| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 2 | $1,950 |
Expert Climbing Guide
Mountain x10 nights (Teahouse/Tent Camps)
Breakfast x10, Lunch x10, Dinner x10
All necessary Permits
1 Porter (2 trekkers)
Flights to and from Lukla and All ground Transfers
Photos from the Short Mera Peak Climbing
Summit Nepal’s Highest Trekking Peak at 6,461m (21,193ft) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga.
Experience Glacier Travel & High-Altitude Climbing with expert guides, full camping support, and pre-climb training for safe ascent.
Trek Through the Remote Hinku Valley, crossing Zatrwa La Pass and exploring pristine forests, yak pastures, and Sherpa villages.
11-Day Fast-Paced Itinerary, ideal for fit trekkers looking to complete a thrilling Himalayan climbing expedition with minimal downtime.
Your Himalayan adventure begins with an early morning transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic terminal. A scenic 35-minute flight takes you to the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. The thrilling flight offers aerial views of lush hills and snowcapped peaks, including distant views of Gaurishankar and Numbur Himal. After meeting your porters and guides in Lukla, the trek begins.
The trail descends briefly before ascending gently through pine forests and small Sherpa settlements. You'll pass mani walls, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags along the trail. As you climb steadily toward Chutanga, you'll begin to notice a drop in temperature and change in vegetation. Chutanga, located in a tranquil forested valley, is a great place to begin acclimatization.
The trekking distance from Lukla to Chutanga is 8 kilometers (5 miles), and the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on your pace and breaks. You’ll gain an elevation of approximately 260 meters (853 feet) as you gently ascend through the forested trails. This gradual gain in altitude is perfect for acclimatization and easing into the expedition’s rhythm.
After breakfast, start the climb toward Zatrwa La Pass, your first significant mountain pass. The trail ascends steeply through alpine forests and rugged hillsides. The climb is demanding but offers incredible views as you gain altitude. Reaching Zatrwa La is a true accomplishment. From the pass, the panorama opens up with views of the Dudh Kunda Himal, Karyolung, and Kongde Ri ranges.
After soaking in the views and taking a short rest at the pass, descend carefully along rocky switchbacks into the lush pastureland of Thuli Kharka. This beautiful yak-grazing meadow offers wide open views of Mera Peak's southern ridges and is an excellent overnight stop for acclimatization and rest. The total trekking distance today is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), and the hike typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. You’ll gain an impressive elevation of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), so a slow and steady pace is recommended to adjust to the altitude.
Today, the trail descends into the scenic Hinku Valley. The route winds through enchanting rhododendron and juniper forests, following steep cliffs and cascading streams. Keep an eye out for Himalayan wildlife like musk deer and colorful birds along the trail. You’ll pass through yak herder huts and small seasonal tea shops as you approach Kothe.
Kothe is a charming village nestled alongside the roaring Hinku Khola River. The settlement offers stunning views of Mera Peak’s lower slopes. Relax in your teahouse, enjoy a hot Sherpa meal, and take in the serene wilderness around you. You’ll trek for about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) over the course of 6 to 7 hours and descend 609 meters (1,998 feet) as you reach Kothe, making it an easier day in terms of altitude.
Leaving Kothe, the trail follows the west bank of the Hinku Khola River. The path gently ascends through open alpine terrain with fewer trees and more glacial moraine. You’ll pass the ancient stone-built monastery, Lungsumgba Gompa, set beneath towering cliffs—a sacred place for the locals.
As you reach Thaknak, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more barren and dramatic, with vast glacial valleys and towering ice walls surrounding the area. The mountain views today include Peak 43 and Kusum Kanguru. This short day allows you to rest and acclimate further. You will cover 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) in approximately 3 to 4 hours, gaining 667 meters (2,188 feet) in elevation.
Today’s trail climbs alongside the lateral moraine of the Dig Glacier, gradually gaining altitude. You’ll pass through sandy sections and rocky ridges while the views become increasingly awe-inspiring. As you rise, Mera Peak’s triple summits (North, Central, and South) come into full view.
Khare serves as the base camp for Mera Peak. It’s a small alpine settlement with a few teahouses, strategically located below the vast Mera Glacier. After lunch, relax or take a short acclimatization hike to help your body adjust. Tomorrow, you'll begin glacier travel. The trek is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and takes 3 to 4 hours, with an elevation gain of 687 meters (2,254 feet).
This vital acclimatization day prepares you for the climb ahead. In the morning, you’ll go on a light acclimatization hike to a nearby ridge or moraine. This helps you adapt to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Later in the day, your climbing guide will conduct pre-climb training. You’ll learn essential mountaineering techniques, including how to walk with crampons, handle fixed ropes, and use ice axes properly. It’s a crucial day to build both skill and confidence before heading to high camp.
Today you leave Khare and ascend onto the glacier using full climbing gear. Roped-up and equipped with crampons, you will steadily gain elevation. The path winds along the glacier's shoulder, offering vast views of the Hinku Valley and surrounding ice giants.
High Camp is perched on a rocky terrace above the glacier, with space for tents and basic kitchen setup. From here, you can see five 8,000-meter peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga. Dinner is served early to prepare for a midnight start for the summit. The journey to High Camp is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) and takes 5 to 6 hours, gaining 735 meters (2,411 feet) in elevation.
The summit day begins in the dark, around 2 AM. Using headlamps and fixed ropes, you’ll make your way slowly up the glaciated slopes. The final ridge to the summit can be steep and demanding, requiring full concentration. Upon reaching the top of Mera Peak, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular Himalayan views on Earth.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, begin the careful descent back to High Camp and then to Khare. This is a physically demanding day that requires stamina and determination, but it is undoubtedly the highlight of the expedition. You will cover about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) over 11 to 12 hours, gaining 681 meters (2,234 feet) and losing 1,416 meters (4,646 feet) in elevation.
After the high of the summit, today you descend through Khare and Kothe and ascend again to Thuli Kharka. Although the trail is long, it takes you through lush forests and yak pastures that provide a softer contrast to the icy landscape above.
You’ll cross rivers, stone staircases, and hillside trails, enjoying the final alpine views of the Hinku Valley. Arriving at Thuli Kharka offers a peaceful place to rest after the challenging days. Today’s trail covers 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) over 8 to 10 hours, with an elevation loss of 745 meters (2,444 feet).
Today you retrace your steps over Zatrwa La, marking your final crossing of this dramatic pass. The climb is steep but manageable, and from the top, you get your last panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Descending to Lukla, the trail passes yak herder huts, alpine vegetation, and winding stone steps. Back in Lukla, enjoy your final evening in the mountains with your guides and porters over a farewell dinner. The trek is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), taking 5 to 6 hours, and includes an elevation loss of 1,460 meters (4,790 feet).
Enjoy a scenic morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu, offering a final aerial view of the Himalayas. Once in the capital, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a well-earned rest.
⇀ Starts: Early morning pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu
↼ Ends: Evening drop-off back to your hotel in Kathmandu
We offer complimentary airport transfers in Kathmandu for your arrival and departure—no matter the time or date. Even if you arrive early or stay longer after your trip, your airport pickups and drop-offs are fully taken care of. Just make sure to send us your flight details and complete the passenger information form in advance.
During the trekking seasons of Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October), all flights to Lukla operate from Ramechhap (Manthali Airport), approximately 132 km east of Kathmandu.
On your first trekking day, your guide will pick you up around 1:00 AM from your hotel. The drive to Ramechhap takes approximately 4 hours. From there, you'll catch a 35-minute scenic flight to Lukla, where your trek officially begins.
We recommend that you arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before your trek. You’ll attend a trip briefing and gear check session, which can be conducted in person or online. This helps ensure you're well-prepared for your expedition.
Want to skip the drive? You can upgrade your transport to a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This premium option saves time and offers incredible aerial views. Please see our Optional Extras section or contact us in advance to make arrangements.
While all meals during the trek are included, your food expenses in Kathmandu and Ramechhap are not covered in the package. However, Kathmandu offers a wide range of culinary delights—from local Nepali dishes like momo (dumplings), sel roti, Newari khaja sets, and thukpa, to international cuisines including Italian, Indian, Korean, and vegan-friendly cafes. Ramechhap, being a small town, has only basic tea shops with local dal bhat, chow mein, boiled eggs, and snacks available for early travelers.
From Lukla to Khare, you’ll be served three hot meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—at local teahouses. The food is freshly prepared and carb-rich to keep your energy levels high. Typical dishes include Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), Sherpa stew, fried rice, Tibetan bread, pasta, soups, boiled eggs, noodles, pancakes, porridge, and seasonal greens. Beverages like tea, instant coffee, and hot lemon are also available. The meals are designed for altitude and long trekking days, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration.
Once you move above Khare into climbing territory, meals are prepared by our expedition cook and support team. At Mera High Camp, you’ll be served warm and easily digestible meals like garlic soup, rice, porridge, boiled potatoes, and tea. For summit day, you'll be provided with packed high-calorie snacks, hot drinks, and soup. We highly recommend bringing snack bars, chocolate, and energy gels from Kathmandu for added fuel during your climb. Clean drinking water is boiled and provided throughout.
Difficulty Level: Tough
Mera Peak Climbing is considered a tough and demanding adventure, best suited for trekkers and climbers with excellent physical conditioning and prior high-altitude trekking experience. The challenge primarily comes from the high altitude of Mera Peak, which stands at 6,461 meters (21,193 feet), making it Nepal’s highest permitted trekking peak. The thin air at this elevation significantly reduces oxygen levels, increasing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
What intensifies the difficulty is the compact 11-day itinerary, which includes steep ascents, glacier crossings, and a long summit day with over 12 hours of climbing and descent. While basic teahouses are available up to Khare, facilities are limited beyond that point. From High Camp onwards, trekkers rely on tented camping and expedition-style meals in harsh alpine conditions. The remote and rugged Hinku Valley also poses logistical challenges, as there is no road access and limited emergency infrastructure. This trip demands a high level of endurance, acclimatization strategy, and mental resilience for a safe and rewarding summit experience.
The best seasons to climb Mera Peak are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally stable, the skies are clearer, and temperatures are more manageable—ideal conditions for high-altitude trekking and peak climbing. Spring brings blossoming rhododendrons and crisp air, while autumn offers post-monsoon clarity and dramatic Himalayan vistas.
That said, weather conditions in the Hinku Valley and at Mera Peak can be highly unpredictable. At lower elevations (2,800m to 4,000m), daytime temperatures in these seasons range between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while nighttime temperatures can dip close to freezing. Above 5,000 meters (16,404 feet)—especially at High Camp and the summit—temperatures can plummet to -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F) with strong winds and potential snowstorms.
Weather challenges include freezing nighttime temperatures, rapid changes in mountain weather, and wind exposure at high altitudes. Climbers should be well-prepared with insulated layers, windproof gear, and technical equipment to cope with cold, dry, and windy summit conditions. Choosing the right season and being flexible with weather windows greatly increases your chance of a safe and successful summit.
Mera Peak Climbing is a physically demanding high-altitude expedition. To fully enjoy and safely complete this adventure, a solid fitness foundation is essential. Start training at least 8–12 weeks before your trip with a focus on cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and stamina. Incorporate long hikes, hill training, stair climbing, and weighted backpack walks into your routine. If possible, hike at increasing altitudes to simulate real conditions.
Strength training should include exercises like lunges, squats, core work, and resistance training to build stability and muscular endurance. Flexibility and balance training (yoga, stretching) will help prevent injuries on uneven mountain terrain. Most importantly, practice mental preparation—Mera Peak’s summit day can last 12+ hours and requires patience, resilience, and determination. Those with prior trekking experience above 4,000m will adapt more comfortably to the demands of this climb.
Preparing for Mera Peak Climbing requires both trekking and alpine climbing equipment. Here's a short list of essentials to bring:
We’ll provide all group gear including tents, cooking equipment, and climbing ropes. If needed, climbing gear can be rented in Kathmandu or Khare.
I can’t thank Places Nepal and our incredible guide Dawa Sherpa enough for helping me achieve my dream of climbing Mera Peak. Everything from the pre-trip briefing to the summit push was flawlessly managed. The team kept us motivated, safe, and informed every step of the way. This was the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve ever done!
Climbing Mera Peak was no small feat, but the support I received from Places Nepal and our lead guide Fura Sherpa made it not just doable, but enjoyable. Their knowledge of the Hinku Valley, the careful acclimatization plan, and the positive team spirit made all the difference. I wouldn’t choose any other company.
I’ve trekked in the Alps and Andes, but Mera Peak with Places Nepal Treks was on another level! Guide Sonam Sherpa and his crew handled logistics like pros—from gear checks to summit-day meals in a freezing tent. The views from the top were out of this world.
I booked this trip solo, and I’m so glad I chose Places Nepal. My guide Lhakpa Dorje treated me like family, always checking on my health and explaining each section of the route. Their small group approach and attention to detail gave me confidence to push to 6,461m!
From airport pickup to the final summit push, this trip was smooth and inspiring. The meals were delicious, the tents were warm, and our guide Nam made us feel like we could conquer the world. Thank you, Places Nepal, for this life-changing journey!
Region: Makalu Barun National Park, Solukhumbu District, Eastern Nepal
Total Distance: Approx. 91 km / 57 miles (round trip)
This high-altitude expedition to Mera Peak (6,461m/21,193ft) is Nepal’s ultimate trekking peak challenge. Located in the remote Hinku Valley, this short yet intense itinerary is designed for thrill-seeking adventurers aiming to summit one of the highest trekking peaks in the Himalayas. Mera Peak Climbing offers a rare chance to witness five of the world's tallest mountains—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga—from one single summit.
The journey begins with a scenic flight to Lukla (2,840m) and follows a circuit through Chutanga, Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m), Thuli Kharka, and Kothe before reaching Khare (5,045m). From there, trekkers ascend to Mera High Camp (5,780m) before making the final push to the summit. The altitude gain is steady but steep, with over 3,600m (11,800ft) of elevation gained from start to summit. Every step above 4,000m challenges the body with thinner air and more technical terrain.
Mera Peak was first ascended in 1953 by Col. Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing during British reconnaissance expeditions. The Hinku Valley, once home to ancient yak caravans, remains culturally rich and unspoiled. Monasteries like Lungsumgba Gompa and ancient chortens along the way add spiritual depth to the climb. Mera is less crowded than other peaks, offering a true sense of wilderness.
To climb Mera Peak, you’ll need the following permits:
All these are included in your package and arranged by our team before the trek.
Expect to trek through varied terrain—from mossy pine forests to icy glacier slopes. Nights will be spent in rustic teahouses and alpine tents. Days involve 4–6 hours of trekking/climbing, while summit day can last up to 12+ hours. The climb to the top of Mera Peak requires use of technical gear such as crampons, harnesses, ropes, and ice axes—but is considered non-technical for fit trekkers under guide supervision.
Expect altitude to be your biggest challenge. The itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatization, and you’ll also undergo pre-climb training in Khare. Despite the physical difficulty, the payoff—standing atop Nepal’s highest trekking peak with panoramic views—is truly unmatched.
Mera Peak lies within the Makalu Barun National Park, home to rich biodiversity. In lower altitudes, you’ll walk through forests of rhododendron, pine, and fir. With luck, you may spot Himalayan tahr, musk deer, langurs, and colorful Danphe pheasants (Nepal’s national bird). Above 4,000m, the landscape becomes alpine and glacial—home only to hardy mosses, lichens, and snow leopards (rarely seen).
Choosing us means choosing a safe, ethical, and memorable experience—one that pushes your limits while being supported every step of the way.
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