Mera and Island Peak Climb

Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions.

Day 02 - Exploration of Kathmandu and climb preparation [1,350m/4,430ft]

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for your exploration tour in Kathmandu, which includes Bouddhanath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. However, sometimes, depending on your flight arrival, if it’s too late into the night we will do this tour in the afternoon instead of morning to give you some sleep and rest so that you can get rid of that jetlag before you venture out of the Hotel for our interesting tour. In the evening, you will be briefed by your trek and climb leader about your trekking program the next day. In case you have fallen short of any trek and climb equipment that you may need, this time can be used to arrange for it.

Day 03 - Fly to Lukla and trek to Poiyan [2,800m/9,184ft]

After an early morning b/fast, we take the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. It is a memorable flight, with outstanding views of the eastern Himalaya (sit on the left side of the plane for the best views). At Lukla, we are immediately overcome by the scale of the massive peaks that surround the village but this is only an indication of what is to come. After packing our gears, we will leave Lukla and follow the relatively easy trail through the woods of colourful rhododendron and pine to Poiyan for overnight.

Day 04 - Trek to Pangoma [2,850m/9,348ft]

Crossing the series of ridges, we will go through rhododendron and bamboo forests. On our way, we can see yak joyfully munching the lush green grass. Continuing the trail through rhododendron forest, we will reach Pangoma where we will stay overnight.

Day 05 - Trek to Ningsow Bhuk [2,850m/8,348ft]

Leaving Pangoma, we will follow the path for a couple of hours before taking gentle climb to Pangoma La Pass. Today we get our first good views of Mera peak up the valley. We cross Ningswo Khola before we reach Ningswo bhuk for our overnight camp

Day 06 - Trek to Chetra Khola [2,800m/9,184ft]

Day 07 - Trek to Khote [3,600m/11,812ft]

After an early morning tea, we will take about 3-hours of a downhill trek through rhododendron forest. We will be taking lunch amid the forest before continuing the trek along Hinku River. It will take a couple of hours to reach Kothe where we will stay overnight.

Day 08 - Trek to Tagnag [4,356m/14,292ft]

We will enter Barun National Park on this day. Leaving our camp in Khote early in the morning, we will proceed and enter to Barun National Park. The trail leads us along the edge of Hinku River about 4-5 hours to lead us to Thagnag which will greet us with awe-inspiring views of Thamserku, Kusum Kangru and Kangteka peaks.

Day 09 - Rest and Acclimatization day [4,356m/14,292ft]

We will take the necessary second break from our trek on this day. Since an activity helps us in proper acclimatization, we will be taking a side trip to Charpate Himal Glacier. It will take 3hrs to reach Charpate Himal Glacier. This glacier holds a great religious significance among native Sherpas. The glacier allows an unobstructed view of Mera North. Later, we will return to our camp in Thangnang for overnight stay.

Day 10 - Trek to Khare [5,045m/16,552ft]

After early morning breakfast, we will leave Thaknag and move through the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to reach Dig Kharka. We will be greeted with a pleasant view of Charpate Himal from Dig Kharka. We will follow the ascending path through moraines to the snout of Hinku Nup. Proceeding further, we will cross Shar Glacier and follow the steep path uphill to Khare where we will camp overnight. The campsite in Khare allows an exquisite view of the North face of Mera Peak.

Day 11 - Pre Climb training and Acclimatization day [5,045m/16,552ft]

You will receive a pre-climb training from our climbing guide on this day. You will get instructions on peak climbing techniques. You will also be taught how to use the climbing gears like ice axe, crampons, harness and ascender properly. You will learn how to use ropes while you move up and down. So, even an amateur with no prior experience of peak climb can also participate in Mera Peak Climbing. We will head to the top of Mera Glacier and practice using our climbing gears. Later, in the evening we will return to Khare for overnight stay.

Day 12 - Trek to Mera High Camp [5,800m/19,029ft]

We will need to use climbing gears like Crampons and axe to take the steep to ascend to High Camp of Mera Peak. From Mera La, we will ascend the glaciated path. At around 5800m elevation, we will find a rocky section among glacier to set up our high camp. Existing at the edge of the mountain, the area offers a striking view of Kanchenjunga that rises to the east above the ridge of Chamlang. We will also get exquisite views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, the southern section of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar Mountains. Stay overnight in High Camp.

Day 13 - Summit Mera Peak [6,476m/21,247ft] and trek to khongma Ding [4,840m/15,180ft]

We will wake up much early on this day. After tea, we will take a slow climb towards the summit. The temperature remains on an average 10 degree Celsius below Zero on this region. We will climb the glacier and proceed to snow hump-back ridge. We will follow the non-technical and classic route through the south-east ridge. Climbing further through the snout of the glacier, we will climb over the south summit to the summit ridge. Finally, the moment comes for which all of us were eagerly waiting. We will get the 360-degree views of many eight thousand meter peaks including views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and other peaks and mountains. We will spend some time on summit witnessing the views before we descend to the foothill of Mera and reach Mera La from where we will continue our walk till we reach Khongma Ding

Day 14 - Trek to Seto Pokhari [5,000m/16,405ft]

After a long and tiring climb of Mera, we will pursue the easy trail to Seto Pokhari. Moving through the Hongu Valley, we will follow the scenic path with views of Chamlang (7319 m) and Baruntse (7129 m) from most of the point. The trail is mostly flat with occasional ups and downs. Finally, we will arrive at Seto Pokhari, the white Lake where we will stay overnight.

Day 15 - Trek to Amphu Lapcha High camp [5,400m/17,717ft]

There are no inhabitants in this area as this is a very high and remote valley. We will follow the least crowded path to Chamlang Base Camp. Walking along the west face of Chamlang, we will reach the Honku River. Moving further through the Hongu glacier, we will reach Panch Pokhari, the Holy Five Lakes of Nepal. After spending some time to soak in the beauty of these five lakes, we will proceed to Amphu Lapcha High Camp where we will stay overnight.

Day 16 - Trek to Chukung [4,730m/15,518ft] via Amphu Lapcha Pass [5,850m/19,190ft]

Crossing Amphu Lapcha Pass requires technical skills. We will start early in the morning today when the weather is clear and calm. We need to cross the steep section of ice and rock. After climbing the difficult Amphu Lapcha Pass, we will lower down to the other end of the Pass at Imja Valley. We will continue walking to Chukung where we will stay overnight comfortable at the lodge.

Day 17 - Rest and contingency day at Chukung

This contingency day has been kept to make sure that our schedule will go on smoothly without interruption even if there occur complications while climbing the peak. If all goes well as planned then today will be a completely free resting and doing laundry.

Day 18 - Trek to Island Peak Base Camp [5,200m/17,060ft]

We will head south towards the main valley in the east. Crossing streams at few points, the trail gets rough with boulders and glaciated rivers. We will cross Imja and Lhotse glacier moraines and arrive at the valley which serves as the Base Camp for Island peak. We will rejoice in the striking view of the southwestern face of Island peak. Stay overnight in Island Peak Base Camp.

Day 19 - Summit Island Peak [6,189m/20,305ft] and trek to Chukhung (4,730m/15,518ft)

Since the heavy wind blows during the afternoon at the summit, our target will be to reach the summit before noon. We will take moderate climb for the first part of the climb before reaching the steep hillside. The terrain frequently changes to boulder. We will follow the tapered path through a steep rock channel to emerge to the gully. Walking through a ridgeline, we conquer the challenges proposed by seracs and crevasses. We will proceed through the snout of the summit glacier with the help of ropes and move through 40- degree snow slopes to reach the summit. The challenge of the climb is rewarded with the gratifying views of Lhotse Mountain, Nuptse Mountain, Makalu, Baruntse and Amadablam Mountains. We will capture the memories in the camera and then prepare ourselves for long descend to the Base Camp and then we will continue moving to Chukhung.

Day 20 - Extra for any delays

Day 21 - Trek to Pangboche [3,985m/13,075ft]

Leaving the Base Camp, we will follow the easy trail to the lower altitudes. We will retrace the route through the wide valley of Khumbu River and walk past pretty tiny Sherpa settlements of Orsho and Shomare to Pangboche. Pangboche is popular for its oldest monastery in Khumbu region. We can rejoice the views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kangtaiga and Kongde ridges and Imja Tse River from Tengboche village.

Day 22 - Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]

Leaving Pangboche early in the morning, we will follow the return trail along Imja River that takes us through the forest of birch and spruce to Tengboche village. After a brief stop in Tengboche, we will follow the trail through the forest of blooming rhododendron to the bridge. We will cross the bridge over Dudh Koshi River and move through Dudh Koshi gorge and pine forest to Sansa village. The region is rich in Himalayan wildlife like mountain goats, Thars and local birds. We will pass through the chorten to the army camp at Namche Bazaar.

Day 23 - Trek to Lukla [2,800m/9187ft]

Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudh Kosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of trek & climb with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.

Day 24 - Fly back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. We will be transferred to the hotel in a private vehicle in Kathmandu. Take leisure and soothe your aching limbs from long and tiring peak climb.

Day 25 - In Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Enjoy a leisure day. You are on your own. Participating in a day tour in Kathmandu is a pleasant plan. You can also go for shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub where you can buy souvenir items like handicrafts and arts to your family. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate our successful climb. While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Day 26 - International departure

Finally, the undeniable day of departure arrives. Thank you for joining us on this climb and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. You will be assisted in your last-minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.