Mera Peak
In Nepali: मेरा पिक
Mera rises above the remote Hinku valley south of Everest. The standard route is technically easy — a long snow plod with a short steep section below the summit — but its height makes it a serious undertaking that needs crampons, rope and a guide.
From the top you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga. The approach from Lukla over the Zatrwa La, or from the lower Solu hills, passes through untouched forest and is itself a fine trek.
Route at a glance
Most groups fly to Lukla and cross the Zatrwa La (about 4,600 m) into the Hinku valley, then walk up through Kothe and Thangnak to Khare, the base for the climb. From Khare the route goes to Mera La and a high camp, with summit day starting before dawn over the glacier. Walking in from the Solu hills via Pangom takes longer but helps acclimatisation.
What you need
A climbing permit, a guide, and basic mountaineering skills: walking in crampons, using a harness and jumar on the final steep section. Rent or bring mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe and a down jacket. Good fitness matters more than technique — summit day is long and cold.
Good to know
The Zatrwa La should not be crossed on the first day after flying into Lukla without acclimatisation. Lodges now serve the Hinku valley up to Khare.
Quick answers
- Where is Mera Peak?
- Mera Peak is in Solukhumbu district, Koshi Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Mera Peak?
- About 6,476 m (21,248 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Mera Peak?
- For a 18-day trip from Janakpur, about NPR 163,500 (≈ US$1,210) per person on a budget, or NPR 189,500 (≈ US$1,405) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 74,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Mera Peak?
- Plan 16 nights there for the trek; with travel from Janakpur and back, about 18 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Mera Peak?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 5,000 / US$37 to enter Sagarmatha National Park plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- Do I need a guide for Mera Peak?
- Yes, for foreign trekkers: since 2023 a licensed guide is required in Nepal’s national parks and conservation areas. Nepali trekkers may go on their own.
- When is the best time to visit Mera Peak?
- October–November; April–May
- How do I get to Mera Peak?
- From Lukla via the Zatrwa La, about 2–3 weeks round trip; climbing permit required. It is about 143 km (straight line) from Janakpur, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Mera Peak called in Nepali?
- मेरा पिक
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