Mera Peak Climbing

Essential Info

Mera Peak Climbing Best Season

As it is, the weather at Mera is subject to frequent changes and the ongoing climate change has led to even greater changes in the seasons. One moment it is bright sunshine and another, it can be foggy and accompanied by strong winds.

Even on a clear day, temperatures at the Mera summit can go down below freezing. Still, the customary Mera peak climbing best season is during the dry shoulder seasons of spring and autumn that is from March through May and September through November respectively.

During these times, you can summit in sunshine and good visibility. In spring, the accumulated winter snow becomes more firm allowing you to hike and climb safely. In addition, you will have the prettiest landscape all around you.

Similarly, autumn offers comfortable temperatures favorable for hiking, complemented by clear and dry days. Climbing during the summer months, from June through August, is certainly out of the question due to heavy monsoons, landslides, and avalanches.

Winter climbing, from December through February is only suitable for experienced climbers.

Mera peak climbing difficulty

The Mera Peak itself is a relatively easy peak which is assigned a difficulty rating of 1B. It means the Mera peak climbing difficulty is a moderately challenging journey but the peak itself is technically non-complicated with the slopes not exceeding 40 degrees.

Therefore, the primary requirement for Mera peak climbing is a lengthy and demanding trekking journey at high altitudes rather than advanced technical skills.

The main hurdle is of course the high elevation and harsh unpredictable mountain weather. We also can’t forget about the two high enormous yet surmountable mountain passes that we will face on our route.

Therefore, you are required to have experience in high-altitude hiking and must have successfully completed treks that reach a minimum elevation of 5,000 m.

Another significant challenge of this expedition is the long hiking hours, which can vary between 6 to 7 hours and 8 to 9 hours on the summit day. The journey to the summit also involves the undulating terrain, several steep climbs and descents, as well as crossing numerous glaciers.

Thus, Mera peak climbing needs a strong level of fitness and athletic ability. If you have experience in high-altitude trekking but are unfamiliar with technical equipment such as crampons, ice axes, and climbing ropes, our climbing guide will provide the necessary training before the summit attempt.

However, we advise you to undertake the basic preliminary training beforehand and engage in minor climbing activities in your local area.

Who can attempt the Mera Peak Climbing?

Mera Peak climbing due to its relatively easy nature is suitable for trained mountaineers, experienced hikers, and beginner climbers. However, it is important to note that, although not technically challenging, the ascent of the peak presents several hurdles.

The route to the summit is lengthy and demanding which also involves crossing of two high passes, which need stamina and physical health along with some advance training.

Apart from these, the hiking journey and the pass crossing do not require highly specialized gear; only the final segment to Mera Peak involves a glacier where the use of ropes and crampons becomes necessary.

However, we will practice the necessary technical skills during our acclimatization days in Khare and High Camp. In addition, we will have the assistance of our expert climbing guide and porters who will be carrying our equipment and personal belongings.

Still, each climber must have excellent fitness and endurance due to the high altitude, and potential adverse weather conditions. You need to be mentally and physically prepared for these challenges.

Also, remember, on the summit day, the hike will be long and arduous, which may lead to muscle soreness the next day. However, the feeling of having conquered Nepal’s highest trekking mountain is pretty much unbeatable. The key is thorough preparation and maintaining a comfortable pace.

Thus, our Mera Peak climbing itinerary is suitable for those who are interested in entering the field of mountaineering in the high Himalayas and who wish to prepare for more serious challenges, such as climbing Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Dhaulagiri.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization In our Mera Peak Climbing Itinerary

We will be lying if we say acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness is not present in our Mera Peak Climbing because it does involve the challenges of high altitude which increases the threat of this sickness.

You will be at an elevation of above 2500 m for 13 days when the oxygen level will diminish as we progress higher and higher. Therefore, breathing difficulties may arise even if we take our ascend slowly and gradually.

Most of our participating climbers have faced milder symptoms such as headache, limb numbness, appetite loss, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia specifically when they are around 4000 to 5000 m altitude.

Usually, these symptoms subside during the acclimatization process. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is mandatory to halt the journey and move down to lower heights.

Our climbing guide will determine whether your journey can continue or must be postponed. In order to diminish the concern of altitude sickness and ensure that all our participants reach the summit, we have allocated sufficient time for acclimatization, which is the main focus of our program.

You will pre-acclimatize in Kathmandu then you will do short acclimating walks on days 8 and 9 before advancing to the Mera Base Camp at Khare. Here, a complete rest is planned with a pre-training session.

It is also vital on your part to arrive with some degree of acclimatization ideally taking on some highland expedition at elevation between 3000 to 4000 m.

Throughout the expedition, our guide will regularly monitor your blood oxygen levels and pulse rates to ensure you have effective acclimatization before the planned summit day.

Essential Preparation for Mera Peak Climbing

If you have difficulty walking for a long time, then undeniably, this journey is not for you. Therefore, we advise all our participating climbers to focus on building their leg and body muscles at least 3 to 4 months before their Mera Peak climbing journey so they have more endurance, stamina, and strength.

For this, you must begin a strict rigorous training session that should include an aerobic form of exercise such as ladder climbing, jogging, treadmill running, cycling or running, pull-ups, squats, and push-ups.

As you get on with your training, you should also consider exploring the hilly and mountain terrain of your hometown so you will have the fitness that is required to overcome the high elevation.

We strongly advise you to engage in a high-elevation hiking journey in Nepal if you have not undertaken any before attempting the Mera Peak. You should be well-acquainted with the Nepal highlands and their atmosphere as they can be greatly different from yours.

So think about hiking to Mardi Himal base camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or even the base camp of Everest. These experiences will help you acclimatize to the unique Himalayan climate and conditions of Nepal.

Although our Mera peak climbing journey is totally a teahouse adventure still, you will have one night under the tent at Mera High Camp. So we suggest you make up your mind about the rustic experiences.

You also have to prepare yourself mentally for the extended treks that can last up to 9 hours, for the formidable challenges of the terrain, the high passes, and the remote landscape.

You must have the ability to evolve and adapt to the changing circumstances, the ability to embrace the reward of the journey rather than focusing on its shortcomings.

You should also be prepared for the unsuccessful attempt at the summit; after all, it will be the mountain itself to lets you reach its top.

Sleeping and Eating Arrangements

You will be staying in a good hotel with a three-star rating in Kathmandu in a 2-bedroom with a private bathroom and Western-style toilet. If you have registered with us alone, then you will be paired with fellow climbers of the same gender and age as much as possible.

During the hiking section, you will stay in so-called mountain shelters often called the tea houses. The quality of these accommodations can vary but we ensure you stay in the best.

They also offer double rooms and in some cases even three or four. They will be simply furnished and lack central heating, so we will also provide you with sleeping bags (you can bring yours as well).

The evening will be particularly delightful in the lodge and everyone gather around the stove in the common dining area and share their experiences. As for bathing facilities, they will be limited however basic showers are available now.

In the absence of showers, you can buy a hot water bucket for 200 to 400 Nepali rupees. You can use wet wipes though which will be more convenient. Please note, that you will most probably encounter the squat toilets most of the time.

During the summit attack, you will sleep in a two-person tent at High Camp which we will provide along with the kitchen utensils and cooking crew.

As for food, dining will be self-catered in Kathmandu except for morning breakfast that will provided in your overnight hotel. The capital has a variety of delightful and reasonably priced restaurants that offer an extensive range of menus ranging from 300 to 600 Nepali rupees.

In the mountains, at the guesthouses, and at High Camp, you will receive full board meals. Throughout your journey, you can enjoy the local staple dish, Dal Vat, at each accommodation, along with other basic dishes such as soups, potatoes, and pasta.

Regarding beverages, these will also be self-catered. Boiled drinking water and Coca-Cola are widely available but at higher prices than in Kathmandu.

Transportation

During our Mera Peak climbing expedition, you will receive complete airport transfers in a private four-wheel vehicle. Additionally, you will use the same mode of transport for your travels within Kathmandu.

We have also taken care of your round-trip flights to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. If required, we will also facilitate your transportation to and from Ramechhap.

Different Route to the Mera Peak

Another route also exists that will take you to Mera Peak in fewer days than ours. This route is entirely reverse of our current route which will need you to traverse the Zatrwa La Pass before ascending to the Mera Summit.

It passes through Chutanga and Thuli Kharka with a challenging pass along the way, after which the route will connect to the path leading to Kothe.

This option is more suitable for experienced hikers, as it involves rapid hiking and elevation increase intending to complete the Mera Peak climbing expedition within a shorter duration of two weeks.

You can also think of combining the EBC trail with the Mera Peak climbing route. You will first complete the EBC trek, then proceed from Pheriche to Khare to attempt Mera Peak.

There are other additional options that are more suitable for experienced climbers and hikers as these routes include a combination of thrilling passes: one is Amphu Lapcha (5845 m) and the other is Mingbola (5817 m). Both passes will lead you back to the EBC trail on your return journey.

Required Permits for Mera Peak Climbing

Although Mera Peak is perceived as a trekking peak, still, it is mandatory to obtain a permit from the NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association) to climb Mera Summit.

The amount of the permit varies based on the popularity of the season. If you wish to assault Mera in spring, you will have to pay 250 US Dollars per climber, for a summit attempt in autumn, pay 125 US Dollars, and for winter and summer attempts, you will have to pay 70 US Dollars per climber.

Additionally, you will also need to have permission to enter the Khumbu Municipality and the National Park territory of the Makalu Barun.

So, it is mandatory for you to have the Khumbu Municipality local permit which comes at the price of 20 US Dollars, and the entry permit for the National Park of Makalu Barun which comes at the price of 30 US Dollars.

However, you don’t have to scratch your head as we are the ones to be accountable for attaining these permits.

Travel Insurance

We must emphasize that travel insurance is not only essential but also imperative for our Mera Peak climbing adventure. Your policy must remain valid for the entire duration of the trip else you will be declined the climbing permit by NMA.

Please note that your insurance must have a specialized sports category coverage that includes activities such as mountaineering and hiking where specialized equipment like ropes, crampons, and ice axes have to be used.

It is also vital to note that the majority of insurance policies generally cover altitudes up to 3500 m so we highly recommend you to obtain the coverage that extends the altitude up to 6500 m.

Additionally, also ensure that your policy includes the general coverage related to international traveling such as coverage for flight delays and cancellations, elongated stays, lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, medical expenses in case of hospitalization or altitude sickness, and, most importantly the rescue by heli and air ambulance services.

If you have travel insurance, please verify that it includes all the coverages that we have mentioned.