Island Peak Vs Mera Peak Climbing in Nepal
One of the most discussed topics is 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 a simple trekkers’ and travelers’ guide on Island Peak Vs Mera Peak climbing in Nepal. It gives you some info regarding differences such as views, routes, etc., but also about their similarities.
Known 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 to 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!
Table of Contents
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 straightforward 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 are 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 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. 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 such, 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 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. On the trek, you’ll spend 15 days; 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 of seeing 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 ascent: 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 spent 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 the Island Peak climb and the Mera Peak climb.
Island Peak Vs Mera Peak Climbing Difficulty Comparision
The biggest question is naturally: “Island Peak Vs Mera 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 well-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 off 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.
Island Peak Vs Mera Peak Climbing Route
Another interesting topic is the route of Island Peak Vs Mera 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 | Itinerary | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350 m / 4,429 ft |
| Day 02 | Fly to Lukla and trek to Paiya (Chutok) | 2,730 m / 8,957 ft |
| Day 03 | Trek from Paiya to Panggom | 2,846 m / 9,337 ft |
| Day 04 | Trek from Panggom to Ningsow | 2,863 m / 9,393 ft |
| Day 05 | Trek from Ningsow to Chhatra Khola | 2,800 m / 9,186 ft |
| Day 06 | Trek from Chhatra Khola to Kothe | 3,691 m / 12,110 ft |
| Day 07 | Trek from Kothe to Thaknak | 4,358 m / 14,298 ft |
| Day 08 | Trek from Thaknak to Khare | 5,045 m / 16,552 ft |
| Day 09 | Acclimatization and pre-climb training at Khare | 5,045 m / 16,552 ft |
| Day 10 | Trek from Khare to Mera High Camp | 5,780 m / 18,963 ft |
| Day 11 | Summit Mera Peak (6,476 m / 21,247 ft) and return to Khare | Summit: 6,476 m / 21,247 ft Khare: 5,045 m / 16,552 ft |
| Day 12 | Reserve day for contingency | 5,045 m / 16,552 ft |
| Day 13 | Trek from Khare to Kothe | 3,600 m / 11,811 ft |
| Day 14 | Trek from Kothe to Thuli Kharka | 4,300 m / 14,108 ft |
| Day 15 | Trek from Thuli Kharka to Lukla via Zatrwa La Pass | Zatrwa La Pass: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft Lukla: 2,860 m / 9,383 ft |
| Day 16 | Fly to Kathmandu | 1,350 m / 4,429 ft |
| Day 17 | Final departure | — |
Route of Island Peak:
| Day | Itinerary | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350 m / 4,429 ft |
| Day 02 | Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding | 2,610 m / 8,563 ft |
| Day 03 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft |
| Day 04 | Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m / 11,286 ft |
| Day 05 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche | 3,860 m / 12,730 ft |
| Day 06 | Trek from Tengboche to Pheriche | 4,200 m / 13,779 ft |
| Day 07 | Trek from Pheriche to Lobuche | 4,940 m / 16,207 ft |
| Day 08 | Trek to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp, and return to Gorak Shep | Gorak Shep: 5,163 m / 16,939 ft Everest Base Camp: 5,364 m / 17,600 ft |
| Day 09 | Hike to Kala Patthar and trek to Lobuche | Kala Patthar: 5,545 m / 18,192 ft Lobuche: 4,940 m / 16,207 ft |
| Day 10 | Cross Kongma La Pass and trek to Chhukung | Kongma La Pass: 5,535 m / 18,159 ft Chhukung: 4,730 m / 15,518 ft |
| Day 11 | Trek to Island Peak Base Camp and pre-climb training | 5,200 m / 17,316 ft |
| Day 12 | Summit Island Peak and return to Chhukung | Island Peak Summit: 6,189 m / 20,305 ft Chhukung: 4,730 m / 15,518 ft |
| Day 13 | Trek from Chhukung to Tengboche | 3,985 m / 13,283 ft |
| Day 14 | Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar | 2,780 m / 9,265 ft |
| Day 15 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 2,800 m / 9,333 ft |
| Day 16 | Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu | 1,350 m / 4,429 ft |
| Day 17 | Final departure from Kathmandu | – |
Comparing the route of Island Peak Vs Mera 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.
Island Peak Vs Mera Peak Climbing Season
As with all treks and climbs in the Nepalese Himalayas, the best times to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak fall 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 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!
Island Peak Vs Mera Peak Climbing Cost
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.
On average, the Island Peak Climbing starts from USD 2235 per person, and for the Mera Peak Climbing it starts from USD 2195 per person. The difference is not huge. You can choose the climbing package according to your interest. We sell both packages. For this, you can check our website.
For more questions regarding the costs, 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.
Still unsure which peak is right for you? Contact our experienced climbing team for free advice. We’ll help you choose the best expedition based on your fitness, experience, and goals.
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