Mera Peak Clambing 2026

  • Trip Overview
  • Detail Itinerary
  • Includes
  • Excludes
  • Book Now

Trip Overview

🏔️ Mera Peak Climbing 2026 – Complete Overview

Introduction to Mera Peak

Mera Peak (6,476 meters / 21,247 feet) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal officially classified by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Situated in the remote Hinku Valley of the Solu-Khumbu region, Mera offers not only a physically demanding ascent but also a magnificent panoramic view of five of the world’s tallest mountains: Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), and Kangchenjunga (8,586m).

For many, climbing Mera Peak is more than just a mountain journey—it is the first step into high-altitude Himalayan mountaineering, blending remote wilderness trekking with glacial climbing. Though technically considered less challenging than some other trekking peaks, its high elevation, isolation, and extreme weather conditions demand solid preparation, endurance, and proper acclimatization.


Why Choose Mera Peak in 2026?

As interest in Himalayan trekking continues to grow worldwide, Mera Peak remains a top choice for climbers looking for high-altitude experience without engaging in full-scale expedition climbing. Here’s why 2026 is the perfect time to attempt Mera:


Key Highlights of Mera Peak

  • Altitude: 6,476 meters (21,247 ft)

  • Region: Hinku Valley, Solu-Khumbu, Nepal

  • Duration: 17–21 days round trip from Kathmandu

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (requires basic mountaineering skills)

  • Route Type: Fly to Lukla → Trek through Hinku Valley → Base Camp → Summit Push → Return

  • View from the Summit: Panoramic views of five 8000m peaks—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kangchenjunga

  • Climbing Style: Glacier travel, use of ropes, crampons, and ice axe (non-technical but physically demanding)


A Blend of Trekking and Mountaineering

Climbing Mera Peak is not a technical climb in the alpine sense—it does not require vertical ice climbing or complex rope systems—but it is still a serious high-altitude adventure. The climb involves:

  • Long trekking days (4–8 hours)

  • High-altitude base camps (up to 5,800m)

  • Travel across crevassed glaciers

  • Fixed rope usage for the summit ridge (40–45° slope)

  • Cold, windy conditions during the final push

The final summit day is particularly strenuous, with a 10–12 hour round-trip ascent, often starting at 2:00 AM in sub-zero temperatures.


The Route and Scenery

The most popular route follows the Lukla → Chutanga → Zatrwa La Pass → Khare → Mera Base Camp → High Camp → Summit trail. This path takes you through diverse terrains:

  • 🌲 Lush forests of the lower Hinku Valley

  • ⛰️ High alpine meadows around Khare

  • ❄️ Snow-covered glaciers at Mera La and beyond

  • 🏕️ Remote high camps with breathtaking views

  • 🏞️ Cultural villages with Sherpa and Rai heritage


Who Should Attempt Mera Peak?

Mera Peak is ideal for:

  • Fit trekkers who have already completed high-altitude treks (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, etc.)

  • Adventurers wanting a first Himalayan climbing experience

  • Climbers preparing for higher expeditions like Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, or even 7000m+ summits

  • People with good cardiovascular fitness and basic mountaineering training

It is not recommended for absolute beginners who have never trekked above 4,000m.


Acclimatization and Success Rate

The success rate for Mera Peak varies depending on the itinerary and climber fitness:

  • Shorter itineraries (under 18 days): ~60–70% success

  • Longer itineraries (with 3+ acclimatization days): ~80–90% success

  • Success increases significantly with prior high-altitude exposure

Proper acclimatization is critical. Most guided expeditions include rest days at Khare and a night at Mera High Camp to adapt before the summit push.


Risks and Challenges

Climbers must be aware of:

  • Altitude sickness (AMS, HAPE, HACE)

  • Extreme cold and wind chill near the summit

  • Crevasses and snow bridges on the glacier

  • Physical exhaustion and dehydration

  • Storm delays affecting summit attempts or Lukla flights

With proper gear, experienced guides, and a well-paced itinerary, these risks can be managed safely.


Culture and Environment

Mera Peak lies in the Makalu-Barun National Park and skirts the buffer zones of the Sagarmatha National Park, both rich in biodiversity. During the trek, you’ll pass through:

  • Traditional Sherpa villages with Buddhist monasteries and chortens

  • Rai communities with their own unique customs

  • Yak herders and high-mountain tea houses

  • Lush forests home to Himalayan pheasants, red pandas, and musk deer

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)

  • Activities: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport; airport pick-up by expedition team; transfer to hotel in Thamel. Short briefing and documentation check.

  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu

  • Meals: Welcome dinner


Day 2: Expedition Preparation & Kathmandu Sightseeing

  • Activities: Gear check with guides, final gear purchases (if needed); sightseeing optional (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath); permit finalization.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Meals: Breakfast


Day 3: Flight to Lukla (2,860m) → Trek to Chutanga (3,100m)

  • Flight Duration: 30–35 minutes

  • Trek Duration: 3–4 hours

  • Highlights: Scenic mountain flight; introduction to remote trails

  • Accommodation: Teahouse or tented camp


Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Chutanga

  • Activities: Acclimatization hike to 3,600–3,800m

  • Purpose: Help body adjust to altitude and prepare for Zatrwa La Pass

  • Accommodation: Teahouse

  • Meals: B, L, D


Day 5: Chutanga → Cross Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m) → Thuli Kharka (4,320m)

  • Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

  • Highlights: First major ascent; panoramic views of Dudh Kosi Valley

  • Accommodation: Teahouse


Day 6: Thuli Kharka → Kothe (3,600m)

  • Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

  • Terrain: Forested trails, river crossings, and descent

  • Accommodation: Teahouse

  • Note: Descent helps acclimatization


Day 7: Kothe → Thangnak (4,350m)

  • Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Walk along the Hinku River; views of Mera Peak appear

  • Accommodation: Teahouse or tented camp


Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Thangnak

  • Activities: Hike to Kusum Kanguru viewpoint (~5,000m)

  • Goal: Active rest day to improve adaptation

  • Accommodation: Teahouse


Day 9: Thangnak → Khare (5,045m)

  • Trek Duration: 3–4 hours

  • Highlights: Views of the Mera Glacier and Mera Peak’s north face

  • Accommodation: Teahouse or tented camp


Day 10: Rest Day in Khare (Technical Training)

  • Activities: Ice axe, crampon, harness training on glacier terrain

  • Purpose: Build confidence before summit attempt

  • Accommodation: Teahouse


Day 11: Khare → Mera Base Camp (5,300m)

  • Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: First steps onto glacial terrain

  • Accommodation: Tented camp

  • Note: Early dinner and rest for next day’s climb


Day 12: Base Camp → Mera High Camp (5,780m)

  • Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

  • Highlights: Climb over crevassed terrain with fixed ropes; views of Makalu

  • Accommodation: Tented camp

  • Note: Short but challenging; hydrate well


Day 13: Summit Day! Mera Peak Summit (6,476m) → Descend to Khare

  • Start Time: ~2:00 AM

  • Climb Duration: 10–12 hours (round trip)

  • Summit Views: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga

  • Descent: Return to Khare for rest

  • Accommodation: Teahouse

  • Meals: B, L, D


Day 14: Contingency/Buffer Day

  • Purpose: Reserved for bad weather or acclimatization delay

  • Flexibility: Can also be used to rest or explore Khare

  • Accommodation: Teahouse


Day 15: Khare → Kothe

  • Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

  • Terrain: Downhill, easier breathing

  • Accommodation: Teahouse


Day 16: Kothe → Thuli Kharka

  • Trek Duration: 6–7 hours

  • Route: Retrace steps, with final views of Mera Peak

  • Accommodation: Teahouse


Day 17: Thuli Kharka → Cross Zatrwa La → Chutanga → Lukla

  • Trek Duration: 7–8 hours

  • Highlights: Longest descent day; final night celebration with team

  • Accommodation: Teahouse or lodge


Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

  • Flight Duration: 30–35 minutes

  • Activities: Transfer to hotel, hot shower, rest day

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu


Day 19: Free Day in Kathmandu

  • Options: Souvenir shopping, massage/spa, cultural tour

  • Note: Optional buffer for flight delays from Lukla

  • Accommodation: Hotel


Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

  • Activities: Airport drop-off, end of expedition

  • Meals: Breakfast


Optional Extensions:

  • Add-on trek to Island Peak or Everest Base Camp

  • 3–5 day cultural tour to Pokhara, Chitwan, or Lumbini

  • Continue climbing in the Makalu or Barun Valley

Trip Includes

  1. Airport Transfers:

    • Arrival and departure transfers between the airport and the hotel in Kathmandu.
  2. Accommodation:

    • Accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trek in a standard hotel.
    • Teahouse or lodge accommodation during the trek.
  3. Meals:

    • Full board meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
    • Meals include a variety of local and international dishes.
  4. Internal Flights:

    • Round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.
  5. Trekking Permits:

    • Makalu Barun National Park entry permit.
    • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
    • Mera Peak climbing permit.
  6. Professional Guides:

    • Experienced and licensed trekking guides.
    • Climbing guides trained for Mera Peak.
  7. Porter Services:

    • Porter services to carry trekking equipment and personal belongings (usually a specific weight limit).
  8. Climbing Equipment:

    • Group climbing equipment (ropes, ice screws, snow bar, etc.).
    • Tents for high camps during the climbing period.
  9. Climbing Sherpa:

    • A qualified climbing Sherpa to assist and guide during the ascent.
  10. Climbing Clinic:

    • Basic climbing training and instruction at the Mera Peak Base Camp.
  11. Safety Equipment:

    • Group first aid kit.
    • Emergency oxygen and high-altitude medical kits.
  12. Transportation:

    • All ground transportation in Nepal as per the itinerary.
  13. Contingency Plans:

    • Contingency days in case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances.
    • Helicopter evacuation services (if necessary).
  14. Certificate:

    • Summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb.

Trip Excludes

  1. International Flights:

    • Airfare to and from Nepal is generally not included.
  2. Travel Insurance:

    • Comprehensive travel and medical insurance coverage are usually not part of the package. It is highly recommended that climbers purchase insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and climbing activities.
  3. Personal Gear:

    • Climbing and trekking gear such as boots, crampons, harness, helmet, and personal clothing are typically not provided and need to be arranged individually.
  4. Visa Fees:

    • The cost of obtaining a Nepalese visa upon arrival in Kathmandu is not included.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Expenses:

    • Vaccinations and any health-related expenses are usually not covered.
  6. Meals in Kathmandu:

    • Meals in Kathmandu (other than those specified in the itinerary) are not included.
  7. Personal Expenses:

    • Expenses for items such as snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and personal toiletries are not covered.
  8. Tips and Gratuities:

    • Tips for guides, porters, and climbing Sherpas are generally not included in the package.
  9. Additional Accommodation:

    • Any extra accommodation needed due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in the itinerary.
  10. Additional Services:

    • Optional activities or services not specified in the itinerary.
  11. Excess Baggage Charges:

    • Charges for excess baggage on domestic flights or other transportation modes.
  12. Evacuation Costs:

    • Costs associated with emergency evacuation by helicopter in case of altitude sickness or other emergencies.

Book Your Trip

High Pass Trek
×