NEPAL TRAVELLER
Mera peak, situated at 6,476m, is the highest permitted trekking summit Nepal among all others Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) peaks. Also, mera peak is technically and mentally achievable peak without much struggle compared to others 6000m climbing peaks in Nepal. It lies in the highest part of the Himalayas, Mahalangur Section which is the north part of the Solukhumbu region. Mount Mera Peak is an attractively beautiful peak that rises to the South Mera of Mount Everest and dominates the uninhabited valleys of Hongu and Hinku. This peak consists of 3 peaks above the 6000m - Central Mera Peak (6,461m), North Mera (6,476m) and South Mera ( 6,064m).
THINGS TO OBSERVE
Expedition of Mera peak will help you to witness Incredible views snow-capped mountains like - Cho Oyu (26,906 ft), Everest (29,028 ft), Lhotse ( 8,515m), Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and Makalu (27,765 ft) and other peaks from the summit. While you are on a trip of climbing Mera peak, this will also allow you to do a remarkable trek through the wild and remote Valleys (Hinku and Hongu). You will get a chance to explore the colorful wildflowers and Rhododendrons in bloom (spring). The spectacular sunrise and sunset views from the himalayas will add more shine and happiness to your face. You can observe the pretty sight of Everest from the summit. If you climb in the winter season, it will give you a snowy unforgettable experience along with the best christmas: New year celebration in the Himalayas. Your journey from Hinku valley, an unspoiled area of the Everest region, will let you roam around beautiful green fields, rushing streams, swinging bridges, dense forest, and yak pastures. Sherpa villages and guesthouses, high in the summer pastures, will let you know a lot about the warm hospitality.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
The first climb to Mera peak was made by J.O.M Roberts and Sen Tenzing while they were on their Mount Everest expedition in 1953. However, the proper climb of the Mera Peak Mountaineering Tour by just focusing on Mt. Mera was made by French Climbers – Marcel Jolly, G. Baus and L. Honnis in 1975 who climbed the North Peak following the same route as Roberts but traversing along the connecting ridge to the further summit.
CLIMBING ROUTE
There is a short and long route for climbing Mera peak that is in total 3 routes. If you follow a short route, the expedition starts from Lukla and then trek trough Zatr La Pass to Tagnang to Mera Base Camp. However, long routes follow the Everest Base Camp trek route into Namche Bazar and then diverge to Mera Base Camp. Last one is considered a beautiful route which follows a trek through the remote and beautiful region to Hinku valley and from here trek to Tagnang to Mera Base Camp.
TIME DURATION
In total, the Mera peak expedition takes 18-20 days. You will fly from Lukla, trek for 10-12 days on the foot of the Mera peak and then ascend Mera peak which will take about 3-4 days. However, all of this depends upon the weather condition.
BEST SEASON
In order to safely complete your Mera climbing, you need to choose dry and stable weather. The Mera expedition during the spring (March and May) and autumn (October and November) is perfect for everyone. During this time, there is a long period of stability in climate. But, still the weather condition at higher altitude can be cold but will be bearable and will add more thrill and adventure to your climbing.
TOTAL COST
The average cost for climbing Mera peak comes around USD 2200. But, it may even cost much higher than this depending upon the number of factors like routes you choose, time duration, accommodation, meals and drinks, field staff, climbing equipment and other miscellaneous expenses.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and moderate level of technical climbing.
Experienced- Climbers should have successfully completed a minimum of 3 Day Mount Rainier or Mount Baker Climb (or have similar experience).
Mental Ability- Climbers must be mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. The requirements are also based on your desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hats and so on.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
For climbing Mera peak, you need to have following permits;
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit- For entering the Sagarmatha National Park, the park that is home to the Mount Everest Region, you need to obtain an entry permit. This permit costs 30 USD + government tax.
Mera Peak Climbing Permit- USD 250 during spring, USD 125 during autumn and USD 70 during winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Nepal Mountaineering Association since height above 5800m and below 6584m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Mera Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at Ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Mera peak imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 16 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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