Climbing Mera Peak in 14 Days

10 Oct 2022 Prakash Devkota

Climbing Mera Peak in 14 Days

Mera peak is the tallest trekking peak (6,476 m) in Nepal, located near Mount Everest. The trekking peak lies at the highest point of the Himalayas in the Mahalangur section. Its location, to be precise, is the northern part of the Solukhumbu region. We bring you an exciting Mera peak climbing 14 days package to venture on trekking this peak.

This trekking and novice mountain climbing package takes you to the serene region housing the world’s peak. You walk through various alpine forests observing trees of pine, fir, oak, and rhododendrons. You will pass through various landforms of the Himalayas, including several glaciers. The trail also takes you alongside the beautiful Dudh Koshi river. Various Sherpa settlements and Buddhist hamlets live in this region. Many significant landmarks can be observed in the Mera peak climbing 14 days journey.

The peak has three points at the top; Mera Central(6,476m), Mera North(6,476m), and Mera South(6,065m). We will be venturing up to the highest point of these peaks on the trek. From the top, you will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the mountain ranges of Khumbu. Mt Everest(8,848m), Mt Makalu(8,643m), Mt Cho Oyu(8,201m), Mt Lhotse(8,586m), etc., are evident from the peak’s summit.

Can you see Mount Everest from Mera Peak?

Mera peak is a popular trekking destination ventured before the Everest expedition. Early climbers of Everest, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, also trekked this peak before heading for Everest. The climb is relatively easy and the best way for amateurs to start their mountain climbing journey.

Let us take a deep dive into this package of Mera peak climbing 14 days that we offer.

Highlights of the trip

  • Get an experience climbing a small mountain with little to no technical difficulties,
  • Get amazing views of the eight-thousanders from the peak,
  • Experience the Khumbu region and its serenity,
  • Observe the beautifully flowing Dudh Koshi river following it throughout the trekking trails,
  • Observe various Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa lifestyles and cultures in various hamlets,
  • Experience the alpine vegetation of the Himalayas of Nepal,
  • See dense, lush forests of rhododendron, pine, and oaks.

How difficult is the Mera peak climbing trek?

The Mera peak climbing is considered one of the easiest mountain climbing experiences. It is especially suitable for novices. In technical terms, the mountain is Alpine Grade PD among the alpine grading system. Meaning the journey will have some technical parts with a complicated glacier. Discarding these challenges, the climb is relatively straightforward.

Before, the Mera peak climb was deemed an Alpine Grade F group which translates to an easy climb. But due to the formation of glacier changes and new steep technical landforms, it is a little challenging.

Despite these grading, the Mera peak climbing is still very doable. Any sort of mountain climbing experience regulars some level of effort and caution. The same applies for the Mera peak climb as well. But it comes with a few risks and is a perfect way to start your mountain climbing journey.

Mera Peak Climbing in september october november autumn

Accommodation and food

The remote trails of the Khumbu region provide tea houses as the main means of accommodation. They are quite basic and provide the essentials you need for the journey. They provide the staple Nepali food of “Daal Bhaat Tarkai”, rice with vegetable curry and lentils. The food and accommodation will not be very luxurious, but they will be good enough to keep you going. The food will be nutritious and dense, and the beds will be adequate comfort.

Permits needed

The permit for Mera peak climbing varies as per the route you take. The itinerary we have designed for the Mera peak climbing 14 days trek requires two particular ones. One of them is the Local area Permit you can get upon arrival at Lukla. The other permit is for the protected region of Makalu Barun National park entry permit. Read more details here.

14 Days Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and uphill trek till Chhuthang
Day 02: Chhuthang to Tuli Kharka Trek crossing Zatrawala Pass
Day 03: Trek from Tuli Kharka to Kothe [4182m/13716ft]
Day 04: Kothe to Thangnak Trek
Day 05: Reach Khare from Thangnak
Day 06: Rest at Khare
Day 07: Khare to Mera Base Camp
Day 08: Mera Base Camp to High Camp
Day 09: Summit Mera Peak [6461m/21192ft] and descend to Khare
Day 10: Reserve day in case of bad weather
Day 11: Trek back from Khare to Kothe
Day 12: Trek from Kothe to Tuli Kharka
Day 13: Trek from Tuli Kharka to Lukla via Zatrawala Pass
Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu from Lukla and transfer to hotel






    If you want some extra days to your itinerary, we have another 18 day Mera peak package.

    Detailed Itinerary of Mera Peak climbing

    Day 1: A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and an Uphill trek to Chhuthang

    Chhutang’s altitude – 3020 meters

    Flight hours – 45 minutes

    Walking hours – 4 to 5 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Chhuthang

    You will start your adventure of Mera peak climbing by boarding a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight will be a short 45-minute trip with scenic views of the Everest region. You will then land at the Tenzing Hillary Aiport of Lukla along its narrow runway. Lukla is the first spot you need to reach to experience the Everest region.

    From Lukla, you will do a long hike toward a place called Chhuthang. Heading towards Chhuthang will require you to traverse through various Sherpa settlements. You will find Buddhist Mani walls and prayer wheels throughout this hike.

    You will also pass dense alpine forests full of pine and rhododendron trees. The general route to Chhuthang has many branches and might be confusing. So you ought to stay with your group to reach your destination.

    After around 4 to 5 hours of hike, you will reach your destination and get accommodated in a local lodge. Our first day ends with dining and sleeping here.

    Day 2: A trek to Tuli Kharka from Chhuthang, crossing the Zatrawala Pass

    Zatrawala Pass’ altitude– 4600 meters

    Tuli Kharka’s altitude – 3900 meters

    Walking hours – 5 to 6 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Tuli Kharka

    After breakfast today, you will leave Chhuthang to reach Tuli Kharka. The trail leads you alongside the Dudh Koshi river, which will flow elegantly. Some tiny huts can be seen along settlement areas throughout this trek. You will pass through a rather barren landform as the alpine vegetation becomes less in higher altitudes.

    You will pass through rough, zig-zag roads towards a subsidiary col of Zatrawala Pass. You will descend a little from there and hike upwards to cross the Zatrawala pass. You might need crampons and trekking tools, but seasonal treks can be done without them.

    From the peak of the pass, you will have to descend around 700 meters worth of altitude to reach Thuli Kharka.

    Upon reaching Tuli Kharka, you will check in at a local lodge in the area. A fulfilling dinner and a good night’s sleep at this place will mark the end of the second day.

    Day 3: A trek to Kothe from Tuli Kharka

    Kothe’s altitude – 4182 meters

    Walking hours – 6 to 7 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Kothe

    Today we will head towards Kothe from Thuli Kharka. Today’s hike will mostly comprise traversing through trails leading to the Hinku valley of the Khumbu region. You will start by descending a little from Tuli Kharka. Then you will find regular uphill and downhill roads along the trails.

    Today you will find plenty of alpine vegetation today compared to yesterday’s hike. Lush, dense, and green forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and oak tree live here. A few hours of the hike will give you entry to the Hinku valley. It will give you evident immaculate views of your destination of Mera peak.

    Upon entering the Hinku valley, you will make a slight descent towards the riverbed of the Hinku river. Then you will do a swift uphill trek from the banks of the river to reach Kothe. The place houses many tea houses as lodging options. You will be accommodated in one of those for an overnight stay here.

    Day 4: A trek to Thangnak from Kothe

    Thangnak’s altitude – 4326 meters

    Walking hours – 4 to 5 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Thangnak

    Today we will continue our journey to summit Mera peak by heading towards Thangnak. The road to Thangnak again requires walking alongside the riverbed of the Hinku river. The trail passing alongside the river takes us to a place called Gondishung. The Mera Peak is visible from here as well.

    You will have your lunch at Gondishung and walk further to reach today’s destination. You will find two centuries-old Buddhist monastery called Lungsumgba Gompa. Lighting the shrine in this monastery is popularly believed to bring luck to the Mera peak expedition.

    Further from the Gompa, the trails are relatively easy, with beautiful views. You will conveniently reach Thangnak with beautiful, welcoming views. The region is pasture land, and locals graze their yaks in summer. Like many other destinations of the trek, the place houses tea houses for lodging. You will check into one of these for the overnight stay and dinner for the day.

    Day 5: A trek to Khare from Thangnak

    Khare’s altitude – 5000 meters

    Walking hours – 5 to 6 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Khare

    Today our trekking route continues towards Khare from Thangnak. You will pass through some steep moraines in today’s trek, which will be a little challenging. The Dig Kharka and Dig glacier in front of Charpate Himal make up for these steep moraines. Further in the journey, you again need to pass through the glaciers of Hinku Nap and Shar. Such glaciers and steep moraines must be traversed with much caution. A little slip might cause accidents and injuries, so be careful.

    After traversing through such difficult terrains of the trails, you will do a short uphill climb that leads to Khare. It will be a comparatively steep climb than earlier days and needs a lot of effort.

    Despite the comparatively challenging roads, you will be rewarded with beautiful vistas of mountains like Mt. Mera (6,476 m), Mt. Kyashar (6,770 m), and Kusum Kanguru (6,367 m).

    Today’s hike ends with a stay at a local tea house in Khare and dinner. Since today’s journey will require so much exhaustion and energy, we will take some rest tomorrow. It is also essential to acclimatize to get familiar with higher altitude places.

    Day 6: Rest and exploration day in Khare

    Khare’s altitude – 5000 meters

    Overnight stay at lodge in Khare

    A few days of acclimatization is needed for high-altitude journeys. Doing a mountain climb is especially necessitates for acclimatization and rest. Acclimatization days in your itinerary allow you to mitigate the risks of altitude sickness.

    You have already reached an altitude as high as 5000 meters. To complete the expedition, you need to climb as far as 6,476 meters of altitude. Such massive gain of altitude is a high risk for altitude-related sickness. We will have hiked from Lukla’s altitude of 2860 meters to Mera peak’s summit of over 6,476 meters in a week. So, resting now and then is necessary.

    Today you will just rest and explore the Khare area to prepare for further uphill hikes. Khare is also called the gateway to the Mera peak base camp. A day worth of exploration and an overnight stay at the same tea house will mark today’s itinerary’s conclusion.

    Day 7: A trek from Khare to Mera Base Camp

    Mera Base Camp’s altitude – 5300 meters

    Walking hours – 3 to 4 hours

    Overnight stay at tented camps at the base

    Today we venture further towards our goal of climbing Mera peak. We will leave Khare to reach the Mera Base camp for today early in the morning. Today’s trek will be quite technical, with comparatively challenging trails. You will pass through steep trails along the way to reach the Mera glacier.

    The Mera glacier trail needs to be marched with caution as glaciers are difficult to traverse. You will reach the Mera Base Camp only after reaching the top of the glacier. After a total of 3 to 4 hours worth of technical hike, you will reach the Mera Base Camp.

    Upon arrival, our professional guides will set up the pieces of equipment for camping tents and fodder for the night. This will mark the first day of camping on this trip. You will eat meals made by our guides at the campsite for the night. You can rest well and enjoy the food after an exhausting day of uphill hiking.

    The night you spend today will be quite serene with the beautiful starry sky above. Enjoy the tranquility and prepare yourself for further climbing to reach the Mera peak summit.

    Day 8: Uphill climb to Mera High camp from base camp

    Mera high camp’s altitude – 5700 meters

    Walking hours – 3 to 4 hours

    Overnight stay at tented camps of the high camp

    On the eighth day, you will depart from the base camp to reach the High camp of Mera peak. Our guides will prepare breakfast for you and then pack equipment to head for the uphill climb. The trek from base camp to high camp traverses Mera La Pass, requiring a steep climb. The trails have rocky and snowy tracks.

    You need a few final stretches of an uphill hike to reach the Meera High camp. After 3 to 4 hours worth of hike, you will be welcomed by the chilly winds of the high camp. The high camp gives you immensely beautiful mountain views. You can see Everest from here, along with mountains like Nuptse, Makalu, Baruntse, Chamalang, etc.

    The guide team will again set up tents and equipment like the day before for sleep and dinner. You can once again enjoy hauntingly beautiful starry nights of the Himalayas to sleep.

    Day 9: Summit the Mera peak and descend back to Khare

    Mera peak’s altitude – 6476 meters

    Khare’s altitude – 5000 meters

    Walking hours – 8 to 9 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Khare

    Today will mark the most significant day of the Mera peak climbing 14 days long journey. You wil summit the Mera peak on the ninth day. Early in the morning, even before sunlight, you will have to start your climb for the day.

    You will start scaling the mountain at 2 am in the morning to the summit and return before noon. The Mera peak summit gets a lot of winds during noon, which might cause difficulty in climbing the mountain. So you will leave the high camp very early with the team of professional guides.

    The climb is not at all scary but rather simple, with little to no technical climbs. Although you can easily complete the climb from high camp to summit without much help, do follow our guides. They will ensure you have the best experience throughout your summiting journey.

    Upon arrival at the top of the mountain, you will be blessed with serenity and beautiful landscapes. You can find a myriad of eight-thousanders covering the horizon from the summit. Views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, etc., are beautiful from this height.

    After your summit, you will quickly leave the peak before noon hits the clock. You will make a swift descent to reach Khare for an overnight stay.

    Day 10: Rest day in case of bad weather

    Overnight stay at tented camp

    The weather at high-altitude places in the Khumbu region is quite unpredictable. Such unstable weather is also present during the Mera peak climbing journey. Since the weather of such a region is not always certain, this is a reserved day for bad weather occurrences.

    Sudden storms or weather issues might compel us to make changes in our itineraries and extend our travel days. So, if we cannot trek any day within our itinerary, this day will be a rest day. It can be an alternative for any trekking day. This might shift our days of summiting the mountain. In some cases, we might even complete the trek a day early if we are blessed with good weather.

    Day 11: A trek back to Kothe from Khare

    Kothe’s altitude – 4182 meters

    Walking hours – 3 to 4 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Kothe

    Now that you are done with your Mera peak summit and have returned to Khare, you will retrace your step to return. Today you will be heading back to Kothe, passing through Thangnak. You are already familiar with these places during the earlier parts of the trek. During our return, though, we will take a different approach by going further downhill toward sloped trails. You will retrace the trails leading from Khare to Kothe.

    The altitude will start decreasing significantly, and you will be amidst the alpine vegetation. You will once again find yourself surrounded by oak, pine, and rhododendron tree-filled forests. After around 3 to 4 hours worth of descent will lead you to Kothe. You will once again check in at a local tea house of the place and spend the night. This will mark the end of the eleventh day.

    Day 12 : A trek to Tuli Kharka from Kothe

    Tuli Kharka’s altitude – 3900 meters

    Walking hours – 5 to 6 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Khare

    On the twelfth day, you will return to Tuli Kharka, retracing your steps from Kothe after breakfast. The trails of the trek will be quite familiar to you as you will have traveled through here before. You need to do a few uphill hikes and then descend downwards.

    You ought to pass through forests leading up to the west of Hinky Valley. Tuli Kaeka lies adjacent to the Hinku valley. After around 5 to 6 hours of hiking, you will finally arrive at Tuli Kharka from Kothe.

    The destination of the day is already a familiar one. The place was a highlight for watching Mera’s mountain range in the first half of the trek. You could do it now if you had not savored these beautiful vistas.

    Overnight stay and dinner at a local tea house of Tuli Kharka will mark the end of the second last day of trekking.

    Day 13: A trek back to Lukla from Tuli Kharka via Zatrawala Pass

    Zatrawala Pass’ altitude– 4600 meters

    Lukla’s altitude – 2860 meters

    Walking hours – 6 to 7 hours

    Overnight stay at lodge in Lukla

    The thirteenth day of the Mera peak climbing 14 days journey will be the last day of trekking. It will mark the second day of the overall 14 days package. You will leave Tuli Kharka early in the morning to reach Lukla. You will once again have to cross the Zatrawala Pass to reach Lukla. A short ascend before the inevitable downhill trek needs to be ventured.

    The highest altitudes of the pass give immensely beautiful views of the Everest peaks.

    After about a whole day’s worth of trekking for about 6 to 7 hours, you will finally reach Lukla. Reaching Lukla officially marks the end of the walking part of the journey. The next day you will leave Lukla to return to Kathmandu. You can take in the tranquility of the Khumbu and Everest region one last time at Lukla.

    Day 14: A flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport

    Kathmandu’s altitude – 1400 meters

    Flight hours – 45 minutes

    Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu

    Today will mark the end of the Mera peak climbing 14 days adventure. You will board an early flight at the Tenzing Norgay airport of Lukla to head back to Kathmandu. You will again face the narrow runway of the airport and be rewarded with a scenic flight.

    You will arrive in Kathmandu within 45 minutes of air travel and check in at a hotel in Kathmandu.






      Challenges you might face during the Mera peak climb

      Altitude sickness

      High-altitude places always bring in risks of altitude sickness. Since our journey takes us as high as above 6000 meters, we need to be cautious. Our itinerary takes this into account and has separate acclimatization days. Our team of professional guides will also give you tips on how to manage such issues. You must also hydrate well and stay off caffeine and alcohol during your trip to avoid altitude sickness.

      Long duration and distance

      You have to walk for about 132km for around 2 weeks, which will cause a lot of exhaustion. Eat enough food at your lodge and socialize with the team. This will make the long exhausting walks more fun and exciting.

      Weather-related issues

      The weather in the Khumbu region is very unpredictable. You might get strong winds and storms or heavy snowfall anytime. In summer, you might experience heavy rainfall making the trekking trails slippery and dangerous. The extreme temperatures of summer and winter also make the trek difficult. So, planning your trip during spring and autumn would be wise. They have relatively stable weather with a temperature climate.

      Route choice

      There are several approaches to climbing the Mera Peak, precisely three. These routes also aid in the difficulty or easiness of the trek. The short route that goes via Lukla-Zatrawala Pass- Tagnang-Base camp is a difficult route. Another route through Lukla- Paiya- Thangnak- Khare-Base Camp is comparatively easier. So, choose the route wisely to overcome this challenge.

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      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.

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