Expedition Overview

Mera Peak is the highest of the currently available Nepalese trekking peaks and is set in a relatively remote valley system to the East of the main Khumbu trekking routes. We enter the valley system over the Pangkongma La, make our ascent of Mera Peak and exit via the Hongu valley crossing the 5780m Ampu Laptsa, returning to Lukla via Namche Bazar.

The ascent of Mera is technically quite straightforward, however, it is a high altitude climb and conditions can sometimes be severe. We make our summit climb from a high camp situated at an altitude of 5900m above the Mera La. The views from the summit of the mountain are stunning. Everest, Lhotse South Face, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and far to the East, Kanchenjunga are all visible from the viewpoint.

Flight to Lukla
To save many days of trekking foothills, we fly into and out from Lukla, a small airstrip 8 hours walk below Namche Bazar. We meet our Sherpas, cook crew and porters there before commencing our expedition. Most people find the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla a unique opportunity to view the Himalayan chain and the mountains of Southern Tibet

The Trek
Having crossed the jungle clad Pangkongma La, we ascend easily through the Hinku Valley to Tagnag, the last village on our trek for many days. Here we rest for acclimatisation before starting our two day ascent to the Mera La.

The Climb
From the Mera La, the route ascends broad snowslopes leading after about 3-4 hours to our high camp at 5900m. From there we make an early start, about 2am, which should bring us to the summit in time for a spectacular sunrise. The descent is fairly easy and we return to the Mera La in time for lunch.

The climb up to high camp - double click control to view video

Across the Zatrwa La
We return to Lukla by way of the Zatrwa La pass 4600m. We frequently need to fix rope the first few hundred meters of the descent to assist the porters, but the difficulties soon relent giving an easier path down to Chutanga, then on the to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu.

Cost £2230.00 - Dollar, Euro or Swiss Franc prices

*Our trips do not include international flights as our client base is worldwide and there is ready availability of low cost flights on the internet.

Dates
17th October 2011

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Days
21 Days

Grading
This trip is graded T3 being non technical, but remote and at high altitude. It would be suitable for reasonably fit hillwalkers, climbers and trekkers wishing to enjoy a strenuous but straightforward ascent to very high altitude. If you are in doubt about the suitability of this trip for you please contact us for personal advice.