Mera Peak

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport our staff will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby cultural sites, shopping or simply resting at the hotel. 

Today we will be finalizing your trek preparations and permits. You will have the afternoon to explore the shops and cultural sites of Kathmandu and do any last minute gear shopping. In the afternoon or evening (your preference) you will enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner and a trek briefing with your guide.

Early morning you will be picked up by one of the ITrekEverest staff to go to the airport, from where you will take the 35 minute flight to Lukla.  The Lukla flights depart from Ramechhap during peak season and Kathmandu during the off-season. You can read more about this here – (Lukla flights) Upon landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, begin our trek toward Paiya. The trail leads us through lush jungle paths and across a bridge spanning the Handi Khola before arriving at Surke Village. From there, we head south, crossing the Chutok La Pass to finally reach the small settlement of Paiya, also known as Chutok, where we spend the night.

We descend briefly to cross a small bridge, then follow a slippery trail that leads us over the Kari La Pass. The path winds through beautiful rhododendron and bamboo forests along a narrow mountain trail, offering stunning views of the Dudh Koshi Valley along the way. Our journey continues to Panggom Village, a community sustained by farming and trade, where we spend the night.

After breakfast, we set out on the trail from Panggom and make our way over the Panggom La Pass. From there, the route ascends gradually before turning north, leading us across the Peseng Kharka Khola and onward to Peeng Kharka Danda. Continuing further, we cross the Ningsow Khola before arriving at Ningsow Village, where we spend the night.

Leaving Ningsow, we climb steadily, descend briefly, and then ascend again to reach Ramailo Danda, where we are rewarded with stunning views of Mera Peak and Salpa. The trail continues with a mix of ascents and descents before entering the pristine landscapes of Makalu Barun National Park. From this point, we follow the Pasang Lhamu Trail toward Chhatra Khola, keeping our eyes open for the rare Red Panda that inhabits the region. We spend the night in Chhatra Khola.

We head north along the main trail leading to Mera Peak, following a path beside the Majang Khola before joining another trail that runs alongside the Hinku Khola. The route then carries us straight toward Tashing Ongma, where seasonal tea shops dot the trail. Continuing onward, we cross a bridge over the Sanu Khola and finally arrive in Kothe, where we spend the night.

We follow the ridge of the Hinku Khola, trekking beneath the towering presence of Mera Peak. Stopping for lunch at Gondishung, a summer herders’ settlement on the western bank of the Hinku Drangka, we then continue past the 200-year-old Lungsumgba Gompa, where a rock carving depicts Mera Peak and its climbing route. A short walk from here brings us to Thaknak, a summer grazing area with simple lodges and small shops. Overnight in Thaknak.

Departing from Thaknak, we follow the lateral moraine of the Dig Glacier to reach Dig Kharka, where we are rewarded with stunning views of Charpate Himal. The trail then ascends through moraines to the snouts of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers before climbing more steeply toward Khare. From this vantage point, the dramatic northern face of Mera Peak comes into view, creating an unforgettable sight. After lunch, we can explore the surrounding area of Khare. Overnight in Khare.

We dedicate this day to acclimatization and basic training to better prepare for the ascent of Mera Peak. Under the guidance of our climbing leader, we review essential mountaineering skills and practice using equipment such as the ice axe, harness, ascender, climbing boots, and crampons. Training also covers proper rope techniques to ensure safety and confidence for the climb ahead. Overnight in Khare.

We trek along a steep, boulder-strewn trail to reach Mera Peak Base Camp, then continue through the Mera La Pass toward Mera High Camp. The route follows a rocky path that can be challenging and hazardous after fresh snowfall due to the presence of crevasses. After ascending to the top of the rock band, marked by a large cairn, we set up our high camp, taking in spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, and Baruntse. Overnight at Mera High Camp.

This is the most important day of the expedition. We wake around 2 a.m. for an early breakfast and begin the climb in the cold, gradually warming as we ascend the glacier and follow a distinctive ridge. As the first sunlight bathes the towering peaks in a brilliant red glow, we continue along a non-technical route, climbing steadily into the thinning air. The slope steepens behind the ridge, and the summit comes into view; a fixed rope may be used at the final steep section if deemed necessary by the climbing leader. Reaching the summit, we are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Cho-Oyu (8,210 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), Nuptse (7,855 m), Chamlang (7,319 m), Baruntse (7,129 m), and more. After soaking in the vistas, we descend back to the high camp to rest before continuing down to Khare. Overnight in Khare.

Since summit day weather can be unpredictable, this day is reserved as a contingency in case we are unable to reach the summit as planned due to poor conditions or other unforeseen factors. If the expedition proceeds as scheduled without delays, this extra day will not be needed and we will return to Kathmandu a day early.

We retrace our steps from Khare back to Kothe along the familiar trail. Upon arrival, we celebrate our achievement by sampling local delicacies and wines. Overnight in Kothe.

After breakfast, we set out on our trek to Thuli Kharka. The route involves a series of ascents and descents, crossing several tributaries of the Inkhu Khola before reaching a fork near Taktho, where we take the right-hand trail. Along the way, we pass a Chorten, descend a steep section, then climb again toward Thuli Kharka, encountering another Chorten en route. Overnight in Thuli Kharka.

We cross the Zatrwa La Pass at 4,600 m, where we are immediately greeted by breathtaking views of the Lukla Valley, framed by Cho Oyu, Kongde Peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru, and other Himalayan summits. From the pass, we descend to Chutang and continue directly to Lukla village. In the evening, we celebrate with dinner amidst the stunning Nepalese Himalayas, enjoying the company of our crew. Overnight in Lukla.

The 35 minute flight from Lukla will bring us back to Kathmandu. Since the flight usually arrives in the morning you should have plenty of free time for sightseeing or shopping in Kathmandu.

Transfer to airport for international departure flight or continue to your next destination in Nepal.