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Duration
23 Days
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Difficulty
Challenging
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Max Elevation
6476m
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Group Size
1 to 10 People Person
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Accommodation
Teahouse/Camping
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Start/End
Kathmandu Airport/Kathmandu
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Destination
Everest Region
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Best Season
Oct-Nov and April to May
The Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing expedition is a Himalayan adventure trip that climbers wish to have two quite different mountain experiences in a single adventure.
The trek i not just is not just about reaching two summits, it is of passing through two different worlds of trekking, and having the scenery, rhythm, and character of each, and observing the landscape modify gradually as you ascend the mountains.
This long yet fulfilling trek leads you into the heart of the Everest region, starting with the less busy and less tourist-travelled part of the Hinku Valley to Mera Peak and then into the more popular Khumbu trail to Island Peak.
The combination of that makes the trip complete, diverse and memorable throughout the days. The difference between the two peaks is particularly appealing in this expedition.
Mera Peak has a long peaceful approach and the panoramic summit. The days of the trekking on the Mera side are isolated and spacious.
The trail then leaves the primary Everest Base Camp trail and runs along a smaller trail through such areas as Paiya, Pangkoma, Ningsow, Chhatra Khola, Kothe, Thaknak, and Khare.
The first section of the walk goes through forests, villages on the hill side and through narrow streets with terraced land and tiny tea houses.
The further the days go the more open, more alpine, more isolated the scenery. You start with green hills and finish in a high valley in the mountains where the air is thinner, the land is more harsh and space is much greater.
The Mera road leads one to the Himalayas in a slow procession as opposed to a fast ascent. That is among its best attributes. You do not leap high into the air.
Instead, you pass through deserted villages, wooded mountains and lengthy valley stretches that can help you to adjust accodingly.
The significant acclimatization and preparation site is Khare before the climb. At that point, the path ascends to base camp and the summit push.
The section provides the expedition with a solid expedition feel without feeling too crowded or commercial. It is quiet, uncivilized and highly picturesque and that makes the journey to Mera Peak even more gratifying.
Mera Peak itself is among the most trekking peaks in Nepal due to the view on the top of the peak. The panoramic view from there is to die for, on a clear day.
On one side of the broad Himalayan range you may see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kanchenjunga, and a good many others on the horizon, making it among the primary reasons why trekkers prefer Mera Peak.
The ascent is challenging due to the height though it can also be accessible by the fit, well prepared and properly acclimatized trekkers.
It is serious enough to be a real mountain climb, yet not so technical that it is inaccessible to the right traveler.
The expedition takes a different turn after Mera peak and enters the Everest region per se, where the route turns more conventional and more associated with the well-known Khumbu scenery.
This half of the trip goes through some of the most well-known spots in Nepal trekking, such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung and then heads in the direction of the Island Peak Approach.
The feeling of the trek is different from each other. The Mera side is isolated and silent and the Khumbu side is more settled, more civilized and more representative.
Namche Bazaar, in particular, gives the trip a lively Sherpa atmosphere. It is the primary entry point of the Everest area and it also provides a powerful feeling of movement, trading, and mountain living.
Tengboche provides both religious and visual emphasis to the trip. The monastery, the open ridges, and the mountainous background all contribute to its unforgettability as a destination on the road.
Once more, Dingboche and Chhukung make the trek slower, which is crucial as these locations aid in settling the altitude before the Island Peak Climb.
The villages also provide an opportunity to explore the high-altitude Sherpa lifestyle to the trekkers.
The trail has stone houses, prayer flags, mani walls and tea houses which provide the trail with a human aspect which compliments the physical difficulty of the climb.
On the other hand, the second summit is Island Peak also referred to as Imja Tse provides Mera with a different personality.
Mera is characterized by its wide and sweeping top whereas Island Peak is more straight and technical. The Chhukung approach and the climb to Island Peak Base Camp provides a more mountaineering feel.
The terrain is steeper, the glacier portion is more serious, and the summit day is more intense in a new manner.
Island Peak is sharper and more climbing-oriented, in case Mera is the large panoramic trekking peak.
The difference among the peaks the makes the joint expedition interesting. You are not making a similar climb twice.
You are having a mountain mood and a mountain mood all the same. The views of the summits of Island Peak are spectacular in their own right.
You can view Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Makalu, Baruntse and other prominent Khumbu mountains depending upon weather and visibility depending on the upper slopes and summit area.
The perspectives are less distant and less dramatic than on the Mera side since the path is more closely linked to the high Everest massif and steep glacial topography of the Imja Valley.
This provides the expedition with more contrast. One peak is immense distance and broad horizons, and the other is mountain walls close and a glacier country closer.
The landscape continues to shift in the process of the journey such that the trek feels full and full.
In the lower sections there are forests and villages. At the middle of the route, it leads to alpine valleys and yak pastures.
Further up, the terrain becomes rocky, icy and more open. In the upper parts, when you are walking, you are on glacier, climbing steep high-mountain slopes.
This makes the trip not to seem to be monotonous and it makes you have a clear picture that you are passing through various layers of the Himalayas.
The other significant aspect of this visit is the flow of altitude. A combined expedition must be carefully paced and that is why the days of acclimatization are so important.
Destinations such as Khare, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Chhukung are not merely places of stay. Their safety and success of the trip are tied to them.
Such breaks allow the body to adapt, have some rest, and make the peak strains more realistic.
They also provide the trekkers with more time to appreciate the route appropriately rather than rushing across the mountains. With such a large trip, the traveling itself is a reward.
The Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing expedition is a lot to trekkers who desire to take a complete trip.
It provides you with distant valley trekking, traditional Everest area towns, glacier attachments, technical climbing passages, and two summit encounters, both of which seem to be different.
The combined trek is an adventure that embraces silent tracks and well known sites, open mountain views and mountain walls, local culture and the adventure at the top.
At the end of the journey you will have traveled in a single one long expedition through two Himalayan worlds that are very different, and that is what makes it such a powerful and memorable package.
Trip Highlights
- This expedition takes you to both Mera Peak and Island Peak in one long Himalayan journey in the Everest Region.
- After Reaching Mera Peak's summit (6476 m), you get the panoramic views of five 8000m mountain peaks including, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga without technical climbing.
- At Island Peak (6189m), you get a close view of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Nuptse, and the surrounding Khumbu giants.
- You trek through traditional settlements like Paiya, Pangkoma, Ningsow, Chhatra Khola, Kothe, Thaknak, Khare, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Chhukung, with monasteries and mani walls adding a strong Tibetan Buddhist feel to the journey.
- The trail changes from forests and valleys to alpine land, rocky slopes, and glacier country, so the scenery keeps changing throughout the trip.
- As both trek lie within Sagarmatha National Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage areas, you get to enjoy pristine environment, capture floras and even get a chance to see endangered animals like Red Panda, Langur Monkeys, Himalyan Tahr and Musk Deers. Musk
- u cross Zatrwa La Pass and enjoy wide mountain views, and as you move through places like Kothe, Thaknak, Khare, and the Imja Valley, the landscape becomes more open and more rugged.
- Planned rest days at Khare, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Chhukung allow safe altitude adjustment, and a weather buffer day makes the itinerary more flexible.
- Stay in local teahouses, experiencing simple hospitality and food till Khare. Later, switch to camping for a day at Mera Base camo for better acclimatization.
- Start and End your long yet dramatic journey with Lukla Mountain flight, one of World's famous yet dangerous runways, while enjoying views of Everest and Lhotse through the window.
Mera and Island Peak Climbing – 23 days ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at TIA - Welcome to Nepal
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel
Welcome to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, one of Nepal Royal Tourism Holidays’ member will pickup and get you to your Hotel in Thamel. You can stroll around the area, head to the Durbar Square or take a rest. At evening, make sure to attend trekking orientation including gearing checks and permits briefing.
Day 2
Rest Day at Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1350 m
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel in Thamel
You get a second leisure day at Kathmandu. You can go out for a walk at Thamel or prepare for your trek. At evening, make sure to attend trekking orientation including gearing checks and permits briefing.
Day 3
Fly Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Paiya
- Max altitude: 2480m
- Flight Duration: 30-35 minutes
- Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Paiya
Reach TIA airport for the Mountain Flight to Lukla at morning. While approaching the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, enjoy the view of Everest and Lhotse range. From there, the trail drops toward Surkey and Chutok La before reaching Paiya, a small settlement that gives you your first night on the trail.
Day 4
Trek from Paiya to Panggom
- Max altitude: 2846 m
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Trek Distance: 8-9 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Panggom
Today’s trail ascends through terraced fields, farms, and forested slopes before crossing Paiya Khola and Khari La. You also pass through rhododendron trails and bamboo forest before reaching Panggom, a peaceful Sherpa village where you get to enjoy mountain views.
Day 5
Trek from Panggom to Ramailo Danda
- Max altitude: 3276 m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 9-10 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Ramailo Danda
The trail rises through rhododendron forest and crosses Pankongma La before you reach the Hinku Valley. During the hike, you get views of Numbur Himal, Kongde, and Manju Peak. Ramailo Danda also gives you your first clear look at Mera Peak.
Day 6
Trek from Ramailo Danda to Chhatra Khola
- Max altitude: 2800 m
- Trek Duration: 6-7hours
- Trek Distance: 10-11 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhatra Khola
During this section of the trek, you feel much quieter and more remote. The trail is wild, with no major settlements on the way, and you walk through stone paths, forest, and rocky stretches before reaching Chhatra Khola for the night.
Day 7
Trek from Chhatra Khola to Kothe
- Max altitude: 3691 m
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Trek Distance: 10-11 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Kothe
The path follows the Hinku Khola through thick bamboo forest and a very quiet mountain corridor. You enter the Makalu Barun side of the route and gradually move into the Hinku Valley. Your destination for today is Kothe, which is one of the main stops before the higher mountain section.
Day 8
Trek from Kothe to Thaknak
- Max altitude: 4358 m
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
- Trek Distance: 6-7 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Thaknak
You leave past greenery and move towards the valley into a more deserted ground. You pass Gondishung and Lungsumgba Gompa, and the views begin to widen toward Charpati Himal, Mera Peak, Kusum Kanguru, and Thamserku. Thaknak is a simple yak-herder stop, but it sits in a very scenic setting.
Day 9
Trek from Thaknak to Khare
- Max altitude: 5045 m
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
- Trek Distance: 607 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Khare
The route passes through Dig Glacier, Charpati Tal, and the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers before you reach Khare. This is also regarded as a base stop for Mera Peak. After this, the route turns fully into climbing mode.
Day 10
Acclimatization and pre-climb training in Khare
- Max altitude: 5045 m
- Trek Duration: 1-2 hours
- Trek Distance: 2-3 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Khare
You stay in Khare for acclimatization and climbing practice. The guide will check your gear and teaches the basic rope and ice-climbing techniques you need for the summit section. This stop is important before moving higher toward Mera High Camp to avoid altitude sickness as well as to balance the elevation.
Day 11
Khare to Mera High Camp
- Max altitude: 5780 m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 5-6 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp at Mera High Camp
You climb the steep route toward Mera La and then cross the glacier to reach high camp. From here, the views open wide to the surrounding peaks, and the camp feels like a true high-mountain base for the summit push.
Day 12
Summit Mera Peak and trek to Kongma Dingma
- Max altitude: 6476 m
- Trek Duration: 11-12 hours
- Trek Distance: 12-14 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp at Kongma Dingma
The summit push begins quite early in the morning after you consume some calories; it takes you onto snow and ice above the glacier. From the top, the panorama is unbelievable, with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kanchenjunga all visible on clear days. After the climb, you descend to Kongma Dingma for the night.
Day 13
Contingency day for the summit
- Max altitude: 4850 m
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp at Kongma Dingma
We have kept a buffer day in case the summit is delayed due to weather or other circumstances. If everything is good, you can rest and recover before starting the journey to Island peak.
Day 14
Rest Day at Kongma Dingma
- Max altitude: 4850 m
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camp at Kongma Dingma
You spend the day resting and recharging before the move toward Seto Pokhari. This stop helps break up the expedition properly after the Mera summit and before the Amphu Lapcha section begins.
Day 15
Trek from Kongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari
- Max altitude: 5035m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 9-10 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp at Seto Pokhari
You move past summer camps and yak pastures as you go deep into the high valleys. Seto Pokhari is a glacial lake stop, and the scenery here is open, quiet, and surrounded by Baruntse and Chamlang Himal.
Day 16
Trek from Seto Pokhari to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp South
- Max altitude: 5650 m
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
- Trek Distance: 8-9 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp at Amphu Lapcha Base Camp South
The trail follows the Hongu basin and becomes colder and more remote. You pass glacial lakes and high moraine, with Mount Everest visible from parts of the route, before reaching the southern base camp below Amphu Lapcha.
Day 17
Trek from Amphu Lapcha to Island Peak Base Camp
- Max altitude: 5845
- Trek Duration: 8-9 hours
- Trek Distance: 10-11 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp at Island Peak Base Camp
This is one of the hardest parts of the trip. You cross the Amphu Lapcha Pass with fixed ropes, ice axe, and jumar support, then descend through the Imja Glacier side to reach Island Peak Base Camp. It’s terrain is steep, icy, and very serious.
Day 18
Rest day at Island Peak Base Camp
- Max altitude: 5100 m
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented camp at Island Peak Base Camp
Today is rest day to recover from Amphu Lapcha trek. You can go for another climbing practice and check gears for the Island Peak push. It is one of the important pauses before the summit.
Day 19
Summit Island Peak and trek to Chhukung
- Max altitude: 6189 m
- Trek Duration: 11-12 hours
- Trek Distance: 10-12 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Chukkung
You chase the summit before the dawn after having a light meal. Make sure to climb the icy upper slopes of Island Peak using fixed ropes and use ladder crossings accordingly. From the Island Peak, you get close views of Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, and Chamlang before descending to Chhukung for the night.
Day 20
Trek from Chhukung to Namche Bazaar
- Max altitude: 4730
- Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
- Trek Distance: 12-14 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Namche Bazaar
Depending on the condition we can keep a contingency day for the summit or chase the next stop. If so, we get past Dingboche, Pangboche, Debuche, and Tengboche before reaching Namche. It is a long descent, but it brings you back into the familiar Sherpa heartland and the more settled part of the Khumbu.
Day 21
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Max altitude: 3440 m
- Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
- Trek Distance: 12-13 km
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Lukla
You descent through Monjo, the Sagarmatha National Park gate, and Phakding before finishing in Lukla. This is your final trekking night. You can end with a relaxed evening with the friends, guides and teahouse owners.
Day 22
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
- Max altitude: 2480m
- Flight Duration: 30-35 minutes
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Three Star Hotel in Thamel
You fly back to Kathmandu and return to the comfort of the city. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free for rest, a shower, or a quiet walk around Thamel. Make sure to see the mountains close one last time from your window seat.
Day 23
Final Departure
- Meal: Breakfast
After having meals and pacKing your bags, you may have a leisure time to spend exploring nearby places one last time. Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday is really thankful of getting an opportunity to serve you during the Mera and Island Peak. Hope to see you again for another exciting journey in Nepal.
Mera and Island Peak Climbing – 23 days Fixed Departures Dates
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Tribhuvan Int'l Airport Pickup and Drop off by private car
- Domestic flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
- Group welcome dinner
- All private ground transportation
- Three Star Standard hotel in Kathmandu
- Set and standard three meals (breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) a day during the trip
- Teahouse and Camping accommodations on trip
- Climbing permits for both Island and Mera Peaks worth USD 700 per person
- The company provides warm gear for free use, like a sleeping bag and a down jacket.
- Supplementary Oxygen cylinder with the required medicine
- Medially trained and experienced guides and crew with required equipment and insurance.
- Satellite Phone in case of emergency
- Makalu and Sagarmatha NP permit, TIMS and any local taxes
- Trek Completion Certificate and complimentary Nepal Royal Tourism Holidays T-shirt
- First-Aid kit
- All essential climbing gear and equipment
- Trekking permits and all government taxes, etc.
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Nepal Entry Visa
- Travel Insurance (Emergency Evacuation Recommended)
- Personal Climbing Gear rental
- Hot showers, wifi, phone charging fees
- Tips for guide, porters or anyone
- Personal expenses including snacks, drinks etc.
- Personal climbing guide if requested
- Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Route Map for Mera and Island Peak Climbing – 23 days
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a challenging high-altitude expedition. Mera Peak is more of a trekking peak, while Island Peak feels more technical, so the full trip is best suited for trekkers with good fitness and strong preparation.
Previous climbing experience is helpful, especially for Island Peak, but it is not always necessary if you are physically fit. Make sure to learn basic climbing techniques during the training days.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for most of the treks including this one. The weather is usually more stable, the views are clearer, and the mountain conditions are generally better for both trekking and climbing.
The highest point of this lengthy trek is Mera Peak at 6,476 meters. Island Peak is also very high at 6,189 meters, so proper acclimatization is very important.
Yes, the itinerary includes key acclimatization stops such as Khare, Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Chhukung. These stops help the body adjust gradually to the altitude, giving less chance of altitude sickness.
You will stay in hotels in Kathmandu, teahouses on the trekking route, and tents during the climbing sections and high camps for a couple of days; though, the meals will be managed accordingly.
The teahouse usually serves simple yet fulfilling meals such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, fried rice, eggs and tea. Though, you have to adjust with packed or packaged foods while on tents.
Yes, altitude sickness can occur especially if you have not done trek in around 5000 m before. Thankfully, the route includes acclimatization days and a contingency day. Trekkers should move slowly, stay hydrated, and listen to the guide.
Yes, you will need proper climbing equipment such as boots, crampons, harness, helmet, gloves, and other cold-weather gear. Some climbing equipment is arranged by Nepal Royal Tourism Holidays, but personal gear is still important.
Yes, the trek is normally runs with an experienced trekking guide, climbing support, and porters to carry the main luggage. For the secondary luggage, only keep important personal items.
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Mera and Island Peak Climbing – 23 days
8 Reviews to Mera and Island Peak Climbing – 23 days
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Henry Clarke
at 9:42 pm
Perfect Combination of Trekking and Climbing
Travelling with both trekking and climbing in one trip was what made it so special for me. Mera Peak was easy enough for getting acquainted with climbing and Island Peak was the technical part of the trip. Our guides knew a lot and are I sure they were patient with us, because they were always trying to get us to give it our best. I highly recommend Nepal Royal Tourism
Grace Mitchell
at 6:55 pm
Best Double Peak Climbing Experience in Nepal
The 23-day trip to Mera and Island Peak was a non-stop amazing experience. The schedule was very well thought out for the right acclimatization, and the guides were super professional and helpful. Getting to the top of both peaks was like a fantasy coming true. Seeing Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu was just amazing. Really a great choice if you are an adventure enthusiast.
Benjamin Novak
at 9:40 pm
A Life-Changing Himalayan Adventure
I can’t tell you how wonderful this has been for me. I was super happy that we climbed both Mera Peak and Island Peak in one trip, even though it was pretty hard. Everything was taken care of by the team to make us safe and comfortable during the whole time. The meals, lodging, and the way things were run were top-notch. I was genuinely happy and felt like a member of the family for the whole trip.
Laura Bennett
at 4:12 pm
Professional Team and Amazing Support
From the porters to the climbing guides, everyone was great and totally professional. They really cared about making us safe and prepared. The days spent acclimatizing to the altitude were used wisely and I really appreciated them. I can still remember the feeling of standing on the top of both mountains. And I am almost certain that next time, this will be my company of choice again. see you next year
Lara Schmidt
at 10:30 pm
Unforgettable Himalayan Journey
I enjoyed a great trip to the Himalayas. The spectacular scenery, the culture, the people – all of those elements together simply made this trip unforgettable. Climbing the two peaks was a really massive thing for us.
Emily Chen
at 10:30 pm
Best Adventure Experience in Nepal
This trip was very well planned right from the first flight to Lukla until the final summit. The guides were very helpful, personable and, without exception, the utmost safety was always their priority. The mix of Mera and Island Peak is a good walk for the climbers looking for a bit of everything – experience and challenge, in fact. I have plenty of great memories from this time.
Leo Weber
at 9:48 pm
Well-Organized and Highly Recommended Expedition
This trip was partly organized by Nepal Royal and it was a great experience for me as well. Lots of time was reserved in the schedule for rest and acclimatization. The guides were not only very helpful but they also gave us the opportunity to practice and perfect our climbing skills. It is without any doubt that standing at the two summits has carved itself a permanent place in my memory. A big thumbs up and my highest recommendation for those who embark this program!
Hannah Berg
at 6:27 pm
Challenging but Worth Every Step
The first part of this walking was so tough that my body was almost broken, but the rest of the trip was so good that it completely justified the effort and the soreness. The path was nicely organized, and the helping people made the remaining part of the walk very easy for me. The ascent of Island Peak was the most physically demanding part of the trek, but also it contained the highest emotional and inspirational peaks for me. What is more, the grand scenery of the hills and mountains with snow seemed to me as a thing that is impossible to forget. Anyway, here are my three words as a conclusion: ‘Go for it!’