Mera Peak (6,476m) is one of the most popular and highest (6,476m) among the NMA’s trekking peaks in Nepal. It’s also a perfect peak to learn basic mountaineering skills before attempting big mountains. The ascent of the Mera peak does not require as much technical expertise in comparison to many other trekking peaks however a high-level fitness is mandatory to ascent this peak. Mera Peak is also an ideal peak for mountaineering training courses which also includes glacier walk during the climb. The view of Nepal's Himalayan range from the summit of Mera peak is incredible. In order to reach the summit of Mera peak, you must be physically fit and thoroughly acclimatized to the mountain climate.
Our trekking begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla (gate way of Everest region). We slowly make our way south through the terraced fields that line the Dudh Kosi to Puiyan and on to Pangom. Our gradual acclimatization program means we will stop at the hamlet of Niumso and use a gorgeous bamboo-surrounded forest camp at Chetra-Tenga before heading up to the village of Khote. This first section is over good trails through varied country. Some of the trekking trail in this area has only been opened few years back and must have taken a mammoth effort to build, with stairs and terraces that skirt waterfalls and bluffs.
As we approach the tiny village of Tagnag, At Tagnag, we spend an extra day for rest and acclimatization. We take the opportunity to do a side trip from Tagnag, perhaps a day walk on the flanks of Mt. Kusum Kanguru to help our bodies acclimatize. A trail over the old flood outflow from Lake Sabai-Tsho and pass an underground river leads us to a yak pasture and up to Khare. Rocky outcrops, moraine ridges and stunning side valleys allow us some further days of exploration and acclimatization. At Khare/Mera La Camp, we do some basic training on rope and play with some climbing gears as a pre-training camp. Next day we climb straight to high camp (5,780m) and go for final summit push on Mera Peak the next day very early morning and possibly descent all the way down to Khare. We have a spare day on our itinerary for any emergency purpose, and finally 3 days -trek out to Lukla via Zatra La and fly back to KTM.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel and briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Tours in KTM, gear checking and fitting and packing
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip.Mera Peak Climbing Permit is required to climb the peak. We will check for the condition of your trekking gears like sleeping bag, trekking boots and down jacket.
Day 3
Fly to Lukla begin trek Puiyan/ Paiya (2,780m) 3-4hrs
We will drive to domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport early in the morning and catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. We will follow one of the most scenic air routes in the world with panoramic views of glistening mountains to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla. Lukla allows access to Everest Khumbu region. We will assemble the crew and take breakfast before start ofMera Peak Climbing. Lowering down from Lukla, we will proceed through forest area to Surke. Moving further through Pakhapani, we will pass through local villages to Puiyan / Paiya. Enjoy the views of KongdeRi, Khatang Peak and other 7000m+ peaks and mountains and stay overnight in Puiyan.
Day 4
Trek toPangom/ Pangkoma(2,800m) 5-6hrs
After an early morning tea, we will descend to wooden bridge. Crossing the Puiyan River over bridge, we will follow the slippery path to Kari La Pass. We will cross this pass and walk through few dispersed villages. The trail continues through bamboo and rhododendron forest. We will follow the scenic path with incredible views of DudhKunda Mountain and DudhKoshi River Valley to Pangkoma village. Trading is the chief occupation of locals in Pangkoma.
Day 5
Trek Niumso/ Nigmsa (2,600m) 4-5hrs
Leaving Pangom early in the morning, we will lower down through the rock-strewn path that takes us through forest ofcolourful rhododendron forest. Exiting from the forest, we will walk along Mani walls and teahouses. Following the scenic path with close-up views of south face of Mera Peak (6064m) and Naulekh Peak, we will walk throughpine and rhododendron forest to Niumso/ Nigmsa. Stay overnight in Niumso.
Day 6
Strenuous trek ChetraTenga forest camp (3,400m) 7hrs
After an early morning tea, we will follow the steep and tapered path uphill through rhododendron and bamboo forest. We need to be careful while passing through landslide area.We will descend to river. Walking along the river, the trail contours up to the forest where we will enjoy the views of Himalayan wildlife. Walking past the stone cave, we will reach ChetraTenga Forest Camp where we will stay overnight.
Day 7
Moderately strenuous trek to Khote (3,580m) 6hrs
Continuing our journey through Chetra Tenga Forest Camp, we will arrive at a perfect view point of Hinku Valley that allows spectacular views of surrounding Mountains and peaks. Following the levelled path through bamboo and pine forest that is rich in wildlife, we willenjoy the breathtaking views of Mera and Hinku Valley as we move towards Tashing Dingma. We will follow the river in Hinku valley all the way to Kothe where we will stay overnight.
Day 8
Trek to Tagnag (4,356m) 5-6hrs
Following the western edge of Hinku River, we will follow the scenic path uphill with view of Peak 39 to Gonmdishung which is a summer settlement of yak herders located to the western edge of Hinku Drangka. From Gondishungt, we will arrive at 200yr old Lungsumba Gompa where we can see the direction towards Mera Peak been inscribed in rock. Bit further from Gompa exists Tagnag/ Thaknak where we will stay overnight. Enjoy the views of Thamserku, Kusum Kangru and Kangtega peaks.
Day 9
Acclimatization: Kusum Kanguru-Ri (5,100)
Taking break from trek is important especially from acclimatization point of view. Those who are feeling fit can make side trip to Kusum Kanguru Ri. Kusum Kanguru distinct Hinku Valley with Dudh Koshi Valley. From Kusum Kanguru Ri, we will descend to Tagnag where we will stay overnight.
Day 10
Trek to Khare (5,045m), 5hrs
Leaving Tagnag, we will climb uphill through moraines to the snout of HinkuNup. Walking further, we will cross Shar Glacier and walk through steep path to Khare. We will be greeted with spectacular view of North face of Mera Peak.
Day 11
Short steep walk to Mera La Camp (5,415m) 3-4hrs, Equipment checking and pre climbing training, Stay at Khare
The trail continues through boulder and glacier to Mera Peak Base Camp/ Mera La Camp. Following the steep route slowly and gradually, we will reach to Mera La Camp. You will get final training before climbing Mera La. After training for 2-3 hours, we will climb to Mera La. We will be taking route to High Camp through Mera La on the next day. Once we arrive at Mera La Camp, you will receive a pre climb training from climbing guide. He will share peak climbing strategy and teach you to use the climbing gears like ice axe, crampons, harness and ascender properly. You will also be taught how to use ropes while moving up and down. Stay overnight in Khare.
Day 12
Climb to HC High Camp (5,780m) 6-7hrs
We will start very early in the morning and we will reach to the Mera High Camp on this day. Walking through the rock-strewn path, we will walk for few hours to Mera High Camp. The trail is strenuous as we need to pass through crevasses. We reach to the top of the rock band that is marked by a cairn. We will establish our high camp at the top of rock band. The Camp site offers spectacular views of Everest, Makalu Mountain, Cho Oyu Mountain and south face of Lhotshe, Nuptse and BaruntseMountains. Stay overnight in Mera High Camp.
Day 13
Summit day back to Khare (5,415m) 8-9hrs
We need to begin our trek quite early before sunrise on this day as our aim is to reach to the summit by noon. After preparing the baggage, we will take slow climb to the summit. Temperature is quite cold in this region. Our trail continues through glacier to snow hump-back ridge. The trail continues through the snout of glacier to the south summit ridge. We need to use fixed cables on this day. Mera Peak summit offers panoramic views of Everest Mountain, Kanchenjunga Mountain, Makalu Mountain, Cho Oyu Mountain and other peaks and mountains. After capturing the memories in camera, we will lower down to Base Camp of Mera Peak. From Base Camp, we will return back to Khare where we will stay overnight.
Day 14
Spare summit day, Khare (5045m)
Including a reserve day in our itinerary makes sure that our trip goes according to plan even if we get delayed by unforeseen circumstances like bad weather and other factors.Also, it makes sure that we will not get behind our schedule even if our trekking members get injured or sick.
Day 15
Trek to Khote (4,180m) 5-6hrs
After successful climbing of Mera Peak, we will begin the return trip. From Khare, we will follow the gradually descending path throughHinku valley to Kothe. The path is short and easy. We will stay overnight in Khote.
Day 16
Trek to Tulli-Kharka/ ThuliKharka (4000m) 5-6hrs
After following a gradually escalating path uphill for couple of hours, we will walk through the forest of blooming rhododendron to western corner of Hinku Valley. The trail contours further to our camp site inThulikharka that greets us with views ofMera North peak, Mera Central Peak and Mera South Peak. Stay overnight in ThuliKharka.
Day 17
Trek over Zatra La pass & down Lukla (2800m) 6-7hrs
Leaving our camp in ThuliKharka, we will take couple of hours of trek to Zatra La pass. Climbing the Zatra La Pass, we will enjoy the panoramic views of Lukla valley, Cho yu Mountain, KongdePeka, Numbur Peak, KusumKhangruPeak and other peaks and mountains. We will lower down from Zatra La Pass and head towards Chutanga. Following the level path from Chutanga, we will reach Lukla. Stay overnight in Lukla.
Day 18
Fly to Ktm by early morning flight 40min
We will catch an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 19
Free day in Kathmandu & celebration dinner at night
This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. Thanka painting, pashmina shawl and Nepali handicrafts are most popular gift items. Upon your interest, we can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Celebration dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 20
Final departure to home
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward3 destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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