The highest trekking peak in Nepal, a.k.a Mera Peak (6,476 meters), in the remote part of the Khumbu region, offers some of the most scenic and immersive trekking experiences of the Himalayas. Mostly famous as the practicing peak for Mt. Everest (8,849 meters)and other 8,000-ers, both mountaineering beginners and experts love the exploration of these hidden gems in the Himalayas. Depending upon the duration of the expedition, the conquest of these magnificent peaks takes around 12-16 days, including the commencement and completion period.
Mera Peaks consisting of three peaks; Mera South (6,065 meters), Mera North (6,476 meters), and Mera Central (6,461 meters) offers a clear view of the five major 8,000-ers like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), Mt. Makalu (8,481 meters), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 meters), and Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters). The route to this hidden part of the Himalayas is in the most remote part of the Hinku Valley. Its pristine untampered natural beauty in the isolated part of the region offers the perfect and most real immersive experience of true Himalayan exploration.
Route and Duration: How Long Does It Take to Climb Mera Peak?
Climbed by the British mountaineer J.O.M Roberts and Sen Tenzing on 25th May 1953, the Mera peak climbing was popularized by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norway Sherpa, the duo climbed the peak before and after the successful ascent to the summit of Mt. Everest on 29th May 1953. Every year hundreds of both new mountaineers and experience mountaineers trying to recall their mountaineering spirit set out on the expedition of these beautiful peaks, known as the training ground for bigger adventures.
New mountaineering enthusiasts are introduced to mountaineering equipment like ice-axe, crampons, ropes, and others to familiarize themselves with. But, despite its popularity as a preparation mountain for 8,000-ers, Mera Peak adventure is not just about ascending and descending. The beautiful cross-valley adventure to the remote parts of the Hinku Valley takes you through diverse landscapes, lush forests to glacial terrains, high-Himalayan Sherpa civilization, religious pilgrims, and onto the unprecedented and less-explored region of the Himalayas.
The total distance of the Mera Peak expedition is around 125 km (78 miles), with the maximum elevation at the summit of Mera North (6,476 meters). You will trek approximately 5-6 hours on average during the adventure, with enough days for acclimatization to the high-altitude environment. The trail passes through remote and steep segments before making significant altitude gain, and without proper preparation, it can cause fatigue and, in the worse case AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) among even experienced trekkers.
Thus, it is very crucial to pick the right package that offers enough acclimatization to get used to a high-altitude environment and give the body a break after a weary trek; here are two packages from us that you can check for your adventure to Mera Peak; Mera Peak Climbing – 15 Days Expedition and Mera And Island Peak Climbing– 19 Days.
You might also surf across even shorter variants of adventures, but what you have to understand is the lower the number of days for acclimatization, the higher the chances for failed summits. If you have decided to go with a shorter itinerary plan for the expedition, what you need to understand is that instead of an average 5-6 hours daily trek, you will have to push yourself to complete an average 7-8 hours walking.
Technical Segment and Difficulty
Having received the PD Grading in the Alpine System, the slopes of the Mera Peak are considered slightly difficult. It used to have an Alpine Grade F for its relatively easier and straightforward routes; however, due to the change in the climate of the surrounding region and glacier structures, the difficulty level was upgraded. Still, the adventure on the slopes of Mera Peak is moderately easy and, in scaling, way easier than the moderately easier segment in the treacherous path of the 8,000-ers.
Known as the highest trekking route in the country, the slopes of Mera Peak don’t demand any mountaineering skillset. However, there are still some technical segments in the mountain; still, they are not too strenuous or steep; the only challenging factor of this trek is the high-altitude summit that crosses the 6,000-meter threshold. The major part of Mera Peak involves straight-up walks on moderately easier slopes and glaciers with an average level of steepness, mostly using crampons and ice-axe.
The climbing route on the Mera Peak rarely exceeds the angle of 30° to 40° making both ascent and descent easier and not too straining, Only the final section of the Mera Peak involves an about 30-meter climb of 50° snow dome during the summit, climbers need to use fixed rope using ascender to reach the peak of this glorious 6,000-er.
See also: Can a Beginner Climb Mera Peak?
Mera Peak Weather and Temperature
Weather and temperature in the high Himalayas are not always constant, the temperature could drop on any day, or light snowfall might shower the region even during mid-autumn and monsoon. Still, the weather is pretty stable during the peak trekking seasons in Nepal, autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May); it is also the best time to set out on an expedition of the Mera Peak.
Mera Peak, the highest trekking adventure in Nepal on the mountain slopes, is certain to be colder than the other base camp treks. During the peak seasons, .i.e, spring and autumn, the temperature hovers around 10°C to 12°C during the days and can drop as far as -11°C to -4°C during the nights and early morning. Suppose you are planning an expedition in the spring. In that case, the stable weather and pleasant temperature through the blooming landscapes that host thousand of flora and vegetation will make it an enjoyable and immersive experience.
Similarly, during the other peak climbing and trekking season, autumn, the freshness of the washed-up landscapes by the monsoon, flourishing rivers and waterfalls, clear visibility, and low probability of rainfall make it the best season for high-altitude adventures. Also, major Hindu festivals like Dahsain, Tihar, and Chhath fall in the autumn seasons, opening up room for even cultural and traditional exploration.
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