Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek with Mera Peak
Mountain Hawk Trek
Makalu & Kanchenjunga RegionStrenuous

Amphu Lapcha Pass Trekwith Mera Peak

Cross the technical Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,845m) and summit Mera Peak (6,476m) on a demanding 21-day route through the eastern Khumbu. Glacier crossing, fixed ropes, and Nepal's highest trekking peak. From USD 3,575.

View Itinerary
21
DaysTotal trek duration
6476m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$3,575
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Amphu Lapcha Pass at 5,845m is one of the highest and most technical trekking passes in Nepal. The glacier crossing demands crampons, fixed ropes, and alpine skills. The view from the pass spans Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and the Hongu Basin.

After the pass, the route descends into the wild Hongu Valley, one of the least-visited valleys in the Nepal Himalaya. The transition from technical glacier to remote valley is striking.

Mera Peak (6,476m) at the end of the route is the reward: Nepal's highest trekking peak with a non-technical glacier walk to the summit. Five 8,000m peaks visible from the top.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek with Mera Peak is a 21-day route that crosses the technical Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,845m) between the Everest and Makalu regions, then continues south to summit Mera Peak (6,476m). This is one of the most demanding non-expedition routes in Nepal, combining a technical pass crossing with a trekking peak summit.

The route starts from Lukla, follows the EBC trail to Chukhung, then branches east to Amphu Lapcha Pass. The pass requires glacier crossing with fixed ropes and crampons. After crossing, the trail descends into the Hongu Valley and continues to the Hinku Valley for the Mera Peak approach via Mera La (5,415m).

Permits: Sagarmatha NP, Makalu Barun NP, NMA peak permit. All included.

For Mera Peak without the Amphu Lapcha crossing, the Mera Peak Climb Via Zatra La Pass is 18 days (USD 2,475). For trekking in the same eastern Khumbu area, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek reaches Nepal's third-highest peak in 21 days.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
5,570m4,507m3,444m2,380m1,317mKathmanduPaiyaPangomaRamailo DandaChhatrakholaKotheThangnagKhareKongma DingmaSeto PokhariAmphu Laptsa Base CampNamcheLuklaKathmandu5,570m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

21 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

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

1,345mHotel
Day02

Sightseeing & Trek Preparation

Kathmandu

Sightseeing and trek preparation day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Fly to Lukla & Trek to Paiya

Paiya

Early morning 35-minute flight to Lukla (2,800 m), then trek to Paiya (2,730 m), approximately 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at guesthouse.

2,730m9h trekGuesthouse1,385m
Day04

Trek to Pangom

Pangom

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

2,846m6h trekTeahouse116m
Day05

Trek to Ramailo Danda

Ramailo Danda

Trek to Ramailo Danda (3,550 m), approximately 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,550m8h trekTeahouse704m
Day06

Trek to Chhatra Khola

Chhatra Khola

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

3,150m8h trekTeahouse400m
Day07

Trek to Kothe

Kothe

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

4,095m5h trekTeahouse945m
Day08

Trek to Thangnak

Thangnak

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

4,350m6h trekTeahouse255m
Day09

Trek to Khare

Khare

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

4,900m4h trekTeahouse550m
Day10

Acclimatization & Practice at Khare

Khare

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

4,900mGuesthouse
Day11

Trek to Mera La & High Camp

Mera High Camp

Trek to Mera La (5,415 m) and continue to High Camp (5,800 m), approximately 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

5,800m9h trekTented Camp900m
Day12

Summit Mera Peak & Descend to Kongma Dingma

Kongma Dingma

Summit Mera Peak (6,476 m) and descend to Kongma Dingma (4,800 m), approximately 10 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

4,800m10h trekTented Camp1,000m
Day13

Extra Day for Summit

Kongma Dingma

Reserve day for the summit in case of weather delays.

4,800mTented Camp
Day14

Trek to Seto Pokhari

Seto Pokhari

Trek from Kongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari (5,000 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

5,000m6h trekTented Camp200m
Day15

Trek to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp

Amphu Lapcha BC

Trek from Seto Pokhari to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp (5,570 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.

5,570m6h trekTented Camp570m
Day16

Cross Amphu Lapcha to Chhukung

Chhukung

Cross Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,845 m) and trek down to Chhukung, approximately 10 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,700m10h trekTeahouse870m
Day17

Trek to Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar

Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,480 m), approximately 8 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,480m8h trekTeahouse1,220m
Day18

Trek to Lukla

Lukla

Trek to Lukla (2,800 m), approximately 8 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,800m8h trekTeahouse680m
Day19

Flight to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel1,455m
Day20

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day21

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
1 Pax to 10 Pax
USD 3,575per person
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

16

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.

Weight allowance of 15 kg maximum per group member on the Lukla flight and for porters.

Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee) during the trek and Mera Peak climb.

Best available twin-sharing accommodation at teahouses and lodges during the trek, and tented camp during the climbing section, including two-person tents and sleeping pads at no extra cost.

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 or abseil device, 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

9

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, laundry, and bottled water.

Personal trekking and climbing equipment.

Tips for trekking and climbing staff.

Monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

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.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Two major high-altitude achievements in one trip: a technical 5,845m pass and a 6,476m summit.

Thrill

The Hongu and Hinku valleys are among the wildest and least-visited in Nepal.

Connection

Amphu Lapcha is genuine alpine terrain: glacier, fixed ropes, and exposure at 5,845m.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You are an experienced trekker/climber seeking the most demanding non-expedition route in the Khumbu.

You have glacier crossing skills: crampons, fixed ropes, and comfort on steep ice.

You can handle 21 days at altitude with extended time above 5,000m.

Prior experience above 5,500m is essential. The pass at 5,845m and summit at 6,476m demand proven altitude tolerance.

Budget is USD 3,575 including all permits, climbing Sherpa, camping gear, and NMA peak permit.

Gear Up

What to pack

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.

Equipment

Packing checklist

34 items

Climbing boots

Harness

Crampon

Ice axe

Tapes/slings

Karabiners

Ice screws

Snow bars

Deadmen

Rock pegs

Crash hat

Rucksack

Day bag

Kit bag

Ascenders

Descenders

T-shirts

Lip salve

Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts

Wool long underwear

Long cotton hiking shorts

Warm climbing trousers

Lightweight fleece

Fleece/wool for climbing

Down high altitude sleeping bag

Sleeping pad (karrimat) or thermarest

Light cotton athletic socks and wool climbing socks

Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves

Head torch/batteries/bulbs

Water proof climbing jacket

Down jacket/trousers/vest

Climbing sunglasses

Sun screen

Sun hat

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. Trip Video Crossing Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek Other Related Trekking

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
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Trail Stories

What trekkers say

Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.

5.0/ 5
3 verified reviews
LM
Lindsay MacDonald
AustraliaMay 2018

Gokyo Ri, Cho La pass, & Island Peak !

Gokyo Ri, Cho La pass, & Island Peak! Prem, Weather god, protector of stomachs, and guide extraordinaire! I cannot speak highly enough of Prem and Mountain Hawk trekking. Prem led us on an amazing 22 trek through Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass and the summit of Island Peak. It was the adventure of a lifetime and Prem made sure it was perfect. He had everything organised and he quickly adapted plans and arrangements when things needed to change. He managed our acclimatisation well, taking us up slowly and monitoring our O2 each day. He also kept us away from dodgy foods and no one got sick. While others were flown back down the valley, we continued. He also has a great sense of humour and was really part of our team. And the porters are fantastic! Those tough guys carried all of our stuff, helped us over Cho La Pass and were always smiling. The Island Peak summit was as amazing as the climb was hard. Without Prem’s acclimatisation and preparation we wouldn’t have made it. In years to come I will bring my children to see the beauty Nepalese mountains and I will definitely go with Prem. Thanks for an amazing experience!

Verified trekker
TL
Team Libra
United KingdomNovember 2013

Best trekking Company for Gokyo valley

Only 2 members of our team of 18 had been to Nepal before and both times with Prem and his team at Mountain Hawk (MH). The fact that we chose MH again is a testament to their excellent organisation and ability to manage such a large group. There was a lot of correspondence before the trip which was very efficiently handled by Prem and his guidance in preparing us for the expedition was invaluable. As you can imagine, looking after each one of a group of 18 with diverse needs is not easy but throughout the trip, the entire crew was superb and attended to all our needs with patience and a smile. There were some tricky moments as weather conditions were testing but their encouragement and support got us through. Above all, we all had a lot of fun and laughter with them as we felt they were like a family to us. Thank you MH from all our hearts and look forward to more trips with you. UK and Kenya, London and Nairobi

Verified trekker
PM
Polly Marley
United KingdomNovember 2011

Absolutely first class

I had a wonderful week in Nepal in 2007 on the Poon Hill trek. I was very fortunate to have Prem (Pandit) as my guide. Prem is a very experienced guide who speaks excellent English. He was a delight to spend time with as he was able to tell me all about the mountains and the flora and fauna. He was also able to tell me about the local customs and lifestyles of the people who live in the small Himalayan villages. Prem goes out of his way to make sure that you are comfortable at all times. I wholeheartedly recommend Prem as a guide. He is absolutely first class.

Verified trekker