Mera Peak (6,476m) is the highest and most popular trekking peak situated in the Hinku Valley of Solukhumbu district. No other trekking peak provides views quite like Mera Peak does. It offers a 360-degree panoramic vista of the five of the world’s six highest mountains, including Mt. Everest. Mera Peak Climbing is technically easier compared to other peaks. The peak was first summited on May 20, 1953 by Colonel James Owen Merion Roberts, better known as Col. Jimmy Roberts, and Sen Tenzing.
There are various options to start and end the Mera Peak Climbing Trek. One can either drive to Bung/ Khiraule or fly to Lukla to commence the journey. The entire journey can typically be completed in 14 to 24 days, depending on the specific routes or itinerary chosen. There are two options for completing the trek: one can either return after summiting the peak or continue the journey beyond the peak, connecting to the Everest region via the Amphu Labtsa Pass (5845m).
Important Notes (while planning for the trip)
Important Notes (during the trip)
WELCOME TO NEPAL, the land of the Himalayas!
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will receive a warm welcome from the company representatives of Osprey Adventure, who will assist you with your luggage and guide you to the hotel. After checking into the hotel, the company representative will provide you with a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming trip, including inclusions and exclusions, safety precautions, cultural norms, and other important information that will be useful during your stay in Nepal.
It is very crucial to ensure that you are equipped with all the necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable trip. That’s why a preparation day has been allocated in the trip. Check your gears and clothing thoroughly and make a checklist of any missing or damaged items that you need to acquire. Then go buy or rent those essential items and be ready to embrace the trip and its challenges.
The day begins with an early drive to Nele, a popular old market in eastern lower Solukhumbu. Breakfast will be served in the hotel early in the morning. Right after breakfast, you will depart from Kathmandu. After a couple of hours’ drive, you will start following the western bank of the Sunkoshi River until you cross the river at Ghurmi. The road ascends from Ghurmi. The vehicle will make stops along the way for tea and restroom breaks. Lunch will be served in Okhaldhunga. The road continues to climb up to Patale Danda, from where you can enjoy beautiful mountain views, including the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest. From there, the road descends to a river. After crossing the river, the road ascends briefly and continues straight to Nele.
Breakfast will be served at 7:00am. You will start driving immediately after breakfast. The road is mostly bumpy and dusty, but the journey will be pleasant as you pass through rural villages, terraced fields and forests. It takes a three-hour drive to reach Bung, the largest village of the Kulung Rai ethnic group, known for its distinctive culture. Lunch will be served in Bung before starting the trek. The journey to Khiraule takes three hours, mostly uphill. Khiraule is a Sherpa village, the largest Sherpa village in the area, known for its rich Buddhist culture and religious heritage.
Breakfast will be served at 7:00 am. Please pack your luggage before breakfast. This routine will continue until the trek ends. The trail ascends steeply for one and half hours until you reach a ridge. From the ridge, the trail continues straight and gradually uphill through dense rhododendron forests. Lunch will be served at Chharakhor. From there, the trail ascends steeply for an hour until you reach Phokte, where the trail becomes easier and passes through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests. This area is known as a habitat for red pandas, bears and leopards, although they are rarely seen by trekkers. By 3:00 pm, you will arrive at Cholem, a temporary settlement situated in the middle of the forests with a couple of lodges.
The journey of the day begins in the chill morning right after breakfast. Packed lunch will be provided since there are no lodges available on the way before Khola Kharka. The trial ascends very steeply for the first three hours until you reach the Hurhure ridge. Soon, you will be above the tree line, with the trail offering beautiful scenery of the lower valleys, including the villages you passed through. From the ridge, the trail becomes much easier, although it still ascends gradually. Once you reach the point from where you can see the lakes (Panch Pokhari), the trail begins to descend all the way to Khola Kharka.
The trail ascends steeply for the first 45 minutes. After that, it continues straight and relatively easier for the next two hours. Then, the trail descends and enters dense forests until you cross the Hinku River. After crossing the river, the trail gradually ascends through tall pine and rhododendron forests until you reach Kote. Kote is a seasonal settlement located on the west bank of the Hinku River.
After breakfast, you will begin the journey by following the west bank of the Hinku River until you reach Thangnak. Sunrise comes late in the valley due to high mountains blocking the sunlight from all sides, so be prepared with warm clothes for the cooler temperature. Walking will be easy as the trail is relatively straight with gradual ascending slope. After a couple of hours, you will reach Saurya, a plain meadow covered in high-altitude junipers, which enhance the picturesque beauty of the valley. From there, you will ascend above tree line once again. There are some restaurants where you can take a tea break. It will take another two hours from Saurya to reach Thangnak.
Human settlement in Thangnak predates tourism in the valley. In the spring, people used to bring their domestic animals to the valley and grow potatoes. Half of the valley was swept away years ago by the force of a glacial lake burst. Lunch will be served upon your arrival in Thangnak.
The journey begins right after breakfast. Maintain your pace and walk slow as you are in a high-altitude zone. It is the shortest day of the entire trek, but not the easiest. You will cross the river flowing from the lake and begin gradually ascending across the moraine. You can take a detour off the main trail to observe the lake, which takes 20 to 25 minutes for the round trip. After two and a half hours, you will reach a wide and flat meadow called Dik Kharka. From there, the trial becomes much steeper for another one and half hour until you reach Khare.
Today, you will have the opportunity to learn and practice some climbing techniques with your climbing guide. If time permits, you can also hike up to the surrounding ridges to improve your acclimatization.
Leave your unwanted items in the hotel and take only the necessary items needed for a night as you begin the day’s journey. The trail ascends steeply for the first an hour. After that, it becomes fairly straight with zigzagging ups and downs over rocks. Once you reach the snow line on Mera La Pass (5415m), use crampons. You climbing guide may use the main rope to ensure safe walking. Packed lunch will be provided for the day. Upon reaching the high camp, you will be served hot soup and tea in the tented camp.
Today marks the biggest day of your trip, the day when you will turn your dream into reality. Departing from your usual morning route, you will begin the journey at 3:00 am. Don’t forget to carry enough water, packed lunch, and energy foods. The climbing is not very technical compared to other peaks; you will ascend using the main rope. As daylight advances, you will start to witness stunning panoramic views of the world’s highest mountains and other towering peaks. Your guide will assist you in crossing the crevasses along the way. Just before reaching the summit, there is a steep ascent where fixed ropes will be used.
Once you are on the summit, you will be amazed by the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, including the world’s 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th highest peaks.
After summiting, you will descend back to the high camp. There, you will enjoy some hot soup and tea before descending all the way back to Khare, retracing your steps.
| Mountain views | Mt. Everest (8848.86m), Mt. Kanchanjunga (8586m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8485m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Baruntse (7129m), Chamlang (7319m), Nuptse (7861m), Pumori (7161m), Ama Dablam (6812m), Kangtega (6782m), Kyashar (6769m), Peak 41 (6649m) |
An extra day has been allocated to compensate for any unfavorable weather or health condition on the summit day.
You will leave Khare right after breakfast and begin your journey, retracing your steps all the way to Kote. Lunch will be served at Thangnak or Saurya.
You will retrace your steps until you reach Rangdang. From there, instead of following the trail you came on, you will diverge and take the trail on your right side, beginning the ascent. Most of the path is steep uphill until you cross Zatrwa La Pass (4600m). From the pass, the path descends steeply down to Chhutanga.
Today is one of the shortest days of the trip. The trail is easy, passing through dense forest of pine, fir, rhododendron, and oak. The entire journey will be completed in three hours. Once you reach Lukla, you can wander around the market to explore more about the gateway to the Everest region.
Early in the morning, you will walk to Lukla airport escorted by your staffs with you luggage. After 35 minutes’ scenic flight, you will land at Kathmandu Domestic Airport, from where you will be picked up by our driver the dropped off at the hotel. Upon your arrival, our office representative will meet you and get your feedback about the trek.
Today is a leisure day. This leisure day in Kathmandu at the end of the trek has been allocated to compensate if the flight from Lukla gets canceled due to bad weather or if you require an extra day in the trek due to an emergency. Today, you can have a good rest before departing for your home country or you can explore the city on your own.
Today marks your final day in Nepal. We will drive you to Kathmandu International Airport three hours before your flight time.
Note: If you would like to spend more time in Nepal, you can join our leisure or adventure extension trips such as City Sightseeing, White-water Rafting, Jungle Safari, Paragliding, Bungee Jumping etc.
Choosing the proper equipment for trekking in Nepal is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Most trekking destinations in Nepal are remote, with few accessible markets. Even where markets exist, prices tend to be high. Therefore, it is essential to prepare all necessary equipment before starting your trek. Kathmandu, particularly the Thamel area, is the ideal place to acquire equipment if you haven’t brought it from your home country. Alternatively, Pokhara offers equipment at similar prices to Kathmandu.
Below is a list of general equipment. Not all items may be necessary depending on your destination. Consult your travel consultant or guide if assistance in selecting the appropriate equipment.
*Note: FYI, you can also rent a sleeping bag and a down jacket in Kathmandu. The cost varies from $2 to $3 per day for each item, depending on the quality.
