Mera Peak Climbing
An 18-day climb to Nepal's highest trekking peak, Mera Peak (6,476m), through the remote Hinku Valley, with summit views of five 8,000m giants including Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
- Duration 18 Days
- Difficulty Strenuous
- Group Size 12 People
- Max Altitude 6476m
- Region Everest
Overview
Mera Peak (6,476m) is Nepal's highest trekking peak and one of the most popular introductory climbs in the country. From its summit, climbers are rewarded with views of five of the world's 8,000m giants — Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga — alongside 6,000m and 7,000m neighbors like Baruntse and Ama Dablam.
Because Mera sits below 6,500m, only a brief acclimatization period is needed, and the trek itself through the remote Hinku Valley provides sufficient adaptation before the climbing camps. The standard North Face route, while strenuous, involves no technical rock climbing, making it an accessible first Himalayan summit for fit trekkers — though the high-altitude glacier crossing and long summit day still demand genuine fitness and care with snow conditions.
The area was explored in the early 1950s by a British expedition that included Sir Edmund Hillary, Eric Shipton, and George Lowe, and Mera Peak itself was first climbed on May 20, 1953, by Col. Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing. Its long climbing season, relatively straightforward route, and spectacular summit scenery make it one of the most popular guided peak climbs in Nepal, while its remoteness still offers a comparatively private experience.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
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Day 2 Preparation in Kathmandu
A day for briefings, equipment shopping, and last-minute formalities.
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Day 3 Drive to Ramechhap & Fly to Lukla
An early drive to Ramechhap, followed by a short flight to Lukla, with the rest of the day free for acclimatization.
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Day 4 Trek to Chutanga
Climb steadily out of Lukla toward Chutanga, leaving the main Everest trail behind.
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Day 5 Cross Zatrwa La Pass to Thuli Kharka
Cross the Zatrwa La Pass (4,610m) for sweeping views, then descend to Thuli Kharka.
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Day 6 Trek to Kothe
Descend into the remote Hinku Valley toward the settlement of Kothe.
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Day 7 Trek to Thangnak
Continue up the Hinku Valley to Thangnak, with fantastic views of Mera Peak's south face throughout the day.
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Day 8 Acclimatization Day at Thangnak & Hike to Sabal Tsho Lake
Rest day with a visit to Sabal Tsho Lake and an acclimatization hike to a large cairn (5,271m) on the flank of Kusum Kangguru.
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Day 9 Trek to Khare
Climb higher into the Hinku Valley to Khare, the last settlement before Mera's high camps.
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Day 10 Trek and Climb to High Camp
Climb from Khare up to High Camp (5,780m), the staging point for the summit push.
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Day 11 – 12 Summit Mera Peak
An early start for the summit push from High Camp, crossing the glacier to the summit of Mera Peak (6,476m), before returning to Khare.
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Day 13 Trek to Kothe
Descend from Khare back down the Hinku Valley to Kothe.
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Day 14 Trek to Thuli Kharka
Continue the descent back to Thuli Kharka.
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Day 15 Trek to Lukla via Zatrwa La Pass
A long final trekking day back over the Zatrwa La Pass to Lukla, with a farewell gathering to mark the last evening in the mountains.
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Day 16 Fly to Ramechhap & Drive to Kathmandu
Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap, then drive on to Kathmandu.
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Day 17 Free Day & Farewell Dinner
A leisure day in Kathmandu, followed by a farewell dinner with a cultural program in the evening.
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Day 18 Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure.
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Mera Peak Climbing Permit (NMA-issued)
- Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
- Porters allocated per member up to High Camp and their return journey
- Government-authorized high-altitude climbing Sherpa guide
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek and climbing period
- Kathmandu–Ramechhap–Lukla ground and air transport, both directions
- Daily wages, equipment, food, and clothing for all Nepali staff and porters
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with a cultural program
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek, with camping equipment at High Camp
- Medical and emergency rescue insurance for all staff
What’s Excluded
- International airfare and arrival visa fee
- Personal insurance
- Tips for staff and climbing guide
Highlights
- A relatively private climbing experience: Far fewer climbers than Island Peak, despite comparable accessibility.
- The remote Hinku Valley: A quiet, less-trekked approach far from the standard Everest region trails.
- Nepal's highest trekking peak: Summit Mera Peak at 6,476m via the classic North Face route.
- Views of five 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga, all visible from the summit.
- Sabal Tsho Lake: A scenic acclimatization hike toward a high cairn on the Kusum Kangguru peak flank.
- Zatrwa La Pass: A dramatic high pass crossing (4,610m) on both the approach and return.
Essential Information
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most favorable seasons for Mera Peak, though the climbing window extends into December and can run as early as September given the mountain's long climbing season. Winter attempts are possible for climbers seeking a greater challenge.
Mera Peak's standard North Face route is not technically difficult by Himalayan standards, requiring no advanced rock climbing skills, but the high-altitude glacier crossing demands care with snow conditions, and the summit day is long and strenuous — a strong level of fitness is essential for a safe, successful ascent.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu. Teahouse/lodge accommodation throughout the Hinku Valley approach, with tented camping at High Camp for the summit push.
Full board meals included throughout — breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek and climbing period, with breakfast only in Kathmandu on transit days.
- Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit: Required, as the Hinku Valley falls within the park boundary
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit: Local area permit, obtained on arrival in Lukla
- Mera Peak Climbing Permit: NMA-issued, priced by season, per climber
- Sleeping bag: Cold-rated bag for High Camp
- Trekking poles: Recommended for the long Hinku Valley approach
- Headlamp: Essential for the pre-dawn summit push
- Personal kit: Personal medicines, altitude medication as advised by a doctor, sunscreen, and toiletries
- Mountaineering boots: Insulated, crampon-compatible boots for the summit push
- Down jacket: Insulated jacket plus thermal base layers and warm gloves
- Climbing hardware: Harness, crampons, ice axe, and ascender for the glacier crossing
Mera Peak's summit at 6,476m follows a gradual approach through the Hinku Valley, with acclimatization stops at Thangnak and Khare. Watch for headache, nausea, and dizziness as early symptoms of altitude sickness, and take altitude medication only as advised by a doctor.
