or press Ctrl+P
Generated June 24, 2026

Mera Peak Climb Via Paiya Route

Duration17 Days
DifficultyStrenuous
Max Altitude6,476m
Best SeasonMarch to May and September to November
Trek StyleTeaHouse and Camping
RegionPeak Climbing

Overview

Mera Peak (6,476m) via the Paiya route is a 17-day climb through Makalu Barun National Park, approaching from the east. The Paiya route is longer and more scenic than the standard Zatra La approach, passing through rhododendron forests and remote Rai villages before reaching the Hinku Valley and Mera Base Camp. The summit route is a non-technical glacier walk, making Mera Peak the most accessible 6,000m+ summit in Nepal.

From Lukla the trail heads east to Paiya, then south through forest and over a ridge into the Hinku Valley. Mera Base Camp (4,850m) and High Camp at Mera La (5,415m) provide acclimatization. The summit glacier is straightforward: roped glacier travel on gentle slopes to the summit at 6,476m.

Permits: Makalu Barun National Park and NMA peak permit. All included.

For the standard approach via Zatra La Pass, the Mera Peak Climb Via Zatra La Pass is 18 days (USD 2,475). For a lower, more technical peak in the Khumbu, Island Peak Climbing (6,189m) combines with EBC in 19 days.

Trip Highlights

The Paiya approach through Makalu Barun NP passes through dense rhododendron forest, remote Rai villages, and river valleys before opening into the Hinku. The scenery is more varied than the direct Zatra La approach.

The summit glacier of Mera Peak is gentle enough to walk roped but unclimbed. No fixed ropes, no steep ice. The panorama from 6,476m includes five of the six highest mountains on Earth: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. Standing at 6,476m, you are higher than any point on the EBC, ABC, or Annapurna Circuit treks. The altitude experience is unmatched for a non-technical climb.

At a Glance

  • Summit Mera Peak (6,476m), Nepal's highest trekking peak
  • Scenic Paiya route through Makalu Barun National Park
  • Non-technical glacier walk to the summit, no fixed rope climbing
  • Views from summit: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu
  • Base camp at Mera La (5,415m) below the summit glacier
  • Walk through rhododendron forests and remote Rai villages
  • NMA permit and climbing Sherpa included
  • Less crowded approach than the standard Zatra La route
  • Full board with TAAN guide and climbing Sherpa
  • All permits: Makalu Barun NP, NMA peak permit

Elevation Profile

2,000m3,000m4,000m5,000m1,317mKathmandu2,730mPaiya3,150mNingsow4,095mKothe4,350mThangnag4,900mKhare5,415mMera La5,800mMera High C...6,476mMera Peak S...4,250mThuli Kharka2,800mLukla1,317mKathmandu

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Paiya

2,730m9h walkingGuesthouse

Early-morning 25-minute flight to Lukla (2,800 m), then trek to Paiya (2,730 m), approximately 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 3

Trek to Pangom

2,846m6h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Pangom (2,846 m), approximately 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 4

Trek to Ningsow

3,150m8h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Ningsow (Sibuje) (3,150 m), approximately 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 5

Trek to Chhatra Khola

3,150m8h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Chhatra Khola (3,150 m), approximately 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 6

Trek to Kothe

4,095m5h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Kothe (4,095 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 7

Trek to Thangnak

4,350m6h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Thangnak (4,350 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 8

Trek to Khare

4,900m4h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Khare (4,900 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 9

Acclimatization & Practice at Khare

4,900mGuesthouse

Acclimatization day and climbing practice at Khare. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 10

Trek to Mera La & High Camp

5,800m5h walkingTented Camp

Trek to Mera La (5,415 m) and continue to High Camp (5,800 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 11

Summit Mera Peak & Descend to Khare

4,900m10h walkingTeahouse

Summit Mera Peak (6,476 m) and return to Khare (4,900 m), approximately 10 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 12

Trek to Kothe

3,600m6h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Kothe (3,600 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 13

Trek to Thuli Kharka

4,250m6h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,250 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 14

Trek to Lukla

2,800m7h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Lukla (2,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 15

Flight to Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17

Departure

1,345mTransfer

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

What's Included

Included

  • All ground transportation (including airport pickup and departure transfer) in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • 3 nights twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • Farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant.
  • Half-day guided tour of Kathmandu Valley.
  • All domestic airfares as per the itinerary (Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu), transfers, and airport taxes.
  • Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee) during the trek and Mera Peak climb as per the itinerary.
  • Best available twin-sharing accommodation at teahouses and lodges during the trek, and tented camp during the climbing section (two-person tents).
  • Mera Peak climbing permit, Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu Barun National Park entry fees and permits.
  • Necessary group climbing gear (main rope, fixed rope, ice axe, ice screws, etc.) and personal climbing equipment for climbers such as crampons, harness, tape slings, screw-gate carabiners, descender, prussic loops, and plastic mountaineering boots.
  • One English-speaking trekking and climbing guide (first-aid trained, NMA-certified climbing leader), assistant trek/climb guide in group, and Sherpa helpers to carry trek luggage, food, and kitchen utensils. All staff payments included.
  • Oxygen for backup use if required on climb days (additional cost applies, US$100 per hour).
  • Four-season sleeping bag and down jacket for the trek and climb to Mera Peak (to be returned after use), plus a trek duffel bag.
  • Exclusive medical kit bag including high-altitude medicine.
  • Adventure climb certificate.
  • All government and local taxes as applicable.

Not Included

  • 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 and climbing equipment.
  • Tips for trekking and climbing staff.
  • Monument entrance fees.
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Equipment Checklist

Climbing bootsHarnessCramponsIce axeTapes and slingsCarabinersIce screwsSnow barsRock pegsHelmetClimbing rucksackDay bagKit bagAscendersDescendersBase layer t shirtsLong sleeved cotton and woollen shirtsLong wool underwearCotton hiking shortsWarm climbing trousersLightweight fleeceFleece or wool mid layerDown high altitude sleeping bagSleeping pad or thermarestLight athletic socks and wool climbing socksLightweight thermal and insulated ski glovesHead torch with spare batteriesWaterproof climbing jacketDown jacket and trousersClimbing sunglassesSun creamSun hatGaiters

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mera Peak via Paiya cost?

Our 17-day package starts from USD 2,475, including all permits, climbing Sherpa, camping equipment, full board meals, and trek guide.

Is Mera Peak technical?

No. The summit route is a roped glacier walk on gentle slopes. No fixed ropes, no steep ice, no rock climbing. Basic crampon walking is the main skill needed.

How high is Mera Peak?

6,476 meters. It is the highest trekking peak in Nepal, higher than Island Peak (6,189m) or Lobuche East (6,119m).

What is the Paiya route?

An eastern approach through Makalu Barun National Park via Paiya village. Longer than the standard Zatra La route but more scenic, passing through rhododendron forest and remote villages.

When is the best climbing season?

April to May and October to November. May offers the most stable glacier conditions.

What can I see from the summit?

Five 8,000m peaks: Everest (8,849m), Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,485m), and Cho Oyu (8,188m). Plus dozens of 6,000m and 7,000m peaks.

How does Paiya differ from Zatra La route?

Paiya approaches from the east through Makalu Barun NP (more scenic, less crowded). Zatra La approaches from the north via Lukla and a high pass (shorter, more direct). Same summit, different approach trail.

What is the success rate?

Around 70 to 80 percent in good weather. Mera Peak has the highest success rate of any 6,000m peak in Nepal because the route is non-technical.

Why This Trek

The highest you can stand in Nepal without technical mountaineering. 6,476m on a glacier walk.

Five of the six highest mountains on Earth visible from the summit.

The Paiya route through Makalu Barun is more scenic and less crowded than the standard approach.

Non-technical summit: roped glacier travel, no fixed ropes, no steep ice. Accessible to fit trekkers with basic crampon skills.

The Hinku Valley approach below Mera Peak is one of the most beautiful and least-visited valleys in the Nepal Himalaya.

Is This Trek Right for You?

  • You want to stand on a 6,000m+ summit without technical climbing. Mera Peak is a glacier walk, not a climb.
  • You can walk 6 to 7 hours a day for 13 trekking days plus 1 summit day of 8 to 10 hours.
  • Basic crampon walking on glacier ice is the main skill required. No jumar, no fixed ropes, no rock climbing.
  • Prior experience above 5,000m is strongly recommended. You sleep at 5,415m (Mera La) before the summit.
  • Budget is USD 2,475 including NMA permit, climbing Sherpa, and camping equipment.