Mera Peak (6,476 m) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. It is a glacier climb with no hard technical climbing, in the Hinku Valley about 30 km south of Everest. Most people need 16 to 18 days from Kathmandu: fly to Lukla, then walk to Khare (5,045 m) over the Zatrwa La or by the lower trail through Paiya. Summit day leaves High Camp (about 5,800 m) around 2 am and lasts 8 to 12 hours. You need an NMA climbing permit, USD 350 in spring and USD 175 in autumn since September 2025. You also need basic crampon and rope skills and a registered agency with a licensed guide. Go in April, May, October or November.
- HeightMera North 6,476 m, Mera Central 6,461 m
- LocationHinku Valley, Solukhumbu, about 30 km south of Everest
- First ascentMera Central, 20 May 1953 (Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing)
- DifficultyGlacier climb at altitude, short steep finish on fixed rope
- Trip length16 to 18 days from Kathmandu
- Permit (2026)NMA royalty USD 350 spring, USD 175 autumn
- Best monthsApril to May, October to November
Do you dare to climb the highest trekking peak in Nepal? From the top of Mera Peak you can see five of the six highest mountains on Earth, including 8,000 m peaks like Everest and Kanchenjunga, which is why so many first-time climbers pick it. So, what's the Mera Peak climbing route like?
Beginning at Kathmandu, the route for Mera Peak climbing winds its way through various exciting terrains and environments, with several long climbs and descents. It starts with a flight to Lukla, a small mountain town at 2,860 m (9,383 ft). Your trek begins with a magnificent adventure- beholding the spellbinding splendor of the Himalayas, indulging in the lush greenery of forests, and exploring the charming villages of Chhutanga, Thuli Kharka, Kothe and Thangnak. So get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Photo: Mera Peak, the highest trekking peak in Nepal
Highlights of the Mera Peak
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Cinematic view of mountain peaks like Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga
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Alluring Sunrise and Sunset views
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Explore the Sherpa community and their culture
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Taste local food in the Hinku Valley lodges
Overview of Mera Peak and the Surrounding Area
Mera Peak, Nepal's highest trekking peak, lures climbing newbies from far and wide to scale its heights in the legendary region where Mt Everest soars. A gleaming treasure of the Himalayas in the Mahalangur Himal, about 30 km south of Everest, it has drawn climbers since the 1950s. Mera Peak sparkles with three awe-inspiring summits: Mera North (6,476 m), Mera Central (6,461 m), and Mera South (6,065 m), all awaiting their conqueror.
Mera Central was first climbed on 20 May 1953 by Col. Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing, in the same golden season that Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stood on Everest. Mera North, the true high point, is believed to have been first climbed in 1975 by Marcel Jolly, G. Baus and L. Honills. Many climbers now use Mera as a first step toward bigger peaks.
Mera is one of the most climbed trekking peaks in Nepal, and first-time climbers make up a large share of the people on it each season.
With its accessible climbing geography and technically-suitable setup, Mera Peak is the ideal destination for newbies taking their first steps into mountaineering, and a good introduction to peak climbing.
Photo: The wooden bridge in Khare on the trekking route to Mera Peak.
There are two trails to the mountain and one standard way up it. From Khare (5,045 m / 16,552 ft), the route climbs to the Mera La (5,415 m / 17,766 ft), crosses onto the Mera Glacier and follows it to High Camp and the summit. Other lines on the mountain are rarely climbed and need expedition-level skills. Be ready for a strenuous trek across glaciers and steep inclines whichever trail you take.
The remote Hinku Valley, home of the majestic peak, weaves a route past rushing streams, yak pastures and a few small gompas, looked after by the Sherpa families who are its inhabitants. The valley sits between the Khumbu and the Makalu-Barun region, walled in by snowfields, glaciers and ice cliffs.
The Hinku Valley flaunts a wealth of wildlife, featuring the Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and the colourful danphe pheasant, amongst others. Spotting one of these during a Mera Peak trek elevates the experience to a more fulfilling and enjoyable one. From Mera Peak's summit, witness an awe-inspiring lineup of 8,000-metre giants: Everest (8,848.86 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,485 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and on a clear day even Kanchenjunga far to the east. The Mera Peak trek starts on the fringe of the legendary Khumbu region before crossing into the wild Hinku Valley, with its distinct Sherpa villages, verdant forests, suspension bridges, small gompas, prayer flags, and more.
Mera Peak Climbing Routes
There are several routes to climb Mera Peak - for now, the North Face is considered the best and easiest route to the top of the peak. It is also the standard route most mountaineers use while attempting Mera Peak.
The North Face is said to offer the best experiences with its passing through the high altitude glacier. It is also the safest line, a broad glacier with few steep sections, though crevasses open up as the season goes on.
Two Ways to Reach Khare: Zatrwa La or Paiya
Everyone starts in Lukla, but two trails lead to Khare. The fast one goes straight over the Zatrwa La (about 4,610 m) on the second day, a climb of some 1,750 m from Lukla. Plenty of people feel it. The slower trail drops south through Paiya and Pangkongma, stays below 3,600 m for several days and joins the Zatrwa route at Kothe. It costs two extra days and gives your body time to adjust, which is why Swotah runs both: a 16-day trip over the pass and an 18-day trip by Paiya.
| Route | Lukla to Khare | Highest point before Khare | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zatrwa La (Chhutanga, Thuli Kharka, Kothe, Thangnak) | 5 walking days, with a rest day at Thangnak | Zatrwa La, about 4,610 m, on day 2 | People already used to altitude, or short on time |
| Paiya and Pangkongma (Chhetrakhola, Kothe, Thangnak) | 7 walking days, with a rest day at Thangnak | Thangnak, about 4,350 m | First-timers who want a gentler build-up |
Photo:Top view of Thagnag village in Mera peak climbing route in Himalaya mountains range, Nepal.
Your Mera Peak journey starts from Lukla, where you will trek to Chhutanga (3,050 m) and leave for Thuli Kharka. You will cross the Zatrwa La (about 4,610 m) on the way and stay overnight at Thuli Kharka. Next morning the trail drops through forest to Kothe (3,600 m) in the Hinku Valley, and a day later it climbs along the river to Thangnak (4,350 m), where most teams rest for a day.
The next destination will be Khare, which offers the sight of Mera Peak. You will stay overnight at Khare and acclimatize the next day before going to the Mera Peak Summit. From Khare, you climb to Mera Base Camp, at around 5,300 m below the Mera La, and then to Mera High Camp at about 5,800 m. Some itineraries go straight from Khare to High Camp. Summit day starts around 2 am and takes 8 to 12 hours up and back. Most teams top out on Mera Central (6,461 m). In good conditions some carry on along the ridge to Mera North (6,476 m), the true high point.
Mera Peak Altitude Profile, Lukla to the Summit
Heights follow the Zatrwa La route. Camp heights differ by a hundred metres or so between operators, and the bars start at 2,500 m so the climb above Khare stands out.
| Place | Altitude | Metres | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lukla | 2,860 m | Start of the trek | |
| Chhutanga | 3,050 m | Night 1 | |
| Zatrwa La | 4,610 m | Pass, crossed on day 2 | |
| Thuli Kharka | 4,300 m | Night 2 | |
| Kothe | 3,600 m | Night 3, Hinku Valley | |
| Thangnak | 4,350 m | Nights 4 and 5, rest day | |
| Khare | 5,045 m | Last lodges before the glacier | |
| Mera Base Camp | 5,300 m | Camp below the Mera La | |
| Mera La | 5,415 m | Pass onto the Mera Glacier | |
| High Camp | 5,800 m | Summit-night camp | |
| Mera Central | 6,461 m | Summit for most teams | |
| Mera North | 6,476 m | True high point |
Photo: A Himalayan sheep grazing in the picturesque Mera Peak region.
After the successful climb, you must thoroughly descend back to High Camp and Mera Base Camp. Similarly, you will return to Khare, Kothe, and Thuli Kharka before reaching Lukla. You will catch a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, which takes about 35 minutes. In spring and autumn many flights use Manthali (Ramechhap) instead, a 20-minute flight followed by a 4 to 5 hour drive.
Mera Peak Permits and Fees in 2026
Three permits cover a Mera climb from Lukla. The Nepal Mountaineering Association raised its royalty for every trekking peak under 6,500 m on 1 September 2025, so blogs still quoting USD 250 are out of date. You can't buy the climbing permit yourself. A registered agency gets it for your team.
| Permit | Fee per person | How it compares |
|---|---|---|
| NMA climbing royalty, spring (March to May) | USD 350 | |
| NMA climbing royalty, autumn (September to November) | USD 175 | |
| NMA climbing royalty, winter and summer | USD 175 | |
| Makalu Barun National Park entry | NPR 3,000 (SAARC NPR 1,500) | About USD 20 |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee, paid in Lukla | NPR 3,000 (SAARC NPR 2,000) | About USD 20 |
Before September 2025 the royalty was USD 250 in spring, 125 in autumn and 70 in winter and summer. Agencies also lodge a refundable garbage deposit for the team. Keep every permit with your passport, because trail checkpoints can ask to see them. Our peak climbing permits guide lists the fees for other peaks.
Preparation And Safety Tips on Climbing Mera Peak
Physical Preparation
Like other peaks, Mera Peak is also physically challenging. It would be best to have enough endurance and strength training, acclimatization, and practice hikes before taking on this expedition. Since Mera Peak stands at a towering height of 6,476 meters, you must be prepared for possible health hazards like altitude sickness and related illnesses.
Mental Preparation
Being mentally strong to take on Mera Peak climbing is the most important thing here. You will need to accept and face any probable dangers and environment throughout your expedition. Before going on an expedition, research the route, understand the risks, and build confidence in your abilities.
Equipment and Gear Necessary
Your Mera Peak climbing project does not end successfully without proper gear and equipment. You need to understand the harsh environment in the Himalayas and plan for the gear accordingly. When it comes to clothing, it is recommended to have thermal clothes, warm jackets, and others like socks, gloves, sunglasses, and many more. Besides that, you will also need glacier equipment like an ice axe, crampons, harnesses, and safety measures like a first-aid kit.
During the Climb
Acclimatization
Acclimatization is an essential thing during any high-altitude treks. Your body will be tired and out of energy when you walk 5 to 7 hours a day at high altitude, and 8 to 12 hours on summit day. That's why you need to acclimatise properly. Just take your time, and don't rush up the mountain. Also, take enough rest and stay hydrated.
Weather Considerations
Weather can play an antagonist role during your mountaineering. That's why you should always be aware of the changing weather conditions and plan accordingly. Always listen to the weather forecast and prepare yourself for it. If the weather is bad, postpone your initial plans and search for alternatives. Heavy snowfall and storms are some factors you will face during your expedition.
Route Planning
Route planning comes under the significant planning section. You should always be familiar with the available routes and plan your itinerary accordingly. It's always better to know your way before setting off and have backup plans in case of bad weather or other unforeseen issues.
Nutrition and Hydration Tips
Since we mentioned that Mera Peak climbing is physically demanding, being healthy and hydrated is the primary focus. You need to know that your body should be strong enough to take on the climb, and that is possible only if you are availed of the nutrients and enough food. Stay hydrated and eat regularly to keep energy levels up - it will be good for your health during climbing Mera Peak.
Emergency Situations
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is one of the significant health hazards you will experience during your high-altitude treks. Mera Peak is over 6000 meters, so altitude sickness is not strange here. If you have had no exposure to high altitudes before or if you have other illnesses like asthma or respiratory problems, altitude sickness is more prone to you. You should always watch and learn for signs and symptoms of altitude sickness and be prepared to descend if necessary.
Reputable operators carry emergency bottled oxygen and a first-aid kit above high camp. Most climbers summit without supplemental oxygen, but the backup matters if symptoms strike.
Injury
Injuries are also the most common challenges you will face during peak climbing. Mera Peak also has some treacherous landscapes as it is steep and has numerous crevasses. You do not know what happens during the expedition, so always take the first aid kit with you, so it will be helpful in case you have any injuries.
Photo: Climbers embarking on their journey to summit Mera Peak.
Getting Lost
Note that Mera Peak cannot legally be climbed alone: it requires an NMA climbing permit (USD 350 per person in spring, 175 in autumn and 175 in winter and summer since 1 September 2025), a Makalu Barun National Park entry permit, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee collected at Lukla, and a licensed guide arranged through a registered operator. In that case, it's always good to hire porters and guides who can help you throughout your expedition. Also, always have an emergency GPS unit on hand to help you find your way back to safety if you become lost.
The Mera Peak route is generally challenging but worth it for mountain climbers. If you want to see the summit views from more than 6,400 m, you need to be physically fit and comfortable with crampons and a fixed rope. Although the climb can be challenging, it's a chance to discover the fascinating culture and gorgeous scenery of Nepal's Khumbu region. As long as you plan, get ready properly, and follow experienced guides, you can reach the summit of Mera Peak and come back home feeling accomplished and with a lifetime memory.
Mera Peak Climbing: FAQs
How hard is Mera Peak?
It's a long glacier walk at very high altitude. The slope above High Camp is gentle snow for most of the way, then the final pitch to Mera Central steepens and teams fix a rope. Altitude is the real test. Most people who turn back do so because of headaches, cold or exhaustion.
Do I need climbing experience for Mera Peak?
You don't need a previous summit. You should be able to walk 6 to 8 hours a day for two weeks, and you'll practise crampons, harness and a jumar on fixed rope with your guide before the climb. A trek above 5,000 m, such as Everest Base Camp, helps a lot.
Which summit of Mera Peak do you reach?
Most teams stop on Mera Central (6,461 m). Mera North (6,476 m) is 15 m higher and needs a longer, more exposed traverse, so guides only go there in good snow and weather. Ask your operator which summit their price covers.
How many days does Mera Peak take?
Plan on 16 to 18 days from Kathmandu. Both lengths include a rest day for acclimatisation. Add a spare day if you can, because Lukla flights are often delayed by cloud.
When is the best time to climb Mera Peak?
April, May, October and November. Autumn usually gives the clearest summit views, and spring is a little warmer on the glacier. Winter ascents happen, but the cold above 6,000 m is severe and snow can close the Zatrwa La.
Can I climb Mera Peak without a guide?
No. Nepal issues trekking-peak permits only through registered agencies, and a licensed climbing guide has to go with you.
