Mera Peak

Overview

Mera peak is a mountain peak in the Mahalangur section and Barun sub-section, which is located in the Sagarmatha Zone. The height of the Mera peak is 6476m and is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. There are altogether 3 peaks in Mera, Mera North (6476m), Mera south (6065m), and Mera central (6461m).  The first ascent of Mera Central was made on May 20, 1953, by Col. Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing. Since then, Mera peak is one of the most climbed and definitely a popular peak. Mera peak is highly protected by Makalu Barun and Sagarmatha National park. The trail to Mera peak is covered with varieties of flora and fauna. Flora like Rhododendrons, Juniper, fir, Himalayan birch, etc and faunas like snow leopard, snowcock, bearded vulture, etc are found here. You also get to see many Sherpa villages, lush forests, suspension bridges, monasteries, and ancient Gompas. There is a stunning view of Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from its summit. Mera peak is not so technical or challenging as other peaks in Nepal. It is quite straightforward, still, the altitude and temperature can be a major problem. It is better to have experience and a few mountaineering skills to climb this peak.

Temperature and weather 

The average temperature during the daytime in the autumn season (September-November) is around 12 degrees Celsius and 6-8 at night. In the spring season (March-May), the average temperature in the daytime is around 10 degrees Celsius and the nighttime is -4 degrees Celsius. The summer season is basically the hottest everywhere. The average temperature in summer/monsoon is around 15 degrees Celsius in the daytime and can fall very slightly whenever it rains. The winter season is cold at lower altitudes and extremely cold at higher altitudes. The average temperature in higher altitudes can be -30 degrees Celsius in the winter season. 

Considering all the seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-March) are two of the best season for trekking and climbing Mera peaks. Autumn and the spring season have very favorable temperatures and weather with crystal blue skies. The atmosphere is very clean offering a beautiful view of mountains and green vegetation throughout the way. Monsoon season receives a lot of rainfall which makes the trail slippery and muddy. The winter season can be extremely cold with unbearable temperatures. 

Food and accommodation 

Mera peak has to be both camping and a teahouse trek. Teahouses are small lodges run by local people of the area. There are teahouses available up to Khare. They have a single room with twin sharing beds. They provide a blanket, mattress, and clean bedsheets. The toilets and bathroom however have to be shared. After Khare, it is almost impossible to find any teahouses or stores. You need to camp overnight for several days. That is why all the necessary stuff like camping tents, sleeping bags, mats, cooking stoves, utensils has to be carried. You also need to prepare food by yourself. If you are trekking through a travel agency, they will manage a cook for you. Cook is hired to make some easy food like bread, fried rice, noodles, etc. however, on your stay on Teahouses, you get some options for food like Dal, Bhat and vegetables, bread, eggs, etc.    

Getting to Mera peak

A bus is one of the options to reach the starting point of this trek which is Lukla. You have to catch a bus from Kathmandu to Jiri and you need to hike from Jiri to Lukla which is definitely very tiring. An easy option is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which takes 40 minutes. Once you reach Lukla, there is no option other than walking.

Guides and porters

Guides and porters are very important in this trek.  Without a travel guide to give you the right directions, and information about the places, your trek would be quite difficult. They usually charge 30-35$ per day. Since you will be carrying all the camping stuff, it is quite impossible not to hire a porter. They usually charge 20-25$ per day.  

Electronics and communication

Facilities like electricity, internet connections, and communication are available up to Khare. There are solar panels that provide enough electricity to charge your electronics. There are satellite phones available for communication. However, to use all these facilities you have to pay extra money to the owner. Once you cross Khare, these facilities are not available at all. Power banks and extra batteries are highly recommended. 

Permits and fees

Sagarmatha National Park permit 

           Non-SAARC countries- 3000 NRS (excluding VAT)

               SAARC countries- 1500NRS (excluding VAT)

 Makalu Barun National Park Permit 

                   Non-SAARC countries- 3000 NRS (excluding VAT)

               SAARC countries- 1500NRS (excluding VAT)

Mera peak climbing permit 

–    Spring (March-May)- 250 $ per person

–    Autumn (September-November)- 125$ per person 

–    Winter (December-February)- 70$ per person

–    Summer (June-August)- 70$  per person

TIMS- 2000 NRS 

                 All the permits are available from Nepal Tourism Board. 

Difficulties of Mera peak

Mera peak is comparatively an easier peak. However, it doesn’t mean it comes without challenges. The road to Mera peak base camp is rough, steep, and can be snowy. The trail above the base camp is more challenging. The extreme temperature and altitude can be a serious problem if you don’t apply the necessary precaution. Any peak climbing requires concentration, focus, patience, and knowledge. Physical and mental stability is the most important factor. Physical fitness can be built by running, jogging, and doing some light exercise before starting your trek. It is relieving to know that Mera peak is an easy one and good for beginners or someone without experience. The average walking hour of 4-5 per day, and overnight camping, risk of altitude sickness, combining all these facts, the trek and climb to Mera peak can be moderately difficult.   

*Symptoms of Mountain sickness

-Headache

-Dizziness

-Loss of appetite

-Shortness of breath

-Fast heartbeats

*Preventing mountain sickness 

-Walk slow

-Stay hydrated

-Have nutritional food 

-Have enough rest

-Avoid smoking and alcohol 

*Medicines for mountain sickness 

-Acetazolamide 

-Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)

-Promethazine (for nausea) 

Other requirements

Travel insurance– trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you. Seeing all these benefits,the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you have provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month.  

Visas/passports– if you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months.