Popular Trips
Mera and Island Peak

Mera and Island Peak Climb

Climb Mera and Island Peak in a single trip

  • Group Size:Min 1 Max 12
  • Duration:26 Days
  • Max Altitude:(6,461m/21,193ft)
  • Accommodation:Teahouse / Camping
  • Activity:Peak Climbing In Nepal
  • Meal:Meals Included
  • Trip Grade:Strenous
  • Start Point:Kathmandu
  • End Point:Kathmandu
Package difficulty Strenous  

An ultimate climbing holiday in Nepal combining the two most popular trekking peaks; Mera and Island Peak with Amphu Laptcha Pass in a single trip. 

Trip Overview

Highlights

  • Climb the two famous peaks in Nepal
  • An ultimate climbing holiday
  • Remote and stunning Amphu Laptcha Pass
  • 1:3 climbing guide to client ratio 

Mera and Island Peak climb with Amphu Laptcha Pass is an ultimate mountaineering holiday including the ascent of the two most popular trekking peaks in Nepal and the traverse of Amphu Laptcha Pass.

Mera and Island Peak are the two most popular 6000m peaks to climb in Nepal and both peaks are ideal peaks for people looking for their first Himalayan climb. Both Mera and Island peaks are highly sought-after summits and combined these peaks with Amphu Laptcha Pass, this trip is a real high-altitude Himalayan climbing holiday. 

With both peaks graded as Alpine PD and combined with the traverse of technical Amphu Laptcha Pass, this trip is graded strenuous in terms of grade and demands good physical fitness with previous experience of high altitude treks above 5000m. The long duration trek over the remote valleys coupled with climbing two 6000m peaks, make this an exceptional mountaineering expedition. 

Fully supported and guided climb to Mera and Island Peak

The trip is fully guided and supported by our climbing guides and crew. We provide 1:3 sherpa guides to client ratio on summit days. Our itinerary for Mera and Island peak with Amphu Laptcha pass has been devised carefully keeping every aspect in mind.

Our itinerary follows the longer route to Mera peak, giving you plenty of time to acclimatize before reaching Mera peak base camp. We have ensured a well-devised itinerary with proper rest and acclimatization days scheduled to maximise the success ratio. 

Our climb gets into gear with rendezvousing at Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After checking our gears for the final time in Kathmandu we embark on a fantastic mountain flight to the legendary Lukla airport built with the help of the famous mountaineer we all know as the late Sir Edmund Hillary.

From Lukla, we head to Makalu Barun National park for our first climb, Mera Peak. Mera is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. After Mera peak, we will traverse the spectacular and technical Amphu Laptcha pass to reach Chukung for our next climb, Island Peak.  Pre-climbing training will be provided at the base camp before the actual climb and our guides will teach you the skills and techniques required to climb each peak.

We will begin our climb with Mera Peak and conclude with the Island Peak traversing Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,780m). The Pass links Mera with Chukung valley which is home to scenic Island Peak. 

Mera Peak Climb (6,461m/21,193ft)

The highest trekking peak in Nepal, Mera peak climb progresses through a non-technical route and the majority of the climb involves walking in a glacier at a relatively fair degree of steepness. Mera Peak Climb is for all the adventure enthusiasts who have the will and determination to make the most out of their adventure in the Himalayas.

Mera is not a technically difficult peak to climb as compared to Island peak but you will need a good level of fitness. The climb involves the use of harnesses, crampons & ice axes.

Find out how difficult is Mera peak?

The climb rewards us with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga and other peaks and mountains. Come and have three sixty-degree views of glistening mountains from one of the most stunning viewpoints in Nepal. 

Island Peak Climb (6,189m/20,305ft)

Climbing Island Peak requires basic mountaineering skills as the route takes us through a scramble of rocks, ridges and glaciers. We need to climb through the steep section to reach the summit that allows views of Lhotse, Amadblam and other surrounding peaks and mountains.

The ascent of Island Peak is not technically very difficult. It is graded as Alpine PD+. Much of the climb is on glacial terrain or 45-degree snow slopes with some steeper sections and with a summit ridge that is narrow in places. Fixed lines are used to protect climbers on all steep or exposed sections but climbing the steep section and tapered summit ridge demands better physical strength.

Check out our top 10 tips for Island Peak Climb

Why climb Mera and Island peak with us?

At Highland Expeditions we always believe in ‘Safety first and Service paramount’. The success of any climb depends largely on a carefully planned itinerary and the best logistics and these are what we offer. We are committed to maintaining the climb safe and successful with the quality of service.

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. You will be guided by highly professional guides who have experience in successfully climbing several national and international peaks. At Highland Expeditions, we provide a 1:3 guide to client ratio on summit days.

We are dedicated to providing the highest professionalism throughout the climb by taking utmost care of all the logistics needed.

Is this trip for you?

Our Mera and Island peak climb includes an ascent of two peaks higher than 6000m and a traverse of Amphu Laptcha Pass at 5,700m so it is beneficial to have previous experience of high altitude treks. Previous experience of climbing at high altitudes with the use of climbing equipment is highly beneficial but it is not mandatory. You will need a very strong physical stamina level as the trip follows for a longer duration in some of the remote parts of the world.

This trip involves the usage of peak climbing equipment (Harness, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Ascender). Basic mountaineering skills are essential but we also provide a climbing course at base camp before the actual climb, so the required skills for the climb can be acquired on the trip itself. 

We also have another ultimate climbing holiday which includes the three most popular trekking peaks in Nepal (Mera Peak, Island Peak and Lobuche Peak) in a single itinerary, have a look at our Three Peaks Climbing

Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Trip Itinerary

  • 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.

    • Meal: None
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • 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

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 7-8 hrs
  • Day 06 - Trek to Chetra Khola [2,800m/9,184ft]
    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Camping
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • 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

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Camping
    • Trekking Hours: 9-10 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Camping
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Camping
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 8-10 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Camping
    • Trekking Hours: 2-3 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 10-12 hrs
  • Day 20 - Extra for any delays
    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • 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.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: None

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Dates & Price

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private group basis.

If you are looking for a group to join this trip please click the Fixed Departures tab for more information on departure dates, availability and price. All our fixed departures are guaranteed to run. Or, if you would like to do this trip alone, or with your friends, families & colleagues in a private group style, please fill out the contact form in Private Group tab and send us your message. We will organize a private trip for you at your preferred dates catering any request you may have.

Check Available Dates

Trip Start Date
Trip End Date
Price
Status

Apr, 2024

Trip Start Date06 Apr, 2024
Trip End Date01 May, 2024
PriceUSD 4500
Status Available

Oct, 2024

Trip Start Date12 Oct, 2024
Trip End Date06 Nov, 2024
PriceUSD 4500
Status Available

Apr, 2025

Trip Start Date06 Apr, 2025
Trip End Date01 May, 2025
PriceUSD 4500
Status Available

Oct, 2025

Trip Start Date12 Oct, 2025
Trip End Date06 Nov, 2025
PriceUSD 4500
Status Available

Cost Inclusion

  • Fully guided climb with experienced climbing guides on 1:3 ratio (Guide to client ratio)
  • Meals and Accommodation at Tea Houses/Lodges during trekking period
  • Meals and High-quality mountain tents during climbing period
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
  • All peaks permits with garbage deposits. 
  • National Park Fees
  • KTM-LUKLA-KTM Airfare
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
  • Comprehensive first aid kit with supplementary oxygen system
  • Personal/Group climbing gears
  • Porterage of equipment required during trekking and climbing
  • Waterproof Duffel bag, Sleeping bag and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • Peak climbing certificate issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association
  • Staff summit bonus, insurances and allowances

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Custom for bringing any expedition goods
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Personal clothing
  • Insurance/Emergency evacuation and VISA
  • Gratuities for staff

Essential Information

How difficult is Mera and Island peak climb?

Grading: 7-8 (Strenuous), Alpine PD+ 

Climbing Mera and Island peak with Amphu Laptcha pass in a single trip is considered strenuous due to longer duration trek/climb in a remote and isolated area that goes above 5500m. You need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m+ for multiple days. Climbers are required to have an excellent physical level with fierce determination. Daily walking hours include 6-7 hrs on average and summit day can be 10-14 hrs long.

This grade trip involves usage of climbing equipment (Harness, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Ascender). Previous experience is essential and we also provide a climbing course at base camp before the actual climb where your guides will teach you the proper way to use the equipment.  

Do I need previous experience to take part?

To partake in this trip, an excellent physical level and previous experience of high altitude trek are required. This trip involves a longer duration of trek/climb. Previous experience of high altitude treks and climbing smaller peaks is of great advantage while climbing a 6000m peaks like Mera and Island peak.

We have devised a carefully planned itinerary by keeping wall-paced trek via the longer route to Mera Peak by avoiding Chatra La Pass. This allows more time for acclimatization and maximises the summit chances. When this is done, we head to Amphu Laptcha and Island peak for the climb. We have allowed ample time for acclimatization and contingency day on our itinerary and there will also be a climbing course at the base camp where your guide will teach you the proper way to use the equipment. 

You should also be both mentally and physically prepared for this trip. A fierce determination, burning desire and teamwork is required. 

When is the best season to climb?

The best seasons for Mera and Island Peak Climb are Autumn (from October till the end of November) and Spring (April to May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day. The nights are cold (between 5C to -5C) and the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 20C).  Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up in the afternoon and disappearing at night. Trekking and climbing during the monsoon seasons and winters are not recommended as the visibility is poor and limited whilst upper parts and high passes could be covered with snow.

April, May, October and November are the favoured months. Please choose the date that is convenient for you.

What is the guide to client ratio?

Our Guide/Sherpa crews are critical to the success of your climbs that you do with us. We, us professionally trained Sherpa guides & sirdars who are just not hikers & climbers on the mountains but have been trained to perform this task with a lot of common sense & guile.

On peak climbing trips, we provide 1:3 guide to client ratio. There will be one lead guide and other Sherpa guide to assist you. We ensure that they are confident & experienced. Most of our guides were born in these parts & have relatives living in other parts of the regions where they were born in. We know that locally born staffs are a vital cog in that wheel of sometimes dangerous adventure where anything can happen. At Highland Expeditions, we always make sure that our mountain crews are highly motivated & never compromise.

Are meals included?

All meals are included on a trek and climb from Day 03 to 25. We will provide three meals a day (B, L, D) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. Despite the fact that meat is available in the teahouses, we prompt against eating it on the trek. The meat has frequently been conveyed in the warmth from lower elevations for a few days before arriving at the teahouses and can cause stomach upsets or disease. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

For climbing period and Amphu Laptcha pass section, it will be a fully camping style. Your guides and crew will prepare the foods for you. You are also encouraged to bring any comfort and energy foods you may wish to have during the climbing period. 

In Kathmandu, only breakfast will be provided to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where what and with whom to eat for lunch and dinner.

If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance and we will be sure to pass your message to your guide. For a gluten-free diet, we highly recommend you to bring extra foods especially for breakfast as your options for the breakfast will be limited. Meals worth USD 1400-1600 are included on this trip. 

Approach for the climb?

For Mera and Island peak, we have devised a well-paced itinerary over the longer route by avoiding Zatrwa La Pass at the beginning. Our Mera peak itinerary follows the longer route which allows proper acclimatization and rest days. After multiple days of the trek, we reach the base camp of Mera peak. We have kept a day for training and refreshment at Khare with overnights at Mera La and High Camp to maximise the success chances. Staying overnight at Mera la and high camp have been proved crucial as this allows you to move slowly at your own pace. 

From Mera, we head to Amphu Laptcha and eventually complete our final objective, Island peak climb. We have allowed contingency day and proper acclimatization to ensure the safety and success of our trips. 

Will drinking water be provided?

Yes, we provide boiled water for the drinking purpose on all our treks and climbs. During meals time, you can ask the boys to fill the hot water for you. We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. Carrying a hot water bottle is highly recommended. 

Will I need travel insurance?

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and leave a copy next to your kin. You must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.

More information: Travel Insurance

Will I have to carry my own stuff?

You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items etc.) that you may need during the walk. The porter will carry the rest of your gear. We provide 1 porter to every 2 participants and we also provide a duffel bag to put your trekking and climbing gears. 

During the summit push, you will only carry the essential items that may be required during the climb. Since we begin our summit push from base camp and retrace back to base camp the same day, you will only carry essential items, leaving everything else at the base camp. There will also be 1 guide for every 3 climbers, who will be glad to assist you if needed. For the summit days and on Amphu Laptcha pass, you may be required to carry your personal climbing gears as you will be using them on most of the sections and teamwork is appreciated. 

What are the accommodation arrangements?

Hotel: 4 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 14 Nights, Camping: 8 Nights

Kathmandu: 
In Kathmandu, we stay at Kathmandu Guest House, a well-known hotel where many famous celebrities like Beatles, Ricky Martin, Jeremy Irons and others have stayed. Centrally located in Thamel, the hotel also boasts of a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel, and your accommodation will be on a twin sharing basis, and if you would like to have a single room, upon request, you are required to pay a single supplement price as stated in the trip costing.
Regardless of whether you're coming back from the mountains or touching base from the airport, come and unwind at the hotel beautiful garden, request some fine Italian espresso or a chilled Beer, and escape in the memorable surroundings of Kathmandu's most adored guesthouse.

On Trek:
Trekking in the (Everest and Mera area) does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets but with a wonderful view from your window.  All the teahouses/lodges have a spacious warm dining room-lounge. The rooms are fairly basic. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we will provide a warm sleeping bag to everyone. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Climbing Period:
During the climbing period and Amphu Laptcha Pass, your accommodation will be on fully tented camping. A tent will be provided between every 2 climbers. If in case of a single by default, then we will provide a single tent without any additional cost. 

Single supplement: 
A single supplement will be charged if someone wishes to have their own room in Kathmandu. Especially when travelling in a group, we will always pair you with someone of the same sex and similar age to share the room with. If in case of a single by default, then clients don’t have to pay for the single supplement. Please note that on the trek, a single supplement is not available due to limited rooms

Safety measures on trip?

Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Our itinerary for Mera and Island peak has been devised carefully ensuring safety and success. Our itinerary combines include proper acclimatization and contingency, rest days to maximise the summit chances. 

We also carry supplementary oxygen system for the emergency purpose and medical kit on our Island peak trip be it a group of 1 or 12. Each group will be led by qualified guides and we provide high staff to client ratio on our peak climbing trips. 

What is the group size?

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 1 and the maximum is 12 people.

Do I need to join the fixed departure or can I schedule my own date for the climb?

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis.

If you are looking for a group to join this climb please check our departures section for availability, dates and price.
If you would like to climb independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people.
If you want to make any changes or need to amend any part of our itinerary or services as per your interest, we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements.

In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

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Reviews

Brett Morton

Amazing mountaineering holiday with a wonderful team of experienced guides; exceeded all my expectations. The whole trip was perfectly organized with fantastic support from the guides all the way. It was a dream holiday that was made a reality by the wonderful team of Highland Expeditions.

Would strongly recommend Highland Expeditions based on my experience. 



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