Mera Peak

Day 1 • Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 • Lukla • Chutang • 11,300 ft
Day 3 • Kharkateng
Day 4 • Tuli Kharka via Zatrwa La • 15,124 ft
Day 5 • Mosom Kharka
Day 6 • Tagnag • 14,300 ft
Day 7 • Khare Camp • 16,400 ft
Day 8 • Contingency Day
Day 9 • Base Camp via Mera La • 17,765 ft
Day 10 • High Camp • 19,000 ft
Day 11 • Summit Day • Mera Peak • 21,198 ft
Day 12 • Contingency Day
Day 13 • Baruntse Base Camp
Day 14 • Panch Pokhari
Day 15 • Amphu Laptsa • 19,177 ft
Day 16 • Tengboche Monastery
Day 17 • Monjo
Day 18 • Lukla
Day 19 • Kathmandu
Day 20 • Depart Kathmandu

Day 2 • Lukla • 9,350 ft • Chutang • 11,300 ft

We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Lukla. The views from the twin-engine Otter are nothing less than remarkable, providing amazing scenes of the terraced Nepalese hillside and Himalayan giants including the crown jewel Mount Everest towering in the distance. Once in Lukla we are welcomed with a cup of tea and meet our Sherpa staff. We then head eastwards towards Makalu Barun National Park. After three hours of we reach Chutang. (B, L, D)

Day 3 • Kharkateng • 12,300 ft

Now away from the main trekking route, we enjoy a quiet day of trekking, as we make our way through rhododendron forest, crossing several cascading streams along our route. We breathe fresh air and enjoy the mountain scenery. (B, L, D)

Day 4 • Tuli Kharka via Zatrwa La Pass • 14,200 ft

After breakfast, we climb towards Zatrwa pass, which extends from the impressive rocky ridge of the Kalo Himal. We ascend to a small notch through the Sebuk Danda Ridge where we continue along rocky terrain before reaching the Zatrwa La at 15,124 feet (4610m). The path drops down to the rugged, stream-filled, boulder strewn valley of Hinku Dranka. (B, L, D)

Day 5 • Mosom Kharka • 12,100 ft

We traverse the hillside crossing several spurs. Along the path we have good views of the South Face of Mera. We trek through beautiful forest full of rhododendron, birch and pine. We continue traversing along the hillside until we descend steeply through dense forest to the Inkha river. You can see Kyashar dominating the skyline to the north. (B, L, D)

Day 6 • Tagnag • 14,300 ft

Again we start out following the Inkha river. We pass a few yak herd buildings known as Kharka, we soon arrive at a small gompa with a buddha and prayer flags. We continue up the valley with the sheer rock face of Kusum Khangkaru at 20,896 feet towering above us. (B, L, D)

Day 7 • Khare Camp • 16,400 ft (4900m)

The trail steepens over moraine with spectacular scenery as we continue ascending and crossing streams. We come to the start of the glacier which leads to Mera La. We make camp at the edge of the glacier. (B, L, D)

Day 8 • Contingency Day

An additional day is scheduled for weather, second summit attempt, rest or acclimatization as needed. (B, L, D)

Day 9 • Base Camp via Mera La • 17,700 ft

A short day as we climb onto the glacier and along a beautiful snow ridge that leads to Mera La at 17,765 ft (5415m) and onto our base camp. In the afternoon we rest up and refresh climbing skills. (B, L, D)

Day 10 • High Camp • 19,000 ft

We climb from Mera La and ascend snow slopes to a rock outcrop that marks the divide between the Mera and Naulekh glaciers. We establish high camp. We enjoy views of five of the six highest peaks on earth, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu as well as other notable Himalayan peaks including Baruntse and Ama Dablam. (B, L, D)

Day 11 • Summit Day • Mera Peak • 21,198 ft

Our summit days start early as we ascend the glacier roped up with ice axe and crampons. The dramatic snow ridge leads to the central summit, the highest point. We descend the route to Rato Odar known as red cave. (B, L, D)

Day 12 • Contingency Day

An additional day is scheduled for weather, second summit attempt, rest or acclimatization as needed. (B, L, D)

Day 13 • Baruntse Base Camp • 17,700 ft

We trek in the Honku Valley until three valleys meet Kusum, Thamserku and Thamarteka. We camp near the foot of Honku Glacier. (B, L, D)

Day 14 • Panch Pokhari

Our trek continues along five glaciated lakes known as holy lakes and a pilgrimage site. We camp at the foot of the Amphu Laptsa. (B, L, D)

Day 15 • Chhukung via Amphu Laptsa • 19,177 ft (5845m)

We rise early to cross the Amphu Laptsa, a glaciated pass covered with serac ice cliffs at the head of the Honku valley. This is a technical pass which requires fixed ropes, crampons and ice axe. We have stunning views of the Lhotse south wall, Mera Peak and Island Peak. After crossing the pass we will continue to the village of Chukkung. (B, L, D)

Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner