Mera Peak Climbing

Mera Peak Climbing Highlights 

•          Excursion of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu
•          Scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu
•          Sherpa villages of the Khumbu Region
•          Suitable for climbers having mild trekking experience
•          Himalayan passes higher than 4,500m
•          Biodiversity of Sagarmatha National Park or Makalu Barun National Park
•          Choice of climbing route
•          5 of the 8,000ers from Mera Peak summit

Mera Peak Climbing

Mera Peak climbing is a journey to the highest trekking peak of Nepal. It is located in the Barun Section of the Mahalangur Himalayan Range in Sagarmatha zone.

From atop Mera Peak (6,470m), you get to see 5 of the 8,000ers in Nepal and many other glittering peaks. Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) cheer at your successful ascent to Mera Peak.

The journey to climb Mera Peak begins from Lukla, Tenzing Hillary Airport and the gateway to Everest Base Camp Trek. You fly to Lukla from Kathmandu after the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal.

You choose one of the two most popular routes of Mera Peak climbing that passes either from Sagarmatha National Park or Makalu Barun National Park. The biodiversity of these conservation areas gives you more pleasure of peak climbing in Nepal.

The Sherpa villages reflect the true flavor of Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. Although Mera Peak climbing route moves above 2,800m, the nature, culture, and adventure encourage you to overcome Mera Peak difficulty easily.

Mera Peak Climbing Itinerary

Mera Peak climbing itinerary ranges from 10 days to 23 days. The route you follow, your physical fitness, and previous experience of trekking in Nepal determines the itinerary.

If you are experienced trekker or climber, you can climb Mera Peak in 10 days. But in case of beginner trekkers, longer itinerary is recommended. The longer itinerary gives you time for acclimatization and climbing preparation.

Generally, 23 days Mera Peak expedition itinerary is prepared for those who want to do Everest Base Camp Trek with Mera Peak climbing.

But, we recommend you the 19 days Mera Peak climbing itinerary for your comfort and successful ascent.

Outline Itinerary of Mera Peak Climbing

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1,350m)

Day 02: Kathmandu Excursion & Trip Preparation

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2,860m) & Trek to Chutok (2,730m) – 30 Mins + 5 Hrs

Day 04: Trek to Panggom (2,846m) – 5 Hrs

Day 05: Trek to Nigsow (2,863m) – 5 Hrs

Day 06: Trek to Chhatra Khola (2,800m) – 8 Hrs

Day 07: Trek to Kothe (3,691m) – 7 Hrs

Day 08: Trek to Thaknak (4,358m) – 4 Hrs

Day 09: Trek to Khare (5,045m) – 3 Hrs

Day 10: Acclimatization Day & Pre-Climbing Training

Day 11: Trek to Mera Peak Base Camp (5,300m) – 4 Hrs

Day 12: Trek to Mera High Camp (5,700m) via Mera  La Pass (5,815m) – 4 Hrs

Day 13: Mera Peak Summit (6,470m) & Trek Down to Khare – 9 Hrs

Day 14: Trek to Kothe – 4 Hrs

Day 15: Contingency Day

Fay 16:  Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300m) – 5 Hrs

Day 17: Trek to Lukla across Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m) – 7 Hrs

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu – 30 Mins

Day 19: Departure Transfer

Mera Peak Climbing Cost

Mera Peak climbing cost includes permits, food and accommodation, transportation, climbing gears, and miscellaneous. Besides, NMA Mera Peak climbing permit cost, you need local area permit and conservation area entry permit.

While following Mera Peak Climbing Route 1, you need Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit. But if you follow Mera Peak Climbing Route 2, you need to have Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.

Except in Mera Peak Base Camp and High Camp, it is completely a teahouse trekking in Nepal. However, you should hire a Sherpa guide and porters to carry your Mera Peak climbing gears and food stuffs.

To reach the trekking trailhead, you will use a two-way Kathmandu-Lukla domestic flight.

Your local tour operator makes all the permits and other arrangements to make your trip a success. All the expenses to pay are included in Mera Peak climbing cost.

NMA Mera Peak Climbing Permit Cost

Mera Peak Height

Mera Peak height is 6,470m/21,227.03 ft which make it the highest trekking peak of Nepal. But Mera Peak climbing is the most chosen peak climbing in Nepal because of its beauty and challenges.

The height of Mera Peak climbing route begins from above 2,800m and remains constantly higher throughout the trip.

The trail consists of two passes higher than 4,500m which make the trip more adventurous. Crossing Mera La Pass (5,815m) and Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m) definitely gives you a lifelong memory of peak climbing and trekking in Nepal.

For the beginner climbers in Nepal, Mera Peak height might be a challenge. Therefore, it is recommended to consider physical fitness and mental readiness to beat out Mera Peak difficulty.

Mera Peak Climbing Difficulty

Mera Peak Climbing difficulty level is measured on the bases of temperature and weather, total distance to cover, route variation, altitude sickness, as well as physical fitness and mental readiness. Likewise, trekking hours per day and condition of the climbing routes also contribute in the difficulty of Mera Peak climbing.

Total distance of Mera Peak climbing route from Lukla is 125 km/77.7 miles. Although several routes are used to climb Mera Peak (6,470m), two of them are most commonly used for expedition.

Mera Peak Climbing Route 1

Lukla – Zatrwa La Pass – Thaknak – Mera Peak Base Camp – Mera High Camp – Mera Peak Summit is the shortest but more challenging route of Mera Peak trekking. It is suitable for those having previous experience of trekking in the high altitude route of the Himalayas. Those preparing for 8,000ers expedition can also used this for the purpose of acclimatization and preparation.

Mera Peak Climbing Route 2

Lukla – Chhutung – Thaknak – Khare – Mera Peak Base Camp – Mera High Camp – Mera Peak Summit is longer but easier route. This route is recommended for the novice climbers who also have a longer vacation to visit Nepal.

Temperature and weather also add to Mera Peak climbing difficulty. Especially on the summit day, the climbers should cope with the temperature below -20℃

. Generally, the trip from Mera High Camp to Summit is done at around 2 AM.

Mera Peak elevation itself is a challenge as it is the highest trekking peak of Nepal. Due to its elevation, the summit day remains more challenging than other NMA expedition peaks.

In addition, the daily trekking distance and hours also add to Mera Peak climbing difficulty. The least distance to cover per day is 4.1 km while the daily trekking hours is 3 hours. The longest distance to cover is 11 km on the summit day on which you have to walk for about 9 hours.

Mera Peak climbing route consists of two passes higher than 4,500m. Mera La Pass (5,815m) and Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m) make difficulty of Mera Peak climbing more significant.

The Mera Peak climbing route moves above 2,800m throughout the trip. As soon as you reach higher than 2,500m, there is always possibility for acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness. So, altitude sickness is one of the factors of Mera Peak climbing difficulty.

Lastly, your physical fitness and mental readiness play a vital role to overcome the difficulty of climbing Mera Peak (6,470m).

Your previous experience of multi-day trekking for about 5-6 hours on the hills by carrying 12-15 kg will be helpful.

Additionally, on training, using the stair master, treadmill, cycling, jogging, and weight lifting will help you beat Mera Peak difficulty.

Best Time to Climb Mera Peak

In general, April, May, October, and November are the peak seasons of Mera Peak climbing in Nepal. On the other hand, the winter and monsoon are off seasons for peak climbing in Nepal. Thus, we recommend you to avoid climbing in rainy season and in extreme cold temperature because success rate is low in these seasons.

The best time to climb Mera Peak is May and October because in other seasons, climbers have to face colder temperature. In these months, the temperature in the day time remains around 10℃

 while it goes around -4℃

 at night.

Due to the clear skies, the scenery of the snowcapped peaks as well as rhododendron and pine forests looks jaw-dropping. Hence, plan your Mera Peak expedition in the most appropriate months for high success rate.

Mera Peak vs Island Peak

There are both similarities and differences to study about Mera Peak vs Island Peak. Let’s take a quick look into the factual truths about Mera Peak climbing and Island Peak climbing.

What are the similarities between Mera Peak (6,470m) and Island Peak (6,189m)?

·         Both are trekking peaks of Nepal among 27 NMA expedition peaks.

·         Both are located in the Barun section of the Mahalangur Himalayan Range.

·         They are close having approximately 24.9 km from each other.

·         Both are above 6,000m: Mera Peak (6,470m) and Island Peak (6,189m).

·         No need of technical skills or previous climbing experience for Island Peak and Mera Peak climbing.

What are the differences between Mera Peak (6,470m) and Island Peak (6,189m)?

·         Mera Peak climbing is considered to be easier than Island Peak climbing.

·         The summit section of Island Peak has steeper route, more challenging, and several headwalls. But climbing route of Mera Peak Summit is straightforward and has fewer challenges like crevasses.

·         Mera Peak climbing route is more challenging than to climb Island Peak because the trail of Island Peak is narrow rocky ridge having several glaciers and icefalls.

·         Mera Peak Base Camp Trek is harder than Island Peak Base Camp Trek.

Concluding Section

Mera Peak climbing is not only a lifelong memory of peak climbing in Nepal but also an opportunity to delve into nature, culture, and adventure. Located in Sagarmatha Zone, you get to see 5 of the 8,000ers from the top of this highest trekking peak of Nepal. You can climb Mera Peak (6,470m) even if you have mild experience of trekking in Nepal.

FAQs:

1) Can I climb Mera Peak without a guide?

We recommend you to hire a highly professional climbing guide, possibly a Sherpa climber. Mera Peak climbing route requires fixing of ropes, pre-climbing training sessions, and an expedition leader to lead Mera Peak ascent and descent. Moreover, using High Camp at around 5,700m – 5,800m is a must for a successful Mera Peak climbing mission. Thus, we would say that you cannot climb Mera Peak without a guide.

2) How high is Mera Peak?

Mera Peak elevation is 6,470m (also found 6,476m in some documents). From 50m below the Mera Peak summit, you need jumars for a successful ascent.

 3) Can I see Mount Everest (8,848.86m) from Mera Peak (6,470m)?

Yes, you can. On fine days with the clear skies, you can see 5 of 8,000ers and several snowcapped peaks from Mera Peak Summit (6,470m). Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516n), Mt. Makalu (8,485m), and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) are visible from here.