A complete guide to Mera Peak Climbing

complete guide to Mera Peak Climbing

Standing at a max altitude of 6,461m, Mera peak is also one of the most popular & busy trekking peaks in Nepal. It offers an exhilarating climbing experience with a breath-taking view of the majestic Himalayas ranges. Being one of the technically moderate level climbing peaks in Nepal, everyone with basic mountaineering skills following experts & professionals guides can reach the summit of Mera Peak. So to give more information, we provide you “A Complete Guide to Mera Peak Climbing”.

Some Basic Fact About Mera Peak Climbing:

Duration16-20 Days
Total DistanceAround 78 miles / 126km
DifficultyChallenging
PermitsTIMS / Peak Climbing



Mera Peak Highlights:

  • Flying to one of the dangerous airports in the world: Lukla airport.
  • Experiencing the culture & traditions of Sherpa people.
  • Spectating the breath-taking views of 5 mountains over 8000 meters.
  • Visit & explore 200 years old Gompa (monastery/shrine).
  • Walking through the lush forest of rhododendrons.

Where is Mera Peak Located?

Mera-Peak-landscapes-view

Geographically, Mera Peak is located in the Khumbu region of East Nepal. With three different summit: Mera South (6,065m/19,898ft), Mera North (6,476m/21,247ft) & Mera Central (6,461m/21,198ft), Mera Peak attracts hundreds of climbers every year. Truth be told, most of the climber attempts from central Mera which is a bit easy contrasting with the other parts of Mera Peak.

Mera peak is classified as the highest trekking peak in the world with an altitude of 6,461m/21,247ft. From the summit of Mera Peak, you can spectate five world’s highest mountain above the height of 8,000m including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m) & Cho Oyu (8,201m).

Mera Peak Climbing: Day to Day Itinerary

complete-guide-to-mera-peak-climbing-difficult-level

There are three different routes to reach the summit of Mera Peak. And each of these routes has its own charm & variations offering you the best trekking & climbing experience at the same time.

Through Pristine Nepal Treks & Expedition, you will climb from the easiest paths providing you the utmost experience with enough acclimatization days along the way. Upon landing at Lukla airport you will head to the remote & isolated area towards Chutanga for an overnight stay. From there you will head to Thuli-Kharka crossing Zatra La Pass (4,610m).

On your 6th day, you will trek to Tangnag via Mousam-Kharka. The trails take you to Hinku Drangka northwards, eventually leaving the forest to the wide-open pasture land. The next day you will have a rest day for acclimatization. The route then leads you to Khare, also where you will have a second acclimatization day.

From Khare, you will trek to Mera Base Camp. And from there you will climb the High Camp for an overnight stay. The next day is a very special day as you will climb to the summit of Mera Peak. You will wake up early in the morning (around 2 am to 3 am) & ascend to Mera Peak top which will take you around 4 to 6 hours. Reaching the top is a worthwhile & once in a lifetime experience.

After successfully summiting to the top of Mera Peak trek back to Lukla following the same route.

Best outline itinerary for Mera Peak Climbing:

bottled-oxygen-tank-for-high-altitude

When choosing the itinerary, you should always choose the best one. Itinerary depends upon your style.

  • Day 1: RECEIVED BY PRISTINE NEPAL GUIDE & TRANSFER TO HOTEL
  • Day 2: IN KATHMANDU: SIGHTSEEING TOUR
  • Day 3: FLY TO LUKLA 2,886M & TREK TO CHUTANGA 3,430M – 04 HRS
  • Day 4: TREK TO THULI-KHARKA 4,300 M – 06 HRS.
  • Day 5: TREK TO MOUSUM-KHARKA 3,430M – 04 HRS.
  • Day 6: TREK TO TANGNAG 4,360M – 05 HRS.
  • Day 7: REST DAY AT TANGNAG FOR ACCLIMATIZATION.
  • Day 8: TREK TO KHARE 5,000M- 05 HRS.
  • Day 9: REST DAY AT KHARE FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
  • Day 10: TREK TO MERA BASE CAMP 5, 300M/17,384 FT – 04 HRS.
  • Day 11: ACCLIMATIZATION & PREPARATION DAY AT MERA BASE CAMP
  • Day 12: TREK AND CLIMB TO HIGH CAMP 5,780 M / 18,958 FT – 04 HRS
  • Day 13: CLIMB MERA PEAK SUMMIT AT 6,461 M / 21, 1907 FT – 08 HRS & BACK TO KHARE 5,000m
  • Day 14: RESERVE AS CONTINGENCY DAY IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER CONDITION.
  • Day 15: TREK TO KHOTHE 3,691 M -06 HRS.
  • Day 16: TREK TO THULI -KHARKA 4,200 M- 06 HRS.
  • Day 17: TREK TO LUKLA – 04 HRS
  • Day 18: FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU AND TRANSFER TO RESPECTIVE HOTELS.
  • Day 19: IN KATHMANDU FREE DAY
  • Day 20: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FOR HOMEWARD BOUND.

If you like this itinerary & interested to join for this memorable trip then you are always welcome to book with us.

Best Time to Climb in Mera Peak:

As per our expert & professionals, the best time for Mera peak climbing is during Spring (March, April & May) & Autumn (September, October & November). Both of this season have delightful weather as the temperature are relatively stable & the surroundings are super clear. You can enjoy the astonishing mountain views & landscapes.

Whereas, the Spring season lets you enjoy nature with full blossoms of rhododendron forests & green vegetation along the trek. The view you will get from the summit is splendid. Late April & May are much preferred for Mera Peak climbing.

The autumn season also provides near-perfect weather conditions. Visibility this time is far better than any other season in Nepal. Hence, the popular trekking trails like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit are all crowded by trekkers. Likewise, many climbers come for climbing expeditions as well. October & November are much preferred.

(Note: Despite having the best weather conditions during Spring & Autumn no one can predict the weather in the Himalayas which also applies to Mera peak climbing as this is a high altitude mountain trip.)

On the other hand, we do not recommend Mera Peak Climbing during Monsoon & Winter. These seasons involve lots of difficulties & dangers.

Mera Peak Permit Fees and Costs:

TIMS-Card-Trekking

“Permits”

As mentioned earlier, Mera Peak involves three different routes & as per the routes differs the permits required. But the good news is that the route we follow requires only two permits: TIMS & Peak Climbing.
The price for TIMS is as always NRS.1,000 but climbing fees differ according to the season.

Here are the Mera Peak permit fees according to seasons:

  • Spring season (March, April, May)USD$250
  • Autumn season (September, October, November) USD$125
  • Winter season (December, January, February)USD$70
  • Summer season (June, July, August)USD$70

The above price is provided by the Nepal Mountaineering Association and if changed then we will update the price.

Mera Peak Climbing Difficulty Level:

Mera-Peak-Climbing-Difficulty

Mera peak is known as the trekking peak which means the trip consists of trekking as well as climbing or mountaineering. Unlike other mountaineering expeditions, Mera Peak doesn’t require a high climbing skill & climbing equipment. Hence, according to difficulty level, Mera Peak is considered a technically easy peak as the ascents are straightforward.

However, the difficulty of Mera Peak is determined by different factors such as:

  • Total Distance & Duration
  • Route
  • Weather & Temperature
  • Physical & Mental Fitness
  • Altitude Sickness

Among three different summits of Mera Peak, Mera North is the most difficult one whereas Mera South is moderate & Mera Central is the easiest one. 

About Mera Peak Death Rate, Hundreds of trekkers ascend to Mera Peak annually but the deaths are noticed rarely. So, you can say that, there’s a very less death rate in Mera Peak climbing.

Equipment & Packing List for Mera Peak Climbing:

Proper preparations are the key factor for a successful summit to Mera Peak. Though the peak is technically easy, you shouldn’t be careless when choosing gears. Ascending to above 6,000 meters is no joke?

Through Pristine Nepal Treks & Expedition, we provide all the essential climbing gear & equipment needed for this Mera Peak Climbing. We encourage you not to bring any of the climbing gear & equipment by yourself. However, there is no restriction on this. You can have & bring if you want for your own comfort. 

Anyways, here is the list of gears & equipment for climbing:

Mountaineering or Double bootsAscender/JumarPrusikCooking stove & gas
GaitersAbseiling deviceDown JacketsCooking gear
CramponsFood supplies for campingTrekking poleKarabiners
Climbing HarnessRopeSleeping bags & sleeping matsTents
Walking Ice AxeHelmets

And as for backpacking we recommend you include the trekking items listed below.

Cap or HatQuick-dry T-shirts / 2 pairsInsulated Jacket or Down Jacket / 1 pair (Can be rented)Insulated trekking pants / 2 pairs
Neckband or BuffBra / 3 Pairs (sports bra recommended)Thermal underwear / 2 pairs1 pair of waterproof jackets & pants on your bag.
SunglassesThermal underwear / 2 pairsUnderwear / 4 pairsShorts (optional)
Warm Gloves / 1 pairUnderwear / 4 pairsFleece Jackets / 2 pairsGaiters (optional)
Wicking long-sleeve T-shirts / 2 pairsFleece Jackets / 2 pairsInsulated Jacket or Down Jacket / 1 pair (Can be rented)Hiking boots / 1 pair
Spare shoe / 1 pairCamp shoe or sandal / 1 pairWoolen hiking socks / 4 pairsCotton socks / 2 pairs
Sleeping Bags (can be rented)Water bottles or water bladder
Trekking polePortable charger

Note: You can buy all these items in Nepal too.

Accommodations & Foods During Mera Peak Climb:

The trail to Mera Peak is all in the remote areas of the Khumbu region. That is why teahouses are the only choice for meals & accommodations. Rather than Kathmandu & Lukla, don’t expect any good or luxury hotels during the trip.

Besides, teahouses fulfill the meals & accommodations demand of all the trekkers & climbers. As for accommodations, you will get rooms on the basis of twins sharing because getting a single room in such mountain areas is hard. Similarly, you will not find a great choice of the food menu. I hope you will understand the situation & stay flexible.

Note: There is no teahouse in Mera Base Camp & High Camp so as for accommodation we will set up a camp for overnight stay & also our team will serve you with hot delicious food.

About Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization in Mera Peak Climbing:

Altitude-sickness-as-a-serious-issue-during-trek

Altitude sickness is a nightmare to every hiker/trekker/climber, in fact, it can happen to anyone even who has already done lots of high altitude adventures. Likewise, Mera peak takes you to over 6000 meters & this is not something to be careless about. A little carelessness during Mera Peak climbing can cost your life.  

Our 20 Days Mera Peak Climbing is designed to provide the utmost trekking & climbing experience at the same time providing you 100% safety & satisfaction. Furthermore, we have included 3 days for rest, acclimatization & preparation in addition to a further 1 day as a reserve day just in case if you cannot make it to Mera summit due to bad weather or other reasons. Is there any other better package than this?

Q & A: How to prevent altitude sickness in Mera Peak?

As per our experts & professionals, there are many ways you can prevent altitude sickness in Mera Peak. And the most reliable way is to take full advantage of acclimatization day. Acclimatization days help your body to adjust to higher altitude. Not to mention walking slow & steady keeping your body hydrated with a proper diet is a natural remedy for altitude sickness.

Also before setting out for Mera Peak’s journey, we recommend you to do cardio exercises like swimming, running, cycling, etc which will help improve your oxygen intake.

Related article: How to cure AMS?

Last but not the least, I hope you enjoyed this “A complete guide to Mera Peak Climbing” & will help you a lot for your next adventure. If you find this article useful then don’t forget to leave a review & share it with other travel enthusiasts. Also, we are open to your suggestions & feedback. Thank you.

About Author

As the head of Pristine Nepal Treks and Expedition, he is the inspiration for all the young generation who wants to work in the trekking field. As he is working in the tourism/trekking field from a young age he is always interested to learn and exploring more about the Himalayas, Culture, History, and politics too.

With a very friendly nature, smart personality, and kindness he is an expert in the tourism sector and has already organized countless trekking trips and going on.

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