Mera Peak Climbing

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu Airport (TIA), you will be welcomed and greeted by our representative and then transfer to the hotel. After check in, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.
Hotel Encounter Nepal

Dinner 

After breakfast, break the day with guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions of Kathmandu. The first visit is made in Swayambhunath Stupa- oldest stupa situated on the hillock. Enjoy the bird eyes view of Kahtmandu Valley and mountains. After then visit Kahtmandu Durbar Square – Palace of Malla and then Shah King of Nepal. Visit Kumari Ghar (living goddes), Kasthamandap (made up of single tree), Hanuman Dhoka (Gate to enter the palace) and many more temples. Finally visit in Patan Durbar Square- city of fine art and architecture. Visit Krishna Temple, Palace square, Mahabauddha, Mahabihar and many more temples and master piece monuments. Late afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Black Diamond briefs us regarding the trip as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu, Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Breakfast

After breakfast, we get transferred to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu airport for an early morning flight to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), a gateway destination from where our trek begins. After an adventurous 40 minute flight above the breathtaking green and white mountains, we reach the 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. Here we meet our other crew members and after some packing and arrangements, we start our trek through the prosperous village of Lukla. We walk down through the jungle to Surke and then crossing river we climb to Pakhapani. Passing by jungles, many cultural villages, and hills we reach Paiya from where we can see Knogde Ri, Khatang, Tang Ragi Tu and numerous peaks above 7000m.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we trek little down until we reach small wooden bridge and then climb carefully the Kari La Pass through slippery trail. Further walking through the forest of rhododendron and bamboo, walking through narrow trail, enjoying the outstanding views of Dudh Koshi River Valley and Dudh Kund Himal, passing by village of Kharte, Bhalukhop finally we reach beautiful village of Pangkongama.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today our walk is mostly through forest, little up and down and somewhere zigzags. Initially, we descend down the rocky trail then pass through rhododendron forest. On the way, we come across a lot of Mani walls. The view of Mera Peak and Naulekh Peak from Narkung La is very attractive. Further the steep descend and little zigzag trail through pine and rhododendron forest bring us to Nigmsa (Shibuche).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we walk steep down through the narrow and typical mountain trail. Passing through rhododendron and bamboo forests, landslides area we reach the beautiful and clear stream. From there we climb up through rhododendron forest and we need be alert as a wild animal may appear on our way. Little down through the jungle, pass by stone cave we reach in the river, Chetrakhola. We overnight beside the river.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we walk straight up along the Inkhu Khola and enter the Hinku Valley where we will be surrounded by natural beauty. We climb through bamboo and pine forest where sloth bear, jungle cat and other Himalayan wild animals and birds may come in the sight along with beautiful Mera Peak and Hinku valley. Further, passing by Tashing Ongma where some tea shops found in season, continue the climb along the ridge of Inkhu Khola until we reach Kothe.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is short trek day and starts experience alpine topography till we back here. We trek along the ridge of Inkhu Khola and reach Gondishung, the summer herder settlement. Further, we reach 200 years old Lungsumgba Gompa where map of Mera Peak and its summit route is scripted in the rock. After praying in the Gompa, we continue walking enjoying the beautiful view of Mera peak and Peak 43 and finally reach in the summer grazing area of Tangnag.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is our second acclimatization day. It is recommended to stay active and moving during the rest day too instead of being idle which allows the body to adjust thin air more quickly and lessen the probable effects of altitude. After breakfast, we hike a ridge behind the Tangnag from where we can see Charpate Himal which is regarded as a holy mountain. The view of Mera North is very close and superb from here. After admiring the great view we hike back to Tangnag for lunch and relax.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Although our walk is short today, walking through lateral moraine of glacier and at height is difficult. We need to walk steadily as we gain good height today. After breakfast we climb out of the valley with glimpse of Sabai Tsho, the tranquil river and up through lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka from where the view of Charpate Himal is impressive. Passing through a tea shop we climb steeply to Khare. From our camp site we enjoy the beautiful North face of Mera Peak.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we climb steeply through boulder trail to reach Base Camp. Upon arrival in base camp we set a tented camp and have lunch. After then our climbing guide will give climbing briefing as well as training. Beginners need to learn more today. We do rehearsal of using harness, crampons and axe, travelling roped up etc. We need to prepare ourselves for next days adventurous. Remaining time we do rest enjoying the views.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we reach at High camp through Mera La. The route is fairly straight forward but hazardous as there are number of crevasses, need to follow basic techniques and challenging climate. So strictly following the instructions of guide we reach at High Camp just below the shed of rising blunted rock. We set the camp. Rest time we enjoy the mesmerizing outstanding view of sky towering Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, Baruntse and many more with sunset and sunrise.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is our summit day. We wake up around 2 am since we have to conquer summit before noon. Later it may be difficult because of high speed wind and climate change. After early breakfast we set up for special journey to the summit. It takes around 4-5 hours to reach in the summit. Our crew members will fix the rope where necessary and following the guide we reach the summit of Mera Central. We are rewarded my panoramic view of highest and giant Himalayas. We take a time to admire magnificent view of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchanjunga, Nuptse, Chamlang, Baruntse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega and many more snowcapped mountains in the north and pile of green and blue hills in the south. Capturing the outstanding views and memorable moments we get back to high camp. Taking short rest and having hot meals we continue down to Khare for overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The weather condition in high altitude cannot be guaranteed. If the weather is poor we were not able to continue on the summit on day 13. Sometimes somebody in a group may get a problem in acclimatize the high altitude. So today is our reserved day and continue to summit if any unforeseen matters obstructed our way on day 13. If the trip goes smoothly, we do not need this reserve day.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we trek back to Kothe. We reach Tagnag after 2 hours descend passes through moraine and then we retrace our steps along the Inkhu Khola through pastures and juniper meadows for another couple of hours and after crossing a bridge we follow the boulder strewn path to Kothe. We enjoy the local wines and food tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Initially we climb along the river and then enter into the lush forest of birch, rhododendron and pine. From Tashing Ongma we divert west and enjoying the wide range of Mera peaks, crossing the numerous ridges and small streams, and passing by Chetarwa village we reach in Thuli Kharka.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we climb steady towards Zatrwa La pass from where we can see beautiful view of Cho Oyu, Kongde peak, Numbur Himal and many more. After crossing the pass, the Lukla valley becomes visible. We walk all the way down to Chutang and then straight easy walk leads us to Lukla. Tonight we enjoy the last dinner with our crew.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Normally flights are always in the morning due to the weather. The early morning flight drops us at Kathmandu. You can rest and relax throughout the day in your hotel. If get interested to take some gifts home from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or venture out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If you want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu take the time to do that today. Late evening we will celebrate dinner together for successfully completing Island Peak Climbing.

Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast you are free till departure time. If you have more time you can do shopping or sightseeing around Kathmandu. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Black Diamond drops you to the airport.

Breakfast