Mera Peak Climbing

Welcome to the magical Kingdom of Mera, its capital Kathmandu is thrilled to have you here. As you arrive, one of our Glory Adventure employees will be at the TIA Gate to receive you. He will greet you with khada and guide you to your accommodation located in the picturesque location of the city.

Please get comfortable in your room, then take the opportunity to explore the back street and alleys of the city and get acquainted with its marvelous wonders.

Later in the evening, you can feast the rich and varied cuisines of Kathmandu. Enjoy the spicy and flavorful dishes and feel like the true King.

After you finish your first Himalayan breakfast in the morning, our guide will come to greet each climber participating in our Mera Peak climbing expedition.

After everyone gathers, he will lead a brief introductory session, and explain about our Mera peak climbing itinerary. He will also inspect your gear (if you have brought any) and help you identify any missing items. He will also guide you on where to purchase or rent what you need.

Meanwhile, our team member will organize the necessary permits by collecting your documents. You can now enjoy the rest of the day visiting Kathmandu’s UNESCO-listed treasures, such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

We advise you to end your sightseeing early, as we may have to leave very early for a drive to Ramechhap for our flight to Lukla.

Note

Most flights to Lukla airport have now been rerouted from Kathmandu TIA to the Manthali Airport of Ramechhap. This airport is used as an easy option and alternative to the TIA so the high air traffic load can be eased off. We will have to cover the 130 km distance to Ramechhap airport for which we will use a private vehicle and will take around 3 to 4 hours of road journey.

Early morning we will fly to the most unusual and exciting airport in the world- the renowned Tenzing Hilary Airport of Lukla. Gaze below at the majestic sight of Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, and Everest and experience the excitement of landing.

As soon as we step out of our small aircraft, the 6187 m high Mount Kongde Ri will welcome us with its imposing presence. Our Sherpa crew with a warm genuine smile will greet us and will take charge of our luggage.

We will now set off towards Paiya where we will spend our first mountain night. Steeply going down for around 1 to 2 hours, we will reach Surke. From here, the trail now goes up for another 1 or 2 hours taking us to Pake.

Then, following the green ocean of fir, rhododendrons, and pines, we will slowly make our way to Chhutak lying gently at the foot of Kalo Himal Ridge.

Prepare for your first vertical ascent over the 2945 m Chhutak La Pass. We will now move down slowly and reach Paiya. Situated at a breathtaking location, this village gifts us with the wonderful panorama of Khatang (6582 m), Tengi Ragu Tau (6938 m), and Kongde Ri.

We will leave Paiya early in the morning and plunge downward towards the gorgeous Paiya Khola. Here, we will walk across the world-famous Nepali suspension bridge and commence our upward hike to the Khari La Pass (3081 m).

Climbing down from the Pass, we will find ourselves in the picturesque Khari Khola Valley. The path will now twist and turn through the vast sea of rhododendrons, steadily we will keep on climbing towards Lenjikharka.

Dudh Koshi’s torrential waters can be seen below as we walk on the constant zigzagging trail till we reach Panggom. It is a small yet beautifully calm Sherpa village that is set against the stunning backdrop of the Everest climbing route from Jiri.

After Panggom, we will take on an hour-sharp vertical climb to conquer the 3175 m high Panggom La Pass. Mera Peak will be visible for the very first time here smiling alongside the very attractive silhouette of Numbur Peak (6958 m).

Enjoying the view, we will now climb down the pass which may take us around 2 hours. We are now in front of another long metal bridge suspended over the beautiful Hinku Khola. The 6240 m high Naulekh peak will motivate us to cross the bridge and get on with the downward journey towards the 2770 m Sibuje Village.

Our adventure will then carry us further up the Ningsow River valley, enveloped by trees, towards Ningsow Village. Feast your eyes on the delightful south face of Mera.

Our day today begins with around 400 m hike up over the majestic Ramailo Danda elevated at 3120 m. This beautiful cliff offers the bewitching glances of 6367 m Kusum Kanguru and Mera itself. After tackling the pass, we will now journey along a series of climbs and descents for around 3 hours.

Finally, we will be at the bridge arching the Tama Khola. A half-hour journey from this bridge will now lead us to 4G Danda where the newly built teahouse is located.

From Chhetra Khola, the trail again steeply rises through the vast forested landscape for around one hour and forty-five minutes. Now a gentle slope will be followed for around 3 to 4 hours till we arrive at Taktor.

Now walking alongside the calm shore of the Hinku Khola, we will reach the picturesque village of Tashing Dingma. Next, we will journey across a long steel bridge over Sanu Khola and proceed for another 2 and half hours until we reach the land of Kothe.

On the edge of the village is the checkpoint for the National park of Makalu Barun which will grant us the needed permit for the Park.

The journey today is meant for a gentle introduction to the 4000 m altitude of Thangnag where the forest is slowly seen to be replaced by the highland grasslands and pastures.

Taking our time, we will leisurely hike alongside the waters of the Hinku Khola. Soon one of the highland Yak Pasture on the western side of Hinku Drangka will be on our way.

We will eat our lunch at the old town of Gondishung which will prepare us for our climb to the small hill where the 2-century-old historic monastery of Lungsumgba is perched beautifully.

A large rock beside the monastery has a rough sketch of Mera engraved. A moment here worth our time as the stunning silhouettes of Mount Kyashar or Charpate Himal (6770 m), Thamserku (6608 m), Mera, and Kusum Kanguru can be admired from up here.

Now prepare for another one-hour uphill hike till we are at the modest yet humble lodge of Thangnag.

Today, we will utilize our time to get used to the higher grounds and its air as much as possible. And the ideal way will be to take on a 3 to 4-hour upward hike to reach the top of Charpate Glacier.

With its unique square form, the Charpate Peak has made a special place in the heart of locals. It will also not fail to win our hearts as well as we will have some of the stunningly bewildering views of Kusum Kanguru, Mera North, and the trail to Mera La, the first step toward conquering Mera Peak.

It’s now time to head back to our shelter for a night’s rest before we again kick start our journey tomorrow.

Today, we have yet another splendid opportunity for acclimatization before we ascend the majestic Mera Peak. Setting off from Thangnag, we will steadily walk uphill for about half an hour. We have now reached the amazing glacial lake of Sabai Tsho which sits at a remarkable altitude of 4463 m above sea level.

Enjoying some time by the lake will truly be something memorable. Then, pressing onwards, we will now carefully watch our feet and walk along the lateral edge of the Kharka Glacier.

Get ready for the steeply rising trail that will lead us to another Glacier called Hinku Nup. Now, the Kangtega Himal (6782 m) along with Charpate Peak can be seen just up close.

We will now overcome our next hurdle – the great Lhotse Shar Glacier and just behind it is Khare which is also sometimes known as the base camp of Mera. Feel the authentic high mountain atmosphere of the  Nepali Himalayas.

After Khare, our trail now begins to rise steeply guiding us over the icy expanse until we reach the summit of 5415 m high Mera La Pass. The panoramic views of Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest are priceless from up here.

Some climbers may prefer to set up their base camp a short distance down the pass but we will adventure and follow the track that goes through the Mera and Naule Glaciers to reach Mera High Camp.

This will allow us to spend only one frosty night under the open sky instead of two at the camp. Once we reach High Camp, our team will quickly pitch the tents for our stay.

After we devour the sights of Makalu, Cho Oyu, Chamlang, Lhotse, Baruntse, and Nuptse for a while, we will get on with the training session of our climbing guide.

We will learn and practice the skills to handle ice axes, carabiners, jumars, and harnesses. We will also learn to walk up and down along the fixed rope with our group.

As our alarm wakes us up at 3 am, we will quickly get up, eat breakfast, then wrap ourselves up in the warmest clothing. Putting on the gear, and headlamps, we with our entire group will not set off to attack the summit.

Depending on our stamina, pace, and health, we may reach the tip of the summit within 5 to 7 hours. At first, there will be some vertical climb but not too hard and adequately manageable.

Then, a slippery stretch along the icy ground awaits us taking us to the ridge. Now the climb will become more and more steeper, and we reach the foot of the peak. This final stretch will be particularly challenging where our climbing guide may decide to use the fixed ropes for our safety.

Throughout the climb, our guide will closely monitor our progress, ensuring we only use the pre-installed railings after he has verified their safety. He will also help us traverse the steep sections with the right gear.

Congratulations! You have set a new altitude record and have reached the altitude of 6461 m above sea level. Enjoy the moment for this is yours to enjoy, breathe in the Himalayan air, and fill your heart with pride as you have just conquered not a mountain but a grand Himalaya of Nepal.

Ama Dablam, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Baruntse, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, Chamlang, and Everest will also be right there next to you celebrating with you the greatest joy of your life.

Now, it is time that we travel back down to High Camp for a hot meal. Then, taking down the tents and clearing away the trash, we will make our way back to Khare once more.

Filled with joy from our success, we are now ready to make our way home. After Khare, we will walk the same route again, meeting the same familiar faces once more. Our descent will lead us through Thangnag and into the Hinku Valley, continuing until we arrive at the welcoming comfort of Kothe.

We will have quite an adventure today as we have a series of thrilling ascents and descents as we continue to travel along the twisting trails that crisscross the enchanting tributaries of the Hinku Khola River.

Soon, we will find ourselves in the delightful village of Taktor, we will follow the right path from the village and walk past a collection of serene chortens. The path will then take a sharp dive leading us down to Thuli Kharka where once again we will be at an altitude of more than 4000 m.

Here comes the grand conclusion of our 17 days Mera peak climbing expedition. Our time between the inspiring Himalayas is coming to an end as we prepare to make our way back to Kathmandu.

On the way back, do not forget to take a good look at the calm beauty of the vast green jungles and the expansive views of the Middle Hills’ ridges and valleys. From Thuli Kharka, we will commence our trek by ascending the Naulekh Himal ridge, followed by a steep climb to the Zwatra La pass at 4600 m elevation.

Enjoy one last magnificent view of Cho Oyu and the breathtaking Himalayan skyline. Our descent then will lead us through rugged terrain for nearly 2000 meters until we reach Chhutanga. Lukla is just a three-hour trek from this small village.

We will board an early morning flight to Kathmandu, return to our accommodation, and enjoy the afternoon at our leisure for sightseeing or relaxation.

We hope that your Mera Peak climbing journey has been a memorable one complimented by our top-class service. As a final gesture, we will take you to TIA for your journey home.