Mera Peak, the highest trekking peak in Nepal, offers you amazing adventures. You can visit the Mera Peak base camp for a trekking adventure. Or you can even climb the Mera Peak itself, as it is quite suitable for novice climbers. Climbing Mera Peak will make up for an adventurous time. But you also have to make a lot of preparations for it.
Making treks to Mera Peak requires you to make many logistical arrangements. Getting permits, vehicles, guides, porters, accommodation, etc., needs to be taken care of. Moreover, you need to make prior plans for other factors of the trip. You ought to exercise and get in good physical shape for the treks. Similarly, you also need to make proper plans of what time you wish to visit for the treks.
There are so many background checks that need to be done before going to the Mera peak. So if you are looking for a detailed answer to “How do I prepare for Mera Peak?” you’ve come to the right place. We will take you through each and every minor details you need to ensure to prepare for Mera Peak.
Decide the route of your journey and get your permits.
Mera Peak base camp can be reached through three distinct routes. The first and foremost part of your Mera Peak climb should be deciding which of these you will choose. Your other logistical arrangement, like transportation, arrangement, permits, etc., depends on it. Here is a short explanation of the routes available, along with the trekking permits needed based on them.
Route 1
One of the ways you can reach the Mera Base Camp is through the Everest Base Camp trek route. You will follow the regular route of the EBC trek, with a flight to Lukla and a trek to Namche Bazaar. The trekking route will deviate from the regular EBC trek as you head further. From Namche Bazaar, you will trek uphill to Mera Base Camp. You will climb to the High camp from the Base Camp and eventually summit the peak.
Permits needed for Route 1
You will need two permits if you plan on traveling via this route. The first one will be a permit for Lukla, which is also known as the Local Area Permit. This permit will cost you around USD 20. You will also be traveling via the area of Sagarmatha National Park if you choose this route. Hence, you will need an Entry permit for Sagarmatha National Park as well. This permit will cost you around USD 30.
Route 2
The second route is via the Hiknu Valley trails. This route is one of the most popular routes to reach the Mera Base Camp. It takes around 18 to 20 days to complete the climb via this route. The trek takes you to towns like Pangu Gaun, Nashim dingma, and Kothe. The trails of the remote Hinku Valley take you to Khare via Thangnak to finally the Mera Base Camp. Then you will summit the mountain via high camp. This route also kicks off the trek from Lukla.
Permits needed for Route 2
The first route for Mera Peak will require two major permits. The local Area Permit for Lukla will be the first permit you require while traveling from this route as well. The permit costs around USD 20.
The other permit you need for Mera Peak is the Makalu Barun National Park Entry permit. This permit will cost you around USD 30.
Route 3
The third route to get to Mera Base Camp is one of the least popular ones. It also takes a route passing the trails of Hinku Valley, combining it with a kick-off from Lukla. However, it is a short but very technical trek. This route is highly not for novice climbers. Only experienced climbers could trek through this route.
The trek would start with arrival at Lukla and directly to the Zatra La Pass. You will enter the Hinku Valley within two days and reach Mera Base Camp via Thangnak. However, this route is prohibited as it’s very short, technical, and doesn’t have an adequate acclimatization place.
Route 3 is prohibited; hence permits do not matter.
Mountain Climbing Permit
The routes you decide to take will determine various trekking route permits needed for you. But the Nepal Mountaineering Association’s (NMA ) climbing permit is essential for anyone trying to climb Mera Peak.
The permits for NMA Mera Peak climbing permit have the following cost provisions:
Spring Season
The spring season in Nepal occurs from March to May. During this time, the NMA Mera Peak climbing permit costs around USD 250 per person.
Autumn Season
The autumn season in Nepal occurs from September to November. During this time, the NMA Mera Peak climbing permit costs around USD 125 per person.
Summer Season
The summer season in Nepal occurs from June to August. During this time, the NMA Mera Peak climbing permit costs around USD 70 per person.
Winter Season
The winter season in Nepal occurs from December to February. During this time, the NMA Mera Peak climbing permit costs around USD 70 per person.
See also:
Decide the season of travel.
Moreover, spring and autumn bring in clear blue skies. Hence, it makes up for very aesthetic travel. You can get clear vistas of mountains and hills on the horizon and bless your eyes. Moreover, your travel will be more smooth as the trails are comparatively drier.
Off-season climbs are also done during the winter and summer months. However, such climbs should be done with a lot of caution. Treks, especially during winter, allow people to experience the snow in the Himlayas. However, summer and winter treks make trails very slippery. Summer brings in monsoon rains and causes trails to be muddy and slippery. Similarly, snowfall causes trails to be quite slippery. Both seasons are quite gloomy and give very restricted vistas during your trek. You ought to put way more caution and practice if you wish to do the off-season climb.
Based on your suitability and needs, choose good weather to do the Mera Peak climb.
Hire guides and Porters.
Traveling for treks or mountain climbs to a foreign country is a challenging task. So, you need to travel with companions who are familiar with the country. Hiring guides and porters is one of the essential tools for your Mera peak climb. Guides and porters are the easiest answer to “How do I prepare for Mera Peak?”. Meaning if you complete the task of hiring guides and porters, most of your work is done. The guides will handle most of your logistics and planning for the trek.
During your journey to Mera Peak, you will hire local Nepalis as your guide. The guides will be licensed by the government of Nepal and have myriad of skills. The primary function of these guides is to help you with translation, teach you about the places you visit, navigate your routes, and handle your logistics. They will be your right-hand man during your trip.
In a similar vein, porters will also be life savers during your trip. They will help you transport your luggage during your treks and climbs. Carrying heavy luggage during your trek will not be easy for Mera Peak climb. You ought to trek for days and even climb a small peak. Such extensive journeys are better with less load to carry. Porters are quite experienced in walking these trails and have great strength. They can help you by carrying at most 25kg worth of luggage per day for you.
Make Logistical arrangements
Accommodation and food
You will have to make sure you book your overnight stops. Most of the stops during your travel will be local tea houses. You can book these tea houses with the help of your guides or trekking agencies. The tea houses serve you satiating meals to fuel you for your treks and climbs. If you have hired guides or brought a travel package from trekking agencies, they will manage the tea houses for you.
Transportation
The Mera Peak climb definitely requires you to do a lot of physical traveling. However, you also need to manage means of transportation to kick off your trek. You ought to land at Lukla to begin your trek. Managing flight tickets for it will be necessary. Booking your flight tickets will be another prep you need to do before the journey.
Plan your itinerary based on your route.
After you’ve decided your route, booked flights, and taken permits, you need to pan out an itinerary. Make a schedule of your daily treks and daily stops. Ensure that your itinerary is based on how much you can trek a day. You can extend or shorten the trip based on your own strength.
Separate days for acclimatization
Trekking to high-altitude places and mountaineering means gaining significant altitude. Change in altitude during such treks and climbs puts you at risk of altitude sickness. Separating days on your itinerary for rest and acclimatization makes it easier for you to accommodate the altitude.
Medication
Long-distance travel might bring in chances of many injuries and minor ailments. Mostly splinters, wounds, dehydration, and altitude sickness are likely to occur. We suggest you bring a tiny first aid kid with emergency medication and ointments, just in case. You also have to pack diamox tablets to help with nausea-related issues caused by the altitude. We have made a comprehensive list of medical essentials here as well.
Get in shape
Mera Peak lies at a height of 6461 m, which is quite a high altitude. The climbing of Mera Peak is considered Alpine Grade PD in the Alpine grading system. This means that climbing the mountain has few technical aspects and involves some complicated glaciers. Before, Mera Peak was a straightforward climb (Alpine Grade F), but due to changes in glaciers, it has become a little tougher. However, you need not be worried.
Doing regular physical exercise to get in shape will be the key to completing your Mera Peak climb. We highly recommend you get your heart rate up and increase your cardiovascular workouts. Increase your stamina and do some strength training, as gaining some muscles will be quite helpful during your journey.
Having no physical fitness or exercise routine at all will not get you to the summit. We do not encourage you to venture on this journey if you are not physically fit. The journey involves long-duration treks and climbing up to high altitudes with less than 50% of oxygen level in the air. Without any sort of fitness routine, you cannot head for this journey at all.
We also suggest minor rock climbing lessons to learn the basics of mountain climbing. However, they are not a compulsion. A lot of tricks and tips will be given by your guides during your journey. Just make sure you reach Nepal in your best shape for this trip.
Pack your essentials
The answer to” How do I prepare for Mera Peak?” goes unanswered without a trekking gear list. You will need so many essential items for your trip. Here is a compilation of all the items that you need to put on your list.
Clothing / Footwear
- A pair of Thermal Wear
- Two to three T-shirts
- Two pair of Leggings and Lightweight hiking trousers
- A light-weight fleece jacket
- A shell rain jacket
- A Down Jacket
- An Expedition coat
- Two pair of Waterproof / Windproof trousers
- Expedition pants
- Sleep pajamas
- Three to four pair of Socks
- Two pair of Gloves
- Slippers / Flip flops
- Mountain climbing boots
- Hiking boots /Sport Shoes
- Crampons (For climbing on ice)
Accessories and Gadgets
- Moisturizers / Lip Balms
- Hats
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Headlamp with extra batteries / Torchlight
- Power bank
- Solar panel
- Cell phone
- SIM card with data package
Medical Essentials
- Electrolyte tablet
- Pain killers
- Diamox
- Cold medicine
- Water purification tablets
- Neosporin, band-aids, and medical tape
- Oximeter
- Prescribed medications
- Supplemental Vitamins
Everyday Essentials
- Shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, and soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss
- Toilet paper
- Nail cutter
- Feminine hygiene – Pads, Tampons, or menstrual cups as per your need
- Quick dry towels
Other essentials
- A 40L day backpack
- A 65L to 100L Waterproof Duffel Bag
- Packing cubes – to organize your bag
- Sleeping bag
- Copies of Paperwork
- Trekking poles
- Water bottle
- Ropes, Belay, Harness & Ice Axe
Final Say
The preparation for such an adventurous trip must also be quite grand. If you keep surfing the internet looking for answers to “How do I prepare for Mera Peak?” you will stay up days and nights scrolling. There are so many arrangements and planning you ought to figure out. However, you can take the easier route and book a Mera Peak climbing package through trekking agencies. They ensure all your logistics are handled and even help you in case you missed some essentials needed for the tour. All you have to do is book the trip, get fit, and relax.
If you are planning to climb the Mera Peak and are looking for some guidance, you can turn to us. We at Nepal Climbing Info provide all types of logistical assistance and guidance and even provide various trip packages around Nepal. If you are looking for a trekking agency to help you through your Mera Peak climb, don’t forget about us.
Contact us for more info on the Mera Peak climb or to book your package!
