Mera Peak Climbing – 19 Days

What Can You Expect From the 19-Day Mera Peak Expedition?

• You will be stunned with an eye-bird view of the eastern Nepal as you take a scenic and thrilling flight back and forth between Kathmandu and Lukla.
• Passing through lush forests, yak pastures, and tranquil glacial rivers, you will experience the untouched side of the Hinku region.
• Throughout the trail, you'll see panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Baruntse, and the Hinku Valley. From High Camp, the sunrise over the Himalayan range is absolutely unforgettable.
• You can expect some spare days in your itinerary. These spare days will help you to attempt to summit in case you cannot make it to the summit due to unpredictable weather changes.  
• Despite this journey being non-technical climbing, walking across the ridgeline, steep ascents and descents on mountain passes, etc, can be extremely daunting and tiring.

How difficult is Mera Peak Climbing?

As per the Alpine grading system, Mera Peak Climbing is considered PD grade. Usually, these grade expeditions are considered good introductory climbs for beginners due to the less technical climbing sections. However, this journey is a moderately challenging climb due to the requirement of crossing crevasses, formidable mountain passes, and glacial moraines.

Moreover, the short sections of steep and icy terrain and precarious, rugged sections while attempting the summit make the Mera Peak expedition more difficult. Additionally, the weather in the high Himalayas can be unpredictable. The changeable weather can create more chaos while expediting if you are not well prepared regarding a packing list and spare days.

Likewise, you will be gaining elevation of 300m to 600m each day during this peak climbing. Beginning the journey at Lukla at 2,860 meters, the peak climbing eventually gains elevation at Mera Peak Base Camp (5300 meters) and High Camp (5,800 meters) before arriving at the summit of Mera Peak at 6,476 m. Hence, this expedition poses a great risk of altitude sickness, which can add more folds of difficulty in climbing Mera Peak.

Is Climbing Mera Peak Suitable For Me?

Mera Peak climbing demands traversing through the difficult terrain of rocky ridgeline, steep ascents, icy landscapes, and glacial moraine for more than two weeks at high altitude. On top of that, you will be walking for 6 to 8 hours daily at high elevation. Therefore, if you are someone with great physical fitness and mental endurance, then this expedition is suitable for you. Even though you do not need any prior mountaineering experience, high-altitude trekking is mandatory for this peak climbing.

Even though you do not need advanced mountaineering skills, you need basic mountaineering skills like using crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and ropes. Additionally, you need strong determination and willpower to complete this rewarding journey. After long hours of walking at such high altitudes, your legs can give up due to exhaustion and fatigue. However, in these situations, your mental resilience takes you forward while pushing the summit.

Hence, if you are someone with excellent physical and mental fitness with prior high-altitude trekking experience, along with a great sense of adaptability, this trek is suitable for you.

How Long is the Mera Peak Expedition?

The Mera Peak expedition typically takes around 15 to 21 days. However, the duration of the trek can be different for trekkers because every trekker does not take the same route or have the same pace or acclimatization needs. The most common route that many trekkers take is via Panggom, where you will descend the steep Zatrwa La Pass during the last trek of the day. The trek for Mera Peak can be completed within 15 to 19 days.

However, if you take the route of Zatrwa La Pass at the beginning of the trek, it may take quite longer time since it is a difficult trek and needs more acclimatization days. Moreover, you will need 1-2 spare days to take into account the weather conditions while pushing the summit. These spare days can also increase the duration of your trek.

Preparation For Mera Peak Climb

When you are thinking of going for the Mera Peak expedition, there is a lot of preparation for trekking and climbing sections that you will need to make. Even though this climbing is non-technical, it should not be underestimated in any way. You will need an excellent level of physical strength and mental determination, along with some basic mountaineering skills.

For increasing your physical agility, you can practice strength and cardio exercises for many weeks before the trek to increase your leg, back, and core muscles. Going on high altitude treks like Manaslu Circuit Trek, Mardi Trek, etc, can be extremely beneficial. Moreover, you should be familiar with some basic mountaineering equipment and how to use it. If you are taking our Mera Peak climbing package, we will give you some pre-climbing training.

Accommodation on Mera Peak Expedition

During this journey of climbing Mera Peak, you will need two modes of accommodation. You will spend the majority of the expedition days staying at the teahouses and lodges scattered along the trail. Nestled in a remote area, you will get a basic type of amenities like rooms on a twin-sharing basis and shared bathrooms. Do not expect advanced accommodations like mainstream trekking, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

For 2 nights, you will stay at a tented camp at Base Camp and High Camp while preparing for the summit. Camping is not a comfortable mode of accommodation; however, you will be provided with everything you need for high altitude camping, like sleeping bags, tents, etc, if you opt for our 19-day Mera Peak Climbing package.

Meal on Mera Peak Expedition

To keep you fueled throughout the Mera Peak Climbing, you will eat meals made at teahouses and camping-style cooking above the Mera Peak Base Camp. The teahouses and lodges will offer you diverse menus full of Nepali food, regional food, and even some foreign cuisines. However, above the base camp, our guided team will cook for you. If you have any dietary requirements, you can let us know at the very start of the journey, so that we can address your requirements.

Best Season for Climbing Mera Peak

Similar to trekking in Nepal, peak climbing is most suitable when done during the spring(March to May) and autumn(September to November) seasons. Both seasons are considered the best time for trekking and climbing in Nepal because of the dry trail conditions, pleasant weather, and clear skies. Moreover, there are optimal chances of snowfall and rainfall during these seasons, which create ideal conditions for climbing glaciers and icy terrain.

Mera Peak Climbing Routes

There are three main routes that you can take to complete the Mera Peak Journey.

The first route is the classic Mera Peak climbing route. 
Lukla →Chutanga → Zatrwa La Pass (4,600 m) → Thuli Kharka → Kothe → Thangnak → Khare → Mera Base Camp → High Camp → Summit

In the second route, you will walk some portion of the classic Everest Base Camp trek route and then join the Mera Peak climbing itinerary. 
Lukla →Phakding → Namche Bazaar → Thame → Panch Pokhari → Kothe → Khare → Mera Base Camp → High Camp → Summit

The third route is quite long and challenging, as you have to cross many passes and a glacial river.
Lukla → Paiya (Chutok) → Panggom (Pangokma) → Panggom La Pass → Ningsow → Chhatra Khola → Kothe → Thangnak → Khare → Mera Base Camp → High Camp → Summit

Mera Peak Climbing Permit

1. NMA Mera Peak Climbing Permit

The first permit you need to obtain is the NMA Mera Peak Climbing Permit.  This permit is issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and you will be charged on a seasonal basis for this permit.

Cost during the spring(March to May) season

• USD 250 per person for foreign nationals.
• NRs. 4000 per person for Nepali citizens

Cost during the autumn(September to November) season

• USD 125 per person for foreign nationals
• NRs 2000 per person for Nepali nationals

Cost during the winter(December to February) and monsoon(June to August) seasons

• USD 70 per person for foreign nationals
• NRs. 1000 for Nepali citizens

This permit has a time limit of only one month. If you exceed one month, you can ask for permission from NMA. If the reasons for the extension area are valid, they may approve the extension for two weeks by charging an additional 25% charge of the total amount initially paid for each extra week.

2. TIMS Card

Another permit you will need is the Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card for your safety and security. This will cost you about NPR 1,000(around $10) per person for the SAARC nationals and NPR 2000 per person(around $20) for nationals other than SAARC nationals.

3. Local Area Permit

Likewise, you will need a local area permit to enter the region. It will cost you around Nrs. 2000( app USD 20) to acquire the local area permit.

4. Permits According to the Route

If you are embarking on the Mera Peak climbing, passing Thuli Kharka via Chhuthang or  Panggom La Pass via Chutok, then you will need a Makalu Barun National Park Permit and a local area permit.

Cost of Makalu Barun National Park

However, if you are embarking on climbing Mera Peak from Namche Bazaar, aside from the above permit, you will need a Sagarmatha National Park Permit too, since you will enter the national park area from Monjo.

Cost of Sagarmatha National Park Permit

Altitude Sickness While Climbing Mera Peak

It is very obvious that going above 6000 m poses a great risk of altitude sickness. So, as a mountaineer, it is extremely important to acclimatize properly and take necessary safety measures to avoid altitude sickness. Likewise, you should choose a package that has enough acclimatization days. You can go on short hikes to explore the side highlights during this trek. Likewise, if you do not feel like exploring side highlights, you can rest in the camp or teahouses to properly acclimate your body.

Make sure to stay hydrated and walk at your own pace while trekking and climbing on the trail. Remember that your body starts giving you signals whenever you feel unwell. So, listen to your body. Likewise, eat well and rest well during the entire trek. If necessary, take altitude sickness medications to lessen the symptoms of AMS.

Mera Peak Expedition Cost

If you are wondering how much it will cost for Mera Peak climbing, then let us clear your confusion. It can cost you approximately between USD 2,000 to 3,500 per person. However, this cost also depends on many factors such as route, services included, itinerary, highlights, trekking agency, etc. Moreover, if you are embarking on this journey during the peak season, the NMA permit and other services can get expensive, which will naturally increase your overall cost.

We are providing you with this wonderful experience for USD 2250 per person. This price is quite reasonable with many inclusions such as domestic flights, trekking permits, accommodation and meals during the trek, and even guides and porters. We are also providing you with climbing equipment at the above cost. However, our package does not include international flights, visa, insurance, evacuation, and other types of personal costs.

Why Choose Mountain Adventure Trekking For Climbing Mera Peak?

Mountain Adventure Trekking has been providing these Himalayan experiences to its clients for many decades now. We have our trained teams, well-planned itinerary, proper logistics, ethical practices, and expertise, etc, that ensure your safety, comfort, and unforgettable experience. Whether you are attempting Mera Peak climbing for the first time or coming back to relive the experience, we will definitely make your Mera Peak climb a truly rewarding and safe experience. Contact us today.