Mera Peak, a mountain in the Everest(Khumbu) Region of Nepal, is the ultimate peak for amateur climbers. Known as the tallest trekking peak in Nepal, Mera Peak stands at the height of 6,416m in the shades of Mt Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. This short peak has been inviting hundreds of beginner climbers to Nepal to gain some climbing expertise.
Typically, Mera Peak Climbing is an itinerary of around 18 to 23 days long. However, a shorter plan, Short Mera Peak Climbing, is becoming more and more popular nowadays. Especially those with a tight schedule have been choosing this plan more than others.
The Short Mera Peak Climbing is a 12 days long expedition to scale the pinpoint of the imposing peak. It starts as usual from Kathmandu and goes through the trail to Mera Peak, and reaches the summit. The only thing that makes the Short Mera Peak Climbing shorter than the standard plan is fewer acclimatization days.
More precisely, the fast Mera Peak Expedition has one acclimatization day, whereas the longer ones have two to three days. Except that, the route, the trekking distance, climbing hours, everything is just the same.
However, Rapid or Short Mera Peak Climbing is a little complicated than the longer one. With the cut of an acclimatization day, you have to settle with only one rest day throughout the trek. And that can add little challenge and pressure to the climbers to acclimate to the newly gained heights.
If they can adapt to the altitudes nicely in one day, there is nothing to worry about. All of you will have the same sort of mountaineering experience as the Normal Mera Peak Climbing itinerary, or maybe better than that.
Still, upon the completion of this Short Mera Peak Climbing, you will have bundles of excellent memories to share with the world. The panoramic view of the Everest region mountains, the trekking experience in the region, the knowledge of hardship and culture of the locals, and many more.
On top of everything, you will become a climbing expert of the trekking peaks and a level up in mountaineering at the end of the excursion.
Let’s find out more about the trip in detail in the headings to come!
Major Highlights of Short Mera Peak Climbing
- Climb the tallest trekking in Nepal within just 12 days.
- Begin the excursion with a scenic flight to the Lukla, Everest Region.
- Trek through the captivating landscapes of the Khumbu Region.
- Also, explore the traditional settlements of the region and experience their hospitality.
- Test your mountaineering skills to climb the summit of 6,461m.
- Behold the striking views of the mountains like Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and many others from the summit.
About the Route
All of it will begin from Kathmandu as every other expedition in Nepal. An early morning flight of 35 minutes to Lukla will give you the way to escape Kathmandu’s boisterous streets. Upon the landing, you will join the trekking trail that goes towards Chhutang from Lukla. Your first overnight rest will be in Chhutang. The next day, you will move towards Thuli Kharka(4,300m).
Similarly, passing via several settlements of the Everest Region like Kothe, Thangnak, and Khare, you will end up in the Mera Base Camp. Remember, you will spend an entire rest day in Khare to acclimate to the altitudes. Once your body is ready to go upwards, you will aim for Mera High Camp(5,780m) from the base camp. The trail from the base camp is steeper than before and involves snowy climbs.
After you reach the high camp, you will move towards the summit of Mera Peak from the high camp. The track is primarily straightforward and has several technical parts. With the usage of essential mountaineering gear and fixed ropes, you will make it to the top. Spending some decent time on the top, you will gradually descend back through the same route onwards. Over a couple of days, you will retrace back to Lukla from the Mera Peak’s foothills for a flight back to Kathmandu.
Best Time for Short Mera Peak Climbing
No matter how challenging or easy an expedition is, you do not have to compromise when it comes to weather and conditions. You have to place your climb in the times when everything is okay. In that context, Spring and Autumn are the so-called best times for climbing in Nepal.
Spring Season
Spring is an unbeatable time for adventures in Nepal. This season ranges from March until May, and you will see crowds all over the nation’s trails. The weather is stable enough to provide a warm temperature, clear views, sunny days, and a bright display. The chances of snowfall up in the peaks are relatively low during the season, which is another favorable condition for climbing.
You can experience all of those perks of the season all over the three months. That is why the climbing routes of Everest, Manaslu, Island, and numerous other peaks are full of adventurers in this mean season. And if you plan your Short Mera Peak Climbing in the very season, you are sure to have an eventful climb.
Autumn Season
The Autumn season, which spreads through September until early December, is another suitable time for climbing Mera Peak. The significant highlights of Autumn are cozy temperature, transparent mountains, open skies, and more. There are very many similarities between the conditions of Autumn and Spring.
However, it is a post-monsoon season. Thus, the landscapes look more evident than in Spring. The temperature is relatively colder than the Spring during the late Autumn season. But, the three months are more than suitable for climbing peaks in Nepal. One climbing a mountain in Autumn in Nepal will not experience any sorts of weather challenges.
In a nutshell, Autumn and Spring are the times when you should do Mera Peak Climbing. You already know why you should do expeditions during those times. Nevertheless, some people like to do it during the off-seasons, Winter and Monsoon. The climb during these seasons is possible but highly risky and challenging. People with lots of experience and expertise tend to pick Winter and Monsoon months plans.
Difficulties during Short Mera Peak Climbing
Altitude Sickness
Altitude illness is not a new thing in peak expeditions. It is an obvious thing if not taken seriously. As in Short Mera Peak Climbing, the risk of mountain sickness is always there. You know that the climb is about to reach the top of the tallest trekking peak in Nepal. In the process of gaining the summit, you may have to deal with mountain sickness. Thus, altitude sickness is a significant challenge during this expedition.
Distance
Mera Peak Climbing is also about trekking around 78 miles through the rugged part of the Everest Region. Such a distance is always a hurdle to overcome for any sort of climber. The trail is a mix of rough, rugged, steep, snowy, and straightforward parts. And you have to go through such a trial in 12 days. That is why it can be a little difficult for its doers.
Fewer Acclimatization Days
Short Mera Peak Climbing has only one acclimatization day, and that is how the itinerary was made shorter. But, the reduction of acclimatization days means less time to acclimate to the new altitudes. Other Mera Peak Climbing itineraries typically have at least two acclimatization days. However, in this package, you have to settle with only one rest day in Khare. And that can be a thing to worry about in Short Mera Peak Climbing Trip.
Technical Section
Mera Peak is not a rugged mountain if you look at it technically. According to Alpine Grading System, Mera Peak is a PD Alpine Graded peak, which means it is lightly easy. Mountains with such grading are somewhat technical with few technical parts plus glacier walking. That means there will be technical sections and glacier walking during Mera Peak Climbing. And to do those parts, you will need some mountaineering skills. If you do not possess any, then it can be difficult for you.
Extreme Weather
Mountains have the most extreme weather, and you know that surely. How can that not happen in the expedition of Mera Peak? You have to deal with the bad weather of the higher Everest Region during the trip. Besides, you will also be living in nothing but the tented camp while en route to the summit. In such conditions, the temperature is shallow, and there is an equal chance of strong wind. The weather conditions keep on getting worse as you gain more elevation. Thus, extreme weather is another hassle.
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek up to Chutanga
Day 02: Trek from Chutanga to Thuli Kharka or Chatra La
Day 03: Trek from Thuli Kharka to Kothe
Day 04: Trek from Kothe to Thangnak
Day 05: Trek from Thangnak to Khare
Day 06: Acclimatization Cum Rest Day in Khare
Day 07: Ascending from Khare to Mera High Camp
Day 08: Climb from Mera High Camp to Mera Summit and descend back to Khare
Day 09: Trek back from Khare to Kothe
Day 10: Trek back from Kothe to Thuli Kharka
Day 11: Trek from Thuli Kharka to Lukla
Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla and Sum Up the Expedition
Detailed Itinerary of Short Mera Peak Climbing
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek up to Chutanga
Flight Duration: 35 minutes
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Starting Point: Lukla(2,800m)
Ending Point: Chutanga(3,020m)
An early morning flight from Kathmandu will take you to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest Region. You will enjoy the airtime over the skies of Nepal by seeing the picturesque views through your windows. The flight will last for 45 minutes before landing at Lukla Airport. Lukla is quite a scenic place to be around, but you will leave it after getting a permit and a quick breakfast.
Soon, you will join the trail to Chhuthang, where you have to spend the night. En route, several villages will come along before you step into the path that is thick of Pine and Rhododendron. The track is a little confusing as it is not a popular or frequented trail. But you need to be with your guide; he will lead the right path. The trek from Lukla to Chutanga is easy as it goes over a mostly flat track. After 3 to 4 hours of jungle walk, you will reach Chhutang. It is a village in the middle of a thick forest with dozens of houses and teahouses—overnight in Chutanga.
Day 02:Trek from Chutanga to Thuli Kharka or Chatra La
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starting Point: Chutanga(3,020m)
Ending Point: Thuli Kharka(3,900m)
You will get up to a lovely view in Chutanga, but do not get hooked to the view. You have to leave the village for Thuli Kharka after breakfast. As you are on the trail again, you will enjoy some minutes of easy walking before coming across a steep hill. The sweet breaking vertical section will end after you reach Zatrawala Pass(4,600m). We bet you that each step walked today will feel worthy as you see the mountain panorama from Zatrawala Pass(4,610m). Peaks like Kongdi Ri, Number Himal, Karyolang Peak can be seen from Zatrawala Pass.
From the top, you will join a descending trail of 2 hours that goes towards Thuli Kharka. While en route to Thuli Kharka, you will pass the vast pasture lands of Himalayan Yaks. You may also encounter some of the yaks while moving ahead. This particular part of the trek is pretty alluring as you will move from one scenic pasture land to another. Following a long trekking day, you will finally reach Thuli Kharka, another pasture land of the region with a couple of teahouses. Overnight in Thuli Kharka.
Day 03: Trek from Thuli Kharka to Kothe
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starting Point: Thuli Kharka(3,900m)
Ending Point: Kothe(3,600m)
From Thuli Kharka, the trekking trail will wind up towards Kothe. You will join the trail as soon as you eat your breakfast. Kothe(3,600m) lies at a lower altitude than the Thuli Kharka. Hence, you will experience altitude loss today instead of gain. But that doesn’t mean the trail will be straight and downhill. The route to Kothe from Thuli Kharka is a mix-up of everything: uphill, downhill, and flat track.
You will start with a descent from Kharka before doing numerous uphill and downhill treks. Soon later, you will enter the Hinku Valley, a picturesque valley with a great view of Mera Peak. There will be a descent that will take you deep into the valley. It will be an easy descent of 2 hours, but the trail is a little slippery due to the loose rocks. The downwards walk will end after you reach the river bed of the Hinku River.
From the riverbed, you will join an uphill track that takes you to Kothe. The easy trek of 6 to 7 hours will finally stop once you reach Kothe, a beautiful village in the foothills of the mountains. Overnight in one of the teahouses in Kothe.
Day 04: Trek from Kothe to Thangnak
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starting Point: Kothe(3,600m)
Ending Point: Thangnak(4,358m)
You will leave Kothe behind in pursuit of Thangnak on the 4th day of Short Mera Peak Climbing. The trail of the day will go along the Hinku River’s riverbed at first. Walking by the sounding river, you will come across Gondishung, a small settlement on the route to Mera Peak. You will stop for a while in the village for rest and lunch.
As you move past Gondishung after lunch, you will see a centuries-old Buddhist Gompa shortly. You will have prayers at the Gompa for a successful climb of Mera Peak, as it is a culture. The blessings from the Gompa will push you towards Mera Peak but firstly to Thangnak. Throughout the day, Mera Peak will keep you teasing and welcoming from a distance. To reach Thangnak from Gondishung, you have to pass via several uphills.
The final stretch of the day is relatively easy as you will walk on a flat track. While moving through the plainlands, you will see breathtaking hills in the backdrop. Thangnak, a picturesque pasture land, is a temporary settlement of the locals who rear Yaks. Overnight in Thangnak.
Day 05: Trek from Thangnak to Khare
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Starting Point: Thangnak(4,358m)
Ending Point: Khare(5,045m)
The fifth day can be demanding as you are aiming to go over an altitude of 4,500m. So make sure you keep the precautions as you leave Thangnak for Khare. Trekking slowly, drinking enough water, and taking rests are the ways to avoid sickness. You will move ahead doing the same things. Trail-wise, the day is going to be tough. Just after leaving Thangnak, you will have a steep and rough trail ahead. There are moraines along the route which will guide you through a glacier, Dig Glacier, and then to Dig Kharka(Pasture).
Overcoming the moraine and glacier section, you will reach just in front of a steep hill. You will have to climb an uphill to reach Khare; the village is at the end of the climb. You will use around 3 to 4 hours to arrive in Khare from the foothill. And the total of the strenuous climb will make immense sense as you will envision the village and numerous mountains altogether. Overnight stop in a teahouse of Khare.
Day 06: Acclimatization Cum Rest Day in Khare
The sixth day of Short Mera Peak Climbing will bring the only acclimatization day of the trip. You have to get accustomed to the high altitudes before you leave Khare for Mera Peak. Without acclimatizing to the elevations, it is very treacherous to move further in the expedition. So this day will help your lungs to settle down and breathe nicely and fully in the heights.
Khare is the acclimatization stop of every Mera Peak expedition. Located just over 5,000m of altitude, Khare is an amazing place to spend a day. Various peaks surround Khare, and the landscapes by the village are pretty awe-inspiring. On this day, you will take a day off from the standard trail to explore Khare thoroughly.
After eating your breakfast, you will reach out for the near hilltops for the day hike. With beautiful scenery and Mera Peak, you will have a nice day in Khare. By dusk, you will have lots of good memories in Khare and an acclimated body for the Mera Peak Climbing. Ensure you get sufficient sights of Mahalangur peaks like Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, and many more. You will return to the same teahouses in Khare for the night.
Day 07: Ascending from Khare to Mera High Camp
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Starting Point: Khare(5,045m)
Ending Point: Mera High Camp(5,780m)
The real adventure begins from this very point when you will leave straight for Mera High Camp from Khare. It will be an arduous trek through Mera Glacier. The Mera Base Camp is just on the other side of the glacier. So it will be a steep trek to cross the glacier slowly. You have to bring out your snow gears like crampons and gaiter from here. To walk over glaciers and terminal moraines is always a challenging thing to do. Thus, you have to make sure you are walking to the high camp carefully.
After traversing through the glacier for 2 to 3 hours, you will reach the base camp of Mera Peak. Mera Peak Base Camp remains at an altitude of 5,300m. You will take a short rest at the base camp before ascending upwards again. As you know, your destination for the day is Mera High Camp, not the Mera Base Camp. You will pass by Mera La Pass to find your way to the high camp. The trail is entirely steep and snowy, so it can take some time.
Upon your arrival in the High camp, you and your team will settle in a tent for the rest. Here onwards, the tented camp is the only option for accommodation, whereas your Sherpa team will make food. Live every moment in the high camp by enjoying the view from there. You can view various peaks from quite a close range, including Mera Peak. By night, you will take a rest along with the entire team for the upcoming big day.
Day 08: Climb from Mera High Camp to Mera Summit and descend back to Khare
Trek Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Starting Point: Mera High Camp(5,780m)
Ending Point: Khare(5,045m)
Here starts the most demanding and most important day of the 12 Days Short Mera Peak Climbing, the summit day. You will start the climb quite early, at 2 AM, as it will be a long day. You also have to descend back to Khare after ascending the summit. Therefore, you will start climbing in the dark.
You will follow the guidance of the experienced team to move higher. As you know, Mera Peak is technically an easy climb. So you will not face any big obstacle while ascending the summit. The guidance of the team and your effort is enough to reach the top Mera Peak. You will aim to reach the summit before noon as the weather turns challenging afterward. Upon reaching the summit(6,476m), you will cherish the moment by enjoying the breathtaking views of the peaks and vicinity.
After the successful climb, you will descend back to Khare through the same track. The descending part will not take much effort as you will sink slowly by retracing the trail. You will reach back in Khare by nightfall to settle for a deserved sleep.
Day 09:Trek back from Khare to Kothe
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Starting Point: Khare(5,045m)
Ending Point: Kothe(3600m)
With a proud and happy heart, you will leave Khare for Kothe by retracing the same track. On this day, you will lose some altitude, straight from 5,045m to 3,600m. It will be an easy trek of 5 to 6 hours which is mostly downhill. You can use this time by watching the serene background once again. Trekking through the dense woods and impressive landscapes again, you will reach Kothe. Overnight in Kothe.
Day 10:Trek back from Kothe to Thuli Kharka
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Starting Point: Kothe(3600m)
Ending Point: Thuli Kharka(3,900m)
Following the night in Kothe, you will retrace your way back to Thuli Kharka. This day will be the toughest day of the retracing trek as you will gain altitude instead of losing. It will be a day with plenty of uphill parts through the Hinku Valley. As you leave Kothe, you will be in the vicinity of the ethereal Hinku Valley for 5 to 6 hours, trekking and more trekking. Thuli Kharka lies just on the hill that ends the valley. Out of the valley, you will reach Thuli Kharka for the second time in the trek. You can take a rest in the teahouse there by enjoying the wide panorama of the mountains.
Day 11:Trek from Thuli Kharka to Lukla
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starting Point: Thuli Kharka(3,900m)
Ending Point: Lukla(2,600m)
Now it will be the time to reach out to Lukla, the starting point of the trek. But for that, you have to trek for 6 to 7 hours, yet another long trekking day. Therefore, you will have a quick breakfast in Thuli Kharka to get on the trail to Lukla. Zatrawala Pass will come along while en route to Lukla from Thuli Kharka. You will have to ascend an uphill to reach Zatrawala Pass again.
Once on the pass, you can celebrate the views of the entire Mahalangur Range. Leaving the pass via downwards trail, you will reach Lukla after some hours. This will be the final night in the Everest Region of Short Mera Peak Climbing. Make sure you live the moment.
Day 12:Fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla and Sum Up the Expedition
Flight Duration: 35 minutes
Starting Point: Lukla(2,600m)
Ending Point: Kathmandu(1,400m)
This day will sum up the adventure of Rapid Mera Peak Climbing. By this time, you will have a fantastic experience of climbing the tallest trekking peak. Alongside, you will have memories of trekking through the heavenly Everest Region. With a head full of beautiful memories and experiences, you will leave Lukla for Kathmandu via an airplane. It will be a 35 minutes flight over the skies, and you will enjoy the same air view yet again. After landing at Kathmandu Airport, you will get a hotel transfer to your hotel. And this is how 12 days of the Short Mera Peak Climbing will take place with our team.
Trip Cost US$ 2050 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Flight from Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu for the member and crews.
- Special Climbing peak permits
- Climbing guide (Sherpa) one Among two members.
- Everest National Park entrance permit
- All Ground transport as per the itinerary.
- All three Meals ( Breakfast , Lunch during the trek and camping).
- A cup of tea / coffee during the breakfast.
- Accommodation in lodge during the trek, basic camping arrangement during climbing.
- Porters to carry member baggage 15 to 18 kg per porter.
- Accident insurance for staffs.
- A Trekking and climbing map
- Emergency rescue arrangement if incase , pay by your travel insurance. in worst case only.
- Sleeping ,bag down jackets if you do not have your own, to be returned after the trip.
- medical kit box with normal medicine.
- Seasonal Fruits.
- Medical supplies, first aid kit box, including Oximeter and pulse meter checker.
- An arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance company). If in case. Worst case only.
- Sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- All our government taxes.
- Official expanse.
Cost Excludes:
- Personal clothing.
- personal climbing equipment ( 150 USD ) per person
- Personal accident insurance, emergency evacuation cost, oxygen, medical box.
- Alcoholic beverage, laundry and tips.
- Extra night Hotel accommodation and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (available as per your choice)
| Start Date - End Data | Status | Cost | Book This Trip |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of Short Mera Peak Climbing?
The Rapid Mera Peak Climbing is a 12 days long itinerary. So you will need to have at least 12 days to do this expedition and some extra days for possible delays due to weather.
How is Rapid Mera Peak Climbing more complex than the standard one?
The standard Mera Peak Climbing itinerary has two to three acclimatization days. However, you will have only one acclimatization day in this shorter Mera Peak expedition. Due to that rapidness, it is more complicated than the normal one.
Who can do Mera Peak Climbing 12 Days?
This short plan is the right fit for those who have good preparation, basic mountaineering training & knowledge, but a tight schedule. A climber also has to be physically and mentally sound for this itinerary as he/she has to complete the climb with only one acclimatization day.
Is Mera Peak challenging to climb?
Mera Peak is the tallest trekking in Nepal but not the most difficult. Instead, it is a straightforward climb with some manageable technical sections and glacier walking. People with no climbing experience can attend this climb with basic training and preparation. The peak is the best place to gain some mountaineering skills.
Will I get caught by mountain sickness in Short Mera Peak Climbing?
Yes, you might get caught by the illness. But if you follow the precaution, you can avoid it. As it is a peak climbing expedition, you will gain some heights.
If you can keep up well with the heights by acclimating, you will not have any problem.
How can I avoid mountain Sickness during the climb?
Staying hydrated, walking slowly, taking rests, not rushing, not drinking or smoking, and using acclimatization day are the ways to avoid the illness. Do not worry; the mountaineering guide will help you through this.
Should I get travel insurance for this expedition?
It is always good to have travel insurance when you are on an expedition. That helps you to place on the safe side. However, it is not essential to have one in Mera Peak Climbing. But having one will keep you insured against all of the odds. So, yeah, you can get it to be guaranteed.
Where will I be sleeping during nights in the expedition?
On trekking days up to Khare, you will be sleeping in basic lodges with basic facilities like a clean and comfortable bed, shared toilets, charging facilities, etc. Whereas, on your climbing days, you have to sleep in tented camps. The team will install the tented camps for you and the whole team.
What sort of food will I get during Mera Peak Climbing?
You will get to eat food items across several popular cuisines like Chinese, Indian, and Continental. Many lodges and teahouses offer those foods along the trail. You can stop at any of them during the trekking days. However, the Sherpa team will cook healthy and hygienic meals throughout the climbing days. The chef team has vast experience at cooking food on mountain expeditions.
Who will accompany me during the climb?
You will join the experienced team of mountaineering guide, porter, and a chef team during the expedition. We will send licensed and good at their games members for your safe climbing experience.
Will I get to communicate with my people while on the expedition?
Yes, you can get a phone for yourself to be in touch with your close ones. If your phone is not working, you can use satellite phones that you will get from the team.
Few articles you may like:
