The highest trekking peak in Nepal — and the finest summit panorama
At 6,476m, Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. It is not the most technically demanding — the standard route involves steep glacier walking rather than technical rock or mixed climbing — but the altitude is a serious undertaking, and the summit panorama is arguably unmatched by any other trekking peak in the country.
From the summit, five of the world’s fourteen 8,000m peaks are visible simultaneously: Everest to the north, Kangchenjunga and Makalu to the east, Lhotse and Cho Oyu completing the sweep. The Nuptse/Lhotse wall, Ama Dablam, Baruntse Ice Spire and Chamlang fill the remaining horizon. It is one of the great viewpoints on earth.
The approach travels through the remote Hinku Valley — wild, rarely visited, and completely different in character to the crowded Everest Base Camp corridor. This is Nepal off the beaten track, approached through bamboo and rhododendron forest, with days at a time without seeing another trekking group.
Your Mera Peak booking includes a £50 direct donation to Community Action Nepal. The remote Hinku Valley communities you pass through are among the most isolated in Nepal — your visit and your booking contributes to their sustainability.
Land only · flights not included
Includes £50 CAN donation
Mera Peak runs on your dates for your group. Minimum 4 climbers. Best season October and November. Enquire and we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Enquire & Book Book a Free CallNo commitment at enquiry stage. We reply within 24 hours with availability and an honest assessment of your readiness.
The summit in numbers
2am start from high camp. Glacier ascent on the main glacier, south side traverse, and a fixed rope for the final 30m at 55 degrees to the summit.
The route is predominantly a 30-degree glacier walk. The final 30m to the summit involves a 55-degree slope with a fixed rope — crampons and jumar required.
Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu all visible. Ama Dablam, Baruntse and Chamlang complete an extraordinary 360-degree panorama.
Via Lukla into the remote Hinku Valley — bamboo forest, rhododendron, very few other trekkers. Completely different character to the busy Everest corridor.
Set on a rocky outcrop on the Mera La glacier with stunning views of Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Ama Dablam and Everest. Camping overnight before summit day.
Lodge accommodation on the approach. Camping at higher sections, base camp and high camp. All camping equipment provided — you bring your sleeping bag.
What you need before you book
Essential and non-negotiable. The summit involves a 55-degree fixed rope section where jumar technique must be second nature. You will receive introductory training from your climbing Sherpa at Khare base camp, but you must arrive already comfortable with this equipment. A UK winter skills course in the Cairngorms or Snowdonia beforehand is strongly advised.
Mera Peak reaches 6,476m — higher than anything in the Alps or any common trekking destination. Previous altitude experience above 4,500m is strongly recommended. Your body’s response to altitude is the biggest variable on this trip. If you haven’t been to altitude before, consider completing Manaslu or Annapurna first.
Strong aerobic fitness is required. The summit day is 8–9 hours at extreme altitude. In the months before departure, focus on back-to-back endurance days with significant elevation gain. Your legs need to be reliable on very steep ground for extended periods at altitude.
The Hinku Valley approach is genuinely remote. For several days you will be in country with no mobile signal, very limited facilities, and no straightforward evacuation route. This is one of the most wild and beautiful approaches in Nepal — but you must be comfortable with genuine remoteness.
20 days into the Hinku Valley and to the summit
Welcome meeting, kit checks, permits. Free day to explore Kathmandu.
Arrival3am departure, drive to Ramechhap, 16-min flight to Lukla. Descend to Surke, cross the river, climb to Chutok La. First day on trail.
2,730mInto the Hinku Valley. Cross the Piya Khola, climb to Kari La, through the Zatrwa Massif foothills. Remote and beautiful from the start.
2,814m → 3,276mRamailo Danda to Chhetra Khola through bamboo and rhododendron forest. Then up the Inkhu Khola river to Kothe. Genuinely wild country.
3,122m → 3,580mLeave the forest. Open valley, first views of the Mera glacier. Acclimatisation day at Tagnak with height gain walk — first views of Mera Peak.
4,358mGentle ascent crossing Dig Tsho glacier to Khare base camp. Acclimatisation day with climbing Sherpa training — crampon and jumar practice.
5,045mBack to Mera La pass, up the glacier to high camp at 5,780m. Sunset views of Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Everest. Final night before summit.
5,780m2am start. Glacier approach, south side traverse, 55-degree fixed rope for the final 30m. Summit at dawn. Five 8,000m peaks in one panorama.
The SummitRetrace down the Hinku Valley. Final day crosses the Zatrwa La (5,184m) — one more high pass with outstanding views before descending to Lukla.
DescentFly to Ramechhap, drive to Kathmandu. Contingency day built in. Celebration dinner and departure.
ReturnDetailed day-by-day itinerary provided on enquiry. One contingency day built in for weather and acclimatisation.
Everything for the summit
- 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu on arrival & departure
- Domestic flights Kathmandu ↔ Lukla via Ramechhap
- All lodge accommodation on approach trek
- All camping equipment at base camp and high camp
- Full board throughout — all meals from Lukla to return
- Expert Sherpa climbing sirdar & assistant guides
- All porterage — main bag carried throughout
- All group technical equipment (ropes, stakes, screws)
- Climbing support Sherpa on summit day
- Mera Peak permit (Nepal Mountaineering Association)
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Group first aid kit and emergency oxygen
- £50 Community Action Nepal donation per person
- Pre-departure kit list and expedition briefing
What to budget for
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa (approx. US$50, on arrival)
- Personal sleeping bag (rated to −20°C for high camp)
- Personal technical equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar, helmet)
- Travel and expedition insurance (mandatory, must cover 7,000m)
- Personal spending, tips and souvenirs (allow £250)
- Emergency evacuation costs (covered by insurance)
Insurance note. Your policy must cover mountaineering to at least 7,000m and include helicopter evacuation. Standard travel insurance is not sufficient. Ask us for recommended providers.
Mera Peak is priced at £2,650pp land only. Fill in the form and we’ll come back within 24 hours with availability and an honest assessment of your readiness for this peak.
No commitment at enquiry stage
We’ll tell you honestly if you’re not ready — and suggest what to do first
Minimum 4 climbers — solo enquiries welcome, we can match with others
Best season October and November — spring (March–May) also possible
Our team will review your background and respond within 24 hours. If it’s urgent, email hello@catreks.com directly.