Mera Peak Expedition

● Altitude Chhuthang - 3,500m/11,600ft

● Altitude Ramechhap - 500m/1,650ft

● Altitude Lukla - 2,800m/9250ft

● Altitude Gain - 2,100m/7,000ft

● Distance to Ramechhap - 145km | 5:30hr

● Time to Lukla - 20min

● Trek distance to Chhuthang - 4km | 4-5hr

● Flights Lukla are often delayed or cancelled due to weather, so be prepared for possible delays in your travel plans.

● In case of flight delays or cancellations in Ramechhap, expect basic accommodation options like guesthouses and small hotels.

● Ramechhap itself is not a major tourist destination, it serves as a transit point for trekkers heading to the Everest region.

● Lukla is the starting point for the trek.

● Trek to this campsite leads through lush forests, rhododendron groves, and pristine alpine meadows.

● Ensure you stay with the group during this section, as there are multiple trails branching away from the main path.

● There are numerous streams in the vicinity.

This is the day when your trek officially begins, but it starts with a journey from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, which is a transit point for flights to Lukla. Youll leave your hotel in the early morning (around 2:00 am) to ensure you catch your flight. Flights to Lukla are often prone to delays and cancellations due to unpredictable weather conditions in the Himalayas. So, be prepared for possible changes to your travel plans. Ramechhap itself is not a major tourist destination, but it serves as a crucial stopover for trekkers heading to the Everest region. Accommodation options in Ramechhap are basic, consisting of guesthouses and small hotels. Once your flight to Lukla is successfully completed, youll land at one of the most famous and thrilling airports in the world. Lukla is the starting point for your trek to Mera Peak.

The trek to your first campsite in Chhuthang will take you through lush forests, beautiful rhododendron groves, and pristine alpine meadows. Its essential to stick with the group during this section of the trek, as there are multiple trails that branch away from the main path. Along the way, youll encounter numerous streams, providing opportunities to refill your water supply and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

● Altitude Tuli Kharka: 4,250m/13,950ft

● Altitude Zatrawala Pass: 4,550m/14,900ft

● Altitude Gain: 750m

● Distance to Tuli Kharka: 9km (7-8 hours)

● Zatrawala Pass is situated approximately at the midpoint of the trek

The first half involves a steep ascent till Zatrawala Pass, while the second half begins with a gradual descent and ends with a steep descent.

● Once you reach the top of the pass, relish the breathtaking views of Numbur Himal, Kongdi Ri, Karyolang Peak, and many other captivating peaks.

● Tuli Kharka is a tiny settlement located near a stream, offering limited tea houses for accommodation.

Todays trek is a challenging one, taking you to a higher altitude. Youll start early to make the most of the day. The trail leads you towards the spectacular Zatrawala Pass, which is located approximately at the midpoint of your entire trek.

The first half of the day involves a steep ascent as you make your way to the Zatrawala Pass. Its a physically demanding part of the journey, but the reward is well worth it. The Dudh Koshi River keeps you company as you proceed along the trek. The higher you get, the more barren the landscape becomes with sparse alpine vegetation. When you reach the top of the pass, youll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Numbur Himal, Kongdi Ri, Karyolang Peak, and others.

After taking in the stunning scenery, youll start the second half of your trek. This portion begins with a gradual descent and eventually transitions into a steep descent. The trail takes you through rugged terrain, and youll need to be sure-footed as you make your way to Tuli Kharka.

Tuli Kharka is a small settlement nestled near a picturesque stream. Accommodation options are limited, and youll likely find basic tea houses to spend the night.

● Altitude Kothe - 3,600m/11,800ft

● Altitude Lose - 650m

● Distance to Kothe - 13km | 6-7hr

● The trail offers a mix of both uphill and downhill trekking through dense forests adorned with rhododendron, oak, pine, and juniper trees.

● Prepare for a steep descent to the Hinku River followed by a final uphill climb that will take you to Kothe.

● Look forward to magnificent views of Mera Peak and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

● Kothe is a relatively large settlement located by a stream, offering plenty of tea houses for accommodation.

● Almost all alternative routes to Mera Peak merge together after Kothe, creating a common trail for all trekkers heading to Mera Peak.

Todays trek involves a mix of both uphill and downhill trekking through dense forests adorned with rhododendrons, oak, pine, and juniper trees. Youll experience a variety of terrain as you make your way to Kothe. The journey includes a steep descent to the Hinku River, where youll need to exercise caution and sure-footedness. After crossing the river, youll face a final uphill climb that will take you to Kothe.

Throughout the day, you can look forward to magnificent views of Mera Peak along with Peak 43 and Kusum Kanguru Peaks and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Kothe is a Sherpa village and a relatively large settlement located by a stream, providing plenty of tea houses for accommodation. Its important to note that almost all alternative routes to Mera Peak merge together after Kothe, creating a common trail for all trekkers heading to Mera Peak from this point onward.

● Altitude Thangnak - 4,250m/14,000ft

● Altitude Gain - 650m

● Distance to Thangnak - 8km | 5-6hr

● There are sufficient water points along the way for your convenience.

● Anticipate a day of continuous and gentle uphill trekking alongside a Hinku river.

● During the trek, youll pass through Lungsumgba Gompa, a monastery that was constructed approximately 200 years ago.

● Here, you can discover a fantastic piece of rock carving architecture that features Mera Peak along with its route scripted in rock.

● The trek continues with a relatively easy walking trail, guiding you to the summer grazing area of Thangnak.

● At Thangnak, youll find shops and a variety of good tea houses for your convenience.

● Thangnak is located near a high-altitude lake, and one can consider taking an acclimatization walk to visit the lake in the evening.

Todays trek is a continuous and gentle uphill climb alongside the Hinku River. The path offers stunning natural beauty, and there are sufficient water points along the way to refill your bottles.

During the trek, youll pass through Lungsumgba Gompa, a monastery that has stood for approximately two centuries. Locals believe that lighting a lamp in the shrine brings luck for the Mera Peak Expedition. One of the highlights of this stop is a fantastic piece of rock carving architecture featuring Mera Peak and its climbing route, scripted in rock.

The trek continues with a relatively easy walking trail that leads you to the summer grazing area of Thangnak and you may spot locals grazing their Yak in the region. Here, youll find shops and a variety of good tea houses for your convenience. Thangnak is located near a high-altitude lake, and you may consider taking an acclimatization walk to visit the lake in the evening. From Thangnak, you will also get some stunning views of Mt. Khyasar or Peak 43.

● Altitude Khare - 4,900m/16,100ft

● Altitude Gain - 650m

● Distance to Khare - 5km | 5-6hr

● The trail from Thangnak takes you over the lateral moraine towards Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers.

● The majority of the trek involves a steep climb all the way to Khare.

● Khare offers a magnificent view of the Northern Face of Mera Peak.

The trail from Thangnak takes you over the lateral moraine towards Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers. This portion of the trek involves a steep climb for the majority of the way to Khare. Such glaciers and moraines should be crossed with extreme caution. Follow your Trek Leaders advice thoroughly when you cross these sections. While the climb to Khare is a little challenging but once you arrive here, youll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Northern Face of Mera Peak as well as Kusum Kanguru and Peak 43. Its a significant milestone in your journey as you prepare for the upcoming summit push. As today’s trek resulted in maximum energy expenditure, you will rest the next day at Khare to regain your strength as well as to acclimatize to the higher altitudes.

● Its advisable to spend a rest day at Khare for acclimatization and exploration of the area.

● Our team will conduct essential checks on climbing gear, which includes ropes, ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and other equipment, before proceeding to higher camps.

● With the Everest View, your team will provide training on how to fix or belay the rope while climbing Mera Peak.

Today is a crucial day for acclimatization and preparation. Its advisable to spend a rest day in Khare to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude and to ensure you are physically prepared for the summit attempt.  Acclimatization days in our treks are used to give your body time to adjust to the thinning air at high-altitude conditions. Several changes occur in your body while trekking in high-altitude regions and the purpose of acclimatization is to allow your body to operate optimally in a decreased oxygen-level environment.

During this day, your expedition team will conduct essential checks on climbing gear, which includes ropes, ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and other equipment. Safety is a top priority, and ensuring that all gear is in perfect condition is essential for a successful summit attempt. Your team will also provide training on how to fix or belay the rope while climbing Mera Peak. This training is essential for safety during the technical portions of the ascent.

● Altitude Mera Base Camp - 5,400m/17,700ft

● Altitude Gain - 500m

● Distance to Mera Base Camp - 4km | 4-5hr

● Commence a short yet technically demanding trek towards Mera Peak Base Camp.

● Trail features a gradual ascent over to Mera Glacier, then climb steeply towards the top of the glacier before traversing along the glacier to reach Mera Peak Base Camp.

● Upon reaching the base camp, our team will promptly establish the camp and make all the necessary preparations for the upcoming trekking activities.

● Overnight stay in Tens.

Today, youll embark on a short yet technically demanding trek towards Mera Peak Base Camp. The trail begins with a gradual ascent over a steep ridge over Khare and leads you over the Mera Glacier. Glaciers are difficult to traverse so make sure that you are exercising maximum caution while crossing these sections. As you approach the top of the glacier, youll encounter a steep climb. After conquering this section, youll traverse along the glacier to reach Mera Peak Base Camp.

Upon reaching the base camp, your expedition team will promptly set up the camp and make all the necessary preparations for the upcoming trekking activities. Youll spend the night in tents at this high-altitude camp, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.

● Altitude High Camp - 5,900m/19,350ft

● Altitude Gain - 500m

● Distance to Mera High Camp - 4km | 4-5hr

● The trail ascends over Mera La Pass and continues along the rocky and often snow-covered path.

● At the high camp, you can relish the breathtaking views of Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Baruntse, and Chamlang.

● Overnight stay in Tents.

Todays trek will take you to Mera High Camp, a critical point in your journey. The trail ascends over Mera La Pass and continues along a rocky and often snow-covered path. As you ascend, the air will become thinner, and youll need to pace yourself to avoid altitude-related issues. The reward for your effort is the breathtaking view from the high camp. From this vantage point, you can relish panoramic views of some of the worlds highest peaks, including Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Baruntse, and Chamlang. Its a truly awe-inspiring sight that will energize you for the challenges ahead. Youll spend the night in tents at the high camp, acclimatizing to the higher altitude and mentally preparing for the summit attempt. There are chilly winds running in the Mera High Camp, so make sure you protect yourself adequately against the weather.

● Altitude Mera Peak - 6,476m/21,247ft

● Altitude Gain - 576m

● Distance to Mera Peak - 3km | 5-7hr

● Commence the summit push at around 2 AM with the goal of reaching the summit before noon.

● Be aware that strong winds often pick up after midday, which can pose challenges for reaching the summit.

● From the summit, you can behold magnificent views of five spectacular 8000-meter peaks: Mt. Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), as well as Nuptse (7855m) and Chamlang (7319m) - a truly awe-inspiring sight.

● After enjoying quality time at the summit, we will begin our descent, following the same route, and make our way back to Khare.

● Distance to Khare - 11km | 6-8hr.

● Overnight stay at Khare in Tea House.

Today is the culmination of your expedition as you embark towards the summit of Mera Peak. The day begins very early, around 2:00 AM, with the goal of reaching the summit before noon. This early start is crucial because strong winds often pick up after midday, which can pose significant challenges for reaching the summit safely.

The ascent to the summit is a physically demanding and technically challenging climb, especially in the high-altitude conditions. Its essential to follow the guidance of your experienced expedition team and use the proper equipment, including ropes, crampons, and ice axes, to navigate the glacier and the final sections of the climb. Once you reach the summit of Mera Peak, youll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the world. From this vantage point, you can behold the magnificent sight of five of the worlds highest peaks: Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,201m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), and Kanchenjunga (8,586m). Additionally, youll have stunning views of Nuptse (7,855m) and Chamlang (7,319m). Its a moment of profound awe and accomplishment. After enjoying quality time at the summit, youll begin your descent, following the same route you took to reach the summit. Its a physically demanding and lengthy descent back to Khare, where youll spend the night in a tea house.

● Altitude Kothe - 3,600m/11,800ft

● Altitude Loss - 1,300m

● Distance to Kothe - 13km | 6-7hr

Today, youll start your descent from the high-altitude Khare back down to Kothe. The descent involves a significant altitude loss, so take your time and descend carefully. The trail takes you through familiar terrain, and youll retrace some of the same paths you took during your ascent. As you descend, youll have the opportunity to reflect on your incredible summit achievement and take in the breathtaking scenery one last time. Kothe, with its tea houses and serene atmosphere, will provide a comfortable place to rest and recover.

● Altitude Tuil Kharka - 4,250m/13,950ft

● Altitude Gain - 650m

● Distance to Tuli Kharka - 13km | 8-9hr

Todays trek involves a steady ascent as you make your way from Kothe to Tuli Kharka. The trail takes you through a variety of terrain, including forests and meadows, as you gradually gain altitude. Youll need to cross several streams along the way, so be prepared to navigate these water crossings. The trek to Tuli Kharka is a long one, so ensure you have enough energy and stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Upon reaching Tuli Kharka, youll find tea houses where you can rest and replenish your supplies. Its a peaceful place to spend the night before continuing your descent the following day.

● Altitude Lukla - 2,800m/9250ft

● Altitude Lose - 1450m

● Distance to Lukla - 13km | 6-7hr

Today, youll make your way back to Lukla, which marks the conclusion of your trek to Mera Peak. The trail descends from Tuli Kharka, and youll need to navigate the rugged terrain as you make your way downhill. As you approach Lukla, youll have the opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey youve undertaken, from the lush forests of the lower altitudes to the challenging high-altitude terrain of Mera Peak. Lukla is a bustling town and a gateway to the Everest region. Youll spend your final night in the Everest region in Lukla, celebrating your successful expedition with your fellow trekkers and expedition team.

● Altitude Ramechhap - 500m/1,650ft

● Fly from Lukla to Ramechhap - 20min

● Distance to Kathmandu - 145km | 5:30hr

● Reach Kathmandu by 05:00 pm

● Flight from Lukla to Ramechhap may cancel due to weather or other factors. Keep a buffer day in your travel plan



 

Day 15&16: Buffer Day

● Having a buffer day is essential, it provides flexibility in case of unexpected delays, bad weather, or the need for extra acclimatization.

● The decision to take a buffer day should indeed be a group decision, Its important to be prepared for the additional expenses associated with each buffer day, as they might include extra accommodation, meals, and guide services.

● If the buffer day is not taken during the expedition, it can be used to explore Kathmandu, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy more of Nepals cultural and natural attractions.

Your journey back to Kathmandu begins with a morning flight from Lukla to Ramechhap. As with the flight to Lukla, be prepared for potential flight delays or cancellations due to weather conditions. Ramechhap is your transit point for the drive back to Kathmandu. The drive from Ramechhap to Kathmandu will take approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, depending on road conditions. During the drive, youll have the chance to relax and take in the scenic views of the Nepalese countryside. Upon your return to Kathmandu, youll have the evening to rest and reflect on your extraordinary journey.