Summit Mera Peak, Nepal’s highest trekking peak, for epic Himalayan views and a thrilling alpine adventure with expert guides.
At 6,476 meters (21,247 ft), Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. It is situated in the remote Hinku Valley southeast of Everest, within the northeastern Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. The journey towards Mera Peak is an unmarked traverse that leads travelers through undisturbed wilderness parks; hiking trails through pristine woods of rhododendron and bamboo, and across suspension bridges that feature breathtaking views of endeavoring glaciers. Rather than the heavily trafficked base camp trails, Mera’s approach bestows silence and stillness, fostering an appreciation for Nepal’s awe-inspiring landscape, which, with its bluish mountains, deeply evokes a feeling of serenity and tranquility. This experience peaks at the summit view of five of the world’s tallest mountains.
Mera Peak is known as a “trekking peak,” but its climbing is bound with many complications and is not as simple as it sounds. It is not technically challenging, but the altitude and endurance aspects do pose quite a difficulty. The last stretch towards the summit is a steep climb up snow and ice, where the use of crampons, ice axes, and ropes would make for a safer ascent. Other difficulties, like severe weather conditions, freezing temperatures, and climate sickness, pose additional problems as well. The climbers need to be in top physical shape, not to mention mentally prepared for the days of trekking at altitude levels, all with minimal comforts and basic lodgings throughout the journey.
Enjoying a Mera Peak Trek fully will require a good fitness level, but the beauty of this Mera Peak adventure will be a life-altering experience. While the trek is physically grueling, the reward is a breathtaking sense of achievement from conquering Nepal’s highest trekking peak, along with its idyllic wilderness and stunning mountain vistas. The enduring challenge of the trek is health-rewarding, with priceless Himalayan views and renewed admiration for the range itself. Each step of the journey tests stamina, but experiences unparalleled worth appreciation.
Mera Peak climbing involves a high-altitude trek and mountaineering journey in Nepal's Himalayas. At 6,476 meters (21,247 feet), Mera Peak stands as Nepal's tallest trekking peak that the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) allows. You'll find it in the Solu Khumbu area, to the southeast of Mount Everest. This climb gives adventure seekers a chance to see the Himalayas up close without facing the tough technical hurdles of more advanced mountains.
While it's not a technical climb, getting to the top still needs you to be in good shape, know basic mountain climbing skills, and get used to the thin air at high altitudes. The trek to Mera Peak kicks off with a stunning flight to Lukla, then leads to days of hiking through far-off villages, thick woods, and mountain scenery. Hikers cross the Hinku Valley, which sees fewer crowds and gives a more untouched feel than the main Everest path. At the top, climbers get to see jaw-dropping views of five of the world's tallest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Climbing Mera Peak is perfect for those who want a tough but worthwhile Himalayan trip, mixing cultural discovery with the excitement of high-altitude mountain climbing.
Height: Mera Peak stands at 6,476 meters (21,247 feet), making it the highest trekking peak in Nepal.
Location: Situated in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal, southeast of Mount Everest.
Trekking Route: Starts with a flight to Lukla, followed by a trek through remote villages, alpine forests, and the Hinku Valley.
Difficulty Level: Considered a non-technical climb, suitable for beginners with basic mountaineering skills and good fitness.
Best Time to Climb: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the best weather and views.
Summit Views: Offers panoramic views of five 8,000-meter peaks – Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga.
Duration: Typically a 2 to 3-week expedition, including acclimatization days.
Permit Required: A climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association is required.
Guides and Equipment: Hiring a certified guide and carrying proper gear (crampons, ropes, ice axe, etc.) is recommended.
Adventure Experience: Combines Himalayan culture, remote trekking, and high-altitude mountaineering in one memorable journey.
Highest Trekking Peak: Mera Peak stands at 6,476 meters (21,247 feet), making it the tallest trekking peak the Nepal Mountaineering Association allows. This peak offers trekkers a chance to reach a high Himalayan summit without needing advanced climbing skills.
Less Technical More Accessible: Mera Peak doesn't require complex climbing techniques, unlike many other peaks. This makes it a good choice for fit trekkers who know the basics of mountaineering. As a result more adventure lovers can try high-altitude climbing.
Panoramic Himalayan Views: Climbers who reach the top get to see amazing 360-degree views. They can spot five of the world's highest mountains — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga. Few other trekking peaks provide such a spectacular sight.
Remote and Pristine Route: To get to Mera Peak, you have to go through the Hinku Valley. This area doesn't see many visitors, so it's quiet and unspoiled. It gives climbers a more genuine experience away from the busy trails leading to Everest Base Camp.
Varied Landscape and Heritage: Mountaineers encounter a blend of verdant woodland, high-altitude scenery, ice fields, and local communities, which gives them a chance to broaden their cultural horizons and enjoy a range of breathtaking views.
Day |
Route Segment |
Altitude (m) |
Purpose / Notes |
1 |
Kathmandu → Lukla → Paiya (Chutok) |
2,730 |
Scenic flight; trek begins |
2 |
Paiya → Panggom |
2,846 |
Trek through forests and small settlements |
3 |
Panggom → Ningsow |
2,863 |
Entering remote and less crowded trails |
4 |
Ningsow → Chhatra Khola |
2,800 |
Into the Hinku Valley, off the beaten track |
5 |
Chhatra Khola → Kothe |
3,691 |
Walk along the Hinku River |
6 |
Kothe → Thangnak |
4,358 |
Trek through yak pastures; acclimatization |
7 |
Thangnak → Khare |
5,045 |
The main base for acclimatization and training |
8 |
Acclimatization day in Khare |
5,045 |
Ice climbing practice, gear check |
9 |
Khare → Mera High Camp |
5,780 |
Glacier travel starts; camp near the summit route |
10 |
High Camp → Mera Peak Summit → Khare |
6,476 (summit) |
Summit day; early alpine start |
11 |
Khare → Kothe |
3,691 |
Descending back to a lower altitude |
12 |
Kothe → Thuli Kharka |
4,300 |
Gradual ascent before crossing a pass |
13 |
Thuli Kharka → Lukla via Zatrwa La Pass |
4,600 (pass) |
Cross Zatrwa La Pass; end of trek |
14 |
Lukla → Kathmandu (Flight) |
1,400 (KTM) |
Scenic flight back to the capital |
Mera Peak Climbing is a 14-day adventure that begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek through the remote and beautiful Hinku Valley. The route passes through villages like Paiya, Panggom, and Ningsow, gradually gaining altitude as it approaches Khare, the main base for acclimatization and climbing preparation. After a rest and training day in Khare, climbers ascend to Mera High Camp before making an early morning summit push to Mera Peak (6,476m), the highest trekking peak in Nepal, offering panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and more. The descent retraces part of the route via Kothe and crosses the Zatrwa La Pass before concluding in Lukla, with a return flight to Kathmandu.
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the top seasons to climb Mera Peak. Skies stay clear and daytime temperatures are warmer at higher elevations during spring. The weather remains mild and steady most days. Blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers brighten the trails, adding beauty to the trek. Climbing is also easier on the glacier in spring as the snow is firmer and snowfall disruptions are less likely.
Many climbers see autumn as the best time to climb Mera Peak because of the clear skies and clean air. The monsoon rains leave, and the views of the Himalayas become stunning and easy to enjoy. The paths stay dry and stable, and while nights and higher places get colder than in spring, the daytime temperature is still comfortable. These two seasons give climbers a solid mix of good scenes, safer conditions, and an all-around great climbing experience. Climbers also avoid dealing with the heavy rains of monsoon or the tough snowstorms of winter.
Day |
Itinerary |
Altitude (m) |
Highlights / Notes |
Day 1 |
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Paiya (Chutok) |
2,730 |
Scenic mountain flight, first trek day |
Day 2 |
Trek from Paiya to Panggom |
2,846 |
Forested trails, off-the-beaten-path village |
Day 3 |
Trek from Panggom to Ningsow |
2,863 |
Entering Hinku Valley, a peaceful route |
Day 4 |
Trek from Ningsow to Chhatra Khola |
2,800 |
Undisturbed trails, gradual altitude gain |
Day 5 |
Trek from Chhatra Khola to Kothe |
3,691 |
Trek along the Hinku River, enter the alpine zone |
Day 6 |
Trek from Kothe to Thangnak |
4,358 |
Stunning views, yak pastures, start acclimatizing |
Day 7 |
Trek from Thangnak to Khare |
5,045 |
Glacier views begin, base for summit prep |
Day 8 |
Acclimatization & training day in Khare |
5,045 |
Glacier skills, ice climbing practice |
Day 9 |
Trek from Khare to Mera High Camp |
5,780 |
Technical climb begins, sleep above 5,500m |
Day 10 |
Summit Mera Peak (6,476m), return to Khare |
6,476 (summit) |
Early start, stunning 360° Himalayan views |
Day 11 |
Trek from Khare to Kothe |
3,691 |
Long descent, easier breathing |
Day 12 |
Trek from Kothe to Thuli Kharka |
4,300 |
Forest walk, gradual uphill |
Day 13 |
Trek to Lukla via Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m) |
2,840 |
Cross Zatrwa La, descend to Lukla |
Day 14 |
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu |
1,400 |
Scenic return flight, trip ends |
Your adventure begins with a scenic early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. After landing at Lukla (2,840m), you start your trek heading south through forested trails and small settlements, eventually reaching Paiya (Chutok), a quiet village surrounded by rhododendron forests.
After breakfast, you descend briefly before crossing a small bridge and climbing up through lush forests. The trail becomes steeper as you approach the Panggom La Pass and then descend into the village of Panggom. This area is less frequented by trekkers, offering a peaceful trekking experience.
Today’s trail leads you through forests of bamboo and rhododendron as you ascend and descend along hillsides. You’ll pass through small yak-grazing areas and experience the pristine beauty of the region before arriving at Ningsow, a tranquil village perfect for an overnight rest.
You enter the remote Hinku Valley today, trekking along narrow paths with occasional glimpses of the distant peaks. The trail winds through dense forests and crosses several small streams before reaching Chhatra Khola, located near the confluence of two rivers.
Following the Majang Khola and later joining the Hinku Khola, the trail becomes more rugged and alpine in nature. You’ll gain significant altitude today as you hike alongside the river, eventually reaching Kothe — a small village nestled in the heart of the Hinku Valley.
Today’s trek is visually stunning, with towering cliffs and snowy peaks beginning to dominate the landscape. You pass through Lungsumgba Gompa, an ancient Buddhist site, and continue on glacial moraine trails to the yak herding settlement of Thangnak.
As you climb higher, the air thins and the landscape becomes more dramatic. The trail follows the Dig Glacier, offering striking views of Mera Peak. After a steady ascent, you reach Khare — the last settlement before the climb. Here you rest and prepare for summit day.
To ensure proper acclimatization and increase summit success, you spend the day in Khare. You'll practice using crampons, harnesses, and ice axes on nearby snow slopes with your climbing guide. This day is crucial for safety and confidence before heading to high camp.
Today is a challenging ascent as you begin your glacier trek. Equipped with mountaineering gear, you cross snowfields and reach Mera La pass, then push onward to High Camp. Tents are pitched on the snow, and you rest early for the big summit push.
Summit day starts before dawn. With headlamps on, you climb slowly in the cold, making your way up snow slopes to the summit of Mera Peak. From the top, enjoy awe-inspiring views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga. After celebrating at the summit, you carefully descend back to Khare for the night.
You descend rapidly, retracing your steps back down the valley. The air becomes thicker, and the landscape greener as you reach Kothe, where you can relax after the physically demanding summit day.
Today you leave the Hinku Valley and climb gradually through forested ridges to reach Thuli Kharka. The trail is scenic and quiet, offering final views of the peaks behind you.
You make an early start and ascend the steep trail to cross the Zatrwa La Pass. From the top, you get a final panoramic view of the Khumbu Himalayas before descending steeply toward Lukla, where you celebrate the completion of your climb.
You board an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. After landing, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest or explore the vibrant capital city.
Mera Peak is considered a challenging but achievable climb for fit trekkers with basic mountaineering skills. While it is a trekking peak and does not involve technical climbing, the altitude (6,476 meters) makes it physically demanding. Climbers must be prepared for cold weather, long trekking days, and the effects of high altitude. With proper acclimatization, guidance, and preparation, Mera Peak is a suitable goal for adventurous first-time climbers.
Mera Peak is considered a challenging but achievable climb for fit trekkers with basic mountaineering skills. While it is a trekking peak and does not involve technical climbing, the altitude (6,476 meters) makes it physically demanding. Climbers must be prepared for cold weather, long trekking days, and the effects of high altitude. With proper acclimatization, guidance, and preparation, Mera Peak is a suitable goal for adventurous first-time climbers.
Mera Peak is graded as Alpine PD (Peu Difficile) in the Alpine Grading System, which means "a little difficult." This indicates that the climb involves some basic mountaineering elements such as the use of crampons, an ice axe, and ropes, but it is not highly technical. The main challenge lies in the high altitude of 6,476 meters, which can significantly affect physical performance. While the route itself is relatively straightforward, the extreme elevation and cold weather require climbers to be well-acclimatized, physically fit, and mentally prepared for long days and thin air.
Yes, you can see Mount Everest from the summit of Mera Peak. In fact, Mera Peak is famous for offering one of the best panoramic views in the Himalayas. From the top (6,476 meters), climbers can enjoy stunning vistas of five of the world’s highest mountains: Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), and Kangchenjunga (8,586m). The view from Mera Peak’s summit is one of the most breathtaking in Nepal, making the climb especially rewarding.
Island Peak is generally considered more technically challenging than Mera Peak, despite being slightly lower in altitude. Island Peak involves steeper ice walls, fixed ropes, and exposed ridge sections that require advanced climbing skills. In contrast, Mera Peak, while higher, is less technical and mostly involves glacier walking and snow slopes, making it more about endurance and altitude than technical difficulty. So, Island Peak is harder technically, whereas Mera Peak is tougher in terms of stamina and acclimatization.
If you’re dreaming of conquering Mera Peak, Nepal Horizon Treks is your trusted partner for an unforgettable adventure. We offer expertly guided climbs with a focus on safety, comfort, and an authentic Himalayan experience. Our experienced team will support you every step of the way—from arrival in Kathmandu to your triumphant summit. With personalized itineraries, quality gear, and deep local knowledge, we ensure you’re well-prepared to tackle the challenges of high altitude while enjoying breathtaking views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. Choose Nepal Horizon Treks to make your Mera Peak climb a safe, inspiring, and truly memorable journey.#Meerapeak #NepalHorizonTreks #PeakClimbing
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