventures. Basically, the itineraries on our websites are for the most popular destinations. You can contact us and let us know your requirements: your intended length of stay, your hotels of preference, your choice of route for a trek, the places you would like to visit, or any kind of customization. We would love to hear your unique choices and travel ideas; based on which we can curate a blend of our ideas and come up with the most suitable trip itinerary for you as an individual or a group.

TOUR MAP AND ITINERARY

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

It all starts here.  But first, the formalities…

Our airport representative will be there to meet you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.  You will recognise her/him from the Sherpa and Swiss Adventures signboard they will be holding. You will then be transferred to your hotel by our private tourist vehicle.

Later that day there will be a pre-trip meeting in our office.  If your flight arrives after 4pm you will be briefed when you reach your hotel.  Please ensure to ask any questions you may still have about the trip regardless as to when or where your briefing meeting takes place. 

Please bring to the meeting: your original passport, three passport-sized photos and your travel insurance policy (hard copy please). During the meeting we request you to clear any outstanding payment and sign the legally binding trip form and a non-liability disclaimer.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Shopping: There is just enough time to explore the tourist hub of Thamel and do some last-minute shopping for trekking essentials, such as nuts and other snacks.

Day 2 : Today there are two options to consider as below

Option 1:

Morning Sightseeing to Pashupatinath and Boudhanath and Drive to Ramechhap: 4 hours drive at 2.00 AM in the morning of Day 3.

 

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 9.30am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover two of them:

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

 

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Note: The rest of this afternoon is at your leisure. We will leave from Kathmandu at 2am in the morning to reach Ramechhap for the flight to Lukla for the following reason:

 

The Government of Nepal has announced that until further notice most flights to and from Lukla will be from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport).  This will avoid heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport.  The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).  As Ramechhap is a very small town and off the usual tourist route, accommodation facilities are basic and limited.  It is likely that given this new situation, accommodation will be hard to find.  Thus, driving direct from Kathmandu in the early morning is the only feasible option.

 

Option 2:

Entire day sightseeing to Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu and fly next day from Kathmandu directly to Lukla via helicopter.

 

Today your Nepal adventure begins!  After breakfast, at around 10.00 am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu.  Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover three of them:

 

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (or Monkey Temple as its often know) has great importance to the Valley’s indigenous Newar population whose religion is a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism.  We reach the top by a long staircase from the east. In addition to devotees, visitors can see many monkeys on the climb up to the stupa (please do not feed or pet them), and have a wonderful view over Kathmandu.

 

Boudhanath Stupa:  Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.  Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place.  A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

 

There will be time for exploring the tourist hub of Thamel and doing last minute shopping before dinner. 

 

Note: With this option you will avoid the middle of the night drive to Ramecchap and will fly directly by helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla on the morning of Day 03.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Included meals: breakfast.

Day 3 : Drive to Ramechhap and Fly from Ramechhap to Lukla via fixed wing flight OR Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,800m/ 9,184ft) via helicopter. Then trek to Paiya (Chutok) (2,730m/ 8,956ft): 20 minutes flight or 45 minutes helicopter ride. 5-6 hours trek

Depending on your choice, today we fly from Ramechhap or from Kathmandu to Lukla. Estimated arrival time in Lukla is the same for either option. After your arrival in Lukla, your guide and porters will meet you and from here we trek up to Paiya (sometimes also known as Chutok) through a forest, across Handi Khola (river), passing villages on the way until we cross the Chutok La pass. And on to Paiya where you stay overnight.  This is where your climbing adventure begins!

Day 4 : Trek Paiya to Panggom

This morning’s trek begins with a downhill hike to cross a river.  The trail is quite slippery at this point so extra care is needed.  Once across the Kari La pass you enter rhododendron and bamboo forests.  Here with the cool leafy canopy the trail follows a narrow path until you reach Panggom, a village of farmers and traders. Overnight at Panggom.

Day 5 : Trek Panggom to Ningsow

Today you will cross the Panggom La pass and ascend, heading north.  Crossing the Peseng Kharka Khola you will reach Peeng Kharka Danda (hill). Cross the river of Ningsow before reaching Ningsow village where you will overnight.

Day 6 : Trek Ningsow to Chhatra Khola

Today you will see fantastic views of Mera Peak and Salpa from Ramailo Danda as the trail goes up and down until it enters Makalu Barun National Park.  The Park, established in 1992, is the eastern extension of Sagarmatha National Park.  This Park is unique as it is the world’s only protected area with sections of it situated at over 8,000 metres. From tropical forests to snow-capped peaks this Park is home to wildlife such as the hard-to-spot Red Panda. Interestingly the trail you are now on is called the Pasang Lhamu trail after the first Nepali woman to scale Everest.  Unfortunately she died on the descent but she is hailed throughout the country for her feat. Overnight in Chhatra Khola.

Day 7 : Trek Chhatra Khola to Kothe

Today the trail heads north following the waters of the Majang Khola and then the Hinku Khola. This is the main trail towards our ultimate destination – Mera Peak.  Overnight in Kothe.

Day 8 : Trek Kothe to Thaknak

Trekking along the ridge of the Hinku Khola you are in the shadow of Mera Peak and by now excitement is growing!  Today we are in the summer pastures where herders graze their yaks. On the west bank of the Hinku Drangka there is a herder’s settlement.  Moving on, the trail goes passed the 200 year old Lungsumgba Gompa.  A short distance ahead is Thaknak, a summer grazing area with simple lodges and shops. Here you will stop for the night.

Day 9 : Trek Thaknak to Khare

After leaving Thaknak the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier leads us to Dig Kharka.  From here you can see amazing views of Charpate Himala.  Climbing over more moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers, the trail becomes steeper up to Khare.  From the village of Khare we can clearly see the northern face of Mera Peak.  Arriving in time for lunch  you can start your acclimatization by hiking around the local area. Overnight in Khare.

Day 10 : Khare: Acclimatization and pre–climb training

This morning we will start the pre-climb training.  Although you will have some previous mountaineering experience, this is a challenging trekking peak due to its elevation.  The technical mountaineering skill requirement is basic however.  Our guides will provide refresher training on peak climbing techniques, and use of the gear.  The gear you will learn about includes ice axe, crampons, harness, ascender and how to use the ropes properly.  With this training, additional to your previous experience, your chances of a successful summit will be boosted!  However, the goal is not only to summit, but to enjoy the experience too!  Today is also an acclimatization day as we are now above 5,000m.  Overnight in Khare.

Day 11 : Trek Khare to Mera High Camp

Today you walk through boulders scattered on a steep trail to reach Mera Peak Base Camp.  Crossing the Mera La pass you reach the Mera High Camp.  If there has been snow the rocky trail can be hazardous as there are crevasses here.  We set up High Camp on top of a rock band marked by a large cairn.  An electrifying sight greets us – on view are Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse. Our team will set up camp here. Even if your excitement is reaching its own peak, it is good to go to sleep really early in anticipation of the early start.

Day 12 : Mera High Camp to Summit (6,461m/ 21,1907ft) and back to Khare (5,045m/ 16,547ft) or Mera High Camp (5,780m/ 18,958ft)

Our guides will wake you up around 2am for breakfast.  It is important to try to eat something even that early as it will provide fuel for the climb.  We walk up the glacier and onto a ridge.  By now the first rays of the rising sun are hitting the peaks. What a glorious sight!  At the base of the final steep summit cone we may need to use a fixed rope.  This depends on the climb leader, whose word is law up here in the mountains.  From the summit the view of the surrounding Himalayas are astounding: Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), and Baruntse (7 ,129m) are just some of the mountains on view!  We spend time at the summit to allow you to take in the beauty and capture it on camera.  Then we descend back down to Khare (or Mera High Camp) to a welcome and piping hot lunch!  The afternoon is yours to relax, sleep or go through your photographs. 

 

Overnight at Khare (lodge) or Mera High Camp (tented camp). We will overnight at Mera High Camp if you are unable to reach the summit today and re-attempt tomorrow.

Day 13 : Contingency Day

There is no guarantee that we will have favorable weather for the summit. Therefore, this day is set aside as a contingency in case we are unable to summit Mera Peak on the planned day due to bad weather or other reasons.

 

Should you have summitted on planned day, Day 12, today you will head to Kothe and continue the trek. This would mean there will be two nights spent in Lukla before flying out.

Day 14 : Trek Khare to Kothe

Retracing your steps from Khare to Kothe you reach Kothe by lunch where you can celebrate your success!

Day 15 : Trek Kothe to Thuli Kharka

Refreshed and elated you begin your trek after a good breakfast by climbing and descending, and crossing the Inkhu Khola several times until Taktho.  We pass a few chortens on the way as the trail again ascends and descends, steeply at times. Overnight at Thuli Kharka.

Day 16 : Trek Thuli Kharka to Lukla via Zatrwa La pass

Today is your last day walking in the Himalayas.  Cross another pass, the Zatrwa La at 4,600m. This all seems quite a natural day’s walk now.  Gazing at mountains such as Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, Numbur Himal, and Kusum Khangru makes us both peaceful and sad. Sad to be leaving such a beautiful landscape.  Now, the Lukla Valley is ahead of us and we continue the hike to Lukla village.  Tonight have dinner with the climbing crew.  Cheers to a successful expedition!

Day 17 : Fly to Kathmandu, free day or sightseeing to cultural sites (optional)

After breakfast fly out of Lukla. Take in your final views of the mountains from your plane window.  You can either fly to Ramechhap and drive (3-4 hours) to Kathmandu or take a helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu.  Please ask us about the helicopter option.

Day 18 : Free day in Kathmandu or sightseeing to cultural heritage sites (optional)

To be prudent, we keep one extra day at the end of the trek just in case there is a flight cancellations out of Lukla (due to bad weather).  You can use this day to explore on your own or ask us about arranging sightseeing to other cultural heritage sites. Please let us know and we can arrange this for you. Tonight a farewell dinner will give you the chance to relive your adventure! But first, perhaps you want to do a little souvenir shopping?

Day 19 : Final Departure

Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT'S Not INCLUDED

Accommodation

You will be staying in your choice of hotel in Kathmandu. All accommodation is on a twin-share basis. Single supplement charge will be added for single rooms and will cost an additional USD 400 or more (depending on your hotel selection in Kathmandu). Also, please be clear that you will be trekking in remote village areas; services in the teahouses will be basic. We will try our best to arrange rooms with attached bathrooms; however, teahouses in some places do not have attached bathrooms. Paying single room supplement will get you a single room in Kathmandu but it might not be feasible on the trekking route. 

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well as more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from the lodge where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the trail, on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during the trekking period (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There are many restaurant options in Kathmandu that you can explore on your own. There will be a welcome and a farewell dinner for our guests.