# Mera Peak Climbing > Mera Peak climbing is a 17-day guided expedition to Mera Peak (6,476 m), the highest trekking peak in Nepal. From Lukla, you cross the Zatrwa La (4,610 m) into the remote Hinku valley, acclimatise at Khare, and climb a broad glacier to a summit with one of the greatest views in the Himalaya: five of the world's six highest mountains, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.Mera Peak is technically straightforward (Alpine F/PD), mostly a long glacier walk on moderate snow slopes, but its altitude makes it a serious challenge. It suits fit trekkers with experience at altitude and is best from April–May and October–November. The climbing permit, an experienced climbing guide, group equipment, Lukla flights, lodges and high camp are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 17 days - **Difficulty:** Challenging - **Activity:** Trekking and peak climbing - **Max altitude:** 6,476 m / 21,247 ft - **Best season:** Apr–May, Oct–Nov - **Group size:** 2–10 people - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges, tents at high camp - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek and climb - **Price:** from US$2,290 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/mera-peak-climbing - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=mera-peak-climbing ## Overview Rising above the remote Hinku and Hongu valleys south of Everest, **Mera Peak** is the highest of Nepal's trekking peaks and one of the best first 6,000-metre summits in the world. The climb itself is not steep or technical for most of the route, but it takes you higher than almost any other trekking peak, to a summit that feels like the roof of the Himalaya. The walk in is half the point. After the flight to Lukla, the route crosses the Zatrwa La into the forested **Hinku valley**, a remote valley between the Everest and Makalu regions, where the trails are quiet and the lodges simple. Above Khare, the Mera Glacier leads to high camp and the summit ridge. ### Mera Peak at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration17 days from KathmanduSummitMera Peak (central summit), 6,476 m (21,247 ft)GradeChallenging; technically Alpine F/PD, with a short steep section below the summitSummit day8–10 hours from high camp to the summit and down to KhareRouteLukla, Zatrwa La, Hinku valley, Khare, Mera high campAccommodationHotel in Kathmandu, teahouse lodges, tents at high campPermitsMera Peak climbing permit and regional permitsBest timeApril–May and October–November### Why climb Mera Peak? - **The highest trekking peak in Nepal** at 6,476 m. - **Five 8,000-metre peaks** from the summit: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. - **Technically accessible**: mostly glacier walking with crampons and rope. - **The remote Hinku valley**, with few trekkers and pristine forest. - **Training day at Khare** with experienced climbing guides. - **Reserve day** for weather. ### The Mera Peak route After flying to **Lukla**, you walk to **Chutanga** and cross the **Zatrwa La** to **Thuli Kharka**, then descend into the **Hinku valley** through rhododendron and fir forest to **Kothe**. The valley opens as you climb past **Thaknak** to **Khare** (about 5,045 m), beneath the Mera Glacier, where you spend a day acclimatising and training. From Khare, the route climbs the **Mera La** and the glacier to **high camp** at about 5,780 m, on a rocky outcrop that looks straight across to Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. On summit day you rope up and climb the gently angled glacier in the dark, reaching the steeper final slope below the central summit at sunrise, with fixed rope used where needed. After the summit you descend to Khare, and retrace the route to Lukla. ### Do I need climbing experience for Mera Peak? Mera Peak is suitable for fit trekkers without extensive mountaineering experience, but you should be comfortable at high altitude and ideally have trekked above 5,000 m before. Your climbing guide will teach or refresh crampon technique, rope travel on the glacier and the use of an ascender for the final section during the training day at Khare. ### Altitude and acclimatisation Altitude is the main challenge on Mera Peak. The route crosses the Zatrwa La early, so this itinerary climbs gradually through the Hinku valley and includes an acclimatisation and training day at Khare before moving to high camp. A reserve day allows for weather or extra acclimatisation. Your insurance must cover mountaineering to at least 6,500 m. ### Best time to climb Mera Peak **April–May** offers warmer temperatures and stable weather; **October–November** has clear skies and outstanding views, but colder summit mornings. Winter and the monsoon are not recommended. ### Mera Peak or Island Peak? **Mera Peak** is higher but technically easier, mostly glacier walking, with a remote approach. **Island Peak** is lower but more technical, with a steep fixed-rope headwall and a narrow ridge, and is usually combined with the Everest Base Camp trek. Choose Mera if altitude suits you and you prefer a less technical climb; choose Island Peak for a steeper climbing experience. ### Why climb Mera Peak with Himalayan Hiking? - **Gradual ascent** through the Hinku valley and a training day at Khare. - **Experienced climbing guides** and a reserve summit day. - **Permits, flights, lodges and high camp** arranged. - **Local team in Kathmandu** with satellite communication on the mountain. ## Highlights - Summit Mera Peak (6,476 m), the highest trekking peak in Nepal - Five 8,000 m peaks from the summit: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu - Cross the Zatrwa La (4,610 m) into the remote Hinku valley - Training day at Khare beneath the Mera Glacier - High camp on a rocky outcrop at about 5,780 m - Quiet trails and pristine rhododendron forest ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Preparation day in Kathmandu Climbing permit formalities, equipment check and rental, and a briefing with your climbing guide. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m), trek to Chutanga (3,020 m) Fly to Lukla and walk east through forest to the clearing of Chutanga. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,020 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 4: Cross the Zatrwa La (4,610 m), trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300 m) Climb steeply to the Zatrwa La with views of the Dudh Koshi valley, then descend to Thuli Kharka. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,610 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 5: Trek to Kothe (3,600 m) Descend into the Hinku valley through forest, with the first views of Mera Peak, to Kothe. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,300 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 6: Trek to Thaknak (4,350 m) Follow the Hinku river upstream past Gondishung and its old monastery to Thaknak. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,350 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 7: Trek to Khare (about 5,045 m) Climb over moraine beneath the Charpate Himal to Khare, with the Mera Glacier above. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 5,045 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 8: Acclimatisation and training day at Khare Short acclimatisation hike and climbing training: crampons, rope travel on the glacier, ascender and descent techniques. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 5,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 9: Climb to Mera High Camp (about 5,780 m) Climb to the Mera La and up the glacier to high camp on a rocky outcrop, with views of Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 5,780 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Tent_ ### Day 10: Summit Mera Peak (6,476 m), descend to Khare Leave in the early hours, rope up and climb the glacier to the final slope and the central summit at sunrise. Descend to high camp and on to Khare. _Walking: 8–10 hours · Altitude: 6,476 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 11: Reserve day A spare day for weather or acclimatisation. If not needed, it is used to descend at a relaxed pace. _Altitude: 5,045 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 12: Trek to Kothe (3,600 m) Descend the Hinku valley to Kothe. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 5,045 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 13: Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,300 m) Climb back out of the valley to Thuli Kharka. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,300 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 14: Cross the Zatrwa La, trek to Lukla (2,860 m) Cross the Zatrwa La and descend steeply to Lukla for a celebration. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,610 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu Morning flight to Kathmandu. Free afternoon. _Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 16: Reserve day in Kathmandu Buffer day for flight delays, or sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 17: Final departure Free time until your transfer to the airport. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 4 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Return flights Kathmandu (or Ramechhap) – Lukla - Mera Peak climbing permit and garbage deposit arrangements - Regional entry permits for the route - Teahouse lodges on the trek and tents with kitchen service at high camp - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek and climb - Licensed trekking guide and experienced climbing guide - Porters with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Group climbing equipment: ropes, snow bars and ice screws - First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and satellite communication - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering mountaineering to 6,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Personal climbing equipment (boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender), available to rent - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Summit bonus and tips for guides and porters - Extra nights caused by weather, flight delays or early return - Helicopter evacuation or charter ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You need excellent fitness for long trekking days and a summit day of 8–10 hours above 5,700 m. Train for three to four months with long hill walks carrying a pack, cardio and leg-strength work. Previous experience above 5,000 m is strongly recommended. ### Altitude sickness This trek reaches 6,476 m on the summit, with high camp at about 5,780 m. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you. ### Weather and temperatures Summit mornings are very cold, often below −20°C with wind chill. The Hinku valley is mild by day. Weather can delay the summit, which is why a reserve day is included. ### Domestic flights and baggage Lukla flights depend on weather; a reserve day is included in Kathmandu. The baggage limit is around 15 kg, so rent heavy climbing gear in Kathmandu. ### Permits The Mera Peak climbing permit and regional entry permits are included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money. ### Drinking water Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water. ### Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 6,500 m, including mountaineering, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure. ### Visa Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −20°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Mountaineering boots compatible with crampons - Crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe (rentable) - Ascender, descender and carabiners (rentable) - Expedition down jacket and insulated trousers - Glacier glasses and ski goggles - Warm mittens ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How high is Mera Peak? Mera Peak's central summit is **6,476 m (21,247 ft)**, making it the highest trekking peak in Nepal. ### Is Mera Peak technical? Not very. It is graded **Alpine F/PD**: mostly a long glacier walk on moderate snow, with a short steeper section below the summit where a fixed rope may be used. Altitude is the main challenge. ### Do I need climbing experience for Mera Peak? Extensive experience is not needed, but you should be fit and comfortable at high altitude, ideally having trekked above 5,000 m. Training is provided at Khare. ### What can you see from the summit of Mera Peak? Five of the six highest mountains in the world: **Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu**, plus Baruntse, Chamlang and Ama Dablam. ### Mera Peak or Island Peak? Mera is higher but less technical; Island Peak is lower but has a steep fixed-rope headwall. Choose based on your comfort with altitude and technical climbing. ### How long does it take to climb Mera Peak? This itinerary takes **17 days** from Kathmandu, including acclimatisation, training and reserve days. ### What permits are needed? A **Mera Peak climbing permit** and regional entry permits, all included. ### What equipment do I need? Mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender, descender and warm down clothing. Group equipment is provided and personal gear can be rented. ### What is the best time to climb Mera Peak? **April–May** and **October–November**. ### What if the weather is bad? A reserve day is built in. If conditions are unsafe, the guide will postpone or turn back. ### What insurance do I need? Insurance covering **mountaineering up to at least 6,500 m**, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation. ### How much does Mera Peak climbing cost? The trip is priced per person, with group discounts; see the price box. It includes the climbing permit, climbing guide, group gear, flights, lodges, high camp and meals.