Mera Peak

Mera Peak (6,476m) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal — meaning the highest peak accessible without full mountaineering training. It sits in the Hinku valley, southeast of the Khumbu proper, and is typically approached via Lukla and then a seldom-walked route over the Zatrawala Pass (4,600m) that gives excellent views of the Khumbu from the outside. The approach is remote and requires at least 18–20 days for the full expedition.

The summit is accessed via the Mera La glacier (5,415m) and a steep snow slope to the north summit (6,476m). Crampons, ice axe, and rope are required. The standard route is not technically difficult but is exposed and demanding at altitude. A summit dawn, with the six 8,000m peaks visible, is one of the great Himalayan experiences available to non-climbers.

Most teams include a guide who can provide basic glacier instruction and manage the ropes on the summit section. Equipment can be rented or brought from Kathmandu. The permit system and logistics are best handled by a registered trekking agency. The season matches the Khumbu: October-November and March-May.

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From the summit of Mera Peak on a clear day, you can see six of the world's fourteen 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kangchenjunga, and Dhaulagiri. No other accessible trekking peak in Nepal offers this combination. The ascent itself involves a long glacial approach and a final ice slope but no technical rock climbing, making it achievable by fit trekkers with basic crampon experience.

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