Mera Peak Climbing: 17 Days

Trip Introduction: Mera Peak Climbing

The mountainous country of Nepal, which is also home to the world's highest peak, known as Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), welcomes individuals from all over the world for trekking, expeditions, and exploration. With all the fascinating experiences the Everest region has to offer, one of the best encounters is the Mera Peak expedition.

Located in the Mahalangur range of the Sagarmatha region in Nepal, Mera Peak is classified as a trekking peak with three main summits: Mera North, Mera Central (6461 m), and Mera South (6065 m). Among these, Mera North (6,467 meters) is the most commonly submitted, as the other two are technically more challenging. Similarly, the Mera Peak climb from the north allows individuals to reach the highest elevation, enabling them to experience the walk in the glacier fields, which portrays the technicality of high-altitude trekking and adrenaline-filled adventure.

Likewise, the Mera Peak climb is one of the most fascinating adventure experiences in the Everest region of Nepal, which allows individuals to view the world from 6,476 meters (21,250 feet). The Mera Peak trip showcases the glaciers, valleys, neighboring mountain peaks, traditional Sherpa villages, and lush vegetation, which encompasses a truly unforgettable adventure.

The Mera Peak expedition route also encompasses the trek along Makalu Barun National Park, which allows wildlife lovers to encounter some of the exotic flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife present in the Makalu Barun are snow leopards, red foxes, red pandas, Hanuman langurs, Himalayan tahr, Musk deer, and many more. Although one should be cautious around the area, the potential to see such exquisite animals is worth the risk.

On the other hand, the Mera Peak summit is considered a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for adrenaline-filled individuals who wish to seek a beginner climb. However, although mentioned as a beginner climb, there are some technical sections along the Mera Peak route. So, Mera Peak is not the easiest mountain to climb in the Everest area, while the slopes are a maximum of 40 degrees.

Similarly, the best seasons to go on the Mera Peak Expedition are spring and autumn in Nepal. The spring season lasts from March to April, whereas the autumn season lasts from September to November, each providing a unique experience. The comfortable weather conditions make these periods one of the best times to go to the Mera Peak summit.

While on the top of Mera Peak, climbers are welcomed by the various mountain peaks like Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, which are some of the highest mountains in the world. Similarly, the 360-degree panoramic view of the mountain is sure to provide a surreal experience with a sense of accomplishment.

With that in mind, the 17-day Mera Peak expedition starts with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After landing at Lukla, one of the most thrilling airports in Nepal, trekking in the Khumbu region begins, allowing trekkers and climbers to pass through some of the exciting Sherpa villages like Paiya, Ningsow, Thanknak, Thuli Kharka, and others with a round trip back to Lukla. While training, physical fitness, and a strong mentality are required for the Mera Peak climb, proper acclimatization techniques and a well-planned itinerary provided by Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd. are essential for a successful and safe ascent. On the other hand, for the logistics, various permits for mera peak climbing are required. The permits include a local area permit and a Makalu Barun national park entry permit.

So, join hands for a mesmerizing view and thrilling experience on the route to the top of Mera Peak with some of the most experienced mountain climbers in the region who have done it hundreds of times. Create an epic story with the team that will have a place in your everlasting memory.

How is the Kathmandu-Lukla flight?

Lukla, located at 2,860 meters (9,383 feet), is the gateway to the Khumbu region and the first destination towards Mera Peak. Lukla, being a remote settlement in the Everest region, is mostly accessed by airplane, as road transportation is rarely available and very difficult.

So, the flight to Lukla is through Kathmandu, which is the capital city of Nepal. The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is one of the most thrilling flights in the world. The small runway and height of the airport make up for the chilling experience. Similarly, the flight duration from Kathmandu to Lukla is 45 minutes. However, in peak season, the flight to Lukla can be diverted from Manthali to Ramechhap, according to the air traffic.

Similarly, it is necessary to understand that the Kathmandu-Lukla flight is subjective to weather conditions. This means the high wind velocity and severe climatic conditions can cause either a delay or even a postponement of the flight, particularly in the monsoon and winter seasons.

Therefore, arriving in Nepal a few extra days early to adjust to the chance of a delay or cancellation of the flight is recommended. Similarly, during the spring and autumn seasons, when flights are not affected by weather conditions, they can sometimes face delays due to high crowds, or else these months have flights mostly on time.

Is it possible to do the Mera Peak Summit without a guide? Can I summit Mera Peak alone?

The answer is no. Although Mera Peak is labeled as a trekking peak and considered an easy summit, some sections are technical and hard to cope with. This means that without the help of an experienced sherpa or climbing guide, Mera Peak Mountain should not be tackled alone.

We at Nature Excursion do not recommend the Mera Peak summit without a guide because, as it is completely new for an individual, the journey may not be meaningful and safe. The guides that we provide are locals of the region, and they know the place like no one else. This will also allow us to minimize the cultural gap and learn about the lifestyle and heritage of the people of the Sagarmatha region.

In a similar context, having a guide will give individuals a sense of safety. The guide will act as a friend as well as the master during the trip. If it was a trekking journey, a guide might not be recommended, but as it is an expedition, having a guide is a must. The guide will help climbers with the technicality and pave the route for a safe climb.

Similarly, in the peak season, various accommodation places will be packed, so the guide can help arrange many amenities and be readily available at your service. For your own safety, taking a guide is a must, which will minimize the risk during the climb, and following the instructions provided by the guide is another thing to keep in mind as the guide will be responsible for the safe climb and descent.

A typical day on the Mera Peak climb

During the trek:

On the 17 days,  most of the day includes trekking, which means individuals have to walk a minimum of six hours to reach one destination or stay at another. While some days can have longer walks compared to others, others can even have shorter walks depending on the pace. The trek mainly follows rugged terrain with ups and downs and some sections of flat walking. Similarly, each day will have a significant increase in elevation, so proper acclimatization and slow walking are recommended.

The morning starts with an early breakfast of choice at the place of stay. Afterward, the porters will carry the duffel bags and head ahead. So, it is necessary to carry all the essential items of the day in the day bag. With a walk of six to eight hours, individuals will reach their next destination, where they will stay overnight. Lunch will mostly be in between these places along the route where it is favorable. Similarly, the guides will give all the information about the location, mountains, valleys, and any significant landmarks along the way.

Likewise, the night ends with a short briefing for the following day and a delicious dinner at the place of accommodation.

During the summit:

As the trekking ends and it is finally the day of the summit, individuals have to wake up early and start the climb while keeping in mind the weather conditions. The guide will fix the ropes and check all the equipment necessary for the climb. Training will be given before the actual climb, so individuals should practically apply all the knowledge acquired during the training. One should be comfortable walking in a one-man line with crampons attached to the shoes.

Afterward, individuals will slowly start the climb and experience camping in the snow. Be sure to properly hydrate and eat plenty. Any unfavorable conditions or unsuitability must be discussed with the guide immediately. Although altitude will be an issue at this elevation, the best practice is to listen to the body, follow the instructions of the guide, sleep well, and walk slowly.

What was the total distance during the Mera Peak Expedition?

The total distance covered during the Mera Peak tour is around 125 kilometers, or 78 miles. The maximum elevation for the Mera North is 6,476 meters, which is going to be reached on the eleventh day of the Mera Peak expedition itinerary. On average, the walk will be six to eight hours per day for 17 days. After the eleventh day, the return journey will take place while crossing the Zatrwa La Pass. Similarly, on a typical day, individuals will cover a distance of seven to ten kilometers with varying levels of elevation gain and loss.

Mera Peak vs. Island Peak: Which one is better?

As Mera Peak is the tallest trekking peak in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Island Peak is the practice peak before the summit of Mighty Everest, both are special peaks and are often comparable. Mera and Island Peak are both located in the Mahalangur range of Nepal and have similar altitudes. While Mera Peak is located at 6,461 meters, Island Peak is located at 6,189 meters. Likewise, both of these peaks are adjacent to each other and are intersected by a mountain chain.

In terms of difficulty, the Mera peak is a non-technical trekking peak, while the Island peak is a moderately difficult peak. In the alpine grading system, Mera Peak is labeled as a PD (slightly difficult) peak, which means there are some challenging sections, and Island Peak is labeled as a 2B difficulty, which means there are some technical sections along the route. So, for beginners, Mera Peak is suitable, but for those who want a technical climbing experience, Island Peak is favorable.

Likewise, it is necessary to understand that both peaks have a high success rate, and choosing which one is right depends upon the experience of the individual. Those who are complete beginners in mountaineering can go for the Mera Peak climb, and those who have some experience in high-altitude climbing can go on the Island Peak climb.

Mera Peak Climb Terrains, Difficulty, and Elevation Profile

Mera Peak Terrain: The Mera Peak trekking route, although not considered a challenge, provides an opportunity for people to witness a varied range of terrains that persist in the Everest region. The trekking trail of Mera Peak is through uneven sections with rugged nature filled with rocks and boulders at various sections. Some high ups and downs, followed by zigzag roads that traverse through lush forests at the initial section of the trek, mesmerize trekkers. The densely populated Sherpa villages like Paiya, Panggom, Ningsow, and Chhatra Khola welcome the trekkers wholeheartedly. However, the trek transitions through rocky and barren environments at the mid- and end-sections of the trekking route. As the elevation gain increases, the villages become less and less available. The remoteness of the region is finally experienced as climbers are welcomed by glaciers, snow, and mountains.

Mera Peak Difficulty: As mentioned earlier, climbing Mera Peak is not technical or difficult. As said, Mera Peak is labeled as a trekking peak; however, one should not underestimate the term and regard Mera as an easier climb. Some sections of the climb are relatively harder and pose a challenge even for experienced climbers. Most of the walking is done above the Mera Glacier, which has a steepness of not more than 50 degrees. Likewise, the final section involves climbing using the jumar on a fixed rope and grading the Mera peak as Alpine Grade PD, which means slightly difficult.

On the other hand, altitude plays a crucial role, which in turn directly relates to the difficulty of the Mera Peak climb. The oxygen percentage is around 47, so to cope with this decrease in oxygen level, climbers are recommended to use supplementary oxygen; however, not doing so will pose threats and challenges for the climbers. Similarly, proper training, cardiovascular exercise, and acclimatization practice should be followed for a safe and risk-free climb.

Elevation profile: The Mera Peak climb typically begins in Kathmandu, which is located at an elevation of 1,400 meters. Afterwards, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes place, which lies at 2,860 meters, and the first night in the Everest region is spent at 2,800 meters at Paiya. The trek in the Everest region follows up to an elevation of 5,045 meters before reaching the Mera Peak High Camp. The high camp is then situated at 5,780 meters, and then the summit allows individuals to reach 6,461 meters. After that elevation, the return journey continues, which runs through Khote at 3,691 meters, followed by crossing the Zatrwa La Pass, which is situated at 4,600 meters, and back to Kathmandu.

How do I prepare for the Mera Peak Expedition?

The Mera Peak Expedition is considered an easy trekking peak, with some sections being technical and difficult. Similarly, the expedition requires individuals to walk at least six hours per day for seventeen hours, which requires an adequate amount of physical and mental strength. So, to take on this strenuous challenge, individuals are recommended to prepare both physically and mentally.

For the physical aspect of the Mera Peak Expedition, individuals should engage themselves in cardiovascular activities like running, jogging, climbing, swimming, or any other related training regime. Even though an extreme level of fitness program is not required, like weight lifting and other sorts, one should train the body enough to build endurance and strength that will ease during the climb.

Likewise, the Mera Peak climb requires the collection of proper gear and equipment and going through the list. We recommend investing in equipment that is high in quality and durability. Be sure to include warm water, a windproof sleeping bag, a handy bag pack, and reliable, good-quality shoes. Likewise, a complete list of gear is provided by Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd., which will help you not miss any necessary items that are going to ease the climb. On the other hand, an experienced guide from the company will check all the gear and equipment so that you won’t have any problems.

Another preparation to do is to practice proper acclimatization techniques. As individuals move up the elevation, the level of oxygen decreases. The decreased oxygen level can cause altitude sickness, so it is necessary to adapt the body to the lower oxygen level. For the acclimatization procedure, trekking to a higher height with a lower oxygen level and returning to a lower elevation is a must. The 17-day Mera Peak Expedition package includes days in between the itinerary for acclimatization to the decreased oxygen level.

Similarly, it is recommended that individuals do some research about the area and gain insights about the difficulty of the climb, specific sites, the climbing route, and other things that will help to potentially build up a scenario about how the Mera Peak climb is going to be. This gives individuals an edge to understand more about the trip and have a strong mentality about what they are signing up for.

So, the checklist includes:

• Physical Preparation
• Proper Equipment
• Proper Acclimatization Practice
• Study and Research

What are the inclusive packages for spring and autumn in 2024/25?

The Mera Peak Expedition with Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd is an all-inclusive package that covers various logistics and expenses and provides a suitable budget-friendly experience for trekkers and climbers. The Mera Peak Climb Cost is also the finest among those available in the Nepalese market, with all the essential services that are of standard quality.

We cover all the essential permits for the climb, mountain guide and porter expenses, flight to Lukla, accommodation, and service charges. The all-inclusive packages for Mera Peak are listed at the end of the website, and for further details, one can communicate by phone or email. Similarly, once associated with the company, there are no hidden costs or policies, giving individuals or groups the optimum experience.

Alternative Mera Peak climbing packages and other adventurous treks in Nepal

Mera Peak climbing is one of the best adventure activities offered by Nature Excursion Pvt. Ltd. in the Everest region. Mera Peak is suitable for climbers and adventure enthusiasts who wish to challenge the harsh climatic conditions and increasing altitude. For a similar experience, one can also take on Island Peak climbing, the Everest Base Camp Trek-14 Days, the Everest Base Camp helicopter tour with landing, and the Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return.

Similarly, the Three High Passes Trek (19 Days), Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Trek, and Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek (10 Days) are highly recommended for experienced trekkers.

What are the benefits of the Mera Peak Climb with Nature Excursion?

• Free airport pick-up and drop-off as per the itinerary.
• Experienced mountain guides who know the terrain and route during the climb.
• Get trekking gear like a down jacket and duffel bag for the journey (to be returned at the end of the trek).
• An oximeter and a first-aid kit during the trek.
• Native mountain guides and porters 
• Clean rooms and delicious meals.
• Trek certificate and Nature Excursion t-shirt.
• Satellite phone to stay connected with the office team during the trek in the isolated areas. 
• Free storage for your additional luggage in Kathmandu.
• In case of an emergency, we will provide you with immediate helicopter evacuation and medical assistance (involving charges payable by your travel insurance company).
• Farewell dinner at the end of the trek