Climb Mera Peak (6461m) – Self-Launched

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Take a pre-paid taxi or Pathao ride to a guesthouse in Thamel — the backpacker hub of Kathmandu. Spend the evening exploring Thamel's lively streets, grab a dal bhat dinner, and sort any last-minute gear from the many well-stocked outdoor shops. Begin arranging your climbing guide and permits if not done in advance.

🚌Pre-paid airport taxi to Thamel (~£4)

🛏Thamel Eco Resort or similar guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu (~£15-20/night)

• →Arrive at KTM, take a pre-paid taxi to Thamel (~£4)
• →Check in to a budget guesthouse or hostel in Thamel
• →Explore Thamel and pick up any missing gear from local trekking shops
• →Arrange your certified climbing guide (IFMGA/NMA-certified) — expect ~£500-700 for a full summit guide for the trip
• →Confirm Mera Peak climbing permit (NMA permit ~£250) and TIMS card (~£10)

Take the early-morning tourist bus or local bus from Kathmandu to Ramechhap (Manthali), the departure point for Lukla flights during peak season. The journey takes around 6 hours. Staying near the airport overnight avoids an exhausting same-day rush. Book a simple guesthouse or basic lodge near Ramechhap airport for a restful night before tomorrow's flight.

🚌Local/tourist bus Kathmandu to Ramechhap, ~6hrs (~£5)

🛏Basic guesthouse near Ramechhap airport (~£8-12/night)

• →Catch the early bus from Kathmandu to Ramechhap (~£4-6, book via local agents in Thamel or directly at the bus station)
• →Check in to a budget guesthouse near Ramechhap airport
• →Rest, rehydrate and acclimatise before the mountain adventure begins

Take your scheduled Tara Air or Summit Air flight from Manthali (Ramechhap) to Lukla — one of the world's most dramatic airstrips. The 15-minute flight delivers breathtaking Himalayan views. Meet your guide at Lukla, hand your main bag to your porter (arrange this in Kathmandu or Lukla at ~£12-15/day per porter), fuel up on breakfast and set off on the 4-5 hour downhill trail to Paiyan village. Enjoy views of Numbur Himal.

🚌Tara Air / Summit Air flight Manthali–Lukla (~£140)

🛏Local teahouse in Paiyan (~£4-6/night)

• →Tara Air or Summit Air flight Manthali to Lukla (~£130-150 one way, book via tara-air.com or a Kathmandu agent)
• →Meet guide and porter in Lukla
• →Trek downhill to Surke Village and onward to Paiyan (~12km, 4-5hrs)
• →Overnight in a teahouse in Paiyan

A 4-5 hour ascent through beautiful rhododendron forest to the Khari La pass, followed by a descent to Panggom. Take the more picturesque side route through small Sherpa villages. Visit the local monastery if open. Enjoy views of Numbur Himal from your teahouse. Teahouses on this less-travelled route are simple but welcoming — dal bhat is your best friend for energy.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Local teahouse in Panggom (~£4-6/night)

• →Trek Paiyan to Panggom via Khari La pass (~13km, 4-5hrs)
• →Optional visit to Panggom monastery
• →Enjoy views of Numbur Himal

A demanding 5-6 hour day crossing Panggom La pass with views into both the Hinku and Khari Khola valleys. Descend to Sibuje, a charming Sherpa village — stop for tea. Continue through Ningshow and cross a river before the steep uphill climb to Ramailo Danda ridge. Your first view of mighty Mera Peak appears on the horizon. Overnight in a local teahouse.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Local teahouse at Ramailo Danda (~£4-6/night)

• →Trek via Panggom La pass to Ramailo Danda (~11km, 5-6hrs)
• →Tea stop in Sibuje village
• →First views of Mera Peak from the ridge

A tough day with steep descents to the Temba Khola River and a long climb to Ekle Bhatti, crossing several mountain streams. Keep your eyes peeled for the extremely rare red panda in the forest. Power through to Chhetra Khola for a well-earned rest. Teahouse meals here are simple — stick to cooked food and purified water.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Local teahouse at Chhetra Khola (~£4-6/night)

• →Trek to Chhetra Khola via Ekle Bhatti (~10km, 4-5hrs)
• →Wildlife spotting — look out for red pandas in the forest
• →Stream crossings through rhododendron and fir forest

A 6-hour day of undulating terrain through fir and bamboo forest with a lunch stop at Takhto village. The landscape transforms as you enter the rocky Inkhu Khola valley. The vegetation shifts from lush forest to subalpine terrain. Kothe is a small but well-serviced stop for trekkers — rest up, dry your gear and fuel up with a hearty teahouse dinner.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Local teahouse in Kothe (~£4-6/night)

• →Trek Chhetra Khola to Kothe via Takhto village (~11km, 6hrs)
• →Landscape transitions from subtropical forest to rocky alpine valley
• →Lunch stop at Takhto village

A gentler 4-hour ascent following the river through narrow canyons. Alpine pastures, junipers and wildflowers appear. Optionally visit the Lunga Sumba monastery — a site of deep cultural significance for the Sherpa people. The open valley of Thangnak is a beautiful, remote summer grazing village. Altitude begins to bite — drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Local teahouse in Thangnak (~£4-6/night)

• →Trek Kothe to Thangnak via Mosom Kharka (~11km, 4hrs)
• →Optional visit to Lunga Sumba monastery
• →Views of Mount Kyasar (6770m)
• →Begin serious altitude acclimatisation — hydrate well

A rest and acclimatisation day — classic 'climb high, sleep low' approach. If conditions allow, hike up to Thangnak Ri (4700m) for panoramic views, then return to the teahouse. This is essential at this altitude. The afternoon is free for resting, reading and staying hydrated. Do not push hard today — your body needs time to adapt for the summit push ahead.

🚌On foot

🛏Local teahouse in Thangnak (~£4-6/night)

• →Acclimatisation hike to Thangnak Ri (4700m) and back (~6km, 4-5hrs)
• →Rest afternoon at teahouse
• →Hydrate, eat well and discuss summit plan with your guide

A 3-4 hour climb along the river, past the stunning Sabai Tsho glacial lake and above the Mera Glacier. The trail becomes rugged above Dig Kharka (4659m). Khare is a significant milestone — at 5045m it's the last proper teahouse settlement before the summit push. Meet your climbing guide for dinner to discuss crampon, harness and ice axe techniques.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Khare (~£6-8/night)

• →Trek Thangnak to Khare via Sabai Tsho Lake and Dig Kharka (~7.5km, 3-4hrs)
• →Views of Mera Glacier and surrounding peaks
• →Evening briefing with your climbing guide on summit techniques

A full training day at Khare with your certified NMA climbing guide. Learn to use crampons, harness, ropes, ascenders, descenders and ice axe — essential safety equipment for the summit. Spend time on short practice climbs on nearby terrain. Rest is equally important — eat well, sleep as much as possible and stay warm. Tomorrow the real mountaineering begins.

🚌On foot (local training)

🛏Teahouse in Khare (~£6-8/night)

• →Full-day climbing skills training with guide: crampons, harness, ice axe, rope techniques
• →Short practice climbs on local terrain near Khare
• →Equipment check: ensure all climbing gear is fitted correctly
• →Rest, hydrate and prepare mentally for the summit push

Follow the cliffside trail — crampons may be needed if snow-covered. Turn towards the southern flank of Mera Peak and navigate glacial moraine using fixed ropes. The final steep approach to Mera La tests your endurance, but the views are extraordinary. Camp at Mera Base Camp in a rented or pre-arranged tented camp. Your guide or a local agency in Khare can arrange camping equipment rental.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Tented camp at Mera Base Camp (bring or rent sleeping bag and tent, ~£8-10/night)

• →Trek Khare to Mera Base Camp (5350m) via Mera La (~4km, 4hrs)
• →Crampon and rope use on glacial terrain
• →Camping at Mera Base Camp — arrange tent/sleeping bag rental in Khare if needed (~£5-8/night)

A short but brutal 2km ascent along the ridge on snow — every step at this altitude is an effort. Mera High Camp is a rocky perch on the edge of the ridge. Surreal views of Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Makalu surround you. Eat well, rest as much as possible and set your alarm for 01:00. Your guide will brief you on the final summit push tonight.

🚌Trekking on foot with climbing equipment

🛏Tented camp at Mera High Camp (bring or rent sleeping bag and tent, ~£8-10/night)

• →Trek Mera Base Camp to Mera High Camp (5780m) (~2km, 3hrs)
• →Final summit briefing and kit check with guide
• →Rest, eat and sleep early — summit push starts at 01:00

The big day. Depart High Camp at 01:00. Climb across Mera Glacier on a moderately steep ridgeline. At 6461m with less than 66% oxygen, every step is hard — but your guide will pace you. At the summit, a staggering 360-degree panorama reveals five eight-thousanders: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. Descend all the way to Khare (10km, ~10-11hrs total). Celebrate with your guide at the teahouse — you've earned it.

🚌On foot with climbing gear

🛏Teahouse in Khare (~£6-8/night)

• →Summit push from High Camp (01:00 start): Mera Glacier ascent to Central Summit (6461m)
• →360-degree panorama of Everest (8848m), Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam
• →Long descent to Khare — take your time and follow guide instructions
• →Celebration dinner at Khare teahouse

If weather prevented a summit on Day 14, today is your back-up window. If the summit was successful, begin your descent towards Kothe or rest in Khare. This contingency day is essential at this level — mountain weather is unpredictable. Build it into your guide contract and permit from the outset so you have full flexibility.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Khare or Kothe (~£4-8/night)

• →Back-up summit attempt if needed (same route as Day 14)
• →If summit achieved: rest day in Khare or begin descent towards Kothe
• →Review and discuss descent plan with guide

A long 7-8 hour descent (1400m+ down) retracing the picturesque trail back to Kothe. The lower altitude is a welcome relief — you'll feel the difference in oxygen almost immediately. Legs will be tired after the summit, so take your time, use trekking poles and enjoy the landscape on the way down. Teahouse dinner and well-earned rest in Kothe.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Local teahouse in Kothe (~£4-6/night)

• →Descent Khare to Kothe (~12km, 7-8hrs)
• →Breathe easier as altitude drops — energy levels recover
• →Enjoy the changing landscape on descent

A demanding 7-8 hour day that initially retraces the route to Takhto, then ascends steeply along a ridge through forest and above the treeline. Push on to a small pass before descending to Thuli Kharka. A simple hut overnight — basic but adequate. One more trekking day and you're done.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Simple hut/teahouse at Thuli Kharka (~£4-6/night)

• →Trek Kothe to Thuli Kharka via Takhto (~12km, 7-8hrs)
• →Steep ridge ascent through forest and above treeline
• →Final full overnight in the Hinku Valley

An 8-9 hour final trekking day crossing the craggy Zwarta La pass (4660m) before a long descent via Kharka Tenga (tea stop) and Chutanga (lunch). The last stretch descends through a beautiful forest and across a suspension bridge back into busy Lukla. You did it! Celebrate with your guide and porter — tip generously, as they've worked incredibly hard.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse/guesthouse in Lukla (~£6-8/night)

• →Final trek Thuli Kharka to Lukla via Zwarta La pass (~12km, 8-9hrs)
• →Tea stop at Kharka Tenga, lunch at Chutanga
• →Celebratory beers in Lukla — Hillary's Bar is a classic finish-line spot
• →Tip your guide and porter generously (budget ~£50-80 total tips)

Take the scheduled morning flight from Lukla back to Manthali (Ramechhap), then the local bus or pre-arranged shared jeep back to Kathmandu (~5-6hrs). Back in Thamel, explore the souvenir shops, treat yourself to a restaurant meal and a hot shower — you've more than earned it. Celebrate with your guide or fellow trekkers you've met along the route.

🚌Lukla–Manthali flight (~£140) + local bus to Kathmandu (~£6)

🛏Guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu (~£15-20/night)

• →Tara Air / Summit Air flight Lukla to Manthali (~£130-150)
• →Local bus or shared jeep Manthali to Kathmandu (~5-6hrs, ~£5-8)
• →Shopping for souvenirs in Thamel
• →Celebratory dinner at a Kathmandu restaurant

Enjoy a slow morning with a final Nepali breakfast — try the egg chow mein or porridge at a Thamel café. Do any last souvenir shopping, visit a temple or simply wander. Head to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight home. Consider a Pashmina, Thangka painting or singing bowl as a memento of your incredible Himalayan adventure.

🚌Pre-paid taxi to KTM airport (~£4)

🛏Check-out from Thamel guesthouse

• →Leisurely breakfast in Thamel
• →Final sightseeing or shopping in Kathmandu
• →Optional visit to Pashupatinath Temple or Boudhanath Stupa if time allows
• →Pre-paid taxi to KTM airport (~£4)