From trekker to summiteer

Peak Climbing

Non-technical trekking peaks above 6,000 m, climbed with fixed ropes, crampons and experienced climbing guides.

4.9 (486 reviews)
NMA-permitted climbs
Climbing guides

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Overview & highlights The Everest Region Where to go Safety & Certification Requirements & Eligibility Activities Beyond the Mountains Frequently asked questions What Our Travelers Say

Know before you go

Overview & highlights

Trip Length

7 - 21 Days

Group Size

Solo Trek

Group: 2 -12 trekkers

Altitude

3,210m – 5,545m

Difficulty

Moderate - Extreme

Best Time

March – May

September – November

Nepal’s “trekking peaks” are mountains between roughly 5,500m and 6,500m that the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) permits for climbing with simpler rules than the big expedition peaks. The word “trekking” is misleading: summit days start around 2am, involve glacier travel roped to your guide, and use crampons, ice axe and sometimes fixed lines.

Mera Peak is our flagship climb. You fly to Lukla, cross the Zatrwa La into the Hinku Valley, and acclimatise through Kothe and Khare before moving up to high camp at about 5,780m. The final glacier slope is long but not steep, which is why Mera is often the first 6,000m peak people attempt.

Success depends far more on acclimatisation and weather than on technical skill. Our itineraries include spare days, and your climbing guide will turn the group around if conditions or your health say so. Most climbers spend a couple of days in Kathmandu beforehand for gear checks, rentals and a full briefing.

Highlights

Standing on a 6,476m summit with Everest, Makalu and Kangchenjunga in view
Glacier skills training with your climbing guide before the summit push
The remote Hinku Valley, far from the busy Everest trail
A night at high camp on the Mera glacier

Where the big peaks are

The Everest Region

The Khumbu and the neighbouring Hinku Valley hold Nepal’s best-known trekking peaks. Mera Peak rises at the head of the Hinku, a wild valley east of Lukla, and its summit at 6,476m looks out across five of the world’s six highest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Kangchenjunga. The approach over the Zatrwa La builds acclimatisation naturally before you ever put on crampons.

6,476m

Mera Peak summit

Views of five 8,000m peaks from the top.

Learn more about Everest

GLACIER APPROACHES

SHERPA HIGHLANDS

ALPINE HIGH CAMPS

SIX-THOUSANDER SUMMIT

Mountaineer in puffer jacket on snowy peak in Nepal's Himalayas.

Regions

Where to go

A high trek is the best preparation for a peak. Treks in these regions take you above 5,000m on walking trails, so you learn how your body handles altitude before you add a summit day.

All regions

A mountaineer stands on a rock at Everest Base Camp, surrounded by snowy peaks.

5 Packages

Everest

The Khumbu, home of the Sherpa people and the world’s highest mountain, where legendary trails lead to Everest Base Camp...

Before you climb

Safety & Certification

Climbs run under Nepal Mountaineering Association rules, with qualified climbing guides, carefully chosen ratios and a conservative turnaround policy.

NMA permit & rules

Every climb is registered with the Nepal Mountaineering Association, including the permit and refundable garbage deposit.

Qualified climbing guides

Summit days are led by experienced climbing guides, with a ratio of no more than two climbers per guide on the glacier.

Forecast-driven summit days

We use mountain weather forecasts to choose summit windows and set a fixed turnaround time before leaving high camp.

Oxygen & rescue backup

Groups carry emergency oxygen and a satellite messenger, and evacuation insurance is checked before you fly to Lukla.

Can I trek?

Requirements & Eligibility

You do not need prior mountaineering experience for Mera Peak, but you do need excellent fitness and some time above 4,000m.

Health & fitness

Able to walk 7–9 hours at altitude, then do a 10–12 hour summit day
Three months of endurance and leg-strength training beforehand
A medical check-up and declaration of any heart or lung conditions

Permits & documents

NMA climbing permit, issued only through a registered agency with a licensed climbing guide
National park and local area permits for the Hinku and Khumbu, arranged by us
Insurance explicitly covering climbing and helicopter rescue to 6,500m

Altitude Readiness

Previous trekking above 4,000m strongly recommended
Itinerary includes acclimatisation days at Khare and spare summit days
Discuss acetazolamide (Diamox) with your doctor before travel

What to wear & bring

Insulated double mountaineering boots compatible with crampons
Harness, crampons, ice axe and helmet (rental available in Kathmandu)
Expedition down jacket, mitts and a sleeping bag rated to -25°C

Unsure whether you are ready? Send us your trekking history. We would rather suggest a high trek first than see you turn around below the summit.

Ask us your queries

Ready for your first Himalayan summit?

Tell us your climbing experience and we will recommend the right peak, acclimatisation plan and kit.

Send Inquiry

Activities

Activities Beyond the Mountains

From serene takes to thrilling adventures, explore the best experiences Pokhara has to offer for every kind of travelers.

All activities

Trekking & Hiking

Eight of the world's fourteen 8,000m peaks, teahouse trails you can walk without technical skills,...

View details

A vibrant red and white helicopter in flight against a clear blue sky, showcasing aviation dynamics.

Helicopter Tours

See Everest and the Khumbu glaciers up close in a single morning by helicopter from...

View details

Adventure & Thrills

Soar above Phewa Lake with sweeping views of Pokhara, lush hills, and the Annapurna range....

View details

Your queries answered

Frequently asked questions

What we are asked most about climbing Mera Peak and other trekking peaks.

Ask our team

Do I need climbing experience for Mera Peak?

No technical experience is required. Your guide teaches crampon, ice axe and rope skills at Khare before the climb. What you do need is strong endurance and ideally a previous trek above 4,000m.

What is a trekking peak?

It is the term for peaks managed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association rather than the Department of Tourism. They have lower permit fees and fewer rules than expedition peaks, but most still involve glacier travel and real mountaineering on summit day.

What is the summit success rate?

It varies with season and weather, and we do not quote a single figure. Most turnarounds on Mera are caused by poor acclimatisation, strong wind or deep snow, which is why our itinerary includes spare days and a strict turnaround time.

Is Mera Peak harder than Island Peak?

Mera is higher but less technical. Its difficulty is altitude and a long glacier walk. Island Peak is lower but has a steep headwall with fixed lines and a narrow summit ridge.

Reviews & Experiences

What Our Travelers Say

Discover what our guests have to say about their time in Pokhara Nepal, from seamless adventures to meaningful moments along the way.

Review us on GOOGLE

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Esme Fenton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have just done the Mardi Himal trek for 4 days with Asmita! It was an amazing trek with an amazing guide, who was attentive, organised and knowledgeable. It was lovely to have such an impressive female guide and I hope to be back soon!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Piper Bradshaw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience or a more fantastic guide! Utsab was our guide for the Annapurna circuit trek and made the whole trip 1000% times better!
I cannot recommend both the trek and Utsab as a guide more!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shady Abdallah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Mardi Himal trek in 4 days with Asmita as my friend and guide, she's wonderful, attentive and very caring. The trek itself was well organized and fantastic all over, great views, amazing food and good company. Thanks Asmita and see you again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   elise hislop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five stars simply aren’t enough for Dipendra, our guide on the Mardi Himal Trek.

As this was my first multi-day trek in Nepal, I was absolutely not prepared! But Dipendra made sure we had all the correct gear before setting off and helped us rent anything we couldn’t buy.

Throughout the trek, we not only gained a deeper understanding of the land, culture, and history, but also felt completely safe and comfortable walking at our own pace. We could talk loudly and openly, share stories, or simply choose to be silent. Dipendra has such a natural ability to make everyone feel at ease—even when you’re exhausted from walking uphill and leeches are attacking every inch of your body… somehow, he can still make you laugh.

On top of being an incredibly knowledgeable and well-educated guide, he has a stellar personality that makes it feel less like you’ve hired a guide and more like you’ve brought a mate along for the adventure.

Thank you SO much, Dipendra, for such a life-changing experience. I can’t wait to come back next year for another one!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Savannah Cash 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went and hiked the Nar Phu Valley with Dipin.  Amazing trail and great guide!  Would recommend Dipin as guide to anyone looking to book with Elevate Treks Nepal!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gabzy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide Dipendra ‘D’ Nepali was amazing, being hilariously funny and always finding a way to have some fun, but also a keen knowledge about the mountains and the villages we stayed in. His advice of slow, and steady meant the days were easy going with none of us falling behind or feeling too tired by the end of the day. Meaning that in the evenings we could still be in high spirits, and ready for the challenges of the next day. I’d recommend to everyone to go on a trek with Elevate Trekking, and our guide ‘D’. It was an experience that I’ll never forgot, and it will stay with me forever. Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Danylo Kupnovitsky 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to do the Annapurna circuit for 10 days as a group of four friends from England. By the end of the trek we made an amazing fifth friend for life - our guide Dipendra :) The trek itself was amazing - stunning views and diverse climates and cultures that we were very fortunate to see! That, combined with Dipendra’s excellent knowledge of the local mountains and customs, made for an absolutely unforgettable experience. Will most certainly be returning to Nepal just to go trekking with D.
Thorung-La (5416 m) done, now onto 6000m and potentially more in the future!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Noah Rendo Castro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was an amazing trek and the gear given was top notch, guide was great and would recommend (Dipendra Nepali)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anuj Sindgi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing experience doing the Mardi Himal trek with Elevate. Initially, I planned on doing ABC trek, but given the weather, recent landslides and time constraints, Anish ji and my guide Tanka ji suggested Mardi Himal.

I booked a full package with Elevate that covered transport, guide fee, food, accommodation and I didn’t have to spend on anything during the trek.

Special shoutout to my wonderful guide - Mr.  Tanka Dahal who expertly guided me through the trek, chose the best routes and hotels during the stay. I would definitely recommend anyone to go with him for a wonderful trek.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amelie Hofmann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to do the mardi, they got me a female guide to feel more comfortable because i was doing it on my own. I couldn’t be any happier with Asmita. She was loving and caring. She doubled checked with me every 5m to assure that i was feeling good about everything. We talked, laughed and enjoyed every single bit together. She made sure that i felt comfortable with the pace, levitation and weather along the whole trek. In the end it didn’t feel like hiking with a guide, more like with a friend. I can promise you, if you get her, you can count yourself more than lucky.

Peak Climbing

Overview & highlights

The Everest Region