Many trekkers dream of climbing Nepal’s Mera Peak. Standing at 6,476 meters (21,247 ft), it is one of the world’s highest trekking peaks. But how long does it really take to climb Mera Peak? Let’s simplify things and share some personal experiences.

Preparation and Planning

There is a lot of planning that goes into it before you even start trekking. You’ll need to make sure you’re in good physical shape, assemble the necessary equipment, and carefully organize your journey. It is also necessary to hire a reliable trekking company to handle permits and logistics.

Getting to the Starting Point

Most climbs to Mera Peak begin in the town of Lukla, which is only a short flight from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The journey from Lukla to Mera Peak’s base camp normally takes about ten days. This includes several days of trekking through breathtaking scenery and stopping at tiny settlements along the way.

Trekking to Base Camp

The trek to the base camp is done in phases to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Here’s a rough overview of the journey:

1. Lukla to Chutanga: The first day involves a trek from Lukla to Chutanga, which takes about 4–5 hours.
2. Chutanga to Thuli Kharka: The next leg is from Chutanga to Thuli Kharka, which takes about 5–6 hours and includes crossing the Zatrwa La Pass.
3. Thuli Kharka to Kothe: From Thuli Kharka, it’s a trek to Kothe, taking around 6–7 hours.
4. Kothe to Thangnak: The journey continues from Kothe to Thangnak, taking about 5–6 hours.
5. Thangnak to Khare: The next stage is from Thangnak to Khare, taking around 4–5 hours.
6. Khare to Mera Base Camp: Finally, from Khare, you trek to the Mera Base Camp, which takes about 3–4 hours.

Acclimatization Days

To avoid altitude sickness, you must allow for acclimatization days. These are days when you stay in the same location to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air. Most itineraries include one or two days of acclimatization, which are commonly spent at Thangnak or Khare.

The Summit Push

After arriving at the base camp and spending the night there, you will go to the High Camp, which takes approximately 5–6 hours. From the High Camp, you begin the final push to the summit. The summit day is lengthy and difficult, requiring roughly 8–10 hours to go to the top and back down to High Camp.

Descent

After summiting, the descent is quicker. It usually takes about 3–4 days to return to Lukla from the base camp.

Total Duration

In total, the climb to Mera Peak and back to Lukla takes around 15–20 days. This includes the trek to base camp, acclimatization days, the summit push, and the return journey.

Personal Experience

When I climbed Mera Peak, it was both tough and rewarding. The trip through rural communities and breathtaking scenery was unforgettable. One of the most remarkable experiences was the sunrise on summit day. The sky was clear, and the view of the Himalayas, including Everest, was stunning.
The hike was difficult, particularly the final push to the summit, but the feeling of accomplishment made it all worthwhile. The entire voyage consisted of physical exertion, mental tenacity, and sheer determination. It’s a vacation that demands careful planning and a positive attitude, but the ultimate result is simply spectacular.

In summary, climbing Mera Peak takes between 15 and 20 days, depending on your pace and the circumstances. It’s a hard but attainable objective for anyone who is physically healthy and enjoys adventure. If you’re thinking about it, start training now, plan ahead of time, and prepare for a fantastic experience!