Mera Peak – 6 476 m.
Mera Peak is located south of Mount Everest and was first summited on May 20, 1953, by Colonel Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing. The peak is considered one of the best "trekking peaks" in Nepal—it is relatively non-technical and requires only basic mountaineering skills.
The route passes through the beautiful and quieter Hinku Valley, which sees far less traffic than the Khumbu Valley. The view from the summit is truly spectacular—on a clear day, you can see five of the world's six highest mountains:
Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), and Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
Norwegian Tour Leader: Monica V. Carter
Price: 3950 USD (includes helicopter from Kothe to Phaplu on the return)
Day-by-Day Program
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,330 m)
Transfer to the hotel. Expedition briefing and distribution of duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket if needed. We collect a copy of your travel insurance. Welcome dinner in Thamel.
Day 2: Flight to Phaplu (2,415 m), drive to Takshindu (3,000 m), trek to Nunthala
We take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu (approx. 40 minutes). After arrival, we have lunch before being picked up by jeep and driven to Takshindu (approx. 2 hours). Here we meet our local team and begin the trek. The trail descends steadily and steeply about 600 vertical meters down to Nunthala—a charming village with traditional lodges and houses.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: approx. 2 hours
Day 3: Trek to Kharikhola (2,200 m)
After breakfast, we continue descending about 500 vertical meters to Juving Khola, where we cross a suspension bridge. From there, we ascend to Juving, a beautiful village with orange, banana, and guava plantations that give the area a subtropical feel.
After a short break, we continue with a steady ascent of approximately 500 meters to Kharikhola—one of the largest settlements in the Solu Khumbu district. The village has a secondary school and serves as an important educational hub in the region. A diverse mix of ethnic groups lives here, including Magar, Rai, Newar, Tamang, and Sherpa communities.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: approx. 6 hours
Day 4: Trek to Pangom (2,900 m)
We begin the day with a steady ascent through forested terrain. Around lunchtime, we arrive in the beautiful Sherpa village of Pangom, surrounded by traditional homes and lodges. The views from here are spectacular. After lunch, there's time to explore the area on your own.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: approx. 4 hours
Day 5: Trek to Nazing Dingma (2,720 m)
We begin the day with a one-hour ascent to a mountain pass, where we get our first view of the majestic Mera Peak. From there, we descend steeply for about two hours to a suspension bridge crossing the Hinku Khola river, where we stop for lunch.
After lunch, we continue at a steady pace through dense forest for another 2 to 2.5 hours before reaching Nazing Dingma—a small mountain village surrounded by cow and yak pastures.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Day 6: Trek to Cholem Kharka (3,600 m)
The day begins with a gradual ascent over a small pass before reaching the well-known "Sherpa steps" leading to the Surke La Pass. We take a short tea break along the way and continue through beautiful rhododendron and bamboo forests. Eventually, the landscape opens up, giving us a sense of being truly out in the wilderness. After a few hours of hiking, we arrive at Cholem Kharka.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 7: Trek to Panch Pokhari (4,200 m)
We start the day with a steep ascent up Sherpa steps to the first pass of the day, Hurhura La (4,286 m). From there, we continue on to the highest pass of the day at approximately 4,500 meters. Just before the top, we stop for a tea break at a small hut.
After crossing the pass, we descend to Panch Pokhari, where we'll have lunch with spectacular views over the Hinku Valley and the peaks of Kusum Kanguru and Khyasar Khang. After lunch, we continue with a gentle 40-minute walk to our camp for the night.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: 5–7 hours
Day 8: Trek to Kothe (3,600 m)
The day begins with a steep 45-minute climb to a pass offering beautiful views. From there, the trail descends through dramatic and stunning landscapes. It starts as a gentle descent that becomes steeper as we approach the river. Here, we stop for a pleasant picnic lunch.
After lunch, we ascend gradually for about an hour before reaching Kothe—a small and charming village with an atmosphere that feels a bit like the Wild West. You'll find small stalls selling soft drinks and chocolate, and a few simple local bars.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Day 9: Rest Day in Kothe
After six days of trekking in the mountains, a rest day is well-deserved. Here, you'll have the opportunity to take a hot shower, do some laundry, and recharge your batteries.
Overnight at lodge.
Day 10: Trek to Thangna (4,400 m)
Today is a more relaxed stage. We follow a steady uphill trail along the river, enjoying stunning views along the way. After about four hours of trekking, we arrive at Thangna, beautifully located on a flat plateau. From here, we have fantastic views of Kyashar Kang to the north, and Kusum Kanguru and the Kangtega Glacier to the northwest.
Thangna is a small and cozy mountain village, and we stop here for the night.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: approx. 4 hours
Day 11: Trek to Khare (5,000 m)
We follow the Hinku Khola river through beautiful high-mountain terrain. The trail includes a few steeper sections, but is mostly a steady uphill climb, allowing us to gradually acclimatize to the altitude. Along the way, the views of Mera Peak become more and more impressive, rising directly ahead of us.
Upon arrival in Khare, we have lunch and check in at the lodge. The afternoon is free for rest and exploration of the surrounding area.
Trekking time: approx. 4 hours
Overnight at lodge.
Day 12: Glacier training and safety briefing in Khare
This day is dedicated to preparation and acclimatization. After breakfast, you'll receive instruction in using equipment such as crampons and double boots—perfect for those who haven't used them before. We'll practice basic techniques on the nearby ice. After lunch, we go through safety routines and everything you need to know for the summit ascent.
Overnight at lodge.
Day 13: Trek to Base Camp (5,250 m)
We enjoy a relaxed morning in Khare before setting out for Base Camp after lunch. The trail follows a steady incline along a wide mountain ridge, offering fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. After about an hour and a half of hiking, we reach the foot of the Mera Glacier.
Here, we establish our temporary Base Camp, settle in for the night, and enjoy a warm dinner under the stars.
Trekking time: approx. 2 hours
Overnight in tents.
Day 14: Trek to High Camp (5,780 m)
From Base Camp, we continue ascending the Mera Glacier. The day begins with a relatively steep section before the terrain levels out somewhat. Along the way, we will use ropes in certain sections, and crampons will be necessary for several stretches. The trek takes approximately 4–6 hours.
We cross the beautiful Mera La Pass, which connects the Hinku and Honku valleys and leads toward the Baruntse massif.
Upon arrival at High Camp, around lunchtime, we set up our camp and begin final preparations for the summit push later that night—checking all climbing gear, clothing, and provisions.
Trekking time: 4–6 hours
Overnight in tents.
Day 15: Summit – Mera Peak (6,476 m) and return to Khare
We are woken at 2:00 AM and served a light breakfast in the tent (porridge, biscuits, nuts, and tea). Around 3:00 AM, we begin our summit attempt, roped up in teams of 2–3 climbers. The route to the summit is steady but demanding due to the altitude and cold.
The final stretch involves about 50 meters of fixed rope climbing using a jumar (ascender).
At the summit of Mera Peak, we are rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Himalayas: Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), and Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
After an unforgettable moment at the top, we return to Khare for a well-deserved rest.
Trekking time: 10–12 hours
Overnight at lodge in Khare.
Day 16: Extra Day – Weather Contingency
This day is reserved as a backup in case of bad weather or delays during the trek. It provides flexibility and increases our chances of a successful summit attempt.
Overnight as needed.
Day 17: Trek back to Kothe (3,600 m)
We follow the same route down through the beautiful Hinku Valley back to Kothe. The pace is relaxed, and we arrive early in the afternoon. There will be an opportunity to take a hot shower and rest before we say farewell to our local team who have accompanied us in the mountains.
Overnight at lodge.
Trekking time: approx. 5 hours
Day 18: Helicopter to Phaplu (2,415 m)
The day begins with a spectacular 15-minute helicopter flight from Kothe to Phaplu. If we arrive early in Phaplu, we continue by jeep to Thade to shorten the journey for the next day. If the flight is later in the day, there will be time to explore the village of Phaplu before overnighting there.
Helicopter: 15 minutes / Driving as per schedule.
Overnight at lodge.
Day 19: Drive to Kathmandu
We return to Kathmandu by vehicle, with a lunch stop along the way. The journey offers beautiful scenery and a final chance to take in the impressions of the mountain region.
Driving time: approx. 270 km / 9 hours
Day 20: Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu – Farewell Dinner
We start the day with a guided tour to Pashupatinath, Kathmandu's largest and most significant Hindu temple. Next, we visit Boudhanath, one of the world's largest stupas and an important center of Buddhist worship. We also walk through Kathmandu's old town around Durbar Square, with its impressive tiered buildings and historic temples. We might even catch a glimpse of the Living Goddess — a young girl who appears only on special religious occasions.
In the evening, we enjoy a pleasant farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in Thamel, reflecting on the memorable experiences of the trip.
Day 21: Departure
Transport to the airport for your flight back to home.
Note: Minor changes to the program may occur.
Click here for Contact/Registration:
Upon registration, a deposit of NOK 3,500 is required.
Contact Høyfjellspesialisten for more information.
Phone: +47 478 63 522
Weather and Season
Best travel periods:
• October / November
• March / April
Expected temperatures:
Altitude range: 2,500–3,500 m Daytime temperature: 10–15 °C Nighttime temperature: 3–5 °C
Altitude range: 4,000–5,000 m Daytime temperature: 2–7 °C Nighttime temperature: -5 to -10 °C
At the summit day (6,476 m): -15 to -18 °C
Please note: These are indicative values. Temperature and weather conditions may vary from year to year and day to day.
The price includes:
• Norwegian tour leader with a minimum of 6 participants
• All transport and flights within Nepal, including helicopter from Kothe to Phaplu
• Three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu with local guide and entrance fees
• Climbing Sherpa (1 per 3 participants)
• Cook and kitchen helper
• Porters
• Free loan of duffel bag
• All accommodations in lodges and tents with full board
• All necessary kitchen and camping equipment
• Coffee and tea during the trek
• Boiled and treated drinking water (unlimited)
• All necessary permits, climbing permits, and national park fees
• Insurance for the local team, tourist tax, and all government fees as of today
Not included:
• Personal travel insurance and expedition insurance (estimated NOK 5,000–9,000)
• General drinks (soda, alcohol, etc.)
• Single room supplement in Kathmandu (extra cost)
• Tips for the local team (optional but recommended)
• Visa on arrival in Nepal (USD 50)
Down jacket and sleeping bag with fleece liner can be rented at a reasonable price in Kathmandu if needed.
Double boots and crampons can be rented in Khare if needed.
Languages: Nepali and English
Visa: Visa is required and can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu (USD 50).
Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). It is easiest to bring cash in USD. Small denominations are recommended for tips and minor purchases.
Vaccination: For recommended vaccinations, please contact your local vaccination center at least two months before departure. Useful travel health advice can be found at: https://www.reisemedisin.no/
Shopping Tips
Typical local products include Tibetan and Nepalese blankets, carved wooden figures, and sports equipment.
Accommodation in the Mountains
Sherpas living in the Everest region have built simple rooms attached to their homes called lodges. We stay in these lodges whenever possible. The standard is basic but adequate. It is not possible to book lodges in advance, so if no space is available, we bring good-quality tents with us.
About Nepal
Nepal, a small mountain country in the high Himalayas, is home to about 30 million people. It is a fascinating country with a rich history, vibrant culture, diverse peoples, stunning nature, and some of the best trekking opportunities in the world.
Nepal's history is closely tied to its geography, situated between the fertile plains of India and the arid Tibetan plateau. Its position between India and China has sometimes allowed it to act as a mediator between these two powers, while at other times it has faced invasions. Internally, small towns on mountain slopes competed for power. The cities in the Kathmandu Valley — Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur — still reflect the legacy of former mini-kingdom rivalries.
From being a kingdom ruled by a king and his court, Nepal has developed into a democracy. However, the democracy is still fragile, with ongoing conflicts involving corruption and power struggles, including tensions with Maoist rebels.
Religion in Nepal is a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, often intertwined in practice. The mountain people and Tibetan refugees are predominantly Buddhist.
Behind the temples and palaces of Kathmandu Valley rise the towering Himalayan peaks, including the world's highest, Mount Everest (known locally as Sagarmatha), which rises 8,850 meters above sea level. The mountains attract climbers from around the world, but you don't need to be a professional climber or a Sherpa like Tenzing or Hillary to experience them. With determination and good health, most visitors can trek the trails leading into various altitudes of the Himalayas.
Besides trekking, Nepal offers rafting and mountain biking. In the southern plains bordering India lies Royal Chitwan National Park, home to jungles and savannahs where you can go on safari — often on elephant-back — to spot wildlife such as Bengal tigers, leopards, rhinos, crocodiles, and gazelles.
Despite poverty, simple living, and challenges from disease and hardship, Nepalis are incredibly warm and enthusiastic people. Their heartfelt hospitality often leaves the deepest impression on visitors.
Travel Terms and Conditions for Mera Peak
1. Booking
The booking includes the agreed services between the organizer and the traveler. Any later changes must be confirmed in writing by the organizer.
2. Payment
A deposit of NOK 3,500 is required upon booking. The booking becomes binding once the deposit is paid. The organizer is bound one week after receiving the deposit. The remaining balance must be paid at least 60 days before departure. For bookings made less than 60 days before departure, full payment is due immediately upon confirmation. Prices are subject to changes due to currency fluctuations or other reasons.
Note: "Social Anthropologist Marit Andreassen Consulting Services" acts as an intermediary between the client and airlines, local agents, and hotels. Therefore, the organizer cannot be held responsible for delays, cancellations, accidents, injuries, thefts, or other unforeseen events. In case of unforeseen events or force majeure, itinerary changes (route changes, transport, accommodation, etc.) may occur. The organizer cannot be held liable for injury or illness during or after the trip, nor for lost/damaged luggage or valuables, but will assist as reasonably possible.
3. Travel and Cancellation Insurance
Travelers must secure their own travel/health insurance and cancellation protection. Cancellation coverage is often part of travel insurance and must be effective from the time the trip is booked.
4. Deficiencies
A deficiency occurs if the traveler does not receive the services included in the program. Exceptions include flight delays, natural disasters, strikes, power outages, or similar force majeure events beyond the organizer's control.
5. Cancellation by Organizer
The organizer may cancel the trip if:
• Not enough travelers sign up.
• Uncontrollable circumstances such as war make the trip inadvisable.
In such cases, travelers will receive a full refund of the trip cost but no further claims can be made.
6. Changes and Errors in Description
All information is subject to change due to currency rates, prices, departure times, and hotels after booking confirmation. Printing errors or program changes (e.g., reversed order or variations) that do not affect the tour's nature are also reserved.
7. Disputes and Complaints
If disputes arise between organizer and traveler that cannot be resolved amicably, the traveler may file a complaint with the Consumer Council within 2 weeks after receiving the organizer's response and deadline notice. Complaints regarding accommodation or food should be raised immediately with the tour leader or directly with the accommodation or restaurant.