Mera Peak Climb Guide
Mera Peak (6,476 m) is Nepal's highest trekking peak, a non-technical but high-altitude glacier climb in the remote Hinku valley reached over the Zatrwa La from Lukla, with a pre-dawn summit push that rewards strong, well-acclimatised trekkers with a five-eight-thousander panorama including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga.
Overview
Mera Peak, at 6,476 m, is Nepal's highest trekking peak, a sought-after objective for fit trekkers who want to stand on a true Himalayan summit without committing to a technical mountaineering expedition. It rises above the remote Hinku valley in Solukhumbu, south-east of the main Everest region, and is climbed via a long approach from Lukla over the Zatrwa La into wild, lightly travelled country. While the climb itself is non-technical, a glacier ascent on snow rather than rock and ice, the altitude is very real and the route is long.
Most expeditions take 16 to 19 days round trip from Kathmandu, including the flights to and from Lukla and the generous acclimatisation the altitude demands. The approach crosses forested ridges and the Zatrwa La before descending into the Hinku valley, a quiet world of high pasture and Sherpa kharkas far from the busy Everest trail. The route climbs steadily to Khare (around 5,045 m), the last settlement, then to Mera High Camp (around 5,800 m) for the summit push.
The summit day starts in the dark, roped together on the glacier, with a long, slow climb to the top as the sun rises. The reward is one of the great Himalayan panoramas, taking in five 8,000 m peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga, spread across the horizon. Few non-technical objectives offer a view to match it. The descent back to high camp and Khare follows, and then the long walk out.
Mera is graded strenuous and is best suited to experienced, very fit trekkers with a head for altitude. Although it requires no rock or ice climbing skills, you will use crampons, an ice axe and a rope on the glacier, so basic mountaineering equipment and a guided team are essential. It is often considered alongside Island Peak as a first 6,000 m summit, with Mera being higher but less technical.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This is a typical Mera Peak itinerary built around the Hinku valley approach and a summit push from high camp, with acclimatisation days that should not be skipped. Allow buffer days, as the Lukla flights from Kathmandu are weather-dependent and a summit day can be lost to weather.
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m), trek to Chutanga
An early scenic flight to Lukla, then a short walk up through forest towards Chutanga to begin acclimatising for the Zatrwa La. (3-4 hours.)
Day 2: Acclimatisation at Chutanga
A rest-and-acclimatise day with a short hike towards the pass to aid adjustment before crossing the high Zatrwa La. (3-4 hours of hiking.)
Day 3: Cross the Zatrwa La (4,610 m) to Thuli Kharka
A demanding day climbing to the Zatrwa La at around 4,610 m, with fine views back towards the Khumbu, then descending into the Hinku valley to Thuli Kharka. (6-7 hours.)
Day 4: Thuli Kharka to Kothe (around 3,600 m)
A long descent through forest into the Hinku valley to the riverside settlement of Kothe. (5-6 hours.)
Day 5: Kothe to Thaknak (around 4,350 m)
An easier day following the valley upstream past summer pastures and a sacred site to Thaknak, with the mountains opening up. (4-5 hours.)
Day 6: Thaknak to Khare (around 5,045 m)
A steady climb past the Sabai Tsho glacial lake to Khare, the last settlement and the staging point for the climb, with Mera Peak now in view. (4-5 hours.)
Day 7: Acclimatisation and skills day at Khare
A crucial day to acclimatise and to practise using crampons, ice axe and rope on the nearby glacier under your guide's instruction. (3-5 hours.)
Day 8: Khare to Mera High Camp (around 5,800 m)
A demanding climb onto the glacier and up to Mera High Camp at around 5,800 m, set beneath the summit slopes with a dramatic outlook. (5-7 hours.)
Day 9: Summit Mera Peak (6,476 m) and descend to Khare
A pre-dawn start, roped up on the glacier, for the long, slow climb to the 6,476 m summit and its panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga. Descend all the way back to Khare to recover at lower altitude. (8-10 hours.)
Day 10: Reserve day for the summit
A vital contingency day at Khare in case weather or conditions force the summit attempt to be postponed. If unused, it allows extra rest. (Flexible.)
Days 11-13: Return over the Zatrwa La to Lukla
Retrace the route down the Hinku valley through Thaknak and Kothe, re-cross the Zatrwa La, and descend to Lukla over two to three days. (5-7 hours per day.)
Day 14: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu
The morning flight back to Kathmandu. With buffer days for flights and the summit, the full trip runs around 16-19 days. (Flight plus transfer.)
Difficulty & Fitness
Mera Peak is graded strenuous and is one of the more demanding objectives a fit trekker can take on, mainly because of its extreme altitude and the long, remote approach rather than technical difficulty.
- Extreme altitude. The summit at 6,476 m is higher than almost any standard trek, and you sleep above 5,000 m for several nights. Altitude sickness is a serious risk, and the long itinerary exists to acclimatise you properly.
- Glacier climbing. The summit push crosses a glacier on snow, roped together and using crampons and an ice axe. It is non-technical, with no steep rock or ice, but it is physically gruelling at altitude.
- Long, remote route. The Hinku valley is wild and lightly travelled, with basic teahouses and tented camps higher up. There is little infrastructure if something goes wrong.
- Long summit day. The summit push and descent can take 8-10 hours of slow, cold, high-altitude effort.
You should be a fit, experienced trekker who is comfortable walking 6-8 hours a day for over two weeks, with strong cardiovascular fitness and ideally some prior high-altitude experience. Although no rock or ice climbing skills are required, the skills day at Khare and a competent guided team are essential. Train hard with hill walking, stair climbing and endurance work in the months beforehand.
Permits & Regulations
Climbing Mera Peak requires a mountaineering permit on top of the area trekking permits, all arranged through a registered agency:
- NMA climbing permit for Mera Peak, issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association, around USD 250 per person in the spring season (fees are lower in autumn and winter and are subject to change).
- Makalu-Barun National Park entry permit, around NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals, as the Hinku valley lies within its boundaries.
- Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits if your route touches the Khumbu side around Lukla, around NPR 3,000 and NPR 2,000-3,000 respectively. TIMS is not used in this region.
Since 2023, Nepal requires trekkers on organised treks to use a licensed guide, and for a climbing peak like Mera a qualified climbing guide is essential in any case. Carry your passport and several passport photos, keep permits handy for checkpoints, and, because NMA fees and rules change with the season and over time, confirm the current requirements and current fees with a registered agency in Kathmandu before you travel.
Cost & Budget
Mera Peak is a guided climbing expedition, so it costs considerably more than a standard trek, reflecting the climbing permit, the long itinerary, the technical guiding and the camping logistics high on the mountain.
- Guided package: typically around USD 1,800-3,000 per person depending on group size, season and the level of service. This usually covers the climbing guide, porters, all permits, the Lukla flights, accommodation, meals and the climbing logistics including high-camp support.
- NMA climbing permit: around USD 250 per person in spring, lower in other seasons, often included in the package.
- Lukla flights: the round-trip flight to and from Lukla, a major fixed cost that varies by season.
- Gear: if you do not own mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe and a high-altitude sleeping bag, factor in rental or purchase in Kathmandu.
Smaller groups pay more per head, while larger groups spread the guide, permit-handling and logistics costs. A generous tip for the climbing guide and crew is customary, and you should budget a contingency for extra nights if weather delays the Lukla flight or the summit attempt. Carry enough Nepali rupees in cash, as there are no ATMs in the Hinku valley.
Best Time to Climb
Mera Peak is climbed in the same two main seasons as the rest of the region, and on a glacier objective like this, stable weather and safe snow conditions are paramount.
- Spring (March-May) brings warming days, longer daylight and generally stable weather, making it a popular climbing season. Snow conditions on the glacier are usually good, though it can be busier.
- Autumn (late September-November) offers the most stable weather and the clearest air after the monsoon, with superb summit views and reliable conditions. It is widely regarded as the prime season for Mera.
Avoid the monsoon (June-early September): heavy snow and cloud make the glacier hazardous and hide the views, and Lukla flights face the worst delays. Winter (December-February) is climbable by well-equipped, experienced teams but is extremely cold and harsh at high camp. For the best balance of weather, safe snow and summit views, plan for spring or autumn.
Packing, Safety & Tips
Acclimatisation
With a summit at 6,476 m and several nights above 5,000 m, altitude sickness is the single biggest risk. Do not skip the acclimatisation days at Chutanga and Khare, ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and watch closely for symptoms of acute mountain sickness, HACE or HAPE. Discuss altitude medication with your doctor beforehand. If serious symptoms appear, descend immediately; this is a life-and-death matter at these heights.
Gear & packing
You need full high-altitude mountaineering kit: insulated mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe, a harness, and a sleeping bag rated to around minus 20 C or colder. Add a heavy down jacket, layered clothing, glacier sunglasses, sun protection, a headlamp and trekking poles. Bring a reliable water-purification method, high-energy snacks and a first-aid kit. Much of the technical gear can be rented in Kathmandu if you do not own it.
Communications & money
Mobile signal is patchy in the Hinku valley and absent at high camp. There are no ATMs on the route, so carry enough cash in Nepali rupees for the whole expedition plus a buffer. Charging is limited and may cost extra at the lower teahouses.
Safety & insurance
Buy comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers mountaineering and trekking above 6,000 m and includes helicopter evacuation. The Hinku valley is remote and a rescue from altitude is far easier to arrange with cover in place. Climb with a qualified climbing guide and crew, follow their judgement on weather and turnaround times, and never push for the summit against worsening conditions.
Combining with other climbs
Mera is often considered alongside Island Peak for a first 6,000 m summit, and strong climbers sometimes combine the two in a single long expedition via the Amphu Labtsa pass. For acclimatisation or as a contrasting objective, the Everest Base Camp trek is a popular pairing. Base yourself in Kathmandu before and after to arrange permits, gear, the Lukla flight and a climbing guide.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) & Trek Safety
The Mera Peak trek climbs to 6,476 m, well into the zone where acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a serious, potentially fatal risk, careful acclimatisation is non-negotiable. This section covers how to recognise altitude sickness, prevent it, prepare physically, and stay insured, it is general guidance, not medical advice.
Recognise the symptoms
| Level | Signs | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild AMS | Headache, nausea or loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, broken sleep. | Stop ascending, rest, hydrate. Do not go higher until symptoms clear; descend if they do not. |
| Severe, HAPE (lungs) | Breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, frothy or pink spit, chest tightness, blue lips. | Descend immediately and treat as a medical emergency, arrange evacuation. |
| Severe, HACE (brain) | Confusion, clumsiness or loss of balance, crushing headache, drowsiness, hallucinations. | Descend immediately, HACE is life-threatening within hours. Evacuate. |
Prevent it: the golden rules
- Ascend slowly. Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than ~300–500 m per day and take the built-in acclimatisation days.
- Climb high, sleep low. Day-hike higher, then come back down to sleep.
- Hydrate (3–4 litres/day), eat well, and avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking at altitude.
- Never ascend with AMS symptoms, and descend at once if they worsen, going down is the only reliable cure.
- Consider acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive/treatment aid, but only after discussing it with your doctor.
Get trek-fit
Start training 6–8 weeks out: build aerobic base with running, cycling or brisk hill walking 3–4 times a week; add stair and hill repeats carrying a loaded daypack (6–8 kg) to ready your legs for long descents; and finish with a couple of back-to-back long hiking days to rehearse multi-day fatigue. Strong quads and good cardio make altitude far more manageable.
Insurance & evacuation
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking up to 6,476 m and helicopter evacuation, a rescue from altitude is essential and very expensive without cover. Carry your policy number and your operator’s emergency contact, and keep the booking details of any guide with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the Mera Peak climb take?
It usually takes 16 to 19 days round trip from Kathmandu, including the flights to and from Lukla, the long Hinku valley approach, multiple acclimatisation days and a reserve day for the summit. The generous schedule is essential for safe acclimatisation to 6,476 m, and you should still build in buffer days for weather.
How hard is the Mera Peak climb?
It is graded strenuous. The climb itself is non-technical, a glacier ascent on snow without steep rock or ice, but the extreme altitude, the long remote approach and the gruelling summit day make it demanding. You should be a fit, experienced trekker, ideally with prior high-altitude experience, climbing with a guided team.
How high is Mera Peak?
Mera Peak summit stands at 6,476 metres, making it Nepal's highest trekking peak. You sleep at high camp at around 5,800 m and spend several nights above 5,000 m, so the altitude is the main challenge. The long itinerary is built around acclimatising you safely to these heights.
Is Mera Peak technical to climb?
No, it is classed as a non-technical trekking peak. The summit push is a glacier walk on snow, roped together and using crampons and an ice axe, with no steep rock or ice climbing. That said, you must be comfortable with basic glacier skills, which are practised on a skills day at Khare with your climbing guide.
What permits do I need for Mera Peak?
You need an NMA climbing permit for Mera Peak (around USD 250 per person in spring, lower in other seasons), a Makalu-Barun National Park entry permit (around NPR 3,000), and Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu municipality permits if your route touches the Khumbu side. TIMS is not used here. A licensed climbing guide is required.
How much does it cost to climb Mera Peak?
A guided package typically costs around USD 1,800-3,000 per person depending on group size, season and service level, usually covering the climbing guide, porters, permits, the Lukla flights, lodging, meals and climbing logistics. The NMA permit and Lukla flights are major fixed costs, and gear rental adds more if you do not own it.
What is the best time to climb Mera Peak?
The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (late September-November), which offer the most stable weather and safest glacier conditions. Autumn is widely regarded as the prime season for clear summit views. Avoid the monsoon, when snow and cloud make the glacier hazardous, and winter, which is extremely cold and harsh.
Do I need a guide for Mera Peak?
Yes, absolutely. Since 2023 Nepal has required a licensed guide for organised trekking, and for a 6,476 m climbing peak a qualified climbing guide and crew are essential for safety on the glacier and at altitude. You climb with a guided team that handles permits, ropes, route-finding and high-camp logistics.
Is altitude sickness a risk on Mera Peak?
Yes, it is the single biggest risk. With a summit at 6,476 m and several nights above 5,000 m, serious altitude illness, including HACE and HAPE, is a real danger. Do not skip the acclimatisation days, ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and descend immediately if serious symptoms appear. Insurance with helicopter evacuation is essential.
How does Mera Peak compare to Island Peak?
Mera Peak is higher at 6,476 m but less technical, with a long glacier walk to the summit, while Island Peak is lower at 6,189 m but more technical, with fixed ropes and a steep headwall. Mera tests endurance and altitude tolerance; Island Peak adds a short technical climb. Strong climbers sometimes do both in one expedition.
What can you see from the summit of Mera Peak?
On a clear day the summit offers one of the great Himalayan panoramas, taking in five 8,000 m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga, spread across the horizon. Few non-technical objectives in Nepal offer a view to match it, which is a major reason climbers choose Mera.
What gear do I need for Mera Peak?
You need full high-altitude mountaineering kit: insulated mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe, a harness, and a sleeping bag rated to around minus 20 C or colder, plus a heavy down jacket, layered clothing, glacier sunglasses and a headlamp. Much of the technical gear can be rented in Kathmandu if you do not own it.
Where does the Mera Peak climb start?
It starts with a flight from Kathmandu (or Manthali) to Lukla at 2,840 m, then a walk over the Zatrwa La into the remote Hinku valley, climbing through Kothe, Thaknak and Khare to Mera High Camp. The approach is long and lightly travelled, far quieter than the main Everest trail.
Compare with Other Nepal Treks
How Mera Peak stacks up against other popular Nepal treks, at a glance, to help you choose and plan.
| Trek | Difficulty | Max Altitude | Duration | Best Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mera PeakThis trek | 🔴 Strenuous | 6,476 m | 16–19 days | Mar–May & Oct–Nov | Hinku, Solukhumbu |
| Island Peak | 🔴 Strenuous | 6,189 m | 16–19 days | Mar–May & Oct–Nov | Khumbu, Solukhumbu |
| Everest Base Camp | 🟠 Challenging | 5,545 m | 12–14 days | Mar–May & Sep–Nov | Khumbu, Solukhumbu |
Why these grades?
Mera Peak 🔴 Strenuous, Climbs Nepal's highest trekking peak at 6,476 m, a non-technical glacier ascent that still demands real altitude tolerance, crampons and rope skills, several nights above 5,000 m and a pre-dawn summit push, for fit trekkers with a guide.
Island Peak 🔴 Strenuous, A 6,189 m trekking peak (Imja Tse) usually tagged onto Everest Base Camp, with a glacier crossing, fixed ropes and a steep headwall; the long acclimatised approach helps, but the summit day is a genuine mountaineering effort.
Everest Base Camp 🟠 Challenging, Reaches 5,364 m at base camp and 5,545 m on Kala Patthar over 12+ days at altitude, with the dramatic Lukla flight, but a busy, well-marked trail and excellent teahouses keep it within reach of fit first-timers.
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By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated June 22, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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