Arrival in Kathmandu
KathmanduArrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.


Summit Mera Peak (6,476m) via the classic Zatra La Pass route. Cross Zatra La (4,610m) into the Hinku Valley, base camp at Mera La (5,415m), and a non-technical glacier walk to the summit. 18 days, from USD 2,475.
The Zatra La crossing (4,610m) from Lukla gives quick access to the remote Hinku Valley. Within two days of Lukla you are in territory that feels genuinely wild.
The summit of Mera Peak at 6,476m offers the highest non-technical viewpoint in Nepal. Five 8,000-meter peaks line the horizon.
The Mera La high camp at 5,415m sits on a snow col below the summit glacier. The pre-dawn start for summit day reveals the Hinku Valley in moonlight with Mera Peak's glacier glowing above.
Mera Peak via Zatra La Pass is the classic 18-day route to Nepal's highest trekking peak (6,476m). From Lukla the trail heads south over Zatra La Pass (4,610m) into the Hinku Valley, then climbs to Mera Base Camp (4,850m) and High Camp at Mera La (5,415m). The summit is a roped glacier walk on gentle slopes, no fixed ropes or steep ice.
The Zatra La approach is the most direct route, crossing the pass from Lukla into the Hinku Valley in 3 days. The valley is remote, with very few teahouses and mostly camping. Khare (5,045m) serves as an intermediate camp before the Mera La high camp.
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park and NMA peak permit. All included.
For the scenic eastern approach, the Mera Peak Climb Via Paiya Route passes through Makalu Barun NP in 17 days. For a lower, more technical Khumbu peak, Island Peak Climbing (6,189m) combines with EBC in 19 days.
18 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Morning flight to Lukla (2,800 m) and trek to Chutang (3,020 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Khartitang (3,900 m) via Zatra La Pass (4,610 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Kothe (4,095 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Thangnak (4,350 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Rest and acclimatization day at Thangnak. Visit Sabal Tsho Lake and take an acclimatization hike to the cairn (5,271 m) on the flank of Kusum Kanguru Peak. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Khare (4,900 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Mera La (5,415 m) and Base Camp (5,300 m), approximately 5 hours. Training to become familiar with crampons, rope, and ice axe. Overnight at tented camp.
Climb from Base Camp to High Camp (5,800 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
Summit Mera Peak (6,476 m) and return to Khare (4,900 m), approximately 10 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Spare day in case of bad weather. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Kothe (3,600 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,200 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Lukla (2,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three or four-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights), breakfast included.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) during the trek.
Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.
Sagarmatha National Park permit and all other necessary permits.
Flight fare from Lukla to Kathmandu, including airport departure taxes.
Surface transfer from Kathmandu.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).
All applicable government taxes.
Tourist service charge and VAT.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.
Travel insurance (compulsory).
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
Highest trekking peak in Nepal. 6,476m with no technical climbing required.
Five 8,000m peaks from the summit: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu.
Most direct approach to Mera Peak via Zatra La. Efficient access from Lukla.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You want the most direct route to Mera Peak's summit from Lukla.
You can walk 6 to 7 hours a day for 14 trekking days plus a summit day.
Basic crampon walking on glacier ice is the main skill required.
Prior experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended.
Budget is USD 2,475 including NMA permit, climbing Sherpa, and camping gear.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Climbing boots
Harness
Crampons
Ice axe
Tapes and slings
Carabiners
Ice screws
Snow bars
Rock pegs
Helmet
Climbing rucksack
Day bag
Kit bag
Ascenders
Descenders
Base layer t shirts
Long sleeved cotton and woollen shirts
Long wool underwear
Cotton hiking shorts
Warm climbing trousers
Lightweight fleece
Fleece or wool mid layer
Down high altitude sleeping bag
Sleeping pad or thermarest
Light athletic socks and wool climbing socks
Lightweight thermal and insulated ski gloves
Head torch with spare batteries
Waterproof climbing jacket
Down jacket and trousers
Climbing sunglasses
Sun cream
Sun hat
Gaiters
Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.