Overview
Beyond Lukla, the trail turns away from the busy Everest route and enters the quieter Hinku Valley. Forest paths give way to open pastures, small mountain lodges and glacial landscapes. Above them rises Mera Peak—a climb that takes you from days on the trail to a summit morning above 6,000 metres.Our 16-day Mera Peak climbing itinerary follows the route over Zatrwa La to Kothe, Thangnag and Khare.
Acclimatization stops at Khare provide time to rest and prepare. In Khare, your climbing guide introduces crampon technique, ice-axe use and movement on ropes before you continue across Mera La to High Camp.The summit attempt begins before dawn. Moving as a roped team across the glacier, you climb towards Mera Central at 6,461 m. In clear weather, the summit reveals Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga across the Himalayan skyline.
After the climb, you descend to Khare and retrace the valley to Lukla.Mera Peak suits well-prepared trekkers seeking their first Himalayan mountaineering experience. The altitude, cold and long summit day demand strong fitness and careful preparation. With Alpinist Club’s trekking team and one climbing Sherpa per member during the climbing section, you receive practical instruction and personal support throughout the ascent, with each decision guided by your health and mountain conditions.
Itinerary
Expand AllAn Alpinist Club representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, meet our team for an introduction to the trek and climbing programme. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore nearby streets and cafés.
- Overnight altitude: 1,350 m
- Transportation: Airport transfer
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hote
After breakfast, enjoy a guided half-day visit to selected heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley. These may include Pashupatinath, an important Hindu temple; Swayambhunath, commonly known as the Monkey Temple; or Boudhanath, one of Nepal’s largest Buddhist stupas.
Later, meet your guide for a detailed briefing covering the route, acclimatization, equipment and climbing procedures. Check your gear and arrange any missing items before leaving for the mountains.
- Overnight altitude: 1,350 m
- Activities: Sightseeing, equipment check and trip briefing
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
Upon arrival in Lukla, meet the trekking crew and prepare the porter loads. Leaving the busy town behind, follow a quieter trail through woodland, small grazing areas and scattered settlements. A steady climb brings you to Chutanga, where you spend your first night in the mountains.
- Lukla altitude: 2,860 m
- Overnight altitude: 3,500 m
- Flight: 20–35 minutes, depending on the departure airport
- Walking: 3–4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Flight note: The departure airport will be confirmed before travel. Lukla flights depend on weather and airport operations; cancellations may require an additional night in Kathmandu or Ramechhap.
Today involves a demanding ascent towards Zatrwa La. The trail climbs above the forest into open, rocky terrain, with widening views of the surrounding mountains.
Cross the high pass before descending towards Thuli Kharka, a grazing area above the Hinku Valley. Snow or ice can make the crossing more difficult, so your guide will set the pace according to trail conditions and the group’s acclimatization.
- Pass altitude: Zatrwa La, 4,600 m
- Overnight altitude: 4,300 m
- Walking: 6–8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Leave Thuli Kharka and descend towards the Hinku Valley. The trail crosses ridges and traverses the hillside before entering rhododendron and pine forests. Along the way, openings in the trees reveal views of Mera Peak.
Several short climbs interrupt the descent before you reach the Hinku River. Follow the valley to Kothe, a small settlement surrounded by forest and steep mountain slopes.
- Overnight altitude: 3,580 m
- Walking: 5–6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Follow the Hinku River upstream, with Mera Peak rising above the valley. The route gradually leaves the forest behind and enters open grazing land and rocky terrain.
Pass the small cave monastery of Gondishung before continuing towards Thangnag. Set beneath dramatic mountain faces and glacial moraines, the village is your next acclimatization stop.
- Overnight altitude: 4,356 m
- Walking: 4–5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Spend a second night in Thangnag to help your body adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, climb a ridge above the village towards Thangnag Ri, gaining views across the surrounding peaks and glacier valleys.
Your guide will choose the turning point according to the group’s condition. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon resting.
- Highest altitude: 4,900–5,000 m, depending on the hike
- Overnight altitude: 4,356 m
- Walking: 4–5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Continue through the upper Hinku Valley, crossing rocky ground and glacial moraines. The landscape becomes more open as you climb, with views of surrounding peaks and the northern slopes of Mera.
Take the ascent slowly, with regular breaks before reaching Khare. This small settlement serves as the main preparation point for the climb.
- Overnight altitude: 5,045 m
- Walking: 4–5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Remain in Khare for acclimatization and practical training. Your climbing guide will demonstrate how to use crampons, an ice axe, a harness and an ascender, along with movement on a rope and descent techniques.
Depending on conditions, practise on suitable snow or ice terrain above Khare. Return to the lodge, check your equipment and prepare your climbing bag for High Camp.
- Overnight altitude: 5,045 m
- Activities: Acclimatization hike and climbing practice
- Activity duration: 3–5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Leave Khare and climb over rocky terrain towards the glacier. Put on your climbing equipment where required and continue under your guide’s supervision towards Mera La.
Above the pass, ascend the broad glacier slopes to High Camp. In clear weather, the surrounding skyline opens to distant Himalayan giants. Settle into your tent, have an early meal and rest before the summit attempt.
- Mera La altitude: 5,415 m
- Overnight altitude: 5,800 m
- Walking and climbing: 6–8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp
Begin the climb before dawn, moving across the glacier as a roped team. The ascent follows broad snow slopes, with the thin air making each step more demanding. The final section may require fixed ropes, depending on snow and ice conditions.
From the summit, clear weather offers views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga, alongside many other Himalayan peaks. After a short summit stop, descend carefully to High Camp, then continue to Khare for a well-earned rest.
- Summit altitude: 6,461 m
- Overnight altitude: 5,045 m
- Climbing and descent: 10–14 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Retrace the trail through Thangnag and continue down the Hinku Valley. As you lose altitude, the rocky alpine landscape gradually gives way to grazing areas and forest.
Reach Kothe in the afternoon and settle into your lodge beside the valley.
- Overnight altitude: 3,580 m
- Walking: 6–7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Leave Kothe and climb through pine and rhododendron forests. The route includes sustained uphill sections and several ridge crossings as you return towards Thuli Kharka.
Look back for final views of Mera Peak and the Hinku Valley before reaching the open slopes around your lodge.
- Overnight altitude: 4,300 m
- Walking: 6–7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Climb back to Zatrwa La for your final high crossing. From the pass, descend towards Chutanga, moving carefully over any snowy or icy sections.
Continue through woodland to Lukla. In the evening, share a final mountain dinner with your trekking and climbing crew.
- Pass altitude: Zatrwa La, 4,600 m
- Overnight altitude: 2,860
- Walking: 6–8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge
Take a morning flight from Lukla, subject to weather conditions. If your flight lands in Ramechhap, continue to Kathmandu by road.
Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to rest, explore Thamel or celebrate the climb over dinner.
- Overnight altitude: 1,350 m
- Flight: 20–35 minutes
- Road transfer: Required if landing in Ramechhap
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Transportation: Airport transfer
- Meals: Breakfast, depending on departure time
- Accommodation: None
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Excluded Points
Trip Information
Mera Peak Climbing Your Trekking and Climbing Team
An Alpinist Club representative welcomes you in Kathmandu and helps with your preparations. During the mountain programme, your trekking leader manages the team, daily schedule and logistics, while your climbing guide oversees glacier travel and the summit attempt.
Ask questions freely and tell your guide promptly about any discomfort or concerns. Decisions about the route, pace and summit attempt depend on the group’s health, weather and mountain conditions.
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Your mountain team includes:
- Trekking leader: Leads the trek, coordinates accommodation and meals, and monitors the group’s wellbeing.
- Climbing Sherpa: Provides climbing instruction, manages rope systems and guides the summit attempt and descent. The package includes one climbing Sherpa per member during the climbing section.
- Assistant guide: Supports participants and helps the leader with daily arrangements.
- Porters: Carry the agreed personal baggage and trekking supplies.
- Cook and kitchen assistants: Prepare meals and manage cooking equipment during the High Camp camping section. Lodge staff prepare meals during the trek.
Group Size
Our standard group size is 1–10 participants. Private departures can be arranged for individuals, couples or friends. Staff arrangements depend on group size, with the climbing guide ratio maintained as specified in your booking.
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Stay in a hotel with breakfast before and after the trek. Accommodation may be arranged at Himalayan Suite Hotel, Sampada Garden or a similar property, depending on availability and your booking.
Room arrangements and any single-room supplement will be confirmed before arrival. Additional nights outside the booked itinerary are charged separately.
Accommodation During the Trek
Stay in lodges or teahouses along the route, including Chutanga, Thuli Kharka, Kothe, Thangnag and Khare. Rooms are generally simple, with basic beds and limited heating. Toilets are often shared, and hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi may cost extra.
Facilities become more basic at higher elevations. Bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for both lodge nights and High Camp.
Mera High Camp — 5,800 m
The itinerary includes a tented night at High Camp before the summit attempt. Two members share one mountain tent, with sleeping mats provided.
High Camp is exposed, cold and compact. Facilities focus on shelter, food preparation and climbing needs. Expect simple camping conditions; heated dining tents, showers and extensive base camp facilities are not part of the standard High Camp setup.
Meals in Kathmandu and on the Mountain
Breakfast is included with your booked Kathmandu hotel nights, along with one welcome dinner. Other lunches and dinners in Kathmandu are at your own expense.
During the scheduled trek and climb, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Lodge menus commonly offer dal bhat, soups, noodles, rice, potatoes, eggs and bread. At High Camp, the kitchen team prepares practical meals suited to the conditions and early summit departure.
A typical day may include:
- Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, bread or pancakes, with tea or coffee.
- Lunch: Dal bhat, rice, noodles, potatoes or another available main dish.
- Dinner: Soup followed by a main meal, with tea or coffee.
Tea and coffee are included at mealtimes. Extra snacks, additional drinks, bottled beverages and alcohol are charged separately. Please tell us about allergies and dietary requirements before booking; food choices become more limited at altitude.
Drinking Water
Bring reusable water bottles and a reliable purification method. Lodge water should be treated before drinking, and boiled water may be available for an additional charge. At High Camp, the team prepares water using available sources, including melted snow when necessary.
Ask your guide about safe refilling points. Insulated bottles help prevent water from freezing during the summit climb.
Difficulty and Experience
Mera Peak involves strenuous trekking followed by a high-altitude glacier climb. The main challenges are altitude, cold, sustained effort and a long summit day.
The climbing section requires crampons, an ice axe, a harness and roped travel. The final summit section can be steeper and may require fixed ropes, depending on conditions.
Fit trekkers with previous multi-day mountain experience may consider Mera as their first Himalayan climb, following a suitability discussion with our team. Previous experience with crampons and ropes is helpful. Training in Khare introduces essential techniques, but preparation before the trip remains important.
Fitness and Preparation
Begin training several months before departure. Build endurance through regular hiking, stair climbing, cycling or running, alongside leg and core strengthening.
Progress towards consecutive hiking days with a loaded daypack. Practise walking uphill and downhill for several hours, and use your trekking boots during training. A basic mountaineering course is useful for becoming familiar with climbing equipment.
Acclimatization and Altitude
The itinerary includes acclimatization days at Thangnag and Khare. These help you adjust, but they do not guarantee protection from altitude illness.
The crossing of Zatrwa La and the ascent from Khare to High Camp involve substantial altitude gains. Additional acclimatization time or an intermediate camp may be needed. Your guide may delay an ascent, change the schedule or arrange descent according to your condition.
Altitude Illness
Headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness and loss of appetite after ascending can indicate acute mountain sickness. Report symptoms immediately and do not continue higher while unwell.
Worsening symptoms require descent. Confusion, difficulty walking steadily or breathlessness at rest are emergency warning signs requiring urgent assistance.
Acetazolamide can help prevent altitude illness and support acclimatization when prescribed appropriately. Discuss its suitability with a qualified clinician before travel; medication does not replace gradual ascent or necessary descent.
Health Before Departure
Seek medical advice before booking if you have a heart or lung condition, other significant health concerns, or a history of altitude illness. Explain that the trip involves remote trekking and climbing above 6,000 m.
Inform our team about relevant conditions, allergies and regular medication. Carry enough prescribed medication for the trip and possible delays. Address existing dental problems before departure.
Best Season and Mountain Weather
Spring and autumn are the usual seasons for Mera Peak climbing. Conditions vary between departures, and snow, wind or poor visibility can affect the passes and summit route.
Expect cold nights at higher elevations and temperatures well below freezing at High Camp. Your guide will assess conditions before proceeding. Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.
Transportation and Lukla Flights
Airport and scheduled road transfers are arranged by private vehicle. Lukla flights may operate from Kathmandu or Ramechhap; the departure airport will be confirmed before travel.
When flights operate from Ramechhap, an early road departure from Kathmandu is required. Weather or operational delays can affect both outbound and return flights.
Allow extra days beyond the trekking schedule before an international departure. Helicopter alternatives are subject to availability, weather and additional cost.
Baggage and Porter Support
Pack your trekking belongings in a duffel bag and carry a daypack containing water, extra layers, valuables, medication and daily essentials.
Porter service is arranged at a standard ratio of one porter for two trekkers. Your personal baggage allowance will be confirmed in the booking documents, and porter loads will be managed according to safe working limits.
Domestic airline allowances are separate from porter allowances. Excess airline baggage may incur additional charges. Extra luggage can be stored in Kathmandu during the trek.
Personal Equipment and Rentals
You will receive an equipment checklist before departure. Essential items include:
- Insulated mountaineering boots and compatible crampons.
- Ice axe, harness, helmet, ascender and required personal climbing hardware.
- Warm down jacket, layered clothing, waterproof outerwear and insulated gloves.
- A suitable high-altitude sleeping bag.
- Headlamp with spare batteries, glacier sunglasses and sun protection.
- Trekking poles, daypack and insulated water bottles.
Personal equipment is excluded unless your quotation states otherwise. Selected items may be rented, subject to availability. Reserve rental gear in advance so that fit and compatibility can be checked in Kathmandu.
Group Equipment
Alpinist Club supplies the communal equipment specified in your package, including High Camp tents, sleeping mats, cooking equipment, fuel and shared ropes and anchors.
Your climbing guide checks the equipment and organises its use according to the route and conditions.
Communication and Emergency Arrangements
Mobile reception and lodge internet are limited and unreliable along parts of the route. Charging facilities may also be restricted or unavailable.
The team carries a group medical kit. Communication equipment and any specialist emergency supplies will be confirmed before departure. A satellite phone, emergency oxygen or portable hyperbaric chamber should only be considered included when specifically listed in your booking documents.
If evacuation becomes necessary, the team will coordinate assistance according to available communications, weather and access.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must explicitly cover mountaineering to the planned summit altitude, including the use of ropes, crampons and an ice axe, as well as medical treatment, helicopter rescue, evacuation and repatriation.
Check the policy’s altitude limits, activity exclusions and emergency authorisation process. Give our team your policy details and emergency contact information before departure.
Permits and Documents
The package includes the Mera Peak climbing permit, Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and applicable local entry fees for the scheduled route.
Provide the requested passport details and photographs in advance so permits can be arranged. Nepal visa fees and special filming or drone permits are separate.
Responsible Travel
Carry out personal rubbish, avoid leaving waste on the glacier and use designated toilet facilities wherever available. Follow the team’s waste arrangements at High Camp.
Respect local customs, ask before photographing people and help reduce plastic waste by using refillable bottles.
Summit Decisions and Itinerary Changes
Your climbing guide makes the final decision on whether conditions allow a summit attempt. Health, weather, snow conditions and the ability to descend safely determine how far the team proceeds.
The schedule may change when necessary. Additional mountain days, accommodation or alternative transport outside the booked programme may involve extra charges, as outlined in the package terms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Expand AllMera Peak has several summits. Mera North stands at 6,476 m, while Mera Central reaches 6,461 m. Our itinerary describes an ascent of Mera Central, so check the planned summit when comparing climbing packages.
Mera Peak can suit fit trekkers preparing for their first Himalayan climb. Previous multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended, and familiarity with crampons and ropes is helpful. Alpinist Club provides climbing practice in Khare before the ascent.
Mera Peak is physically demanding because of its altitude, cold conditions and long summit day. The route involves glacier travel using crampons, an ice axe and ropes. Although much of the ascent follows moderate snow slopes, the final section can be steeper and require fixed ropes.
Our published itinerary takes 16 days, including arrival, preparations in Kathmandu, trekking, acclimatization and the climb. Allow additional time for flight delays or changes to the mountain schedule. Some climbers may need a longer itinerary for acclimatization.
Spring, generally March–May, and autumn, generally September–November, are the usual climbing seasons. Conditions vary throughout each season, and snowfall or strong winds can affect the route. Contact us to discuss suitable dates for your experience and schedule.
The price depends on group size, departure dates, itinerary length and the level of climbing support. Our package includes mountain meals and accommodation, permits, domestic transportation, porter support and a climbing Sherpa. Contact Alpinist Club for a detailed quotation showing the total price and exclusions.
Yes. Alpinist Club arranges private departures and group trips, subject to availability. Our standard groups have 1–10 participants. Share your preferred dates so we can check available departures or prepare a private programme.
Our package includes one government-licensed climbing Sherpa per 2 member during the climbing section. The trekking leader and support team manage the approach trek, while your climbing Sherpa guides the summit attempt and descent.
Prepare with regular hiking, stair climbing and endurance exercise over several months. Build towards consecutive walking days with a daypack, including long ascents and descents. Strength training and a basic mountaineering course can also help you prepare for the climb.
Essential equipment includes insulated mountaineering boots, compatible crampons, an ice axe, harness, helmet, ascender, warm clothing and a high-altitude sleeping bag. We provide a complete checklist before departure. Selected rental items may be available if reserved in advance
You stay in a hotel in Kathmandu and simple lodges along the trekking route. At Mera High Camp, around 5,800 m, two members share a mountain tent. Lodge facilities become more basic at higher elevations, and showers, charging and internet may cost extra.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the scheduled trek and climb, with tea or coffee at mealtimes. Kathmandu hotel breakfasts and one welcome dinner are also included. Tell us about dietary requirements before booking so we can discuss available options.
The scheduled route requires a Mera Peak climbing permit, Makalu Barun National Park entry permit and applicable local entry fees. Alpinist Club arranges the permits included in your package using the passport details and documents you provide
Your insurance must explicitly cover mountaineering to the planned summit altitude, including the use of ropes, crampons and an ice axe. It must also cover medical treatment, helicopter rescue, evacuation and repatriation. Confirm the activity and altitude limits directly with your insurer before booking.
Flight delays may require extra accommodation, itinerary changes or alternative transport at additional cost. On the mountain, your guide assesses your health and the conditions before continuing. The summit is never guaranteed; the team may turn back or adjust the programme when necessary. Extra days in Nepal give you more flexibility.
Client Reviews
What our travelers say about their experience
Subash was my guide to climb Mera Peak. He was such a joy to journey with and I felt I was in safe and competent hands the whole time. He is a skilled mountaineer and climbs solo and with friends outside of his work as a guide. That felt really great to me to know he is passionate about the mountains. I also left fully inspired for future adventures- he was a great person to talk about different ideas with and now my list of adventures I want to have is so huge! When we were coming down from mera peak at the point where we could take off our crampons, there was an American man trekking alone and his crampon was broken. Without hesitation Subash handed this man his own crampons and asked for him to return it to his office whenever he is back in Kathmandu. I was really impressed that he did that. Subash has a joyful laugh. I felt very happy to be around him. I highly recommend him as a guide and will book again.