21 Oct 2024 Prakash Devkota
With 6,476 meters (21,246 feet) being the highest trekking peak, Mt. Mera stands with its chest up. Set in the remote Hinku Valley of the Solu Khumbu region, this peak combines adventure with some of the most natural beauty possible.
Casually laying in the Mahalangur section, in Sagarmatha Zone, Sankhuwasabha. The most famous Peak in Makalu Barun National Park region of the Himalaya, Mt. Mera of Nepal dates its history back to 1953 when British mountaineer Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing first reached the summit. It then has become one of the most iconic climbs for novice and experienced mountaineers since then.
But what makes Mera Peak height so attractive? It is relatively non-technical, meaning that even people with some basic mountaineering skills can take on a very high altitude climb. Mera Peak trek may be non technical but it is extremely altitudinal demanding and requires a careful acclimatization.
There are spectacular views to reward those climbers trekking up the Hinku Valley through the base camp of five of the world’s highest peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga). Remote paths are much less crowded to Everest Base Camp leading climbers through traditional Sherpa villages and beautiful alpine scenery.
Understanding Mera Peak’s Height Weather Patterns
The weather varies (dramatically) by elevation here. During the time when the trek usually starts (at around 2,800 to 3,000 meters (9,186 to 9,843 feet) it is temperate with milder conditions and green, lush landscape. Above 4,000 meters (thirteen thousand feet), the climate changes to one of an alpine character and temperatures suddenly plunge, while the terrain becomes much drier.
Above 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) the climb passes into the frigid tundra zone, another serious challenge for climbers, with freezing temperatures, snow, and icy winds. At the summit, it’s much harder, with strong winds, sub-zero temperatures nearly all year long, and those that try to scale the mountain need to no longer prepare, get acclimated for a safe ascent.
For all being said, understanding the seasonal patterns greatly enhances the likelihood of a successful and enjoyable climb on Mt. Mera.
Spring and autumn are the top two times of year to climb, since they are the only seasons with stable weather. However, the monsoon (usually June- August) and winter (December through February) are much tougher, with heavy rains, freezing temps and excessive trail conditions making it not the preferred time for the majority of climbers.
Best Seasons for Mera Peak Climbing
For a safe and successful adventure it is important to choose the Best time for Mera Peak Height. The two best seasons are spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). The best weather, clear skies, and cold temperatures in which to begin an ascent make these periods the most stable.
Daytime temperature at lower elevations of the hill range from 20°C to 15°C in spring but at higher elevations particularly near the summit they descend down to -12°C to -8°C. This season is not only scenic, the rhododendron forests bloom with vibrant colors that add to the look of trek.
Climbing the summit during this weather is generally stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, a perfect weather for a summit attempt. And spring is when the trail is at its busiest; large numbers of trekkers and climbers.
They are alright year round; both winter, from December until February and autumn from September to November second. The skies are light after the summer monsoon, when crystal clear, sight up to the peaks of the Himalayas.
During spring, daytime temperatures are slightly cooler than during autumn, averaging 14 to 20°C during the day, and dropping to as low as -10°C at higher altitudes. Autumn also brings dry conditions thanks to which the risks of rain or snow are lessened and it is much safer to walk.
Climbing the summit during the monsoon season (June to August) or winter (December to February) involves quite a few added problems. Heavy rainfall during the monsoon makes the trails slippery and treacherous and frequent landslides and placed icing due to mist.
Unlike in the winter, freezing temperatures and snow covered trails mean less daylight hours, making the climb much more challenging. And these seasons are normally considered only for certain highly experienced mountaineers, who are completely ready for the extreme conditions.
Mera Peak Trek in Spring (March to May)
This Peak is one of the most popular climbs of Spring due to the mild weathering plus the outstanding natural scenes that grace the season. Climbing Mera Peak in the spring is especially good because you get stable weather.
Trekking through the lower basin valleys, daytime temperatures usually vary between 15°C and 20°C, something that makes it quite easy to get around these areas. As soon as you start climbing into the high (tape 5000mt, above), temperatures will be very low, especially after dark, but these are more bearable than in other seasons, around -8° and -12° C.
Nepal also likes to bloom in spring and the rhododendron forests on the trails are full of flowering, giving the landscape bursts of color. The combination of the clear skies common for the season and this vibrant flora makes for a beautiful trek. And of course, the stable weather patterns also translate into less rain and snow, meaning less of a risk when climbing at high altitude, and less dangerous and simply better.
Spring, which is when Nepal’s peak trekking season occurs, will also see crowds so climbers need to be prepared. It is especially obvious in busier places, where trail and lodging must be closer to accommodate the crowds compared to quieter times of the year.
Climbing Mt. Mera in Autumn (September to November)
Mera Peak trek enjoys a reputation for being easily climbed in autumn. This time of the year is very stable; there are clear skies with cool temperatures and good trekking conditions. The atmosphere in the hour after monsoon season is crystal clear and the peaks unmolested by clouds, providing climbers with unobstructed views of their surroundings.
This summit offers the best view of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu in autumn, which is a favorite time for photographers and those who want to fully see the grandeur of the Himalayas.
At lower altitudes daytime temperatures during autumn are slightly cooler than in spring, with temperatures being between 14°C and 20°C. Temperatures tend to be cold, especially at higher elevations, they drop to -10°C or less at night.
The dry weather in autumn means there’s less likelihood of rain or snow, so fewer chances of slips or trail blockages. Additionally, post monsoon air is crisp and fresh, free of dust and haze that sometimes obscure the view at other times of the year.
In addition, autumn is also less crowded than spring. While it’s still peak trekking season, the trails still afford climbers more space and solitude as they climb the mountain. That’s why many climbers prefer to challenge Mera Peak Height during autumn owing to these reasons. Autumn is ideal when clear skies, stable weather and less crowded trails are put together.
Can You Climb Mera Peak in Winter (December to February)?
During the winter months, Mera summit can still be climbed, but it is not advisable for most climbers, as extreme weather and heightened risks are caused. Other than the lack of daylight hours in winter the cold in the Himalayas gets very high and snowfall does also become very heavy letting the climb become an extremely difficult task to perform.
Even at such high altitudes as -20°C and even lower temperatures, the freezing winds add to the difficulty of a tough ascent.
One of the biggest hazards of a winter climb is simply going into the snow and covering the trails and making navigation that much more difficult to begin with and increasing your chances of a slide in certain spots if that even happens. It’s also much harder to stay warm during those long days on the mountain, and equipment problems like frozen water bottles and stove failure become more common during the cold.
On top of this, winter days are short and whoever does not actively manage their time, without a doubt, will get caught out in the dark.
However, for highly experienced mountaineers who are in basic shape and plan on dealing with all of the inconveniences of winter climbing, it may be an opportunity to experience the beautiful and rather quiet solitude of this Peak.
There may not be as many people on the trails, and together the snow covered landscape can be beautiful. Despite that, this season is only advised for those with years of experience level trekking at high altitude and who are well equipped to cope with the extreme environment. Though technically possible, most climbers prefer spring and autumn as the best time for Mera Peak Trek.
Climbing Mera Peak in the Monsoon Season (June to August)
As is generally discouraged, trying to climb during the monsoon season, in other words, during a period from June to August, when that season lasts, is fraught with natural weather challenges. The most bethring problem for climbers is the heavy rain which characterizes the monsoon in Nepal. These rains turn the trails into boggy, muddy, deadly slippery affairs, especially in the lower valleys at around 2,800 meters and above. Trekking under these conditions is not only uncomfortable, but extremely risky; slips, falls, and landslides are even more likely in these more vulnerable areas.
Another critical issue is poor visibility because of the rain soaked trails as well. During the monsoon season the forests are lush, green and the otherwise breathtaking surrounding peaks are obscured by clouds and mist that hide the lush, green forests themselves.
On the rare occasion this fog clears, these mountains can pluck candies from the sky and reward climbers with panoramic vistas of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. It also greatly diminishes anyone who hoped to witness the iconic Himalayan skyline.
The physical difficulties of climbing up wet and slippery trails are one thing, but add the humidity of monsoon, and it becomes just that much more exhausting. Getting wet causes them discomfort, it becomes harder to stay warm and dry in damp weather, and that can go on for a long time. In addition, this moisture makes for a far more complicated climb, adding fuel to the risk of infections and illnesses.
However, experienced climbers who like alone, appreciate less load posture in the test monsoon, but still the risks of having battles overtakes pleasure in their profession generally speaking. Mera Peak Trek is one of the most difficult climbing mountains with the combination of treacherous trail conditions, low visibility during monsoon season making it not the best season to climb.
Comparing Spring vs. Autumn for Climbing Mt. Mera
Climbing Mera Peak is possible from March to May or September to November, and while in these seasons, you have the best chance of summiting, the experience is different in terms of trail access, weather, visibility, and atmosphere.
Mera Peak Height During Spring
The warm, blooming rhododendron forests in spring. So the track begins at a much lower elevation of average daytime temperature from 15°C to 20°C.
Head out for your hike at this time and the forests are full of vibrant colors, this has to be one of the best times of year to trek. Yet snow lingering until into the spring does occur, even at high altitudes, above 5,000 meters. That means later in the day, climbers can find themselves climbing softer snow, which may slow progress or increase the risk of avalanches in some places.
Visibility in spring is usually good, though it can be hampered occasionally by afternoon clouds, especially around the summit.
Crowds be damned, spring’s the busiest season. This period also happens to coincide with Nepal’s peak trekking season, so you’ll likely share the trail with many other trekkers and climbers. They can make lodges and campsites crowded, but it can also mean meeting other adventurers, and enjoying a bit of camaraderie on the trail.
Mera Peak Trek During Autumn
Autumn is when we are more likely to be enjoying some of the coolest temperatures of the year and also some of the clearest skies of the year. The air is crisp and fresh and daytime temperatures are 14°C to 20°C once the rains have cleared.
Towards the end of March, nights are very cold, especially above 5,000 feet, and are often cold enough at lower elevations for the thermometer to read below -10°C. There are the best mountain views of Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse, and very little cloud cover, so you get perfect views that are unobstructed.
The dry conditions in the autumn help keep the trails safer and more manageable, especially on those lower trail sections where there are still no traces of snow, and solid footing lasts at most parts of the trek throughout.
If you don’t mind the crowds, spring is probably the best time to attend, but if you enjoy a more solitary and quiet experience, autumn is less crowded. Despite it being part of the peak trekking season, October has less people on the trails compared to spring, when the trails are more packed with people.
Climbers looking for a wonderful balance between scenic beauty and comfortable trekking conditions would choose autumn because of its crisp air and dry trails.
Best Time to Climb Mera Peak Based on Experience and Preference
The best time for Mera peak Height actually depends on your level of experience and the particular trekking experience you’re looking for. Autumn (September to November) is the safest and most comfortable season for the beginners. Stable conditions for trekking include rails dry, minimal snow.
Clear skies and good visibility during this season make it the perfect time for first time climbers to fully savor the amazing Himalayan sight without the difficulty of slippery terrain. It also means the cooler climate keeps the risk of overheating from being a problem, especially in the lower valleys.
Spring (March to May) is the time when the experience is a bit more vibrant and scenic for experienced climbers. You do get a showy climb for warmer temperatures and rhododendrons, but snow higher up. Soft snow and occasional avalanche risks are better handled by experienced trekkers during the warmer afternoons of spring. But spring is usually busier conditions, scheduled for busier trails, along with more occupied campsites.
Climbing during the monsoon (June-August) or winter (December-February) is possible for experienced climbers but for the solitude seekers alone. During these off seasons, the trails become slippery, rainy, and freezing; most of the trekkers don’t find it as suitable.
Crowd Levels and Popularity During Peak Seasons
Climbing the peak can be a very different experience, depending on how many fellow climbers you have on the trail. The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons are popular seasons for trekking, but the most crowded as well. These are the peak seasons with huge trekkers and climbers flowing into Nepal due to stable weather and ideal climbing conditions.
In particular, April and early May are the busiest times of spring as the trails are busy. Nepal’s main trekking season is probably why this season coincides.
During this time, being one of the most possible high altitude peaks, Mt. Mera attracts a bunch of climbers. This gets you into crowded campsites and crowded teahouses, and often even requires advance bookings. A byproduct of the increased foot traffic can also be a more social than quiet atmosphere that some climbers may like, but which others may find detracts from the solitariness of the experience.
The trails in autumn are just busy enough to be full, but not busy enough to be clogged, making it just a little quieter than spring. It is a trekking season during the post monsoon era, as it has clear skies and wonderful views.
The crowds here are slightly lessened as autumn divides time between post monsoon trekkers and those preferring few visitors. Crisp, clear conditions attract photographers and nature enthusiasts, partly making autumn popular. Crowd levels are overall still high, but the trail feels marginally less crowded than during the swarming spring season.
Whistling through the interface of winter (December to February) or monsoon (June to August) has its ups and downs, a more solitary experience, but with huge risks and challenges when it rains. Far fewer climbers ply these trails in these seasons, providing a more isolated outing for those seeking out isolation or experience who are highly experienced.
Flora and Fauna at Different Times of the Year
In spring from March to May the trails are in full bloom. It’s the prime time for enjoying the natural beauty of this Peak and Nepal overall as the rhododendron forests turn red, pink, white during the season. One of the highlights of the lower altitude trek is these forests between 2,000 and 4,000 meters.
During this period, wild flowers of all kinds bloom too and breathe new beauty onto the trek. This is the season when wildlife becomes more active, and trekkers may see Himalayan pheasants, yaks and perhaps the as yet unverified snow leopard in higher places, but such sightings are unusual.
Although the flowers fade and the air is no longer crisp nor clear in spring, Autumn brings the full majesty of the area with it. The forests are still lush, the clean post monsoon air offers great visibility for spotting wildlife and it is a great time. Yaks and mountain goats grazing are often seen at altitudes higher than that. Less colorful, but still a serene and peaceful setting, the forests were still out there.
The cold is so extreme that in winter most of the flora dies back, and the landscape is generally buried under snow.
Most of the plant life in the alpine regions becomes inhospitable, and the fauna retreat to lower altitudes. But the cold has not discouraged the hardy animals, like yaks and Himalayan birds, that live on, continuing where the active ones quit. But wildlife spotting is made hard by the conditions and limited visibility.
The forests receive rain during the monsoon and the flora profusely thrives. But that cloud cover was heavy and the rain was frequent enough to prevent truly soaking up the nearby natural beauty. The forests are lush and green and will be for some time, but the constant rainfall makes it impossible to see many animals, so the animals retreat to avoid getting wet.
Prakash Devkota
Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.
He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.
