Mera Peak Climbing - 18 days

Best time to climb Mera Peak 

The best seasons for Mera Peak Summit stand out to be Spring and Autumn, due to perfect stable weather with balanced climate conditions, which play a vital role in the successful ascent. During both times, the trail remains dry and not so slippery or icy on the way to the summit point, which makes the overall journey easier and not so harsh. However, those who have prior high altitude experience can proceed with the excursion in the wintertime as well, but it requires proper preparations and planning. Every season has its own unique characteristics and features, with its own pros and cons, that set every seasonal time apart from each other.

Spring (March - May)

As spring falls right after the winter season, the weather generally remains stable. So, you can easily trail along the route and start the summit at the right time. In the lower regions, temperature generally falls around 10 degrees Celsius in the daytime and drops up to -10 degrees Celsius at night time which is quite a good deal to warm your body in the sunny golden hours. Besides, the spring brings the best out of nature, whether it’s blooming flowers or the unobstructed views of mountains due to less fogginess; it has everything that enthusiastic climbers usually seek.

At the summit of Mera Peak, it can drop to -20 degrees, which is bearable in the mountains as we are prepared accordingly. Hence, the Spring season is one of the most preferable times to commence this expedition in Nepal.

• Unobstructed views of mountains, glaciers, and landscapes
• Blooming wildflowers and greenery forests add a vibrant tone to the trails
• Perfect climatic conditions blending with the weather
• Long duration of sunny golden hour daylight
• No heavy rainfall or snowfall throughout the journey

Autumn (September - November)

Another best peak season for Mera Peak Climbing is the months of September, October, and November, which fall under Autumn. If you are craving to ace the expedition by experiencing the great, valuable cultural encounters in the Himalayas, then it would be the perfect time for you. During this season, we can highly expect good weather conditions to perfectly blend with climatic situations. That means we can trail and start the expedition without worrying much about avalanches and snowy/slippery sections. Generally, the temperature is approximately 12 degrees and drops to 5 degrees Celsius at night. Reaching the Mera Peak summit, the temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius, which is bearable in the mountains, as we will be well prepared considering these facts. 

• Great cultural insights into the greatest festival of Dashain- Tihar along the route of remote villages
• No chance of fogginess due to no rainfall or snowfall
• Glimpse of the harvests of crops by the locals in the terraced fields
• No chance of avalanches 
• Perfect climatic conditions blending with the weather

Winter (December, January and February)

Well, if your time doesn't fit the peak seasons of Autumn and Spring, then gearing up for the expedition to Mera Mountain in Nepal would not be a complete waste. In fact, you can get the best views of mountains and landscapes covered with white sparkling snow. However, we must consider some challenges that the winter brings as the temperature drops to 5 degrees during daytime hours and 10 degrees Celsius at nighttime, which can be cold, causing some dizziness, fatigue, and blistering to the feet as well.

In the higher Everest region from Khare to the summit, it drops to -20 degrees Celsius, which can be mentally daunting due to the low temperature if not geared up properly. However, if you are a pro climber who has done some amazing expeditions before and wants to push off the limits in the wintertime, it is truly a great idea. Reaching the Mera Peak unfolds a new reflection that lies within you, and on top of that, the heavenly views of the surrounding mountains from the top are to die for!

Thus, you can successfully do the climb with proper preparation, gear, and, of course! with great willingness to conquer the summit with a prepared mindset. 

• Less crowded with peaceful trails and routes
• No chance of delay/cancellation of the flight
• Dry weather with some amazing unhindered vista of mountains

Altitude Sickness

In general, AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) can occur to someone who hasn't had any trekking experience in higher altitudes or if the proper acclimatization days aren't scheduled accordingly. As mentioned earlier, this trek to Mera Peak elevation starts from 2000 meters and reaches over 6000 meters at the summit, which is honestly a huge deal for a novice trekker/climber. So, the basic effect of altitude sickness is quite expected, not only for beginners to pro hikers. 

So, how can we know if such a thing happens? Well! Firstly, if you feel any symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, nausea (feeling like vomiting), difficulty in breathing, and severe headache, then please inform the sherpa guide.

Secondly, check your oxygen level with the oximeter given to you at every stopping point. Lastly, if you feel tiredness or some sort of the mentioned symptoms, then take a day off leisurely at Khare and Base Camp and opt for the summit attempt on the contingency day that we have saved in this planned 18-day itinerary for Mera Peak Climbing.

Here are some preventive guidelines that you must consider:

• Walk at your own pace along the guide; do not panic! Please remember that a gradual ascent is the key to succeeding at the summit. Do not overspeed yourself, as that can be both mentally and physically tiring.
• Hydrate yourself right from the start of the trip, as it increases your stamina level and avoids dryness in your mouth that could sometimes lead to increased headaches and fatigue, leading to altitude sickness.
• Drink hot ginger soups or dry gingers that are available in every tea house along the route of the Mera Peak trip, which boost energy and increase the warmth of the body
•  Avoid smoking and drinking hard drinks that significantly cause rapid feelings of an increasing heartbeat and lead to dehydration and dryness
• Inform the guide and lodges beforehand if you are allergic to some foods, like lactose intolerance or vegan, as they might not know your health condition. So, it is always best to remind the guide as well.

Preparations for Mera Peak Climbing

As we are aware of how unfortunate situations are always circulating in the mountains, it is compulsory to be prepared beforehand to avoid any kind of adverse situations and make the Mera Peak climbing a completely hassle-free expedition. Hence, we have mentioned some of the tips, guidance, and advice that will help every climber conquer Mount Mera for sure:

Gradual Ascent with Proper Acclimatization Days

Having said that, “ taking time is better than always rushing and failing”, just like this statement, a slow, steady, and continuous ascent is one of the two major keys to success in the expedition.

Simply, considering this thing in our mind, we have created the itinerary accordingly so we can get a gradual ascent without any rush, which is the main reason why our Mera Peak itinerary has touched 18 days and avoids the summit of Mera Peak until and unless we are done with adapting to the changing high elevations.

First and foremost, we have set the acclimatization Day at Khare for 3 straight nights, where we will do a proper pre-training session on what can be done if something happens and memorize to use the ice axe and crampons again. Secondly, we will set up a tent in the High Camp of Mera to get familiar with the altitude. Lastly, we have planned a contingency day, so if some uncertainty occurs, such as bad weather conditions or delays on the Mera Peak summit, then it will be covered without lengthening the days.

Prior High Altitude Trekking Experience

Spending 14 days straight at a high altitude is not a joke, especially when you are thinking about climbing Nepal’s highest trekking expedition, Mera Peak, which stands at an elevation of 6476 meters. 

Do not neglect thinking about achieving this summit if you haven’t had a single trekking experience at an altitude above 4500 meters. It doesn’t require any professional experience in technical climbing, but it is also necessary to note that we are spending many days, exceeding weeks, in the wilderness of the Khumbu region. 

Hence, make sure to do some trekking/ expedition before starting the Mera Peak Climbing in your own home country or here in Nepal, such as the Mardi Himal Trek and the lap of Everest Base Camp, which is budget-friendly and reaches the base camp exceeding the height of 5000 meters as well. Well! Thinking about one? Then talk to us before joining our Mera Peak Expedition. 

Maximize your fitness level

While we mention levelling up the stamina, we don’t mean bulking up the muscle and building some abs. In simple language, we want you to engage in some kind of physical activity like cardio, pilates training, or even a short hike that includes several up and downhills. Some of the tips that are highly followed by many climbers and turn out to be effective are mentioned below.

Firstly, please remember that you are not hiking on the roads or streets but heading to scale one of the highest peaks. So, make sure to get involved in some sort of physical strengthening activity like walking, or running on the treadmills or fields if the time fits, ranging from 3.5 km to 10 km per day, or on alternate days.

Secondly, note to carry some loads in the bags of 5-6 kgs while hiking or walking at a distance. This will help you to know the pressure the bag holds while ascending/climbing while carrying your own trekking gear. 

Lastly, try to build up the strength of your legs and calves by doing some rope skipping, and stretching for 15 minutes daily at home, or you can even do several ups and downs by a staircase that helps you to tighten up the core and boost up your stamina.

Creating a positive mindset

While we always keep in mind that being physically prepared is generally necessary for any climbing. We somehow unknowingly neglect being mentally prepared. But do you know what? It is much more important than being all geared up and getting prepared by building some strengths.

Spending days that exceed the weeks in remote and mountain areas is not a piece of cake. It can be mentally daunting and tiring for some who are not used to being in a limited infrastructure. On top of that, while making your way to the summit of Mera Mountain in Nepal, you might feel a hint of doubt about whether you can succeed or not.

For that, you must be prepared and create a positive mindset before starting the expedition and say to yourself, " This is everything that I have, and my only goal for now is to reach the tip of the peak". Keeping this thing within yourself will for sure make the climbing journey 99% easier.

Choosing the right gears and equipment

Make sure to tick off the packing list just before you start the journey to Mera Peak. The expedition can be miserably terrible if you haven't carried proper gear and equipment. We simply want to avoid such critical conditions, don't we? So, the best thing you can do is try to check your gears at every stopping point while staying at the tea house. 

Besides that, bring yourself warm, fast-drying clothing items such as dry t-shirts, pants, and jackets that are easy to carry and warm at the same time. 

Select a knowledgeable guide and a reliable company

Selecting an experienced sherpa guide might be a hassle for you, as there are many guides available. But, if you are opting for a registered local company of Nepal like us, Destination Himalaya Treks, then we not only provide an experienced guide but also equip the ropes safely, and manage the training sessions in Khare and Mera Peak Base Camp.

On top of that, we also provide you with some gear and equipment such as oximeters, sleeping bags, 1 t-shirt, 1 jacket (complimentary), a satellite phone, a trekking cap, and not to forget one sherpa guide and an assistant sherpa guide as well, who had accompanied climbers to the Mera Peak Climbing for many years.

We firmly believe in the idea that "safety is the greatest treasure in the mountains".

Accommodations

Throughout our thrilling adventure, right from the start till the very end of our journey, you will be settled in 3 categories of hotels. At the beginning point, which means Kathmandu, you will be placed at a 3-star hotel. Right after you enter the Everest region, your accommodation in the tea houses starts, and lastly, before the summit point of base camp, the sherpa guide will set up a tent for you after we get there.

• 3-star hotel in Kathmandu: As soon as you reach here in Kathmandu, you will be accommodated at the 3-star hotel of your choice (if you have any) with a buffet breakfast. The tea houses' accommodation begins from Paiya, the first lodge in the Khumbu region, or you can say, after Kathmandu Valley.
• Tea houses: As expected, the lodges along the route within the Khumbu region are quite basic with limited amenities as they are run by none other than the Sherpas. Although it sounds basic, it has got all the amenities such as single cozy beds, an attached washroom, a hot shower, a laundry facility, and even wifi. Moving to the upper parts, don't expect lavish tea houses like the lower sections, as you ascend higher. You must share the washrooms as there are only finger-countable tea houses in the higher sections. Blankets, pillows, and comfortable mattresses will be provided by the lodges.
• Tent Camps: We will fit our tent camp in the Mera Peak Base Camp before submitting to one of the highest trekking peaks in Nepal, Mera Peak, as lodges aren't available from the base camp. So, it is the only option left with us to reach the summit as soon as possible before it gets too windy and dark. 

Meals and Drinking Water

The best part about this Mera Peak Trek is that you do not have to compromise your favourite foods and diets, as the tea houses serve the best diversity of foods from local to western cuisines. Don't panic about how hygienic the food is up there, as it is well tracked by our guides and only gets prepared after you order it.

3 standard meals with beverages will be provided to you, just check out the menu and give your order to the guides or tea houses. Also, please inform us beforehand if you are allergic to some food items. 

For drinking water, you can get it from every tap water facility in the tea houses. However, if you are willing to buy bottled water, it can cost you less than $1. So, the best thing to do is carry a water purification tablet that is provided by us before the trip starts. 

Travel Insurance

When it comes to any trekking peaks in Nepal or any trekking/hiking journey that exceeds the elevation of 4000 meters, travel insurance is highly suggested for Mera Peak Climbing. Especially on this particular summit excursion, you must get travel insurance. Although this climbing is not so technically difficult, it is also known as a training ground for climbers who are looking to achieve high mountain summits.

Whether you are an experienced climber or just a beginner, there's nothing guaranteed in the Himalayas; who knows what's coming tomorrow? So, it is always the best idea to get insurance so that if any uncertainty happens in the mountains, it will help us to rescue you as soon as possible in one go. Also, please note that it covers the following things:

• Emergency evacuation and medical treatment: Well, we are all familiar with how risky mountaineering is or any kind of expedition, or you can say a simple hiking as well. There's nothing like estimating/scaling our future health condition when we are in mountainous areas at such high altitudes. So, it is always better to get an insurance policy that covers our emergency helicopter evacuation, coverage of medical bills, emergency medical care, and hospitalization. As we are in the upper section of remote areas, there is limited or no hospitalization, so we must go to the lower areas by helicopter. Emergency evacuation not only acts as a safety net but also costs you much less, as it might be too expensive here in Nepal. 
• Trip delays and disruption: Please make sure that your insurance policy covers any kind of Trip cancellation policy that is non-refundable to you. In case of any unforeseen events such as political interference, natural disasters, or any other uncertain situations that cause delays or cancellation of the trip. It helps to protect your money and allows you to reschedule the trip without burning your money.

Climbing Tips

Well, after giving our service to many climbers/hikers/trekkers, we've learned how some small suggestions act like a big deal in the field. Although now it doesn't seem like important tips, it is always great to know basic yet useful suggestions if you are planning this thrilling adventure. Thus, here are some of the finger-countable top 10 tips that we would like to tell you before embarking on this incredible adventure:

1. Please make sure to check all the trekking gear at every stop point, i.e. accommodation and look out if something is missing or lost, so we can buy it beforehand before reaching the territory of the summit. Inform the guide immediately if such a situation arises by any chance.
2. It is highly suggested to wear climbing shoes beforehand, many times just for practice if it's new. Also, please avoid wearing/buying too tight if possible, buy 1 size bigger, but not too loose shoes. That would be perfect after we wear thick climbing socks.
3. Make sure to carry a power bank or solar charger to charge your gadgets. You can get electric sockets in the lower Everest region, but in most of the sections, the electric sockets are in the dining area, which will cost you approximately $2-$5, depending on an hourly basis, to charge your devices.
4. There are zero ATM services or card services in the Mera Peak climbing route; please exchange your cash or withdraw it in Kathmandu or Lukla. If you have USD, then it's fine; most of the tea houses accept dollars.
5. Do not forget to carry dry garlic (which helps warm up the body), granola, and bars of protein (protein bars) for a quick snack time. As, someday you are hiking for even 7 hours straight with no sign of tea houses in between.
6. Carry a small backpack with you that fits all your basic and important items, even though you are hiring a porter. If possible, carry your daily medicines, chargers, water bottle, and phones by yourself.
7. This package covers all your meals and accommodation, or you can say all the expenses required for the expedition, except the tips. Our Mera Peak climbing cost doesn't include your tips. It's not necessary, but if you are satisfied with their hardworking service,s then it would be a great gesture.
8. We highly suggest you inform the guide or us before the trip if you are allergic to some kind of food. So, we can inform the lodges to prepare it accordingly.

Booking Procedure

The booking procedure is quite simple; just go through our payment section, and you can pay for the trip in just a few seconds. If you are wondering about the safety of your penny for booking, then please note that Destination Himalaya Treks is a locally registered company, and we are associated with many national tourist organizations, such as TAAN, NTB, NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), which itself acts as a huge commitment towards our valuable clients. Feel free to make a booking with us, and we just require 10% of the total cost of the booking for confirmation. 

For further details, please email us at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com or WhatsApp us at +977 9851016814 and +977 9851146814. 

Last Minute Booking 

To book our Mera Peak climbing package, 100% payment must be made for the last-minute booking, as the logistics, accommodations, flight tickets, supporting crews, guides, and porters must be arranged immediately, and also, costs are higher as well. However, we only charge the cost that has been quoted in the cost details; other than that, we do not charge any extra cost. It's just that 100% of the total cost is required

100% of the Mera peak cost needs to be paid for a last-minute booking. It will help us make necessary accommodation reservations in Kathmandu and along the trekking route. To know more, feel free to reach out to us anytime of the day, as we are available 24 hours a day, via WhatsApp, direct call, or email, at the given information.