Mera Peak Climbing - 15 Days

We take an early morning flight to Lukla. During the flight, we can bask in the mesmerizing views of giant snow-capped mountain peaks. On arriving at Lukla, we meet the trekking crew. We then head eastwards from Lukla. The trail crisscrosses through pristine hamlets and thick forest along Kalo Himal Ridge. We must stay aligned with our specific route. Otherwise, we may deviate from the target destination. At the time of winter, snow makes us transverse steep terrain. But during favorable climatic condition, the trail is usually straightforward. After 3-4 hours of trekking, we enter Chutanga.

We spend two memorable nights at Chutanga. This gives us sufficient time for acclimatization prior to getting across the Zatrwa La pass. We can indulge in leisurely trek to a small 4000m peak below the Zatrwa Teng Pass. Beautiful views unveil as we glimpse over the valley of the Dudh Kosi and the picturesque trail zigzags towards Zatrwa La. After exploring, we descend back to Chutanga for complete relaxation.

The trail crosses the Kalo Himal ridge, which separates the Khumbu from the Hinku Valley. Further ahead, we traverse a comfortable path displaying a cairned notch on the ridge with several prayer flags at an elevation of 4450m. En route we may encounter yak herders. The views across the Dudh Kosi towards Karyolung and the Lumding Himal are very impressive and so is the view across the rolling foothills east of the Hinku Valley. Half an hour below the pass is a huge boulder and 7 hours trekking finally brings us to Tuli Kharka.

The trail descends the rock-strewn path leading to a fine vantage point of the Hinku Valley where mesmerizing views of the south face of Mera Peak become visible. The trail zigzags through forested areas and then descends steeply into the Hinku valley. Enchanting panorama of Peak 43 and Kusum Kangguru unfolds as we bask in the splendor of nature surrounding us from the Hinku Valley. We experience the most exotic and delightful feelings as we walk past forests of pine and rhododendron. Soon we reach Mosum Kharka, by the banks of Hinku Drangka river.

As we head to the west bank of the Hinku Khola northwards, we spot meadows used as grazing areas for goats, sheep and yaks in the upper Hinku. After several ascents for 6 hours, we approach the summer settlement of Tangnag after crossing a single-plank bridge at Gondishung. We halt for lunch at this spot. Lying in its vicinity is a two centuries old Gompa resting beneath a massive boulder and a number of crude ‘mani’ walls. The trail offers an outstanding view of Peak 43.

We utilize two days for complete acclimatization. After proper rest, we can explore other adventure possibilities like strolling by Sabal Tsho, beautiful moraine-dammed lake, which is hidden behind the Sabal Glacier and climbing a peak up to an altitude of nearly 5000m. We can also explore Hinku Nup Glacier, which leads north toward Kantega. The upper Hinku Valley turns to the east at Tangnag, crossing the moraine of the Dig Glaciers.

As we walk away from Tangnag, the trail ascends to a wide grassy basin, popularly called Dig Kharka. We continue walking for hours. After a while, we arrive at Khare, which offers splendid vistas of huge north face of Mera, Hinku Shar Glacier and Mera La.

We use this day for acclimatization. After proper rest, we take a walk up to a small peak on the west side of the Hinku Nup Glacier, where we can reach a height of around 5500m. At this point, we get to capture stunning views of Mera La and Mera Peak.

We follow the trail leading to Mera La. We continue to traverse as far as the lowest part of the Hinku Nup Glacier. At this point, we can see the amazing white panorama snow covered Himalayan peaks stretching before us.

Early in the morning at around 2 AM after breakfast, we advance towards the summit. By sunrise, we reach upto 6000m. After a gruelling climb, we finally scale the summit. From the summit, we can get the most spectacular view of at least five of the world’s fourteen 8000m peaks. Most of this spectacular panorama can be seen from the site of the high camp and all of it is visible from 6000m. After the climb, we descend to Khare.

This day has been set aside as a contingency day.

In this day, we back from Khare to Thuli Kharka.

We retrace our steps back to Lukla. When we reach Lukla, we spend the last evening partying with our Sherpa guides and porters. We get to sample chang (local wine), try some Sherpa dance steps and end our trip on a merry note.

From Lukla, we take an early morning flight to Kathmandu.