Highland Asia

Mera Peak Trek

20 Days 19 Nights Trip CodeNTT27

Overview

Mera peak is the highest trekking peak and in recent years, it has been very much popular among the climbing enthusiasts who want to try something harder than regular trekking or experience some mountaineering. The famous mountaineers began their climbing with peaks like Mera and Island before they attempted 8 thousanders. No previous experience or formal climbing training is needed. The Peak itself rises to the south of Everest. The ascent of the peak is technically straightforward, however, the heavy snow and the maze of crevasses can make the way longer to the summit. Besides the charming of climbing Mera Peak, the trek to its base camp from Lukla is rewarding for experiencing little-visited and yet unspoilt region of Nepal with densely forested hill sides.

There are several approaches to the base camp besides the easy and normal route which is mentioned below. The normal route for climbing Mera Peak is North Face Glacier from the Mera La. The base camp can be set up at 5,300m on the Hongu side in the moraine below the ice. Normally, high camp is set at 5,800m near a rocky outcrop on the Mera Glacier. The high camp proves to be one to the spectacular viewpoints in Nepal offering the panoramic views of Kanchanjunga, Chamlang, Makalu and Baruntse sweeping around from the east and Amadablam, Cho Oyu and Kangtega to the west. The giant faces of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse appear in the north.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01-02~At Kathmandu, preparing for the trip and touring the temples, palaces, monasteries and markets of Kathmandu.
Day 03~ Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. While crews prepare the logistics, we can walk above the village.
Day 04-05~An easy day through the woods above Lukla. Trek 3-4 hrs and camp at Chutanga. Another day at Chutanga to acclimatize.
Day 06~A tough day across Zatrwa-la pass. Camp at Tulekharka.
Day 07~Trek from Thule Kharka down into Hinku Valley to Kothay.
Day 08-09~Follow the river bank, pass through pastures and reach the settlement of Thagnag for camping. Spend another day here for acclimatization.
Day 10~An easy walk up today along the moraine of Dig Glaicer with views of Charpate Himal. Camp at Khare.
Day 11-12~A 3 hr ascent brings us to Mera-la and enjoy spectacular views. We descend towards Hongu side for camping. Spend another day here exploring the area around; training and practicing climb.
Day 13~Today, we advance to high camp that takes about 4 hrs.
Day 14~We get up early morning and attempt summit. After we make the summit, we
Day 15-17~Backtrack to Lukla
Day 18~Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
Day 19~A reserve day in Kathmandu.
Day 20~Trip concludes

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are met by Highland Asia Guide and you are transferred to hotel. Time permitting, you will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with old Royal Palace complex and a cluster of ancient and medieval temples rich in stone and wood works. In the evening, you are invited for a welcome in dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant, amidst Nepali folk dancing program. Overnight Shanker Hotel or similar

Day 02: At Kathmandu (Sightseeing or Climbing training)

If you are an experienced climber, you may not need any pre-trip training and you may embark on tour of the local sights that includes temples, palaces and monasteries. If you are a novice person for climbing, we recommend you to attend the climbing training session lead by your climbing guide. Today, our crews assemble gears and equipment and supplies.

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla(2800m)

We leave hotel early morning. Probably, we have to grab pack breakfast and eat at the airport while we are waiting for the flight. Its 40 minutes scenic flight but sometime, it might get delayed by hours as the flights are very much weather bound. Bring books or magazines or ipods to entertain yourself in case of unexpected delay. Upon arrival at Lukla, the crews collect the gears, supplies and arrange porters or pack animals which might eat up all day. While crews are preparing for the logistics, we might take walk above the village and browse the streets of Lukla.

Day 04: Trek from Lukla to Chhutanga (3,450m/11,300 ft)

The thrills of Mera Peak starts realizing from today. Its an easy day through the woodland above Lukla. A good trail leads through pasture to the edge of a diminishing forest of rhododendron and pine which covers the steep hillsides above Lukla. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Chutanga where we stay another day for acclimatization.

Day 05: An acclimatization day in Chhutanga

At an altitude above 3,000m we are very much likely to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness that includes headache, dizziness, disorientation, breathlessness etc. So, it’s important to have an extra day here for proper acclimatization before we continue ahead. We need to drink plenty of water (3-4 liters a day) and do not overly exert ourselves. Our Sherpa crews recommend garlic soup to cure the altitude sickness. If you find you are doing well with altitude, you can walk up the hill and enjoy the views.

Day 06: Trek from Chutanga to Thule Kharka (4401m/14,435ft) and crossing of Zatrwa la (4600m/15,088ft)

It’s the first big walk of the trip, a steep 1300m ascent to the Zatrwa La (4600m/15,088 ft) from where we will enjoy the magnificent views of Himalayas. The pass receive considerable amount of snow in the winter and becomes very difficult. During spring (March-May) and fall (Oct-Nov), the pass must be in good condition but due to altitude, it can be still a tough day as we are still not fully acclimatized. From the top of the pass, we make a short steep descent to Thule Kharka, which means a big pasture. We camp beside a lodge in Thulekharka.

Day 07: Trek from Thule Kharka down into Hinku Valley to Kothay (3600m/11,808ft)

We go over three ridges until we find ourselves high above the Hinku River and on a clear weather day, we can see the impressive south face of Mera Peak. From here, a long descent on a narrow trail drops steeply through the rhododendron bushes and pine forest. We then climb gradually, following the river and passing through a forested ridge and arrive at Kothay. In the last few years, several lodges have mushroomed up here in Kothay and we will camp by one of the lodges.

Day 08: Trek from Kothay to Thagnak (4,356m/ 14,260 ft)

We walk all day through the side of the mountain and the trail is narrow. The patches of the jungle on the trail become thinner as we ascend near the snow line. We camp at Thagnak.
We follow the west bank of the Hinku River, northwards and enter a wide and open valley without villages but small kharkas (pastures) used for grazing goats, sheeps and yaks. We are greeted by the twin summits of Kusum Kangaru (in the left) and steep rock face of Mera’ s satellite peak. We reach the small settlement of Thagnag in about 4 hrs. Its very important that we spend two days at the altitude of Thagnag so that we will be prepared for the altitude of Khare which is at 5,099m (16, 725 ft).

Day 09: Rest day in Thagnak

It is worth spending an extra day at Thagnak, which is in a superb setting surrounded by stunning peaks including Peak 43 (6,769m). There is a huge moraine in the north of Thagnak where a beautiful glacial lake, Sabai Tsho is dammed. It is worth exploring around for acclimatization purpose. Thagnak is also a base for climbing east and north-east side of Kushum Kanguru.

Day 10: Trek from Thagnag to Khare (16, 724 ft)

Its an easy walk up today, takes about 3 hours. We follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Khraka which offers the spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines and to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then climbs more steeply to Khare (5,099m).

Day 11: Mera Base Camp (5,300m/17, 384ft)

We ascend for three hours and arrive at Mera La (5,415m). Normally, the pass will be covered with snow from November to April and so, you must be using your boots and crampons for the first time and so it takes a bit to getting used to it. Again the views from the pass are spectacular. We descend about 100m towards the Hongu side and set up the base camp (5,300m) in the moraine below the ice.

Day 12: Rest day for acclimatization.

We can explore around or climb up for a few hours and come back to the Base Camp for the night. We will have a briefing session about the climbing techniques, route, gears etc. Bear in your mind that, success of the trip depends on weather conditions, team spirit, co-operation, your physical fitness and mental preparedness. We will do everything we can to make your trip successful but please, do not be disappointed if you could not summit. If you worry too much about reaching the summit, then probably you are ruining the adventures of the trip. Just get relaxed, be open minded and let the trip lead you, instead you are trying to lead the trip.

Day 13: Trek from Mera base camp to high camp (5800m)

We walk up to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn where we set up our high camp in real mountaineering style. It takes about 4 hours to reach the high camp. If it has been recently snowing, the trekking can be hazardous as there are a number of crevasses. The views from high camp are outstanding, with Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and more piercing the skyline.

Day 14: Summit day.

We get early morning and soon set off in the dark on the long walk up towards the summit. We reach the final steep slope below the summit in about 4 hours. First, we make the central summit and traversing through this, we arrive on the higher western summit by a classic ridge climb. We will enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Cho-Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,940ft), Makalu (8,463m/27,766ft), Kangchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft), Nuptse (7,855m/25,770ft), Lubuche (6,145m/20,160ft), Chamlang (7,319m/24,013ft) and several other peaks. We then retrace our steps down to Mera Base Camp and further to Khare.

Day 15: Khare to Kothay

After a very good night of sleep we leave for the long walk to Kothay. It’s a long distance but still pretty easy as the air gets thicker.

Day 16: Kothay to Thule Kharka

It’s a long walk up to Thule Kharka. Even with a good acclimatization, we will still feel it’s a steep ascent up that hill.

Day 17: Tuli Kharka to Lukla

Today, we cross Zatrwa-la and please becareful, it was snowing the other day. It’s a long day to Lukla. Our crews will cook the last dinner for us.

Day 18: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla

If everything goes well, plane arrives at Lukla in time and we will whisk off to Kathmandu.

Day 19: A reserve day in Kathmandu

A reserve day in Kathmandu, in case of any flight cancellation the previous day. If everything goes as planned, we can spend this day visiting the local sights of Kathmandu.

Day 20: Departure

You are transferred to the airport for flight back home.

Trip Info

Cost Includes

Meet and greet service upon arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
A first class accommodation in Kathmandu-Hotel Shanker or similar with daily breakfast
Welcome and farewell dinner
Local sightseeing
An introductory rock climbing session in Kathmandu
Assistance in finding personal gears for you (If you do not have your own set)
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathamandu airfare and airport transfers.
Down jacket and 4 seasonal sleeping bags.
All camping gears and kitchen utensils. Camping gear includes 2 person tents, mattresses, camping chairs and tables, toilet tent, kitchen tent, dinning tent etc.
3 meals a day prepared by our cook.
Service of setting up and breaking down camps.
Certified mountaineering guide, Sherpa staff, Cook, kitchen aide and porters or pack animals.
Peak permit and Everest National Park fee.
Medical first aid kit
Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures.
Highland Asia Kit Bag

Cost Does Not Include

International airfare to Kathmandu and return.
Nepal visa fee. (You can obtain it from any Nepali embassy or upon arrival at Kathmandu airport.
Airport taxes and extra baggage charges.
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu other than indicated
Travel Insurance including emergency medical transportation
Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tipping, laundry, phone, etc.
Extra expenses or loss due to nature and unforeseen events such as illness, accident, inclement weather, flight cancellation etc.
Personal mountaineering gears (Harness, boots, crampons etc.)

Trip difficulty

Mera Peak climbing is mostly a non technical climb, except for the last 50 m ascent. But even without technical difficulties, we will still have to contend with the high altitude of the mountain and so we have to allow sufficient time for acclimatizing. Any novice climber with optimal physical condition, proper acclimatization and preparation can summit the peak. Our itinerary is slow paced and allows enough time for acclimatization before you attempt the summit. We take acclimatization walk above various camps at higher altitude.

Our experienced climbing guide conducts a session of rock climbing in Kathmandu and another session of ice climbing course at the base camp that will equip you with knowledge of using ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons, karabiners etc.
We usually trek 6-7 hours daily and some days can be longer. The last part of the climb to the summit is the most challenging. You should be prepared for 7-8 miles of walking daily. If you are not athletic, it’s advisable that you should start jogging, cycling and uphill walking at least 3 months ahead of the trip. Aside optimal physical condition, good preparation and proper acclimatization, we should also have positive attitude and mental preparedness to any challenges. Weather also plays role. Spring and fall are the best seasons for Mera Peak climbing but an early or late attempts during the season may result into failure of the trip. Snow up in the pass and in the summit, low temperature and high winds can make the trip uncomfortable and compel us to abandon the trip. Not all climbers are able to reach the summit for various reasons and if you become one of them, please, don’t be disappointed. Be flexible, open minded and let the trip lead you, instead you try to lead the trip.

A Typical Trekking Day

Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. All we need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of our gear for us.
After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free.
After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Accommodations

The trip includes 4 nights of first class hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and 15 nights tented accommodation in the mountain. We provide quality camping gears that include 2 person tent, foam mattresses, pillows and 4 season sleeping bags. All hotel accommodation and tent are based on twin share; if you want your own privacy, we will book single room and tent on additional payment.

Meals

Hotel room rent also includes breakfast. Besides, we provide two dinners while in Kathmandu, one the day of arrival and the second the night before departure. During trekking, you have daily 3 hot meals, cooked by our cook. Our cook is experienced and trained to prepare western dishes as well as local delicacies and pays utmost attention to maintain balance of diet and hygiene.

To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate, coffee etc. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3-course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and our cooks and kitchen crew maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and food preparation hygiene. Special dietary requirements can always be catered with prior arrangement. Normally, our cook provides you with set menus with multiple choices but you can also add your expertise!

Its also advisable that you bring supplement vitamins, energy bars and dry fruits.

Guide and support staff.

An experienced Nepal Mountaineering Association certified climbing guide will lead your trip. The guide also will be trained by KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) on first aid, environment, conservation and biodiversity and licensed by Nepal Government’s Tourism Authority. The guide will be well conversant in English, professional, helpful and always willing to provide you with personalized care and services. Your guide escorts you on the trail, checks the trail condition, trains you on technical know how of using equipment and fixes rope for climbing. One climbing guide can serve up to 4 climbers. There will be a Sherpa staff to select the camping site, pitch the tents and break down for you. There will be an experienced and trained cook for you to cook 3 meals a day. The cook is supported by 3-4 aides for kitchen works. Besides, there will be a number of porters or pack animals to transport the camping gears, supplies and your personal clothing and gears.
For your personal gears and clothing, we will provide one porter for each two trekkers with limitation of 15 kg/33 pounds of pack per porter, in compliance with the standards set by International Porters Progress Group (http://ippg.net/) and we strongly stand on porter’s rights and discourage any form of exploitation. All crews are insured against any trekking related risks.

A Typical Trekking Day

Checklist

To join the climbing to Mera Peak you must need the following specialist equipment including trek equipments:

Climbing Gears
1. Crampons
2. Harness
3. Ice Axe
4. 2 x Tape slings
5. 2 x Screwgate Karabiners
6. Descender / Abseil Device
7. Prussic Loops
8. Plastic Mountaineering Boots

Head gears:
1. Sun hat or scarf
2. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
3. Sunglasses with UV protection

Clothing:
1. T-shirts (2).
2. Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
3. Fleece jacket or pullover.
4. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
5. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
6. Down jacket [Highland Asia will provide]
7. 4 seasons sleeping bag [Highland Asia will provide]
8. Lightweight gloves.
9. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer.
10. Underwear (6)
11. Hiking shorts (2)
12. Lightweight cotton long pants
13. Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
14. Fleece or wool pants
15. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Footwear
1. Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
2. Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
3. Hiking boots with spare laces
4. Camp shoes (sneakers or sandals)
5. Gaiters for hiking for climbing sections

Accessories:
1. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F [Highland Asia will supply]
2. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
3. Small pad or combination lock-to-lock Highland Asia trek bag
4. Basic First Aid Kit
5. Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
6. Day pack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
7. Thermarest sleeping pad
8. Water bottles (2)
9. Small wash towel (2)

Some optional Items
1. Binoculars
2. Reading book
3. Trail Map/Guide book
4. Journal & Pen
5. Walkman
6. Pencils and small notebooks
7. Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

We provide
Highland Asia provides down sleeping bags (4 seasons) and a Jacket for each trekker; good for - 20 Celsius/ -4 Fahrenheit and it are suggested that to bring your personal liner from home. You will also be provided Duffel (kit bag) up on arrival in Kathmandu.
Note: In order to limit the weight, please bring only essential items listed above and you can leave the rest of your belongings at your hotel in Kathmandu

Note on Itinerary

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed; it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Booking and Cancellation

When you are sure you are traveling, please don't delay in booking. The internal flights are the key factor in determining whether your trip can be realized or not. A deposit of US$200 on land plus the cost of internal airfares is requested along with complete trip application form and passport copies.

Balance payment is due 60 days prior to your departure. Depending on the number of applicants, we may set an early payment date. Credit card payment attracts additional fee.

Cancellation Fee

90 days prior departure: Administrative fee US$ 50 per person.
60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
Less than 30 days: 100%

Nepal Visa

You can obtain Nepal visa beforehand from any Nepali embassies or consulates abroad or wait until you arrive at Kathmandu airport or any other port of entry to Nepal. You will need to complete visa application form and attach a passport size photograph. Visa fee costs US$ 25 for 15 days and $45 for 30 days multiple entry.

Highland Asia Travel

We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB acredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia. For us travel is not just a business, but a way of life.

Travel Protection Plan

While we plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.