Nepal17 days
Mera Peak, Nepal: High-Altitude Summit via the Hinku Valley — 17 Days
Kathmandu to Lukla, Hinku Valley approach, and summit of Mera Peak (6,476m) — 17 days with acclimatization and reserve day
At 6,476 meters, Mera Peak sits among Nepal's highest permitted trekking summits and offers a summit panorama that includes Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga. This 17-day itinerary approaches via the Hinku Valley — a less-trafficked route through the Khumbu region — rather than the standard Everest corridor, passing through rhododendron, bamboo, and pine forest, crossing the Kar La Pass, and following the Hinku River upstream through seasonal herding settlements before reaching Khare, the staging point for the climb. The ascent requires basic mountaineering skills: crampon work, rope handling on glaciated terrain, and the physical capacity to move through altitude above 6,000 meters. A dedicated acclimatization and training day at Khare (Day 9) allows gear checks and practice before the traverse of the Mera Glacier to High Camp. Summit day begins in the early hours, with climbers targeting the top during pre-dawn conditions for optimal weather and visibility. The return route crosses the Zatrwa La Pass back to Lukla, with views across the Makalu Barun National Park before the flight back to Kathmandu. A reserve day is built into the schedule to account for poor summit-day weather or illness within the group. The 17-day structure is designed to give the body adequate time at altitude without compressing acclimatization stages — a key factor at this elevation.
Highlights
- Summit of Mera Peak (6,476m / 21,246 ft) — one of Nepal's highest permitted trekking peaks, with a 360-degree panorama including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Chamlang, and Baruntse
- 35–40 minute mountain flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla
- Approach via the Kar La Pass with views of the Dudh Kund Himal — a less-traveled alternative to the main Everest trail
- Trek through rhododendron, bamboo, and pine forest on the lower approach, transitioning to rocky ridges and glacial terrain above Kothe
- Encounter with a sacred Buddhist cave along the trail, containing representations of the three elements of Buddha
- Exploration of Lungsumga Gompa — a 200-year-old monastery above the Hinku Valley, with views of Mera North
- Wildlife-watching opportunity in remote forest sections: sloth bears, jungle cats, and Himalayan fauna along the Chhatra Khola and Kothe trail segments
- Full acclimatization and pre-climb training day at Khare — gear check and mountaineering preparation before the summit push
- Traverse of the Mera Glacier and crossing of Mera La Pass en route to High Camp
- Descent via the Zatrwa La Pass with views across Makalu Barun National Park and the Lukla Valley
- Built-in reserve day for summit-day weather delays or group illness — factored into the 17-day schedule rather than treated as an afterthought
- Interaction with Sherpa communities in the Hinku Valley, including the seasonal settlement at Thaknak
Day by day
1Arrival in Kathmandu: Team Briefing and Gear CheckKathmandu
The itinerary begins in Kathmandu, where the group meets the guides and support staff who will lead the expedition. The afternoon allows time for a pre-departure briefing, questions about the route, and any last-minute gear purchases or rentals ahead of the following morning's early flight. Accommodation is in a tea house.
2Kathmandu to Lukla by Air, then Trek to PaiyaKathmandu · Paiya · Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla · Lukla to Paiya
An early departure from Kathmandu for the 35–40 minute flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, with aerial views transitioning from farmland to foothills and high mountain terrain. Landing at Lukla is a notable experience in itself, given the airport's short runway and high-altitude position. Once porters take on the loads, the group sets off on the day's main section: a 5–6 hour walk to the first overnight stop at Paiya. Accommodation is in a tea house.
3Paiya to Panggom via the Kar La PassPanggom · Kar La Pass · Dudh Koshi River · Pangkoma
The trail crosses the Dudh Koshi River on a wooden bridge before climbing toward the Kar La Pass. Underfoot conditions can be slippery, requiring attention on the ascent. Beyond the pass, the path enters rhododendron and bamboo forest, passing through Pangkoma — a characteristic Sherpa village — before reaching Panggom. The Dudh Kund Himal is visible from several points along the route. Walking time is 5–6 hours. Accommodation is in a tea house.
4Panggom to Ningsow: Ridgeline Walking with Views of Mera's South FacePanggom to Ningsow · Ningsow
The day begins on a rocky path through rhododendron forest, with the route continuing along a series of hills and ridges. The south face of Mera Peak accompanies the trail for much of the day. Further pine and rhododendron sections follow before the path descends into Ningsow. Walking time is 4–5 hours. Accommodation is in a tea house.
5Ningsow to Chhatra Khola: Steep Forest Trail with Wildlife PotentialNingsow to Chhatra Khola · Chhatra Khola · stone cave beside the water
The trail steepens and narrows through dense rhododendron forest on one of the longer walking days. A stream crossing brings the group to a stone cave beside the water, and the surrounding forest offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. The day's walking concludes at Chhatra Khola after 7–8 hours on trail. Accommodation is in a tea house.
6Chhatra Khola to Kothe: Hinku Valley Views and a Sacred Buddhist CaveChhatra Khola to Kothe · Kothe · Hinku Valley · sacred Buddhist cave
Pine and bamboo forest continues to line the trail, and this section of the route is known for wildlife sightings — sloth bears and jungle cats have been recorded in the area. A vantage point above the Hinku Valley opens up views of Mera Peak, and the trail passes a cave considered sacred in the Buddhist tradition, associated with the three elements of Buddha. After the midday rest, the route follows a river ridge to Kothe. Walking time is 6–7 hours. Accommodation is in a tea house.
7Kothe to Thaknak: Lungsumga Gompa and the Upper Hinku ValleyKothe to Thaknak · Thaknak · Lungsumga Gompa
As elevation increases, today's section is intentionally shorter — 3–4 hours of walking — allowing time to take in both the trail and the overnight destination. The path follows the ridge of the Hinku River to Lungsumga Gompa, a monastery estimated to be 200 years old, with adequate time built in for a proper visit. The term 'gompa' derives from Tibetan and refers to a monastery; these structures appear frequently across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, though Lungsumga is notable for its age and setting. The views from this section include Mera North and several surrounding peaks. Beyond the gompa, a short walk leads to Thaknak — a seasonal settlement used primarily for summer livestock grazing, with a small number of tea houses providing overnight accommodation.
8Thaknak to Khare: Lateral Moraine and Glacier ApproachesKhare · lateral moraine of the Dig Glacier · Dig Kharka pasture · Hinku Nup and Shar Glacier
The route crosses the lateral moraine of the Dig Glacier to reach the Dig Kharka pasture, then passes Hinku Nup and Shar Glacier before arriving at Khare. The terrain is steep in sections, with views of Charpate Himal and the north face of Mera Peak. Camp is established at Khare. Walking time is 2–3 hours. Accommodation is in a tented camp.
9Khare: Acclimatization and Pre-Climb TrainingKhare
A rest and preparation day at Khare, used for gear checks and basic mountaineering training ahead of the summit attempt. No significant altitude gain is made on this day.
10Khare to Mera High Camp via the Mera Glacier and Mera La PassMera High Camp · Mera Glacier · Mera La Pass
The route follows the Mera Glacier to Mera La Pass, then continues over rock-strewn ground to High Camp. Camp is established here in preparation for the pre-dawn summit departure. Walking time is 6–7 hours. Accommodation is in a tented camp.
11Summit Day: Mera Peak (6,476m) and Return to KhareMera Peak · Khare
The summit attempt begins in the early hours — around 2 a.m. — following an initial meal at camp. The climb to the summit takes approximately 4–5 hours, moving through glaciated terrain with rope and crampon use required. From the summit at 6,476 meters, the panorama includes Everest, Cho Oyu, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Chamlang, and Baruntse, along with numerous peaks above 6,000 meters. After time at the summit, the descent returns to Khare, where the group rests for the remainder of the day. Total walking time including ascent and descent is 6–7 hours. Accommodation is in a tea house.
12Reserve Day at Khare: Weather or Illness Contingency
One day is held in reserve within the itinerary to accommodate poor summit-day weather or illness within the group, providing a second window for a summit attempt or recovery time if needed.
13Khare to Kothe: Descent Through the Hinku ValleyKhare to Kothe · Kothe
The group retraces the trail to Kothe, descending through the valley and glacier pastures covered on the approach. Walking time is 4–5 hours. Accommodation is in a tea house.
14Kothe to Thuli Kharka: Returning Through Rhododendron and Pine ForestKothe to Thuli Kharka · Thuli Kharka · Hinku River ridge
The trail leaves behind the upper glacial terrain and re-enters the rhododendron, bamboo, and pine forest of the lower valley. The route follows the Hinku River ridge, with Mera Peak remaining visible on the return. Walking time is 5–6 hours. Accommodation is in a tea house.
15Thuli Kharka to Lukla via Zatrwa La PassLukla · Zatrwa La Pass · Makalu Barun National Park · Lukla Valley
The final full trekking day begins with a climb to the Zatrwa La Pass, reached after roughly two hours of ascent. The crossing marks the boundary of the Makalu Barun National Park, with the Lukla Valley spread out below on the descent. This is also the last day with the full support crew, and farewells are made in Lukla before the group's final night on the trail. Walking time is 6–7 hours. Accommodation is in a tea house.
16Lukla to Kathmandu: Morning Flight and City AfternoonLukla to Kathmandu · Kathmandu
An early morning flight returns the group to Kathmandu, leaving the remainder of the day free for rest or independent exploration of the city.
17Kathmandu: Departure Day
The 17-day itinerary concludes in Kathmandu, with departures scheduled according to individual onward travel arrangements.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Paiya
- 3Lukla to Paiya
- 4Panggom
- 5Dudh Koshi River
- 6Ningsow
- 7Chhatra Khola
- 8Kothe
- 9Hinku Valley
- 10Thaknak
- 11Khare
- 12Mera Glacier
- 13Mera La Pass
- 14Mera Peak
- 15Khare
- 16Kothe
- 17Thuli Kharka
- 18Lukla
- 19Zatrwa La Pass
- 20Kathmandu
Activities: TREKING, HIKING