Mera Peak Expedition with Heli Return
- 16 days
- 6,476 m max
- extreme
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide fit mountaineers to the 6,476 m summit of Mera Peak via the Hinku Valley, returning by helicopter from Khare.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead this high-altitude climbing expedition in Nepal's Hinku Valley for experienced trekkers seeking their first Himalayan summit above 6,000 metres. Mera Peak rises to 6,476 m and presents a non-technical yet physically demanding snow and glacier route. Our approach moves away from crowded trails, passing through remote settlements like Panggom, Kothe, and Thaknak before establishing our base at Khare.
Physical endurance and proper acclimatisation are mandatory for this itinerary. We spend a dedicated training day at Khare (5,045 m) to practice crampon movement, rope handling, and ice axe self-arrest before ascending to High Camp. The summit morning requires a pre-dawn departure across glaciated terrain to reach the viewpoint, where we see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
By incorporating a helicopter flight from Khare back to Lukla, we remove the repetitive multi-day walk down the valley while preserving the complete climbing experience. Our team provides experienced climbing leaders, comprehensive safety equipment, and logistical support from Kathmandu to the high camps.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Summit 6,476 Metres
We stand on the highest trekking peak in Nepal, viewing Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from the summit ridge.
Remote Hinku Valley
Our trail bypasses the main tourist tracks, passing through forested ridges, alpine pastures, and isolated Sherpa hamlets.
Pre-Climb Training Day
We conduct a thorough instructional session at Khare, reviewing glacier travel, crampon techniques, and rope safety.
Heli Shuttle Return
We board a helicopter at Khare after our summit push, flying directly back to Lukla to avoid the long return walk.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets our team members at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our hotel in Kathmandu. We spend the afternoon resting and organizing our gear.
Day 2
Kathmandu Preparation Day
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Preparation Day
Meals: B / L / D
Our lead guide conducts a detailed expedition briefing and checks all personal mountaineering equipment. We finalize our permits and rest in the city before our departure.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu
Meals: B / L / D
We board a private vehicle for the 265 km drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu at 2,413 m, taking 7 to 8 hours through winding hill highways and rural settlements.
Day 4
Drive to Khari Khola and Trek to Panggom
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Drive to Khari Khola and Trek to Panggom
Meals: B / L / D
We take a short morning drive to Khari Khola and begin our trek, walking 3 to 4 hours over 12 km to reach Panggom at 2,846 m.
Day 5
Panggom to Ramailo Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Panggom to Ramailo Danda
Meals: B / L / D
Our route climbs steadily through rhododendron forests and ridgelines, covering 8 km in 5 to 6 hours to arrive at Ramailo Danda at 3,276 m.
Day 6
Ramailo Danda to Chhatra Khola
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Ramailo Danda to Chhatra Khola
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through forested slopes and cross suspension bridges over mountain streams, walking 12 km in 6 to 7 hours to Chhatra Khola at 2,800 m.
Day 7
Chhatra Khola to Kothe
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Chhatra Khola to Kothe
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail enters the Hinku Valley proper, following the river upstream past seasonal grazing huts for 15 km over 6 to 7 hours to reach Kothe at 3,691 m.
Day 8
Kothe to Thaknak
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Kothe to Thaknak
Meals: B / L / D
We walk alongside the glacial waters of the Hinku Drangka, gaining elevation gradually over 7 km in 3 to 4 hours to arrive at Thaknak at 4,358 m.
Day 9
Thaknak to Khare
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Thaknak to Khare
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend past the Dig Glacier and the moraine wall, walking 6 km in 2 to 3 hours into the high mountain bowl of Khare at 5,045 m.
Day 10
Acclimatisation and Training at Khare
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Acclimatisation and Training at Khare
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day resting at Khare to let our bodies adapt to 5,045 m. Our climbing leaders run a practical session on crampon use, ascender handling, and rope team procedures.
Day 11
Khare to Mera High Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Khare to Mera High Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We climb steep, rocky switchbacks out of Khare onto the Mera Glacier, walking 4 to 5 km over 6 to 7 hours to reach High Camp at approximately 5,780 m.
Day 12
Summit Mera Peak and Return to Khare
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Summit Mera Peak and Return to Khare
Meals: B / L / D
We start our summit push well before dawn, navigating snow slopes and the final ridge to reach Mera Peak at 6,476 m before descending back down to Khare in 8 to 9 hours.
Day 13
Helicopter Shuttle from Khare to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Helicopter Shuttle from Khare to Lukla
Meals: B / L / D
We board our chartered helicopter at Khare, enjoying an aerial flight over the valleys down to Lukla to finish the physical expedition.
Day 14
Return Flight to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Return Flight to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We catch our scheduled morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or Ramechhap, followed by a transfer back to our hotel in the city.
Day 15
Leisure and Buffer Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Leisure and Buffer Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We keep this day in reserve to account for any potential mountain weather delays on the Lukla flight or during our summit schedule.
Day 16
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 16
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team provides a final airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for our international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Three-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All meals during the trek and climbing period
- Lodge and tented accommodation during the expedition
- Government-licensed guide and experienced climbing leader
- Porter support for gear carriage
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit and Mera Peak climbing permit
- Helicopter shuttle from Khare to Lukla
- Group climbing equipment including ropes, ice screws, and snow bars
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude mountain rescue up to 6,500 m
- Personal trekking and climbing equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging during the trek
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
This expedition reaches 6,476 m at the summit of Mera Peak, with an overnight stay at High Camp around 5,780 m. We include a dedicated acclimatisation and training day at Khare (5,045 m) to monitor our team's oxygen saturation levels and prevent acute mountain sickness.
Physical Fitness
We require all participants to possess strong cardiovascular endurance and previous high-altitude trekking experience. Training should focus on weighted hill walking, stair climbing, and core strength for at least four months prior to arrival.
Weather & Mountain Conditions
Weather above 5,000 m can change without warning, bringing high winds, extreme cold, and snow. Our lead guides retain the authority to adjust summit schedules based on real-time conditions to ensure team safety.
Helicopter Evacuation & Logistics
Our package includes a scheduled helicopter transfer from Khare to Lukla after the summit attempt. In the event of an emergency medical evacuation at any other point on the trek, your personal travel insurance must cover helicopter rescue costs.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Mountaineering BootsEssential
Footwear
Stiff-soled boots compatible with semi-automatic or step-in crampons.
Down JacketEssential
Clothing
Expedition-grade down jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures.
CramponsEssential
Safety
12-point steel crampons fitted to your boots before leaving Kathmandu.
Ice AxeEssential
Safety
Standard walking ice axe with leash.
Climbing HarnessEssential
Safety
Lightweight mountaineering harness with locking carabiners.
Glacier GlassesEssential
Clothing
Category 4 UV protection sunglasses with side shields.
Sleeping BagEssential
Camping
Rated to -20°C for cold nights at Khare and High Camp.
Thermal BaselayersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking PolesEssential
Footwear
Sturdy adjustable poles for the approach and descent.
Valid Passport & Insurance DocumentsEssential
Documents
Must list coverage for mountaineering above 6,000 metres.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
PermitRequired for entry into the protected region.
Mera Peak Climbing Permit
PermitOfficial Nepal Mountaineering Association permit for Mera Peak.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What climbing experience is required for Mera Peak?
Mera Peak is classified as non-technical, but you must be comfortable walking on snow slopes using crampons, an ice axe, and a fixed rope at altitudes above 5,000 m. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is essential.
How cold does it get at High Camp?
Temperatures at Mera High Camp (5,780 m) regularly drop well below freezing, especially at night and during the early morning summit push. High-quality down insulation and alpine boots are mandatory.
What happens if weather cancels the helicopter from Khare?
If cloud cover or high winds prevent the helicopter from flying out of Khare, we wait for a weather window or revert to walking down the valley as a contingency.
Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?
You can rent items like down jackets, sleeping bags, and mountaineering boots in Kathmandu, but we recommend bringing your own well-fitting harness, glacier glasses, and gloves.
How many clients does each guide look after?
We maintain a low guide-to-client ratio during the summit push, typically one experienced climbing leader or guide for every two climbers, ensuring safety on the glacier.
Are meals included during the climb?
Yes, full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided throughout the trekking and climbing sections, prepared by our lodge owners or expedition cooks.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 16 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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