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Dmytro Horbatov
Climbing Mera Peak, Nepal's highest trekking peak, is a great opportunity to cross 6,000 meters for the first time.
The path to the summit of Mera Peak runs among the relatively wild and untrodden trails of the Makalu Barun National Park. Yes, there are also tourists here, but they are mostly climbers like you and me - whose goal is Mera Peak. There are dozens, if not hundreds of times less of them than on the classic track to Everest. Climbing Mera Peak is interesting not only for the peak itself and the scenery from it, but also for the trekking part.
Our program is designed so that you get optimal acclimatization and your body gets used to the altitude by the time you storm the mountain. The mountain has 3 peaks: southern, central and northern. We will storm the central peak of Mera Peak, 6461 meters high. The program includes two reserve days in case of bad weather, which greatly increases the chances of a successful climb.
The summit of Mera Peak offers a magnificent view of 5 of the 6 highest peaks in the world: Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Makalu (8485 m), Cho Oyu (8201 m).
Climbing Mera Peak is not technically difficult, but it requires good physical fitness and endurance. Experience in climbing five-thousanders or Himalayan trekking is required.
Our route provides quality acclimatization of participants, which increases the chances of successful ascent on Mera pearepeatedly visited Nepal, will accompany the participants throughout the program.
An experienced Kuluar Club team leader will take care of your comfort and safety on the whole route. He will do everything in his power for each participant to reach the summit!
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the consultant has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
The consultant will answer all your questions and tell you about the details of the ascent, based on personal experience
During the work of the club we have developed an algorithm, which allows us to organize the programs of the highest quality. You can see this for yourself by applying for participation.
Possibility of substantial savings on equipment, going on a climb with Kuluar.
More than 25000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97.8% were satisfied.
At the exit of Kathmandu airport, you will be met by a Kuluar teamleader or our Nepali assistant. He will take you to the hotel in Thamel, where the whole group will gather. It's better to fly in the morning or one day earlier, so that you have enough time to rest from the exhausting flight and to buy the necessary equipment. In the evening, teamleader will check the equipment of each participant and conduct a briefing.
We take the first flight to Lukla, and after landing at the famous Tenziga Hillary Airport, we meet our local guide and porters, who will carry the bulk of the cargo up the mountain. We have breakfast and head to Chucheng - there are only 1-2 lodges here, where we will spend the night.
Distance: ≈ 4.2 km, altitude difference: +450 / -50 m, travel time: ≈ 2-3 hours.
We have to gain altitude gently, and today we will dedicate the day to acclimatization. Unfortunately there is no place to walk around and we will go up the trail to 4000-4100m by the trail leading to Zatravel La Pass. There are lodges here where you can relax, have a snickers and drink a cup of Nepalese tea with a view of the Himalayas. For the night, we go down to the familiar lodge.
For the night, we go down to the lodge we are already familiar with.
Distance: ≈ 4.5 km, altitude difference: +750 / -750 m, travel time: ≈ 4-5 hours.
Although difficult, but a momentous day. Today we will trek our first pass on the route - 4,610 m high Zatwar La (Chatry La). Soon after the pass we will see for the first time Mera Peak, the main goal of our expedition to Nepal. From this angle, the peak looks very impressive! We continue our descent among the rhododendron forest and stop for the night in the Tali Kharka village.
Distance: ≈ 6.1 km, altitude difference: +1500 / -400 m, travel time: ≈ 5-6 hours.
The trail leads among the huge trees of the age-old Himalayan forest, gradually dropping in altitude. By the end of the day we will descend to the large Kote village , the gateway to Makalu Barun National Park, with wifi and hot showers!
Distance: ≈ 6.8 km, altitude difference: +250 / -950 m, travel time: ≈ 4-5 hours.
The trail gently climbs along the banks of the Hinku Drangka River. Soon the most beautiful peak Kyashar (6769 m) will appear, at the foot of it, in a cozy valley the Tagnak village is situated. Here we are going to stay overnight. If you want we can walk to Sabay Tso lake. It's a nice, not hard day.
Distance: ≈ 8.7 km, elevation difference: +750 / -50 m, travel time: ≈ 4-5 hours.
Short day, no steep climbs, but great views. On the way we will stop at Sabai Tso Lake and go up to the moraine of the Big Glacier. Kare is a big village, with a dozen lodges and all the amenities we need - showers, wi-fi, good food and clean rooms. We'll spend two nights here, gaining the acclimatization we need to climb Mera Peak.
Distance: ≈ 5.2 km, altitude difference: +620 / -20 m, travel time: ≈ 3-4 hours.
To get our body used to the altitude better, in the morning we climb 400-500 meters up and spend some time there. Such a hike requires a lot of effort, but it is necessary for a successful ascent. After lunch, if necessary, we will conduct training sessions.
The summit is getting closer and from today the real work begins. We leave civilization and move towards Mera La Pass (5415 m). The base camp is just behind it. We spend the night in tents.
Distance: ≈ 3.6 km, altitude difference: +470 / -70 m, travel time: ≈ 3-4 hours.
The glacier is gently climbed to the assault camp of Mera Peak, this is where we will start our ascent from tonight! The camp is settled on a stony slope of the mountain, there is not much room for improvement. We have dinner, check our gear before going up, and lie down to rest.
Distance: ≈ 2.5 km, altitude difference: +430 m, travel time: ≈ 2 hours.
Getting up at 3 in the morning. Gathering, morning tea and going out. It will take us 3 to 5 hours to get to the top, depending on how fast we climb. On the ascent we do not hurry, we go step by step, stopping for a breath. Most likely, we would meet the dawn either on the summit or on the approaches to it. The dawn at an altitude of over 6,000 meters will be the most beautiful reward for the difficulties we have overcome on the way to the mountain. We'll spend about half an hour (weather permitting) on the summit enjoying the great views.
Mera Peak is at some distance from the other high mountains, which provides a great 360-degree panorama. From one point we will see five eight-thousanders: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu - where else is it possible?
We descend to the assault camp, have a little rest and continue our descent to Kare.
Distance: ≈ 9 km, altitude difference: +700 / -1500 m, travel time: ≈ 9-12 hours.
The way back flies by unnoticed. Tired but satisfied with ourselves and with a sense of accomplishment, descent familiar trails to Kote.
Sometimes participants from Kare fly to Lukla/Kathmandu by helicopter. The cost of such a flight is $500-1000 per person. Depending on the number of people (payment per board, not per person) and the availability of helicopters. The team leader walks back on foot, but if you want him to fly with you, you will need to pay for the flight as well.
Distance: ≈ 14 km, altitude difference: +80 / -1400 m, travel time: ≈ 4-5 hours.
Mist of the climbs? I doubt it, but it can't be helped, on the way to Lukla we have to go over Zatetra La again. Today we will reach the Thali Kharka village.
But there is nothing to be done, on the way to Lukla we need to cross the Zaptra La again. Today we will reach the village of Tali Kharka.
Distance: ≈ 7.1 km, elevation difference: +1100 / -400 m, travel time: ≈ 4-5 hours.
We pass the familiar pass and descend to Chuchenga Lodge or directly to Lukla.
Distance: ≈ 10.5 km, altitude difference: +450 / -1900 m, travel time: ≈ 6-7 hours.
This day can be used as a backup, in case of bad weather on Mera.
If everything went according to plan, we will try to change the flight (but this is not always possible) or rest day in Lukla.
If we are lucky, we take an early morning flight to Kathmandu, where we check into a hotel and explore the local sights. If there is no weather, we stay in Lukla to wait for better weather.
This day can be used as a second reserve.
If everything goes according to plan, today we will visit the main attractions of Kathmandu - Swayambunath Monkey Temple, Bodnath Stupa and Pashupatinath Hindu temple complex (where cremations take place). If you have been to all these places we will offer you an alternative program.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner and presentation of certificates for the ascent.
We recommend taking evening flights, then if you use the reserve days you can see the sights of the capital of Nepal today and fly home in the evening.
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, teamleader has the right to make changes in the itinerary. Decisions of teamleader are binding and not subject to discussion.
Visa to Nepal is issued directly at the border. Detailed instructions on how to apply here >>. We need a 30-day visa, which costs $40.
To get a visa, you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
Climbing Mera Peak opens up many peaks for you. We recommend:
As in other regions of Nepal, there are two seasons for climbing in the Himalayas: spring (April to the end of May) and fall (October to November). If you go in spring, you should be prepared for a lot of snow on the ascent. A big plus during this period is the blooming rhododendron forests, which provide incredible contrasting pictures against the snow-white mountains. In the afternoon in spring the sky is often covered with clouds and at about 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon it may start raining or snowing. But by this time we usually get to the lodges. Autumn is warmer, there are almost no clouds, the snow is already melted everywhere, and there are significantly fewer hikers on the trail.
Most of the expedition is at high altitude. Daytime temperature will be around +15...+20 degrees, at night it may drop to -15. Rains are rare. Typical weather for the mountain regions is clear morning and cloudy evening.
You should buy tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the trek. The most convenient way to fly with AirArabia and FlyDubai, you should use their websites to buy tickets. You can buy tickets with AirArabia and FlyDubai on their website. On boarding you'll need the credit card, with which the tickets were paid for - don't forget it! Round trip tickets cost from $500-$700. Another great option - Turkish Airlines, it's a little more expensive, but many times more comfortable.
To find the cheapest tickets you can use the form below:
Thanks to the fact that we sleep and eat at the lodges, the backpacks on the route will be relatively light. Besides there is always a possibility to hire a porter, that's why we strongly recommend all the participants. He will carry the main part of your luggage (up to 12 kg), and you will carry a small rucksack with warm jacket, water, documents and money.
The best way to prepare for the mountain climbing is running (about 10-12 km 2-3 times a week), squats, cardio exercises, which will not only increase your endurance, but also train your legs for the daily walks. The better you are physically fit, the easier you will tolerate altitude, acclimatize and enjoy the program and the scenery around you more.
For more tips and advice, see the article "Physical preparation for mountain hiking."
In Kathmandu we will stay at the Hotel Arts 4*. Standard accommodation in 2-bed rooms.
During the trek we live in lodges, which are tourist shelters with a public shower and toilet (sometimes in the room). Food we order in the same lodge where we live. Rooms are very simple, small, for 2-3 people, not heated. Of furniture there are often only beds. Beds are made with linens, but it is recommended to take your sleeping bag and sleep in it. Upon request, you can ask the hosts for a blanket. Electricity is available in almost all loggias, but there are rarely outlets in the rooms.
To better understand the living conditions, we highly recommend watching some examples of lodges from our tracks. Click on the name: good lodge in Namche Bazar with a shower in the room, basic lodge in Dole - without shower and with ice in the washbasin, cool rooms at Eco Resort in Gokyo, standard lodge in Chukung, mug of tea after a night in the room in Gorak Shep. Even if you sleep in other localities, the lodges will be about the same level.
Individual accommodation is possible for the entire program, it costs +$250. Be sure to notify the manager in advance.
During the ascent we live in tents (we provide).
The menu at all lodges is extremely varied (different types of eggs, pasta, soups, potatoes, pizza, rice). An interesting feature is that the same dishes in different lodges can be cooked differently and taste completely different! Food prices increase proportionally with altitude. On average, it will take $15-$25 per day to eat normally.
For an example, see some of the most expensive prices on the route in Gokyo Village, and here's a folder with photos of menus and food from other lodges on the Everest trek. On the way to Island Peak, the price order is about the same.
Let's face it, some people like Nepalese food a lot, but there are also those who "don't get it". You can take some bacon and sausage stick with you.
We eat freeze-dried food during the ascent.
This is the most unpredictable part of our program, and a lot depends on it. On the way there, it can affect the schedule of our route and all lodge bookings; on the way back — your comfort, and sometimes even return flights from Kathmandu home.
The program description lists a simplified, typical version of the Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu flight. Below are more detailed explanations of the possible options:
We do everything possible to get you to Lukla and back to Kathmandu comfortably and without extra charges (or with minimal ones). However, weather conditions and Nepal’s internal flight regulations may cause disruptions. We don’t like it either — but it is what it is. We kindly ask you to approach these inconveniences with Buddhist patience and to have a financial backup in case a helicopter flight becomes necessary.
These people are porters who carry your things for money. One porter can carry no more than 24 kg. The cost of this service is about $ 20 per day, but you can take one porter for two - it will be twice cheaper! It is not customary to feel sorry for porters, no matter how much they might unload on themselves. Nor is it customary to invite them to your table. Porters have their own room in the lodges where they eat and sleep with their friends. The best thanks on your part would be a tip equal to the porter's daily wage. So prepare an extra $20-30 to tip the porter and the Nepali guide. For more details about the porter's work, see the article "Porter on the trek - to take or not to take".
Visa to Nepal is issued directly at the border, the cost of visa for 30 days of stay - $50. Detailed instructions on how to apply here >>
To get a visa you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
The currency of the country is Nepalese rupee. The exchange rate is about 100 rupees to one dollar. You can exchange at the hotel reception or at the exchange office, which we have long had an agreement with for a more favorable rate. Teamleader will take you to the right place. It's noteworthy that Nepalis are very careless about paper money - so don't be surprised if you get a bundle of rupees pierced with a stapler - it's quite normal. All expenses en route are in rupees only. Exchange about $300-400 for them before the trek. Bank cards are only accepted at some points in Kathmandu, so be sure to take cash. Plus, there are big restrictions on ATM cash withdrawals, and the fees are simply robbery. Buy souvenirs at the stalls in Thamel (the tourist district of Kathmandu), not at the sights. Always haggle with the Nepalese; sometimes the price can be discounted several times over.
Everyone probably knows that Nepal is famous for extremely cheap travel gear. Well, it really is! You can buy a flicer for $5, a down jacket from $30, trekking poles from $10. But you have to understand that despite the tag - it's not branded equipment, but made somewhere in the local basements. There are stores with the original, but prices are the same as ours. In general, do not necessarily carry a whole pile of equipment from home, most you can buy cheap already on the spot. Tourist stores simply unreal number. Read more about equipment in a separate article =>>.
To participate in the program, you need to take good insurance that is valid at altitudes up to 6,500 m, covers mountain hiking, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. Our insurance recommendations can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar Hikers".
The cost depends on the number of participants.
👉 In the spring, the cost of the program is $150 higher than in the fall, because permit is more expensive.
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | $2600 |
| 4 | $2850 |
| 3 | $3100 |
| 2 | $4100 |
Total mandatory expenses, which are not included in the price, will be approximately $1300 + airfare to Nepal. We recommend that you bring about $1000 more for emergencies. Of these, we recommend exchanging about $600-800 dollars for rupees.
If the amount of prepayment is too much for you at the moment, but you still want to book a place, write to the consultant and he will break it down into comfortable parts.
👉 Check out: payment methods and refund conditions in case of cancellation or departure from the route
Dear friends! We kindly ask you to choose dollar banknotes issued in 2009 or newer. Banknotes of the 90s are not accepted in many countries, and we sometimes have problems with payments with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and happy new dollars :)
*Please note: the consultant will help with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but it is not his task to purchase them. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance
