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Generated June 24, 2026

Mera Peak Climb Via Zatra La Pass

Duration18 Days
DifficultyChallenging
Max Altitude6,476m
Best SeasonMarch to June and September to November
Trek StyleTeahouse and Camping
RegionPeak Climbing

Overview

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.

Trip Highlights

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.

At a Glance

  • Summit Mera Peak (6,476m), Nepal's highest trekking peak
  • Classic Zatra La Pass (4,610m) approach into the Hinku Valley
  • Non-technical glacier walk to the summit
  • Views of Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu from the top
  • Mera La High Camp at 5,415m below the summit glacier
  • Walk through the remote Hinku Valley
  • NMA permit and climbing Sherpa included
  • Most direct route to Mera Peak from Lukla
  • Full board with TAAN guide and climbing Sherpa
  • All permits: Sagarmatha NP, NMA peak permit

Elevation Profile

2,000m3,000m4,000m5,000m1,345mKathmandu2,804mLukla3,020mChutang4,610mZatra La Pa...4,095mKothe4,350mThangnag4,900mKhare5,300mMera Base C...5,800mMera High C...6,476mMera Peak S...4,200mThuli Kharka2,804mLukla1,345mKathmandu

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

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

Day 2

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

1,345mHotel

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Chutang

3,020m4h walkingTeahouse

Morning flight to Lukla (2,800 m) and trek to Chutang (3,020 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 4

Cross Zatra La Pass to Khartitang

3,900m6h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Khartitang (3,900 m) via Zatra La Pass (4,610 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 5

Trek to Kothe

4,095m5h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 6

Trek to Thangnak

4,350m6h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 7

Acclimatization Day at Thangnak

4,350mTeahouse

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.

Day 8

Trek to Khare

4,900m4h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 9

Trek to Mera La & Base Camp

5,300m5h walkingTented Camp

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.

Day 10

Climb to High Camp

5,800m5h walkingTented Camp

Climb from Base Camp 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

Spare Day for Bad Weather

4,900mTeahouse

Spare day in case of bad weather. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 13

Trek to Kothe

3,600m6h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 14

Trek to Thuli Kharka

4,200m6h walkingTeahouse

Trek to Thuli Kharka (4,200 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 15

Trek to Lukla

2,800m7h walkingTeahouse

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

Day 16

Flight to Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

1,345mHotel

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18

Departure

1,345mTransfer

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

What's Included

Included

  • 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.

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 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.

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 Zatra La cost?

Our 18-day package starts from USD 2,475, including all permits, climbing Sherpa, camping equipment, full board, and guide.

Is this route easier than the Paiya route?

Same summit difficulty. The Zatra La approach is more direct (18 days vs 17 days Paiya) but involves crossing a pass at 4,610m early in the trek. The Paiya route is more scenic but longer on the approach.

What climbing skills do I need?

Basic crampon walking on glacier ice. No jumar, no fixed ropes, no rock climbing. Roped glacier travel only.

When is the best season?

April to May and October to November.

What is the success rate?

70 to 80 percent in good weather. Highest of any 6,000m peak in Nepal.

How is Mera Peak different from Island Peak?

Mera Peak (6,476m) is higher but non-technical (glacier walk). Island Peak (6,189m) is lower but has a steep summit ridge with fixed ropes. Mera is for trekkers wanting altitude; Island Peak is for trekkers wanting technical climbing.

What equipment is provided?

Climbing rope, crampons, harness, helmet, camping equipment. You bring mountaineering boots and warm layers.

Can I combine Mera Peak with Island Peak?

Yes, the Mera-Island Peak combination is possible in about 25 days via the Amphu Lapcha Pass. Discuss with your trip planner.

Why This Trek

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.

Non-technical summit: roped glacier walk, accessible to fit trekkers with basic crampon skills.

The Hinku Valley is remote, beautiful, and sees very few trekking groups.

Is This Trek Right for You?

  • 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.