Mera Peak Climbing

Overview of Mera Peak Climbing

Mera peak Climbing is the highest (6654 meters) trekking peak in the geography of Nepal. It is in the Everest region with wonderful view of the five greatest giants of the world namely Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga.

While climbing to Mera Peak is a very basic mountaineering activity that can be done by any novice climber. It takes you through the rural villages and marshlands and to the glacier lands of the alpine.

The hike starts with probably one of the most spectacular flight views of Lukla and continues with a great trekking adventure in the most scenic environment. This Mera Peak itinerary covers areas like Paiya, Pangom, and Hinku Valley. One of the possibilities of aiming at tourists is viewing the plant and animal species in the specified trail.

Another factor which is also closely regarded is acclimatization, and as such, there are spare days added in the trek journey to allow the body to adapt to the altitude. There several parts that suggest that the claim final ascent to the summit is challenging, however the pay off is worth it the views are unbeatable.

Mera Peak climbing is usually from 12 to 15 days, regardless of schedule. It is a perfect mix of adventure and nature. Climbing is most enjoyable in spring (March to May or autumn (September to November) during which times the weather and skies are both clear. Professional advice and the right equipment assure a safe and fun experience.

Difficulty of Mera Peak Climbing

Climbing Mera peak is challenging to medium difficulty and is accessible to hikers with basic mountaineering experience. Hiking is long, steep slopes, and glacier walking which is tough work.

Most of it is walkable but altitude and terrain are exhaustive in terms of stamina and endurance. On glacier terrain in very close proximity to the summit, climbers are needed to carry equipment (e.g., crampons and ice axes).

Getting to the top is the hardest at the end. It is, however, a very difficult climb upon which climbers are forced to ascend dangerous ice parts in unbearable weather. Air gets less dense at altitude and is harder to breathe. 

The bit leading up to the summit is rather strenuous but the stunning scenery makes the whole journey worthwhile and enjoyable.

Altitude and Sickness of Mera Peak

Altitude is one of the most difficult aspects of the Mera Peak trek. The summit is 6,476 m high, i.e., extremely high. Altitude sickness is a possibility in ascents to climb too high before acclimatization. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.

To prevent altitude sickness, the itinerary incorporates rest days for acclimatization. Sufficient water intake, healthy eating pattern, and control of food portion should be indicated. 

As the sickness becomes more severe, climbers should descend to lower levels to avoid death. 

Food During the Mera Peak Climbing

Food along the Mera Peak trek is designed to provide the energy to do high altitude trekking. Foodstuffs, such as dal bhat (rice and lentil), noodles, soup, potatoes and eggs, are served in the base area tea rooms.

These are freshly prepared and quite filling. In addition, trekkers have breakfast of pancakes, bread, and porridge. However, vegetarian variety is also very simple to purchase because, in remote places, meat is not always of high quality.

Eating is managed about by the trekking party as the altitude increases, e.g., even while camping. Hot soups, pasta, rice, and dehydrated items are usually on the menu in order to provide energy and heat.

Not surprisingly, snacks (e.g., chocolates, nuts, and energy bars) also need to be provided and may be snacked en route. Calming hot drinks, such as tea, coffee, or hot lemon, are consumed all day long to provide hydration and warmth. 

Accommodation at Mera Peak Base Camp

On the trail, the type of lodging changes, from simple tea lodges to camping as you gain altitude. In the rural settings, for example, Lukla and Khare, tea houses provide simple lodging with very few single rooms provision with a bed, a mattress and blankets. These rooms are basic but comfortable enough for rest. The use of toilets is communal, and hot showers require extra charges.

As trekkers ascend to the higher altitudes, like Mera Peak Base Camp (5,300 meters), permanent dwellings are not available and trekkers stay in tents. Camping equipment is made from the best waterproof tents, which generate the heat and windhole insulation.

You’ll also use sleeping bags with high insulation, provided by the trekking agency. Meals are being cooked by the support team in a dining tent, in a way that creates a comfortable and shared experience even in the harsh environment of the snowy landscape.

Typical Day on the Mera Peak Climbing

Day on trekking to Mera Peak is too early and allows to use up all the sunshine. A large breakfast will get underway, and a run down of the trail to be followed that day concludes with your guide etc. 

Trekking times are likely to be variable but would typically involve a mix of 5-7 hr ground time with stops for lunch and rest. The trail provides different pitches, such as uphill, glacier traverses, and stunning sections in wild valleys.

Trekkers arrive at the end of the day’s location to find a place to rest and sit down for a delicious hot meal and to acclimatize. 

On summit day, the routine changes drastically. Ascending happens as early as 2-3 am in order to avoid becoming stuck in deteriorating conditions after reaching the summit. This is also one of the most difficult and longest day by day, ascent of rocky steep ice façades.

Having risen to the summit and seen the most breathtaking panorama, you retreat to camp and the duties of repose. Today is an endless dose of fun and therapy, which is a fulfilling and intriguing adventure.

Mera Peak Climbing Route

The Mera Peak climbing route is accessed by sightseeing flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest area. Reaching in Lukla, the southernmost trail leads to Paiya and eastward, the trail leads to Pangom. 

Trekkers find wilderness, deep woodland and field villages. The path leads further and further to the breathtaking Hinku Valley, with view of snowy mountain ranges.

Acclimatization days are usually spent in Khare (5,045 m) in order to acclimatize climbers to hypoxia. On the Khare to Mera High Camp trail, the trail is more precipitous and incline the further away you are from (5,800 m) Mera High Camp.

The topmost approach to the summit is walking on snow  ice with the help of crampons and ropes. The climb starts at the summit in the morning on a very tough and uncompromising ascent to the stunning 6,476 metre summit. After the summit, the route retraces back to Lukla.

Mera Peak Death Rate

The mortality rate during Mera Peak is somewhat surprising when compared with high mountains or technical peaks. The climb is safe for prepared and escorted trekking visitors. Nevertheless, the risks include altitude sickness, extreme weather, and icefalls on the ice near the summit.

Acclimatization, experience and adherence to safety procedures have been important in minimizing the risk of accidents. Trekkers should be made aware how much equipment to carry, to drink enough fluids and not to hurry to the summit of the climb. 

Mera Peak Success Rate

The success rate of Mera Peak climbing is not bad, 80-90% of climbers are able to summit. The summit is one of the most accessible trekking peaks in Nepal because it involves no technical skill. 

Such a high success rate is possible due to sufficient acclimatization, organized support and a carefully planned schedule. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most suitable months for climbing due to good weather and good sight distance. 

Mera Peak Weather

Conditions on Mera Peak differ dramatically according to season. 

Climbing is at its peak in the spring (March-May) with nice weather (not too hot nor too freezing), clear sky so that it is simple to always look up, and nearby blooming rhododendrons on the edge of the trail. 

Autumn (September-November) is another favorable season characterized with stable temperature and poor viewability. Daytime are of spring, but at nights, temperatures are cooler, particularly at the summit. 

Winter (December-February) is very cold with average temperature below -20 degrees Celsius at high altitude and hence has low attractiveness period for climbing. 

Monsoon (June-August) rainstorm floods the area with torrential precipitation, creating slippery surfaces, low visibility, and as a consequence, more difficult and less rewarding climbing.

Permits for Mera Peak Trek

Trekking to Mera Peak is required to get a given number of permits with a price based on nationality and season. Mera Peak Climbing Permit is required for all mountaineers by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

Spring Season (March-May): 

• Nepali climbers: NPR 4,000
• Foreigners: USD 250

Autumn Season (September-November): 

• Nepali climbers: NPR 2,000
• Foreigners: USD 125

Winter (Dec-Feb) and Summer/Monsoon (June-August): 

• Nepali climbers: NPR 1,000
• Foreigners: USD 70

Moreover, trekkers should get a Sagarmatha Entry Permit (the rate of NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, NPR 1,500 for the citizens of SAARC countries, and NPR 100 for the citizens of Nepal). 

Additionally, a Local Area Permit will be purchased at NPR 2,000 per person. Permits need to be obtained by using a permit trekking company or guide for stress-free trekking.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for Mera Peak climbing. It offers a financial safety net and emergency relief for cases of altitude sickness, accident, and voluntary trip abandonment.

Insurance must formally include high-altitude trekking and up to 6,500 m climbing in the coverage, as well as the helicopter rescue as the safest reaction to medical emergencies in the remote Himalayan range.

In the case of buying insurance, please check whether medical treatment, accidents and personal property are covered in the policy. Policies, mostly, also extend to covering weather or political stoppage of travelling. 

It is recommended that you have a handwritten copy of your policy and emergency contact information while on the route.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is a practice that is well known and generally welcome in the trekking and climbing culture of Nepal. 

Although tipping is voluntary, it is a reflection of appreciation of the work done by those who lead climbers, lift them, secure them and help them in making a climb safe and good. 

In general, a recommendation is about 10-15% of the trip value, divided among the crew. Porters earn around USD 5-10/day, whereas those working as guides or climbing Sherpas are tipped more generously, for example, USD 10-20/ day. 

Often trekkers will give tips in a brief ceremony as a gesture of thanks to the team. Please always pay in Nepalese rupees or US dollars, and give it to us with a smile and thanks.

Mera Peak Climbing Cost

Mera Peak climbing cost normally varies between USD 2,500 to USD 4,000 per individual. This includes; fees for permits, guides and porters, meals, accommodation and transport, the hardware- climbing gear and equipment. 

The cost of Mera Peak Climbing can depend on a trekking agency, services offered, and on the fact if you choose an ordinary or a luxurious tour. Himalayan trekking and Tours provides one of the best Mera Peak trek package. 

These include personal expenses, travel insurance, tipping the climbing crew and other such activities as a helicopter ride or a few extra days of acclimatization these are excluded in our package.

Climbing Season for Mera Peak

Climbing Mera Peak is best in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months there are fine weather, overcast sky and moderate temperature and because of that, the way is both enjoyable and safe. 

In spring, the rhododendron cover is in full flower, and the trail is in good shape for walking and scrambling. Autumn season provides views of the surrounding hills and a vast amount of the scene, including Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, which from above provide an amazing panorama.

Climbing in Other Seasons

Winter (December to February): 

Winter is extremely cold (temperatures down to -20°C or higher) in the high-altitude regions. Poor conditions, snowfalls and frozen slopes all contribute to the difficulty of the ascent, however it is within the reach of adequately equipped and seasoned mountaineers who tolerate exposure to severe cold.

Monsoon/Summer (June to August): 

Monsoons are seeding shoring, slippery trails, and poor sight. The risk to both that of movement and landslide and flooding is high and ascending is not usually advisable. The Hinku Valley is rain-shadowed, and its exploitation may not be completely out of reach by effective management.

Although the climbing itself is technically possible all year round. The number of successful climbs and the amount of fun you’ll have will be much greater during the recommended period of spring and autumn. Preparation, the use of quality equipment, and guidance by professionals are important.

Drinking Water

Fluid intake is needed for high altitude hydration while trekking the Mera Peak. Water stations are found in villages, tea houses and along the trail/nearby. 

Some water may not be drinkable, hence needs to be treated. It is proposed to carry out water treatment tablets, filters, or UV sterilizer bottle for trekkers to ensure their safety.

Boiled water is available at teahouses and lodgings, but it tends to cost more the higher you go. An alternative to this is the use of a reusable bottle that incorporates a filter. 

Adequate fluid/water intake constitutes a component of high‐altitude disease prevention, and, consequently, climbers are advised to consume a minimum of 3‐4 l/day of water as they climb.

WiFi, Electricity, and Communication

WiFi and associated communications infrastructure are poorly developed and fragile in the remote context, e.g., Mera Peak. 

In certain teahouses, the possibility of having access to a WiFi network is teased, yet connectivity will typically be slow, and even might involve an additional fee to use. With an increase in altitude, WiFi availability diminishes.

There is facility for electricity to top up charging devices in tea houses, but this is almost certainly solar powered and, as such, unreliable. Charges for using electricity increase with altitude, so carrying a power bank or solar charger is recommended.

With regard to communication, SIMs with data coverage (e.g., Ncell or NTC) could provide connectivity in some regions, but the signal weakens to low or even completely disappears at higher elevations from (the base of the site). Satellite phones  are the most powerful means of communication in emergencies.