Nepal's highest trekking peak — a broad, non-technical snow climb, and a genuine introduction to altitude above 6,000m.
Tell us about your mountain experience and current fitness so we can discuss the demands of this route and suitable preparation for your trip.
A seventeen-day outline combining the Hinku valley approach, acclimatisation, glacier preparation and a summit window. The final approach, climbing support and target summit are agreed before booking.
Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.
Begin with the Lukla flight and the walk towards Chutanga. This approach heads away from the main Everest trail towards the Mera route.
Start from Lukla and reach the Chutanga area.
Arrival arrangements in Kathmandu and airport transfers are confirmed around the trek.
Cross the Zatrwa La route towards Thuli Kharka if conditions allow. This is a substantial early mountain stage.
Cross Zatrwa La and reach Thuli Kharka.
The leader assesses the crossing around the group and conditions; the approach schedule can change if a more gradual route is needed.
Continue towards Kothe in the Hinku valley. The landscape changes after the pass as the approach towards Mera develops.
Descend into the Hinku valley to Kothe.
Settle into lodge accommodation and prepare for the following stages up the valley.
Follow the valley towards Thangnak, with the higher mountain terrain drawing closer. Keep the emphasis on measured progress.
Follow the Hinku valley to Thangnak.
Thangnak is the base for the next acclimatisation stop, rather than simply a village to pass through.
Take an appropriate walk above Thangnak and return to the same overnight base. The leader selects the high point around the group and conditions.
Acclimatise above Thangnak, returning to the same lodge.
Use the remainder of the day to recover before continuing to Khare.
Continue to Khare, around 5,045m, the lodge base for climbing preparation. Even a relatively short distance is demanding at this height.
Reach the climbing base at Khare.
Settle in and organise equipment for the glacier section.
Take a measured outing higher up and return to Khare for the night. The aim is preparation rather than another summit objective.
Take a measured acclimatisation outing above Khare.
Review the coming days and identify equipment or movement skills needing attention.
Work with the climbing team on crampon use, rope systems and the movement needed for the Mera route. The session depends on existing experience and conditions.
Review glacier skills and organise the high-camp load.
Prepare the high-camp load and review the forecast before moving onto the glacier.
Move towards Mera High Camp, around 5,780m, on the glacier route. The camp and staging arrangements depend on conditions and the agreed programme.
Move onto the glacier and reach Mera High Camp.
Organise equipment and rest after reaching camp. The exposed setting and altitude make careful pacing important.
Start early for the chosen Mera summit under the climbing team’s supervision. The exact summit and line depend on the agreed objective and mountain conditions.
Attempt the agreed Mera summit and return towards Khare.
Descend through high camp towards Khare after the attempt. The return is a major part of this long day.
Hold time for a shifted mountain window where the programme and conditions allow. The reserve does not guarantee another attempt.
Keep flexibility for the mountain window or recover in Khare.
If the climbing stage is complete, recover and prepare for the return down the valley.
Begin the return through the Hinku valley towards Kothe. Familiar terrain looks different on the descent, but still needs steady pacing.
Return down the Hinku valley to Kothe.
Return to the lower lodge base and organise the next stage.
Continue towards Thuli Kharka. The return is not all downhill: the path regains height approaching the pass.
Regain height towards Thuli Kharka.
Prepare for the final mountain stage back to Lukla.
Cross the pass route and descend to Lukla if conditions allow. Leave a full day for the combination of climbing and descending.
Cross Zatrwa La and complete the descent to Lukla.
Organise equipment and review the flight arrangements after reaching the lodge.
Leave Lukla when weather permits, followed by any necessary road transfer. Keep the rest of the day flexible.
Return to Kathmandu when the flight operates.
Allow a realistic margin before international connections rather than relying on an uninterrupted mountain flight.
Keep time available for flight delays and recovery. If travel has run to plan, organise equipment and review the journey.
Allow space for flight delays and recovery.
Discuss optional plans beforehand so they do not depend on a connection that mountain weather may disrupt.
Depart Nepal according to your confirmed travel arrangements. Extra nights and transfers are agreed with your booking.
Complete your onward travel from Nepal.
The final quote sets out the route, climbing support, accommodation and travel services included.
Quality costs more. The programme is planned around the group, the route and the conditions. Summit attempts remain subject to the leader’s assessment, and the final arrangements are confirmed before booking.
Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.
Price: on enquiry. Your quote will set out the route, group size, accommodation and inclusions.
Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.
The package outline below is tailored to this expedition. Your written SOOM quote confirms the inclusions, exclusions and accommodation for your departure.
Your quote specifies meals at lodges and camps, porter allowances and personal equipment provision; these vary between packages.
Typical season: March–May & September–November, subject to conditions. Ask about availability and your confirmed quote.
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