Mera peak that lies in the Makalu-Barun National Park is one of the most popular peaks in Nepal for climbing. Located to the South of Mount Everest in the Hunkhu valley, it is relatively easier to climb than most of other peaks. The mountain itself has three main peaks, Mera South (6065 meters), Central (6461 meters) and North (6476 meters). Mera Central is our purpose on this trip. During the run sting we adjust a number of 3000 and 4000 meters high, so the acclimatization can go well. We will witness superb scenery and abundant wildlife, possibly catching a glimpse of the legendary yeti from Base Camp the climb takes three to four days, depending on weather conditions. Although the climb is not technically difficult, it requires a physical strength and solid mountaineering skills. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition climbing guide will give briefing and training before we climb the peak. From high camp, we take in the sweeping view of Kanchanjangha, Chamlang and Makalu to the east, Everest and Lhotse to the north and Amadablam and Cho-Oyu to the west. This view is undoubtedly one of the most stunning in all of Nepal.
As we go up from Panggoma, we feel rougher and more remarkable environment and we are surrounded by high mountain peaks and glaciers. From the Mera La, a pass, we go to the high camp from where the summit attempt will be made. The conditions here are often extreme with very low temperatures and strong winds make the perfect outfit is an absolute necessity. Or we’ll be able to bridge the last part to the top always remains exciting: sometimes the wind is too hard, sometimes the crevasse is unbridgeable. Almost always it is necessary to introduce a piece of fixed rope for the last steep 40 meters. From the summit of Mera Peak, we have one of the best views that make us know the Himalayas: we can see five of the six highest mountains in the world: Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga and Cho Oyu. Also we see Nuptse, Kyashar, Lhotse Shar, Kangtega and Boruntse. Partly on the same route we descend through the forests and villages to the busy airfield at Lukla. In the morning, it is a coming and going of small planes and helicopters. We also fly from here back to Kathmandu.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 03: 2 kathmandu Lukla to Chutanga (3,440m) 3-4hours
Day 04: Chutanga to Thuli Kharka (4320m) via Zwatra La (4610 m) 4-5 hours
Day 05: Thuli Kharka – Kote (3640 m) 4-5 hours
Day 06: Kote – Tangnag (4358 m) 3-4 hours
Day 07: Tangnag- Khare (5000 m) 2-3 hours
Day 08: Rest in Khare for acclimatization and practice of the climbing day
Day 09: Khare – Mera La Camp (5415 m) 3-4 hours
Day 10: Mera La Camp – High Camp (5780 m) 2-3 hours
Day 11: Climbing Mera (Central) Peak (6461m) and descent to base camp Khare 7-8 hours
Day 12: Extra Day (for Emergency)
Day 13: Khare – Kote (3640 m) 4-5 hours
Day 14: Kote – Thuli Kharka (4150 m) 5-6 hours
Day 15: Thuli Kharka – Chutanga (3550m) 3-4 hours
Day 16: Chutanga – Lukla (2840m) 3-4 hours
Day 17: Lukla – Kathmandu (1337 m) 35munutes flight
Day 18: 7 Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu,
Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Important Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events such as landslides can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary.
Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give 24-hour emergency response to any accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
The Lukla Airport is at high-altitude and flights in or out are prone to delays due to weather conditions. In the wetter, cloudy months, flights coming from Kathmandu are often delayed or canceled until next day or when the weather permits. Guests should please make sure their timetable for the trip to Lukla and Everest Base Camp allows for these possible delays. There are available also helicopter charters to and from Lukla which are not as dependant on clear weather. However they are more expensive.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan HV Treks’ placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
A tour guide according to the need of our guests will be provided. The guide takes the guests for sightseeing in Kathmandu. The sightseeing includes Pashupati area, Boudhanath, Patan, and Swoyambhunath area. The time for sightseeing begins after breakfast; it goes generally 9.00am to 5.00pm. On the same day, the company makes the permit and does other paper works for the trekking. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.
Day 03: 2 kathmandu Lukla to Chutanga (3,440m) 3-4hours
Today, as it is our first day of the trek, we have an easy walk which leads eastwards. The path from here is less regular than the other main trails from Lukla. The trekking crosses through a number of small villages and wood yards until we reach a thick forest of silver fir, birch, pines and rhododendron trees and bushes on the hillside below Nau Lekh also known as Kalo Himal Ridge. In this part of the trek, we are warned to follow the guide or better we be in the group as there are many paths leading away from the main trail. There are many small streams on the route. The whole of this area referred to as Chutanga which is a summer meadow for the Yaks especially. We visit the surroundings of Chutanga and spend the night here.
Day 04: Chutanga to Thuli Kharka (4320m) via Zwatra La (4610 m) 4-5 hours
We continue our trek the next day from Chutanga, the adventure begins with a steep climb to cross the Kalo Himal Ridge in the Nau Lekh range which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. A steep uphill climb brings us to a cairned notch in the rim with a collection of Buddhist prayer flags at 4,450m. This small pass is called the Zatrwa Og, from here the path traverses across a boulder slope, round a corner and climbs once again to the Zatrwa-La at 4,610 m. In bad weather to find the path of our route can be quite misleading, so we need to be careful. During the fine weather, the views across the Dudh Kosi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive, as well as the scenery across the rolling foothills of the Hunku Valley. From here within less than an hour we reach Thuli Karkha where we spend the night.
Day 05: Thuli Kharka – Kote (3640 m) 4-5 hours
Today we walk down to the Inkhu Khola. In the beginning, we follow a stretch of the ridge of the mountain, a bit up and down. After crossing a pass we have a good view of the southwest wall of Mera Peak and Sannu Himal. Now we walk above the tree line in the beginning, but during the day we vanish into the jungle with rhododendrons and blue Himalayan pine. The descent is steep and slippery. We reach the rough river along which we walk now. After some time we set up our camp at a spacious place near Kote.
Day 06: Kote – Tangnag (4358 m) 3-4 hours
Now we walk through the wreckage along Inkhu Khola and continue to the north into the valley. A few years ago Sabai-Tsho, a glacial lake broke and the resulting tsunami caused huge damage in the Hunkhu valley. Just before Tangnag lies a small Gompa where we bring a final sacrifice to pray for the success of climbing. During the quiet climb up we will have a view of the Kyashar (6770 meters). The valley becomes narrower and is stuck between the Kusum Kang Guru and Mera West. The big and spacious meadows at Tangnag offer a great camp to stay for two days.
Day 07: Tangnag- Khare (5000 m) 2-3 hours
The environment is getting rougher around us now. We walk along the side of moraine of the glacier Dig. We walk heading to Khare that furnish the base camp. Now, the weather, snow conditions and the physical condition of the individual climbers play a vital role ahead. Here we need to take an ultimate decision on the logistical and technical approach of the next three days. One thing is definite; the nights will be severe cold and the height and tension of the climb we probably will not let us sleep well too.
Day 08: Rest in Khare for acclimatization and practice of the climbing day
One more acclimatization and climb practice before we climb the peak. Khare is the starting point for the climb of Mera Peak. This is the last place with lodges, mainly for carriers, and tent pitches on terraces next to the cabins. We can eat indoors and carriers are well protected. When we are higher up on the mountain to climb, they will be here every day to return to. In the morning we will continue with extensive exercises with the equipment, with the rope and prusiken to go to a fixed rope up and down. Those who wish can still make a trip to the higher ground in the afternoon. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide will make arrangement for the day.
Day 09: Khare – Mera La Camp (5415 m) 3-4 hours
Today we cross the Mera Glacier and walk to the Mera La camp. This is located on the eastern side of the pass at 5344 meters. The first part is slightly steep so we may have to put a fixed rope here. The main part of the journey on the glacier, however, is slightly sloping. The campsite is situated near a small lake and is rocky and small. The porters carry only the necessary food supplies and materials for the climb up and go back to Khare BC.
Day 10: Mera La Camp – High Camp (5780 m) 2-3 hours
Our porters come up again and bring all our equipment to High Camp. There is not too much space for camping so we need to measure and set our tents. The view from here is a pair of seven and eight-thousand high peaks such as Kanchenjunga, Chamlang, Makalu, Baruntse, Lothse, Cho Oyu and Everest course. This site is considered for one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Nepal. We make camp on the glacier, which means dig and chop, which is very laborious at this altitude and again a very cold night.
Day 11: Climbing Mera (Central) Peak (6461m) and descent to base camp Khare 7-8 hours
Today is the day of goal, or let’s say, the day of truth; the day of those who come out on the top. Far before the dawn, in the darkness of the night, we get up and get ready for the climb.
It will be a long journey across the icy landscape. The slope is not very steep and there are not many gaps. Despite highly facilitated technically, the difficulty takes great effort in every meter in this height. A little wind can thereby already provide very low temperatures so we must be alert to frostbite. All these inconveniences, however, are quickly forgotten when we reach the top and certainly if we wish; we can report the base camp regarding our success. We don’t remain for longer than 30 minutes on the top. The weather won’t allow us to remain longer. We climb down slowly and to the base camp of Khare.
Day 12: Extra Day (for Emergency)
There is not any certainty that we will have favorable weather on our planned day for the summit (day 12). Therefore, this day is set aside as an emergency in case we are unable to climb the summit the Mera on the aimed day 12 due to bad weather conditions or any other unexpected reason. However, if the trip goes smoothly, we do not need this spare day, we can use this day to walk back to Lukla at a leisurely speed.
Day 13: Khare – Kote (3640 m) 4-5 hours
From Khare, we directly go back to Khote since it will not be difficult for us to go down and we don’t need acclimatization. We need acclimatization while going up only. Hence, going down is done almost constantly. We can share our experiences, tell our stories of climbing, to the expeditors who are going up and they, for sure, will listen enthusiastically to our findings and recommendations. We head to Kote for the night.
Day 14: Kote – Thuli Kharka (4150 m) 5-6 hours
We are slowly going to the known steep track through the forest until we reach the meadows of Thuli Kharka. We must be ready for tomorrow since a steep climb and a steep descent is waiting for us. We spend the night in Thuli Kharka.
Day 15: Thuli Kharka – Chutanga (3550m) 3-4 hours
Today, the trek becomes violent once more. First the steep climb to the La Zatrwa, then up and down to a second pass for the descent to Chutanga. The first part after the second pass is steep and is almost always in the shade. If there is a lot of snow then it can be quite risky. Probably the rope can be helpful again. We experience that descend can be stressful, but the prospect of the delicacies, cola and apple pie make up for it tomorrow in Lukla.
Day 16: Chutanga – Lukla (2840m) 3-4 hours
We walk for few hours down through the forest to Lukla. A nice hike to round off our trip. The rest of the day can lie in the sun or sit on a terrace. We will have to get used to the crowds, the shops and the many tourists at Lukla.
Day 17: Lukla – Kathmandu (1337 m) 35munutes flight
Today we wait for the plane to fly Kathmandu. Who knows, we will come back to this region again or not in our life. So we may have look around for the last view of the Everest region. The flight depends on the weather condition. Flight delay or cancellation is a common phenomenon in this region. So, we may have to pay extra charge the US $ 250-350 for the plane charter so that we will not miss our flight to our home country from Kathmandu.
Day 18: 7 Rest/Shopping in Kathmandu,
This day you spend on your own either looking around Kathmandu, buying a souvenir for your friends/family or you can have full rest or prepare for going back to your home country. Or if you wish you will be taken to Bhaktapur for sightseeing for 4 hours. But you have to extra charge for this. In the evening you will be served the Farewell Dinner by the company.
Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)
Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition representative will manage vehicle and staff to drop our valuable guests at the airport and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye to you but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
Number Of Participants
Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 12
Tourism Information of Beautiful Nepal
Max Altitude: 6461m
Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (mid September to November)
Difficulty Level: High
December, January and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail.Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikings and cultural tour.It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour for this places. Chitawan National park Bardiya National Park are also the places to have live experience of culture and rituals.
March , April and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze is felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of cloud can be seen in the sky during this season.So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal .So many tourist from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalyan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period.Peak climbing period can be enlength upto June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period.This period offer plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.Except rhododendrons , many kind of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
June ,July and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slight difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang , Upper Dolpa , Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September , October and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is the popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain , Tihar and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for civil workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favourable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal.Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period.So many tourist come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m are the best destination for climbing in this season.Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of nature of Nepal in this season.
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to insure you have all necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
