Mera Peak (6,476m)

This marks the first day as part of the Mera Peak Climb. As you arrive in Kathmandu, an Adventure-Pulse representative will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Thamel, which is Kathmandu’s most exciting district. Thamel is lined (in every conceivable direction) with pubs, restaurants and shops offering everything from expedition gear to local souvenirs. Thamel’s musical, aromatic and bustling streets will keep you entertained, leaving you wanting to come back for more. Once you check-in and freshen up, our team will be available to check your gear and if required, direct you to the numerous shops where you can buy or rent some gear. In the evening, our Adventure-Pulse guide will brief you on what’s to come.

The 30-minute flight to Lukla will definitely occupy a prominent place on your list of top ten experiences during the course of this trek. Tenzing-Hillary Airport is one of the most challenging airstrips in the world. Built on a cliff-top 9334 ft in the air, this little runway is just 30 meters wide and 527 meters long (less than a tenth of the usual dimensions for a regular runway) with an 11.7 Degree gradient which is significant enough to make it one of the steepest approach landings in the world!

There is no prospect of a successful go-around on-short final due to the terrain which is high (a jagged, unforgiving mountain face) immediately beyond the northern end of the runway and a steeply angled drop at the southern end of the runway into the valley below. Well, don’t be! Only the most skilled and experienced pilots operate the flights that go to and from this area and they’ve practised it to perfection.

The views of the Solo Khumbu’s forested valleys and its panoramic snow-capped mountain ranges are absolutely surreal. What’s more, for a plane that seats only 20 people, there’s still an incredibly charming air-hostess and everyone gets a window seat! Once you land, we stop for breakfast during which time you will be introduced to the real muscle behind this climb – our team of intrepid Sherpas and their Yaks who will be entrusted with your luggage for the duration of the trek. 

The trail winds gently upward through alpine forests, small villages, and scattered farmlands. The route to Chutanga gradually gains altitude, taking about 5 hours on steady terrain, and offers your first taste of the thin mountain air.

The surroundings begin to feel wilder as you approach Chutanga, a quiet settlement tucked amid rhododendron and pine forests. It serves as a peaceful overnight stop, perfect for resting and acclimatizing before the more demanding days ahead. You’ll spend the evening at a local lodge, enjoying hot meals and the camaraderie of the trekking group.

This is the first major crossing of the trek and one of the more demanding days in the early stage. From Chutanga, the trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows and sparse forest before ascending onto the Kalo Himal Ridge. This ridge marks the natural divide between the Khumbu region and the Hinku Valley, a symbolic threshold as you leave the Everest side and begin moving toward Mera Peak.

The ascent continues toward the cairned notch , adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. This is a place to pause and soak in the atmosphere as the landscape begins to open up dramatically. The trail then leads to Zatrawa La Pass (4,610m), from where expansive views stretch across the Dudh Kosi valley to peaks such as Karyolung and the Lumding Himal, with rolling foothills of the Hinku Valley unfolding to the east.

On the way, it’s common to encounter yak herders moving their animals across these high pastures, a reminder of the traditional life that still thrives in this harsh environment. After enjoying the views, the descent begins along a rocky, zig-zagging path, dropping down to a quieter, more sheltered spot. About half an hour below the pass lies a huge boulder, a natural landmark that signals your arrival at Tuli Kharka (3,900m).

Here, you settle in for the evening at a lodge, rewarded with the day’s hard effort and the sense of moving deeper into the wilderness.

Leaving Tuli Kharka, the trail immediately descends along a rocky, uneven path that opens to a fine vantage point of the Hinku Valley. From here, the dramatic south face of Mera Peak comes into view for the first time, a thrilling reminder of the climb that lies ahead. The route then zigzags through dense forest, gradually revealing the lush green floor of the valley below.

As you descend steeply, the scenery changes to thick stands of pine and rhododendron, adding vibrant color to the trek. Along the way, the panorama expands to include Peak 43 and Kusum Kangguru—two striking summits that dominate the skyline. Surrounded by this mix of high peaks and rich alpine forest, the walk feels both exotic and deeply rewarding. After several hours, the trail levels out and leads to Kothe, a small settlement tucked within the valley, where you’ll spend the night in a lodge.

From Kothe, the trail climbs gently along the western ridge of the Hinku Valley, following yak pastures and alpine meadows. Mera Peak dominates the view for much of the day, gradually revealing more of its broad summit ridge.

The six-hour walk passes scattered herder shelters before reaching Thangnak, a small village with a handful of lodges and teahouses. Its location on the valley floor makes it an ideal staging point before climbing higher. Overnight at lodge.

From Thangnak, the trail ascends into a broad, grassy basin called Dig Kharka. Surrounded by the Dig Glacier and sweeping moraines, the climb is steady but manageable.

Arriving at Khare, the last permanent settlement before Mera Peak, you are greeted with magnificent views of Mera’s immense north face and the Hinku Shar Glacier. Lodges here provide a comfortable base before the summit push. Overnight at lodge.

A second acclimatization day ensures proper adaptation before heading higher. Under the guidance of your climbing team, you’ll practice with crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and fixed ropes, reviewing techniques essential for glacier travel and the summit attempt.

The rest of the day is for rest, exploration, and preparation. Clear skies provide breathtaking views of Mera and the surrounding Himalayan giants, fueling anticipation for the climb ahead. Overnight at lodge.

The trail climbs gradually over boulders and snowfields toward Mera La Pass before continuing up to High Camp. The route is demanding at altitude, but steady progress brings you closer to your goal.

High Camp is set on a rocky outcrop with stunning views of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Here, you settle into tents, enjoy hot food, and rest early for the summit attempt. Overnight at tented camp.

The descent begins with a retrace through the Hinku Valley. Losing nearly 1,600m of altitude, the air grows warmer and thicker, and the trek feels easier.

Arriving back in Kothe, you enjoy the comforts of lower altitude and the simple pleasure of rest after the summit push. Overnight at lodge.

Leaving Kothe, the trail climbs gradually back through forest and ridges toward Thuli Kharka. Ascents and descents make the day steady but manageable, with rewarding views back toward Mera Peak.

The lodge at Thuli Kharka provides a familiar stopover, marking your return toward the Khumbu side of the mountains. Overnight at lodge.

The final day of trekking begins with a climb back over Zatrwa La Pass, offering one last chance to take in the Himalayan panorama.

From the pass, it’s a long descent to Lukla, where the trek officially ends. The evening is spent celebrating with the team, sharing stories and toasting the journey’s success. Overnight at lodge.

An early morning flight returns you to Kathmandu, weather permitting. From the plane, you can look back at the Himalaya and the peak you’ve just climbed.

The rest of the day is free for shopping, exploring Thamel’s lively streets, or simply relaxing at the hotel. 

This day is kept flexible as a buffer in case of flight delays/ bad weather.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international departure, carrying with you memories of Mera Peak and the Himalaya.