Mera Peak Climb

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. After completing visa procedures and collecting your luggage, head to the exit of the arrival hall. Our representative from Highland Expeditions will be waiting just outside, holding a placard for easy identification, and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is a flexible arrival day with no scheduled activities, allowing you to arrive at your convenience.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel
Max Elevation: 1,350m/4,455ft
Overnight Elevation: 1,350m/4,455ft

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will have time to settle in and get over any jet lag. The first day's schedule, including the briefing and equipment check, will be flexible to accommodate your flight time. If you arrive late at night, the equipment check will be held in the afternoon to allow you to rest.

In the evening, your trek and climb leader will provide a detailed briefing about the upcoming itinerary. This is a crucial time to address any questions you have about the climb. It is also an excellent opportunity to rent or purchase any necessary gear that you may be missing.

Some of the essential climbing equipment you'll need for Mera Peak includes:

• Climbing Boots: Insulated and crampon-compatible.
• Crampons: A traction device for snow and ice.
• Ice Axe: Used for balance, self-arrest, and a variety of other purposes.
• Harness: A secure attachment point for ropes.
• Ascender (Jumar) and Descender: Devices used for safely ascending and descending fixed ropes.
• Helmet: For protection against falling ice or rock.
• Carabiners: Metal loops for attaching gear.

Other important items include warm clothing, a sleeping bag rated for very cold temperatures, a headlamp, and a first-aid kit. You will be staying in a hotel at an elevation of 1,350m/4,430ft, and breakfast is included.

Today we begin our trek with a flight to Lukla, which is the gateway to the Khumbu region.¹ During the peak season, we will first drive for 5 hours to Ramechhap Airport, as most flights to Lukla now depart from there to reduce traffic at Kathmandu's airport.² This requires an early start, with a wake-up call around 1:00 a.m. The flight itself is a short but scenic 15-minute journey.³ Once we land in Lukla, we will be surrounded by the massive Himalayan peaks. Our trek for the day is a 6-7 hour walk covering 10 km (6.21 miles), following a relatively easy trail through rhododendron and pine forests to the village of Poiyan, via Surke. We will stay overnight in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 2,800m (9,184ft). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Important Note on Lukla Flights: Flights to Lukla are heavily dependent on weather conditions and operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). This means clear weather is essential for takeoff and landing. Delays or cancellations can occur even if the weather is clear in Kathmandu but not in Lukla.⁴ In the event of a cancellation, we will attempt to arrange a helicopter flight, which can sometimes operate in less favorable conditions. However, you will be responsible for the additional cost, which can be significant ($300-$500 or more). If flights are delayed for multiple days, we will work with you to make a collective decision on how to proceed. It is highly recommended to have contingency days in your itinerary to account for potential delays, especially after the trek.

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey with a drive through dense forests towards the village of Pangoma. This 6-7 hour trek covers a distance of 11km (6.84 miles) and is considered challenging, especially the trail to the Kari La Pass. You will ascend through a rhododendron and bamboo forest and take a break for lunch in a nearby village. The trail then becomes rocky, providing splendid views of the majestic Dudh Kundh Himal and the Dudh Koshi River. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach the picturesque village of Pangoma, where you will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 2,850m/9,348ft. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Following breakfast in Pangoma, we will embark on a 5-6 hour trek covering a distance of 9 km (5.6 miles). The trail leads us through bamboo and rhododendron forests as we follow the Mera Peak Expedition route.¹ We will pass several mani walls and cross the Pangoma La Pass, enjoying views of Mera Peak's south face and Maulekh Peak. After lunch, the path will drop steeply to Peseng Kharka Kola, where we will cross a river and climb to Peseng Kharka Danda. Our destination for the day is the charming village of Nagindingma, where we will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 2,850m/9,348ft. You'll have free time to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful sunset. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

After breakfast in Nagindingma, we will begin our day with a walk before descending and then climbing up rocky paths to Ramailo Danda. From here, you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding mountains, including Mera Peak. The trail then continues with a series of ups and downs as we cross the Surke La before entering Makalu Barun National Park.

We will walk through a beautiful rhododendron forest and then a bamboo forest to reach Cholem Kharka. From there, a path leads to a forest known to be home to red pandas and other wildlife. Our hike will then take us up the west side of the Hinku Valley through pine and oak trees, followed by a brief descent into another rhododendron forest. We'll cross a small stream on a wooden bridge, and the path will climb again through a bamboo and pine forest. After about an hour, we will arrive at Chetra Khola, where we will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge.

The trek today is approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) and will take about 6 hours. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and our overnight elevation will be 2,800m/9,184ft.

After breakfast at Khola Kharka, we will continue our Mera Peak adventure towards Kothe. The trail offers a scenic walk with views of Mera Peak. We'll descend to Majang Khola for lunch, then cross into oak and juniper forests, passing Trashing Dingman. We'll then head towards Thakthor and Inkhu Khola, where we'll reach the river's edge. The path will then lead us through a series of ascents and descents until we arrive at Kothe, our overnight destination.¹ Kothe is a small but scenic village that serves as a starting point for the Mera Peak climb and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The total trek will be about 12 km (7.5 miles) and will take 6-7 hours. We will be staying overnight in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 3,600m (11,808ft), with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included.

Today's journey will be an exciting one as we enter the Makalu Barun National Park. We will begin our day early by leaving our camp in Kothe and getting our entry permit checked by park officials.

The trail will then lead us along the edge of the Hinku River for a 5-6 hour trek covering approximately 8 km (4.98 miles). This path will take us to the village of Thaknag, which is located at an elevation of 4,356m/14,292ft. Upon arrival, we will be greeted with stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Thamserku, Kusum Kangru, and Kangteka. We'll spend the night in a teahouse or lodge. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today is an acclimatization day to help our bodies adjust to the higher altitude. To follow the crucial "climb high, sleep low" principle, we will take a side trip to either the Charpate Himal Glacier or a nearby hill. The goal of this activity is to ascend to a higher elevation during the day, which stimulates the body's acclimatization process, and then return to our lower elevation camp in Thaknag to rest and recover for the night.¹ This strategy helps to prevent altitude sickness and prepares us for the upcoming climb.² After our excursion, we will return to our teahouse or lodge in Thaknag for the overnight stay at an elevation of 4,356m (14,292ft). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

After an early breakfast, we will leave Thaknag and continue our trek. The trail will take us through the lateral moraine of the Dig Glacier to reach Dig Kharka, where we will be treated to a stunning view of Charpate Himal. From there, we will follow an ascending path through moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup Glacier. We will then cross the Shar Glacier and take a steep path uphill to our campsite at Khare.¹ This leg of the journey will take approximately 4 hours, covering a distance of 6 km (3.73 miles). The campsite in Khare offers an incredible view of the north face of Mera Peak, making it a perfect place to rest for the night.² We will be staying in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 5,045m/16,552ft, with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included.

Today is dedicated to a climbing course to prepare you for the ascent of Mera Peak. In the morning, you will receive hands-on training from your guides at a nearby hill. The course will cover essential skills and safety instructions, including the proper use of climbing gear such as a harness, crampons, ice axe, ascender (jumar), and helmet.¹ You will learn how to navigate on glaciers, use a safety cord, and travel as a roped team.² This training is designed to build your confidence and ensure you are prepared for the challenges of the climb.

After the training session, the rest of the day is free for you to rest, organize your gear, and mentally prepare for the next day's move to Mera Peak Base Camp. You will spend another night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 5,045m/16,552ft, with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included.

After our final preparations and training in Khare, we will begin our trek towards Mera Peak Base Camp. The trail climbs steadily over rocky terrain and glacial moraines—piles of debris deposited by a glacier—offering increasingly dramatic views of Mera Peak and the surrounding snow-covered peaks. While the distance is not long, the high altitude will make the walk more challenging, so we will maintain a slow and steady pace.

After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we'll reach the Base Camp, which is located at an elevation of 5,300m/17,385ft, just below the Mera La pass. Upon arrival, we will set up our camp and rest to prepare for the climb to High Camp. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and we will be camping overnight.

Today's journey will take us from Mera Peak Base Camp to Mera Peak High Camp. The trail is relatively short but physically demanding due to the high altitude. We will climb onto the glacier, and for safety, we'll use crampons and walk while roped together.

After about 4 to 5 hours of slow and steady hiking, we will arrive at High Camp, located at an elevation of 5,800m (19,029ft) on a rocky ridge. The camp offers an incredible vantage point with breathtaking views of several of the world's highest mountains, including Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.

Once we reach High Camp, we'll set up our tents on the snow and rest early to conserve energy for the summit attempt tomorrow. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and we will be camping overnight.

Today is the culmination of our efforts, as we make our summit push to the top of Mera Peak. We will begin our climb early in the morning, typically around 2 a.m., to take advantage of the more stable weather and firm snow conditions. The ascent is gradual but steady, and as we gain altitude, the air will become thinner and colder. We will begin by climbing up the glacier towards a snow-covered ridge.

From there, we will follow the classic, non-technical southeast route, continuing over the south summit and along the snout of the glacier to reach the summit ridge. Once we reach the top of Mera Peak at 6,476m (21,247ft), we'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of some of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse.

After taking time to enjoy the incredible scenery and capture the moment, we will begin our long descent back to Khare. This will be a long and challenging day, with 10–12 hours of walking in total, but the sense of accomplishment from reaching the summit is truly unforgettable. We'll celebrate our success back at our teahouse or lodge in Khare, where we'll rest for the night at an elevation of 5,045m/16,552ft. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.

Today marks the start of our return journey to Lukla. The trail follows the same path we took on our way up, passing through Kothe and Thulikharka. Although the route is now downhill, it's a long and tiring walk, with a total duration of around 7 hours covering a distance of 14km (8.7 miles). The scenery remains breathtaking, with views of glaciers, rocky terrain, and distant peaks. We'll retrace our steps through Thaknak and along the Hinku Valley to reach our overnight destination of Kothe, which is at an elevation of 3,600m/11,812ft. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included, and we will be staying in a teahouse or lodge.

After enjoying breakfast, we will leave our camp and begin our journey to Thuli Kharka. The trail will lead us on a steep uphill climb for a couple of hours through a lush, green forest to the western edge of Hinku Valley. The aroma of blooming red rhododendrons will fill the air as we walk along the pleasant trail.

Our campsite at Thuli Kharka will be our reward, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the three main summits of Mera Peak: Mera North, Mera Central, and Mera South. The trek today is approximately 8 km (4.98 miles) and will take about 6-7 hours. We will be staying overnight in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 4,320m/14,174ft, with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included.

Today marks the final day of our trek. We will start by climbing uphill for a couple of hours from Thulikharka to reach the Zatrwa La pass, which sits at a maximum elevation of 4,610m (15,121ft). From the pass, we will be rewarded with an exquisite view of the Lukla valley and the surrounding peaks and mountains, including Cho Oyu, Kongde, Numbur, and Kusum Khangru.

Following our time at the pass, we will descend to Chutanga and then continue on a straight path to the village of Lukla. The total trek will be about 7 hours, covering a distance of 9km (5.6 miles).

In Lukla, we will celebrate the successful completion of our climb with our Sherpa guides and porters who have become our friends. It's a great opportunity to share stories and reflect on the incredible journey we've had. We will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge at an elevation of 2,800m (9,187ft), with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included.

After an early breakfast, we will head to the Lukla airport to catch our flight out of the mountains. Depending on the season and weather conditions, our flight will either go directly to Kathmandu or to Ramechhap. Since Lukla flights are often diverted to Ramechhap during peak seasons to manage traffic at Kathmandu's airport, there's a good chance we'll fly to Ramechhap.

If our flight lands at Ramechhap, a vehicle will be waiting to take us on a 5-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Once we arrive in Kathmandu and check into our hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, take a hot shower, and explore the city at your leisure. The overnight elevation will be 1,350m/4,430ft, and breakfast is the only meal included for the day.

Today is your free day in Kathmandu, perfect for resting, exploring, and shopping. No official activities are scheduled, giving you the flexibility to use the day as a contingency in case of any flight delays.

If you choose to explore, Kathmandu offers a wealth of cultural and historical sites. You might consider a sightseeing tour to some of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: A complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples at the heart of the old city. It's a living museum of Newari architecture and a hub of local life.
• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Perched on a hill, this ancient Buddhist stupa offers panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley.
• Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Here, you can witness traditional Hindu rituals and ceremonies.
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. The area is filled with monasteries and shops selling Tibetan artifacts.

For a more relaxed day, you can explore the narrow, bustling streets of Thamel, a tourist hub known for its shops selling trekking gear, handicrafts, and souvenirs.⁸ You could also visit the tranquil Garden of Dreams, a beautifully restored neo-classical garden.

If you're interested in arranging a guided tour or specific activities, feel free to reach out to us, and we can assist you with the arrangements. You will be staying in a hotel in Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,350m/4,430ft, with breakfast included.

After breakfast, your time in Kathmandu comes to a close. A representative will meet you at your hotel and assist you with your final preparations before your flight. They will then transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), arriving approximately three hours before your scheduled departure.

At the airport, you'll need to go through several procedures before boarding your flight. Have your passport and e-ticket or paper ticket ready to show the security personnel at the entrance to the check-in area. After your bags are scanned, you'll find your airline's check-in counter to drop off your luggage and receive your boarding pass. Following check-in, you'll proceed to the immigration desk and then to the security checkpoint before entering the departure hall.

We've enjoyed having you on this climb and hope you leave with a lifetime of wonderful memories. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home and look forward to welcoming you back to the Himalayas in the future.