Mera Peak is a true "trekking peak" in that it is a walk up on snow (except for a short five meter steep section to the very summit) and so the best non-technical trekking peak for people who want to test themselves at altitude. The climb on the glacier from high camp is crevassed though and so we do rope up, and practice prior. Fit novices welcome!
The panorama from Mera's summit is incredible, including five 8000m peaks: Everest #1, Kanchenjunga #3, Lhotse #4, Makalu #5 and Cho Oyu #6, and a sea of others, plus endless layers of hills to the south.
Planned with altitude acclimatization in mind, our up-to-date itinerary now starts with a private bus/jeep ride to Salleri-Phaplu, so no risk of the sometimes delayed Lukla flight upsetting the climbing plans. This is an balanced by a few extra hills, a strenuous workout prior, with recovery over two rest days before the climb.
This is a teahouse trek, staying in local lodges, and for the climb on the mountain we camp in tents for two nights.
All in all, this is the best expedition for somebody wanting a personal best altitude, and Nepal trekking peak experience.
Highlights
+ awesome summit panorama including 5x 8000m peaks
2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu, single with breakfast
domestic flights as per the itinerary
group transportation by private vehicle
entrance fees and permits as needed
Kathmandu group dinner
Teahouse trek includes
all meals (one starter, one main course)
accommodation in shared twin rooms
Expedition-style climb includes
all meals, afternoon tea and hot drinks
thin mat to protect your air mattress
Our service excludes
*snacks and drinks in the teahouses*
insurance, Nepal visa, other meals in Kathmandu
additional hotel nights due to delays
satellite phone however available for rent
international flights, equipment rental, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, laundry,
tipping and other items of a personal nature
Tips & extra cash
allow approx $50 per day for Kathmandu meals
allow approx $15 per day for snacks and hot drinks
allow more if you are a shopaholic
we suggest 5% of the trip cost per trekker for the crew tips pool
Day 1 - arrive Kathmandu 1350m
Jamie plans to meet you in Kathmandu at the start of the expedition, ensure you are well prepared and introduce you to the crew. The trek-climb will be locally guided.
2 - Kathmandu
We have a gear check and use this day for additional gear shopping as needed. For the well prepared, you could arrive today.
3 - drive Phaplu 2475m, drive/trek Chiwang 2490m
We take a private bus or jeep with our crew to Phaplu, a 8-9 hour drive, then drive or trek a short distance to get beyond the road head to a set of peaceful lodges.
4 - drive/trek Taksindu, trek Nunthala 2250m
Depending on the state of the road, we either drive to Taksindu, or trek there.
5 - trek Kharikhola 2050m via Dudh Kosi 1600m
6 - trek Shibuche 2820m via Pangum La 3173m
7 - trek Ramailo Danda 3275m
8 - trek Chetra Khola 3220m
9 - trek Kothe 3590m
10 - trek Thangnak 4350m
11 - rest Thangnak 4350m
12 - trek Khare 4900m
13 - rest-prepare Khare 4900m
14 - trek-climb Mera La 5400m
15 - climb Mera High Camp 5800m
16 - summit, return to Khare 4900m
17 - trek Thangnak 4350m / Kothe 3590m
18 - trek Thuli Kharka 4300m
19 - trek Lukla 2850m
20 - fly Lukla-Kathmandu
21 - depart
We recommend either leaving on an afternoon or evening flight, or allowing an extra day just in case the Kathmandu-Lukla flight is delayed. The Lukla-Kathmandu flight is a fine weather flight only.
22 - optional departure day
Note
This is a balanced 21 day itinerary however an extra day on the trek as a rest day for Day 10 at Kote gives a little slack to have an earlier rest day or cope with less fit trekkers. This would make it a 22 day trip.
Bung exit alternative
Taking three or four extra days, there is an alternative adventuous and scenic route from Kote to Panch Pokhari, and to Bung then there nearest road from there. Discuss if you are interested!
Summit day on Mera Peak, climbing up the ramp; the summit is unseen however the short difficult section is similar to the top right hand corner - Jamie
Saving data; use your phone in landscape to see the detailed itinerary and more photos.
Detailed itinerary
I will expand this over time.
Day 1 - arrive Kathmandu - 1350m
Our staff meet you at the airport, Jamie will meet you at the hotel
and introduce you to Thamel, if you are not already familiar with the place.
We have a trip briefing starting 6pm this evening and head out to
dinner together.
2 - Kathmandu
We have a gear check and use this day for additional gear shopping as needed. For the well prepared, you could arrive today instead.
3 - drive Phaplu 2475m, drive/trek Chiwang 2490m
We take a private bus or jeep with our crew to Phaplu, a 8-9 hour drive, then drive or trek a short distance to get beyond the road head to a set of quiet lodges.
4 - drive/trek Taksindu, trek Nunthala 2250m
Depending on the state of the road, we either drive to Taksindu, or trek there. The road is a rough track, OK if dry but muddy and impossible to drive if wet, and instead will mean a three to four hour walk.
5 - trek Kharikhola 2050m via Dudh Kosi 1600m
Looking from Nunthala across the valley, Kharikhola is relatively close, however there is a large valley in-between.
6 - trek Shubuche 2820m via Pangum La 3173m
7 - trek Ramailo Danda 3275m
8 - trek Chetra Khola 3220m
9 - trek Kote 3590m
The tightly clustered lodges of Kote - Jamie
10 - trek Thangnak 4350m
Welcome! - Jamie
11 - rest Thangnak 4350m
12 - trek Khare 4900m
Khare, and the route up out of Khare on the right - Jamie
13 - rest-prepare Khare 4900m
14 - trek-climb Mera La 5400m
The best climbing itinerary is to break up the altitude gains, however it is also possible to go straight to high camp, which many expeditions do. So this is a day we can cut if needed.
15 - climb Mera High Camp 5800m
Mera Peak high camp at 5800m on a snowy morning, the rocky part is behind me - Jamie
16 - summit, return to Khare 4900m
17 - trek Thangnak 4350m / Kote 3590m
18 - trek Thuli Kharka 4300m
19 - trek Lukla 2850m
20 - fly Lukla-Kathmandu
21 - depart
We recommend either a flight time in the afternoon or evening, or allowing an extra day just in case the Kathmandu-Lukla flight is delayed. It is a fine weather flight only.
