Mera Peak 6,476 m
The trek to Mera Peak takes you to Nepal’s highest official trekking peak. Located in Makalu-Barun National Park, it offers one of the most spectacular views in the entire Himalayas, as five of the world’s six highest mountains are visible from its summit: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kangchenjunga.
Technically, it is considered moderately difficult. It is a classic high-altitude trek across glaciers and snowfields. You need good skills in walking with crampons, using an ice axe, and excellent endurance for the altitude.
The tour usually takes 14 to 16 days starting from Kathmandu.
Via the Southern Route to the Hinku Valley – Days 1 - 4
Start: Lukla (2,840 m)
Destination: Kothe (3,600 m)
Elevation gain: 1,450 m
Distance: 41 km, Duration: 4–6 hours per day
Day 1: From Lukla, the trail winds leisurely through lush forest, past small Sherpa villages, to Paiya (2,730 m).
Day 2: From Paiya, the trail first descends to the Paiya Khola River, followed by an ascent over the Panggom La Pass (3,170 m) to the village of Panggom (2,850 m).
Day 3: The trail continues through dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, with steady ups and downs, toward the Hinku Valley to Ningsow (2,860 m).
Day 4: The trail now leads into the Hinku Valley proper and ends at Kothe at 3,600 m.
Ascent through the Hinku Valley – Days 5 - 7
Start: Kothe (3,600 m)
Destination: Khare (4,882 m)
Elevation gain: 1,280 m
Distance: 15 km, Duration: 4-5 hours
Day 5: As you hike along the Hinku Valley, you’ll notice the altitude increasing. Passing a traditional Buddhist gompa carved into the rock, you’ll reach the Tangnag high pasture (4,360 m).
Day 6: Ascent past the moraines of the Dig Glacier. Khare is the last permanent settlement (teahouse camp)
Day 7: Acclimatization day
Summit Ascent – Days 8 - 9
Start: Khare (4,882 m)
Destination: Mera Peak (6,476 m)
Elevation gain: 1,880 m
Distance: 8 km, Duration: 5-10 hours.
Day 8: From Khare, the route climbs over rocky terrain to Mera La Pass (5,415 m) and then onto the glacier. Crampons are put on. Mera High Camp (5,780 m) is spectacularly situated in a rocky alcove amidst the eternal ice.
Day 9: Departure from Mera High Camp around 2:00 a.m. A technically moderately steep but physically demanding ascent across the glacier, which has few crevasses. The final 30 meters to the summit are on a firn slope with a 40–50° incline (fixed rope). Descent back via the High Camp directly down to Khare.
The return to Lukla is faster via the Zatrwa La Pass (4,610 m).
