Mera Peak is a high-altitude, fascinating climbing peak in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal. The 18 days Mera Peak Climbing expedition, although strenuous, is a non-technical adventurous climb. It is ideal for both professional as well as non-experienced climbers.
Lying in Solu Khumbu, the region with the five highest peaks in the world, the ascent up Mera Peak is strenuous but non-technical. The route to the mountain is straightforward, and the inclines are less than 30 degrees. If you are a novice climber looking for a high-altitude challenge and your first Himalayan summit, then Mera Peak is the mountain for you.
Mera Peak Climbing itinerary traverses to the pristine Hinku Valley while advancing through humble teahouses and into high mountain passes and glacial rivers. The fatigue and difficulty of trek and climb are diluted by panoramic views of five of the world's highest peaks. From the high camp and Mera Peak summit, climbers are graced with vistas of majestic mountains like Mt. Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. Guided by an experienced expedition crew, the climb is bound to be one of the best Himalayan peaks ascends.
Our well-crafted Mera Peak Climbing itinerary of 18 days takes you away from the busy Everest Base Camp trail. You follow the Hinku Valley trail, which is less crowded and secluded. Walk past glaciers and cross high mountain passes and glacial rivers. You will be staying overnight at local teahouses, built alongside solitary ‘Kharkas’ or grazing camps of yak herders. The climb up Mera Peak is non-technical. For the most part, you will be walking roped up, using crampons and ice-ax.
Mera Peak Climb trip is ideal for people looking for their first Himalayan peak ascent. Book Mera Peak Climbing adventure if you have high-altitude experience and a high level of physical fitness. The only concern is the high altitude and freezing cold. The thin air and extreme temperature make the climb strenuous and challenging.
You will be supported by an experienced crew of chief climbing guides, assistant guides, and porters. We assign a very professional chief climbing guide and one assistant guide for two climbers for your safety and summit success. The chief climbing guide has more than 20 plus years of climbing experience. He has summited several 8,000m and 7,000m peaks, including Mount Everest, Shisapangma, Lhotse, Manaslu, Makalu, and Mera Peak (summited more than 15 times). Before the summit push, there will be a pre-climb training where basic alpine climbing tips will be shared. The company will provide all group and personal climbing gear.
Useful Links for Mera Peak Climbing
How difficult is Mera Peak Climb?
Mera Peak vs Island Peak Climbing
Top 10 Tips To Summit Mera Peak - Nepal's Highest Trekking Peak
Packing List for Peak Climbing in Nepal
Climbing permit fee for trekking peaks in Nepal [UPDATED 2024]
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Day | Highlights |
---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) - Transfer to Hotel |
Day 2 | Trip Preparation in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) |
Day 3 | Fly to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft) and trek to Paiya (2,730m/8,956ft) - 35 minutes flight and 5 to 6 hours trek |
Day 4 | Trek to Panggom (2,846/9,337ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 5 | Trek to Ramailo Danda (3,276m/10,748ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
Day 6 | Trek to Chhatra Khola (2,800m/9,186ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 7 | Trek to Kothe (3,691m/12,109ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 8 | Trek to Thaknak (4,358m/14,297ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek |
Day 9 | Trek to Khare (5,045m/16,486ft) - 3 to 4 hours trek |
Day 10 | At Khare - Acclimatization Day and Pre-Climb Training |
Day 11 | Trek to Mera High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft) - 5 to 6 hours trek |
Day 12 | Summit Mera Peak (6,461m/21,193ft) and descend to Khare (5,045m/16,547ft) - 11 to 12 hours trek/climbing |
Day 13 | Contingency Day for Summit |
Day 14 | Trek to Kothe (3,600m/11,808ft) - 4 to 5 hours trek |
Day 15 | Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300m/14,107ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 16 | Trek to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft) via Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m/15,092ft) - 6 to 7 hours trek |
Day 17 | Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft) - 35 minutes flight |
Day 18 | Final Departure |
As you fly into Kathmandu, you will be greeted by an amazing sight of snow-capped peaks and green hills stretching far into the horizon. Our representative will greet you once you arrive at the airport. Do watch out for a placard bearing your name or Third Rock Adventures written in bold letters. He will drive you to your hotel and help you check-in. Get freshened up and take a rest. Later on, if you feel like it, explore Thamel, which is a lively tourist hub.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
You will be introduced to your climbing guide at the trip briefing. The briefing will be held at your hotel lobby or Third Rock Adventures’ office. Your guide will discuss the route you will take and let you know how each day will be like. He will also let you know about the important ‘dos and don’ts’ to be followed while trekking and climbing. After the briefing, there will be a gear and equipment check. The company will provide all group and personal climbing gear.
But if you want to bring or rent your own personal gear and equipment, you can do so. But it will be heavy, and you may have to pay for extra baggage. If you don’t want to rent your own climbing gear on your own, you can do so at Khare. The rental outlets offer high-quality gear and equipment on hire. Do remember climbing boots of size 12 plus are difficult to find in Nepal. If you have large feet (size 12 or greater), it would be practical to bring your own climbing boots.
Retire early because you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Wake up early and drive to the airport. You take the flight to Lukla from where your Mera Peak adventure begins. The flight is filled with incredible views of the jagged Himalayan peaks. Get your first glimpse of the eight-thousanders from aboard. The Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla lies on a high mountain plateau, surrounded by steep hills. It is thrilling to fly between the mountains and land on the narrow and short runway. Once your plane lands, you sort out your luggage and meet the rest of the crew (porters, assistant guides).
Lukla is known as the “Gateway to Everest” as most of the Everest treks and expeditions begin from this Sherpa settlement. Walk past the colorful Lukla bazaar and head south to Paiya. We descend down to Surkye where we stop for lunch. From Skye, it is a steep ascent to Chutok La, a mountain pass. Another hour on an undulating trail brings you to Paiya.
Overnight in Paiya.
The trail meanders across traditional farms, terraced fields, and lush jungles. Cross a small wooden bridge over the Paiya Khola, a small stream. Take a steep ascent to Khari La, a mountain pass. Walk on an up and down route, past a dense rhododendron and bamboo forest, before reaching the small Sherpa settlement of Panggom. En-route enjoy amazing views of the Dudh Koshi Valley.
Overnight in Panggom.
After breakfast, we leave Panggom and begin walking towards Ramailo Danda via Ningsow. The trail goes up into a dense forest of rhododendron and bamboo to Pankongma La (3,174m), another mountain pass. We walk through the point that separates the Dudh Koshi River Valley and Hingku Valley. Enjoy inspiring views of Kongde, Manju Peak, and Numbur Himal. We follow a gradual incline to the settlement of Ningsow, where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we take an up and down trail to Ramailo Danda. "Ramailo' means enjoyable or fun-filled and 'Danda' stands for the hill in Nepali. From Ramailo Danda, enjoy the first view of Mera Peak and other peaks.
Overnight in Ramailo Danda.
Today’s trail cuts through a dense jungle and the Makalu Barun National Park. As there are no teahouses en route, we carry a packed lunch. The park’s area extends up to the international border of Tibet. If you are lucky, you may come across a few of the park’s wild inhabitants – red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, pale blue flycatcher, spiny babbler, etc. Following the Pasang Lhamu trail, named after the first Nepalese female mountaineer to scale Mount Everest, we make our way to Chhatra Khola.
Overnight in Chhatra Khola.
We head north and walk beside the Majhang Khola (‘khola’ is river in Nepali). Crossing this river we take the trail alongside the Hinku Khola. Following an up and down path, we reach a bridge which we cross and reach the other side of the river. A few steps ahead lies Kothe, our stop for the night.
Overnight in Kothe.
Today’s walk is filled with mesmerizing views of Mera Peak, Kusum Kanguru, Charpati Himal, and Thamserku. Leaving Kothe, we advanced on to the Upper Hinku valley. The vegetation becomes sparse, and the forest disappears. Filled with kharkas (grazing camps of nomadic yak herders), this part of the valley has no major villages. After walking for some time, we reach Gondishung, where we stop for tea and refreshments. We also stop by an ancient 200-year old Lungsumgba Gompa, a Buddhist shrine. A huge rock shelters the shrine. The crew burns incense or juniper and pray for good weather and a successful ascent to Mera Peak. An hour’s walk from here brings us to Thaknak, a summer camp used by yak herders. Charpati Himal lies very close, and we see the whole mountain, from the base to the summit. There are a couple of newly built teahouses offering food and shelter to trekkers and climbers heading to Mera Peak.
Overnight in Thaknak.
From Thaknak it is a short hike to Khare. We climb up the Dig Glacier and walk past the Charpati Tal, a glacial lake. Walk down the Dig Glacier and again climb up to Dig Kharka. Enjoy incredible views of the Kyeshar glacier, Charpati Himal and Mera Peak. From Dig Kharka a steep ascent through the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers brings you to Khare.
Khare, which lies at the bottom of Mera Peak, is also known as Mera Peak Base Camp. You make your ascent up to Mera Peak from here. It has a few teahouses and climbing gear and equipment outlets. From here you get a close-up view of the north face of Mera Peak. Head to your teahouse and have lunch. After resting for a bit, you can explore the surrounding area.
Overnight in Khare.
You spend this day acclimatizing and receiving pre-climb training from your climbing guide. There will be final gear and equipment check and packing. If you wish to rent climbing gear, the rental outlets at Khare offer high-quality gear and equipment on hire. You can get high-quality climbing boots, ice axe, crampons, helmets, etc. Do remember climbing boots of size 12 plus are difficult to find in Nepal. If you have large feet (size 12 or greater), it would be practical to bring your own climbing boots.
During the pre-climb training, your guide will teach you the proper use of climbing equipment (ice axe, jumar/ascender, crampon, harness, etc.) and basic techniques to scale the peak. He will also share some practical tips on how you can keep yourself safe in the mountains. This training is important and valuable, especially if you are a novice climber. After the training, you can take a rest or explore the area. Right above Khare is a hill from where you get good views of Mera La.
Overnight in Khare.
Leaving Khare, we take a steep ascent through a rocky path to Mera La. All three summits of Mera Peak – Mera North (6,476m), Mera Central (6,461m), and Mera South (6,065m) - are visible from the trail. Our goal is to reach the summit of Mera Central. Most commercial expeditions head up to this peak. We walk up the Mera glacier to Mera Peak high camp. There is no technical climbing involved. It is an easy trek up a gradual incline. The trek becomes strenuous and challenging because of the altitude and cold. We are walking above 5,000 meters, and every step comes with a struggle. Once we reach Mera High Camp, we have hot drinks and soup.
From High Camp, we get to enjoy inspiring views of the five highest peaks in the world- Mount Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), and Makalu (8,485m). We also get good views of Baruntse (7,129m), Gaurishanker (7,134m), and Chamlang (7,319m). We will be sleeping in single tents (1 tent for 1 climber). Retire early as we have an early start tomorrow.
Camping at Mera High Camp.
Wake up at 2 AM and get ready for summit push after breakfast. Put on your crampons, headlight, and rope up. We will be secured by ‘man-ropes.’ Walk-in rhythm and follow your guide across the open glacier. It is a gradual climb, an uphill non-technical hike. While the terrain is easy, the only thing slowing us down will be the altitude and freezing cold. The air is thin, and each step comes with a struggle. Mera Peak is truly a Trekking Peak because we can easily trek to the top of this mountain. Only the last 40-50 meters to the summit is challenging. It is a steep incline, and fixed rope and jumars may be needed to climb to the snowy dome of the summit.
You reach the summit of Mera Peak latest by 9 to 10 AM. Enjoy stunning views of the five highest mountains in the world Mount Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m). You have done it! Savor this moment of achievement and capture the wonderful views in your camera. Spend 5 to 10 minutes at the summit and later head down to High Camp. Drink something hot(tea, coffee, soup) to warm yourself. Later have lunch, and make a quick descent (2 to 3 hours) from Mera High Camp camp and trek to Khare. This has been a tiring day. Once you reach the teahouse, you celebrate your achievement and later take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Khare.
A reserved day for summit if our summit bid on Day 12 gets canceled due to bad weather or ill health. This day can also be used for emergencies like flight delays or unforeseen events that may lead us to cancel a day during our trip. If everything rolls out as planned, this extra day can be used to go a little bit slow and explore some more places on the trail. Or you can take this extra day in sightseeing in Kathmandu.
From Khare, we walk down a forested path to Kothe. There are no views of mountains as the trail is shaded by dense overgrowth. We descend on this trail and reach Kothe in the Hinku Valley.
Overnight in Kothe.
We start by gradually ascending through the valley to the western part of Hinku Valley. We walk along a forested trail. The trail goes up and down. A final ascent brings us to Thuli Kharka, our stop for the night. This is also a summer camp used by yak herders. Now new lodges are being built to cater to the trekkers and climbers walking this route.
Overnight in Thuli Kharka.
This marks the final leg of our Mera Peak climbing adventure. Leave Thuli Kharka and make a steep ascent to Zatrwa La (4,600m), a high mountain pass. It is an arduous but non-technical ascent as we walk up a steep incline. It takes almost 2 hours or more to reach the pass. The view from the pass is amazing, and we can see a part of the trail that we passed earlier. We can see the whole Lukla village, Numbur Himal, Dudh Kunda, Kongde, Khumbila, and Hinku Valley. A steep descent brings us to Lukla. We head quickly to our teahouse and enjoy a hot shower. We celebrate our last evening in the mountains with our crew. A lively and memorable evening filled with Sherpa brew (chhyang) and singing and dancing.
Overnight in Lukla.
Bid goodbye to the Sherpa homeland and fly to Kathmandu. This is another interesting flight as the plane taxies down Lukla airport’s narrow runway and gets airborne right at the end of the cliff. It is a heart-stopping takeoff. Savor the views of the Himalayan mountains for one last time. On reaching Kathmandu, you will be driven to your hotel. Check-in and take a well-deserved rest. Or you can hop in at your hotel’s spa and treat yourself to a post-trek massage. If you haven’t had your fill of adventures, you can explore the city on your own or take a guided tour (ask us, we will be more than happy to oblige!). Celebrate the completion of your trip with a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
You will be driven to the airport three hours before your scheduled departure. In case you wish to explore more of the Himalayas, do let us know. We can arrange a trip for you to the destination of your choice.
Daily departure available for peak season, from March to May and September to November. Please contact us for date, price and more information.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons for climbing Mera Peak. The weather stays dry and stable during these times, which makes it ideal for climbing.
Spring is the most popular climbing season in Nepal. During this season, the weather is warm, and there is less snow on the mountain, making climbing easier. You trek through the foothills before reaching the base of Mera Peak, from where you make your ascent to the mountain. During spring, the verdant hillsides are covered with wildflowers, including rhododendron blooms. The second season preferred for climbing is Autumn. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, one can enjoy crystal clear views during this season.
Timing this expedition during the monsoon or late winter season is not recommended as the precipitation and snow make climbing risky.
The easiest way to reach Lukla (2,840m), the starting point of your climbing adventure, is via a flight. One of the highest and most extreme airports in the world, flying to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla has its own challenges. The chief among them is the weather.
The airport is built on a narrow plateau, over a cliff. Navigating the plane along the short and narrow runway is difficult when strong winds whip across the mountains. Surrounded by some of the world's highest peaks, the weather here is unpredictable and changes frequently. It would be clear and sunny one minute, and the next moment the clouds will appear, and everything will turn hazy. Flights operate only when the weather is stable and visibility clear.
The chances of your Lukla flight getting canceled cannot be ruled out. If this happens, your expedition may get extended by a day or two. A contingency day is included in your itinerary, but we recommend you keep additional buffer days so that you may not miss your international flight.
If there is a long delay due to bad weather, we will secure a space for you on a helicopter flight. The heli flight cost is not included in the trip price and should be borne by you.
Due to congestion at the Kathmandu airport during the high season (spring and autumn), flights to and from Lukla now operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. The airport lies 132km (4hrs 30mins drive) from Kathmandu.
However, airline companies operate their first and last flights directly from Kathmandu and Lukla (KTM-LUKLA-KTM). If you book your trip early, we can try to secure a place for you on the direct flight to or from Lukla. It will be easier and more comfortable to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa, instead of making that additional journey to Ramechhap.
Helicopter Flights to Everest Region will operate from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
The permits you needed to climb Mera Peak are"
While it is possible for individual trekkers to get permits for trekking, government-registered trekking agencies can only obtain climbing permits. So one needs to book an expedition with a registered agent to get the climbing permit.
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or Kothe by paying NRS 3000. For citizens of SAARC countries, the fee is NRS 1500. You need to fill out the permit form and show your passport or a copy of your passport.
To get the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, you need to be in Lukla. You have to pay NRS 2000 for the permit at the rural municipality counter, which lies at the edge of the village.
If you plan to trek from Jiri, you will be required to pay the Gaurishanker Conservation Area Project Entry Permit fee of NRS 2000. The permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s office in Kathmandu before the start of your trek.
The climbing permit fee for Mera Peak depends on the season you make the ascent.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company, or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
Mera Peak lies at an altitude of 6,476 meters. It is surrounded by 8,000 and 7000-meter peaks and is higher than the tallest peaks in Africa, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica. The views are stunning, but the environment, harsh and unforgivable. The thin mountain air is a thin and treacherous trail that will test your endurance and will-power at every step. One should be extra cautious as one small mistake can turn fatal.
The main concern of this climbing adventure is altitude sickness. As you go higher, the oxygen level in the air decreases, and it gets difficult to breathe. To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2,000 meters. Taking Diamox and a good night’s rest may work for mild cases. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay. One should take the necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help.
There are clinics at Lukla, Namche, and Pheriche which offer basic care for minor ailments. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.
For this adventure, acclimatization is very important. Your body needs time to get used to thin air which can be done by resting at a lower altitude before reaching a higher elevation level. Our experts have included an extra at Khare (5,045m) in the itinerary for acclimatization and a contingency day for summit delay or emergencies.
The chart given below will give you a rough idea of the oxygen level in the atmosphere on the trail.
Altitude |
Oxygen Level |
1,000m/3,281ft |
88% |
2,500m/8,202ft |
73% |
3,000m/9,843ft |
68% |
3,500m/11,483ft |
64% |
4,000m/13,123ft |
60% |
4,500m/14,764ft |
57% |
5,000m/16,404ft |
53% |
5,500m/18,044ft |
50% |
6,000m/19,685ft |
47% |
6,500m/21,320ft |
43% |
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluids daily.
We dissuade you from buying bottled water as it adds up to the thrashing problem in the mountains. Moreover, like everything else, bottled water is also expensive in the mountains.
We highly recommend you carry a reusable water bottle with you, which can hold hot water.
You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.
You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled drinking water at an additional cost. It can cost anywhere between 1 USD to 4 USD. The price increases gradually as you climb higher.
While climbing, drinking water will be treated and boiled by the kitchen staff.
Despite being the world’s highest inhabited region, internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Everest Region.
You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses. You will have to pay extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot.
It will be cheaper and easier to get a sim card (preferably Ncell) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data that could last you for your entire trip. Ncell offers 3G connectivity up to Ramilo danda.
Everest Link, another local internet provider, also offers paid internet access on the trail. You can purchase the username and password at any of the teahouses or shops along the trail.
For emergencies, our climbing guide carries a satellite phone. Even if there is no network, our guides will contact us if there is an emergency.
The list below is a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you for your Mera Peak climbing adventure:
Climbing Equipment:
These are only some of the essential items. Check a more detailed packing list for climbing. We will provide group mountaineering equipment. But please do note climbing boots of large size (size 12 and above) is not available at the rental outlet from where we rent our gear and equipment. If your shoe size is 12 and above, you will have to arrange it on your own.
If you want to use your own personal climbing gear, you can bring it from home.
Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.
Mera Peak Climbing takes you across the highest trekking trail globally and to the summit of Nepal’s highest trekking peak.
It is important to have an experienced guide with you while climbing and trekking. A guide who is experienced and has an in-depth knowledge of the mountain will enrich your experience and keep you safe and secure.
When you book with us, we pair you up with our best climbing guide, who has more than 20 years of experience in mountain climbing. Our guide has climbed many 8,000 and 7,000-meter peaks, including Mount Everest. He has guided several groups to the top of Island Peak numerous times.
There will be one chief climbing guide or leader to ensure a successful summit attempt, and every 2 climbers will be aided by 1 assistant guide. A pre-climb training at the Island Peak Base Camp will be used to warm-up and help you get helpful tips from our guides. This training will especially help novice climbers hone their climbing skills.
While trekking, you will be guided by our trekking guides. Our guides have more than 10 years of experience and have a vast knowledge of your visiting area. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
A chief guide or trek leader will lead the trek. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the mountains' harsh weather. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
For Mera Peak Climbing, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. You reach an altitude of 6,476 meters, and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies that may occur at this altitude. There is less oxygen in the environment, and trekkers usually suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness, which could prove to be fatal if not treated on time.
Walking and climbing in a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore, make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can possibly face during this trekking and climbing adventure.
Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency, as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies make it mandatory to immunize yourself before leaving your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. This itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have climbed Mera Peak innumerable times.
To prevent AMS, the required number of rest days has been added to the itinerary. Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The climbing guides assigned to you have climbed several 8,000-meter peaks and have more than 20 years of mountaineering experience. They have guided several climbers to the top of Mera Peak and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management. To communicate during emergencies, our guides always carry a satellite phone with them.
While climbing, our guides will keep you safe by taking care of all the hard and risky jobs – fixing ropes, ladders, setting up tents, etc. You will only have to follow them and pay heed to their instructions to reach the summit safely.
If a client shows AMS symptoms and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort them and follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps needed for the client's well-being.
If they feel alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to Lukla or get airlifted to Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountains' views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check in and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers and sherpas till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average, you spend 6 to 7 hours walking each day on the trail.
On Day 10, there will be a pre-climb training at Khare. This training is very important for novice climbers as you get some valuable insights from our guides. You learn how to use the equipment and gear safely and effectively.
Your start to ascend Mera Peak from Khare on Day 11. You climb up to Mera Peak High camp and spend a night in a tented camp. Our expedition cook will keep you nourished and hydrated by serving you healthy and nutritious meals. There will be a briefing by the chief climbing guide about the summit push after dinner.
On Day 12, you wake up early at 2 AM. To beat the winds which batter the summit during the day, you make the summit push early. You carry a packed lunch and some energy bars with you to keep you energized. The ‘man-rope will secure the group.’
You climb using the support of a fixed rope and jumars as you approach the summit. Follow our guides safely to the summit of Mera Peak, take pictures, enjoy the magnificent views and descend back to High Camp. Get a warm drink and after a brief rest, continue descending to Khare. This day is probably the toughest day of your journey as you climb and hike for 10 to 12 hours.
Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful of throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We, as a company, support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment. As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environmentally friendly.
Technically Island Peak is more difficult to climb than Mera Peak. Even though Mera Peak is the highest Trekking Peak in Nepal, the route up the mountain is straightforward and non-technical. Climbers get up to the mountain using ‘man-ropes’ (walking roped up), ice axe and crampons. On the other hand, the route up Island Peak is more technical and involves crossing crevasses on ladders and using fixed rope to reach the summit. While both the peaks can be attempted by novice climbers, Island Peak is more technical and challenging.
At 6461m/21,190ft. Mera Peak is Nepal’s highest trekking peak and one of the best peaks to climb for first-timers and novice climbers. Though alpine climbing experiences maybe an advantage, it is not a requirement to climb to this peak. It involves trekking and climbing above 5000 and 6000 metres and one should be physically fit and used to high-altitude trekking. The climb may not involve technical maneuvers but it’s physically demanding and strenuous. If you are fit and agile, have high-altitude trekking experience and are looking for your first Himalayan peak to climb, then this is the mountain for you.
To reach Mera Peak you have to trek through the sparsely populated Hinku Valley. There are less crowds, but the facilities at the teahouses are basic as compared to those available along the busy Everest Base Camp route.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget
If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will suffice.
If the flight gets cancelled due to bad weather there is no alternative but to stay an extra day. You will have to bear the cost for the accommodation. Sometimes even when the airlines cancel their flights, helicopter companies offer charters. If you would like, you can take a heli flight. This will incur an extra cost and you have to pay for it.
There is mobile network in the Everest Region. If you get a local SIM (Ncell or NTC) you can use your mobile phone to communicate easily. As this is a mountainous area the network may get erratic at times. At most places the network is good enough for internet use and video calls. Our climbing guides also carry a Satellite Phone for emergencies.
Please do note that if you are traveling in a group, a member falling sick won’t disrupt your trip. While the sick person will be taken care of, the rest of the group will be able to continue with the trip.
If someone becomes ill on the trail your trekking guide will take the sick person’s condition on account and decide he or she shall continue with the trek or return to a lower elevation and wait for the rest of the group. If his or her condition is serious then the person will be flown by air ambulance to Kathmandu or Pokhara for expert medical attention. An assistant will take care of the sick person, while the rest of the group shall proceed onwards and complete the trip as per the itinerary.
You can either buy bottled mineral water or fill up a reusable water bottle with boiled or sterilized water. During the trek, the teahouses or lodges serve you bottled and filtered water which is generally safe and have to be paid for. A liter of water would cost anything between 1 to 4 USD. As you go higher the cost of all commodities, including water, increases. But do note there is no dearth or scarcity of drinking water at teahouses. We encourage our guest to use iodine and other purifying agents to treat the water before drinking. You need to drink at least 3-4 litres of water each day to stay hydrated at higher altitudes. Keeping your body hydrated helps you to keep away the symptoms altitude sickness.
No, the company won’t provide drinking water or any extra drinks or beverages other than the ones that are specified in the trip cost.
If you want to add extra activities and sites to your itinerary it can be done. Our Travel Consultant will help you customize your trip. Just let us know which places you want to visit and what you want to do and we will add these in your itinerary.
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
In all our Everest Treks the teahouses that we use have western toilets. In luxury lodges and teahouses in the lower elevations the rooms come with attached bathrooms and hot showers. At higher elevations the facilities may be a bit basic and you may have to share the bathroom with other travellers. Please do note that in case of extreme cold, the water in the toilet basin may freeze and you may have to use an Asian (also known as ‘squat’) style of toilet that is located outside. Please do carry toilet paper rolls with you at all times. It is important that you carry enough rolls of toilet paper and hand sanitizer while trekking.
We provide sleeping bag and down jacket but you need to bring your own personal gear. We can recommend some good stores where you can hire or buy new ones.
Teahouses offer boiled and filtered drinking water to trekkers for a price. Though you can purchase bottled water, we discourage the use of plastic bottled water on the trail because of the adverse effect on the environment. You can bring along with you a reusable bottle nd fill it up with drinking water.
Your guide will check the condition of the water of the filtered water before you purchase it. Please be assured that our guide will thoroughly check whether the water has been boiled and treated properly before you drink it.
Teahouse trekking is one of the most popular ways of trekking in Nepal. Teahouse trekking has almost replaced old style camping treks in Nepal along the popular trekking routes of Annapurna and Everest regions. Teahouse Trek involves resting or stopping at teahouses or lodges scattered along the trail for the night. The teahouses are locally owned and they provide accommodation and food. While the standard of teahouses varies, most of these establishments usually offer basic services - small rooms (usually on a twin sharing basis with comfortable beds), shared washroom, a heated communal dining area and a menu with a range of dishes. Some may offer wi-fi and hot shower. As these teahouses are located in remote locations, one should not expect the service of a city hotel while staying in one. But in popular trails like Everest Base Camp trail and Annapurna Base Camp trail one can expect luxury standard accommodations too.
You need to have local currency to purchase items on the trail. While Lukla and Namche in the Everest Region may have lodges that would accept payment with cards, we strongly advise to carry enough local cash with you to buy essential items en route. You can exchange your currency at any of the money exchange centres in Kathmandu or use your credit or debit card at the local ATMs to get local currency.
You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.
Most of the guides in our adventure company come from the mountainous areas. They are carefully selected on the basis of their experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude. We provide guides that are experienced and fluent in English. With the objective of sustaining local communities, we employ guides from different ethnic backgrounds who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora and fauna, geography and history of Nepal.
Our guides have the required government license to guide tourists. They have all gone through intensive training programs like wilderness first aid, trekking guide training, eco training workshop and rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering, which are certified and approved by the government of Nepal.
Yes, wifi hotspots are available on the Everest Base Camp trail. But please do keep in mind, due to the mountainous terrain the network maybe erratic. Often times the signal gets lost or the strength is poor.
We carry a first-aid box with us while trekking. But if you want you can carry along some essential medicines like ibuprofen, codeine, paracetamol, lozenges, anti-diarrhea tablets and diamox for AMS.
Please do note, all our trekking itineraries incorporate adequate number of acclimatization days. You will get an extra day’s rest at a lower elevation to prepare your body for a walk up in the higher reaches.
AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness usually occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere in high altitudes. Our body is not used to walking in high altitude and it requires a lot of time to adapt to thin air in the mountains. Technically there is no way of stopping AMS but you can surely prevent it by following the given tips: