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Ke Classic
Ke Classic
Holidays

Mera Peak

Nepal
7 reviews
Available Departures: Apr, May, Oct, Nov

20 days from

US$4,275

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Mountaineer
Guided Group
TOUGH TOUGH

An excellent trekking and climbing holiday to Mera Peak in Nepal

Trip Code: MER
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_GRADES_LEISURELY_BODY_MOUNTAINEERING

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

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View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_GRADES_CHALLENGING_BODY_MOUNTAINEERING

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_GRADES_TOUGH_BODY_MOUNTAINEERING

View Tough holidays

Mera Peak

Highlights
  • Mera's summit is a stunning viewpoint for 5 of the world's 8000 metre peaks
  • Walk in to Mera via the Pangkongma La and walk out to Lukla across the Zatrwa La
  • A spare day on the mountain allows some flexibilty for our summit attempt
  • IFMGA qualified guide, all meals, excellent Kathmandu hotels and airport transfers
  • FREE sleeping bag, down jacket and climbing gear hire is available for this holiday
At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 12
  • 15 days trekking and climbing
  • Max altitude - 6476 metres
  • Join In Kathmandu
Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 14 nights Lodge
  • 3 nights Hotel
  • 2 nights Camping
Overview

Mera Peak at 6476 metres,  is one of the highest trekking peaks in Nepal and its summit panorama takes in five of the world's 8000 metre peaks - Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Everest and Cho Oyu. This ultimate Himalayan trekking and climbing holiday begins with a short and exciting flight to Lukla in the Khumbu. From here, we begin trekking through the terraced farmland and forest of Nepal's 'Middle Hills', passing small villages and settlements inhabited by the hardy Sherpas.

Our route then takes us across the Pangkongma La (3174m) to reach the largely uninhabited Hinku Valley which we follow northwards via seasonal grazing grounds to the traditional basecamp area for Mera Peak at Khare. We spend 2 nights at Tagnag and 2 nights at Khare to help with our acclimatisation and to allow for some snow-skills instruction. Although physically very demanding on account of the altitude, the climbing on Mera Peak is not technically difficult, ascending snow slopes that rarely exceed 30 degrees and assisted by our local IFMGA qualified guide and a team of high altitude Sherpas. There is normally just one short steeper section where passage is safeguarded by fixed lines. Viewed from the mountain's upper slopes, the sunrise on Everest and Kangchenjunga is truly unforgettable. During the trek to basecamp we stay in simple tea-houses or lodges and then, above Khare, we have two nights in tents, supported by a full camp crew. Returning from the mountain, we take a different route across the high pass of the Zatwra La (4600m) to reach the airstrip at Lukla and from there fly back to Kathmandu. Mera Peak is the perfect choice for fit and keen hillwalkers looking to take part in a real Himalayan climbing expedition.

Is this holiday for you?

This trekking and climbing holiday in Nepal presents a great variety of trekking conditions. During the first couple of days from Lukla we trek on village trails through steep-sided valleys, crossing the 3174 metre  Pangkongma La to reach the alpine environment of the Hinku Valley. Here, there are a number of small summer grazing camps where simple lodges have only recently been built. The …

This trekking and climbing holiday in Nepal presents a great variety of trekking conditions. During the first couple of days from Lukla we trek on village trails through steep-sided valleys, crossing the 3174 metre  Pangkongma La to reach the alpine environment of the Hinku Valley. Here, there are a number of small summer grazing camps where simple lodges have only recently been built. The paths are good for most of the route up to our basecamp at Khare, and offer relatively easy underfoot conditions although with some steep ascents and descents. The climbing on Mera Peak is not technical and for the most part we will be walking on snow slopes of less than 30 degrees. For much of the ascent we will be using crampons and moving as a roped party since we will be traversing a glacier. On some short steeper sections your guides may put in fixed lines to safeguard the route and you will be provided with an ascender to use on these fixed ropes. No previous mountaineering experience is required as instruction in the simple techniques of walking roped together and using fixed lines will be given by your IFMGA qualified guide. However, previous use of crampons is highly recommended. On summit day we will have a guide to client ratio of 1:3. The main difficulties of the climb of Mera Peak are those associated with trekking at high altitude and this climbing holiday is suitable for fit and motivated trekkers as well as mountaineers wishing to reach new heights. 

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Why KE?

36 Years of Mera Peak Experience!
The first KE group to climb Mera Peak was in 1988 and we have climbed this excellent Himlayan peak every year since then. No-one has more experience on Mera than us.

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Itinerary

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Your holiday starts at the hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the immediate vicinity of the hotel and get acclimatised to this bustling city. Alternatively, you may prefer to recover from your journey by relaxing at the hotel. Your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D
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After a 4am pick up from the Kathmandu hotel, we drive 5 hours to Ramechhap where we check in for a late morning, 20 minute flight to Lukla. (Outside of the peak trekking season, flights to Lukla may operate directly from Kathmandu). Landing at Lukla, on the narrow, sloping runway in the heart of the mountains, is a spectacular way to reach the Khumbu. Here, we meet our trekking crew and set off on the first stage of our trek which initially takes us downhill to Surke (2300m) beside the Dudh Kosi River. From here, still heading south (on the original Jiri to Everest trail), we climb through terraced farmland for a couple of kilometres and then contour around into a sparsely forested tributary valley and reach our lodge accommodation at Paiya (2780m).

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

600 M

Descent

660 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM
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Shortly after leaving the lodge we turn onto a meandering trail that takes us up into a forest of rhododenron and oak. We cross a ridge a little above 3000 metres and then descend into the valley of the Khari Khola at around 2400 metres before ascending again to Pangkongma (2850m) where there is a small monastery. We pass several small farming settlement on today's relatively untrekked route.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

900 M

Descent

780 M

Time

5 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

A great day of trekking which begins with a climb up to the Pangkongma La (3174m) on the main watershed separating the valleys of the Dudh Kosi and Hinku Khola. We have our first sight of Mera Peak before making a steep descent to the village of Sibuje (2770 m). From here the trail is undulating as we make our way through the forested river valley to Ning So (2850m).

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

560 M

Descent

630 M

Time

4 hrs trekking

Distance

7 KM
Hide Details

We have a steep climb up to a tea house at 3280 metres, which affords tremendous views. We then continue to climb to our high point of the day at 3350 metres, before a steep descent back to the river and a welcome lunch stop. After lunch we have a roller coaster afternoon through the forest with some steep sections of trail. At the end of the day we cross the river on a remarkable bridge made from a huge tree trunk to reach our accommodation at 'Jungle Camp' (3160m).

Accommodation

Lodge

Ascent

1120 M

Descent

675 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM
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Heading north we follow the Hinku Khola through the moss covered trees with many ups and downs as we negotiate side valleys and rock ridges. Our overall elevation gradually increases and finally, after crossing a broad ridge of mixed forest, we reach a sandy boulder-choked area known as Gotay at an altitude of 3600 metres. There are several seasonal lodges and shops here in this otherwise uninhabited part of the Hinku Valley.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1280 M

Descent

790 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

9 KM
Hide Details

Following the west bank of the Hinku Drangka northwards, the forest eventually disappears and the valley widens and becomes much more open. There are no villages in the Upper Hinku, only small kharkas used for grazing goats, sheep and yaks. The twin summits of Kusum Kanguru appear on the left while the valley is bounded on the right by the steep rock face of Mera's satellite peak. Ahead framed in the sharp V of the valley is the imaginatively named Peak 43. We will take lunch at Gondishung, a summer herders’ settlement consisting of a few roofless huts and stone-walled enclosures, as well as a long ancient ‘mani’ wall of intricately carved prayer stones. Beyond Gondishung we pass nearby a fascinating 200 year-old gompa built beneath a massive boulder, and a number of crude mani walls. It is well worth visiting this gompa to burn some juniper at the shrine, an offering that just might ensure a successful ascent of Mera Peak. From the gompa it is an hour’s walk over moraines to the yak herders' settlement of Tagnag. Once similar in appearance to Gondishung, nowadays there are several teahouses here. The group will spend at least two nights at Tagnag (4350m) before moving up to Mera Basecamp.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

687 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

A day for acclimatisation. One option for an acclimatisation walk is to trek up the nearby ridge coming down from Kusum Kanguru, where we can reach an altitude of just over 5000 metres on the hill known as Shartemba Go. Here, we have spectacular views of Kusum Kanguru and of our route up onto the Mera La. At the leader’s discretion, part of today may also be used to run through various techniques and safety procedures to be used during the climbs.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

770 M

Descent

770 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

6 KM
Hide Details

Heading up from Tagnag towards the Mera Basecamp at Khare, a good trail leads up and across the moraine which dams Charpatti Tal, and reaches a high point lined with cairns overlooking this glacial lake in about 30 minutes. From here the trail descends slightly to cross a sandy bowl and then climbs alongside a khola or stream to the large pasture of Dig Kharka. Here we cross the khola on stepping stones and then climb for a further hour and a half to Khare, the basecamp for Mera Peak at an altitude of approximately 5000 metres.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

620 M

Descent

20 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

7 KM
Hide Details

Another day for acclimatisation. At the leader’s discretion, part of today may also be used to practice techniques and safety procedures to be used on our climbs. There are some interesting day hikes from Khare. Above camp it is possible to climb to a high moraine ridge, from where there are good views of the Mera La and the route up the mountain. This will also be a time for final preparation of our equipment and packing of our mountain bags.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

Leaving basecamp we first climb to the crest of the moraine above Khare and then up a steep slope of scree or snow to reach a boulder strewn bowl below the lower tongue of the Mera Glacier. We should reach this point in one and a half hours from Khare. The route crosses the bowl and climbs the ground to the right of the tongue to a large rock platform beside the glacier. Here we will put on our crampons and climb 30 to 35 degree snow or ice for 10 or 15 minutes to reach the plateau leading to the Mera La. Unless there has been recent snowfall, there will be a good trail which weaves its way around and between the crevasses toward the Mera La. It is about an hour’s walk across the plateau to reach the pass itself. It is possible to camp in many places on the wide expanse of the Mera La or the trek leader may opt to drop down a short way on the Hongu side to a good, sheltered site that enjoys the early morning sun. Altitude at the Mera La is 5415 metres. Once the camp is established, our porters will descend back to Khare with instructions to return the following day to help carry to high camp. The climbing group will spend the afternoon drinking as much tea and soup as possible to help with acclimatisation.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

510 M

Descent

90 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

4 KM
Hide Details

There are several options for a high camp on the mountain but the best by far is behind the pinnacles at approximately 5800 metres. Here there is shelter from the wind, usually no snow, and well constructed platforms for several tents. It takes 3 to 4 hours to reach this site from the Mera La. After the first half an hour’s climb, the view north into the main Himalaya opens out. First of the 8000 metre giants in view is the red pyramid of Makalu, then Everest with its cloud plume peeking over the impressive black wall of Lhotse. Later you can see to the north-west the large white girth of Cho Oyu. Arriving at high camp, if the weather has been kind, the beautiful massif of Kangchenjunga comes into view, far to the east. Five of the world's six highest mountains.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

450 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

3 KM
Hide Details

A 2.00 am wake up and after bed tea and a breakfast, the group will put on crampons and rope up before setting out for the summit. One of the great advantages of using our high camp, as well as making for a shorter summit day, is that we will have only around an hour of walking with head torches before dawn breaks. Climbing mostly easy angled snow slopes to the foot of the dome of the central summit, we will place a fixed rope for the last 30 to 40 metres which steepens to an angle of 45 - 50 degrees. Note that in certain snow conditions an ascent of the Central summit may be beyond the technical grade for this trek and in this case the group will make an ascent of the easier and slightly lower south summit. The trip leader will make this decision. From either top, the panorama of the Himalaya including five of the world's highest peaks is unforgettable. From our high camp a well acclimatised party will take 3 to 4 hours to the summit. From the summit we will descend first to our high camp for some tea or soup and from here down to the Mera La and all the way back down to our advance basecamp at Khare. A long but inspirational day!

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

650 M

Descent

1560 M

Time

12 - 14 hrs trekking

Distance

13 KM
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This is a spare day which we can use if conditions are not favourable on the scheduled summit day. It is also useful to have a spare day in case of possible delays (including internal flight delays) on the approach to the mountain.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

We retrace our route, descending the beautiful Hinku Valley and stopping en route to pay our respects at the shrine in Gondishung. We set up our camp in a clearing in the forest at Gotay.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

140 M

Descent

800 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

11 KM
Hide Details

Today we climb up through the lush forest on the west side of the Hinku Valley to Tuli Kharka below the Zatwra La. On occasion, we can look back to the impressive south face of Mera.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1090 M

Descent

450 M

Time

7 - 9 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

The last 300 to 400 metres of the ascent to the Zatrwa La will be our last climb of the trip, with superb views southwards across the ridge and valley landscape of Nepal's Middle Hills. From the crest of the pass we trek downhill, steeply in places, for almost 2000 metres to the welcoming lodges of Lukla.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

490 M

Descent

1860 M

Time

7 - 9 hrs trekking

Distance

13 KM
Hide Details

After saying goodbye to our Sherpa crew, we board the flight to Ramechhap and from there transfer by road to Kathmandu. (Outside of the peak trekking season, flights may operate directly back to Kathmandu). Arriving late afternoon, the rest of the day is free for sightseeing or shopping amongst the streets and bazaars of the Nepalese capital. In the evening there will be a celebratory meal and time to reflect on our Mera Peak adventure.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

This is an important contingency day in case of delays to the flights from Lukla. If we have experienced no delays this is another opportunity for independent exploration amongst the colourful streets and temples of Kathmandu.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in Nepal, why not pre-book a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley, or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. Contact our office for details.

Meals

B
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The Route
Airport Airport
Peaks Peaks
Point Point
Direction Direction
Pass Pass
Trek
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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • An IFMGA qualified mountain guide and support climbing Sherpas
  • Guide to client ratio of 1:3 on summit day
  • Kathmandu Airport transfers
  • Internal flights and all land transport involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals
  • Once on trek the group will be assisted by porters and a local guide
  • FREE sleeping bag down jacket and climbing gear hire is available for this holiday on request

  • Travel Insurance
  • Nepalese Visa
  • Tips for porters and other trek staff
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc

The group will meet at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Transfers are provided from/to Kathmandu Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are provided throughout the holiday from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 20. This applies whether you are staying in a city hotel, a lodge on trek or while camping.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Typical meals provided in the lodges and tea houses will include some Nepali dishes but also international cuisine. Breakfast will usually be porridge, eggs, bread and a hot drink, lunch will be a simple meal with a hot drink taken at a tea house or prepared by our trek crew on the trail. Occasionally clients will be asked to carry a packed lunch if there is no suitable place to prepare lunch along the way. Dinner will be 3 courses consisting of soup, main meal and a simple pudding. At some of the tea houses it may be possible to order additional dishes and/or snacks and if you think you may want to do this, you should budget accordingly. Boiled drinking water will be provided at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many of the lodges and tea-houses sell snacks, chocolate bars, soft drinks and beer. The food served while at the high camps on Mera Peak will be simple and nourishing dishes prepared by our highly trained trek cooks. The emphasis is on providing a high-carbohydrate and largely vegetarian diet, which we have found to be easily digestible at high altitude. In Kathmandu we take our meals in local restaurants.

In Kathmandu we use a range of excellent hotels including the new and very comfortable 4 star Aloft Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers a range of first-class facilities including fast and free WiFi and a spa and fitness centre. Whilst on trek there are 14 nights in lodges and 2 nights in tents during the ascent of Mera Peak. Accommodation is generally arranged on a twin sharing basis and if you are travelling by yourself you will usually be paired up with someone of the same sex. Please note that at one or two of the higher lodges we may be forced to use multi-bedded rooms. Nepalese trekking lodges are simple, friendly and atmospheric. They generally have heated dining areas which are often attractively decorated. Bedrooms are, however, basic and unheated with wooden beds and foam mattress. You will need a sleeping bag. The lodges have shared washing and toilet facilities. Some lodges have solar powered showers (charged at $4 - $5 per shower) and battery charging facilities (also charged at a rate per hour). Staying at the lodges is a great way to meet fellow hikers and the locals. For the 3 nights in Kathmandu single rooms are available at supplementary cost. However, it is not possible to arrange single room occupancy in the lodges and nor can we offer single tent occupancy on this trip. Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu can be pre-booked.

Access to the high and remote areas of the Himalaya where our treks start is often only possible using internal flights. The changeable nature of mountain weather makes flying conditions complex. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of western nations and all airlines in Nepal appear on the UK Air Safety List (ASL), and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the United Kingdom. Flying in Nepal is an acknowledged risk, and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice provides further details which you can read on their website. KE is mindful of its duty of care to clients travelling with us in Nepal and we are stakeholders in an annual independent air audit of Nepal airlines undertaken by UK tour operators, most recently undertaken in February 2024. KE uses 5 airlines in Nepal which have been approved by this audit. These airlines are: Buddha Air, Summit Airlines, Shree, Tara and Yeti. We continue to cooperate with other tour operators to monitor aviation safety in Nepal and will ensure we remain a stakeholder in any further air safety audits. While we have taken appropriate action to try to minimise the risks of flying in Nepal, you should be aware that flying in mountainous terrain is not without any risk.

Please note that poor weather can cause delays on internal flights. If at the start of your holiday internal flights are cancelled for the day, you will spend an extra night near the airport (this may be at a hotel other than the group hotel). On the majority of trips there is enough flexibility in the trekking itinerary to make up 1 or possibly 2 lost days, but an alternative trek will be provided if delays to internal flights mean the original itinerary (or a shortened version of it) is no longer feasible.

For trips that end with an internal flight out of the mountains with no alternative road access, we have included 2 nights in Kathmandu as a contingency against delay. In the extremely unlikely event that a delay to your internal flight causes you to miss your homeward international flight, KE will re-book international flights for Flight Inclusive clients, but please be aware that clients booking on a Land Only basis will be responsible for re-booking their onward travel and for any associated costs. We advise you to take out suitable travel insurance and to keep your receipts, as you may subsequently be able to make a claim.

The group will be accompanied by an IFMGA qualified Nepalese mountain guide who will be assisted by an experienced team of high altitude Sherpas.

This holiday involves going to very high altitude. During the course of your trip you will be spending at least one night above 4000 metres and/or trekking to 5000 metres or above. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude on our website which can be viewed via the link below. Unless you have previous experience of trekking above 4000 metres you should consult one of our trekking experts before embarking on this holiday. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies. www.keadventure.com/page/altitude.html

Approximately £250 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc) changed into local currency, should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including porter and trek crew tips, drinks, snacks etc. It is not necessary to obtain local currency prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Nepal. Please note: Scottish and Northern Ireland bank notes are not accepted in Nepal. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash, since you will exchange the majority of this on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money from ATMs in Kathmandu using your debit or credit card. During the trek it is possible to buy snacks, chocolate, soft drinks and beer on mostl days. Please be aware that since everything has to be carried up from the nearest road, these items become more expensive as you gain altitude.

Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the porters and any other trek staff are given their tips at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Your Nepali tour leader will advise the group on an appropriate level of tipping. Most groups will hand out the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the holiday. As a guide, we recommend that each group member contributes around £90 (in rupees) to these tips. At the end of their trek many people also like to donate various items of equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks are always warmly received by the porters, whilst technical clothing and equipment such as head-torches and trekking poles are highly prized by the Sherpa team. Your tour leader will make arrangements for a fair distribution (possibly by raffle) amongst the trek crew. Please note that you will have the opportunity to tip your tour leader separately (and additionally) during dinner on the final evening of the holiday.

Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling across time zones, leaving you refreshed and ready for your holiday. We can easily arrange for you to have additional nights and airport transfers.

Your main item of luggage should be a sturdy kit bag, duffle bag or similar which will be carried during the trek by porters and should weigh no more than 15kg. If you are picking up a sleeping bag and down jacket from KE in Kathmandu, you need to factor in the weight of these items (around 3kg) and allow space in your bag for them. Your personal mountaineering equipment (boots, axe, crampons etc) will be carried separately. On arrival at Lukla you will hand these items of equipment to your trek leader who will pack them in communal bags until you reach basecamp. You should also take on your holiday a daypack of approximately 40 litres capacity.

For all STOL flights in Nepal, the normal allowance for hold baggage AND hand baggage combined is 15kg. But, for our climbing holidays we have arranged an allowance of 15kg hold baggage PLUS 5kg cabin baggage. You may also wish to consider wearing your heavy mountaineering boots and any heavier clothing on these flights. Please be aware that you will have to pay any charges for excess personal baggage above this allowance at check-in, and that excess baggage may have to be flown separately. It is possible to leave items not required on trek at the hotel in Kathmandu. For your international flights, please check the baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa Nepal

All nationalities require a visa. The visa process is partly automated and the fee is $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. The visa is FREE for children under 10 years. The visa allows multiple re-entry. Payment must be made in cash and USD, GBP or Euros are accepted.

Part of this on-arrival visa process involves filling in a ‘Tourist Visa Application Form’ and you can simplify the procedure at Kathmandu Airport by filling this form in online (within 15 days of travelling) at this link. This generates a receipt which you present (hard copy or saved on your phone) on arrival. This should allow you to go straight to the cashier to pay for your visa and has the potential to save you time in the visa queue.

Whilst these are not now needed for the visa process, we recommend that you travel with at least 2 spare passport photographs.


If you are travelling via India (Delhi or Calcutta) to your destination you may also require a visa for India. This may apply even if you are not leaving the airport unless your baggage has been checked all the way through to your destination. Generally, if you use the same carrier for both legs of your journey, you will not need an India Visa. Please download the detailed information document: Visa PDF India.

TREKKING PERMITS – WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU ?

For treks in the Everest region – EBL, EVL, EHW, ELL - we need your passport details and we need you to take with you to Nepal 2 passport photographs. You will hand these over to your local leader on Day 1.

For treks in the Annapurna region – ASL, ACL, UAT, ANL and for the Gosainkund and Langtang Trek - GLT – we need your passport details and we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself. Please send this to us once your holiday is guaranteed.

For these Conservation Area treks and other treks requiring Special Permits – KAN, DLG, NAP – we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu you will still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. Your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner.

For those trips requiring Climbing Permits – MER, IPC, CTL, YAR - we need to send to Nepal ahead of your departure, a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu, for YAR and for CTL, you will still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. Your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking or climbing trip getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. This is a demanding trek and you need to be aerobically fit and also comfortable with walking up to 8 or 9 hours each day, and possibly for 12 hours or more on the summit day. The best preparation for this trip is regular hiking in mountain or hill country. If this is not possible, we suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime and gradually increase your work rate as you get nearer to departure. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing better stamina. Whatever your preparation, before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country. For this trip it is also essential that you gain some experience walking on moderately angled snow slopes wearing crampons. No technical mountaineering experience is required and clients will be instructed in the basic techniques of glacier walking prior to the ascent.

October to November and March to May are the best times for trekking in Nepal. These months either side of the summer monsoon season are neither too hot in the foothills nor too cold in the higher elevations and they offer the best conditions for trekking. Pre-monsoon is the time to see the colourful blooms of the rhododendron at lower elevations. The post-monsoon months usually offer the clearest skies and the most settled weather. At either of these periods you will encounter a wide range of daytime temperatures during your trip from approximately 25ºC in Kathmandu to approximately 14ºC at 3000 metres and approximately 3ºC at 5000m. The ‘real feel’ temperature in the middle of the day will be much warmer than this. On the December trips the typical temperatures will be around 5 degrees lower than the above. At night in the rarefied air the temperatures plummet. You can expect to experience overnight temperatures below freezing once above approximately 4200m. (anywhere above 3000 metres in December), and at the highest camps on Mera Peak the night time temperatures may drop as low as –25ºC or below -30ºC in December. Extended periods of rain or snow are very unlikely outside of the monsoon period but short lived storms can and do occur. It is very important that you are equipped and prepared for these extremely low temperatures.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Trekking and Climbing in Nepal. Steve Razzetti.

  • Kathmandu and the Kingdom of Nepal. Prakash Raj.

  • Adventure Treks Nepal. Bill O’Connor.

Mera Peak. 1:50,000 Himalayan Maphouse.

A detailed trekking map at a good scale. The contour interval is a useful 40 metres, with numerous spot heights. The map is indexed and shows settlements, tracks, airfields etc. Margin ticks show latitude and longitude in steps of 5'. A separate detachable map shows Mera Peak at 1:33,898, indicating the main climbing routes.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. Use your own experience and judgement to determine what to bring with you but please ensure you have all of the mandatory items. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Please make sure you have read the section on baggage allowance in the trip notes.

You must bring the following items:

  • Hiking boots

  • Mountaineering boots - see ‘Mountaineering Equipment’

  • Snow gaiters

  • Good quality and fully waterproof (Gore-Tex or similar) overtrousers

  • Good quality and fully waterproof (Gore-Tex or similar) mountain jacket with hood

  • Fleece jacket

  • Duvet jacket (down or man-made fibre)*

  • Down trousers/pants (optional)

  • Sunhat

  • Warm hat and thermal balaclava

  • Good quality wrap-around sunglasses or glacier glasses

  • Ski goggles (optional)

  • Thin gloves

  • Warm and insulating gloves or mittens

  • Daypack minimum 40 litres

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets

  • Dry bags(s) for daypack/kit bag contents (to ensure they keep dry)

  • Sleeping bag comfort rated down to minus 20 C*

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Basic First Aid Kit including: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters (band-aids) and blister treatment, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

Mountaineering Equipment:

  • Mountaineering double boots - see below

  • Ice axe *

  • Crampons (that fit your boots!)*

  • Mountaineering or climbing harness*

  • 2 x Karabiners (screwgate)**

  • Ascender or Jumar (provided)

  • Descender (rappelling device) **

  • Prussik loop **

  • Climbing helmet*

Packing checklist:

  • Trekking trousers

  • Baselayer shirts

  • Baselayer leggings

  • T-shirts or similar

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Toilet paper (you can also buy this in the lodges)

  • Small trek towel

  • Small padlock (to lock your kit bag)

  • Travel clothes

  • Trekking poles (recommended)

  • Scarf or buff

  • Trainers for camp use

  • Pee bottle

  • Swimwear (for the hotel pool in Kathmandu)

  • Insect repellant – (DEET)

  • Camera

  • Penknife (remember to pack all sharp objects in hold baggage)

  • Basic repair kit (gaffer tape, sewing thread and needle etc)

Notes

*FREE sleeping bag, down jacket and climbing gear hire is included in your KE holiday booking on request.

Equipment hire: Please make all requests at least 4 weeks prior to the trip departure date. Items marked ** are provided with hire of a harness and not available for individual hire. All equipment is issued in Kathmandu. Please remember to allow room in your kit bag for these items during travel to the start of your trek. During the trek your mountaineering equipment including double-boots will be carried separately in communal equipment bags.

Crampon hire: We provide Grivel G12 Crampons which are classic 12 point crampons designed for general mountaineering. They are fully adjustable and essentially, one size fits all. However if you have boots bigger than size 11 (46) you will need to purchase and take with you Grivel extender bars. Or take your own crampons.

Cultural sensitivity: The Nepalese are still traditional and conservative in the way they dress. Therefore to avoid embarrassment on both sides we recommend that you respect this and do not wear revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are acceptable, but they should reach to just above the knee and be modest and for women it is preferable to wear trousers or a long skirt.

Camping mattress: For the 2 nights camping on Mera Peak, foam type camping mattresses are provided. You may wish to bring your own Thermarest-type mattress for extra comfort, but this is optional.

Mountaineering Boots: Climbing at altitudes of up to 6500 metres, the temperatures can be very cold (as low as minus 30 degrees centigrade). Standard mountaineering boots are not suitable for these cold, high altitude conditions. Specialist double boots with insulated inners are the best to keep your feet warm at altitude in these extremely low temperatures. Examples of suitable boots are Scarpa Phantom 6000, Boreal G1 Lite, Mammut Nordwand, and La Sportiva G2 Evo. These boots are also designed to take step-in crampons, quickly and efficiently. This combination of double mountaineering boots and step-in crampons is by far the most sensible option when considering a mountaineering peak up to 6500 metres. You must make sure that you are suitably equipped for these extremely low temperatures.

Gear Advisor

  • PHD specialise in cold weather equipment, from the world’s lightest right up to the most protective for Everest or the Poles. It’s a large range. So to help you choose what you need to keep you warm, PHD have listed the gear that is appropriate for this expedition. Click on this link: http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/gearadviser/destination.php?destinations_id=12

  • Needle Sports is the English Lake District's foremost specialist climbing shop supplying mountaineering, rock, ice, alpine and expedition equipment worldwide. Internationally recognised as among the very best of the UK's top technical climbing gear retailers. They have a good range of equipment appropriate for this trip and offer knowledgeable advice both on their website and in store.

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Extensions

CHTL - Hero
Chitwan Jungle Extension

The jungles of southern Nepal are an interesting counterpoint to trekking in the foothills or the high Himalaya. Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge provides a relaxing and comforta...

3 days from

US$1,545 USD per person

Extension Details

Chitwan Jungle Extension

3 Days

The jungles of southern Nepal are an interesting counterpoint to trekking in the foothills or the high Himalaya. Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge provides a relaxing and comfortable base for a wildlife safari and cultural village experience. During two days of wildlife viewing in the Chitwan National Park 'buffer zone' - the interface area between visitors and the animals that live at Chitwan – you will be accompanied by expert guides on safaris by jeep by boat and on foot. 



Extension Code: CHTL

Extension Itinerary

KE extension package services begin with a transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight to Bharatpur. You are met by a Tiger Tops representative and transfer to the lodge. After a welcome briefing, you head off for the first of your jungle activities which may be by jeep, on foot or by boat. We can enjoy an excellent meal from the Tharu kitchen before retiring.

Meals

L D
Hide Details

After an early wake-up call you will go out with your guide to catch the birds and animals at the watering hole. After breakfast at the lodge you will go out on safari again. As with yesterday your safaris can be by jeep, on foot or by boat. After a full day of wildlife viewing, you spend your final night at Tharu Lodge.

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

Depending on your flight time, you may have another opportunity this morning to observe the animals at the watering hole, then after breakfast at the lodge, you transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu where KE extension package services end.

Meals

B
Hide Details
Whats Included
  • Return flights - Kathmandu / Bharatpur / Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu Airport transfers
  • Transfers to the lodge on arrival at Bharatpur Airport
  • 2 nights full board accommodation at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge
  • Jungle activities including jeep rides / boat rides / nature walks and birdwatching
  • Airport departure tax
  • National park buffer zone fee
What's Not Included
  • Any additional hotel nights required in Kathmandu before or after the extension
  • Expenses of a personal nature - drinks and souvenirs etc.
KTMV_extension001
Kathmandu Tour - Nagarkot and Bhaktapur

The Kathmandu Valley contains the cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu itself, all of which were once independent kingdoms. An exploration of the valley’s histori...

1 days from

US$175 USD per person

Extension Details

Kathmandu Tour - Nagarkot and Bhaktapur

1 Day

The Kathmandu Valley contains the cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu itself, all of which were once independent kingdoms. An exploration of the valley’s historic and cultural sights is an excellent way to begin or end your adventure in Nepal. Highlights of this tour includes a very early drive up to Nagarkot on the Kathmandu Valley rim, the perfect place to watch a Himalayan sunrise. This is followed by a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur, renowned for its temples and traditional buildings. 

 

Extension Code: KTMV
Sharing Price from
US$175
Single Traveller Price from
US$270
Deposit Per Person from
US$125

Extension Itinerary

We have a long morning of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, beginning with a very early start (at around 0430). We drive for approximately 1 hour through the quiet streets to Nargakot on the valley rim to watch the sunrise light up the Himalayas. Dropping back down to the valley, you will then have a guided tour of medieval Bhaktapur before returning to your hotel towards midday.

Hide Details
Whats Included
  • Experienced tour guide
  • Vehicle transport and driver
  • Entrance fees
What's Not Included
  • Packed breakfast to be provided. Other meals and drinks are not included

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 7 reviews

A challenging climb rewarded with incredible views of the majestic Himalayas ★★★★★

I'll start this review by clarifying the Kathmandu to Phaplu flight rarely runs as the airport struggles to cope with International flights let alone domestic flights. Therefore, on the first morning you have to get up at 1am to embark on a 5 hour bus journey to Ramechapp airport. If you manage not to throw up on this journey - you're dong well ! After experiencing the chaos of both Ramechapp and Lukla airports, the first week of this trek is spent hiking up and down through the peacef ul, forested foothills of the Himalayas. Daytime temperatures are nice and warm so shorts are ideal (Ladies - wearing shorts is not a cultural problem at all). Teahouses in the lower regions offer showers, wifi and electric sockets for a reasonable fee. Enjoy this while you can, because as you gain in altitude, you'll find these little luxuries become more expensive and even unavailable in the more remote lodges. As you enter the second week of the trek, you enter the morraine of the Hinku Valley and start to experience the vastness and beauty of the true Himalaya - the scale of these huge mountains has to be seen to be truly appreciated. Temperatures begin to drop, you start to feel the altitude and you can only dream of hot soapy bubble bath! Suddenly you're in Khare, experiencing the last teahouse on the trek before camping. You feel you've landed in the lap of luxury with free sockets in your room, a large sunroom to relax in and great food. From here, it gets serious. You ascend easily and swiftly to basecamp which is a very pleasant and civilised experience. The following day, the big boots and crampons go on and you ascend the very steep snowy slopes up to camp 2 which is hard work, but the scenery is amazing. Camp 2 is literally perched on a cliff edge but there is a functioning kitchen built into the rocks and questionable toilet facilities which are pretty dire. Ascent to the summit commences at 2am in the morning. We split into 3 groups/3 ropes. It's a hard 4-5 hour slog to the top, but the 360 views are fabulous and your exhaustion is soon forgotten. After having descended back down to the Hinku Valley, you have 2 very long days hiking up and over the Zatrwa La pass followed by a 6000ft steep descent back to Lukla which is a killer on the knees! Arriving back to the Aloft Hotel in Kathmandu is likened to coming out of 'I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of Here'! Sitting on a toilet, turning on a tap, taking a shower and sleeping in a comfy bed seems an absolute novelty. After a few G&Ts in the bar you can reflect on the amazing ascent of Mera Peak which really is a fantastic mountain to climb. It's certainly left me with memories I'll never forgot. We had 3 superb guides who had all summited Everest multiple times. They made us feel safe, ensured we were fed, watered and comfortable at all times and couldn't do enough to make us feel at ease. If you are a fit fell walker with a gritty determination, you'll love this trek. It's hard work, but rewarding. Book it !
By Zoe from Halifax | 12 December 2023

Mera Peak ★★★★★

I have had multiple holidays with KE, all excellent & well organised. Gyaljen was an excellent guide, competent, friendly, considerate. Lambabu, our mountain guide, was also very good.

By Neil from Glossop | 11 May 2023

Mera Peak Trip October 2019

By Luke from London | 15 March 2020

Achieving a dream ★★★★★

Just returned from Mera Peak with KE, an excellent trip. My key points would be: Good - our guides led by the amazing Pasang were superb. Their skill, patience and hard work were brilliant - The ‘my KE’ portal makes everything so much easier - Some of the scenery en route to Mera Peak was awe inspiring - I learned lots of new skills, taught to us on the go by our brilliant guides - My dietary requirements (vegetarian) were effortlessly taken into account - The acclimatisation programme was s uperb, we never jumped a huge amount The not so good - if you’ve done EBC you may be disappointed by the scenery during the ‘jungle’ section of the trip but it does offer variety - The lack of summit contingency day is a problem. Mera Peak is a big investment in terms of time/money, there are so many risk factors (weather, altitude etc) it’s a shame not to give people a second chance Comments for KE - you need to review/enforce weight limits for porters if you wish to remain an ethical company. The standard 30kg limit wasn’t being followed on our trip - You need to be clearer about crampons. I have direct comms from you saying the rented crampons would fit any size boot (contrary to your website notes). This confusion almost led to one persons trip being curtailed - Some of the trip notes underplay the difficulty of reaching the summit. While it’s accurately ranked a 10 (kili is 8) there was laughter in our group when you refer to some sections as gentle snow slopes! Overall an excellent trip. Very proud to summit and very impressed by KE and local guides. Ps - if, like me, you’re scared of heights then Mera Peak is achievable. However you will need to grit your teeth on a semi regular basis.
By Luke from London | 24 October 2019

KE Adventure reply

Thanks for your review Luke. We have an excellent success rate on Mera Peak and we are glad we were able to help you achieve your dream. To clarify about the hired crampons, these are fully adjustable 12-point crampons designed for general mountaineering which will fit any size of boot up to around 11 (46). For boots bigger than 11, you need to either purchase Grivel extender bars or bring your own crampons. This is all explained on our website and on the equipment list. The porters more than anyone enable our clients to achieve their personal goals and we all owe it to them to ensure they are properly equipped, well looked after and adequately paid for their hard work. KE has always been in the forefront of efforts to extend the rights and protections of the porters of Nepal. With regard to porter loads, we operate within the guidelines set by the government of Nepal as advised by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG). Occasionally porters may negotiate independently with their own foreman to carry an extra load for more pay, usually on a temporary basis.

Fascinating Spot on the way up!

By Jonathan from Staines-upon-Thames | 18 February 2019
Read More Reviews Leave a Review
Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 12 reviews
Leave a Review
A challenging climb rewarded with incredible views of the majestic Himalayas
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I'll start this review by clarifying the Kathmandu to Phaplu flight rarely runs as the airport struggles to cope with International flights let alone domestic flights. Therefore, on the first morning you have to get up at 1am to embark on a 5 hour bus journey to Ramechapp airport. If you manage not to throw up on this journey - you're dong well ! After experiencing the chaos of both Ramechapp and Lukla airports, the first week of this trek is spent hiking up and down through the peacef ul, forested foothills of the Himalayas. Daytime temperatures are nice and warm so shorts are ideal (Ladies - wearing shorts is not a cultural problem at all). Teahouses in the lower regions offer showers, wifi and electric sockets for a reasonable fee. Enjoy this while you can, because as you gain in altitude, you'll find these little luxuries become more expensive and even unavailable in the more remote lodges. As you enter the second week of the trek, you enter the morraine of the Hinku Valley and start to experience the vastness and beauty of the true Himalaya - the scale of these huge mountains has to be seen to be truly appreciated. Temperatures begin to drop, you start to feel the altitude and you can only dream of hot soapy bubble bath! Suddenly you're in Khare, experiencing the last teahouse on the trek before camping. You feel you've landed in the lap of luxury with free sockets in your room, a large sunroom to relax in and great food. From here, it gets serious. You ascend easily and swiftly to basecamp which is a very pleasant and civilised experience. The following day, the big boots and crampons go on and you ascend the very steep snowy slopes up to camp 2 which is hard work, but the scenery is amazing. Camp 2 is literally perched on a cliff edge but there is a functioning kitchen built into the rocks and questionable toilet facilities which are pretty dire. Ascent to the summit commences at 2am in the morning. We split into 3 groups/3 ropes. It's a hard 4-5 hour slog to the top, but the 360 views are fabulous and your exhaustion is soon forgotten. After having descended back down to the Hinku Valley, you have 2 very long days hiking up and over the Zatrwa La pass followed by a 6000ft steep descent back to Lukla which is a killer on the knees! Arriving back to the Aloft Hotel in Kathmandu is likened to coming out of 'I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of Here'! Sitting on a toilet, turning on a tap, taking a shower and sleeping in a comfy bed seems an absolute novelty. After a few G&Ts in the bar you can reflect on the amazing ascent of Mera Peak which really is a fantastic mountain to climb. It's certainly left me with memories I'll never forgot. We had 3 superb guides who had all summited Everest multiple times. They made us feel safe, ensured we were fed, watered and comfortable at all times and couldn't do enough to make us feel at ease. If you are a fit fell walker with a gritty determination, you'll love this trek. It's hard work, but rewarding. Book it !
By Zoe from Halifax | 12 December 2023
Mera Peak
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have had multiple holidays with KE, all excellent & well organised. Gyaljen was an excellent guide, competent, friendly, considerate. Lambabu, our mountain guide, was also very good.

By Neil from Glossop | 11 May 2023
Mera Peak Trip October 2019

By Luke from London | 15 March 2020
Achieving a dream
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Just returned from Mera Peak with KE, an excellent trip. My key points would be: Good - our guides led by the amazing Pasang were superb. Their skill, patience and hard work were brilliant - The ‘my KE’ portal makes everything so much easier - Some of the scenery en route to Mera Peak was awe inspiring - I learned lots of new skills, taught to us on the go by our brilliant guides - My dietary requirements (vegetarian) were effortlessly taken into account - The acclimatisation programme was s uperb, we never jumped a huge amount The not so good - if you’ve done EBC you may be disappointed by the scenery during the ‘jungle’ section of the trip but it does offer variety - The lack of summit contingency day is a problem. Mera Peak is a big investment in terms of time/money, there are so many risk factors (weather, altitude etc) it’s a shame not to give people a second chance Comments for KE - you need to review/enforce weight limits for porters if you wish to remain an ethical company. The standard 30kg limit wasn’t being followed on our trip - You need to be clearer about crampons. I have direct comms from you saying the rented crampons would fit any size boot (contrary to your website notes). This confusion almost led to one persons trip being curtailed - Some of the trip notes underplay the difficulty of reaching the summit. While it’s accurately ranked a 10 (kili is 8) there was laughter in our group when you refer to some sections as gentle snow slopes! Overall an excellent trip. Very proud to summit and very impressed by KE and local guides. Ps - if, like me, you’re scared of heights then Mera Peak is achievable. However you will need to grit your teeth on a semi regular basis.
By Luke from London | 24 October 2019

KE Adventure reply

Thanks for your review Luke. We have an excellent success rate on Mera Peak and we are glad we were able to help you achieve your dream. To clarify about the hired crampons, these are fully adjustable 12-point crampons designed for general mountaineering which will fit any size of boot up to around 11 (46). For boots bigger than 11, you need to either purchase Grivel extender bars or bring your own crampons. This is all explained on our website and on the equipment list. The porters more than anyone enable our clients to achieve their personal goals and we all owe it to them to ensure they are properly equipped, well looked after and adequately paid for their hard work. KE has always been in the forefront of efforts to extend the rights and protections of the porters of Nepal. With regard to porter loads, we operate within the guidelines set by the government of Nepal as advised by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG). Occasionally porters may negotiate independently with their own foreman to carry an extra load for more pay, usually on a temporary basis.

Fascinating Spot on the way up!

By Jonathan from Staines-upon-Thames | 18 February 2019
A few photos on route

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By Jonathan from Staines-upon-Thames | 18 February 2019
A few photos on route

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By Jonathan from Staines-upon-Thames | 18 February 2019
Wonderful Adventure
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Surpassed my expectations. Very well organized, and very high caliber sherpa guides contributed to an absolutely unforgettable experience. Will definitely use KE Adventure again. Thanks!

By Jack from Greer | 14 November 2017
Success on Mera Peak
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Thank you KE Adventure for a great trip. Our guide Tensing Sherpa was as good as they get; competent, attentive, considerate, fun, safe, and meticulous. Our Sidar Sonam was a super guy- he took such good care of us. We learned that Sonam had been to the top of Mt Everest five times- the most accomplished mountaineer I have ever met! The other Sherpas were excellent and the porters happily did their very hard jobs and got us and all our gear up to high camp on Mera Peak. I think the trip was very well planned to maximize the probability of success. I am happy to report that this old guy (69 years), the oldest guy in our group of 12, was able to embrace my 29 year old niece, the youngest person on our trip, on the summit of Mera Peak- 6476m! Thank you Tensing, Sonam and KE Adventure. Jw
By James from Boulder | 13 November 2017
Mera Peak, Oct 2016

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By Andrew from South Shields | 11 December 2016
Amazing experience
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Just returned from Nepal, where I climbed Mera Peak. It has been a lifelong ambition to climb a high altitude Himalayan mountain, and the trip couldn't have went better. We were met in Kathmandu by the KE representative, Dawa Sherpa; his passion and commitment to KE were obvious and the organisation in KTM was excellent from the luxury Hotel Yak and Yeti to the brilliant meals at The Old House, Kilroys and Le Sherpa. On the trek, our hospitality, the accommodation, the meals, the Sherpa tea m and the porter support were organised by Sona Dendu Sherpa, his experience and expertise made a very complex job look seamless and it was a pleasure to be in his company. Our Sherpas were Dawa, Tshering and Namgyal Sherpa, they were very experienced and their help in getting 9 of us to the summit was invaluable. Our leader/guide was Pasang Tensing Sherpa, an extremely experienced (10 times Everest summiteer) guide, his leadership, support, encouragement, advice, and his passion for Nepal and its mountains were second to none, and it's was an honour to climb with him; and I personally wouldn't have made it to the top without his help and support. The group was great, 9 of us from the UK, one from India, and one from the US, the group cameraderie made what was a tough trek into a very enjoyable and interesting experience. I should also mention the people of Nepal, everyone we met was genuinely friendly and polite and courteous. This was my first trip to Nepal and I definitely would like to return. It has been over a week now since I stood on the summit, with perfect views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kangchenjunga, and loads of other Himalayan Giants, but I am still on a high, and will be for a long time!
By Andrew from South Shields | 07 November 2016
Overwhelming life enhancing Himalayan adventure
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was simply one of the greatest experiences of my "mountaineering" life. From the moment I realised our leader was "THE" Sherpa Pemba I realised we were heading for something very special. To spend 3 weeks in this environment with such a unique individual is something I will never forget. Another bonus was the new route for this expedition. I cannot recommend this highly enough. The first week was magnificent with almost total seclusion on amazing trails through lush flow er strewn forest leading to wonderful quirky lodges. I am sure this trail also greatly aided acclimatisation. The mountain experience has been well documented previously. Summit day is a considerable undertaking and the times suggested in the brochure are I think unrealistic so be prepared for a 16 hour day. That being said this was a day to end all days and the sunrise over the Himalayan chain including Everest and Makalu will be with me for ever. I simply loved this trip....exemplary leadership, close knit well bonded small group, stunning environment and lots of laughs. One piece of advice...well worth considering taking a supply of multi vitamins and electrolytic tablets for drinking water...there is essentially no fruit or veg for 2.5 weeks. Never thought I would see the day when I craved a tomato salad rather than a glass of red wine!!
By John from Hawick | 05 May 2016
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  • Mera Peak
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MER /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 13 Apr and ends on Fri 2 May
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$625
  • Single Supplement Price: US$315
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Mera Peak
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MER /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 12 Oct and ends on Fri 31 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$625
  • Single Supplement Price: US$315
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Mera Peak
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: MER /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 26 Oct and ends on Fri 14 Nov
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$625
  • Single Supplement Price: US$315
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary starting at the hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers are provided from/to Kathmandu Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

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BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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