Mera Peak Climbing Cost: A Complete Guide To Budgeting
“How much does Mera Peak Climbing cost?” Before answering the question, let’s know about Mount Mera Peak which is the top 5 most climbed peak in Nepal.
Standing at an elevation of 6,476m (21,247 ft), Mera Peak is one of the popular climbing destinations in Nepal after Mount Everest. Located in the Mahalangur section which is the north-most part of the Solukhumbu region and consists of three summits:
- Mera Peak North (6,476m/ 21,247ft)
- Mera Peak Central (6,461m/21,198ft), and
- Mera Peak South (6,065m/ 19,898ft).
This trekking peak climbing also offers you one of the best scenic views of the world’s highest peaks including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga among many others.
So, to the main topic now, What is the Mera Peak Summit Cost in Nepal for foreigners?
The Mera Peak cost varies depending on various factors such as duration, routes, accommodations, permits, and services. So, in this blog, we will go through all the aspects of Mera Peak Climbing cost in detail.
Mera Peak Climbing Average Cost:
With standard service included in the package, the 18 Day’s Mera Peak Itinerary costs USD 2590 for one person. Similarly, when there are 2+ pax, the costs get around USD 2350 per person & more discount for more groups.
This package cost includes all airport transfers, Lukla flights, lodge accommodations, full board meals, permits as well as a guide and porter facilities. Please check our Mera Peak Climbing package for all the inclusions and exclusions.
Similarly, on average, the Mera Peak Climbing can also range from $2,200 to $2600, but it all depends on itinerary, services, and fixed departure dates.
Mera Peak Climbing Permit and Fees in Nepal
Mera Peak Climbing requires a permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The Mera Peak permit depends on the routes you choose and the cost varies as per the season and the popularity of the trek.
Here is the Mera Peak Permit Cost in overview:
- Spring Season (March-May): USD $250 per person
- Autumn Season (Sep-Nov): USD$125 per person
- Summer Season (June-August): USD $70 per person
- Winter (Dec-Feb): USD $70 per person
Note: This is the permit fee set by NMA for all the different routes. With the help of trekking agencies like us, you can achieve this permit without hassle.
Climbing Mera Peak via Hinku Valley
This is the most popular and common route for Mera Peak Climbing which in general takes 18-20 days to finish. The route passes through the isolated region of Hinku valley leading you to the Thangnak which continues to Khare. From here the journey begins to the Mera Base Camp and Mera High Camp. The permits required for this route are:
Local Area Permit: NRS 2000 USD $16 approximately (get in Lukla)
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit:
SAARC nationals: Nrs. 1500 (Nrs. 165 vat charge) approximately USD 12
Other nationals: Nrs. 3000 (Nrs. 390 vat charge) approximately USD 24
Climbing Mera Peak via EBC
This route follows the normal Everest Base Camp trail till Namche Bazar which is the gateway to Everest. From there you will walk to Mera Base Camp and Mera High Camp. The permit required are:
Local Area Permit: NRS 2000 USD $16 approximately (get in Lukla)
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit:
SAARC nationals: Nrs. 1500 (Nrs. 165 VAT charge)which is approximately US$ 12
Other nationals: Nrs. 3000 (Nrs. 390 VAT charge) which is approximately US$ 24
Climbing Mera Peak via Zatr La Pass
This is the shortest and most difficult route. After flying to Lukla, you trek through Zatr La Pass to Tagnag to Mera Base Camp.
The permit required for this is the same as route one.
How to obtain a Mera Peak Climbing Permit?
You can obtain a Climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association NMA and a trekking permit from the Nepal Tourism Board. In order to get the permits, you need certain documents which are listed below:
- 2 passport-sized photos
- 1 photocopy of your passport for each permit
- Precisely filled permit forms
- A certain amount of Nepali currency
- Travel Insurance
Note: These permits are given to only registered and authorized trekking agencies in Nepal. We Nepal Peak Adventure handle all the procedures for obtaining the Mera Peak Climbing.
Transportation Cost in Mera Peak Climb
Mera Peak falls in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The Mera Peak adventure begins from Lukla. There is only two way to go to Lukla from Kathmandu i.e. direct flight to Lukla or take a bus from Kathmandu to Kharikhola.
The cost for the Lukla flight is USD $195 for one way during the peak season(Spring and autumn). So, the two-way cost is around USD $390. It is a 30-minute scenic flight.
If you are traveling by public bus you will have to drive to the Salleri or Phaplu which will cost you around NRS 2500. From there you have to take a Jeep to Khari Khola which costs around NRS 2500-3000.
Or, you can also hire a private jeep from Kathmandu to Phaplu which costs around USD $200 and is the best and most comfortable to travel. It is about a 10-12 hour drive.
Note: Our company can arrange all the transportation for you.
Mera Peak Travel Insurance
The insurance cost for Mera Peak Climbing varies depending on several factors such as the duration of the climb, the coverage amount, and the insurance provider. It is recommended to consult with reputable insurance companies that offer adventure sports coverage or specialized mountaineering insurance.
They will provide specific details regarding the coverage options available and the corresponding costs. It is important to ensure that the insurance covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and other relevant aspects to provide adequate protection during the Mera Peak Climbing expedition.
Note: It is mandatory to get insurance for the Mera Peak Climbing adventure.
Accommodation Cost in Mera Peak Package
Kathmandu offers you limitless choices of hotels for you to stay and relax. You have the option of standard accommodation or a luxurious premium room. Your lodging may cost anywhere from $15 to $250 per night.
However, upon reaching Lukla, your choice of accommodations is limited to the teahouse only. Due to the few number of teahouses along the trails, you have to stay on the basis of twin sharing or the dorm rooms. This room costs you around $2 to $6 per night.
And as you reach base camp you will have to stay in camping tents. You can rent those tents or buy them yourself. It can cost you around $120-$200 depending on the quality, size, durability, and brand.
Mera Peak Climbing Cost: Food
For the first two days in Kathmandu, you can have a wide range of food choices. Depending on your preferences for the hotels and restaurants, the cost of dinner might range from $3 to $30. However, there won’t be many food options available as you take off for Lukla and begin your trek.
Most of the teahouses and cafes provide you with some basic menu and drinks which are dal-bhaat, fried rice, roti masala tea, and so on. The prices can range from $2-$7 per meal.
From Khare to Base Camp and back, you will be served the meals and drinks that have been bought and carried by our porters.
Mera Peak Climbing Equipment Costs List
Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal and climbing at such high altitudes in the harsh and challenging weather is not something to be taken lightly. You need perfect planning, guidance, and equipment set. Every piece of equipment you pack should be comfortable for you while climbing and you should pack wisely and efficiently.
Here is the essential equipment list you must have for Mera Peak Climbing.
Items | Cost |
5 meters or more of 6mm climber’s accessory cord | $5-$10 per meter |
Figure 8 or Abseil belay device | $8-$36 |
1 large mitten-sized ascender (large Petzl) and arm-length leash | $25-$70 |
2 locking carabiners, 1 large and 1 small | $8-$12 each |
4 regular carabiners | $8-$12 each |
Ice axe with a leash | $80-$150 |
Helmet | $40-$200 |
Ski goggles | $80-$150 |
Glacier sunglasses with side shields | $50-$65 |
Oximeter | $14-$22 |
Carabiner | $8-$12 |
Crampons | $9-$15 |
Ascender | $25-$70 |
Descender | $50-$70 |
Harness | $50-$60 |
Infinity dry rope | $300 – $330 |
Snow bar | $40 |
Ice screw | $60 |
Trekking pole | $20-$200 |
Note: All the types of equipment and gear you need for Mera Peak are easily available in Thamel. You can buy it or rent it too. Our company Nepal Peak Adventure will manage and provide you with all the gear and equipment listed above.
Garbage Deposit and Refund Cost for Mera Peak Climbing
The Nepal Mountaineering Association has established regulations for refundable waste deposits, which are only given out upon the completion of an expedition and proper garbage disposal and management. The NMA sets the rate for the refundable rubbish deposit, which varies depending on the significance of the mountain or peak that can be climbed. The amount of deposited waste will not be refunded by the authorities in the event of improper garbage management.
Hence, for the Mera Peak Climbing, you should pay USD 500 to NMA and all the processes will be handled by our company. Nepal Peak Adventure supports eco-friendly tourism so we dispose of or destroy all the trash and garbage during and after the trip.
Climbing Guide and Porter Costs for Mera Peak
Mera Peak expedition is a combination of both trekking and climbing. Hence, you will have two separate guides for trekking and climbing respectively. Upon reaching Mera High Camp, the climbing guide will assist you to take you to the Mera summit and back to the high camp. The fee for the climbing guide is around US $230. For the trekking guide who will be looking for you throughout the journey, their fee starts from US $40 to US $60 per day.
What is the best climbing season for Mera Peak?
Autumn (Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-May) is the best season for climbing Mera Peak.
During this time of the year, the weather is good with a very comfortable temperature. The views during the whole trip are absolutely mesmerizing that it takes your breath away. In addition, the spring season captivates you with the colorful blossoms of the rhododendron and other wildflowers. Autumn on the other hand offers you crystal-clear mountain views everywhere.
During summer (Monsoon) it rains everywhere and winter is very cold in the Himalayas making these two seasons unfavorable for Mera Peak Climbing.
18 Days Mera Peak Climbing Itinerary Cost
Our 18 Days Mera Peak Climbing is well-crafted by professionals. Our plan includes a full-day stop at Khare for acclimatization and pre-climbing training before ascending to the Mera Base Camp. It will help your body adjust to the higher altitude before pushing to the summit. You will meet the climbing guide and porter at the Base Camp. Our 18 days package of Mera Peak Climbing costs USD 2,350 per person.
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
- Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley and trek preparation (1400m)
- Day 03: Fly to Lukla (2860m) and trek to Paiya (2730m) – 30 minutes flight and 3-4 hour trek
- Day 04: Trek to Panggom (2846m) – 5/6 hour
- Day 05: Trek to Ningsow (2863m) – 4/5 hour
- Day 06: Trek Chhatra Khola (2800m) – 7/8 hour
- Day 07: Trek to Kothe (3691m) – 6/7 hour
- Day 08: Trek Thagnak (4358m) 3-4 hour
- Day 09: Trek to Khare (5045m) – 2/3 hour
- Day 10: Khare: Acclimatization and pre-climbing training
- Day 11: Trek to Mera High Camp (5780m) – 6/7 hour
- Day 12: Climb to Summit (6461m) and return to Khare (5045m) – 8/9 hour
- Day 13: Reserve Day for Contingency
- Day 14: Trek to Kothe (3600m) – 4/5 hour
- Day 15: Trek to Thuli Kharka (4300 m) – 5/6 hour
- Day 16: Trek to Lukla (2642m) – 6/7 hour
- Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu (1400m) – 30 minutes flight
- Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
This is our Mera Peak itinerary in general. But you are free to customize it.
Note: You can book our Mera Peak Climbing package via our website or by mail. Also, you can directly enquire about the trip on WhatsApp: + 977 9841319155 (Hom Rana).
In conclusion, the cost of Mera Peak Climbing can vary depending on several factors such as the duration of the climb, the services included in the package, and any additional expenses such as permits, equipment, and insurance. It is important to carefully consider all the costs involved and choose a reputable and experienced expedition company that offers a comprehensive package with necessary support and safety measures. While the cost may vary, the experience of conquering the majestic Mera Peak and witnessing the breathtaking Himalayan scenery is truly priceless.
You may also read our latest travel guide to other peak climbers in Nepal.