Mera Peak Climbing – 17 days

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, go through the immigration and baggage formalities. You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Kathmandu; the hotel’s location is around 1,300m (4,265 ft).

On arrival, return to some calmness following the trip. Then you can wander around the nearby streets or take time to unwind at the hotel depending on your arrival time. Be flexible with your schedule as the next day will be spent trekking and climbing preparations.

After a day of sightseeing, go back to the hotel in the evenings for the complimentary welcome meal at a traditional Nepali restaurant, provided in your package. It’s the perfect way to try local food before you set out hiking.

Overnight accommodation is a twin-sharing standard hotel. Breakfast is complimentary with your hotel stay and lunch and dinner are typically not included in Kathmandu, unless otherwise specified, while the welcome dinner is included.

The day is dedicated to the final preparations prior to your Mera Peak climbing adventure. You can inspect your trekking clothes, trekking boots, your personal trekking gear and other things you need for the trek. The sleeping bag, down jacket and duffle bag are all included for use on the trek; please ensure that these are arranged with your team prior to departure.

Your guides will go through the itinerary, discuss the trekking section and confirm the gear needed for the climbing part. It is also an appropriate opportunity to review permits, packing up and talking about the safety rules that will be adhered to during the trip.

If time allows, you can visit the local markets or take a cultural tour around Kathmandu. Museums and hotel accommodation can be arranged as additional services; these will incur an extra charge.

Relax during the day; be sure to allocate sufficient time for briefing and equipment checks. Overnight stay in Kathmandu (breakfast included).

Following breakfast, head to the airport for your flight to Lukla (2,860 m /9,383 ft.). The actual flight to the mountains takes about 30-35 minutes. Depending on the time of year and flight operations, you might need to take a road trip to Ramechhap and then fly to Lukla from there.

Once in Lukla, arrange your gear with your trekking guide and head out on the trek to Chhutanga. To the left of the main settlement, the trail enters the pine and rhododendron woodland of the mountains.

The walk is about 4-5 hours and this is where you start acclimatising to the rising altitude. Take it easy and sip water frequently.

Your itinerary lists the elevation for Chhutanga (9948 ft /3032 m). When you arrive, take up one of the guesthouses and take a well-deserved break before the challenging day of crossing the pass.

This day’s hike starts from Chhutanga and heads towards Tuli Kharka which is a high pass in the mountains that you have noted in your itinerary as Chhetra La. The path winds through the wooded sections of the slope and eventually leads into more open areas where the path grows steeper and walking is harder.

The pass is listed at approximately 4,600 m (15,092 ft). The weather here can turn bad very quickly so dress appropriately, take regular breaks and follow your guide’s advice. If the weather is clear, it has an outstanding mountain backdrop.

Cross the pass and head down towards Tuli Kharka. After a long ascent, the descent can be exhausting, especially as the surface may not be the same and can be slippery.

On arrival, take up lodging at one of the guesthouses provided and sleep. An overnight stop is provided so that you can recuperate before heading toward Kothe the next day.

After breakfast, set off from Tuli Kharka and head down into the mountainside of the Hinku Valley towards Kothe. The path traverses the woods, open hillsides and overlooks surrounding mountains.

The trail is mostly downhill but there are a few rough patches and a few smaller hills to work up. The terrain gradually becomes more wooded, with greener hillsides and exposed mountain landscape as you descend.

Kothe is a resting place for trekkers who are going towards Mera Peak. The elevation given on your itinerary is about 3600m or 11,811ft. Basic accommodation is available in the guesthouses where it is possible to have a meal and get a rest after the day’s walk.

Please expect about 5-6 hours for the walk, depending on the itinerary. Once you reach your destination, go directly to your accommodation and allow yourself to rest. The lower elevation is a relief from the high pass of the day before.

This walk is along the Hinku Valley from Kothe to Thangnak today. Follow the trail through the valley after breakfast through woods, mountain streams and open slopes. The trail runs along the Hinku River in some areas and then in a more rugged alpine environment.

The higher you get, the less vegetation there is and the more exposed you are. The path has some ups and downs and slopes so it’s essential to keep a steady pace. You’ll be assisted by your guide to rise at a comfortable speed.

The Thangnak (Thaknak) as per the itinerary, is at 4,350 m (14,272 ft). It is important as an overnight stop on the way to Khare and the climbing area. Depending on the conditions of visibility, you can enjoy a view of the surrounding mountain slopes and glacial terrain.

Once at Thangnak, stop at a local guesthouse and get a good night’s sleep. Take some time in the evening to tidy up your kit and arrange for the morning’s walk to Khare.

From Thangnak, leave for the main staging ground for the Mera Peak climbing section which is Khare, after breakfast. The route heads up through the upper Hinku Valley, passing rocky slopes and gradually opening up into alpine areas.

The climb is consistent and walking could be more strenuous as the elevation rises. Rest, drink water and follow your guide’s directions. The landscape gets more rugged as you start heading towards the mountain and glacier ranges near Khare.

The location of Khare is about 5045 m (16552 ft). It offers very basic accommodation for guests and is an essential stop before trekking up to Mera Peak High Camp.

Once you’ve arrived, relax in your room and recover from your walk. Your guide will be able to talk with you about the climbing plan and inspect any equipment that requires maintenance prior to the summit attempt.

Today will be dedicated to rest, acclimatisation and preparation for the climb at Khare (5045 m /16552 ft). You’ll have more time to get used to this elevation before heading up to High Camp and attempting the summit.

Depending on your fitness and the weather, a short acclimatisation walk may be recommended by your guide. Avoid doing too much exercise and let your guide know if you experience any adverse effects from being at high altitude.

The day is also used to inspect the gear to be taken up the mountain for the climb to Mera Peak. The day is also used to inspect the gear to be used for climbing Mera Peak. Personal mountaineering gear can include suitable boots, crampons, a harness, a helmet, an ice axe and suitable cold weather clothing. Group climbing gear is included in your package which includes ropes, ice screws and snow bars.

The climbing arrangements and how the equipment is to be used will be reviewed by your guide. Also, you can pack your backpack make your own snacks and bring other necessities.

Don’t overdo the day and concentrate on rest and preparation. The night’s lodging is at Khare where you can start your way to High Camp.

Once you have made the preparations at Khare, proceed to Mera Peak HC. This is a challenging stage as the route goes into higher and more exposed mountain country. The path ascends through rocky ground and snowy conditions, the exact path being dependent on the snow and ice conditions of the time.

Your guide will teach you the proper use of the equipment you will need and when to rope up. Walk slowly and carefully; the thin air and cold may make things take longer than they should.

The high camp at Mera Peak is at 5,780 m (18,963 ft). Accommodation is housed in tents and the facilities are less developed than in the guesthouses further down the valley.

Once at camp, set up your climbing gear and get ready for an early start the next day. Your guide will explain the forecast for the day, conditions to climb and the time of day when the summit is expected. Rest, eat and drink as much as possible prior to the summit attempt.

The summit day starts very early, typically before sunrise. Breakfast is over, equipment is checked and you’re off to High Camp with your climbing guide. The path up is steep snows and glaciers, crampons, harness, ropes etc may be necessary depending on the weather.

This is a climb that requires stamina, skill and concentration. Progress can be slow in the thin air and cold temperatures. The climbing leader may choose to return if the weather worsens or a climber shows signs of becoming concerned.

Mera Peak reaches approximately 6,476 m (21,247 ft). At the summit, if the weather is clear, views of the surrounding ranges of the Himalayas are provided. Supervise each person’s descent to High Camp and on to Khare.

The day of the summit is covered on your itinerary by 8-9 hours. Time to climb may differ depending on weather and snow conditions and depending on the group’s progress, follow the judgement of the climbing leader. After the descent, overnight at Khare.

This is a reserve day when the summit attempt might have to be postponed due to adverse weather. We give you an extra day to allow for high elevation climbing in the event of strong winds, snowfall, poor visibility or unsuitable snow conditions.

If you have climbed to the summit on Day 10, rest and recuperate at Khare (about 5,045 m (16,552 ft)). Once up the hill, take time to refuel, rehydrate and get some rest before making the ride back down.

If the summit attempt has been delayed, it will be re-evaluated by your climbing leader based on the weather forecast, physical condition of the climbers and the remaining schedule. The summit is not guaranteed to be available on a reserve day.

The activities of the day will depend on the progress of the expedition and the weather on the mountain. Your guide will be confirming overnight arrangements and the plan for the next day.

After breakfast, depart Khare and head back to Kothe. Follow the path back down into the upper Hinku Valley from the high mountain area to the lower. Climbing downhill is usually less challenging than uphill but rocky roads and uneven terrain demand that one proceed carefully.

Further away from Khare, the topography slowly shifts from high open alpine areas to vegetated slopes. You will cross familiar parts of the valley and you may see features of the scenery that were not so apparent on the ascent.

It typically takes about 6 to 7 hours, depending on the specific route and the speed of your group, following the detailed itinerary. Rest often –  if you have yet to recover from a summit attempt.

The location of Kothe is around 3600m (11,811ft). On arrival, get some rest in your guesthouse for the night. A relief from Khare and High Camp with the lower elevation.

Today, head back towards Chhtrebu, continuing along the route you have laid out in your plans (as from Kothe). Following breakfast, head out of Kothe and traverse the valley and hillside of the surrounding landscape along the mountain pathway.

This walk is about 6-7 hours long. The time will vary depending on the conditions of the trail, elevation changes and group pace. There are a few places that may be a little uneven and maybe a little steep but walk slowly and take your guide’s directions.

The route from the upper part of the valley of Hinku leads one down through fields of alfalfa and potatoes. Do take breaks when necessary, drink water regularly and have well-packed bags for the next day’s hike to Lukla.

Once you reach Chhtrebu, you can rest at the available guesthouses. Your guide will verify the next day’s route and departure time the following day.

After breakfast proceed to Lukla on the trail of the return journey listed in your itinerary, bypassing Chhatrebu. The walk is about 5-6 hours long, depending on the exact route, weather conditions and group speed.

The path is of moderate steepness and could include both rises and falls. The pace and stops will be set by your guide throughout the day. Be careful on rocky stretches, especially if you are exhausted from all the hiking you did during the previous days.

Lukla is located at about 2860 m (9383 ft). When you arrive make sure to rest at your guest house and register. This is the end of the trekking part of your Mera Peak adventure.

Sort through and pack your bags for the next day’s flight to Kathmandu in the evening. Your guide can also verify the flight plan and clarify any modifications that might need to be made due to weather or airport conditions.

Depart after breakfast and head to Lukla Airport for the flight to Kathmandu. The direct flight from the mountains is typically around 30–35 minutes long but can be shorter if the weather is favorable and the airport is running efficiently.

The last chance to see the Himalayan landscape from above. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport by a representative who will take you to your hotel in a private car as per your package booking.

The weather conditions apply to Lukla flights; they may be delayed or canceled because of low visibility, strong winds or other reasons. Flights can occasionally land in Ramechhap and be transferred by road to Kathmandu. Be adaptable and note the instructions of your operator in the event of a schedule change.

Upon arrival at your hotel, take time to rest, shower and get things sorted. The rest of the day may be spent kicking back, depending on the time of your arrival.

You will have a free day in Kathmandu today which will allow you to relax from the trekking and climbing experience. Breakfast is served; you have the option to take your time strolling the city or you may head off to cultural sights based on your interests and amount of time.

For history and architecture lovers, you can tour Kathmandu Durbar Square or wander through the historic streets of the old city. Handicrafts souvenirs, clothing and gifts are also available for you to browse in the local markets. You can also arrange sightseeing tours as an option or you can explore independently.

You’ll have a hotel stay that includes breakfast. In Kathmandu, lunch and dinner will not be included in your package; please pay for them separately.

This free day also gives you extra time as a buffer in case your return flight from Lukla is delayed. Have flexibility with plans and arrange onward travel before the evening.

You will be staying in Kathmandu overnight.

It’s the end of your Mera Peak climbing trip in Nepal today. Check out of your hotel at the agreed time and be ready for the transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will arrange private transport to suit your flight arrangements and package.

When leaving the hotel make sure that you have your passport, flight tickets, travel documentation and personal belongings. Provide enough time to arrive at the airport, check in and go through the check-in process.

Seeing as your flight is not until later in the day, you might have spare time before you’re transferred, depending on your schedule. But be mindful of activities which may disrupt your departure.

You have covered the approach into the Hinku Valley, spent a period acclimatising at high altitude and had an organized attempt to the summit of Mera Peak which is dependent on the weather and climbing conditions. You get out of Nepal with memories of the landscapes of the mountains and travelling through the Himalayas.