Mera Peak via Chetra-La
- Duration: 18Days
- Activities: Climbing
- Country: Nepal
- Trip Grade: HARD
- Price:3000 USD
- Group size: 2-10 People
Overview
Mera Peak (6,461m) is an exciting, scenically stunning mountain becoming popular among trekkers and climbers as it is the highest trekking peak in Nepal in Khumbu (Everest) Valley. Situated on the edge of famous Khumbu Region and dominated by Mt. Everest, climbing Mera peak is an opportunity to all the adventure seekers who are physically fit. Lifting the eyes from Mera and keep on lifting them until, above the clouds, the mighty frieze of the world’s 8000 meter Mountains- Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu and many other peaks is an unforgettable experience.
Mera Peak climbing begins following a short and exciting flight to the mountain airstrip of Lukla and after continuous trek for days through the high and lovely valleys you will get to the area of Mera. Although physically very demanding on account of the altitude, the climb on Mera Peak is not technically difficult as ascending snow slopes rarely exceed 40 degrees. The only qualification you need to ascend Mera peak is your excellent physical fitness and an extrovert sense of adventure. Our Mera peak itinerary has been carefully designed to allow gradual acclimatization for the climbers. The walk in initially through the virgin forest of the Hinku Valley is incredibly beautiful and provides excellent acclimatization for the peak itself. Our unrivalled service, quality equipment, food, trekking staff and an experienced leader ensure that your Mera trip will be an lifetime adventure experience in Nepal.
NOTE: It has been a matter of curiosity of many climbers that on which- North Mera Peak (6,476m), Central Mera Peak (6,461m), or South Mera Peak (6064m) have we been operating our Mera expedition. In general, we operate expedition to Mera Central (6,461m) although the highest one is Mera North (6,476m). Due to huge crevasses and glacial changes happening there in the route to Mera North we operate the expedition to Mera Central.
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
DAY 03: Fly to Lukla (2860m) 35 minutes flight trek to Chuthanga (3200m) 3-4 hours
DAY 04: Chuthnaga – Kharkithang (3860m) 5 hours
DAY 05: Kharkithang – Chetra-La pass (4600m) – Thaktor (3600m) 7 hours
DAY 06: Thaktor – Khote (3500m)
DAY 07: Kothe – Tangnang (4,350m) 3-4 hours
DAY 08: Acclimatization Day: Hiking to Charpate Himal Glacier.
DAY 09: Tangnang – Khare (5,045m) 2-3 hours
DAY 10: Khare – Mera Base Camp (5300m) 3-4 hours
DAY 11: Mera Base Camp – High camp (5,780m) 4-5 hours
DAY 12: Mera High Camp to Summit (6,461m) and back to Khare (5045m) 8-9 hours
DAY 13: Reserve Day for Contingency
DAY 14: Khare – Kothe (3600m) 4-5 hours
DAY 15: Kothe – Thuli Kharka 5-6 hrs
DAY 16: Thuli Kharka to Lukla: 6-7 hrs
DAY 17: Fly Back to Kathmandu
DAY 18: Final Departure
DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Sherpa Holidays’ display board at the arrival gate and you will be picked up by one of our representative or your trip leader.You will be then transferred to hotel.After check in, you can either take a rest, wander around in the city,it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program followed by a set Nepali dish(Dal Bhat) for dinner.
DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast your trek leader will introduce you to rest of the members of the group and brief you about the trek . After the group briefing, you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour to two of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Both of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the famous Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After lunch you have an opportunity to prepare yourself for the entire trip and next day’s flight to Lukla.
DAY 03: Fly to Lukla (2860m) 35 minutes flight trek to Chuthanga (3200m) 3-4 hours
Early morning after breakfast, we get transferred to domestic airport to fly to Lukla. After an adventurous 40-minute flight above breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla. This is one of the most beautiful air routes in the world culminating in a dramatic landing on a hillside surrounded by high mountains peaks. At the airport, we meet our other crew members. We get time to stroll around while the guide divides and manages baggage to be carried by porters. We start our trek down from Lukla. It will make sense to fly up to Lukla for acclimatization and walk down. We start climbing gradually pass Nabuk and Thukding through the Rhododendron trees.And depending on the time frame and weather condition we may stop for lunch on the way or after we get to Chuthanga.After lunch,we may have a rest or go for an acclimatezation walk.Overnight Chuthanga.
DAY 04: Chuthnaga – Kharkithang (3860m) 5 hours
After breakfast, we start ascending gradually through the rhododendron forest.Since there is no tea houses on the way we will have our lunch after we get to Kharkithang.After lunch your guide will take you for an acclimatization walk.Overnight Kharkithang.
DAY 05: Kharkithang – Chetra-La pass (4600m) – Thaktor (3600m) 7 hours
After breakfast we start to walk on the snow making a gentle climb and then just before the Chetra-La pass we start to climb up the steep hill.although it’s not a proper climbing but depending on the snow and ice condition your guide may set up a fixed line up to the top for your safety.Once you are at the top you can enjoy the view of Numbur Himal & Kaali Himal in the background and a wide and remote hinku valley ahead of you.After the pass we start descending down gradually to Chhetra and stop for lunch.After lunch we trek down the steep trail to Thaktor.Overnight Thaktor.
DAY 06: Thaktor – Khote (3500m)
Since we have a short walk to Khote,we start late in the morning.The walk is undulating and gentle until we get to Khote.And we have our lunch in Khote.Overnight Khote.
DAY 07: Kothe – Tangnang (4,350m) 3-4 hours
Today is another short-trek day in which we trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We take lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung we pass a 200 year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera peak scripted in rock along with its route to reach Mera. We pray for our successful ascent of Mera Peak in the boulder of the Gompa offering incense. A short walk takes us to Thagnag, which is a summer grazing area with the primitive lodges and shops. Overnight in Thagnag at the camp.
DAY 08: Acclimatization Day: Hiking to Charpate Himal Glacier.
Today is our rest day. It is not recommend to stay idle although it is a rest day instead we have to stay active to be ready for next day’s adventure. So after breakfast, we hike for about 3 hours up to Charpate Himal Glacier. Seen very close from the Thangnag, Charpate Himal is regarded holy by the Sherpa community and is worshiped by traditional Sherpas of the mountains. We will observe Mera North very close and outstanding from here. After an hour’s pleasant hike downwards, we will be back at the camp at Thangnang. Overnight at Thangnang.
DAY 09: Tangnang – Khare (5,045m) 2-3 hours
We head towards Mera Base Camp at Khare. We follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines and to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers and then climbs more steeply to our camping spot at Khare. The camping experience at Khare is something that would cherish us throughout our life. It is pleasure to view beautiful North face of Mera Peak from our campsite at Khare. Overnight at Khare.
DAY 10: Khare – Mera Base Camp (5300m) 3-4 hours
Today after breakfast, we walk through boulder strewn course to reach Base Camp of Mera Peak. We have to march through steep route (about 260 meters ) and it takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach Base Camp. Upon reaching there after a short rest accompanied with our lunch, we start ice climbing training with our climbing guide. Inexperienced climbers need to learn much more today. After about 2-3 hours training, we might choose to go to Mera La. However, as we will be taking the route to High Camp through Mera La the next day, we might opt to rest at our camp at Base camp today admiring the eye-catching views the area offers.
DAY 11: Mera Base Camp – High camp (5,780m) 4-5 hours
We take the route through Mera La to reach the Mera High Camp today. You need to walk through rock-strewn area for about two hours while making your way to Mera High Camp and this can be a bit hazardous if it has recently snowed, as there are a number of crevasses here. We make our way to the top of the rock band, which is marked by a large cairn. We set up a high camp and enjoy rest of the day the sunrise and sunset view along with the Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and south face of Lotshe, Nuptse, Chamlang and Baruntse are outstanding and seems like they are piercing the skyline. We overnight in Mera High Camp.
DAY 12: Mera High Camp to Summit (6,461m) and back to Khare (5045m) 8-9 hours
This is really a big day. Our crew will wake up around 1 a.m. for preparation. You should also wake up around 2.30 am and you will have very early breakfast today. After breakfast, your group will put on crampons and rope and set up for special journey to the summit. If you are a well-acclimatized group, it takes around 4-6 hours to reach the summit of Mera central for you. From the summit can be seen the magnificent views of 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) Ama Dablam (6,812m) Kangtega (6,779m) and many peaks over six thousand. After achieving the summit, you retrace your steps down to high camp. After having a rest accompanied with some hot soups/tea at the high camp, we will continue down to Khare for the night’s rest. You will really find this day really long but inspirational one for your life! Overnight at Khare.
DAY 13: Reserve Day for Contingency
There is no such guarantee that we can get quite a favorable weather on our planned day for the summit (day 13), so this day is used as a contingency in case if we are unable to summit the Mera on day 13 due to bad weather condition or some other reasons. If weather became exceptionally unfavorable we wisely have to postpone the program of summiting the peak on day 13 for toady (Day 14). Sometimes somebody in the group may get some problems in acclimatizing well enough to make the ascent; the day can be used in that condition too. If the trip goes smoothly, we do not need this spare day.
DAY 14: Khare – Kothe (3600m) 4-5 hours
After a great success of the expedition to Mt. Mera we descend to Hinku valley to Kothe for our overnight stop at camp. Leaving behind the outstanding Himalayan background, you arrive Kothe. The night we enjoy with local wines and foods and relax at the camp and overnight.
DAY 15: Kothe – Thuli Kharka 5-6 hrs
Today, we again climb up about two hours through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Thuli Kharka. It’s nice walk through the red Rhododendron forest with beaten trail of Himalaya of Nepal. We observe the wide range of Mera peaks, Mera North, Mera Central, Mera South from Thuli Kharka. Overnight in Thuli Kharka.
DAY 16: Thuli Kharka to Lukla: 6-7 hrs
Two hours up from Thuli Kharka we walk to reach Zatrwa La pass. After crossing the pass we see beautiful view of Lukla valley. Cho yu, Kongde peak, Numbur Himal, Kusum Khangru and so many others. From Zatrwa La we walk all the way down to Chutanga and then straight forward easy walk takes us to Lukla village where we conclude the trekking and this evening we enjoy the last dinner in mountain with our crew. Overnight in teahouse.
DAY 17: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Today, we fly back to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. The early morning flight drops us in Kathmandu.You can rest and relax throughout the day at hotel. If you are interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives,you can visit to some nearby shops or vendors in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.If you are still keen on exploring any other areas in Kathmandu,you can talk to your leader and he will organize it for you accordingly.
DAY 18: Final Departure
The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today!If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around Thamel and relax before your flight. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, your leader will escorts you to the airport.
- All airport/hotel transfers within Nepal
- Accomodation in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis
- Flight to Lukla and back to Kathmandu
- Transportation enrolled for sightseeing and transfers
- All meals on trek and Climbing periods.
- Accommodation throughout the trek
- All trekking and climbing permits
- Experienced and English speaking trekking/climbin guides
- Trekking and teahouse arrangements on full board basis on trek/Climbing duration
- All your climbing gears ( ascender,descender,ice-axe,figure 8,helmate)
- Group gears and supplies ( ropes,ice screws,snow bars)
- Insurance for all Nepalese staffs
- All camping equipments (kitchen tent,dinning tent,toilet tent,table,chair and kitchen utensils) for our clients and Nepalese staffs
- Base camp crew
- Emergency equipment like medical oxygen, Gamow bag,comprehensive medical kit, etc
- Satellite Phone incase of emergency
- All government taxes and agency service charge
- Sherpa Holidays’ duffel Bag for the trek
- Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket (Puffy jacket)
- Personal trekking gears
- International roundtrip airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Lunch and evening meals in the city(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Nepal Visa fee
- Tips for Guides and other staffs
- Personal communications (Satellite phone, phone, fax, email)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, bottle water, shower, heater, etc.)
- Personal travel /medical/cancellation/rescue insurance
- Any rescue costs or costs of early departure from the expedition
- Helicopter or charter flight
NOTE:
You can bring your personal clothing if you already have them with you,if not it’s worth buying all below mentioned clothing and equipments here in Kathmandu in good rates and your guide will help you with it.You will have plenty of time before the trek to buy stuffs in Kathmandu(thamel).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENTS FOR TREKKING
TREKKING
- Fleece beanie
- sun glasses
- Chapstick / Sunscreen
- Face mask or Scarf
- Hand towel
- Wind stopper / waterproof top and bottom
- Cold weather down jacket below waist
- Fleece jacket and trouser
- Trekking trouser
- T-Shirts(short or long sleeves) dry fit is better
- Polypropylene thermal tops and bottom, at least 2pairs,
- Wind stopper and fleece gloves
- Socks and under wears (expect not to be able to wash at least for week)
- Trekking boot (covering ankle, double check the size, foot swell up after a long walk)
- Snow Gaiter (optional)
- Running shoe or sandal for camps
- Head torch
- Personal medical kit (Gastrointestinal and Respiratory disease are common)
- Water Bottle/Camel Pak
- Trekking / Ski pole (optional. Handy for anyone with knee problem)
- Spare batteries for Camera andflash light. Check charging facility along your journey
- Day pack Minimum25L with side pocket for water bottle
MOUNTAINEERING EQUIPMENT ONLY FOR THE CLIMBING GROUP.
- All equipments as in trekking equipment list except 25L day pack. Need a 40L+ day pack.
- Snow Gaiter (compulsory)
- Snow Goggles
- Head torch
- Thick socks at least 3 pairs
- Gloves, thin thermal layer and thick down or acrylic filled wind and waterproof outer layer
- Wind stopper Top /Wind stopper bottom
- Ruck-Sack minimum 40L+, should have loop to hold Ice-Axe, pole and side pocket to hold water bottle
(PERSONAL CLIMBING EQUIPMENTS WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED BY SHERPA HOLIDAYS
- Harness: Black Diamond on high quality
- karabiners: Two pieces Screw Gate “D” Shaped and two plain
- Tape Sling: Two meters 1inch wide tape sling with free ends
- Ice-Axe: Choice depends on use. Generally length between your ankle and finger tips on stretched body (60cm to 70cm).This is the choice of shaft length to go for.
- Climbing boots
- Crampons: Quick clip on and release design having detachable anti balling plate and a size to fit your boot.
- Jumar /Ascenders: This is a device for climbing up on a rope and is a must in steep climbing section.
- Descender: This is a device to climb down a rope safely. Figure of eight and ATC are other names.
- Sleeping bag: Good sleeping bag of 80% – 90% down, 1000gm filled to use above base camp & normal trek,
- Down Jacket: A good down filled jacket to use above base camp n normal trek.
- Duffel bag : trekking/Mountaineering Basics 85 litter water proofs.
Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits both at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We do our utmost to avoid such delays, and fix you on next flight. Still, we suggest you to be prepared for possible delays/cancellation, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. We also organize heli rescue in such conditions, if it’s available and upon request by our clients. The helicopter charges around USD 350 per person and it allows 4-5 persons in a flight.
In case, the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip: such a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other regions. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for the trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla. However,there will be no refund, if you lose your time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancelation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses but your travel insurance may cover those expenses depending upon the insurance company you have and also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc) included in the package that you would not use later.
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