We, Annapurna Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd., offer a classic Mera Peak Climbing, one of the best sightseeing trekking peaks and one of the most beautiful treks in the Himalayas.

Introduction
Our most treks are based on arrival and departure from Kathmandu International Airport. Usually, one full day gets spent in Kathmandu, both at the beginning and end of the trek. This free day allows time for jet lag rest, orientation, sightseeing and souvenir shopping. Between Kathmandu and the trek starting and ending point, the Lukla Airport is travelled in 35 minutes flight, both ways. The trek then follows a well-established daily routine based upon an early start, moderate daily distances and a steady, easy-paced walk.

Annapurna Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. offers a classic Mera Peak Expedition, as one of the best sightseeing trekking peaks and one of the most beautiful treks in the Himalayas. This trekking expedition enables you to experience the indigenous way of life and sample Sherpa hospitality in the many teahouses along the way. The itinerary also includes two full days of rest for explorations and acclimatisation in the main points of the itinerary.

After a night stop at Lukla, you start trekking through Paiya, Pangkongma, enter Hinku valley and achieve the summit of Mera Peak. Mera Peak, with a height of 6,476 metres above sea level, is one of the most beautiful trekking peaks due to its exposure, elevation and route. But it is not situated along the classic Everest Trekking Trail. It needs a minimum of 16 days from Lukla and back, and this period involves more trekking than climbing, well, most of the peaks in the Himalayas.

Mera Peak rises to the southeast of Everest and dominates the watershed between the heavily wooded valleys of the Hinku and Hongu. The view from the high camp of Mera Peak takes us to Chamlang, Kanchanjunga, Makalu, and the mount Baruntse in the east and the peaks of Cho-Oyu, Ama Dablam, Kangthega and Charpate Himal to the west.

The view from the summit is indescribable, and with a clear morning, the panoramas take us to Kangthega 6,783m, Charpate Himal, Cho-Oyu 8,201m, Ngozummpa Kong II 7,743m. Lobuje West 6145m, Gyachung Kang 7,952m, Pumori 7,161m, Ama Dablam 6,812m., Nuptse 7,861, Everest 8,848, Lhotse 8,516m, Lhotse Shar 8,382m, Shartse 7,457m, Peak-41 6,623m, Baruntse 7,152m, Kangsungtse 7,678m, Makalu 8,481m, Chamlang 7,312m, Peak-5 6,388m, Tutse or Peak-6 6,758m and Kanchenjunga 8,586 metres. The glimpse of Mount Everest over the crumpled sedimentary rock bands that make up the massive south face of Lhotse and the Nuptse/Lhotse ridge is gloriously in the north. It is also possible to ski to the summit ridge, enjoy the breathtaking views and return on the same day. Mera is a “sightseeing peak”, like Pisang Peak in the Annapurna region.

If we take this itinerary during the spring season, rhododendron and magnolia flowers bloom, and the mornings are generally clear and sunny. Clouds can gather during the late afternoon with the occasional thunderstorm, but our itineraries are planned to ensure we arrive at our teahouses before the threat of any rain!

The return route follows the Chhetrawa La. The shortest path to or from Lukla. After returning to Kathmandu, at the end of the itinerary, we enjoy another day of free day and do whatever we maybe want to experience on this trip. We optionally recommend taking a short early morning flight to see Everest, an appropriate way of rounding off this quintessential Himalayan trekking expedition.

Trip Highlights

Trip Profile

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,350m.

Day 02: Kathmandu – A free day

Day 03. Kathmandu - Lukla (Flight) & Trek to Paiya 2,730m. A 4-hours trek.

Day 04. Trek to Pangkongma 2,805m. A 5-hours’ trek.

Day 05. Trek to Ngingsow 2,600. A-5 hours’ trek.

Day 06. Trek to Chhatrawa Tenga 3,400m. A 5-hours’ trek.

Day 07. Trek to Kothey 3,580m. A 5-hours’ trek

Day 08: Trek to Tragnak 4,350m. A 5-hours’ trek.

Day 09: Tragnak. A rest/acclimatising day.

Day 10: Trek to Khare 5,045m. A 4-hours’ trek.

Day 11: An acclimatising day

Day 12: Trek to Mera La 5,415m. and to Mera Basecamp 5,350m. A 2-hours’ trek.

Day 13: Climb to Mera High Camp 5,780m A 3-hours’ climb.

Day 14: Summit day and return to Khare. 8-9 hours.

Day 15: Trek to Kothey 3,600m. A 5-hours’ trek.

Day 16. Trek to Chhatrawa. A 5-hours’ trek.

Day 17. Trek to Lukla. A 5-hours’ trek.

Day 18: Reserve day

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu. A 35-minutes’ flight.

Day 20: Kathmandu – A free day

Day 21: Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,350m.

Our personnel will be waiting at the Kathmandu international airport to receive you with a traditional welcome. After checking into the hotel and refreshments, your guide will inform you about the necessary formalities and the upcoming program. Then, depending on arrival time, you will choose to visit nearby shrines or rest. • Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu – A free day

This day is free in Kathmandu for resting or taking a guided tour of Pharping, Kirtipur, or any other medieval towns in Kathmandu valley.

• Breakfast.
• Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 03. Kathmandu - Lukla (Flight) & Trek to Paiya 2,730m. A 4-hours trek.

Early in the morning, at 07:30 hour, we drive to Tribhuvan International Airport to board a flight to Lukla. It is an exhilarating mountain flight of 40 minutes. During the journey, we can enjoy exceptional views of the Himalayas and most of the villages and valleys. Upon arrival at Lukla, you'll meet the porters and Sherpa staff to help you with your gears and escort you ahead. After a short tour of Lukla village, you'll set out on a trek of about 4 hours to Paiyu. The trail heads south from the Airport and descends about 600 metres to Surke. As we descend from the airport ridge, the views toward the Paiya and Dudh Kunda valley are fantastic and small planes and helicopters land and take off from our heads. The first day of the trek is hard, with uneven steps taking us deep into the river and high above the hill ridge, exposing the Lukla, Karyilung (Dudh Kunda Himal), Khumbi La (the sacred mountain above the Khumbu village) and the Dudh Kosi valley extending up to Phakding village. The trail from Surke follows the classic Everest Expedition and trekking trail, which was the busiest and only trail until the Airport at Lukla was built. Hillary and other first adventurers and explorers walked the path to Everest Base Camp and around. We stop for lunch at Pakhepani village and continue the rest of the day further southeast to Paiyu, a small village, locally known as Chhutak (which Means a water mill in the Sherpa language). • Full board. • Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 04. Trek to Pangkongma 2,805m. A 5-hours’ trek.

The trail follows the classic Everest Expedition and trekking trail, which was the busiest and only trail until the Airport at Lukla was built. Hillary and other first adventurers and explorers walked the path to Everest Basecamp and around. We leave the classic Everest trail and take a northeaster sub trail that leads to Pangkongma, a beautiful trek. The trail climbs to an altitude of 3,100 metres and traverses to Pangkongma, a lovely Sherpa village above Kharkhola village facing south-west. From Pangkongma, we can view the Dudh Kunda Mountain range, Taksindu Monastery and villages, and the vast valley of the Dudh Koshi river. Time permitting, visit the monastery at Pangkongma, just above the village, in a lovely vegetation area. It would be interesting if it coincided with one of the religious festivals to see a bit of local culture and villagers.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 05. Trek to Ngingsow 2,600. A-5 hours’ trek.

We slowly climb up to Pangkongma La at an altitude of 3,100 metres through a rhododendron forest. During spring, the forest blooms in all colours with the flowers of rhododendron, magnolia, and several wild orchids. Following the ridge, we take a long and slow decreasing descent of 1,000 metres altitude until beside the Hunku river and climb up to Ngingsow with a steady gain in altitude, our overnight stoppage. Today we pass through several mani-walls (sacred stone walls in which tons of stone slabs are engraved with the letters “Om-Mani-Padme-Hum”, the Tibetan Buddhist prayer of compassion).

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 06. Trek to Chhatrawa Tenga 3,400m. A 5-hours’ trek.

The trail initiates with a steep up, a bit difficult but beautiful views, to Ramailo Danda. After Ramailo Danda, we walk through one of the most beautiful Himalayan rhododendron and pine forests of our entire trek, and if we are lucky can spot red Pandas.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 07. Trek to Kothey 3,580m. A 5-hours’ trek

The landscape today is of rocky and barren hill slopes, forests, and river valleys. Weather permitting we get to enjoy excellent views of the mountain and a couple of lakes. For lunch, we stop at Changbu Kharka (which Means cow shade at the riverside) in a serene mountain valley.

After lunch and a short hike offer great views toward Panch Pokhari. The trail then contours the hill steeply down, staying high above the Hinku valley and then further down to the river edge. After an hour of pleasant walking, we arrive at Kothey, a beautiful site.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 08: Trek to Tragnak 4,350m. A 5-hours’ trek.

After breakfast, we initiate our trek with a series of fine panoramas as we head up the Hinku valley. There are stunning views of Peak-43 and Charpate Himal. Today, the trail mostly follows the left bank of the Hinku river and walks through several Yak pasturelands till Tragnak. Tragnag sits in a broad U-shaped valley and is dwarfed by the surrounding mountains. It is a simple settlement with a few lodges. For centuries it has been an ideal spot for animal herders. It is believed that there used to be a permanent settlement of the Sherpa people in ancient times. Just before Tragnak, there is a small cave with statues of Buddhist deities, believed abandoned here due to their size and weight to move down to their village while migrating.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 09: Tragnak. A rest/acclimatising day.

A rest day is essential for acclimatization. Use the day with a walk to the beautiful moraine-dammed lake behind Sabai Glacier or climb up onto a spur of Kusumkanguru mountain ridge to nearly 5,000 metres. The view toward Mera Peak is its sheer western blackface.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 10: Trek to Khare 5,045m. A 4-hours’ trek.

After breakfast, we start the trek to Khare. The trail, offering pleasant views, wanders through the broad basin of Dig-Kharka. On this day, we gain altitude rapidly. Today we enjoy views of some small lakes and beautiful mountain views, including the Sheer black face of Mera Peak and the western face of Mera Peak high camp.

For lunch, we arrive at Khare, the main base for climbing Mera Peak and cross the Mera La pass to Mount Baruntse and the Amphu Lampcha, Mingbo La, and Sherpani col. At Khare, there are several campsites, but most of them are not very comfortable. From Khare, one can enjoy a panorama of the north face of Mera and the peaks of the Hinku Shar Glacier. From just above our lodge, we can see Mera La.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 11: An acclimatising day

We take another rest day for further acclimatization and to do some exploring. The valley to the north leads temptingly to Hinku Nup Glacier and excellent views of Kangthega and other stunning peaks.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 12: Trek to Mera La 5,415m. and to Mera Basecamp 5,350m. A 2-hours’ trek.

After breakfast, we begin the trek to Mera La. It is a 2-hour walk across rocks and scree and onto the first snow and ice base, the tongue of the glacier flowing down from Mera La. We change into plastic boots and crampons before climbing up onto the glaciated terrain, which leads to Mera La. For the most part, this section is a blue ice slope, needing a rope to help the porters. From Mera La, we descend to the eastern flank, where the tented camp gets set as the Mera basecamp. A beautiful place with great scenarios.

While the camp staff prepare the camp and super for the evening, the climbing members are recommended to continue up to Mera High Camp and down to basecamp for better acclimatization.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tented Camp.

Day 13: Climb to Mera High Camp 5,780m A 3-hours’ climb.

From Mera La, those in good physical condition can climb directly to the summit. But it is more practical to make a high camp to decrease the distance to the summit, get acclimatized, and enjoy the summit without a headache. In addition, the high camp route and high campsite are panoramic, over a flat ridge beneath a wide swath of giant summits.

If we are in luck, we can set up the high camp under an overhanging black rock, which provides ideal shelter from the cold wind and possibly hazardous snowfall. From Mera La or Mera Base Camp, we only take a well-equipped crew to the high camp. Some porters will accompany us up to the high camp, but they will return to the base camp before sundown.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tented Camp.

Day 14: Summit day and return to Khare. 8-9 hours.

The trip begins around 4 a.m. We approach the summit over a false summit ridge, attempting the central summit from its northeast face. The view from the summit is one of the best in the entire Himalayas. No less than five of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks can get seen from it. We return to high camp for lunch and continue descending to Khare.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 15: Trek to Kothey 3,600m. A 5-hours’ trek.

We retrace the trail down to Kothey. The going down is very pleasant, and the views are equally beautiful and easing, and most will say "it is my favourite day”. Khare to Tagnag is two hours and another 3 hours to Kothey.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 16. Trek to Chhatrawa. A 5-hours’ trek.

We leave the main trail that we took to approach Kothey via Pangkongma and fork the northwest trail to Lukla via Chhatrawa La. From Kothey the trail climbs gradually through a pleasant forest of rhododendron, pine, and bamboo to Chhatrawa. The views to the east toward Mera and southeast are impressive.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 17. Trek to Lukla. A 5-hours’ trek.

The last day of our trek. A long and pleasant day trekking. A short climbing brings us to the ridge of Chhatrawa La 4,600 metres, which divides the Lukla (Dudh Koshi) and Hinku valley. Just after the pass, the trail traverses Chhatra Hill, and the views across Lukla get open with a beautiful view of the Kongde and Dudhkunda Mountain range. We hear the sounds of an aeroplane and helicopter landing and taking off at Lukla. We take a hearty lunch at Chhutenga and continue the trek down to Lukla, a lovely last day walk and amazing Mera Peak expedition trek get over here.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 18: Reserve day

This day is a reserve day to cover the weather problem or other unforeseen factors. If not required during our trek and climbing then a free day in Kathmandu, which provides a lovely time to visit some of its medieval towns and sites of interest.

• Full board.
• Overnight stay in Tea-house Lodge.

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu. A 35-minutes’ flight.

We board an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu at around 09:00 hours. The rest of the day is free.
• Breakfast.
• Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 20: Kathmandu – A free day

A free day. Optionally take a guided city tour. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the best local restaurants in Kathmandu.
• Breakfast.
• Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 21: Departure

Breakfast and free time till the time limit for departure to the airport. At the indicated time, our office representative and vehicle will arrive at your hotel to escort you to the airport. Drive to Kathmandu international airport (TIA); see off formalities, and go through the immigration and departure.
• Breakfast.

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