Mera Peak (Helicopter)

At a glance

Brief Itinerary

Mera Peak

Our Mera Peak expedition is the ideal first time climbing experience in Nepal. From the summit, you’ll take in stunning views of the highest mountains on earth. This expedition provides the best Himalayan panorama available from any 6000m summit in Nepal. Better still, you’ll be well away from the crowds heading up and down the main Everest valley.

With a solid acclimatisation process underway, our route takes us up and over the Zatrwa La pass. You’ll feel the remoteness as you venture into the Hinku Valley. Mera Peak soon comes into view and then dominates the skyline. We follow the river and ascend slowly through lush forests and remote Sherpa villages before reaching Tangnag and Khare.

Climbing Mera Peak

From Khare, we use our crampons and climb onto the ice. From here we climb to the Mera La with our summit goal in clear view. The next day we’ll travel carefully through crevassed terrain while roped together (see below video). We establish our high camp at 5800 metres. The following morning we leave for the summit in the dark and climb steadily by torchlight. As the sun rises, the world’s highest mountains are revealed. The exhilaration impossible to describe as this challenging adventure of a lifetime has us standing atop a true Himalayan giant.

mera peak

Our expedition itinerary includes plenty of rest days allowing for safe altitude acclimatisation. This is a moderate to challenging high-altitude trek combined with an entry-level mountaineering experience. Experienced climbers will also find this expedition challenging, particularly if they are new to high-altitude mountaineering.

Slogging up Mera Peak

As you’ll see in the video below, this is not a steep climb. But it is one long hard slog! This short video was filmed on the Mera glacier not far out of Mera Peak Base Camp. The climbers in this video are heading to High Camp which sits at 5,800m. It’s slow hard work as the air is gets thinner and breathing gets harder. But we love it!

Watch videos from our Mera Peak collection.

Read more reviews from people that have climbed Mera Peak with us.

More info

Mera Peak is a magnificent mountain located in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal. It stands at an impressive height of 6,476 meters (21,247 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest trekking peaks in the country. Mera Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu, among others.

The trek to Mera Peak is a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts and mountaineers due to its relatively non-technical nature. However, it still requires a good level of physical fitness and previous trekking experience. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, including dense forests, remote valleys, and high alpine terrain.

One of the highlights of the Mera Peak trek is the opportunity to explore the Hinku Valley. This remote and untouched valley offers a unique experience, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the region. The trail passes through quaint Sherpa villages, where you can get a glimpse into the local way of life and their rich cultural heritage.

The ascent to Mera Peak itself involves crossing a glacier, which adds an element of excitement and adventure to the trek. Although it requires the use of crampons and ropes, it is considered a feasible climb for those with little to no mountaineering skills. Standing on the summit of Mera Peak provides a sense of accomplishment and rewards climbers with unparalleled views of the Himalayas.

While Mera Peak is generally considered a challenging undertaking, the rewards are well worth the effort. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Himalayas, witness stunning sunrises and sunsets, and embrace the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. The expedition also provides a chance to connect with fellow adventurers from around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences.

Overall, Mera Peak is a captivating destination that combines the thrill of adventure with the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Himalayas. It presents an incredible opportunity for trekkers and mountaineers to push their limits, discover their inner strength, and create lasting memories in the lap of nature.

Premium features

A helicopter flys high above yaks near Everest Base Camp

This trip includes a private helicopter charter at the end of the trek from Kote return to Kathmandu.

WHY DO WE USE HELICOPTERS FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY TO KATHMANDU?

In 2019, the Nepalese government ceased operating fixed-wing flights during the busy Spring and Autumn trekking seasons between Kathmandu and Lukla. Travel operators wishing to fly their groups into Lukla by fixed-wing aeroplane (the standard and cheapest option), must now do so from the rural Ramechhap Airport. This requires trekkers to travel by private vehicle/bus for 4-5 hours from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. This is a tedious, slow and mostly uninteresting bus ride. Subsequently, Trek Climb Ski Nepal would prefer for our clients to not have to endure this twice during their expedition with us.

The return helicopter ride to Kathmandu from Kote is an exhilarating and exciting conclusion to your Mera Peak expedition. In addition, it enables all our clients to enjoy a full day in Kathmandu at the end of their adventure, opposed to a long and late day at the mercy of fixed-wing flight delays, poor weather and slow road conditions.

Itinerary

High on Mera Peak in Nepal

Day 1
Arrive early at Kathmandu International Airport and be transferred by Trek Climb Ski Nepal staff to your hotel accommodation. Welcome by your trip leader and issue of down clothing, sleeping bag and kit bag. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks hosted by your expedition leader and guides.

Day 2
A fantastic buffet breakfast followed by a morning sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Our staff will be available in the afternoon to assist any guests that may need to make last minute purchases. Evening at leisure.

Day 3
Our staff will meet you very early this morning and then transfer you by private bus to the domestic terminal at the Ramechhap domestic airport in rural Nepal. Any luggage or personal possessions you won’t need during your Mera Peak expedition will be able to be stored (free of charge) at your hotel. They will be waiting for you when you return. From Ramechhap, you’ll enjoy an incredible mountain flight to Lukla. Here your journey to Mera Peak truly begins! You’ll enjoy a hearty Sherpa breakfast at Namaste Lodge then commence your trek to Phakding. Overnight in Phakding (2600m).

Day 4
Today is a longer day on the trail as we start early for Namche Bazaar. After crossing the final suspension bridge above the Dudh Kosi (river), we begin up the famous Namche hill. If the weather is clear you’ll get to enjoy some brief views of Mt Everest en route. It’s a solid “up” to Namche but the rewards are great. Here we’ll spend 2 nights at the Namche Hotel which is home to the finest food, hot showers and hospitality in the Khumbu. Our hosts Ang Maya and Dorje Sherpa have been looking after us for years and our time at the Namche Hotel is a real highlight. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 5
Today is an important acclimatisation day for us in and around Namche Bazaar given we’ve now crossed the 3000m mark. We’ll set off for an early morning walk up to the Everest View Hotel for stunning traditional views of Mt Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. An hour or so here at 3800m will really help us with our acclimatisation to come. We’ll also visit the Namche Bazaar Monastery and receive a blessing from the buddhist Lama. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the local markets, bakeries and shops in Namche which is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Overnight in Namche Bazaar (3440m).

Day 6
A leisurely trek back to Lukla and overnight in Lukla (2800m).

Day 7
Trek from Lukla to Chutanga. Overnight in Chutanga (3200m).

Day 8
Today is a big day. We’ll trek further up valley and have lunch before heading up and over the Zatra La (Pass) at around 4650 metres. We trek along the ridge-line taking in incredible views in every direction before descending down to Tuli Kharka. Overnight in Tuli Kharka (4130m).

Day 9
Today we trek from Tuli Kharka to Kote. It’s (almost) all downhill today and we enjoy the long descent though the cool rainforest all the way to the valley floor and the rapidly flowing Kote river. Overnight at Kote (3490m).

Day 10
From Kote to Tangnag and overnight in Tangnag (4250m).

Day 11
Rest and acclimatisation day in Tangnag. Today we’ll learn how to use a jumar and practice our abseiling skills. Overnight in Tangnag (4250m).

Day 12
Trekking from Tangnag to Khare. Today we trek higher up the valley and leave the last of the tree line. The landscape changes dramatically as we approach our entry point to the glacier. We take in awesome views of Mera Peak and the summit as we approach Khare. Overnight in Khare (4790m).

Day 13
An acclimatisation day in Khare and we’ll trek up above our camp to the ice and snow. Here we’ll practice cramponing, using our ice axe and walking in small teams using a rope. Return to Khare and overnight in Khare (4790m).

Day 14
A fantastic day awaits as we trek to the glacier and finally leave the rock and dirt behind. With our crampons on we move slowly through the icefall and up onto the Mera glacier. A steady trek along the glacier and then we reach the Mera La and our Base Camp. As the sun goes down witness stunning views of the Mera Peak summit and the challenge before us. Overnight at Mera Peak Base Camp (5400m).

Day 15
An early start and crampons back on as we ascend further up the glacier to our High Camp situated at around 5800 metres. Here we begin to appreciate the magnitude of where we are and what we are about to achieve, with Himalayan giants Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu clearly visible before us. Lots of food and liquids as we prepare for our summit push. Tomorrow morning we’ll be climbing Mera Peak. Overnight at Mera Peak High Camp (5800m).

Days 16
Leaving at around 2.30 a.m. we’ll climb steadily to the summit of Mera Peak. It doesn’t get better than this as we watch sunrise over the highest mountains on the planet. A day you’ll remember vividly for the rest of your life and an incredible achievement. But we need to conserve our energy as we still have a long descent ahead of us back down to Khare. Overnight at Khare (4790m).

Day 17
A relaxing and well-deserved walk back down valley to Kote. Plenty of high-fives along the way! Overnight at Kote (3490m).

Day 18
An exhilarating helicopter ride from the heart of the Everest region return to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 19
Trip concludes. All guests will be conveyed to Kathmandu International Airport to meet their respective international flights.

What's included

3 nights accommodation at The Radisson Hotel (or equivalent) in Kathmandu with breakfasts

Welcome dinner and drinks in Kathmandu

All ground transfers in Nepal

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (includes entry fees and guide)

Private bus transfer from Kathmandu to Ramechhap in rural Nepal

Fixed-wing flight from Ramechhap to Lukla (includes taxes)

Private helicopter charter from the mountains return to Kathmandu

National Park entrance fees, trekking and climbing permits

All meals while trekking and climbing

All lodge accommodation while trekking and climbing

All camping facilities (tents etc.) for overnights at Mera Peak Base Camp and Mera Peak High Camp

Exceptional leaders and guides

Porters to carry all personal and group equipment

Porter’s insurance

Emergency medical kit and gamow bag

All necessary personal climbing equipment (includes harness, ice-axe, boots, crampons, prusiks & carabiners)

Down jacket, sleeping bag and sleeping mattress

Complimentary Trek Climb Ski Nepal kit bag

All Nepalese tourist taxes and fees

Note: Tips for porters and guides are NOT included

Accomm + meals

mera peak

Our Mera Peak expedition includes 3 nights at The Radisson Hotel (or equivalent) in Kathmandu. Trek Climb Ski Nepal also provide a complimentary welcome dinner with drinks in Kathmandu on the first evening of your trip. While trekking in the mountains, you will stay in lodges each night and the nights at Mera Peak Base Camp and High Camp will be camping in tents.

This trip includes all meals while in the mountains along with morning and afternoon teas. Unlimited safe (thoroughly boiled) drinking water is also provided each day you are in the mountains.

Meals en route to Mera Peak are not cheap. If you were to purchase your own meals from lodges along the way on this expedition, your total food cost would be around AUD $1,300.

We proudly employ an all you can eat food and fluids policy on all our trips. Proper food intake and regular hydration are critical to safe altitude acclimatisation. In our opinion, trekking companies that leave food decisions and the purchase of food for their clients to manage (when trekking and climbing at altitude) are grossly irresponsible. Trekking companies often do this because it enables them to advertise a much lower (but unrealistic) trip price. Be sure to choose a tour operator that includes all your meals and safe drinking water in your trip price.