Mera Peak – 6 476 m.

Norwegian Tour Leader: Monica V. Carter

Price: 3950 USD (includes helicopter transfer from Kothe to Phaplu on the return)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,330 m)

Transfer to the hotel, followed by an expedition briefing and distribution of duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket if required. A copy of the travel insurance is collected. The day ends with a welcome dinner in Thamel.

Day 2: Drive to Ramechap and fly to Lukla

The journey continues with a drive from Kathmandu to Ramechap, a 4–5 hour trip through lush landscapes and small villages. Upon arrival in Ramechap, there is time for a short break and final preparations before taking an afternoon flight to Lukla. The flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 3: Trek to Paiya (2,730 m)

The trek starts from Lukla early in the morning, following a gentle trail south towards Surke. The route passes through forested sections and small agricultural fields, offering a relaxed and easy beginning to the day.

Surke, beautifully set on the hillside, is passed before the trail continues with a steady ascent. The slope gradually eases, leading into a pleasant traverse that continues all the way to Paiya (approx. 2,730 m).

Overnight at lodge. Trekking time: approx. 5 hours

Day 4: Trek to Pangom (2,900 m)

From Paiya (approx. 2,730 m), the day begins with a short descent before the trail starts a steady climb towards the Kari La pass. The ascent is gradual, and along the way there are excellent views of the ridgelines surrounding Khumbu.

From the top of Kari La, a clear path continues as it winds through forest and small settlements, before the terrain gradually opens up on the approach to Pangom. The final section of the day leads through beautiful rhododendron forests and terraced fields before reaching the village of Pangom (around 2,850–2,900 m).

Overnight at lodge. Trekking time: approx. 6–7 hours

Day 5: Trek to Nazing Dingma (2,720 m)

The day begins with a one-hour ascent to a mountain pass, offering the first panoramic views of the majestic Mera Peak. From here, the trail drops steeply for about two hours to a suspension bridge over the Hinku Khola river, where lunch is served.

After lunch, the trek continues 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 stay at a local lodge.

Trekking time: 6–7 hours

Day 6: Trek to Cholem Kharka (3,600 m)

The day begins with a gradual climb over a small pass before reaching the famous “Sherpa steps” that lead up to the Surke La Pass. A short tea break is taken along the way, then the route continues through beautiful rhododendron and bamboo forests. As the trail progresses, the scenery opens up, creating a real sense of being deep in the wilderness. After a few hours of hiking, the trail reaches Cholem Kharka.

Overnight at lodge.

Trekking time: 4–5 hours

Day 7: Trek to Panch Pokhari (4,200 m)

The day starts with a steep ascent on the Sherpa steps to the first pass, Hurhura La (4,286 m). From there, the trail continues to the highest pass of the day at around 4,500 meters, with a short tea break at a small hut just below the top.

After crossing the pass, the route descends to Panch Pokhari, where lunch is served with spectacular views over the Hinku Valley and the peaks of Kusum Kanguru and Khyasar Khang. Following lunch, the day ends with a gentle 40-minute walk to the overnight camp.

Overnight at lodge.

Trekking time: 5–7 hours

Day 8: Trek to Kothe (3,600 m)

The day starts with a steep 45-minute climb to a pass with beautiful panoramic views. From here, the trail descends through dramatic and impressive scenery. It begins as a gentle downhill walk that gradually becomes steeper as it approaches the river, where there is a pleasant stop for a picnic lunch.

After lunch, the route climbs gradually for about an hour before reaching Kothe—a small, charming village with a distinctive Wild West feel. There are simple stalls selling soft drinks and chocolate, along with a few basic 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-earned. This is a chance to enjoy a hot shower, do some laundry, and fully recharge before continuing the journey.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 10: Trek to Thangna (4,400 m)

This stage is more relaxed. The route follows a steady uphill trail along the river, with magnificent views throughout the day. After around four hours of trekking, Thangna is reached, beautifully situated on a flat plateau. From here, there are outstanding views of Kyashar Kang to the north and Kusum Kanguru and the Kangtega Glacier to the northwest.

Thangna is a small, cozy mountain village and is the stopping point for the night.

Overnight at lodge.

Trekking time: approx. 4 hours

Day 11: Trek to Khare (5,000 m)

The route follows the Hinku Khola river through spectacular high-mountain scenery. The trail has a few steeper sections but is mostly a steady, gradual ascent, providing ideal conditions for acclimatization. As the trek progresses, the views of Mera Peak grow increasingly dramatic, rising prominently ahead.

On arrival in Khare, lunch is served before checking in at the lodge. The afternoon is free for rest or gentle 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 devoted to preparation and acclimatization. After breakfast, there is practical instruction in using equipment such as crampons and double boots—ideal for anyone unfamiliar with them. Basic techniques are practiced on the nearby ice. After lunch, the group goes through safety procedures and all essential information for the summit ascent.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 13: Trek to Base Camp (5,250 m)

The day begins with a relaxed morning in Khare before setting off for Base Camp after lunch. The route climbs gradually along a broad mountain ridge, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. After around an hour and a half of steady hiking, the trail leads to the foot of the Mera Glacier.

Here, a temporary Base Camp is established, with time to settle in, relax, and enjoy a warm dinner beneath the stars.

Trekking time: approx. 2 hours

Overnight in tents.

Day 14: Trek to High Camp (5,780 m)

From Base Camp, the route continues up the Mera Glacier. The day starts with a relatively steep ascent before the terrain gradually eases. Along the way, ropes are used in exposed sections, and crampons are required for several parts of the climb. The trek typically takes around 4–6 hours.

The route crosses the beautiful Mera La Pass, which links the Hinku and Honku valleys and leads toward the Baruntse massif.

Arrival at High Camp is usually around lunchtime. Camp is set up and final preparations for the summit push later that night begin, including a thorough check of all climbing equipment, clothing, and provisions.

Trekking time: 4–6 hours

Overnight in tents.

Day 15: Summit – Mera Peak (6,476 m) and return to Khare

Wake-up is at 2:00 AM, followed by a light breakfast in the tent (porridge, biscuits, nuts, and tea). At around 3:00 AM, the summit attempt begins, with climbers roped together in teams of 2–3. The route to the top is steady but physically demanding due to the high altitude and cold conditions.

The final section involves approximately 50 meters of fixed rope, climbed using a jumar (ascender).

From the summit of Mera Peak, there is a breathtaking panorama of some of the highest peaks 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 time on the summit, the descent continues back to Khare for a well-earned rest.

Trekking time: 10–12 hours

Overnight at lodge in Khare.

Day 16: Extra Day – Weather Contingency

This day is kept in reserve to compensate for bad weather or any delays during the trek. It adds flexibility to the itinerary and improves the chances of a successful summit attempt.

Overnight as required.

Day 17: Trek back to Kothe (3,600 m)

The route follows the familiar trail down through the scenic Hinku Valley back to Kothe. The pace is relaxed, with arrival planned for early afternoon. There is time for a hot shower and rest before bidding farewell to the local mountain team.

Overnight at lodge.

Trekking time: approx. 5 hours

Day 18: Helicopter to Phaplu (2,415 m)

The day starts with a spectacular 15-minute helicopter flight from Kothe to Phaplu. With an early arrival in Phaplu, the journey continues by jeep to Thade to shorten the travel time for the following day. With a later flight, there is time to explore the village of Phaplu before spending the night there.

Helicopter: 15 minutes / Driving according to schedule.

Overnight at lodge.

Day 19: Drive to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu by car, with a stop for lunch en route. The drive features beautiful landscapes and a final chance to reflect on the impressions from the mountain regions.

Driving time: approx. 270 km / 9 hours

Day 20: Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu – Farewell dinner

The day begins with a guided visit to Pashupatinath, Kathmandu's largest and most revered Hindu temple. The tour continues to Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas and a major center of Buddhist devotion. There is also a walk through Kathmandu’s historic old town around Durbar Square, with its striking tiered palaces and ancient temples. With a bit of luck, there may even be a glimpse of the Living Goddess — a young girl who appears only on special religious occasions.

In the evening, there is a relaxed farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in Thamel, a chance to look back on and share the many memorable moments from the journey.

Day 21: Departure

Transfer to the airport for the flight back home.

Note: Minor adjustments to the program may occur.

Click here for contact/registration

A deposit of NOK 3,500 is required upon registration.

For more information, contact Høyfjellspesialisten.

Phone: +47 478 63 522