Mera Peak Climbing

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital and the gateway to the country's trekking and mountaineering destinations. After completing the immigration formalities at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel.

Meet your guide and the rest of the group for an orientation session covering the itinerary, climbing arrangements and preparations for the journey ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may also enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and sample Nepali cuisine.

After an early breakfast, begin the drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu in the Solukhumbu region. The road winds through Nepal's mid-hills, following river valleys and passing small towns, terraced fields and scattered mountain settlements.
The landscape changes gradually as the journey moves from the lower hills towards the cooler mountain environment of Solukhumbu. On clear days, there may be views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks along the way.
Driving to Phaplu provides an alternative to beginning the expedition with a flight to Lukla, reducing dependence on the weather-sensitive Lukla flight at the start of the trip. However, the road journey is long, and road conditions can affect the travel time.
If you have additional time and prefer to fly to Lukla, an alternative itinerary can be arranged, subject to flight availability and the time required to reach the Hinku Valley.

Take a local jeep from Phaplu towards Khari Khola. The road passes through remote Sherpa and Rai villages, descending towards the Dudh Koshi River before climbing through terraced fields and mountain settlements on the opposite side.

After reaching Khari Khola, begin trekking towards Panggom. The trail gradually climbs through the surrounding hills, offering an introduction to the quieter trekking routes of the Hinku Valley.

The combination of road travel and walking makes this a varied day, connecting the road-accessible lower Solukhumbu with the trails leading towards Mera Peak.

Leave Panggom and climb towards a small pass at around 3,200 m, with views of Numbur Himal on a clear day. The trail then descends along a ridgeline towards Sibuje before continuing through the forested hills.

The route rises and falls as it crosses small streams and follows the contours of the mountain slopes. The final ascent towards Ramailo Danda becomes steeper, eventually reaching a ridgeline with open views of the surrounding mountains.

Descend along a zigzagging forest trail towards the Tama Khola. After crossing the river, continue along a route that repeatedly rises and falls through lush woodland, crossing several small streams along the way.
The landscape remains relatively secluded, with forested slopes and the sound of running water accompanying much of the walk. Chhetra Khola provides a quiet overnight stop beside the stream, away from the busier trekking routes.

Continue along the forested trail beside the Hinku River towards Tik Tok village. Beyond the village, the trail becomes wider and follows the river upstream as you gradually gain altitude.
The route passes through a remote valley where forested slopes and rugged hillsides begin to give way to a more alpine landscape. Kothe is one of the principal settlements along this section of the Mera Peak approach and provides a place to rest before continuing higher into the valley.

Follow the Hinku River upstream, with occasional views of the surrounding peaks. As the trail gains height, the forest gradually gives way to alpine meadows and increasingly rugged mountain terrain.
Further along the valley, the route crosses rocky ground and glacial deposits before reaching Thangnak. This small mountain settlement lies near a large moraine associated with Sabai Tso, also known as Sabai Lake.
The altitude gain is significant today, so walk slowly and allow time to adjust to the thinner air.

We spend the day acclimatising to the altitude. After breakfast, if you feel well enough, you can take an optional hike to Thangnak Ri (4,700 m) before returning to Thangnak. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, reading or sharing riddles with fellow trekkers and guides. Use the time to rest and prepare for the following day.

Leave Thangnak and continue across the rocky moraine terrain towards Sabai Tso (Lake). The route then turns towards the eastern side of the valley, following the landscape beneath Mera Glacier before climbing towards Khare.

The surroundings become increasingly barren as vegetation becomes sparse and the mountains dominate the landscape. Khare is the main staging point for the Mera Peak climb and the last settlement on this route.

The ascent to over 5,000 m is demanding. Maintain a steady pace and inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms such as a headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue.

Spend the day acclimatising and preparing for the climb. Your guide will lead a practical session on the use of essential mountaineering equipment, including crampons, an ice axe, a climbing harness and rope procedures appropriate to the route.
You may practise on nearby slopes, following the guide's instructions and learning how to move safely on snow and icy terrain. The session also provides an opportunity to check your personal equipment and clarify the plan for the ascent towards Mera La and High Camp.

Take the remainder of the day to rest, hydrate and prepare for the higher camps. Acclimatisation and proper preparation are essential before moving further up the mountain.

Prepare your climbing equipment and continue towards Mera High Camp. The route follows the southern flank of Mera Peak, ascending through high-altitude terrain towards the camp positioned on the mountain.

The air is thin at this elevation, and even straightforward movement can require considerable effort. Follow your guide's pace, take regular breaks and keep yourself adequately hydrated.

After reaching High Camp, check your equipment, prepare warm clothing for the summit attempt and attend the guide's briefing. The team will review the expected weather, route conditions, departure time and safety procedures for the following day.

Begin the summit attempt around midnight, or at the time recommended by your climbing guide. An early start provides an opportunity to reach the summit before winds strengthen or conditions deteriorate.

Follow the climbing route towards the upper slopes, moving steadily across snow and glacier terrain with the appropriate mountaineering equipment. Although much of the ascent may appear gradual, the extreme altitude makes every step physically demanding. The final section may require a fixed rope, depending on snow conditions and the route selected by the climbing team.
On reaching the summit of Mera Peak, take in the panoramic Himalayan views, which on a clear day may include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga.

After spending a short time at the summit, begin the descent. Descending safely is just as important as reaching the top, so follow the guide's instructions and conserve energy throughout the return to Khare.

This day is reserved for flexibility in the climbing schedule. If poor weather or other unsuitable conditions prevent a summit attempt on Day 12, the guide may use this day for another attempt if conditions improve and the group's health and acclimatisation permit.
If the summit has already been completed, use the day in Kathmandu to explore.

The contingency day improves flexibility but does not guarantee a summit opportunity. Additional delays may require further changes to the itinerary.

Begin the return journey by descending through the Hinku Valley towards Kothe. Retrace the route through the rocky upper valley and past the terrain around Thangnak, continuing downhill rather than making a separate overnight stop there.
The descent allows you to lose altitude more quickly, although the long walking day still requires care on uneven ground. As you move lower, the air becomes denser and the surroundings gradually change from barren alpine terrain to greener slopes.

Continue along the return trail towards Chhetra Khola. From there, turn towards the northern side of the valley and follow the route through alpine terrain.

The trail climbs towards Thuli Kharka, gaining altitude once again as it approaches the route over Zatrwa La. The ascent can feel demanding after the summit climb, so maintain a measured pace and allow sufficient time for rest.
On arrival, settle into your accommodation and prepare for the final trekking day towards Lukla.

Start early for the ascent towards Zatrwa La, the high pass separating the Hinku Valley approach from the Lukla side of the route. The climb can be demanding, and snow, ice or poor visibility may affect the crossing.
After reaching the pass, descend towards Lukla. This is a long day involving a substantial ascent and descent, so take care on steep or slippery sections and follow the guide's instructions.
Once in Lukla, enjoy a well-earned rest and reflect on the journey through the Hinku Valley and your climbing experience.

Take the return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, subject to weather and flight operations. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to relax after the expedition.

You may explore Kathmandu's cultural sites, visit local markets, arrange a massage or shop for gifts and souvenirs, depending on your schedule.

Mountain flights can be delayed or cancelled, so keep your plans flexible.

Your Mera Peak Climbing expedition comes to an end. At the appropriate time, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.

If you have a few hours before departure, you may visit nearby markets or purchase gifts for family and friends, provided you have enough time to return to the airport comfortably.

If you would like to extend your stay in Nepal, Junkiri Treks can help arrange cultural sightseeing or another travel experience.