Mera Peak Climbing

Our trek to the mountains kicks off with an early morning flight to Lukla, touching down at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport (2840 m). Setting out on the journey, we navigate through a scenic jungle trail, traverse a bridge over the Handi Khola, and arrive at Surke Village. Proceeding southward, we conquer the Chutok La pass before finally reaching the tranquil settlement of Paiya, where we will spend our first night amidst the serenity of this charming place.

Following our initial mountain breakfast, we begin our descent and soon arrive at a small bridge. The trail becomes slippery as we traverse towards the Kari La pass. Progressing through enchanting rhododendron and bamboo forests along a narrow mountain path, we're treated to mesmerizing views of the Dudhkoshi Valley. Our journey leads us to Panggom Village, where the inhabitants rely on farming and trading for their livelihood. We settle in for the night, surrounded by the rustic charm of Panggom.

Embarking on our trek post-breakfast, we make our way towards crossing the Panggom La pass. Ascending steadily, we follow a well-defined path that turns northward. Crossing the Peseng Kharka Khola, we continue our journey until we reach Peeng Kharka Danda. The trail leads us to the Ningsow Khola, which we cross before arriving at the charming Ningsow Village. Our overnight stay in Ningsow offers a tranquil reprieve amidst the mountains.

Following a hearty breakfast, our trek from Ningsow begins with an initial ascent, followed by a descent and another climb leading us to Ramailo Danda. The vantage point here offers breathtaking views of Mera Peak and Salpa. As we navigate through a series of ascents and descents, we enter the scenic expanse of the Makalu Barun National Park. The path, known as the Pasang Lhamu trail, guides us towards Chhatra Khola. Along this route, luck may grant us a sighting of the elusive Red Panda. We conclude the day's journey with an overnight stay in the tranquil surroundings of Chhatra Khola.

Following a satisfying breakfast, our journey takes us northward along the main trail to Mera Peak. Progressing alongside the Majang Khola, we eventually merge with another trail that runs parallel to the Hinku Khola. Our path leads us straight towards Tashing Ongma, where seasonal tea shops provide a brief respite. Continuing on, we cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola before finally reaching Kothe. The day concludes with a peaceful overnight stay in Kothe.

Post-breakfast, our trek commences along the ridge of the Hinku Khola, nestled in the imposing shadow of Mera Peak. We pause for lunch at Gondishung, a summer herders' settlement situated on the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Continuing beyond Gondishung, our path leads us past the venerable Lungsumgba Gompa, dating back 200 years, where we can observe Mera Peak intricately scripted in rock, outlining its route. A brief walk from here brings us to Thaknak, a summer grazing area adorned with modest lodges and shops. The day concludes with a tranquil overnight stay in the serene surroundings of Thaknak.

After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Thaknak. Our trail traces the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier, leading us to Dig Kharka, where the awe-inspiring views of Charpate Himal unfold before us. Climbing through moraines, we reach the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers. The ascent becomes steeper as we approach Khare, offering a splendid perspective of the northern face of Mera Peak—an unforgettable experience. Following lunch, there's the option to explore the surroundings of Khare, providing an opportunity for further adventure. The day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay in Khare.

Dedicated to acclimatization and essential training, this day is exclusively reserved to better prepare ourselves for the impending Mera Peak climb. Under the guidance of our climbing leader, we engage in refining our basic climbing techniques. The session includes hands-on demonstrations on the proper usage of climbing gear such as the ice axe, harness, ascender, climbing boots, and crampons. Additionally, we delve into mastering the most effective climbing techniques with the use of a rope. This thorough training ensures that we are well-equipped and confident for the challenges that lie ahead. The day concludes with a restful overnight stay in Khare.

Today's journey takes us through a challenging boulder-strewn terrain on a steep trail as we make our way to the Mera Peak Base Camp. Continuing our ascent, we push forward through the Mera La pass, ultimately reaching the Mera High Camp. The trail is rocky, presenting potential hazards, particularly after recent snowfall, which may conceal crevasses.

Traversing this rocky path, we navigate carefully to the top of the rock band, marked by a substantial cairn. At this juncture, we establish our high camp, surrounded by panoramic views that include the majestic peaks of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, the south face of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, and Baruntse. The evening unfolds with a breathtaking sunset, and we settle in for a well-deserved overnight stay at Mera High Camp.

This pivotal day begins with an early wake-up call around 2 in the morning, as we prepare for a crucial stage in our expedition. Despite the initial cold, our bodies gradually warm up as we navigate the glacier and ascend onto a distinctive ridge. Witnessing the first rays of the sun casting an enchanting red glow upon the towering peaks adds a magical touch to the ascent.

The route remains non-technical as we steadily climb higher, feeling the air thinning with each step. After a brief steepening behind the ridge, the summit once again comes into view. Depending on the climbing leader's assessment, a fixed rope might be utilized as we approach the foot of the final steep summit cone. With only a few meters separating us from the summit, we reach this pinnacle achievement.

From the summit, an awe-inspiring panorama unfolds, showcasing the mighty Himalayas in all their glory—Mt. Everest (8,848m), Cho-Oyu (8,210m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Nuptse (7,855m), Chamlang (7,319m), Baruntse (7,129m), and others. After soaking in these breathtaking views, we retrace our steps back to the high camp, where a well-deserved rest awaits before descending to Khare. The day concludes with a peaceful overnight stay in Khare, filled with the sense of accomplishment from reaching the summit of Mera Peak.

Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of Himalayan weather, it is prudent to allocate contingency days in our expedition plan. These days serve as a buffer, accommodating unforeseen circumstances such as unfavorable weather conditions or any other obstacles that could potentially hinder the group's progress in climbing the peak. In the event that the group successfully summits the peak on the initially planned date and all goes according to plan, these contingency days can be omitted from the itinerary. This strategic approach allows for flexibility, ensuring the safety and well-being of the expedition participants while adapting to the dynamic conditions of the Himalayan environment.

Following a hearty breakfast at the lodge, our journey progresses with a descent from Khare to Kothe. The trail unfolds through captivating landscapes, featuring both ascents and descents that showcase the natural beauty of the surroundings. As we traverse this incredible route, making our way through diverse terrains, we'll encounter several ascents before descending for a few hours.

After approximately 4 hours of walking through these mesmerizing landscapes, we reach the charming settlement of Kothe. Nestled in the midst of nature, Kothe offers a picturesque setting for our night's stay. At the local teahouse, you'll have the opportunity to engage with fellow trekkers, share stories, and unwind. The night in Kothe promises a tranquil atmosphere, allowing for well-deserved rest after the day's journey.

Post-breakfast, our trek resumes with an ascent through the lush forest adorned with Rhododendron, Bamboo, and Pine trees on the western side of the Hinku Valley. The trail leads us steadily upward, unveiling the natural beauty of the surroundings. As we ascend, the vibrant colors of the Rhododendron, the tranquility of the bamboo groves, and the towering pines create a picturesque backdrop.

Our destination for the day is Tuli Kharka, where we'll find a serene spot for our overnight stay. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, Tuli Kharka provides a peaceful setting surrounded by the sights and sounds of the pristine forest. It's a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature after the morning's climb.

On the final day of our adventure, the morning unfolds with a challenging climb over the high ridge of Naulekh or Kalo Himal, encompassing Zatrwa Og and Zatrwa-La passes. The climb is demanding, navigating through tough terrain and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Following this strenuous ascent, the trail descends to Chutanga, leading us into verdant areas and lush forests.

As we traverse through these green landscapes, a few more hours of trekking bring us back to Lukla. Lukla serves as the gateway to the Khumbu and Everest region, marking the conclusion of our trek. This final leg of the journey provides an opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences and achievements of the expedition. The night is spent in Lukla, allowing for a last overnight stay in the heart of the Khumbu and Everest area.

On our final morning in the mountains, we relish our last breakfast with a mix of satisfaction and nostalgia. We then catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu, where the journey comes full circle. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you have the option to rest, engage in some souvenir shopping, or explore other areas of this vibrant city. Our experienced guides are available to assist with both souvenir hunting and suggesting additional sightseeing opportunities.

As the day unfolds, you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural offerings of Kathmandu. Whether it's exploring historical sites, wandering through bustling markets, or simply soaking in the city's atmosphere, there are ample options to choose from.

In the evening, a special farewell dinner is arranged to commemorate the successful summit of Mera Peak, celebrating the climbers' achievements and the bonds forged during the expedition. The night is spent in Kathmandu, providing a comfortable and reflective end to the remarkable journey in the Himalayas.