Climbing Mera Peak in March

Even though it’s not the highest mountain in the Mahalangur range, Mera Peak is still one of a kind. It’s above your average climbing peak with unique topography and environment that are nowhere to be found. Trekking is less fun and more adventure unless you pick the wrong time.

In fact, it’s what decides how your stay in the region is going to be. Many climbers often suffer as they frantically choose the time to climb the peak. Therefore, you have to be cautious while picking the right time. Mera peak climbing in March is one of the good times.

Mera Peak ascent is most common in Spring as the weather favors mountaineers. The winter storms are a past thing at this time, and the weather is quite pleasant. You can enjoy the sunshine all day long without being bothered by straining.

You can experience both winter and spring in March. Snow is frequent at the beginning of the month, but as time passes, the temperature rise and the weather becomes more pleasant.

The month has a view to die for. You can see trees and flowers coming back to life after resisting months of cold weather. March is also full of events and festivals in the Hinku Valley. There are celebrations happening all around the town and village, which makes the stay even more rewarding.

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Major Highlights of climbing Mera Peak in March

• Sunny weather with crystal clear view of Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga
• Trek along the rushing rivers in Hinku and Hongu Valley
• Discover varied wild animals and birds along the way
• Striking mountain scenery, cascading waterfalls, scenic valleys, and dazzling glaciers
• Watch the ever-changing landscapes and picturesque hills

Weather and Temperature at Mera Peak in March

One of the highest climbing peaks in Nepal, Mera has cold, moderately snowy, and mild weather in March. It lasts a mix of winter and summer-like conditions as the weather turns from icy cold to tropical heat. The first spring of the month is usually cold due to the long-standing snow.

The winter is still there as temperatures slow down to make the transition. The weather is chilly throughout the month, but there’s still plenty of sunshine. The trails are usually covered in snow, but once it thaws, the route becomes clear for mountaineers.

The temperature at the summit increases slowly from -15 to -1 Degrees Celsius. The days are warm below the mountain but cold at the summit. Overnight is almost bone-chilling; bring some heated jacket and insulated boots.

The visibility is quite strong in March, but you may still have a gloomy morning and night. Expect a sunny day with a crystal clear sky, which makes the sightseeing more interesting and enjoyable.

Why climb Mera Peak in March?

1. Fewer crowds

For the first month of Spring, March witnesses a lot few visitors than the ones it’s before. While this may not be too good for locals, it definitely is the best thing for hikers as they can travel without worrying about the crowd.

There are not many tourists in the month as the weather is still cold. The trails are often empty, making it easier to get around. You can book the room whenever and wherever you like while still managing to get great deals.

Hotels and lodges are available at a reasonable price during the shoulder season. Due to bare minimum crowds, flights are inexpensive during March. This can save you a lot of money.

Unique flora and fauna

Mera Peak covers a long walking distance that not only varies in geography but also changes in elevation. Its never-ending hiking trails will take you to various regions and offer you a chance to know flora and fauna of the country.

Climbers will get to discover many wild animals and birds on their way to the summit. As the spring just rolls down in March, you can see several migrant birds fleeing to the region. You can find many species of birds in the neighborhood around the villages.

The return of spring also sees a lot of blooming wildflowers in the forests and around the valley. Its lush green meadows with serene surroundings make everything around it vibrant and lively.

Beautiful Weather and Atmosphere

As March sees the end of winter, the weather becomes more affable and mellow. It’s not too warm, not too cold, making the month a perfect time to climb the mountain. The weather conditions are quite favorable to climb the peak, although caution is advised.

End-of-wind storms and blizzards continue in March while the temperature gradually rises up. The weather is bright and warm during the day, making it ideal for hiking the trail. You can experience a serene atmosphere as the month bring spring joy with a homely environment.

Breathtaking mountain view

Mera Peak is a quintessential location to watch the scenic mountain. Turn anywhere, and you can see the beautiful snowy mountains putting on a fine display. However, it’s only for those who climb the peak in and around March when the weather is pleasant.

Given the crystal clear sky and sunny weather, you can watch the mountain from anywhere in March. It lets the climbers observe Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga without any difficulties.

Budget Friendly

March is your time to catch for those who want to climb Mera Peak in spring and still make it on a low budget. It’s the best month to hit the trail and save plenty of money by getting the best deals. There’s usually less crowd in March, as the spring is yet to hit the mark, and the winter is still lingering.

Mountaineers are not drawn to the region by this time, so accommodations and foods are cheap. You can get some lucrative offers, which may help in reducing costs. Flights are cheaper and are available easily, so you don’t have to pay excessive amounts.

What is the challenge of climbing Mera Peak in March?

Steep and Slippery Trails

Hiking Mera in March is a great idea unless you’re not bothered by snow and wind. Most of March braces cold weather in Hinku, so you’ve to prepare for a challenging hike. The mountains are still covered in snow, making the climb seemingly tricky. The trails are slippery and usually inside the deep snow, requiring climbers to use crampons.

2. High Altitude

High altitude is the very challenge that mountaineers face while climbing Mera Peak. They pose the risk of developing altitude sickness, especially when above 4,000 meters. The trails at higher elevations expose mountaineers to extreme threats and cause trouble in hiking. This includes difficulty in breathing, dizziness, headache, and muscle pain. Beginners can even have insomnia due to low atmospheric pressure.

3. Unpredictable Weather

With the rising spring temperature, the weather in March is warm and pleasant. But, it’s not always the case, as the temperature can fall dramatically at Mera Peak. The overwhelming impact of winter doesn’t help much either, making the climb extremely challenging.

Mountaineers may find the changing weather and temperature difficult to cope with. Those who aren’t used to cold weather will have more trouble climbing the mountain. They might get sick as well due to the falling temperature.

4. Extreme Distance

It may be considered moderate, but Mera Peak isn’t an easy climb. The routes and the weather conditions make the trek harder and incredibly daunting. Its classic trails are extreme, with steep slopes running through valleys and glaciers.

They cover an array of landscapes, which looks breathtaking but are challenging to ascent. The expedition typically takes 16 to 18 days and requires you to climb above 6,400 meters. You must cross Zatra La Pass and ascent high altitude glaciers and mountain ridges to join the base camp route, which is quite difficult even for aces.

Beginners will be struggling since their time in Paya at Hinklu Valley. They are required to walk an average of 6-7 hours, passing through rivers and forests. The trail ascends further up the hills and through the high camp before finishing at the top.

5. A trekking guide is a must

Although most of the hiking trails are open for mountaineers in March, there are still not many visitors during the month. The trails are often empty, making it hard to get any help if needed.

You’ll have to find the way on your own, which is kinda scary if you’re new to the region. Thus it makes more sense to hire a trekking guide as they’ll help you get around. This will make the journey less stressful and more relaxed. Interactions with the locals become possible with the assistance of a guide.

Preparations for Mera Peak climbing in March

Climbing Mera Peak isn’t a huge deal if you’re a professional with lots of experience. But, to those who’re new to mountaineering, you must be prepared for a great adventure before the trek. From physical training to picking equipment, you’ve to consider a lot of things before getting on the journey.

Since it’s unlike any regular hike, with many technical difficulties and strenuous climbs. The mountain has sheer ice cliffs and snow slopes, which are very challenging to mount. So, give yourself enough time to prepare for the expedition.

First off, get fit and get in shape. You can’t climb the mountain without building base fitness and stamina. So, be regular and keep up with the planned workout routine. If possible, infuse cardio exercise into your routine, as it’ll help you improve your health and keep you in good condition.

Mental preparation is as important as physical or even more. Therefore, you have to be in the right headspace before climbing the mountain. You’ll have to build your confidence and lift up your spirit before climbing the peak. Encourage yourself throughout the whole time as it’ll give you the courage to fight against the challenges.

Tips for Mera Peak Climbing

Plan the excursion ahead of time

Whether you’re day hiking or month, always plan the expedition beforehand. This will help you prepare well for the trek and minimize complexities. You can start by learning about the trails, planning itineraries, and getting yourself fit for the trek. Get an idea of the difficulty of the trail and prepare the workout routine accordingly. Obtain permits if required and do it before the trek.

Pack light

With the trek lasting more than two weeks, climbers of Mera Peak are often in conflict about what to carry and what not. Due to this, they often miss out on items that could have been convenient and worthwhile. Packing at the last minute often leaves them in haste, so it’s better to give yourself enough time to organize things.

Start well in advance, at least three weeks before the expedition. Make sure you have got all the items required for mountaineering. Keep the backpack as light as possible, especially if you’re carrying it by yourself.

Invest in high-quality gears

It’s worth spending a few extra bucks on high-quality gear when climbing the Himalayas. Getting a cheap item will only cost you more in the long run. This equipment will not last long, and you may not even be able to use it when needed. So, be wiser and get yourself some high-quality gear for mountaineering.

Preparation and Altitude

You don’t have to be professional to climb Mera Peak. Good preparation and exercise is enough to ascend the summit. However, to have a better and smoother ride, you’ll need a lot of training and sheer momentum.

So, increase your fitness to match the difficulty level of the hike. Do exercise like cycling, brisk walking, and running to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Hit the gym if needed and go on a hike, especially the one that has varied terrains.

Routes in Hinku are steep and rise too high, too fast. Any climb above 3,500 to 4000 meters is likely to affect mountaineers and cause them altitude sickness. So, prepare for the altitude, particularly if you’re new to the weather conditions. Acclimatization helps a lot to cope with low oxygen, so whenever you feel sick, get rest and continue trekking afterward.

Build up your skill

It’s impossible to climb Mera or any peak in general unless you’re fit and in good shape. Therefore, give yourself at least a month before heading on the hike. Start with the basics like jogging, stair climbing, walking, and weight lifting. They help in improving stamina and

Go on a hike as frequently as possible and do it with a full back. This will help you get used to hiking and make overcoming the challenges easier.