Mera Peak Trek & Climb
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Makalu Barun National Park, Hinku Valley, Nepal -
18 Days
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Your perfect gateway into Himalayan alpinism. Climb to 6,476m (21,246 ft) - the highest permitted trekking peak in Nepal. Non-technical climbing with expert Sherpa training. Witness the greatest mountain panorama: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
The Mera Peak expedition is your perfect gateway into the exhilarating world of true Himalayan alpinism. Designed specifically as an introductory mountaineering experience, this expedition takes you to 6,476 meters (21,246 ft)---the highest permitted "trekking peak" in Nepal. While the altitude is a serious physical challenge, the climbing itself is non-technical, meaning you do not need prior ice-climbing experience to succeed. Our expert Sherpa team provides all the necessary high-altitude gear and hands-on training at base camp. Over 18 days, you will trek through the pristine, rarely visited Hinku Valley, navigating ancient forests and open alpine glaciers. The ultimate reward for your endurance is a pre-dawn summit push, where you will stand on top of the Mera Glacier to witness the greatest mountain panorama on Earth: a sweeping, golden-hour view of five 8,000-meter giants, including Mt. Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Your Himalayan adventure begins as you touch down in the vibrant capital of Kathmandu. Upon clearing customs, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Your evening is dedicated to an official welcome briefing with your lead climbing Sherpa. We will run through a comprehensive check of the gear provided in your package and answer any questions you have to ensure you feel completely confident before we head to the mountains.
You will wake early for the thrilling flight to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla. (Note: During peak trekking seasons, flights are diverted to Manthali airport, requiring a scenic early morning or overnight drive from Kathmandu). Upon landing, you will immediately bypass the busy Everest trails, veering east into the quiet, deep forest. You will hike at a gentle pace for 3 to 4 hours through lush pine and rhododendron woods, allowing your body its first taste of altitude as you arrive at the peaceful pasture of Chutanga.
Today presents your first great physical milestone. You will climb steadily out of the tree line to conquer the Zatrwa La pass. While demanding, our guides will ensure a slow, steady "Sherpa pace." Dropping over the other side, you officially enter the pristine, untouched Hinku Valley. The trail descends through beautiful, moss-draped forests until you reach the welcoming riverside settlement of Kothe.
To ensure your body adapts smoothly to the altitude, today is a mandatory active rest day. You will take a gentle, 2-to-3-hour hike up the surrounding ridges to stretch your legs and breathe the cooler air. Afterward, you will return to the teahouse to hydrate, rest, and enjoy the rich, forested environment.
As you push higher up the Hinku Valley, you will watch the tree line gradually vanish, replaced by the stark beauty of alpine scrub and vast glacial moraines. You will trek alongside the Sanu Khola river, resting in the shadow of massive, snow-capped peaks as you arrive at the summer grazing settlement of Thagnak.
You will take a second critical acclimatization day here to guarantee your safety and summit success. You will embark on a stunning 2-to-3-hour hike up the lateral moraines toward the Dig Glacier or the Sabal Tsho glacial lake. This exposes your lungs to thinner air, adhering perfectly to the "climb high, sleep low" principle before moving to base camp.
The air grows noticeably thinner as you tackle a steady 3-to-4-hour climb toward the mountain's staging ground. You will navigate rocky trails alongside the glacier, eventually reaching Khare. This rugged outpost serves as the official base camp for Mera Peak, offering your first awe-inspiring, up-close views of the icy summit you are about to conquer.
Today is all about building your mountaineering confidence. While acclimatizing to the 5,000m altitude, your expert Sherpa team will establish a safe training ground on the nearby slopes. You will gear up in your insulated boots and crampons to learn the essentials: walking safely on a glacier, handling your ice axe, and using a harness and ascender on a fixed rope. We will practice until you feel completely comfortable.
You are now entering the true alpine zone. You will climb for 4 to 5 hours, transitioning from rocky trails to the permanent snow of the Mera Glacier. Roped together with your guide for absolute safety, you will navigate the spectacular icy terrain. We will establish High Camp on a secure rocky outcrop tucked behind a massive serac. Our team will prepare hot meals and drinks while you rest in your expedition-grade tents, preparing for the alpine start.
The ultimate goal. You will wake around 2:00 AM, stepping out into the crisp, starry night. Using headlamps, you will methodically climb the sweeping glacier at a slow, manageable pace. As dawn breaks, the horizon will ignite with color. You will tackle the final, short snow dome using a fixed safety line. Reaching the summit, you will experience the profound triumph of standing higher than most people ever will, surrounded by Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. After celebrating your achievement, you will make a careful, rewarding descent all the way back down to the comfort of Khare.
This is your built-in safety net. Summiting a 6,000m peak requires clear weather and safe wind conditions. This day is specifically reserved to wait out passing weather systems, ensuring you have the absolute best, and safest, window to achieve your summit dream.
Your retreat from the extreme altitude begins. You will retrace your steps back down the moraine for 3 to 4 hours. As you drop in elevation, the return of thicker, oxygen-rich air will provide you with an incredible surge of physical energy and warmth as you celebrate your success back in Thagnak.
You will continue your descent, leaving the glacial rock behind and joyfully re-entering the alpine tree line over a 4-to-5-hour trek. Walking back through the lush, forested valley, you will arrive back at Kothe, enjoying a celebratory dinner in the warmer teahouse.
You will face your final physical challenge as you completely reverse your earlier pass crossing, climbing steadily back up and over the Zatrwa La pass. While tiring on the legs, the immense fitness you have gained over the past two weeks will carry you through. You will descend to sleep at Chutanga, knowing the hardest work is officially behind you.
You will hike your final miles today. The gentle 3-to-4-hour trail consists of a beautiful descent through the pine forests until you break out above the Lukla airstrip. Re-entering civilization, your trekking boots finally come off! You will celebrate the success of your expedition with your Sherpa and porter team in the vibrant teahouses of Lukla.
You will board a Twin Otter aircraft for the thrilling flight off the side of the mountain. (Note: If peak season diversions are in effect, you will fly to Manthali and drive back to the city). Leaving the Himalayas behind, you will return to Kathmandu, transferring to your hotel for your first long, luxurious hot shower in over two weeks.
This day serves as a vital safety net for potential weather cancellations at the Lukla airport. Because your expedition ran perfectly on schedule, you now get to enjoy a full rest day in Kathmandu to recover, shop for souvenirs in Thamel, and enjoy a massive farewell dinner with your climbing team.
Your epic 18-day journey comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, heading home as a successful Himalayan summiteer.
Note: All technical climbing gear provided by our Sherpa team. You only need personal clothing and basic trekking gear.
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