Trekking · Nepal
Mera Peak
Nepal's highest trekking peak at 6,476 m, a non-technical Khumbu snow climb with views of five eight-thousanders.
Mera Peak, at 6,476 metres, is the highest officially designated trekking peak in Nepal — and, despite its altitude, one of the least technical, which is why it draws climbers wanting a high summit without hard alpinism. It is a flagship objective among the trekking peaks of Nepal.
Overview
Mera rises in the wild Hinku valley, a quiet region south of Everest reached over the Zatrwa La pass from Lukla. Because it lies off the busy Everest Base Camp trek, the approach feels remote, threading rhododendron forest and high yak pastures before breaking out onto the glacier. The mountain has three summits — Mera North, Mera Central and Mera South — with the central summit, at 6,476 m, the usual goal. The first recorded ascent of the main summit was made in 1975 by a French expedition, though the easier central top was reached earlier, in 1953.
Height and location
At 6,476 metres (21,247 feet), Mera sits within the greater Khumbu, on the edge of the Makalu Barun region. Its great attraction is the summit view: on a clear morning you can pick out five of the world's six highest mountains — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga — laid out across the horizon. It is part of the wider Everest region treks network, but feels a world apart from the main trail.
The climb
Mera is graded as a relatively straightforward trekking peak. From high camp on the glacier, the route is essentially a long, steady snow ascent on gentle to moderate slopes, with crampons and rope but only one short, steeper section on fixed rope just below the central summit. There is no rock climbing and no exposed knife-edge ridge. The difficulty lies in the altitude and the length of summit day, which begins in darkness and the deep cold of over 6,000 metres.
Difficulty, season and safety
Climb in spring (April–May) or autumn (October–November) for stable weather and firm snow. The peak's modest technical grade can be deceptive: standing at nearly 6,500 m demands meticulous acclimatisation, so build in rest days and read our altitude sickness guide. Many climbers compare Mera with the more technical Island Peak and Lobuche East; Mera wins on altitude and views, the others on technical interest. A short warm-up on Pokalde Peak suits those acclimatising in the main Khumbu. As with all trekking peaks, you need an NMA permit, a registered agency and a guide — see our Nepal trekking guide.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 6,476 m (21,247 ft) |
| Status | Highest trekking peak in Nepal |
| Region | Hinku valley, Khumbu |
| Difficulty | Non-technical but very high |
| Summit view | Five eight-thousanders |
| Best access | From Lukla over the Zatrwa La |
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Mera Peak?+
Mera Peak reaches 6,476 metres (21,247 feet) at its central summit, making it the highest officially designated trekking peak in Nepal.
Is Mera Peak technically difficult?+
Mera is one of the least technical of the higher trekking peaks — essentially a long, glaciated snow plod with one short fixed-rope section near the top. The main challenge is the extreme altitude and the stamina needed for a high summit day.
Where is Mera Peak located?+
Mera Peak rises in the Hinku valley, a remote area south of Everest in the Khumbu region. It is usually approached from Lukla over the Zatrwa La pass into the Hinku, away from the main Everest Base Camp crowds.
What can you see from the summit of Mera Peak?+
On a clear day the summit gives a panorama of five 8,000-metre peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga — one of the finest mountain views accessible to non-expedition climbers.
