Trip Profile: 30 Days Trip
03 Nights in Kathmandu  
27 Days Trekking plus climbing

At the lofty height of 6476m, Mera is Nepal's highest trekking peak and boasts an absolutely stunning summit panorama that includes 5 of the world's 8000m peaks - Kanchenjunga, Malaku, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Everest. Flying into the Khumbu by way of the airstrip at Lukla allows our groups to spend as much time as possible acclimatizing in the high and lovely Hinku Valley below Mera. Although physically very demanding, the climbing itself is quite technically straightforward, on snow slopes which rarely exceed 30 degrees. Far and above the most rewarding aspect of a trip to Mera is a chance to venture into an isolated and unspoilt wilderness of massive moraines, glacial lakes and spectacular peaks in Nepal and, also the amazing spectacle of sunrise on Everest and Kanchenjunga, as we slowly ascend to Mera's triple summits, makes this one of the finest vantage points in Nepal.

Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be taken to your hotel. While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's many charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali well come dinner await for you.  O/N in Kathmandu.

DAY 02: KATHMANDU CITY TOUR
After breakfast, we'll visit Swayambhunath temple, and said to be 2000 years stupa on a hillock offers breath-taking view of Kathmandu City. We will then processed to Visit Pasupatinath and Bouddhanath. After lunch  we'll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan (Lalitpur) - which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch  the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. O/N in Kathmandu. O/N in KTM.

DAY 03: KATHMANDU - LUKLA
This morning we will be transferred from your hotel to Kathmandu airport for our domestic flight to Lukla. The flight itself is awe-inspiring as we fly parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flying time to Lukla is approximately 40 minutes. Upon arrival in Lukla, we will be met by our local guides and porters. There will be time to explore the village whilst the Sherpa crew sort and load equipment. Lukla lies at an altitude  of 2850m ("luk la" = place of sheep). Meet Sherpa & crew, and free at leisure to explore around. Tent-Camping.

DAY 04: LUKLA - CHUTANGA (Trek)
Embark on trek traversing through thick forest, cascading streams & 2 passes to Chutanga (3060m). Tent-Camping.

DAY 05: CHUTANGA - HIGH CAMP (Trek)
Trek on wild, rugged & rock landscape towards Zatarwa La Pass (4610m) and harbouring at Chutanga High Camp for acclimatization. Tent-Camping.

DAY 06: HIGH CAMP - TULI KHARKA (Trek)
Push on towards Zatrwa La Pass (4610m), marked by mani & chorten, before dropping steeply into the stream-filled, boulder strew valley of Tuli Kharka (4380m). Tent-Camping.

DAY 07: TULI KHARKA - TASHING ONGMA (Trek)
The trail crosses several steep spurs with tall blue Himalayan pine and there are glimpses of the South face of Mera along the way. A steep descent to the river put us in Tashing Ongma (3580m). Tent-Camping.

DAY 08: TASHING ONGMA - TANGNAG (Trek)
Following the west bank of Hinku Drangka northwards, we ascend gradually via the kharkas of Godishung, Dupishung & Lungsamba where a gompa sits by the way. Beyond Lungsamba the valley narrows between the flanks of Kusum Kanguru & Mera before reaching Tangnag (4360m) in a superb setting. Tent-Camping.

DAY 09: TANGNAG - KHARE (Trek)
From Tangnag the valley steepens and bends sharply to the east towards Dig Glacier & Dig Kharka (4660m), and followed by more moraines & streams of the Hinku Nup & Shar Glacier. Climb steeply to Khare (5090m) overlooking the Mera La Pass. Tent-Camping / Teahouse.

DAY 10: KHARE (Acclimatization)
The most important key to acclimatization to high altitudes is a slow ascent. Therefore it's imperative that we spend an additional night at Khare to aid our acclimatization process. There're lots of things to do here. Explore around, climb higher for good mountain views, learn to use the equip. or eat apple pie while lying outside your tent. Hiking will help acclimation more than the apple pie, however. Tent-Camping / Teahouse.

DAY 11: KHARE - MERA LA / BASE CAMP (Trek)
Getting on the ice can prove tricky & care should be taken with snow covered crevasses. Once again the views from the pass are magnificent. Cross Mera La (5415m) & descend to Base Camp (5320m). It's a fabulous site for early morning sun and there's plenty of running water during the day. Tent-Camping.

DAY 12: BASE CAMP - HIGH CAMP (Trek)
The most rewarding style of ascent is to establish a high camp at 5780m, near a rocky outcrop on the Mera Glacier, providing one of the most glorious viewpoints in Nepal, with a panorama that takes in Kanchenjunga, Chamlang, Makalu & Baruntse sweeping from the east, whilst due north Everest & Lhotse. Continuing westward, the peaks of Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu & Kangtega fill the horizon. Sitting on that rock outcrop, listening to the wind & looking out across untracked glacier remains a highlight of any Mera expedition. Tent-Camping.

DAY 13: SUMMIT TRAIL - BASE CAMP (Trek)
Above us, the Central Summit stands at the head of a wide glacier bay flanked by 2 ridges. Ascend towards the main bay over open snowfields, the way then swings around to the main summit ridge of Mera. All three summits of Mera are climbable without much difficulty. The South Summit (6065m) is the most accessible with the North Summit (6476m) the highest. Feel the exhilaration of standing on top of the highest Trekking Peaks in Nepal, and at this altitude, we're far above the highest points in Europe (5633m), Africa (5895m), North America (6194m), Oceania (5030m), and Antarctica (5140m)! Descend by the same route to Base Camp. The night, however, will be much more comfortable than the previous one due to the discomfort of high altitude at High Camp despite the extra time taken for acclimatization. Tent-Camping.

DAY 14: HIGH CAMP (Trek)
Reserve day for summit assault. Tent-Camping.

DAY 15-18: BASE CAMP - PHAKDING(Trek)
Return trek descending back to Lukla, should be able to make it in 4 days' time since the trail is mostly downhill. The steep descents at certain points are a bit rough on the knees, but the warmer climate offers good opportunity to finally shed downfilled jackets & woollen thermal wear. From Lukla we descend on a wide trail northwest to the village of Choblung in the Dudh Kosi Valley. The valley radiates energy through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest. The walking is easy and we follow the river's course, passing through the village of Ghat.  Our destination is the small village of Phakding where accommodation is provided in the form of Tea House Lodges OR Camping.

DAY 19: PHAKDING - NAMCHE BAZAAR
From Phakding we head up valley on a busy trail: porters from the lower Solu district in the south ferrying supplies to Namche, Sherpas with their Zopkio (half yak, half cow) taking trekking or climbing expedition equipment to the higher valleys. Continue along beside the Dudh Kosi amongst beautiful alpine scenery, through the fragrant blue pine and fir forest, glimpsing spectacular views of Kusum Kangru (6369m) and Thanserku (6608m) along the way.  We again cross the Dudh Kosi, to the western bank at Jorsale prior to trekking through the entrance to the Sagamartha National Park.  Continuing upstream along the banks to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi, it is here we begin our first sustained acsent to Namche Bazar after crossing the large suspension bridge. Walking at a slow pace, we have a fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8511m), Nuptse (7879m), Arna Dablam (6856m) and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. Climbing again, the path takes us through pine trees to reach the distinctive horse-shoe shaped bowl containing the village of Namche Bazar.  Stay in the heart of the village. O/N in Namche Bazaar.

DAY 20: NAMCHE BAZAAR - KHUMJUNG
Breakfast served in your Tea House Lodge. From Namche, we trek out of the village bowl and follow a small trail high above the Dudh Kosi River, where the views are incredible; behind to the west, the ridge of Nupla and Kwangde Himal (6194m); across the valley to the south, the towering ice-fluted walls of Thamserku (6623m), and to the east at the head of the valley, the Lhotse and Nuptse wall, towering a full three and a half thousand metres above the valley at Dingboche. Everest looms above the ridge, a black, triangular rock; Sagarmatha, "Goddess Mother of Earth", is a truly magnificent sight. On a small ridge across the valley, the monastery of Thyangboche can be seen, a small speck against the gigantic mountain background. We descend to Khumjung, and after staying in the more westernized town of Namche Bazar, these villages make a welcome change. Here tourism has hardly changed the life of the Sherpas. It is possible to take the opportunity to sample the Sherpa speciality, Riki Kur - a type of potato fritter enriched with yak butter.

The afternoon has been left free to assist with further acclimatization.  O/N in Khunjung

DAY 21: KHUNJUNG - THENGBOCHE (THYANGBOCHE)
In the morning we descend to the village of Shanasa and then contour to Trashinga where the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phukitenga (3250m). A break is taken here by a series of water-driven paryer wheels. In the late morning we initially climb steeply before the trail levels out to ascend gradually towards Thyangboche. It is a steady ascent of approximately 2 ½ hours through pine fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest. Thyangboche is set in a beautiful meadow, high on a ridge surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. A peaceful, tranquil position, surely one of the wonders of the world and the Thyangboche Monastery is spectacularly situated. The monastery dominated by the gompa with its prayer flags and mani stones was founded in 1916 as a meditation centre. O/N in Thengboche.

DAY 22: TENGBOCHE - DINGBOCHE
From Thyangboche, we descend through a forest of birch, fir, juniper and rhododendron, to the nunnery at Deboche. Keep an eye open for Blood and Danphe Pheasant and high on the steep slopes of the valley, Himalayan Thar (wild goats). We cross the Imja Khola, ascending gradually, with the beautiful Ama Dablam dominating the skyline, to visit the monastery. The afternoon walk follows a trail high above the Imja Khola. A little further upstream we cross the tributary stream and ascend over glacial moraines to our lodge in the 'summer settlement" of Dingboche. O/N in Dingboche

DAY 23: DINGBOCHE - LOBUCHE
We are now well above the tree line and your journey todays brings you to Dusa from where you descend to a stream at 4850m. We begin our climb of the Khumbu Glacier en route to the tea shops at Dughla. Continue  along the moraine of the glacier, with views of Kalar Pattar and Pumori to reach Lobuche at 4930m for your evening stay. This will be your last stop before your climb to the base camp tomorrow. Take time to rest and acclimatize for this unforgettable day. O/N in Lobuche

DAY 24-25: LOBUCHE - KALAPATTER - GORKSHEP - EBC - LOBUCHE
Early this morning you begin your trek, which will prove to be both mentally and physically demanding. Above Lobuche, we follow the path running through a trough alongside the Khumbu Glacier. Continuing on over rough ground we reach Gorak Shep, where a short break is offered to replentish fluids. A walk for a further hour and a half reaches Kala Pattar, a small, rocky peak on the southwest ridge of Pumori - a slow, steady pace, once again being the best attack. Avoid rushing. Stop and turn around: the scenery is fantastic. It is a hard climb, but the view from the top surpasses the wildest imagination. Huge creaking glaciers surround us and classic views of Everest are available. The views from the summit of Kala Pattar (5630m) are truly outstanding. Here you are directly below Pumo Ri's light granite and slanted snow channel. The surroundings have an awesome and unnatural brilliance. To the south, the Khumbu Glacier sweeps below you; northwards rise several border peaks including the vertical Lho La, reached from the Tibetan side in 1921, the first time foreigners had seen the Khumbu Glacier. Mt Everest rises above them all. Known as "Chomolungma" (Lady Goddess of the Wind) by the Nepalese, the mountain was initially called Peak XV. In 1852 it was recognised as the highest peak on earth and four years later was given the name Everest in honour of Sir George Everest, the early surveyor general.  After some time out to contemplate this view, we return to Lobuche. O/n in  Gorkshep and Lobuche

DAY 26: LOBUCHE - TENGBUCHE
After our tiring ascent to Kala patar, today is an easier walk to the lower altitudes. Following the same route back to the terminal moraines at Dughla, we then take a different return trail. We follow the wide alpine valley covered in scrub juniper through the temporary settlement of Phulung Karpo (4343m), then on to Pheriche. A small settlement, Pheriche has a number of welcome tea house that often have "left overs" for sale from various climbing expeditions. It may be possible to find imported chocolate, tinned prawns or smoked oysters: even vegemite! The town consists of several low stone buildings and is considered a "years" - summer settlement.    Continue down to Orsho, then on through Lower Pangboche and down to Deboche, reaching our lodge at Thyangboche in the afternoon. O/N in Thyangboche

DAY 27: TENGBOCHE - MONJO
Follow a similar trail through a forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga, you continue on to cross the Dudh Kosi for a steep descent to Trashinga. After lunch at Shanasa you make you way back to Namche Bazar. Following a steep descent passing the Bhote Kosil, crossing the river, follow the bank to Jorsale, then to Monjo for overnight. O/N in Monjo

DAY 28: MONJO - LUKLA
This morning you will depart Monjo and continue your descent along the Dudh Kosi, before making a final ascent to reach the Lukla plateau by mid afternoon. On arrival in Lukla you will have time to relax and celebrate the completion of your trek. O/N in Lukla

DAY 29: LUKLA - KATHMANDU
This morning you will be transferred to Lukla Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met and conveyed to the Hotel. The remainder of the day has been left free. O/N in Kathmandu

DAY 30: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you're free as your own before drop to airport for your final destination.