Mighty Mera Peak

The Trip

Mera Peak (6476m) lies within the Everest Region of Nepal and is for several reasons is one of the most popular mountain peaks.  First because Mera Peak is classified as a trekking peak in Nepal which means it is also accessible for non-climbers, although trekking and basic experience is preferred. The necessary techniques and safety rules will although be instructed to new trekkers during the route. Second reason is that from Mera Peak one can observe the major five peaks over 8000m from the summit: Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyo, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. This (easier) north face route involves the walking through a spectacular high altitude glacier. The weather and the condition of snow must be good for safety and success for summit. The high altitude can be a hurdle for both, experienced and new climbers. The time must be sufficiently arranged for this trek and only persons who are physically fit can make a comfortable ascent.  Though, this is one of the highest peaks for trekking in Nepal, the expedition is suitable for a climber visiting the Himalayas for the first time. Even keen hill walkers, non-climbers, who gain some experience in the first days of this trekking using crampons and ice-axe might also will have a lifetime memory of this trip.

See also attached pictures from Ann and Eric Dryhoel for Himalayan Dream Team in 2014.

Day by Day Program

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel +D
Himalayan Dream Team will pick you up at the international airport for your transfer to the hotel. As a welcome we ll invite you to a typical Nepalese dinner that includes the famous Momo’s and Dal Bhat! Accompanied by traditional drinks and dances we will say Namaste to good health and a wonderful time in Nepal.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel + B
Our first day after breakfast it is time to (sight)see Kathmandu! That’s the program for today. In the morning we will leave for the Pashupatinath temple, which is one of the biggest Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple served as the seat of national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal was secularized. The temple is listed in Unesco World Heritage sites list. Next we visit the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath that dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. After having lunch there we go to Swayambhunath, an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. In the afternoon we will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2.730m) and explore town, o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Our trekking and climbing adventure starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. We spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatizing. We explore the nearby villages or the bustling, small town of Lukla.

Day 04: Trek from Lukla to Chutanga (3.050m, 4/5hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Today, as our first day trek is an easy walk which leads eastwards as we walk through a number of hamlets and wood yards until we reach a thick forest of silver fir, birch, pines and rhododendron trees and bushes on the hill side below Nau Lekh. This is also known as Kalo Himal Ridge, on this part we follow our Sherpa or the group as there are many path leading away from the main trail. There are many small streams with numerous places en route, whole of this area referred to as Chutanga which is a summer pasture. Later on we explore the surroundings of Chutanga where we also spent the night.

Day 05: Trek to Tuli Kharka (Chatra-La, 3.900m, 6/7hrs) via Zatrawa La Pass (4610m) and downclimb to Khartitang at 3.900m, o/n in lodge +B/L/D
We continue our second trekking day with a steep climb to cross the Kalo Himal Ridge in the Nau Lekh range which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. A steep uphill climb brings us to a cairned notch in the ridge with a collection of Buddhist prayer flags. Our altitude reaches already 4,450m. This small pass is called the Zatrwa Og, from here the path traverses across a boulder slope, round a corner and climbs once again to the Zatrwa-La at 4,600 m. With fine weather, the views across the Dudh Kosi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive, as well as the scenery across the rolling foothills of the Hinku Valley. From here less than an hour we reach Thuli Karkha where we spent the well deserved night rest. 

Day 06: Trek to Kothe (4.095m, 5/6hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
This day we will be walking straight through the forest of bamboo and pine as we enjoy the enchanting views of Mera and the Hinku Valley. We continue walking on the ridge of the river in the Hinku valley all the way up to reach Kothe. 

Day 07: Trek to Thangnang (4.350m, 4/5hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
This day also we walk along the ridge of the Hinku Khola enjoying the view of our destnation Mera peak. We pass through the Gondishung, a summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. From there we trek for some time to reach Thagnang, which is a summer grazing area with some primitive lodges and little shops. 

Day 08: Rest and acclimatization day at Thangnang, o/n in lodge +B/L/D
Today we keep our altitude to get used and let our body rest. During the day we will visit Sabal Tsho Lake and take an acclimatization hike to the cairn (5.271m) on the flank of Kusum Kangguru.

Day 09: Trek to Khare (5.045m, 3/4hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
This day we leave Thangnang area and follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka. We climb through the adventurous moraines and then climb more steeply to Khare where we stay overnight.

Day 10: Trek and climb from Khare to Mera Base Camp (5.300m), o/n camp, +B/L/D
After breakfast our trail takes about four to five hours and we start with instructions on how to use crampons, rope and ice axe. Thereafter, we shall provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include how using the ropes to go up and down. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training/skills for this trek to Mera Peak Base Camp, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and your climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience.

Day 11:Trek and climb from Mera Base Camp to High camp (5,780m, 4-5hrs), o/n camp, +B/L/D
This day we head to the Base camp of Mera peak which takes ¾ hours. We have to walk through the long steep path. We take the route through Mera La pass to reach the Mera High Camp today. Our path is along a rocky trail, which can be hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. But our experienced guides will escort you in safe ways. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. We set up a high camp while enjoying excellent views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse. Overnight at Mera High Camp

Day 12: Summit Day! Mera High Camp to Summit (6,654m) and return to Khare, o/n in lodge +B/L/D
This is a really big day for us as we will be summiting Mera Peak today. We wake up around 2 in the morning for breakfast. It’s going to be very cold in the beginning but soon we warm up as we continue up the glacier and onto a peculiar ridge. The first rays of the sun hit the big peaks in an amazing red glow. The route is still non-technical as we slowly climb higher into the ever-thinning air. The slope steepens for a section behind the ridge and the summit comes back into view. At the foot of the final steep summit cone, we may attach to a fixed rope depending on the conditions. The summit is only a few meters away. From the summit, we take in amazing views of the mighty Himalayas including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7 ,129m) and others. Later, we retrace our steps back to the high camp where we rest for a while before descending to Khare. Overnight in Khare.

Day 13: Trek from Khare to Kothe (3.600m, 5 hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
After yesterday’s highlight we trek today from Khare to Kothe along the same trail used in the beginning. After reaching Kothe, we celebrate our success by trying out local delicacies and wines.

Day 14: Trek from Kothe to Thuli Kharka (6 hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
It is an uphill trek this morning through lush rhododendron forests on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Thuli Kharka. Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal and on our journey we get to admire beautiful hills dotted with rhododendrons. After reaching Thuli Kharka, we enjoy remarkable views of Mera North, Mera Central and South face

Day 15: Thuli Kharka to Lukla via Zatrwa La pass (4.610m, 5 hrs), o/n in lodge +B/L/D
We begin today’s trek by ascending to Zatrwa La Pass. As soon as we cross the pass, we are welcomed by the sight of the beautiful Lukla Valley which is surrounded by Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru and other Himalayan peaks. From Zatrwa La Pass we walk all the way down to Chutanga and then straight forward to the Lukla village. This is last evening in the mountains, the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with our staff.

Day 16: Fly back to Kathmandu, o/n in hotel +B
Early in the morning, but depending on weather conditions, we fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, which takes about 35 minutes, transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is of leisure and shopping.

Day 17: Extra day in Kathmandu, o/n in hotel +B
We also keep an extra day in the programm for eventual weather conditions that prevent us from reaching Kathmandu in time. So after breakfast you are still able to see more of Kathmandu and visit the Brimsen Tower or Durbar Square.

Day 18: Transfer to the airport, o/n in hotel +B
Depending on your departure time, we will transfer you in time to the airport. Check out time at hotels is 12 PM, but you always can leave your luggage there for later departures and still enjoy Kathmandu.

See also attached pictures from Ann and Eric Dryhoel for Himalayan Dream Team in 2014.

Gallery

Route Map

Click to enlarge