Island Peak VS. Mera Peak Climbing in Nepal

One of the most discussed topics, Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal. So which is the best peak to climb? High Route Adventure thought it best to set up simple trekkers and traveler’s guide into Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal. Giving you some info regarding differences such as views, routes, etc. but also into their similarities. Know to be the most popular peaks and easiest peaks to climb in Nepal, many still wonder which is the better choice. One easier, and one more adventurous! Many want to know all the details in terms of Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal before making a commitment. Have a look at our guide into Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal and make your choice to book any of these two peak climbing packages with High Route Adventure, for a real Himalayan adventure!

Index

• About Mera Peak 6,461m/21,190ft
• Highlights of Mera Peak climbing
• Views from the Mera Peak summit
• About Island Peak 6,189m/20,305ft
• Highlights of Island Peak climbing
• Views from the Island Peak summit
• Similarities between Mera Peak and Island Peak
• Mera Peak difficulty VS. Island Peak difficulty
• Route of Mera Peak VS. Island Peak
• The best times to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak
• Permits for Mera Peak climbing
• Permits for Island Peak climbing
• Costs for Mera Peak and Island Peak climbing
• Conclusion

About Mera Peak 6,461m/21,190ft

Mera Peak, standing tall at 6,461m/21,190ft high, is without a doubt the highest climbable peak in Nepal! Located more south than Island Peak, Mera Peak is also the easier peak to climb. The route from Mera Base Camp (5,780m/18,963ft) to the summit is quite straight forward with fewer crevices to cross and less steep climbs. On the other hand, the trek to Mera Base Camp is a bit harder than the trek to Island Peak Base Camp. Mera Peak is distinguished by its three peaks, Mera North (6,476m/21,247ft), Mera South (6,065m/19,898ft) and Mera Central (6,461m/21,190ft). The latter, Mera Central is where the Mera Peak climbing trekking package takes you. It is also possible to organize a summit to Mera North, but it is the hardest peak to ascend and summit. The total days spent trekking and climbing Mera peak is 14 days, amongst one acclimatization day and one reserve day in case of bad weather. The total trip takes 18 days and has a special and guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu included as well. For more details have a look at High Route Adventure’s Mera Peak climbing package, and book today this amazing above 6,000m/19,865ft peak climbing package in Nepal!

Highlights of Mera Peak Climbing

One of the main differences between Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal is the highlights. As the route to Mera Peak is completely different than Island Peak’s route. The main highlights of Mera Peak climbing in Nepal with High Route Adventure are listed below:

• Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
• An Exciting flight to and from Lukla
• Explore the Sagarmatha and Makalu Barun National Parks
• Discover the cultural attractions and practices of the Sherpa community
• Summit Mera Central Peak at 6,461m/21,190ft high
• Incredible views of Himalayan Mountains above 8,000m/26,247ft
• Cross a high-altitude mountain pass, the Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m/15,092ft)

Book today with High Route Adventure the Mera Peak climbing in Nepal package and experience the highlights of Mera Peak climbing first hand!

Views from the Mera Peak summit

If you are planning to summit Mera Peak in Nepal, you are definitely looking to get some extraordinary views of the Himalayas! As so, the views from the Mera Peak summit are absolutely breathtaking. Five of the world’s highest mountains can be seen in a 360° panoramic view, amongst others. High Route Adventure has listed out for you some of the mountain views from the Mera Peak summit with their respective heights, take a look;

• Mt Everest 8,848m/29,029ft
• Mt Kanchenjunga 8,586m/28,169ft
• Mt Lhotse 8,516m/27,940ft
• Mt Makalu 8,485m/27,838ft
• Mt Cho Oyu 8,188m/26,864ft
• Mt Lhotse Shar 8,382m/27,500ft
• Mt Gyachung Kang 7,952m/26,089ft
• Mt Nuptse 7,861m/25,791ft
• Mt Kanchungste 7,678m/25,190ft
• Mt Chamlang 7,321m/24,019ft

Amongst these giant mountains, there are of course many other views from the Mera Peak summit. Stand above the clouds, witness breathtaking 360° panoramic views, and have a real Himalayan experience with High Route Adventure’s Mera Peak climbing in Nepal!

About Island Peak 6,189m/20,305ft

Island Peak, one of the most popular peaks to climb in Nepal. Traditionally known as Imja Tse in the language of the Sherpa, Island Peak stands tall at a height of 6,189m/20,305ft and is about 300m/984ft smaller than Mera Peak 6,461m/21,190ft. Despite being smaller, to reach the summit of Island Peak you are in for a lot more adventurous and technical climbing trail! Many experienced mountaineers and peak climbers consider Island Peak as the perfect training grounds in order to summit Mt Everest 8,848m/29,029ft. Both have similar obstacles such as using ladders to cross-ice crevices, and the use of jumars attached to safety ropes. Tucked between the Nuptse/Lhotse south walls and the Baruntse’s north walls Imja Tse, really looks like a small island hidden between giants. High Route Adventure has made the perfect itinerary for you to summit Island Peak. The overall package of Island Peak takes 19 days with a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and a visit to Everest Base Camp before starting the climb up to Island Peak. In trek, you’ll spend 15 days whereof one day will be held to acclimatize and one day for pre-climb training at Island Peak Base Camp. If you want an adventurous beginner’s peak to climb in Nepal with breathtaking views, then have a look at High Route Adventure’s Island Peak climbing package!

Highlights of Island Peak climbing

The highlights of Island Peak climbing with High Route Adventure are something to look forward to! During the 19 days of your holiday, you can expect to see some of the best parts Kathmandu and the Khumbu/Everest region have to offer. Have a look below to see the main highlights of Island Peak climbing in Nepal with High Route Adventure;

• Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
• An Exciting flight to and from Lukla
• Visit iconic Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar
• Explore the Sagarmatha National Park
• Head to Everest Base Camp and view the Khumbu Glacier
• A scenic sunrise view over Mt Everest from Kalapatthar
• Summit Island Peak at 6,189m/20,305ft high
• Incredible views of Himalayan Mountains above 8,000m/26,247ft
• Cross a high-altitude mountain pass, the Kongma La Pass 5,550m/18,209ft

Discover the world of the Sherpa, and trek through the Himalayas up to Everest Base Camp before ascending to the summit of Island Peak at 6,189m/20,305ft. If you are looking forward to these highlights of Island Peak climbing, then don’t hesitate and have a look here to make your booking with High Route Adventure.

Views from the Island Peak summit

You can expect some of the best views from atop Island Peak summit. Including five of the highest mountains in the world and even more. While the climb is technical and can be challenging, the anticipation to see these mountain views from the Island Peak summit lets you take every step forward. High Route Adventure made a shortlist of some of the most prominent mountains and peaks you’ll see from atop the summit.

• Mt Lhotse 8,516m/27,940ft
• Mt Makalu 8,485m/27,838ft
• Mt Cho Oyu 8,188m/26,864ft
• Mt Nuptse 7,861m/25,791ft
• Peak 38/Santi Shikhar 7,590m/24,902ft
• Mt Bharuntse 7,162m/23,497ft
• Mt Amadalam 6,812m/22,349ft
• Mt Kangtega 6,782m/22,251ft
• Mt Num Ri 6,677m/21,906ft
• Mt Thamserku 6,632m/21,759ft
• Kongde Peak 6,187m/20,299ft

Ascend the summit of the legendary Island Peak with High Route Adventure, and see firsthand these mountains and peaks with a 360° panoramic view from the Island Peak summit. Prepare for a real Himalayan climbing experience and perhaps you’ll be ready to face Mt Everest for your next climb in Nepal!

Similarities between Mera Peak and Island Peak

When discussing Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal, we can point out the differences but also the similarities between Mera Peak and Island Peak. High Route Adventure thought it best to make you see what you can expect to be similar between these two beginner peaks in Nepal and thus made a shortlist.

• Location: Everest/Khumbu region of Nepal
• Starting/End points: Lukla airport
• Mountain views from the summit: Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, and Mt Cho Oyu
• Culture: Sherpa
• Type of Peak: Beginner trekking peak
• First ascend: 1953
• Type of accommodation: Teahouses
• Time to climb from BC to summit: Within a day
• Elevation range: Between 6,000m/19,685ft and 6,500m/21,326ft
• Technical skill required: None
• Days spend trekking: 14 days Mera Peak | 15 days Island Peak

Besides these few similarities, there are still quite a lot of differences making each peak unique in its own right. It’s important to understand what to expect if you need to choose between both the Island Peak climb and the Mera Peak climb.

Mera Peak difficulty VS. Island Peak difficulty

The biggest question is naturally; “The Mera Peak difficulty VS. Island Peak difficulty, which one is more difficult?” You’ll be surprised but despite being the smaller peak, Island Peak is the more difficult one. Often used as a training exercise before summiting Mt Everest, Island Peak is considered the most difficult peak to climb without the technical skills required in Nepal. The Mera Peak climb difficulty is easier as the route is straightforward on ice ridges leading gradually up to the summit. Besides the climb, the trek to the base camps of both Island Peak and Mera Peak is then again the opposite. Mera Peak wins the difficulty level on this one, while Island Peak base camp can be reached via the more known routes of the Everest base camp trek or even the Three High Passes Trek. The route to Mera Peak base camp is more strenuous and goes a bit of the beaten path. Keep in mind that both peaks are listed as beginner trekking peaks and while both have their own difficulties they are still considered doable for novice climbers.

Route of Mera Peak VS. Island Peak

Another interesting topic is the route of Mera Peak VS. Island Peak. Both routes go to completely different places and pass different villages. It is said that the route to the Mera Peak base camp is tougher than the one to the Island Peak base camp. High Route Adventure has made pre routes to Mera Peak and Island Peak. Carefully planned routes to let you enjoy and experience the best of each climb. Have a look below at each individual route starting and ending in Kathmandu.

Route of Mera Peak:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing + climb preparation

Day 03: Fly to Lukla + trek to Paiya (Chutok) 2,730m/8,957ft

Day 04: Trek to Panggom 2,846m/9,337ft

Day 05: Trek to Ningsow 2,863m/9,393ft

Day 06: Trek to Chhatra Khola 2,800m/9,186ft

Day 07: Trek to Kothe 3,691m/12,110ft

Day 08: Trek to Thaknak 4,358m/14,298ft

Day 09: Trek to Khare 5,045m/16,552ft

Day 10: Khare: Acclimatization and pre-climb training

Day 11: Trek to Mera High Camp 5,780m/18,963ft

Day 12: Mera High Camp to Summit 6,461m/21,190ft + back to Khare 5,045m/16,552ft

Day 13: Reserve day for contingency

Day 14: Trek back to Kothe 3,691m/12,110ft

Day 15: Trek to Thuli Kharka 4,300m/14,108ft

Day 16: Trek back to Lukla via the Zatrwa La Pass 4,600m/15,092ft

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 18: Final departure

Route of Island Peak:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing + climb preparation

Day 03: Fly to Lukla + trek to Phakding 2,610m/8,563ft

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440m/11,286ft

Day 05: Namche Bazaar acclimatization day

Day 06: Trek to Tengboche 3,880m/12,730ft

Day 07: Trek to Pheriche 4,200m/13,779ft

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche 4,910m/16,109ft

Day 10: Trek to Gorakshep 5,180m/16,995ft + visit Everest Base Camp 5,364m/17,600ft

Day 11:  Sunrise hike to Kala Pathar 5,545m/18,192ft + trek back to Lobuche 4,910m/16,109ft

Day 11: Trek to Chhukung 4,730m/15,518ft via the Kongma La Pass 5,550m/18,209ft

Day 12: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp 5,200m/17,060ft

Day 13: Pre-climb training on Island Peak Base Camp

Day 14: Ascend Island Peak summit 6,189m/20,305ft, + trek to Chhukung 4,730m/15,518ft

Day 15: Trek to Pangboche 3,985m/13,074ft

Day 16: Trek to Monjo 2,780m/9,121ft

Day 17: Trek back to Lukla 2,800m/9,186ft

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 19: Final Departure

Comparing the route of Mera Peak VS. Island Peak you quickly notice that after Lukla the routes take completely different directions, and as you can imagine so does the experience. While Island Peak’s route takes a more traditional way via Everest Base Camp and the Kongma La Pass, Mera Peak’s route goes through some less familiar villages. Thus offering a more authentic experience.

The Best Times to Climb Mera Peak and Island Peak

As all treks and climbs in the Nepalese Himalayas, the best times to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak falls either in spring (from March until the end of May) or in the fall/autumn (September until the end of November) seasons. It is however possible to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak the whole year round with the exception of during Nepal’s monsoon season (from June until the beginning of September). If you are planning to see those legendary 360° panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayas with clear blue skies. Then High Route Adventure strongly recommends booking during the spring or fall/autumn season as those are the best times to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak.

Permits for Mera Peak Climbing

Another difference when comparing Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal is the types of permits you’ll require. As with all packages of High Route Adventure, when you book with us, all permits and taxes are included within the total price. You’ll need two types of permits in order to climb to the summit of Mera Peak. The first one is the Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit, and the second one is the Mera Peak climbing permit. Depending on the season the cost of the climbing permit changes. During the spring and fall/autumn season, the price goes up, as it will be high season.

Permits for Island Peak climbing

Permits for Island Peak Climbing are exactly the same as for the Everest Base Camp trek plus you’ll need an Island Peak climbing permit as well. So that means three permits in total. You’ll need the Khumbu Rural Municipality permit, the Sagarmatha National Park permit, and the Island Peak climbing permit in order to climb to the summit of Island Peak. As with all of High Route Adventure’s treks and climbs all permits plus taxes are included in the price. This way you do not need to worry about anything, except to prepare for your climb to the summit!

Costs for Mera Peak and Island Peak climbing

The costs for Mera Peak and Island Peak climbing in Nepal also differ. Although not by much, Island Peak is a bit more expensive than Mera Peak. This is due to the more permits required and due to having an additional day. High Route Adventure, provides all-inclusive packages during the trek or climb with everything taken care of from meals, accommodations, guides, and porters.

The total cost for Island Peak climbing in Nepal for 19 days is 2,599$ USD per person, and the total cost for Mera Peak Climbing in Nepal for 18 days is 2,450$ USD per person. With this small difference of about 150$ USD choosing between either peak due to budget should not be a problem. If you plan to book Island Peak climbing or Mera Peak climbing have a look at our website’s climbing section found under “Climbing in Nepal”. For more questions regarding the costs of Mera Peak and Island Peak climbing, you can also inquire with our High Route Adventure Travel Team, 24/7 online available.

Final Say

With all this valuable information regarding Island Peak VS. Mera Peak climbing in Nepal, you are sure to make a choice without regrets. High Route Adventure hopes that this short guide will be helpful for you to understand the differences and similarities between Island Peak and Mera Peak. Keep in mind Island Peak is a bit more expensive, but leads deeper into the region, has more adventure, and also heads to Everest Base Camp. While Mera Peak, is easier going, a bit cheaper, but has more views from on top of the summit of 5 over 8,000m/26,247ft Himalayan Mountains and peaks. Book today either Island Peak or Mera Peak with High Route Adventure and get ready to climb above the clouds!