Mera Peak Climbing

Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be received by Shikhar's representative and transferred to your hotel. Feel free to take a stroll along Thamel's colorful streets, packed with shops, restaurants, and atmosphere—perfect for an initial exploration.

You may also spend some time visiting some of the nearby cultural attractions, such as Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, or Kathmandu Durbar Square. This day will also enable you to settle down, relax, and get adjusted to the energy of this bustling city prior to your commencing the adventure in the Himalayas.

This is the day of complete preparation for the trek and climb. RRight after breakfast, we will provide you with a comprehensive briefing regarding the itinerary of the days ahead. We will also provide information on safety measures and equipment needed. If needed, you have ample time for shopping and/or hiring equipment.

We can organize a guided tour to some historic and cultural sites of Kathmandu—UNESCO world heritage sites like Pashupatinath Temple or Boudhanath Stupa if you are interested.

This day is important for getting well-prepared and comfortable before entering the mountains.

It reaches Rigmo in the early morning drive through picturesque terraced fields, undulating hills, and far-flung villages. As a matter of fact, the drive itself is a cultural experience in the form of glimpses into rural Nepali life. The trek towards Taksindu finally starts from Rigmo.

It winds through a green forest with chirping of birds, sweet enough to bring about an atmosphere of peace with the sound of rivers somewhere far away. The altitude gradually increases as one treks and refreshments from the mountain air can be felt. Taksindu is a small village, greeting one with warm reception and overnight homely stay.

It is an evocative drive with green hills and distant snow-capped peaks. Further, the Pangum trek goes through dense forests of rhododendron and pine trees. You will pass by traditional Sherpa villages and see different cultures and different ways of life.

Soon you reach Pangom at 2,948 meters where views keep getting bigger and more beautiful; landscapes hinting at the adventures that lie ahead. This village offers serene surroundings to rest and garner your strength for the journey to be continued the next day.

Leaving Pangom, today's hike leads to Ningsow at an elevation of 2,860 meters. The track includes a mix of ascents and descents through lush woodlands and small, secluded communities. The air becomes sharper as one travels deeper into the forest, and the surroundings become more calm.

It is a path that takes one along narrow ridges beside flowing streams—an elevation replete with both challenge and beauty. Ningsow, a very quiet and secluded village, will be pleasant for enjoying the serenity, just right for relaxation after a whole day of trekking.

Today’s journey from Ningsow to Chhatra Khola takes you through dense bamboo forests and across several streams. The trail is undulating, with several ups and downs, making it a great day for acclimatization. You’ll also pass through sections of the Makalu Barun National Park, which is rich in biodiversity and offers a chance to spot wildlife.

The camp for the day is at Chhatra Khola at 2,800 meters, lying serenely beside the river. With the sound of the gurgling river and the completely undisturbed environment, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature around one.

The walk to Kothe is beautiful: It drops down through the Hinku Valley, passing through rhododendron and bamboo trees beside the jingle of the Hinku River. Gradually, the path has developed into a gentle climb with glimpses occasionally of high cliffs and the tinkle of splash from waterfalls.

The higher one walks up the valley, the more rugged the terrain, wilder the view. Kothe is a small village and the day's destination would provide a lovely retreat. From here, you get wonderful views of the peaks around and relive the effort of the day. The altitude begins to increase quite sharply now, so acclimatization is more important.

The trail ascends to Thaknak, higher up the Hinku Valley from Kothe. It is a scenic trail, accompanied by the river for quite a ways. Vegetation gives way gradually to more alpine terrain. Higher and higher you climb, the thinner and cooler the air, with sights of peaks nearby becoming more and more impressive.

Thaknak stands higher in elevation and is an important stop for acclimatization. It is a small village, set in surroundings stark and beautiful, dominated by towering peaks upon the horizon: Mera and Kusum Kanguru.

Today’s trek to Khare is a gradual but steady ascent through alpine meadows and alongside glacial rivers. It winds upwards, then bends again, with some breathtaking views of surrounding mountains, particularly the imposing Mera Peak that seems to draw closer and closer.

As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged, with fewer signs of vegetation. Perched at a high altitude, Khare is the last camp before your ascend. It's a launching pad for all climbers, and everyone in the village buzzes with anticipation about what's in store. Gear up for climbing and a good night's sleep ends the day.

At this altitude, acclimatization is the priority, and today is dedicated to getting your body prepared for the climb. You will participate in pre-climb training regarding the proper use of climbing gear: crampons, ice axe, harnesses. This training aids in building confidence and makes you more poised toward the technical aspects of Mera Peak.

This would also be an ideal day to observe the surroundings of Khare, make some short climbs around, and enjoy the views of the countryside. Get a good night's sleep this evening as you will begin your final ascent towards Mera Peak tomorrow.

The long day proves tiring but rewarding, peaking at 5,780 meters of elevation at Mera Peak High Camp. The path has breathtaking views all around it of the surrounding mountains and steeply rises out of the glacier, becoming rocky. You can feel the thinning of air and desolation of the landscape up higher, giving it a feel of adventure.

High Camp is set on a rocky outcropping with views of Everest, Makalu, and other Himalaya giants. The camp may be pitched under tents, but the atmosphere is charged in one's preparation to summit.

Today represents the ultimate highpoint of your journey—early morning ascension to Mera Peak's summit at 6,476 meters. Start climbing in the pre-dawn hours, and use headlamps to light up the track on the glacier. Today will be a steep climb with challenging sections, so you will be miserable with thin air adding even more agony.

But the reward is worth the effort: standing on the roof, you'll have panoramic views over the Himalayas—Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. After celebrating the summit, you'll carefully descend back to Khare, where you can rest and reflect on your incredible achievement.

Whereas yesterday was full of excitement, climbing, today's trek takes you back down to Kothe. This gives you a chance to appreciate the beauty of Hinku Valley from another vantage point. Gradually, the landscape changes from alpine meadows down to dense forests.

The trail works its way down following the Hinku River, and one feels a sort of accomplishment and relaxation with the familiar surroundings. Kothe, at 3,600 meters, is a comfortable camp with a friendly atmosphere for overnight stays. The day's trek is relaxing and allows one to look back over the day's climb onto Mera Peak.

The trail to Thuli Kharka overlaps with the Hinku Valley and ascends steadily upwards in altitude through beautiful forests of rhododendron. The paths go on to panoramic views of the peaks around. You will pass by several remote villages and witness the genuine hospitality of the locals as you continue on your trek.

Thuli Kharka, at 4,300 meters, is a little village that provides a peaceful rest break for trekkers. Crisp mountain air and expansive views make this just the right place to reflect on the journey so far and prepare for the final leg of the trek.

The last day of trekking descends to Lukla from Thuli Kharka via alpine forests and rugged mountain trails. It may be a difficult proposition, but the thought of getting back to civilization is rewarding in itself. Getting closer to Lukla, it gradually changes, and the bustling town sharply contrasts with the remoteness and serenity encountered in the landscape for the past few days.

Lukla stands at 2,860 meters and is the place where you will celebrate the accomplishment of your trek by talking about your stories and experiences with fellow trekkers. This evening you can again enjoy lodge comforts, and look forward to the flight back towards Kathmandu tomorrow.

After an early breakfast, board a brief but thrilling journey back to Kathmandu. You will get a last glance over the Himalayas from your plane window. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check into the hotel and relax, enjoying luxuries of city living.

This day is at leisure for last-minute shopping or sightseeing, or just relaxing. There is an optional visit to the Garden of Dreams and dinner out at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Farewell dinner celebrating the successful completion of your trek and climb.

Today is your last adventure. You can spend your time doing some last minute shopping or sightseeing around after breakfast, depending upon your flight schedule. We will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport at least three hours prior to your flight schedule, thus ensuring a smooth departure.

As you bid farewell to Nepal, take with you the memories of landscapes that took your breath away—climbs that challenged your spirits and hospitality that made you feel at home. Safe journeys and hope to welcome you back for another Himalayan adventure!