A Complete Travel Guide To Mera Peak Climbing

Mera Peak Climbing is one of the non-technical trekking peaks of Nepal to climb. Located in the hidden pockets of Hinku Valley, beyond the main popular route of Khumbu and Everest region.

One of the highest trekking peaks of Nepal at 6,461 m /21,190 feet high south of Mt. Everest. Close to Hongu Valley and Baruntse Himal, where one enjoys the arduous climb crossing over high Amphu Labtsa-La pass.

Although regarded as one of the easiest climbs to the summit of Mera Peak. Where trekkers and climbers, require good climbing gear for safe ascent and descent. From the top of Mera Peak, one can take delight in facing the panorama of the world’s highest peaks. Overlooking Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and as far as Kanchenjunga on the eastern horizon. Due to its remote location away from main villages and human settlements, all climbers need to carry camping equipment. As well as food for the whole trek and climb, for Mera Peak climbing a permit needs to be obtained. This will be arranged by your trekking companies in Kathmandu on booking for Mera climb with respective local trekking agencies.

Mera Peak Climbing involves a short flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechap Manthali airport.

Where is Mera Peak?

Mera Peak is located east of Khumbu district and south of Mt. Everest around Far North Mid-East Nepal Himalayas where the walk leads North East from Lukla town and its Tenzing & Hillary Airport, beyond Kalo Himal or Naulekh ridge.

Mera Peak Itinerary

Combined Island Peak & Amphu Labtsa-La Pass to Imja Valley

Mera Peak adventure climb can be jointly combined with Island Peak or Imjatse Himal at 6,189 m / 20,305 feet. Where Mera Peak is 6,461 m /21,190 feet, after the climb of Mera Peak, crossing Mera-La pass to Hongu Valley.

The trek leads to Panch Pokhari and climbs over a high Amphu-Labtsa-La Pass 5,845 m / 19,177 feet. Crossing over the highest pass of Nepal Himalayas, then descent towards Imjatse valley for the climb of Island Peak. Return journey on the main trail via Tengboche and Namche Bazaar to Lukla. 

Combines Lobuche Peak climbing

Mera Peak combined with Lobuche Peak Climbing can be done but takes more days. Walking leads to Hongu and Imjatse Valley, after crossing over Amphu-Labtsa-La Pass reaching Chukung and Dingboche settlements.

From Dingboche heading up on the main trail of Everest Base Camp, and before reaching the small settlement of Lobuche. The route diverts from the main popular heading towards a hidden corner to Lobuche East Peak base camp.

From the base camp climb to the top of Lobuche East Peak summit above 6,119 m and 20,075 feet high. Facing views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Cho-Oyu with Mt. Makalu and close views of Ama Dablam. Includes Cholatse and Taboche and an array of towering snow-capped peaks. Return journey towards Pheriche valley to Namche Bazaar and back at Lukla for flight to Kathmandu.

What else is saying about the Mera Peak Difficulty?

Mera Peak is not a difficult mountain to climb. A grade of F means Facial Easy as per French / Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification Systems. Although less technically and difficult leads to a strenuous steep climb to the summit of Mera Peak. The descent is equally tough with a long drop downhill, and the trek to Mera Peak is quite challenging in snow conditions. It leads to cross over high Naulekh ridges and Zatwar-La Pass to reach Lukla town.

Best Time to Climb Mera Peak

The best time for the Mera Peak climb is spring from March to May. Including autumn/fall times of September to November. Most days are fine and clear for views and pleasant walks, but cold mornings late afternoon till night time.

Chances of snowfall during the trek and climb sometimes, as Himalayan weather can be unpredictable.

Meals and Accommodations

Mera Peak is located around the remote and isolated region of Everest and Khumbu areas. From Lukla onwards, the comfort of lodges is not available, except for a few places like Thagnak. Few lodges of simple and basic to accommodate the trekkers. The foods are simple to have to rely on Nepalese meals of famous Dal and Bhat or noodles. The best is to carry camping gear and food for the whole trip till Lukla.

Preparation For Mera Peak Climbing

Before and after booking the trip for Mera Peak Climb, moderate physical exercise will be an advantage. Preparation is like checking the right shortest route to Kathmandu on respective airlines. Acquiring needful present information about Nepal, and trekking/climbing. Checking the exact departure date for the Mera Peak climb, and knowing how many people are in the group.

Get the Right Gears

Getting ready for Mera Peak Climb, after booking the trip and requesting the right gears to buy and bring for the climb. From personal gear to some climbing equipment like an ice axe, crampons, good trekking, and climbing boots, the carabineer has at least 4 pieces locked and unlocked. Personal medical and First Aid Kit, as well as some nutritional snacks and energy items. Similarly, 4 season sleeping bags and down jackets. The rest of the equipment like ropes and harnesses will be provided by the respective companies.

Mera Peak Climbing Cost (Full board Package/individual)

Mera Peak Climbing Cost depends upon the number of days as per the standard itineraries. From shorter days of two weeks or a maximum of 15-16 days from Lukla to Lukla. Where the trip cost includes hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with arrival and departure transportation. Including domestic airfare Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu, national park, and climbing permit fees.

Normally the trip cost comes to an average of US $ 1,500 per person in the minimum group of 2 to 3 persons. Above 4-8 pax about US $ 1,280 per person, includes all camping facilities with kitchen tents and staff, cook. As well as wages and climbing bonuses and insurance for trekking, staff, porters, and guides.

Getting there and away

Getting into Hinku Valley where Mera Peak is located, taking a swift short flight to Lukla landing at Tenzing & Hillary Airport. Then walking beyond human civilization on leaving Lukla town heading towards Mountain Wilderness reaching the base of Mera Peak. After the climb using the same route back to Lukla for the last overnight in the comfort of a nice lodge.

Entry Permits and Requirements

The cost for Mera Peak climbing varies from different seasons of the year as follows:
Spring: March to May US$ 250 per person.
Autumn / Fall: September to November US$ 250 per person.
Winter Season: December to February US$ 125 per person.
Summer: June to August US$ 70 per person.

Besides Climbing Permits issued by NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association). Includes entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park fees.
The pass costs NRS 1,500 for SAARC nationals, NRS 3,000 for foreigners, and NRS 25 for Nepali citizens.

Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization

Altitude Sickness and acclimatization are a must in all high-altitude treks and climbs around the Himalayas. The altitude sickness is known as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) which is of two major types. That is Cerebral Edema and Pulmonary Edema, Cerebral Edema is a critical symptom of water in the brain, and Pulmonary Edema is a symptom of water in the lungs. For these symptoms, the patients need immediate evacuation by the fastest means of transportation.

For quick and fast safe procedure is bringing the victims to a lower altitude if possible. Then call for emergency support of Helicopter Service to bring the sick back to Kathmandu at the nearest best hospitals.

On treks and before the climb, the itinerary is designed to have rest days with a certain attitude. For better acclimatization climbing high and resting or sleeping low, is the best way to get acclimatized.

Internet Connectivity

On this trek and climb to Mera Peak, the chances of receiving internet or Wi-Fi are almost nil. After and before Lukla town, the possibilities of modern technology are not available. Including electricity power during the whole trek and climb, the only place could be Thagnak. A place with few tea houses serving as a simple lodge may have electricity run by solar power. The best is to carry a portable solar panel and hang it on top of the backpack to get more sunlight. Then charge your electronic appliances at the camp, the internet connection will be nil throughout the trek. Till you reach Lukla at the end of the trekking.

Guide(S) & Staff Arrangements

The guide for climbing and camping/trekking staff will be arranged by the local respective companies. On booking the climb to Mera Peak, camping, food, and all necessary arrangements will be organized well in advance. Before your arrival in Kathmandu for trek and climb departures including all permits with the best expert climbing guide and staff.

Travel Insurance

Travel and Medical Insurance are important that one must purchase back in your home country. The travel and medical insurance will support some of your trip expenses. When the trip gets delayed and canceled due to natural disasters of landslides, or avalanches may wipe out the trekking trail.
Likewise, political strikes, and flight cancellations due to unfavorable bad weather, are for these unfortunate situations. Where your Travel Insurance will come in handy to claim through your insurance company. Similarly for medical insurance for severe sickness or with AMS, immediate evacuation by Helicopter Service will be required. The bills and extra expenses are to be claimed from your Insurance companies.

Trip Safety

All local trekking companies like Nobel Treks & Expeditions always place the top priority on clients’ and fellow staff and porters’ safety. In all our treks and climbs including Mera Peak Climb. Always providing excellent services whether on tea-house or camping trekking and climbing. Making sure that every client is fit and healthy as well as offering the right information details of the respective trip and adventure.

FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions)

How hard and difficult is Mera Peak Climbs?

Mera Peak climb is not as hard and difficult as it sounds due to the high summit than other trekking peaks. The trekking route to Mera Base Camp is quite hard and difficult in the first few days. Crossing over Naulekh or Kalo Himal ridge and Zatwar-La pass to enter Hinku valley. The other tough and hard is a steep strenuous climb to the summit, although non-technical. The descent should be taken care of on steep ice and snow slopes.

What are the safety measures for the Mera Peak Climb?

Safety measures to avoid AMS or altitude sickness walking slowly and steadily, and having few refreshing stops. As well as having a rest day for acclimatization and some practice climbing. The company always carries comprehensive medical and First Aid Kits for minor wounds and sicknesses. Sometimes carries Gamow Bag in case of altitude sickness to make the patient quick recovery.

Mera Peak versus Island Peak, Which one is more difficult?

Mera Peak due to its high summit looks difficult. But one of the easiest mountains to climb technically. Where Island Peak is not as high as Mera Peak, but with some technical sections to encounter to reach the summit of Island Peak. Island Peak is one of the most popular trekking peaks in the Nepal Himalayas.

How do I charge electronic devices on Mera Peak Climb?

For Mera Peak climb it’s only for a few days, being away from electrical power.
From Chukung the last settlement where one charges the electronic device and gadgets. The other possibility is carrying a small portable solar panel that can fit outside the backpack, exposed to the sunlight. Then recharge the electronic appliances in the camp.

In case of bad weather if the flight is postponed or canceled what are the alternatives?

In case of bad and unfavorable weather, if the flight does not operate, the other option is to charter a helicopter. If the bad weather prolongs for more days, sometimes the company has to cancel the trip or reroute to other destinations. In this case, no refund will be entertained, and one can claim the travel insurance.