MERA PEAK

Overviews:

Mera Peak rises above 6,654 m or 21, 825 feet as the highest trekking peak in Nepal. As listed by the NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association), located in Nepal’s Far North Mid-East around the high Khumbu region of Everest. 

Several routes to Mera Peak either via southern trails from Khari-Khola to Pangbung village and on off the beaten tracks. Eventually reaching the main course coming from Lukla town, which is the usual and straightforward way to Mera Peak.

Mera Peak is situated around the hidden valley of Hinku enclosed by high ridges of Naulekh and Kalo Himal range. In the east bounded by Hongu glacial valley and Amphu Labtsa peaks and Baruntse Himal. Certainly, a trek and climb around the pure wilderness, where few groups of trekkers seldom venture. But in the past few decades, Mera Peak is gaining more popularity due to its remote isolation far from the mainstream trail.

Mera Peak, although the tallest trekking peak in Nepal Himalayas as well the easiest climb to the summit top. The grade is used as ‘F’ which means Facial Easy from French and Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification Systems.

The trek and climb to Mera Peak is about two weeks duration, including acclimatization days on the route. As well as Mera base camp was also known as Khare at 5,045 m high. Most trekkers make it to the top from base camp, but it is best to add one more advanced camp. Which is at above 5,780 m / 18,958 feet makes the climb to Mera Peak summit much easier and accessible.

The climb is steep and strenuous following a high long snowy ridge, making it tough due to the rise in altitude. From the top offers a mind-blowing panorama of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Cho-Oyu. As far as Makalu and
Mt. Kanchenjunga. After the climb, a safe descent to base camp.

The return journey to Lukla follows the main trail of Hinku valley to Thagnak, Thuli-Kharka, and over the Zatwar-La pass to Lukla. For Mera Peak, all climbers require good climbing gear, accompanied by an expert guide recommended and Regisrated by NMA.

Mera peak outline itinerary:-

Day 01: Kathmandu to Phapu By sharing jeep (2,413 meter/ 9980 feet) – 12/13 hours.
Day 02: Trek to Taksindu Dada (2,931 meters /9616 feet) – 06 hrs.
Day 03: Trek Khari Khola (2,370 meters/ 7775 meters)-6/7 hours.
Day 04: Trek to Panggom (2,846 meters/ 9,337 feet)-5/6 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Ningsow (2,863 meters/ 9,393 feet)-4/5 hours.
Day 06: Trek to Chhatra-Khola (2,800 meters/ 9,186 feet) – 6/7 hours.
Day 07: Trek to Kothe (3,691 meters/12,109 feet)- 6/7 hours.
Day 08: Trek to Thaknak (4,358 meters/14,297 feet) – 3 / 4 hours.
Day 09: Trek to Khare(5,045 meters/16,486 feet)- 2/3 hours.
Day 10: Acclimatization day in Khare and Pre-Climbing Training and become familiar with using crampons, Carabiners, figure eight, rope Ice Axe, etc.
Day 11: Climb Mera High Camp (5,780 meters / 18,958 feet) – 6/7 hours.
Day 12: Mera Peak (6,461 meters/21,190 feet) summit and back to Khare (5,045 meters/16551 feet) – 8/9 hours.
Day 13: Reserve Day for Contingency.
Day 14: Trek to Kothe (3,600 meters/11,808 feet) -4/5 hours.
Day 15: Trek to Thuli-Kharka (4,300 meters/14, 07ft)-5/6 hours.
Day 16: Trek down to Lukla via Zatrwa La pass (4,610 m/15,124 feet)- 6/7 hours
Day 17: Lukla (Tenzinghilliarry Airport) to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan Int´l Airport) and fly back.

ISLAND PEAK

Overviews:

Island Peak is located in scenic Imjatse valley within the beautiful high Khumbu and Everest region, enclosed by towering giant peaks. Island Peak also called by its native name Imjatse Himal at 6,160 m / 20,205 feet high.

Island Peak or Imjatse Himal is one of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal, due to its accessibility. As it is located close to the main route of Everest base camp at Dingboche and Chukung settlements. Climbers need tented camping just for a few days during the climb of Island Peak from its base camp. 

The climb of Island Peak, although mostly climbed peak the grade is PD + (Per Difficulty with plus).  A straightforward climb with few technical sections to negotiate just before the summit of Island Peak.

The route of Island Peak heading from Lukla, Namche Bazaar to Tengboche and then towards Dingboche around Imjatse valley. From Dingboche to the last small settlement of Chukung and then to Island Peak base camp. 

The base camp is at 5,100 m where the tented camp is set for the climb. At base camp, have a rest day for acclimatization and practice climb, then add one more High Camp at 5,500 m. Make the ascent safe and accessible to the summit, the climb follows across technical sections, over rocks and icefall. As the climb progresses over steep snow and ice ramp, supported by main ropes for the last steep climb over 100 meters. Then finally a big push to the summit of Island Peak. 

From the summit close views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse with Makalu in the east and Baruntse Himal. Includes an array of peaks overlooking Amphu Labtsa and Ama Dablam peaks, after a grand vista a safe descent on the same route to base camp.

Island Peak Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla flight and trek to Phakding Village
You’ll wake up rather early today. We will pick you up and drive you to the airport. The early morning flight will take you to Lukla. The 25-minute short flight offers a beautiful aerial view of the forested valleys, rivers, and villages. Upon arrival in Lukla, you will have your breakfast and embark on the first day of the trek. The trail goes past scenic Sherpa settlements. Walk through the well-paved stone steps toward Phakding village. Walk past a beautiful waterfall and lush forests. The trail continues along the Dudh Koshi River and ends at Phakding village. It will only be a few hours of trek.

Day 02: Phakding to Namche.
Continue along the main Everest trail and trek through the lush forests toward Monjo village. Monjo marks the entrance to the UNESCO-designated site of Sagarmatha National Park. After showing your permits, you’ll continue along the forested path and cross a few suspension bridges before arriving at a steep trail. Begin climbing through the stone steps to reach Namche Bazaar. The largest village in the entire Everest region, Namche boasts many high-end lodges (teahouses), shops, and restaurants. It serves as the primary hub for tourists leaving for different parts of the Everest region. Overnight in a comfortable teahouse.

Day 03: Namche Bazar Rest day
Wake up to the beautiful view of Kongde Ri Peak (6187m) and enjoy a lavish breakfast. It is an acclimatization day; hence you’ll spend the day exploring the village and outer valleys. Embark on a tour of Namche Bazaar and explore the beautiful nooks and corners of the village. From here, you’ll begin climbing uphill towards Khumjung Village which lies about 45-50 minutes from Namche Bazaar. Khumjung is home to Khumjung Monastery, which has been a tourist landmark for ages. You will witness the purported Yeti scalp and paw preserved inside a glass box inside the monastery. Yeti is a mythical abominable snowman who inhabits the Himalayas. Make a short hike towards Hillary School, the largest school in the entire region, before retracing your path back to Namche Bazaar.

Day 04: Namche to Tengboche
Leaving Namche, the trail begins to rise through the stone steps toward the Everest Memorial Site. You will walk past the Everest Viewpoint which offers the first sight of Mount Everest. Continue climbing along the Dudh Koshi River to arrive at Phungi Thanga. Enjoy a warm lunch before continuing with the trek. Then, you’ll climb through some uneven paths. The trail takes you to Tengboche Monastery, located at an altitude of 3,860 meters. In the distance, you will witness the natural sight of Ama Dablam Peak (6812m).

Day 05: Tengboche to Dingboche
Visit the century-old Tengboche Monastery and meet the local monks. The monastery hosts the annual festival of Mani Rimdu that runs for 19 consecutive days. The locals and tourists only get to witness the last three days of the festival. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a trek and climb towards Debuche Village, a quaint Sherpa settlement. From here, the trail descends towards the Imja Khola (River). Cross the bridge and begin trekking towards Pangboche. Enjoy a warm lunch at Pangboche, and continue along the path. You will witness thousands of decorated Mani Stones en route to Dingboche. These Mani stones depict the history of Tibetan-Buddhism. Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 06: Dingboche Rest Day.
As you’re above 4,000 meters, you can take a day off and acclimatize at Dingboche Village. You can choose to stay put in the village or take an adventurous hike to the nearby Nangkartshang peak. Nangkartshang (5083m) is a small peak located 2-3hr away from Dingboche. This can prove to be a steep climb. However, from the top of the summit, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains like Tawache, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Lhotse, Mount Everest, and Pumori. You can also embark on a short hike outside Dingboche.


Day 07: Dingboche to Chhukung.
Leaving Dingboche, you’ll embark on a rather easy trail toward Chhukung village. Chhukung serves as the final stop before you head toward Island Peak. You will find many climbers staying put at Chhukung village. The uphill trail goes along Chhukung Glacier into the Chhukung valley. The quaint Sherpa settlement of Chhukung lies below the massive Chhukung Peak. You can rent climbing gear or equipment at Chhukung. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing.

Day 08: Chhukung to Island peak Base Camp
Chhukung village lies at an altitude of 4,725 meters. After breakfast, you’ll leave Chhukung and begin heading through the moraines towards Island Peak Base Camp. Continue trekking along Chhukung Glacier and take a steep ascent that leads towards Lhotse Glacier. After almost 4hr into the trek, you’ll arrive at the vacant elevated ridge that serves as the base camp. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing. Overnight inside a tented camp.

Day 09: Climbing to Island Peak summit and Trek to Chhukung
The day you most awaited is here. Today, you’ll conquer the Island Peak. The day begins at around 2 am. You’ll get up and have your breakfast. Prepare your gear and embark on the climb to the summit. Walk past snow and a few crevasses before arriving at the right side of the gully. A steep climb through the use of fixed rope will bring you to the ridge.

Follow your guide and begin climbing the steep trail along a ridgeline toward the exposed traverse. The use of ice-ax and crampons will come in handy. Begin climbing the snout of the summit using the fixed rope. The last section is very steep. Once at the top, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sights of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. After a brief rest, you’ll retrace your path and begin climbing down to Island Peak Base Camp. From here, we will walk down to the nearby Chhukung village.

Day 10: Leaser day in Island peak Base Camp
We have kept a contingency day in hand in case we fail to Summit the peak because of bad weather. We’ll use this day to make a successful summit of Island Peak. Overnight inside a camp.

Day 11: Chhukung to Namche.
Retrace your path and begin climbing down from Chhukung valley. Walk past Chhukung Glacier as you make your way towards Dudh Koshi Valley. A short trek will take you past Dingboche and Tengboche Village en route to Namche. Leaving Dingboche, you’ll cross the Khumbu Khola and Imja Khola to reach Debuche. A short downhill hike through the birch and oak forest will bring you to Tengboche. Enjoy a warm lunch before continuing towards Namche. The trail goes along the Dudh Koshi River towards Phungi Thanga. A short descent along the stone steps will bring you back to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy the magnificent sight of Kongde Ri Peak in the distance.

Day 12: Namche to Lukla.
Retrace the usual path and begin trekking down to Monjo village. The trail goes through few suspension bridges and lush forests towards Monjo. Exit Sagarmatha National Park and continue traveling towards Phakding. Enjoy a warm lunch before climbing 11km down to Lukla. The last section of the trail is rather easy. Spend the evening celebrating the completion of the climb with your Sherpa guide and staff.

Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu flight
Catch an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. If the weather is clear, you’ll get on the flight at around 6 am, or 7 am. Catch the majestic sights of snow-capped peaks and lush green hills. As you approach Kathmandu, you will witness the magnificent views of some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Drive to your hotel and enjoy a warm breakfast — overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Rest day/Shopping in Kathmandu
On a leisurely day, you can choose to do whatever you like. You can embark on a city tour and explore some of the unvisited UNESCO sites, or you can relax at the hotel. You will find many massage centers at Thamel if you want to relieve body pain. In the meantime, you can indulge in a shopping spree at Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Airport Departure.
Today, we will drop you at the airport as per your flight schedule. 

LOBUCHE PEAK

Overviews:

Lobuche peak is located in the high Khumbu valley close to the route to Everest base camp. But well hidden in the western corner, away from the main trail of Everest base camp and Namche Bazaar.

Lobuche East Peak is accessible for climbing as per the norms and regulations as listed by NMA (Nepal Mountaineering Association). Lobuche Peak towers high at
6,119 m or 20,070 feet, west of Mt. Everest. 

The grade is TD (Technical Difficulty) as the French / Swiss Alpine Climbing Classification, which is popular all around the world. The climb requires good climbing equipment and should be guided by an expert Climbing guide Regisrated with NMA. Lobuche East Peak often climbed and got more popular, due to its easy accessibility to reach the base camp.

Which is at a height of 4, 940 m, the climb of Lobuche Peak is done after having a few rest days. Most climbers visit Everest base camp and climb to high Kalapathar rocky hill for good exercise for acclimatization. 

The climb and trek to Lobuche Peak require a maximum of 15 to 16 days from Lukla to Lukla. The climb starts after setting a high camp at 5,400 m, encountering some technical difficulty on rock and ice. Using the necessary gear and being roped to reach on top of Lobuche Peak summit. 

After a vigorous steep climb over a rocky ledge at a 40° angle, then having good rest. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Overlooking Mt. Makalu and Mt. Ama Dablam with Mt. Cho-Oyu in the far North West. From the top after a successful triumph, descent safely to base camp for last overnight in tented camp.

 Lobuche Peak Climbing Detail Itinerary: 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
On reaching Kathmandu international airport where White Hill Adventure Treks & Expedition staff will receive you and then transfer you to your respective hotels around Kathmandu city. After getting refreshed from the flight our guide briefs you with information about a hotel, Kathmandu and Lobuche Peak climb with the Everest Base Camp trek including a welcome dinner in a nice Nepali restaurant.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour and trek preparation.
Morning our city guide will take you for a sightseeing tour at places of interest as Kathmandu valley full of world heritage sites, temples, monasteries, and old king’s palaces after an interesting tour back to the hotel, preparation for the Lobuche Peak climb with Everest base camp trekking.

Day 03: Fly to Lukla 2,830 m & trek to Phakding 2,640 m – 04 hrs.
Morning flight to Lukla with mountain views including Everest, on reaching Lukla with time for rest, then start first-day trekking to Phakding village. The walk leads past farm villages with a few short ups and down, and beautiful views along the walk to Phakding for an overnight stop.

Day 04: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m – 05 hrs.
After overnight at Phakding, the morning trek leads over the Dudh Kosi River and then past interesting villages of Toc-Toc, Bhenkar, and Monjo to reach the Sagarmatha National Park entrance gate. From here walk on the riverbanks for a few hours, crossing the last bridge with a climb to the famous Namche Bazaar where you can explore this small town with facilities of nice restaurants, pubs, cyber café, post offices, and banks.

Day 05: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization and excursion.
The right place for rest and acclimatization the day before the trek to higher country, here take a short hike to Everest View Hotel or walk to Namche viewpoint above at Sagarmatha National Park museum for superb views of Everest, Amadablam and adjoining peaks, and visit the museum.

Day 06: Trek to Thyangboche 3,867 m – 05hrs.
From Namche walk leads on the scenic path with downhill to Phunge-Tenga for lunch, then climb into rhododendron and pine forest with views of peaks. On reaching Thyangboche visit a monastery with a panorama of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtenga, Thamasarku, Kwande, and majestic Amadablam.

Day 07: Trek to Dingboche 4,260 m – 05hrs.
The morning walk leads downhill for an hour and then crosses over Imjatse River, after the bridge enters an open exposed area where tree lines disappear for short juniper and rhododendron bushes. Trek uphill to Pangboche village at 3,900 meters. Pangboche last permanent village to Dingboche and beyond, from here a short climb to Somara for lunch and continue with the climb to Dingboche village for an overnight stop, located in beautiful Imjatse valley with a panorama of mountains.

Day 08: a day at Dingboche for acclimatization and excursion.
Another rest day for good acclimatization, a short hike to Nakarjung hills offers views of Mt. Makalu and other adjoining mountains.

Day 09: Trek to Lobuche 4,930 m – 05 hrs.
After resting at Dingboche morning walk continues with a steep climb for an hour with excellent views of the valley and mountains, and slowly walking on the gentle path leading to Thugla for lunch, where the Khumbu glacier melts turning into a torrential river. Here trail from Pheriche joins, after rest and lunch a steep climb for an hour to Thugla ridge top, where you can see many stone memorials of unfortunate climbers who died climbing Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and other high mountains. From here an hour of nice pleasant walk to Lobuche for an overnight stop.

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep 5,170 m and Everest Base Camp 5,364 m and return to Gorakshep – 06 hrs.
Today our final adventure leads to Everest Base Camp, starting with a moderate walk for a few hours and then climbing over the glacier and moraine to Gorakshep located at the bottom of Mt. Pumori and Kalapathar hill and viewpoint. From here walk to Everest Base Camp following the path close to Khumbu glacier all the way to base camp. On reaching base camp marvel at the views of Khumbu Ice Fall and glaciers. After enjoying views of ice falls and mountains, completing our aim and dreams, walk back to Gorakshep for the overnight stop.

Day 11: Hike to Kalapatthar 5,545 m /18,192 ft trek to Lobuche BC.
An early morning excursion for two hours to Kalapatthar viewpoint at 5,545 meters, for awesome scenery of Mt.Everest in a close distance and panorama of high mountains peaks all over the northeast range after a great return back to Gorakshep and continue to walk to Lobuche then heading on the same trail for an hour then the route diverts towards Lobuche Base Camp, on a steep and rocky trail along the Lobuche glacier. The trail offers amazing views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pokalde, Thamserku, and Kantega, after several hours of walking to Lobuche Base at 4,865 m / 15,957 ft, here our expert guide will inform you about the climb.

Day 12: Climb to Lobuche High Camp 5,600m / 18,368 ft – 04 hrs.
The morning starts with a gentle climb to reach the high camp, the climb takes almost four hours to reach the overnight stop, after a climb through the rocky moraine path to reach High Camp with the final preparation for the climbing.

Day 13: Climb the summit 6,119m / 20,070 ft and to Base Camp – 08 hrs.
The climb to the summit is steep is slightly technical; our guide will fix rope where necessary on this tough ascent to the summit at 6,119 m high, from the top breathtaking views of fascinating mountains and valleys, after a successful climb to the summit overlooking panorama that surrounds you with world’s highest mountains views Mt. Everest 8,848 m, Lhotse 8,501 m, Mt. Ama-Dablam 6,856 m, Mt. Makalu 8, 463 m, Chamlang and Baruntse peaks in the far distance, after an experience of a lifetime descend safely on the same route to base camp.

Day 14: Reserve day in case of unfavorable weather conditions
We have reserved an extra day which will be a contingency day, in case of unfavorable weather conditions times in this high Himalayan range, the weather can be unpredictable, so an extra day on this type of adventure is very necessary if all goes well can use on the way back to Lukla with short day walk enjoying the great scenery along the way.

Day 15: Trek to Thyangboche – 05 hrs.
The return journey is an easy walk dropping heights every few hours with a downhill with a few short ups to Pangboche and then after the bridge two hours climb to Thyangboche for an overnight stop.

Day 16: Trek to Monjo 2,860m – 06 hrs.
After a great time on the high mountains descend to the Imjatse River with a climb for an hour to Sanasa. From here walk with a few short ups and downs to Namche Bazaar, after a nice stop, a downhill walk to Dudh Kosi river valley to Monjo for an overnight stop.

Day 17: Trek to Lukla – 04 hrs.
The morning walk leads back to Phakding and then back to Lukla with the final climb of this adventure, and then on reaching Lukla celebrate our last day in the Everest area with fellow trekkers and staff.

Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels. From Lukla an early morning flight to Kathmandu, at Kathmandu domestic airport our guide and staff transfer you back to your hotels with the rest of the day free for individual activities.

Day 19: In Kathmandu free day with a sightseeing tour.
A reserve or spare day in Kathmandu in case of flight delay or cancellation due to bad weather which occurs sometimes, as Himalayan weather can be unpredictable if all goes well enjoy the extra day with a tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur.

Day 20: International departure for home ward bound.
After a memorable time and great adventure around the Khumbu area with Lobuche Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp trekking, as well as the excellent services of White Hills Hill Adventure Treks & Expedition guides, as per the flight time, our staff transfers you for the final departure homeward bound.

Lobuche Peak Cost Information

Cost Includes

  • Domestic airport pickups and drops.
  • Kathmandu to Lukla both-way flight tickets.
  • 4-night Kathmandu Hotel with Breakfast
  • All meals (B/L/D) while trekking as indicated by the itinerary.
  • All-mountain Tea house / Accommodation (Tenth and guest house).
  • Sagarmatha National fee and local permit cost.
  • English-speaking, trained, and experienced trekking and climbing Sherpa Guide.
  • All insurance for guide/porter.
  • Guide and Porter’s costs including their salary, equipment, transportation, food, and tea house.
  • Lobuche peak Climbing Permit and Garbage deposit.
  • North face quality tents and good kitchen equipment.
  • Group Climbing equipment (like ropes, Ice-Screw, snow bar….)
  • Your personal climbing equipment like Plastic boots, Harness, helmet, Ice axe, etc
  • Welcome dinner.
  • Free International Airport drops and pickups.
  • All Government and Local taxes.

Cost Excludes

  • Duffel/trekking bags.
  • Your personal travel Insurance.
  • Hot and cold drinks.
  • Personal Expenses (Laundry Service, Phone Calls, Battery Charge, Bar bills, Hot Shower Boiled water, etc.)
  • Porter 25 USD per day.
  • Tips