Mera Peak Climbing | Trekking Peak in Nepal

23 March Post by: Pasang Sherpa

Mera Peak is the highest permitted trekking peak in Nepal at an altitude of 6476m. This peak rises south to Mount Everest and dominates the uninhabited valleys of Hongu and Hinku. This peak provides great mountaineering adventures at great heights. Climbing of Mera Peak is considered more adventurous and less challenging than any other trekking peaks with little or no mountaineering experience. 

The trek into Mera Peak provides a great prospect to relish all aspects of the Himalayan experience from the lush green forests of the lower Khumbu region before crossing high passes and making your way up into the more scanty and rocky upper reaches. As we near the northern viewpoints, we pass steep glaciers plunging into spectacular lakes behind huge ridges of a glacial moraine. It offers astonishing views of 5 great mountains over 8000 meters altitude - Mt. Everest 8848m, Mt. Makalu 8485m, Mt. Kanchenjunga 8586m, Mt. Lhotse 8516m, Mt. Cho Oyu 8201m, and several other peaks inside the Everest region.

Mera Peak expedition starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is the gateway to the Khumbu region and the entire Everest part of Nepal. After landing at the runway of Lukla, the pre-climbing journey that heads through less crowded terraced landscapes, untouched valleys, and charming villages inhabited by Sherpa people starts. There are different paths to the basecamp, you might take the best suitable according to the time period of the trek. The Hinku valley is incredibly alluring and provides excellent acclimatization for the Mera Peak trek itself. The route is normally straightforward, and groups tend to follow a similar path. The terrain requires no technical climbing.

You will be crossing villages through the route, you will get a chance to explore the typical Sherpa villages, spend time with the locals, and learn about the culture and traditions of the locals residing in the Himalayan region. Further on, walking along the glacier with glorious panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and other 7–8,000m giants, is an unforgettable experience. The return trek, over the Zetra La, means you don’t retrace the steps and luxuriate in new vistas from start to end. Before reaching Mera Peak Base Camp, the trek leads through frozen waterfalls, dense forests, paddy fields, and breathtaking glaciers with awesome views of high mountain ranges. The base camp is set up at 5300 meters. 

During the Mera Peak climbing trip, you will cover around 78 miles in the rugged and remote terrains of the Everest area. Walking in such surroundings for so long is much challenging, if it is your first climb or if you have never been close to the mountains. On this climbing expedition, you will walk by several glaciers, boulders, crevasses, walk beneath the icicles, and mount the snowy summit. The climbing period and the topographical condition are quite challenging for this trek. So, you might consider practice walking in the difficult terrains before you go on actual peak climbings.

Best Time to Climb Mera Peak

You need stable and dry weather to climb Mera Peak safely. Even when it is warm, strong winds can make climbing the peak dangerous. Likewise, any rainfall at this high altitude falls in the form of snow, crossing tracks in this doubles the difficulty of the climb. In order to get a chance to avoid these problems, it is recommended to climb Mera Peak in late April, May, late September, October, and November. Generally, the best months to climb are May and October. Both these periods bring long sessions of stable weather and although the temperatures at the top are still incredibly cold, it is bearable. 

How hard is Mera Peak Climbing?

At 6476m, the Mera Peak trek brings all challenges of trekking at a very high altitude. This also includes the possibility of extreme weather conditions, and certainly altitude sickness. You will be going to trek to the summit of Mera Peak from Mera High Camp. This trek isn't technically difficult but you do need some basic technical mountaineering skills like using crampons and an ice axe to reach the summit. Stamina is also a huge factor in getting past this climb. You must also ensure you walk slowly, hydrate well, eat as much as you can and give yourself the best chance of arriving for summit night in good physical condition.   Along with proper preparation and a positive attitude with a fit body, this climb is achievable. All the effort is worth it for the views that are heavenly.

Accommodation During Mera Peak Climbing

During the trek from start to finish, accommodation is in comfortable lodges run by local families. Although you can also sleep out in the tent, it’s all on your preferences. Bedrooms are unheated. You will need to bring your sleeping bag. On the trek, food items good quality, a mixture of Nepali local or Sherpa food and western recipes. The local Daal Bhat or Momos are the best choice, also burgers and chips are common in Lukla, but not on the trail as the area is not developed. At the Mera Base and High Camp, you will be sleeping in mountain tents. You should bring a 4season sleeping bag and a good quality mat to keep yourself warm.

Equipment Needed

Along with all the standard trekking equipment you need for trekking, you will also need some specialist items of mountaineering equipment. Some of the additional required equipment is provided by the agency. You can purchase or hire items for mountaineering that are needed. Required items needed are: 

• Climbing Helmet

• Climbing boots

• Crampons

• Climbing Harness

• Ice Axe

• Ascending device

• Descending device

• Carabiners

• Prussik loop

• Tape sling

• Gloves

Conclusion

The Mera Peak is an attractive peak that provides a stunning view of mountains over 8000m. The trek will take you through lush valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, amazing glaciers with mountain range views. Although the climb might be challenging, with proper preparations, a mentally and physically prepared body, and technical training, you will be able to mount Mera Peak summit. The trek is done in groups. You can book a trekking package with certified agencies that provide experienced guides. Be sure to make the best out of this wonderful trek and explore the natural beauty it has to offer.