Why is the itinerary 16 days long?
Most of the time, you will come across Mera Peak climbing packages that need 18 to 22 days. However, we have decided to curate a package that is convenient, fast, and safe. If you wish to finish Mera Peak climbing pretty quickly but still stay on the safe side, you can choose this package. We will choose the Thangnak route rather than the EBC trek trails which makes the journey shorter.
Trips as short as 12 to 14 days are also possible, but they risk safety. This trip, however, will be fast yet safe and fun. You can take enough time to enjoy the remote trails of Hinku Valley. The alpine region surrounded by wonderful giant mountains is a great destination. Sixteen days will allow you to savor everything such a place has to offer. We will have a standard 3 to 5 hours of hiking with a little longer trek during the climb day. Plus, the itinerary has a well-planned rest day as well.
Is the 16-day Mera Peak climbing for you?
This Mera Peak climbing package trip requires days of hiking and a strenuous mountain climb. You definitely need to be physically fit in order to complete this trip. Prior experiences of hiking would be ideal to prepare for the Mera peak climb. However, if you aren’t hitting the gym or developing some stamina beforehand, this trip could be a trouble.
Most hikes through the remote trails of the Nepali Himalayas are quite rocky and rugged. It demands a lot of physical effort for a successful trek. Moreover, you also gain a lot of altitude while doing treks on the Himalayan trails. So, building stamina and gaining some leg muscles to adapt to it is a must. With our advice, you can definitely conquer this climb, even if you’re a novice.
How difficult is the Mera Peak climbing?
The Mera Peak climbing itinerary consists of two major parts. The first one comprises the hike to get to the base camp which is moderately difficult. You need not be an experienced hiker for this, but you definitely need to get fit to hike successfully.
The other part of the trip consists of the peak climbing itself. According to the French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification Systems, the grade for climbing Mera Peak is "F." This stands for "Facial Easy". It is the easiest climb to come across and has a modest ascent on snow and ice. But the final few steps require strong efforts to reach Mera Peak's summit.
When is the perfect time for Mera Peak Climbing?
The best time for Mera Peak climbing would be the spring and autumn seasons. These seasons occur during March, April, and May for spring and September, October, and November for autumn. These months give you clear, unobstructed views of the mountains. The clouds will not cover the horizon and disrupt your journey due to rainfall or snowfall. Hence, the roads will be quite dry and decrease the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
The weather is also pleasant and warm during this time of the year. Moreover, the months of autumn bring in the festival seasons of Nepal, like Dashain and Tihar. Spring in Nepal marks a new year as per the Nepali calendar. So the overall environment will be quite festive and fun and perfect to travel in Nepal. We highly recommend you book your Mera Peak climbing package at this time.
What are the permits needed for Mera Peak climbing?
The permit for your Mera Peak climbing depends upon the route you are taking. Since we will take the Thangnak route, we will need two permits for our trek. Then we will also need the mountain climbing permits. The permits are called the Local Area Permit needed at Lukla and the Makalu Barun National Park entry permit. The mountain climbing permit is known as the Nepal Mountaineering Association Permit.
The first two permits are necessary to enter the hiking trails of the region. On the other hand, the NMA permit is necessary to climb Mera Peak.
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What to consider before climbing Mera Peak?
Preparing for Mera Peak climbing requires you to cover up many factors. Several days of walking through remote trails of the Himalayas need strong physical and mental capacity. With our advice, you can easily cover up these required factors. Then you can have a very enjoyable and memorable trip for the Mera Peak climbing.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a common occurrence when you trek to remote Himalayan trails like that of Khumbu. Moreover, you also need to do peak climbing during this trip. There is a target of 6,461 m summit of Mera Peak for the trip. So this definitely brings risks of altitude sickness. Altitude sickness problems could pose life-threatening sicknesses like HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema). Hence, you should be highly cautious of it.
Training yourself to be physically fit and adjusting yourself to the environment is the key. Acclimatization practices during your trip are essential to prevent such hazards. You can also carry supplementary oxygens in case you are prone to altitude-related sickness. Avoiding caffeinated drinks, nicotine, and alcohol also helps. Diamox tablets also is a great tool to overcome symptoms of altitude sickness.
Packing
You need to pack various items to prepare for this journey. The basic luggage must consist of warm thermal wear, both inner and outer layer clothes. You will also need waterproof/windproof jackets, a sturdy hiking boot, trekking poles, and a sleeping bag. Gloves, hats, first aid kits, SPF, solar battery chargers, cameras, etc. should also be on your list. Items like ice axes and crampons should also be considered during your packing.
Some equipments can be managed by us too. You can let us know when you book your Mera Peak climbing package or once you arrive Nepal.
Permits
Permits are fundamental to remote trail trekking in Nepal. As we mentioned above, there are 3 major permits you will need. They are the Local Area Permit, the Makalu Barun Park permit, and the NMA permit. Make sure your documentation for the permits is in order before you start your journey.
Physical fitness
You need to get in shape before spending days on your feet in remote places of the Himalayas. We highly recommend you strengthen your stamina and build some endurance. Hit the gym and do exercises like jump rope, swimming, or running. Strength training and lifting could be in your favor, too. You can definitely do the Mera peak climbing without prior mountain climbing experience if you are physically fit.
Timing
Planning when to do your Mera peak climbing is also an essential consideration. The best times for this trek are during spring and autumn in Nepal. However, off-season treks are also possible. Make sure you plan your trek and make precautionary preps beforehand.
Accommodation
Since the journey takes a lot of days, you have to prepare for where you will stay overnight. Most remote places in the trails only have local tea houses, lodges, or camps. The more facilitated lower altitude areas might have some hotels. But higher altitude stops have tea houses run by locals from the area. Make sure you have a prior booking or know where you will stop for the day.
Guides and porters
Hiring guides and porters is one of the most essential prep for remote trail trekking. Nepal does not allow foreigners to do long-distance trekking solo. You need to hire a licensed guide if you want to do the Mera peak climbing. They will act as a safety net and be your translator, helper, medical assistant, etc. Guides are also necessary if you need last minute changes for your Mera Peak climbing itinerary
You will also need porters to help you carry your luggage. Walking for so many days is tiresome, and the additional luggage weight makes your journey more exhausting. That’s why we also recommend hiring a porter to make your journey easier.
