Mera Peak Photoblog:
Introduction: Why Mera Peak?
Nestled deep in the heart of the Himalayas, in the Makalu Barun National Pak, Mera Peak stands tall as the highest trekking peak in Nepal at 6,476 meters. I recently got a chance to attempt this iconic climb, which is a great introduction to high altitude mountaineering for novice climbers and experienced trekkers who want to push their limits. More than just a climb, this was a calling for me. This expedition to reach the summit of highest non-technical mountain and trekking peak in the world, was a test of resilience, a face-off with altitude and extreme cold, and a journey into the wild and raw landscapes of Nepal. This photoblog is my attempt to capture that experience, not just through pictures, but through the emotions etched into each frame.
“Somewhere between the base and the summit lies the soul of the mountain—and the soul of the climber.”
Kathmandu to Lukla – The Adventure Begins
My journey started from the beautiful city of Kathmandu. I spent couple of days exploring the Thamel market and did some last-minute shopping before I began the journey to the remote parts of Makalu Barun National Park. We flew into Lukla, known as the gateway to the Khumbu region. We were lucky to get great weather and a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Which means we avoided the long drive to Ramechaap airport. As we landed at Lukla in the morning. With crisp air and the mountains beckoning at distance, we started our journey into the unknown after a short break in Lukla.
Read more about: How to reach Lukla from Kathmandu?
Considered as the most thrilling and adventurous flight in the world, the Kathmandu to Lukla flight connects the capital Kathmandu to the gateway of the Everest region. This flight is operated by a very small aircraft, usually a Dornier and offers some stunning views of the Himalayas including some snow capped mountain peaks and deep valleys.
The flight lands at the Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla, which is perched on a hill at 2860 meters and is famed for its very short runway.
Portrait of a Nepali woman in the Khumbu region
Magical Sunset views from Chutanga, the first teahouse stay on the Mera Peak route.
Located at an altitude of 3450 Meters, Chutanga is the last proper settlement before you go out in the remote wilderness of the Makalu Barun region on the Mera Peak trail. This tiny settlement is about 3-4 hours away from Lukla. The trail leading to Chutanga are covered in pine and rhododendron forest. You cross beautiful streams on suspension bridge, metal/wooden bridges or even some rickety bridges which adds into the fun.
As we reached Chutanga by afternoon, the sun was playing hide and seek behind the clouds. By evening, the sky turned into a literal canvas with all the pretty sunset colors spread across. We enjoyed a stunning sunset just outside our cute little teahouse, while sipping on the Ginger-Lemon-Honey tea.
Crossing over the Zatrawa La (Pass) at 4600 Meters
Crossing over the Zatrawa La (Pass) at 4600 Meters alitude was probably one of the toughest parts of the expedition. When we approached the climb starting from Chutanga, it was a clear sunny day. However, as we just started the climb, the weather detereioted and suddenly we found ourselves walking through snow covered trails with extreme cold winds. The endless climb to the top of the pass was through some very sketchy trail as mix of snow, ice, loose rocks and uneven steps made it a difficult terrain to navigate.
View from the Zatrawa La (Pass) while descending down.
While descending down, we got a completely opposite weather. This time around we were lucky to get clear blue skies with stunning views of big mountains like Cho Oyu, up and close from the pass. While there was still a decent amount of snow, most of the trail had become dry and the descend was relatively easier on the steps all the way back down.
Trek from Thuli Kharka to Kothe on a bluebird day
The trek from Thuli Kharka to Kothe was one of the most scenic and we had an absolute bluebird day with clear skies and a very pleasant weather. On this day, we got the first glimpse of the Mera Peak. The trail took us through a very dense rhododendron and bamboo forest. Since, this is not the blooming season for the flowers, we did not find any flowers. However, the landscape around was very scenic with diffrent hues of green and brown. The forest trail descended down to a flat area and soon we found ourselves in the small hamlet of Kothe.
Kothe to Thangnak – A scenic journey!
This was a shorter trek with the total duration only about 6 hours. For the initial parts of the journey, the trail was relatively flat in a vast valley. The trail gradually took us deep into the valley and we walked next to a gushing river with some incredible sight of Sundar peak right in front of us. The peak appeared bigger with every step.
We also got a chance to visit a century old monastery called Lungsumgba Gompa. This monastery is built inside a natural cave and is an important cultural landmark. We stopped by to take the blessings and then continued our journey towards Thangnak with some epic views of Mera Peak ahead of us.
Lungsumgba Gompa on the Mera Peak Train in Nepal.
Epic sunset views on Mera Peak
A hidden lake on the way to Khare from Thangnak
The difficult trek from Thangnak to Khare (the last village on the Mera Peak route) was the most rewarding day on the trek and was full of surprise. We followed an ascending trail leading up to a broad, grassy basin called Dig Kharka. Our guide pointed out a boulder filled area with a narrow trail while walking. Couple of us decided to take that detour to see this hidden glacial lake. Although it was a short 10-15 minutes detour the trail full of boulders was difficult to navigate. However, the views did not disappoint. We found a turquoise blue lake surrounded by giant mountains and glaicers above it.
This glacial lake is known as the Sabai Tsho (or Salleri Tsho). Past this lake, we trekkerd through moraines and rocky path all the way up to the last settlement on the trail called Khare village, which is situated at 5000 meters.
Entering into the snow world around Khare Village.
Due to a recent cyclonic activity the weather had changed drastically and Khare had received huge amount of snow fall. When we reached closer to Khare, we felt like entering into a different world as everything around us was covered in fresh snow. The mountains with a snow cover on them looked magnificent and since we were closer to 5000 meters mark we started feeling the altitude.
A trekker overlooking a snow covered mountain range.
Acclimatization and training at Khare village.
As we entered Khare from Thangnak, the landscape changed drastically. The entire village was covered in the snow. All the teahouses and lodges were covered by a white blanket of snow on them. We spent next two days resting and acclimatizing in Khare village. We went for a height gain and acclimatization hike on a nearby hill. The views from the acclimatization high point were absolutely stunning with huge mountains up and close and the tiny settlement of Khare village at the foothill.
View from the acclimatization hike
Technical climbing training before the Summit attempt on Mera Peak.
After going for an acclimatization hike we rested at our teahouse. In the afternoon, we sorted our gear rentals, tried out climbing shoes and crampons etc. Our guides then took us to the training area where we practiced walking with crampons on climbing shoes, did some jumaring as well as rappelling. These learning session was a confidence booster and we felt 100% prepared for the challenges on the summit push.
Rappelling down from the hill
Trek up to the high camp and summit push
Next day, we began the demanding climb up to the Mera Peak high camp. Although the distance is not very long the climb felt unending as we walked through massive snow fields and boulder areas which were completely covered in snow.
Trekking through snow covered boulder area and massive snow fields leading upto the Mera Peak High Camp.
The rugged and intimidating landscape as we continued towards the high camp of Mera Peak
The initial steeper sections led us to a vast open snow field.
Taking a moment to pause and breathe.
The weather was fantastic with a clear sky and sunny day.
Finally, at the Mera Peak High Camp
The Mera Peak High Camp is set on a rocky outcrop with the stunning views of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. We settled in our tent and had a quick meal to regain the energy. Our plan was to push for the summit at midnight. After preparing our bags and gears for the summit attempt, we went to rest and sleep early as the summit push was going to be a long night of walking in extreme cold temperatures.
Mera Peak Summit – A dream come true moment!
The summit ascent was nothing short of transformative. It was a true test of endurance, resilience, and spirit.
We began our summit push in the dead of night, with temperatures plummeting to –20°C or less. The thin air was demanding patience and determination as each step felt heavier than the last. The climb was long and demanding. We were roped up with each other considering there were crevices hidden under the snow. We set a good rhythm and kept taking shorter breaks in between to catch our breath and hydrate. It was so cold that the water was frozen in one of my bottles. Luckily, the thermos kept the water warm. In the silence of the night I could only hear the crunch of crampons hitting the snow. I got into a flow state where nothing else really mattered other than taking one step after the another and keep moving. I was in a meditative focus that carried me upward through the darkness.
I stopped to look around and was amazed to see the horizon beginning to glow with first of the sun rays hitting the icy peaks of the mountains. The sunrise from the summit of Mera Peak was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Golden rays spilled across the Himalayan giants like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and painting them in hues of fire and ice. In that moment, fatigue dissolved into awe.
It took me a few minutes to let the moment sink. I clicked a few pictures and then we began the long descend back.
Sunrise view from the summit of the Mera Peak in Nepal
Magical sunrise colors painting the sky in golden hues.
For anyone dreaming of stepping into the world of alpine climbing, Mera Peak offers the perfect initiation; a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey that leaves you forever changed.
I have been sharing more indepth account of my Mera Peak climbing experience on my Instagram. Do follow me at: @umangxdave
