Mera and Island Peak Climbing lets you vanquish the summit of two beautiful 6000meters climbing peaks of Nepal. Upon conquering Mera Peak and Island Peak, you will reach cloud nine. No matter how experienced you are or how inexperienced you are, Mera and Island peak climb is approachable for every climbing enthusiast. Further, if you are someone planning of doing the Mt Everest Climb, these climbing peaks provide you with the best practice.
Where the remote and rustic trails broaden your cultural exploration, the scree, glacial moraines and the snowy steps of both of these climbing peaks give you a sense of achievement and satisfaction. No doubt the Mera and Island peaks are enough to fill up your adrenaline rush. But what makes your journey more adventurous is the challenging pass of Amphu Laptsa.
Entering the Makalu Barun National Park and leaving the Sagarmatha National Park, you can observe the varieties of flora and fauna during this strenuous Mera and Island Peak Climb. The views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Amphu, Baruntse, Imja, Ama Dablam, Mount Everest, and many other peaks greet you throughout the journey. Besides the natural wonders, the traditional settlements of the Khumbu, Imja, and Hinku valley give you insight into the lifestyle and culture of brave Sherpa people.
Considered the highest trekking peak in Nepal, Mera Peak(6476m) alone is approachable for novice trekkers also. However, for this combined Mera and Island Peak climb, it is recommended to have prior trekking and training experience.
Selecting the long trekking route for Mera and Island Peak Climb, we will try our best to prevent you from altitude sickness. If you are willing to do this combined Island and Mera Peak Climbing, then let us know. With our customized climbing itinerary, you can gain the experience for a lifetime.
Route:
Kathmandu-Lukla-Payon-Pangoma-Nashing Dingma-Chalem Kharka-Chunbu Kharka-Kothe-Thangnak-Khare-Mera Base Camp-Mera High Camp-Mera Peak-Amphu Laptsa Pass-Chhukung-Island Base Camp-Island Peak-Chhukung-Dingboche-Tengboche-Namche Bazaar-Lukla-Kathmandu.
Route for Mera and Island Peak Climb
Access to the Mera and Island Peak
Both the climbing peaks of Mera and Island are approachable from Lukla. Therefore most of the daring climbers opt for the scenic flight from Kathmandu to reach Lukla. Besides the scenic Lukla flight, there are other possible ways to reach Lukla. One is taking the bus/jeep drive from Kathmandu to Jiri and then around 5 days of trek to Lukla. The other one is the Kathmandu to Phaplu flight. From Phaplu following the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route, you can reach Lukla.
Route variations from Lukla to Mera and Island Peak
After you arrive at Lukla, there is the various route that takes you up to the Mera and Island Peak. Some tend to climb the nontechnical Mera Peak first puts the Island Peak climb the next. However, there are other climbers, who prefer to conquer the Island Peak first and head to Mera Peak the next.
To conquer the Mera Peak you have to divert your way from Lukla towards the Chutanga. Continuing the trek from Chutanga you have to head towards Thuli Kharka, Khote, Thangnak, and Khare. Crossing of the Zatra La Pass is quite strenuous.
For a more relaxing trek, join the trail towards Payon from Lukla. Traversing through the Pangoma, Nashing Dingma, Chalem Kharka, Chulum Kharka, Kothe, and Thangnak you can make your way up to Khare.
No matter which route you follow, both the routes coincide at Khare. In our Mera and Island Peak Climbing Itinerary, we have included the long trek which heads towards Payon.
Upon reaching Khare you then walk along the steep trails towards the Mera Base Camp. After taking proper training at the Mera Base Camp, there comes the Mera High Camp on your way before reaching Mera Peak. Though the trek is considered non-technical you still might require the fixed ropes and crampons during the final ascent to the Peak.
After conquering the Peak, descending towards the Khare you can cross the Amphu Laptsa Pass to make the further climb towards the Island Peak. Island Peak climb via Amphu Laptsa Pass quenches your adrenaline rush. Using the crampons, ice axes, and fixed rope you can climb the 45-degree steep final ascent to the Island Peak. Retracing the route back from Island Peak, you will join the Everest Base Camp trekking trail from Dingboche, to reach Lukla. Return to Kathmandu by taking the thrilling Lukla flight.
Short Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Trek Preparation Day.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla airport(2860m) from Kathmandu and trek to Payon.
Day 4: Payon to Pangoma(2847m) trekking.
Day 5: Trek from Pangoma to Nashing Dingma(2600m).
Day 6: Head to Chalem Kharka (3600m) from Nashing Dingma.
Day 7: Chalem Kharka to Chunbu Kharka(4205m) trek.
Day 8: From Chunbu Kharka, trek to Kothe(3700m).
Day 9: Kothe to Thangnak(4365m) trek.
Day 10: Thangnak to Khare(4900m) trek.
Day 11: Exploration/Acclimatization day at Khare.
Day 12: Trek from Khare to Mera Base Camp(5350m).
Day 13: Ascend from Mera Base Camp to Mera High Camp(5800m).
Day 14: Conquer Mera Peak(6476m) and descend to Kongma Dingma(4845m) at Honku Valley.
Day 15: Kongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari(5400m).
Day 16: Trek from Seto Pokhari to Chhukung(4735m) via Amphu Labtsa Pass(5845m).
Day 17: Chhukung to Island Peak Base Camp(5100m).
Day 18: Acclimatization day.
Day 19: Summit Island Peak(6189m).
Day 20: Chhukung to Tengboche(3865m).
Day 21: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar(3445m).
Day 22: Namche Bazaar to Lukla.
Day 23: Take a return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu(1350m).
Day 24: Transfer to the Tribhuwan International Airport.
Best Season for the Mera and Island Peak Climbing.
Unforeseeable weather on the higher altitudes of Mera and Island Peak makes it quite difficult to climb these Peaks all year around. Thus if you ask which is the best season for the Mera and Island Peak Climb? The answer is always Spring and Autumn.
The moderate temperature and stable weather lessen several challenges that you might not avoid during the offseason climb. The crystal clear skies and magnificent snow-capped mountain views during the Autumn and Spring season lures every climber on the trekking trail. To prevent yourself from the cold and occasional rain, make sure to bring warm clothes and rain gears.
A Himalayan region trek during the Spring takes you through the trails adorned with vibrant rhododendrons and other wildflowers. Besides the mountain vistas, the views of the blooming wildflowers add more pleasure to your challenging Mera and Island Peak Climb journey.
How difficult is the Mera and Island Peak Climb?
Mera Peak climbing is the highest climbing peak in Nepal and demands no technical training. However, saying this doesn't mean that the trek is easy. Yes in comparison to the technical Island Peak Climbing, the Mera Peak climb is less daunting. But, remember a final section of both of these climbing peaks requires huge stamina and courage. The use of ropes and crampons are common in these sections.
Walking over the scree, glaciers, and narrow and steep snowy trails challenges your endurance. Besides, the risk of getting caught by altitude sickness is high as you approach more towards the summit. Therefore, taking proper acclimatization is highly recommended. Further don't forget to rehydrate your body from time to time. Avoidance of smoking and alcohol drinking is great while climbing the high altitude regions of Mera peak and Island peak.
As the temperature and weather are also quite unpredictable and risks of high winds and blizzards are always there. So choosing the best trekking season you can avoid such risks to some extent.
Apart from all the above, your packing matters a lot in making your climb more interesting or daunting. So make sure to pack all the essential gears and clothing before the trek. To overcome most of the challenges on the way, it is always recommended to take a guide and porter during this strenuous Mera and Island Peak Climb. Walking 8 hours daily on the steep and uneven trails for weeks with a heavy backpack seems quite impossible. Therefore, if you are thinking of doing the solo trek, you better remove this thought from the mind.
Experience required for Mera and Island Peak Climbing:
The first and foremost thing that you need to have for this trip is a good fitness level and mental stability. As long as you have a strong health condition and mental preparedness, nothing can stop you from accomplishing the Mera and Island Peak Climbing.
Being a beginner climbing Peak, little or no previous trekking or mountaineering skills is required for the Mera Peak Climbing. However, the Island Peak Climbing is quite technical. Therefore, previous high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended before joining this Mera and Island Peak Climb. Having the previous trekking experience over the elevation of around 5000m helps you build a certain level of confidence within yourself. With that confidence, you can complete the entire climb more fascinatingly.
To conquer the Island and Mera peak climb you should be able to trek for around 7hours per day through the trek. Further, the trek is not always on the easy trails. Most of the time you have to walk on the rocky and moraine glacier trails. Snowy steps and scree make the climb tougher.
Not having mountaineering skills might disappoint you a lot during the trek. But, to eliminate your stress and disappointments, the guides are there to train you before the actual climb.
With a good fitness level and proper acclimatization schedule, you can deal every challenge that comes up on your way.
Recommended Training for the Island and Mera Peak Climbing:
Before joining the Mera and Island Peak Climbing, get some practical knowledge on how to use basic mountaineering equipment like crampons, harnesses, ropes, and so on. The use of this climbing equipment makes your final ascent on the Mera and Island peaks a bit comfortable. Besides the final ascent on the Peaks, this equipment is highly useful during the crossing of Amphu Laptsa Pass.
Starting the stamina and endurance-building physical training at least a month or two before climbing is highly recommended.
Making your body more flexible cardiovascular exercises like Swimming, Jogging, Hiking, Cycling helps you endure muscle strain. Further, the daily practice of these exercises increases the oxygen level allowing you to cope with the high altitude sickness during the climb.
A month before the expedition, make sure to join the gym daily and eat the proper diet. Prior to heading towards the journey, do your whole body checkup. If there is any problem with your body, make sure to inform us.
Apart from all the above-mentioned things, mental preparedness is necessary for the successful Island and Mera Peak Climbing in Nepal.
Accommodation and food on the trail:
The expectation of the lavish hotels and lodges on the trekking trail of Mera and Island Peak gives you nothing more than disappointment. If you start the trek from Lukla to Island Peak following the Everest Base Camp trekking trail, then in the initial trekking days you can enjoy the luxurious stay in Lukla and Namche.
However, we will be starting the trek from Lukla by heading towards the rustic villages of Payon, Pangoma, and so on. Thus be ready to stay on the community-run teahouses and lodges. Though the service they provide is very basic, their elegant smile and benevolent nature lift your mood during your stay.
Undoubtedly most of the dining halls on these teahouses are spacious when compared to the bedrooms. The bedroom they provide consists of basic amenities like twin beds, a mattress, blanket, bed sheets, and pillow. Rather than the western toilets, you will find the squat toilets in these teahouses. It will be better if you bring your toiletries during the trek. To use the hot shower, wifi and charging facility be ready to pay an extra cost.
Sleeping under the tented cam should not anymore be your problem if you are on the way to Mera and Island Peak Climbing. On the High Camp and Base Camp, you have to spend the night under the camps. Further, trekking on the Himalayan trail, there might come several occasions when you have to spend the night under these camps.
Till you are on the Mera Peak trekking trails, don't expect vast varieties of food. However, as you enter the Khumbu region, the teahouses, hotels, and lodges offer you a variety of luscious western and traditional cuisines. No matter what variety they offer, during lunch and dinner, you better order the Nepali Traditional Dal Bhat.
Whenever you feel cold, try the Nepalese tea available in most of the teahouses and lodges in both higher and lower altitude regions.
Equipment required for Mera and Island Peak Climbing:
Normally your trekking guide carries all climbing gears like crampons, ice axes, harness and ropes, and so on. Other essential equipment that you need to carry during the Mera and Island Peak Climbing is listed below.
Headlamp.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Lipbalm.
Scarf.
Woolen Hat.
Sunhat.
Down Jacket.
Fleece Jacket.
Wind and waterproof jacket.
Warm trousers.
Hiking shorts.
Quick Drying underwear.
Tshirts and shirts.
Comfortable climbing boots.
Sports shoes.
Warm and normal socks.
Warm and normal gloves.
Toiletries.
First Aid kit.
Important Documents like Entry Permits.
Electronic gadgets like camera, spare batteries, charger, earplug and so on.
