Mera Amphulapcha pass Trekking 19 Days

Overview

The trek starts with a flight to Lukla, followed by trekking through Sherpa villages and rhododendron forests. Trekkers gradually ascend towards the Hinku Valley, with stops at Thangnak and Khare for acclimatization. A mountaineering training session might also take place here. From Khare, trekkers continue to Mera Base Camp, then ascend to Mera High Camp before making the final climb to Mera Peak. After summiting, trekkers head towards the Amphu Lapcha Pass, which involves navigating glacial terrain and possibly using ropes. Once across the pass, the trek continues down to Chhukung and finally to Namche Bazaar, before descending back to Lukla. The trek ends with a flight back to Kathmandu.

This trek is physically demanding, with high altitudes and technical sections requiring mountaineering skills. Acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness. The weather can be unpredictable, so trekkers must be prepared for all conditions. The cost of the trek is higher than standard treks in Nepal, ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 8,000, covering flights, permits, accommodation, meals, and guide services.

Before starting the trek, participants should be in excellent physical condition, have prior high-altitude trekking experience, and be familiar with mountaineering techniques. Proper gear is essential, including warm clothing, trekking boots, crampons, and ice axes. Travel insurance covering high-altitude activities and emergency evacuation is also necessary. Experienced guides and porters will ensure safety and help with logistics.

Details Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. This day is primarily for settling in, relaxing after your journey, and perhaps taking a leisurely stroll around your immediate surroundings to get a first glimpse of the vibrant city.

Day 2: Kathmandu: Trip Preparation and Sightseeing

Today involves essential preparations for your trek. This typically includes a briefing with your guides and mates to discuss the itinerary, safety procedures, and answer any questions you might have. You'll also have the opportunity to check and potentially purchase or rent any necessary trekking gear. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour of some of Kathmandu's iconic cultural and historical sites. This could include UNESCO World Heritage sites like Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa (one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal), Pashupatinath Temple (a sacred Hindu temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square (the historical heart of the city).

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) and trek to Chutanga (3,100m/10,170ft) - 3-4 hours

This morning, you'll take an early and scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport, known for its dramatic mountain landing. Upon arrival, you'll meet your trekking crew (guides and porters) and begin your trek. The initial trail is relatively gentle, winding through Sherpa villages and alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Your first day's destination is Chutanga, a smaller settlement where you'll spend the night, allowing for initial acclimatization to the higher altitude.

Day 4: Trek from Chutanga to Thuli Kharka (4,300m/14,107ft) via Zatrwa La Pass (4,600m/15,091ft) - 7-8 hours

Today marks a more challenging day as you ascend towards the Zatrwa La Pass, your first high mountain pass. The trail will become steeper and more rugged as you climb through rhododendron and pine forests before reaching the pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After crossing the pass, you'll descend to Thuli Kharka, a grazing area with basic teahouses. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you gain significant altitude.

Day 5: Trek from Thuli Kharka to Kothe (3,580m/11,745ft) - 6-7 hours

After the demanding climb yesterday, today's trek involves a significant descent, which is beneficial for further acclimatization. You'll traverse through forests and along the Hinku Khola (river) to reach Kothe, a small village situated by the river. This day offers beautiful views of the Mera Peak region and provides a welcome change in terrain.

Day 6: Trek from Kothe to Thangnak (4,350m/14,270ft) - 4-5 hours

The trek continues along the Hinku Khola valley, gradually gaining altitude. You'll pass through summer pastures and potentially see yak herders with their livestock. The trail offers increasingly impressive views of the snow-capped peaks ahead. Thangnak is a relatively small settlement that serves as a good acclimatization stop before heading higher.

Day 7: Trek from Thangnak to Khare (5,045m/16,552ft) - 2-3 hours

Today is a shorter trekking day, specifically designed for acclimatization to the higher altitude before your ascent of Mera Peak. The trail to Khare is relatively straightforward, following the moraine of the Hinku Glacier. Khare is the last permanent settlement before Mera Peak Base Camp and offers stunning close-up views of Mera Peak itself.

Day 8: Acclimatization day in Khare and pre-climb training

This is a crucial day dedicated to acclimatizing your body to the high altitude. You'll engage in light activities and, importantly, receive basic mountaineering training from your guides. This training will cover the use of climbing equipment like ice axes, crampons, and ropes, as well as essential safety techniques for your ascent of Mera Peak.

Day 9: Trek from Khare to Mera Base Camp (5,300m/17,384ft) - 3-4 hours

Today you'll trek to Mera Base Camp, situated on the Mera Glacier. The trail involves walking on moraine and potentially some icy sections, depending on the conditions. The views of the surrounding peaks, including Baruntse, Chamlang, and others, become increasingly spectacular. You'll set up camp here and prepare for your summit push.

Day 10: Trek and climb to Mera High Camp (5,780m/18,958ft) - 4-5 hours

This day involves both trekking and some basic climbing as you ascend to Mera High Camp. The terrain will be more glaciated, and you'll likely be using your trekking boots and potentially crampons depending on the snow and ice conditions. High Camp is typically located on a rocky outcrop or a snowfield below the summit glacier, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Day 11: Summit Mera Peak (6,476m/21,247ft) and trek down to Kongma Dingma (4,850m/15,912ft) - 8-9 hours

This is the big day! You'll start very early in the morning for your summit attempt. The climb involves glacier travel, potentially using fixed ropes on steeper sections near the summit. Reaching the summit of Mera Peak offers unparalleled panoramic views of five of the world's highest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. After soaking in the incredible views and celebrating your achievement, you'll descend back down to High Camp and continue trekking all the way down to Kongma Dingma, a beautiful valley with stunning mountain scenery. This will be a long and physically demanding day.

Day 12: Rest day at Kongma Dingma

After the strenuous summit day and long descent, today is a well-deserved rest day. You can relax, recover, enjoy the stunning surroundings of Kongma Dingma, and allow your body to recuperate before the next challenging part of the journey – crossing the Amphu Lapcha Pass.

Day 13: Trek to Seto Pokhari (5,035m/16,519ft) via the Hinku Valley - 5-6 hours

Today you'll begin trekking towards the Amphu Lapcha region, following the upper reaches of the Hinku Valley. The trail will likely involve traversing moraine and rocky terrain, with stunning views of the surrounding glaciated peaks. Seto Pokhari (White Lake) is a beautiful high-altitude lake where you'll camp for the night.

Day 14: Trek to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp (South) (5,650m/18,536ft) - 5-6 hours

The trek today takes you closer to the formidable Amphu Lapcha Pass. The terrain will become more challenging, involving glacier walking and potentially some scrambling over rocks. You'll establish base camp on the south side of the pass, preparing for the technical crossing the following day.

Day 15: Cross Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,845m/19,177ft) and trek to Chhukung (4,730m/15,518ft) - 8-10 hours (This day is technically demanding and may involve fixed ropes and glacier crossing)

This is arguably the most challenging day of the entire itinerary. Crossing the Amphu Lapcha Pass involves navigating steep, icy slopes, potentially using fixed ropes to ascend and descend. Glacier crossings with crevasses are also a possibility, requiring careful footwork and the use of ropes and harnesses. The views from the pass are spectacular, offering a dramatic panorama of the Everest region. After successfully crossing the pass, you'll descend steeply to Chhukung, a village in the Imja Khola valley with stunning views of Ama Dablam and other iconic peaks. This day requires excellent physical fitness, mountaineering skills, and close coordination with your guides.

Day 16: Trek from Chhukung to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft) - 6-7 hours

After the high-altitude challenges, you'll descend significantly today, following the Imja Khola and then joining the main Everest Base Camp trail. You'll pass through villages like Pangboche and Tengboche, where you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery, offering breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trek eventually leads you to the bustling Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, a vibrant trading hub with shops, restaurants, and bakeries.

Day 17: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m/9,318ft) - 6-7 hours

Your final day of trekking involves descending back down to Lukla. You'll retrace some of your steps along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through familiar villages and enjoying the changing landscapes as you lose altitude. Arriving back in Lukla marks the end of your incredible trekking adventure. You'll have a farewell dinner with your trekking crew to celebrate your achievements.

Day 18: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

You'll take an early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred back to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day free for souvenir shopping, further exploring Kathmandu, or simply relaxing and reflecting on your journey.

Day 19: Final departure from Kathmandu or contingency day

This day serves as either your final departure day from Kathmandu, where you'll be transferred to the airport for your international flight, or as a contingency day in case of any delays during your trek or with the Lukla flights. If the itinerary has run smoothly, you'll depart today with unforgettable memories of your Mera Peak and Amphu Lapcha adventure.

Cost Details

                            Cost Includes
- Airport to hotel pick and drop
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu at three-star categories in BB plan
- Accommodation in Mountain lodge run by local people during a trek
- All meals during trekking
- One highly experienced mountain Guide and Porter
- Accommodation food, drinks, salary, insurance, transportation of both trek guide and Porter
- All necessary paper works and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System card)
- Kathmandu/ Lukla / Kathmandu airfare.

                      Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Travelers insurance
Cold drinks (Alcohol and cold drinks)
- Boiled water, Hot shower, Mineral water, Batteries charge and hot drinks (in pot)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (Approx. 10-12 USD

Map

FAQs

• Trek Documentation
• Choosing a Provider
• Food, Accommodation & Facilities
• Travel

• Clothing & Equipment

• Acclimatisation & Oxygen

• Guides, Sherpas & Team Members

• Health & Fitness

• Communication & Electronic Devices

  Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
  Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at wifi and local moble call Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the Nhh website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.

  I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
  Many of our treks and climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.

  Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the trek?
  For lodge-bassed treks, many of the lodges have power available with typical Asian plugs (two nail like horizontal prongs) and offer to recharge for a fee. 

  We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost or advise on the purchase of a suitable personal solar charging system - please enquire with our office.

• Insurance

• Fees & Payments

• Photography

• Safety

• Employment