Holy Himalaya Eco Trek
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Mera Peak and Hinku Valley Trek

Mahalangur section, Barun sub-section of the Himalaya and administratively in Nepal's Sagarmatha Zone, Sankhuwasabha

Tour snapshot

Duration:
20 Days
Min Group Size:
2 persons
Location:
Nepal
Tour Type:
Peak Expedition

Overview

Mera Peak is situated within the Himalayas and is a major center of activity for many trekkers who seek an ultimate challenge. It stands proud, reaching an elevation of 6,470 meters to cast its shadow on this wild landscape, commanding the watershed between the remote valleys of Hongu Drangkas. This is a majestic peak that, although lying south of Everest, cuts its own path, luring climbers into the enchanting realm of the Hinku Valley.

A voyage to Mera Peak and across the Hinku Valley is an amazing journey, rich in various feelings of adventure and calmness. While moving in the landscape, you'll go deep into the world of natural wonders, from green forests of rhododendrons up to wide-open alpine meadows seen as far as your eyes can grasp. The trek offers breathtaking scenery together with the opportunity to experience the culture of the Sherpa settlements found dotting the valleys.

Exhausting but it is worth looking at unbelievable views. In case it is visible, one can simply behold a breathtaking view from some of the highest peaks in the world: the mighty Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, amongst others. Each step to the top had said it all about an indomitable spirit for exploration, eventually driving him to new heights.

A walk over this mountain is a great invitation, which over and above the thrill contains a very rare and supreme chance for adventure, afforded by Mera and the Hinku Valley trek, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization deep into the tranquility of Himalayan wilderness. On the trail, relief comes in the form of teahouses from time to time, and locals also give insight into the traditional culture of the people inhabiting this area and stop by ancient monasteries.

The Mera Peak and Hinku Valley Trek are more than a challenge of physical magnitude; rather, it invites one on a journey that will push one's limits with regard to what one perceives themselves to be capable of, with deep connections toward the timeless beauty of the Himalayas. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and go on an adventure of a lifetime into the heart of Nepal's most iconic landscapes.

Highlights

  • Conquer Mera Peak, standing tall at 6,470 meters in the Himalayas
  • Trek through the stunning Hinku Valley with rhododendron forests and alpine meadows.
  • Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture amidst traditional settlements.
  • Summit Mera Peak for breathtaking views of the highest peaks.
  • Experience ice-climbing and crossing snow-covered crevasses.
  • Enjoy serene moments at teahouses and ancient monasteries.
  • Witness stunning sunrises and sunsets at High Camp.

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m.)
1,400 m.
Our trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing through immigration and customs at the airport, we are met by our friendly staff and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city, Thamel. The area is within walking distance of all major restaurants, unique shops, and well-equipped outdoor gear outfitters to help us purchase any trekking gear that we may require. The afternoon is left open to rest and explore the surrounding local attractions.
2
Day 2: Easy day in Kathmandu (1,400 m.)
1,400 m.
On the second day, you will be going on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, which will include visits to Boudha Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. If you haven’t signed up for the sightseeing tour, you can roam around on your own and explore the ancient city of Kathmandu. You can also go shopping for the necessary trekking equipment and rest before your long trek starts.
3
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,860 m.) and trek to Chutanga (3050 m.)
3050 m.
30 mins flight and 4 hours trek
On this day, we'll catch an early morning flight to Lukla, which takes about 45 minutes. Depending on when we arrive, we'll grab breakfast either in Kathmandu or Lukla before we begin our trek. It's going to be an easy day, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas all around us. We'll see peaks like Knodge Ri, Tang Ragi Tu, and Khatang, along with lush jungles and quaint villages. The locals are friendly, too! By the afternoon, we'll reach our campsite at Chutanga. We'll have a light lunch and dinner at the camp.
4
Day 4: Trek from Chutanga (3050 m.) to Pangkoma (2,850 m.)
3050 m.
5 Hours
On this day, we'll trek from Chutanga to Pangkoma. It's going to be a beautiful journey as we stroll through bamboo and rhododendron forests, soaking in the sights of the Dudhkoshi River valley and Dudh Kund Himal. By late afternoon, we'll reach Pangkongama Village. It's a quaint little village that used to be part of the trading route between Nepal, Tibet, and India. We'll have a time of our lives exploring the little village and interacting with the local people.
5
Day 5: Trek from Pangkoma (2,850 m.) to Nigmsa (2,745 m.)
2,850 m.
4-5 hours
From Pangkoma, we'll trek to Nigmsa. We'll start by descending through a beautiful rhododendron forest, passing many Mani walls. Afterward, we'll descend further and take a break for lunch near a village. Then, we'll continue our descent, navigating steep paths through pine and rhododendron forests until we reach Nigmsa.
6
Day 6: Trek from Nigmsa (2,745 m.) to Chetra Khola (3,150 m.)
3,150 m.
7-8 Hours
After breakfast, we'll start our trek from Nigmsa by heading uphill, followed by a descent along a narrow trail. We'll navigate through a section affected by landslides amidst the forests until we reach a stream. From there, we'll enter Makalu National Park. The trail leading to Chetra Khola is also known as the Pasang Lamu Trail. Finally, we'll arrive at Chetra Khola, our destination for the night.
7
Day 7: Trek from Chetra Khola (3,150 m.) to Kothe (3,600 m.)
3,600 m.
6-7 Hours
From Chetra Khola, we'll head north, veering off the main trail towards Mera Peak. We'll cross the Majang Khola and then join another trail, following the Hinku Khola. Along the way, we'll trek through the scenic Hinku Valley, surrounded by bamboo and pine forests, with stunning views of Mera Peak and the valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife like jungle cats and sloth bears. Continuing straight towards Tashing Ongma, we'll cross a bridge over the Sanu Khola and eventually arrive at Kothe.
8
Day 8: Trek from Kothe (3,600 m.) to Tangnang (4,350 m.)
4,350 m.
3-4 Hours
From Kothe, our trek to Tangnang offers a more relaxed day of walking. We'll journey through the picturesque Hinku Valley, nestled under the imposing presence of Mera Peak. As we follow the ridge of the Hinku Khola, we'll pass through herder's settlements, enjoying the serene atmosphere. Our lunch break will be at Gondishung, and we'll have the chance to visit the ancient Lungsumgba Gompa, dating back 200 years. A short walk from the gompa will lead us to Tangnang, where we'll spend the night. Tangnang has locally run shops and a basic lodge, providing essential amenities for travelers.
9
Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Tangtang (4,350 m.) with day hike
4,350 m.
Today is our acclimatization day at Tangnang, and we have an exciting day hike planned. After breakfast, we'll go on a three-hour hike to Charpate Glacier. This hike offers the perfect opportunity to admire the North Face of Mera Peak up close, a sight cherished by Sherpas who consider it a sacred place. After soaking in the breathtaking views, we'll descend back to Tangnang and spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing.
10
Day 10: Trek from Tangnang (4,350 m.) to Khare (5,045 m.)
5,045 m.
7 hours
Today, we'll enjoy a scenic walk along the moraine towards Mera's base camp. Starting from Thaknak, we'll follow the steep valley alongside the Dig Glacier's lateral moraine until we reach Dig Kharka. As we near Khare, the climb gets steeper, but the reward is worth it as we'll have fantastic views of Mera's North Face and the stunning Charpate Himal crest. The trail from Dig Kharka will lead us through the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers, with a bit of technical uphill, until we reach Khare.
11
Day 11: Trek from Khare (5,045 m.) to Mera Base Camp (5,300 m.)
5,300 m.
6 hours
We're in for a challenging trek from Khare to Mera Base Camp. We'll navigate through a steep and boulder-strewn moraine, with the highlight being ice-climbing practice to prepare for the ascent. The terrain will vary depending on the snow and glacier conditions, making our journey onto the ice potentially tricky. The thin air and high altitude might tire us out as we go through the slippery ice towards Mera La. We'll encounter snow-covered crevasses along the glacier, which we'll carefully cross before reaching Mera Base Camp. Here, we'll set up our tents on top of a rock band, providing us with breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, the South Face of Lhotse, and the renowned Khumbu glacier.
12
Day 12: Mera Base Camp (5,300 m.) to High Camp (5,780 m.)
5,780 m.
6 hours
We'll trek for about two hours over rocky and crevassed terrain from Mera Base Camp to High Camp. Positioned at the summit and marked by a large cairn, High Camp offers incredible sunrise and sunset vistas. We'll be treated to panoramic views of iconic peaks such as Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and the south faces of Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, and Baruntse. It's going to be a breathtaking experience, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world.
13
Day 13: Trek from Mera High Camp (5,780 m.) to Summit (6,461 m.) and back to Khare (5,300 m. )
6,461 m.
7-8 hours
We'll begin our climb from Mera High Camp at the crack of dawn. With good fitness, reaching the summit by sunrise, about 4 hours later, is achievable. The spectacle of the skyline at dawn is breathtaking. From High Camp, we'll ascend to the summit of Mera Peak and then return to Khare, all in a single day. The central summit is situated at the top of a wide glacier, flanked by two ridges. After reaching the summit, we'll retrace our steps southwest towards Mera's main summit ridge. Although the climb is non-technical, the altitude requires caution, and we'll utilize fixed ropes for both ascent and descent. From the summit, we'll be treated to mesmerizing views of the mighty Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Chamlang, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and countless other snow-capped peaks. Upon returning to High Camp, we'll enjoy hot drinks before descending to Khare for the night.
14
Day 14: Reserve Day for Contingencies
This day is kept as a reserve for any contingency. This extra day allows us some flexibility in our schedule, should there be some change of events during the journey. If there are delays or some other events not foreseen en route, we use this day to ensure that the journey will be safe and enjoyable. Otherwise, we could return one day earlier than scheduled.
15
Day 15: Trek from Khare (5,300 m.) to Kothe (3, 600 m.)
5,300 m.
4-5 Hours
From Khare to Kothe, while trekking back, we feel satisfied, having summited Mera Peak. The feeling of this great achievement will be celebrated by being submerged in the culture of the local Sherpa people, enjoying their hospitality and local wines. This Hinku Valley trek with breathtaking landscapes and challenging trails will remain in our memory forever.
16
Day 16: Trek from Kothe (3,600 m.) to Thuli Kharka (3,490 m.)
3,600 m.
5-6 Hours
Our Hinku Valley trek starts from Kothe as we head to Thuli Kharka after a warm breakfast. We go uphill and downhill and cross several tributaries of the Inkhu Khola. We see a forked trail near Taktho, and this marks a very important point on our journey, with a monument to Buddha-a Chorten. From there, we start a steep descent on a narrow path to reach our destination at Thuli Kharka.
17
Day 17: Trek from Thuli Kharka (3,490 m.) to Lukla (2,860 m.)
3,490 m.
6-7 Hours
Conquering the Zatrwa-La pass at 4,600m in elevation, we are rewarded with great views of the scenic Lukla Valley. The scenic valley is flanked by snow-capped peaks and is filled with Sherpa villages, green hills, rivers, and watersheds. Down from the Zatrwa-La pass, we make a stop at Chutang on our way further up to the Lukla village.
18
Day 18: Fly back from Lukla (2,860 m.) to Kathmandu (1,400 m.)
1,400 m.
30 mins flight
We start our day early with a morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Our driver will be waiting for us at Kathmandu Airport to take us back to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, we get together for a farewell dinner, sharing experiences about climbing and what we achieved as a team. This is an avenue for telling stories and giving feedback to relish the moments we shared.
19
Day 19: Day for shopping at Kathmandu (1,400 m.)
1,400 m.
1,400 m.
Today is your last day in Kathmandu, and you can spend it doing anything you like. You can go shopping for souvenirs, indulge in relaxation at the spas, or visit the historical sites of Kathmandu-whatever you like. You may stroll through the busy markets, looking at local crafts and buying mementos of your journey. Whatever you do, enjoy your last day in this vibrant and enchanting city.
20
Day 20: International Departure.
1,400 m.
Use your last morning in Kathmandu according to your flight time. Pack your things, check out of the hotel, and head to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Or, you can continue your Nepal exploration and start a new trip. Cultural tour, arts and crafts, cooking class, river trip, cycling, National Park Safari, Pokhara, or even easier, plan a new trek within your time limit.

Included/Excluded

Airport pick up and drop off
Domestic Transportation during the trek
Accommodation in Kathmandu at Holy Himalaya Eco Trek, or similar standard
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
Necessary equipment during trek
Experienced trekking guide
All expenses of the trekking staffs
Travel Permits and Special Entry Permit Fees
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Personal equipment
Sightseeing entry fees in Kathmandu
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary
Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion list

Service Fee Only, Explore Nepal Fully!

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Mera Peak and Hinku Valley Trek

FAQs about Mera Peak and Hinku Valley Trek

What are the best seasons for the Mera Peak climbing and Hinku valley trek?
What are the best seasons for the Mera Peak climbing and Hinku valley trek?

The best time to trek or climb Mera Peak is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, with clear skies and stable temperatures, which enhance visibility and safety. In spring, the blossoming flora adds a vibrant touch to the trek, while autumn provides crisp, clear views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. These seasons also have less rainfall and snowfall compared to summer and winter, making the trails more accessible and enjoyable for climbers. Thus, planning your Mera Peak adventure in these months ensures an optimal experience.

Do you need special climbing skills or equipment for Mera Peak?
Do you need special climbing skills or equipment for Mera Peak?

Mera Peak is 6476 meters (21,247 feet) high. It is a good mountain for beginner climbers to try because it is not too difficult. You do not need special climbing skills or equipment like ropes, gear, or ice axes. Many people with little or no mountain climbing experience try to climb Mera Peak because the path up is fairly straightforward. However, you still need to prepare your body before attempting to climb Mera Peak. You should exercise and train for 4-6 months before your trip. This will help build up your strength and endurance. During the climb, you will need to carry a backpack weighing 5-8 kg (11–18 pounds) and walk uphill and downhill for 15–16 days. The final push to the summit will be very physically demanding. So while Mera Peak is suitable for beginners, you still need to get your body ready through aerobic exercises like running or cycling, as well as strength training. This will help prepare you for the challenging climb.

Is Mera Peak suitable for beginner climbers?
Is Mera Peak suitable for beginner climbers?

Mera Peak is rated as a 1B alpine-grade climb. This means it is considered a bit challenging but still suitable for beginners. For any mountain climb, the fitter and stronger you are, the better your chances of reaching the summit and enjoying the whole experience. Your ability to summit Mera Peak mostly depends on the weather conditions on that day and how physically prepared you are. The final climb to the summit usually starts around 3 or 4 a.m. It takes about 3–4 hours of climbing to reach the top. While the climbing route itself is not too technically difficult, the main challenge is getting used to the high altitude. Proper acclimatization to the thin air at high elevations is very important. So while Mera Peak's climb is straightforward from a technical perspective, being physically fit and allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude are crucial for summiting successfully.

What are the required permits for Mera Peak climbing and Hinku Valley Trek?
What are the required permits for Mera Peak climbing and Hinku Valley Trek?

Mera Peak is 6,476 meters (21,247 feet) high and a very popular trekking peak in Nepal. To climb Mera Peak, you need to get certain permits and follow rules set by the Nepalese government. Climbing Permit You must obtain a climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The cost of this permit changes depending on what time of year you climb. Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit Since the trek to Mera Peak goes through Makalu Barun National Park, you also need an entry permit for this park. Once inside the national park, you will see many different types of plants and animals that are protected by the park management.

What types of meals are provided during the Mera Peak and Hinku Valley trek?
What types of meals are provided during the Mera Peak and Hinku Valley trek?

On the Mera Peak climb, nutritious and energy-dense meals are provided to fuel the strenuous trekking. At base camp, warm meals like dal bhat (lentils and rice), soups, and vegetables offer carbs, protein, and vitamins. Higher-up, lightweight snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and chocolates provide quick energy boosts. Staying hydrated is crucial, with natural water sources like streams and lakes available en route. Guides carry purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water. At high altitudes, frequent sipping and herbal teas help prevent dehydration despite the dry mountain air. Overall, proper fueling and hydration facilities support climbers throughout the challenging Mera Peak expedition.

What types of accommodations are available on the Mera Peak climb?
What types of accommodations are available on the Mera Peak climb?

The accommodation facilities on the Mera Peak climb range from basic tea houses to tented campsites. Along the trekking trail, tea houses run by local Sherpa families provide simple yet cozy lodging with dining halls and sleeping quarters equipped with thick blankets. Though amenities are modest, the hospitality offers a cultural experience. At base camp, sturdy tents with sleeping bags and insulated mats serve as accommodations before the summit push. Despite being removed from modern comforts, the climbers' camaraderie and stunning mountain views create a memorable experience. Overall, the accommodation caters to essential needs while immersing trekkers in the region's rugged beauty.

Once is not enough – visit Nepal and let the mountains call you back.
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