“Do not follow where your path may lead...Instead, go where there is no path. Leave a trail"
Nepal, the Himalayan Democratic Republic is home to some of the most exhilarating trekking trails that will justify this old saying to the truest sense! Take, for instance, a trek to the Mera Peak! With an altitude of 6,476 Meters (21,831 ft) this peak at the south of Mt. Everest is the ultimate trail for any trekker. This route is particularly helpful for those who are aspiring to take up the challenge of scaling Himalayan heights for the first time, before getting more challenging and demanding trips.
The most amazing aspect of Mera Peak is its location! To the east of it is the Baruntse, while to the west there are the towering peaks of Ama Dablam, Cho-Oyu, and Kantega. Then there is the majestic view of Mt. Everest to the north, over the colossal southern face of the Nuptse/Lhotse ridge overlooking Mt. Lhotse.
Another reason, why trekking to Mera peak is such a popular feature of Nepal trips for the trekkers is the fact that it is one of only a few peaks that the trekkers can scale and then come back to the base camp on the same day, if the conditions are favourable, of course!
On a bright and sunny day, Baruntse in the east and the peaks of Cho-Oyu, Ama Dablam and Kantega to the west are clearly visible. Everest can be seen glittering against a crystal clear sky to the north over the massive south face of Lhotse and the Nuptse/Lhotse ridge.
The climbing route starts from the North Face Glacier in Mera La. The base camp is at an altitude of 5300 meters, close to the Mera La. The second camp is generally set at a height of 5800 meters, close to a jagged bulge on the Mera Glacier. This camp provides the trekkers with a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Kanchanjunga, Makalu, Baruntse and Chamlang in the east and Mt. Amadablam, Kangtega, Cho Oyu in the west! Besides, the gigantic faces of Mt. Lhotse, Nuptse and the mighty Everest can be viewed in the north, weather permitting!
Summiting itself involves scaling three main peaks. The South Peak with an altitude of 6065 meters, the Northern Summit with an elevation of 6,476 meters, and the Central Summit with a height of 6461 meters. Getting to the summit of the middle peak is particularly demanding, with a trek through steep, snowy glaciers, which demands a thorough technical knowledge of trekking. The North Summit is comparatively easier to scale.
Scaling the height of the Mera Peak is not a child’s play. The route is hard, if not notoriously tricky. However, for the lovers of nature, it is a spectacular route, which takes the trekkers through breathtaking beauties of nature.
There are many Nepal tourism companies, who would take the trekkers directly to Lukla by flight and then get them at the altitude of 4610 meters at the Zatr La Pass and then to Tangnag at the base of the Mera Peak. This is not the ideal way. Firstly, it will not give the body to be acclimatised with the altitude, air pressure and the freezing temperature, and secondly, it will deprive the trekkers of the experience of trekking through nature’s beauty at its purest form.
The ideal way is taking the route that lies south of Lukla, which takes them to Tangnag. The trail passes through a sea of rhododendron and bamboo forests, then through the lush green moorlands and the mountain springs and narrow trails.
Hence, when planning a trek to Mera Peak, it is best to talk to the tour and travel agency to find out the route they are arranging for their clients.
The author runs a travel agency that arranges for Nepal trips for those interested in Nepal tourism. The author is also an experienced trekker who writes blogs.