The Mountain
At 6476m Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. Located at the head of the Hinku Valley at the eastern edge of the Khumbu region Mera Peak has three main summits – Mera South, Mera Central and Mera North and all three offer spectacular 360 degree views which include 5 of the worlds 14, 8000m mountains. Mera Central was first climbed on 20 May 1953 by Col Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing. Mera North, the highest summit of the three, was first climbed sometime between 29 October 1973 and 1975 although the details are not entirely clear.
The Route
Leaving Lukla the trek into Mera Peak initially takes us south to Paiya and Panggom before turning north and heading into the Hinku valley. This gives plenty of time for acclimatisation before we reach the Mera La and prepare ourselves for the summit. The return journey is more direct and takes us over the high pass of Zatwra La (4600m) before dropping back down to Lukla.
Monkey Mountaineering's Approach
Maximise Chances of Summitting Successfully, Minimise Environmental Impact...
At Monkey Mountaineering we recognise the difficulties involved in completing an ascent of Mera Peak, that's why we do everything we can to help you achieve your goal. To improve your chances of success our groups on this trek are never more than 8 people. We use local guides who are professional, fully qualified, experienced and have in-depth knowledge of the trek and mountain.
In keeping with our core values of sustainable adventure travel, we take steps to ensure our impact on the environment is kept to a minimum. We always respect the environment we operate in and we plan all our trips with this in mind.
This is a 23-day itinerary with a couple of spare days programmed in to factor for the fragile nature of domestic air services in Nepal which are often impacted by the weather as well as other problems related to developing countries. We don’t see the need for you to add extra days to the end of your trip but can happily arrange this for you if you would like. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further by email: info@monkeymountaineering.com or phone: 01765 773015
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Once you have collected your luggage and made your way out of the airport terminal building you will be met by one of our local representatives and transferred to your hotel in the busy Kathmandu district of Thamel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour. After breakfast you will be collected for your sightseeing tour. Highlights include:
- Durbar Square – This ancient location has been the home to Kings throughout different dynasties and is also the home to some of the finest Hindu and Buddhist architecture in the region.
- Swayambhunath – Set on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The site itself is a collection of small stupas and a pagoda temple built over different periods by a succession of kings and noblemen. The main structure of is made of a solid hemisphere of brick and clay supporting a conical spire of copper gilt. Painted on the four sides on the base of the spire are the “All Seeing Eyes” of Lord Buddha. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple.
- Bouddhanth - This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of Nepal’s most unique monuments and is said to be the world biggest Stupa. Baudhanath Stupa is said to hold the remains of Kasyapa - the Buddha of the previous time. One hundred meters in diameter this Stupa is 36 meters high. Its pinnacle represents the stages of enlightenment, symbol of royalty, compassion, knowing and nirvana.
- Pashupatinath – With its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors this temple is famous for its superb Newari architecture. Situated near the banks of sacred Bagmati River only Hindus are permitted to enter, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the eastern bank of the river.
After the sightseeing tour you can relax before we take you to a traditional restaurant for a welcome dinner and live Nepali cultural show.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2840m) and trek to Puyan (2796m). After breakfast in your hotel you will be transferred to Kathmandu’s Domestic Air Terminal for a morning flight to Lukla[1]. On arrival you will meet your Sirdar and the rest of the crew and then set off on the trek to Puyan where you will stay overnight in a Tea House.
Day 4: Puyan to Pangkongma (2946m). After crossing the Poyan Khola, we turn off the main trade route coming up from the south and join an older route, which climbs steeply to the ridgeline overlooking the Khare Khola. Descending the other side of the ridge, we then contour along the hillside before climbing steadily up to the attractive farming and trading village of Pangkongma (2,846m) where we will stay overnight in a Tea House.
Day 5: Pangkongma to Nashing Dingma (2650m). With fine views westwards towards Takshindu monastery and Lamjura, we climb through thick rhododendron forest and bamboo leading to the Pangkongma La and gain good views of the south face of Mera with its twin peaks and of its neighbour Naulekh. We then make a scenic descent with beautiful views looking south across the endless foothills rising each side of the Hinku valley. This steep descent leads down to the wire rope bridge that spans the Hinku Khola. A steep climb on the opposite side leads to Nashing Dingma (2,600m) where we will stay overnight in a Tea House.
Day 6: Nashing Dingma to Chalem Kharka (3450m). Gaining height gradually through pasture and lush greenery, the trail steepens as we climb up to the Surke La. It is possible to take a nice, welcome cup of tea in a lodge just over the pass. Overnight in Tea house at Chalem Kharka.
Day 7: Chalem Kharka to Chunbu Kharka (4120m). Climbing the side of a ridge, we emerge from the last traces of rhododendron and the terrain becomes more rugged. Passing through high grazing country and crossing a small pass, we are treated to some excellent views of Kangchenjunga and Jannu to the east. We continue climbing to Panch Pokari and then on to Chunbu Kharka where we overnight in a Tea House.
Day 8: Chunbu Kharka to Khote (3480m). One of the longest walking days, mostly downhill. We will traverse several flats and spurs until we gain our first view of Mera Peak. From here we will drop down into the isolated Hinku Valley. Aside from mountaineers, the Hinku Valley is sparsely populated and very pristine. We will ascend a steep section of trail until we enter the forest, where we will stop for lunch. Eventually we will drop down into the humid, bamboo forests, before turning north up along the west side of the Hinku River towards Mera Peak, lowly ascending to Thaksingdingma where we will overnight in a Tea House.
Day 9: Khote to Thangnak (4350m). Today we will have amazing mountain views as we continue north up the Hinku Valley. The trail gently climbs along the west bank of the Hinku River. Spectacular mountains, such as Kusum Kanguru to the west and Mera Peak to the east, will be in view throughout the morning. We will make our way up onto the meadows on the western side of the Hinku Valley, climbing above the tree line and stopping for lunch. Throughout the afternoon, we will traverse meadows and hill slopes, dotted with grazing yaks, until we reach the settlement of Tangnak where we will overnight in a Tea House.
Day 10: Acclimatisation/Rest Day at Thangnak (4350m). An important day as we help our bodies become accustomed to operating at high altitudes. After breakfast we will take a gentle walk up to an altitude of around 5000m before returning to Thangnak for lunch. Overnight in Tea House.
Day 11: Thangnak to Khare (4940m). Today we will climb above 5000m (16,400ft) for the first time. Our hike up to Khare is short, but we will take it slowly, with frequent stops to soak up the incredible surroundings. The trail heads eastward out of Thangnak, along the lateral moraine of the Dig Glacier. We will pause to climb up the moraine for a view of the pristine Sabai Tso glacial lake. A drop in lake level, caused by a recent rupture of the natural dam that held the lake, is clearly visible. We will arrive at Khare in the early afternoon and have lunch. Overnight will be spent in a Tea House.
Day 12: Acclimatisation/Rest Day at Khare (4940m). Our second acclimatisation day will be spent around Khare where we will take a short morning walk to a nearby viewpoint before returning to the Tea House for lunch.
Day 13: Khare to Mera Peak Base Camp (5300m). Today we will travel a short distance, slowly ascending up onto the Mera glacier. The climb is initially steep, flattening out as we reach the crest of the glacier. We will traverse a long flat on top of the glacier as we make our way to the pass, called Mera La (5,400m, 17,710ft). From here, the views are stunning. Crevasse fields gently stretch out in front of the pass and we are literally enclosed by a ring of jagged peaks and blue-green glaciers. The remaining route up to the summit of Mera Peak is clearly visible. We will have lunch at Mera La before descending to Mera Peak Base Camp and spending the afternoon relaxing and staying warm. Overnight Camp.
Day 14: Acclimatisation and Skills Refresher – Mera Peak Base Camp (5300m). A chance to practice and refresh the skills we will need when we make our final ascent to the summit of Mera Peak and another opportunity to rest and acclimatise.
Day 15: Mera Peak Base Camp to High Camp (5800m). After breakfast we tackle the short, steep climb up to High Camp, taking it steady we aim to arrive for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation and preparation for our summit bid. At 5,800 m (19,025ft), High Camp is nestled behind a large rock outcrop and has been called one of the most glorious viewpoints in Nepal – from here, to the east you can see Kanchenjunga, Chamlang, Makalu and Baruntse and looking north Everest peers over the massive unclimbed South Face of Lhotse and Nuptse.
Day 16: Summit Mera Peak (6476m). Departing High Camp before dawn we will make our way up the glacier to the highest summit of Mera, the northern summit. The route is straight forward and normally takes around 6-7 hours. The reward is one of the world’s most spectacular mountain views, including Everest and Lhotse to the north, Cho Oyu to the northwest, and Kanchenjunga and Makalu to the east. After enjoying the views and drinking it all in we will make our way back down to the Mera La for lunch and then on to Khare and an overnight stay in a Tea House.
Day 17: Spare Day. We keep a day in reserve in case of poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This is our final opportunity to achieve the summit if we haven’t already done so.
Day 18 - 20: Trek from Khare to Lukla via the Zatrwa La. The journey back to Lukla takes three days and covers some spectacular scenery including the Zatrwa La, a 4600m high pass. Initially the route is a reverse of the way we came, through juniper meadows and back down to the river before turning right, passing through birch and rhododendron forests and climbing up towards the Zatrwa La which reveals breath-taking views. The last day of the trek is fairly long and covers some steep descents but its definitely worth it with the temptation of a cold beer in Lukla spurring you on!
Day 21: Return Flight to Kathmandu. After breakfast we head to the small airstrip in Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight in Thamel Eco Lodge Hotel.
Day 22: Free Day in Kathmandu. A day to catch your breath, buy souvenieers and take in the sights and sounds of Kathmandu before packing to head home. Overnight in Thamel Eco Lodge Hotel.
Day 23: Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport. A private transfer to the airport in time for your international flight.
[1] Flights to and from Lukla are very dependent on weather and often delayed or cancelled. We ask for your patience through what may appear to be a chaotic system when compared to airports in developed nations. There is a system, and we have a contingency which involves flying from a different airfield if it looks like our flight will be cancelled. Your Guide will endeavour to keep you informed.