Mera Peak Climbing (18 Days)

Today combines Kathmandu sightseeing with final preparations for the mountain journey. Planned visits include Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, introducing the valley’s Buddhist and Hindu heritage before the climb.

Later, review your personal climbing gear with the team. Check boot and crampon compatibility, clothing and equipment fit, and confirm your luggage allowance. Prepare for tomorrow’s early departure, with the flight airport and transfer time confirmed by our team.

The journey begins with a flight to Lukla at approximately 2,860 m. Seasonal airline operations may require departure from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, reached by road from Kathmandu before flying.

After landing, meet the mountain team and start towards Paiya. The route heads away from the main Namche trail, following forested slopes with climbs, descents and bridge crossings. Today introduces the walking rhythm of the lower approach, where changes in height continue throughout the day. Check into your lodge in Paiya for your first night.

We leave Paiya on a trail that descends before climbing through forest. Watch your footing on damp or muddy sections, and follow the guide across the changing ground.

The approach continues over wooded hillsides towards Panggom. Breaks give you time to drink and adjust layers as the temperature changes between shaded paths and open sections. On arrival, settle into your lodge and prepare for another day of mixed climbing and descending. The route continues towards Ningsow tomorrow, still below the higher Hinku Valley camps.

Leaving Panggom, the trail rises before dropping through wooded slopes. The day combines climbs and descents, so similar overnight elevations do not mean an entirely level walk between the two villages.

Rhododendron forest lines parts of the route, with mountain views possible where the trees open. We continue towards Ningsow at a steady pace and stop for the night. Use the remaining afternoon to dry clothing, refill water and rest before tomorrow’s longer forest stage towards Chhatra Khola in the valley.

Today is a longer stage through forested country towards Chhatra Khola. The paths cross streams and uneven ground as the route moves towards the Hinku Valley, with shaded sections that can stay damp after rainfall.

Keep water and a rain layer within reach, and take care on roots, stones and narrow paths. The walking requires attention even before the higher elevations. After reaching Chhatra Khola, we check into the lodge and rest for the onward journey towards Kothe tomorrow.

We continue towards Kothe through the lower Hinku Valley. Forested paths follow the river corridor, with bamboo and pine along sections of the approach. The route gains height today, bringing a substantial increase from last night’s sleeping elevation.

Your guide monitors the pace and how you feel as we move higher. Tell the team about headaches, nausea or unusual fatigue. On arrival in Kothe, rest at the lodge and prepare for the next stage towards Thaknak tomorrow morning.

Beyond Kothe, we continue along the Hinku Valley towards Thaknak. The trees thin as the route enters more open ground, with river views and rocky sections beneath the surrounding mountains ahead.

Although the stage is shorter than yesterday, the higher elevation increases the effort required. Walk slowly and tell your guide how you are feeling. We spend the night in Thaknak, also written as Tangnag, before continuing towards Khare. Weather and the group’s health determine how the onward plan is managed.

We leave Thaknak and follow the valley towards Khare, passing ground shaped by the Dig Glacier. The path climbs more steeply as the route approaches the lodges, with views of Mera’s northern slopes when the weather is clear.

Khare is our base for acclimatisation and equipment practice. After settling into the lodge, rest and prepare your climbing kit. Tomorrow’s programme stays at the same elevation, allowing time for training before moving towards the glacier and Mera High Camp.

We remain in Khare for acclimatisation and practical climbing preparation. Your guide checks the equipment and leads a training session on using crampons, ropes and an ice axe, with the location chosen according to conditions.

Use this time to practise movements and discuss anything unfamiliar. Training helps you prepare, while your health and ability still determine whether you continue higher. Repack for High Camp, keep essential layers accessible and rest before tomorrow’s glacier stage begins.

The route from Khare leads towards Mera La and onto the glacier before continuing to High Camp. Wear the climbing equipment required by your guide and follow the team’s rope arrangements. Snow, ice and visibility influence progress throughout this ascent.

High Camp sits above Khare, making this a substantial rise in sleeping altitude. Your guide assesses whether conditions and health allow the move. At camp, organise your equipment and rest for the early start. The climb proceeds only when the team considers it appropriate.

We begin before dawn, following the climbing guide across snow and glacier terrain. The ascent requires steady movement with crampons and ropes, while cold and altitude make progress demanding.

The final approach may include a steeper section, with rope protection arranged for the conditions. Your guide decides whether to continue, pause or turn back. Clear weather can reveal Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga.

After the attempt, descend carefully to High Camp and continue towards Khare. Keep enough energy for the return; the day ends only when the descent is completed.

This day provides flexibility if weather or climbing conditions delay the summit attempt. Your guide decides how to use it, considering the group’s health, route conditions and the time required for a careful descent.

If the attempt and descent run to plan, the day can be used for rest in Khare. If the schedule changes, the overnight location may also change. Confirm any additional services or costs before extending beyond the agreed programme for your trip.

We leave Khare and follow the valley back through Thaknak towards Kothe. The route loses height, bringing you from the open upper valley towards the lower forested sections again.

The descent still requires careful footing on loose stones and uneven paths. Take breaks and keep a steady pace as tired legs recover from the climbing stage. After reaching Kothe, settle into the lodge. Tomorrow’s route turns towards Thuli Kharka, beginning the return across the hills towards Lukla for departure.

We leave the lower Hinku Valley route and climb towards Thuli Kharka. Forested sections lead onto higher ground, with rhododendron and juniper along parts of the hillside as the path rises away from the river.

The climb brings another gain in sleeping altitude, so keep a measured pace despite the recent descent. On arrival, rest and organise warm clothing for tomorrow’s crossing of Zatrwa La. Conditions on the pass can be colder and windier than those around the lodge.

Our final trekking stage climbs towards Zatrwa La before descending to Lukla. The pass reaches approximately 4,610 m, with snow or ice possible according to recent weather and season of travel.

Follow the guide across the pass and take care on the descent. The trail drops towards greener slopes and the lodges of Lukla, ending the circuit. After checking in, organise your bags for tomorrow’s flight and confirm departure arrangements with the team before the final mountain night of this trip.

We prepare for the return flight from Lukla. Depending on airline operations, you may fly directly to Kathmandu or land at Manthali and continue by road to Kathmandu.

After reaching your hotel, the remaining time is available for rest or shopping nearby. We meet for a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Flight timing depends on weather and airline operations, so keep onward travel plans flexible around possible delays.

Your eighteen-day Mera Peak journey ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward flight. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk nearby before leaving your hotel in Kathmandu.

Our representative accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.