21 days
16 Pax
Moderate To Strenous
Hotel / Lodge
All Season
Mera Peak stands 6654 meters high and is considered one of the major, most popular trekking peaks in Nepal. It lies in the Khumbu Himalayan Range. The trail winds amongst forests of pine and rhododendrons in this remote and uninhabited valley leading to the alpine Environment of Mera Base Camp. The Peak itself rises to the south of Everest. The ascent of the peak is technically straightforward, however heavy snow and maze of crevasses can make our journey a longer way to summit.
Besides the charm of climbing Mera Peak, the trek to base camp from Lukla is rewarding to experience rare unspoilt regions of Nepal with densely forested hillsides.
Upon arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our airport representatives who will warmly greet you and transfer to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening.
A professional guide and vehicle are provided for a day of sightseeing in and around Kathmandu city. We visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city along with other interesting cultural monuments that dot the valley. These include Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings), along with other popular cultural attractions. We get to observe the lifestyle of Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, fascinating history as well as awe-inspiring architecture.
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport in Kathmandu for a scenic 30-minute flight to Lukla. The airport guide will brief you and introduce our porters before we begin our trek towards Phakding (2,610m). Follow the path on the south side of the airstrip and descend steeply for half an hour before meeting the main trade route coming up from the south to the Khumbu. Continue descent to Sarke before climbing up to the Chitok La. Some more up and down before arriving at a good campsite at Poyang.
After crossing the Poyang Khola turn off the main route onto the old trade route climbing up to the ridge line overlooking the Khare Khola. Reach to Kharte for lunch. After lunch, leaving the main trail start roughly contouring east and descend to subsidiary stream of the Khare Khola. Then steady climb up to the attractive farming and treading village of Pangkongma.
Fine views west back to Takshimdu Monastery, Lamjura and north-west to Kwangde. A climb through thick rhododendron forest and bamboo leads to Pangkongma La(3175m) before attractive descent to the small settlement of Shibuje. There are beautiful views from here looking south across the endless foothills rising each side of the Hinku valley and shortly after the descent begins Mera with its twin vertical south face come into sight at the top end of this most impressive valley. After lunch the trail needs are as it drops steeply for one and half two hours down to a small bridge over the Hinku Khola. It is then a tough climb up but potentially good campsite in pasture land at Najing Dingma
And then deceptively long and steep climb leads to the Surke La(3085m).There is view tower made by Makalu Barun conservation Project, offering excellent view of surrounding mountain and passes. Shortly after we pass the trail that leads east to Tumlingtar and east Nepal and another one leading to a small village called Chosumb. We follow a third away up and cross the slope and have a lunch in Phokte. After one and half-hour or so climb an attractive campsite set amidst for and rhododendron is reached.
We follow the west side of the ridge before climbing through the last scrub rhododendron. The trail turns north climbing between two bluffs. Passing through more grazing country the route leads us a steep climb and a pass at about 4250m, offering marvelous mountain views east right across to Kanchenjunga and to the north some of the mountains surrounding the Hongu and Hinku villages. More hard work climbing up to around 4450m leads to an ill defined trail down to the banks of the main lake and camp further down near small stream.
A steep climb leads out of the valley before the trail encounter along and around towards the main Hinku valley. This is followed be a series of steep descents first west wards down scree, then north west through scrub rhododendron and on into fir. A scrambling descent of around 690m brings us down near the valley floor where we cross the Mojong Khola and on through a boulder strewn forest to a lunch spot at Rondruk Dingma. After the route follows along a fairly rough trail following the bank of the river to Khote.
Today we move camp only to Tangnag about three and half hours along the river and then about an Hour further up to the valley, which offers excellent view of Khusum Khanggaru(6367m), Thamserku(6608m), Khang Taiga (6685m) Lunch and camp will be at the same place.
The trail leads on upto Dig Kharka and then after lunch steeping upscree before turning east and gradually leveling off into the valley with the Wela La straight ahead and Mera Peak up and to the right. Water can be difficult here
We continue and reach the Mera Glacier. Crossing the glacier, we now go up to the Mera La, a pass mounting to 5.415 m. We cross the pass and camp circa 100 meters below - we reached the Mera Peak base-camp. We finally arrived, on our viewpoint amid 6.000, 7.000, and 8.000 meter summits!
If we feel quite strong, we can also climb up straight away. But to be on the safe side we will have a break halfway to the summit to adjust to the altitude. We are going to camp at about 5.750m - on a rocky island in the middle of the glacier . Here, high above, with a little luck we will have a unique view on the most spectacular mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu.
We start early in the morning. Here and there, we can look into deep crevasses. Until we reach the altitude of 6.461 m, the summit of the Mera, we will have climbed upward over glaciers and snow slopes for 5 - 6 hours. Sometimes, the track is hardly passable for the last 30 - 40 meters to the summit, because it gets steeper and the slopes are often frozen. -Then the guides fix a rope which you can follow easily and safely until you reach the summit. The exhausting ascent is over now and below us there are valleys, lower mountains and the mighty glaciers. For a short time, we feel like kings in this icy empire. After the exhausting hike this is a fantastic reward - five of the fourteen highest mountains of the world at a glance - shining glacier giants in front of a blue-black sky. Then, we go down again - until we get to the base camp which takes 4-5 Hours.
About three hours on down the valley lies Gandishang which used to be the site of an old monastery. A good spot for lunch. A little further down we pass a small bridge which was the route used on the way in up the east bank of the river, and continue on down the west bank. Entering rhododendron and fern forests there are some ups and downs before a good camp site is reached at Tashing Dingma. This is long but not too strenuous day trek.
The trail turns uphill and soon joins and follows the northern bank of the main stream. There was a spot for an early lunch after about one and half hours of consistent ascent where the stream is crossed. Water becomes more difficult later in the day. The ascent continues after lunch and we gradually climb above the tree line onto more broken and uneven ground. A day of almost constant ascent leads us to Tuli Kharka.
The climb continues for about one and half hour upto the Zaterwala pass at (4500m). There are a series of chortents and Mani walls marking this pass which offers fine views across to Kwangde, Lumding Himal and Kariolung (6400m).. A good spot for lunch after a long morning. It is about another two hours down through the forest to Lukla.
On your flight back to Kathmandu as you leave Lukla, you can enjoy some last-minute glimpses of the mountains you just recently visited. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will transfer you to your hotel. You can rest and relax throughout the day.
Today will be leisure and rest day. You are free to go souvenir shopping, spa and more exploration of the city, or extend your trip to include bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, Everest mountain flight and other adventurous activities.
The trip concludes today. You will be dropped at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport by our airport representative for your flight departure from Nepal.
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Trekking staff
Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.
Accommodation
Food
On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.
A typical trekking day
A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.
Health and safety on the trek General
High Altitude
Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.
And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.
All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.
Recommended Trekking Kit
The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.
Footwear
Leg wear
Body
Head Hands
Other Items
Recommended Mountaineering Kit
In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.