Your group leader will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel where you can relax, meet your teammates and take a stroll through Kathmandu’s bustling streets. We’ll enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner together and watch a cultural performance before getting much needed rest. (D)

Visit some of Kathmandu’s most noteworthy sights on a cultural city tou, including the white dome of Boudhanath and the UNESCO listed Pasupatinath. You will learn about Nepal’s religious diversity while seeing ancient religious practices firsthand. 

In the afternoon, we’ll do gear check and final trip preparation. (B)

Early in the morning, we drive to Ramechhap for the Lukla flight. This is to avoid air traffic at Kathmandu airport.

After our flight, we trek along the deep ravines of the Khumbu Valley to reach Puiyan village. (B,L,D)

This morning we follow the main trail before turning up a path into a magical forest and traversing numerous ridges to the majestic valley of the Kari Khola.

Although camp elevations are similar to previous days, the Chutok La (2945m) and the Khari La (3080m) ridges undulate. As you approach Pangum, set in a small bowl like valley immediately below the Pangum La, you’ll pass through beautiful rhododendron, pine and oak forests.

This little known trail is used only by locals and, apart from a few small settlements along the way, you’ll see little evidence of human activity. Pangum is an ancient settlement, with a new Gompa and expansive views out over the valley. (B,L,D)

Start the day with a challenging half an hour climb to the Pangkongma La (3175m), this is your gateway to the Hinku Valley.

We then negotiate a solid descent of around 900 metres to the Hinku River.

Camp is high on the other side near the Surke La. Travel through a mix of farmed terraced slopes interspersed by undisturbed forests of maples, rhododendrons and fir. (B,L,D)

After climbing up to the Surkye La (3085m) you’ll follow the spine of the Surkye Danda ridge northwards towards Mera and the Hinku, enjoying spectacular views along the way.

You’ll camp part way along at a yak herders clearing, or ‘kharka’, to experience real Himalayan life. The next few days are far from teahouse and trekkers trails, offering some of the finest wilderness trekking in Nepal. (B,L,D)

We traverse the pristine Makalu Barun National Park to reach the remote Hinku Valley.

The trail climbs among the Yak pastures which dot the riverbank. The locals bring their Yak flocks to these Kharkas (alpine pastures) only during the summer months.

After crossing a few smaller ridges, we head towards the exposed and open ridgetop which offers clear views of the surrounding mountains.

Climbing further, we reach the pristine lakes of Panch Pokhari, before continuin through the rhododendron forests toward Khola Kharka.

Catch the beautiful sights of Numbur, Pike Top, and Lamjura Pass. Then, the trail descends along the Hinku Khola.

Later, it climbs downstream along Majang Khola. Finally, we cross the suspension bridge to reach Khote. (B,L,D)

We start our hike to Tangnag at over 4,300 metres via the glaciated route.

We climb upstream with Kinku Khola on the way to Kyashar height.

First, catch the majestic sights of the three summits of Mera Peak. (B,L,D)

Leaving Tangnang, you will begin ascending the glaciated path toward Kharke.

We hike via Kyeshare Peak and Dig Kharka to reach Kharke.

It is the last settlement and the base camp for the Mera peak climbing.

We’ll spend time here training here with the essential climbing equipment. (B,L,D)

We begin climbing the snow and rock moraines to reach Mera La at 5,400 metres.

The route advances steeply out of Khare village, leading through a rocky path overlooking Mera Peak.

From here, it has been overblown by thick snow and rock gully onto the glacier.

We may require the use crampons and helmets from here on.

As you reach the glaciated path, the gradient eases off.

A short final hike brings usto Mera La camp for an overnight stay in a tent.

It’s an exposed location overlooking the Honku Valley, so can get icy and windy. (B,L,D)

Today, we climb to the Mera Peak High Camp at an altitude of 5,750 metres.

This will be an approcimately 4 hour slog with a moderately steep ascent.

We’ll make our final ascent of Mera Peak from the high camp.

Breathtaking and incomparable views await us at the camp.

The five 8,000 metre peaks of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Everest dominate the horizon. (B,L,D)

Day 15 is the most exciting on our Mera Peak portion of the adventure (and possibly of the whole trek),  the final ascent to the Mera Peak summit!

This exceptionally long day begins early. We wake up around 2 am and have some breakfast. Meanwhile, your staff will prepare the ropes for the climb. Prepare yourself and carry an ice axe and crampons with you. We cross some glaciers with numerous crevasses.

We climb slowly but steadily in a group. The trail climbs steeply to the east of the left-hand ridge below the summit. The last 50 meters to the summit is a challenging climb section. We make use of fixed ropes to climb to the top.

Once at the top, the magnificent views reward you.

Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, and Chamlang Himal on your nose tip.

We descend back down to high camp where we’ll spend the night, before heading north to Kongma Dingma on Day 16. (B,L,D)

Leaving Kongme Dingma, the trail climbs along the Yak pastures.

See the magnificent view of Chamlang and Baruntse Peak en route to Seto Pokhari where we’ll spend the night. (B,L,D)

Leaving Seto Pokhari, we hike over the upper flank to Amphu Labtsa base camp.

Enjoy the majestic sight of Mount Everest as you continue climbing along the glacial lakes toward Hunku Pokhari.

A short hike brings you to Amphu Labtsa Base Camp South. (B,L,D)

We begin traversing the snowy path leading to Amphu Labtsa Pass. Next, you will access the Upper Hunku Valley, always covered with snow.

After an hour walk, you will finally arrive at Amphu Labtsa Pass. Continue trekking along the glaciated path and head down to Imja Glacier.

A few hours of descent along the Amphu Labtsa Glacier brings you to Imja Tsho Lake, just beside Imja Glacier. From here, you will descend along the rocky moraine toward Island Peak Base Camp. (B,L,D)

Today is a rest day at Island Peak Base Camp. You can spend this day preparing for the upcoming climb. Summiting Island Peak is technically more challenging than Mera Peak.

Enjoy a short hike around Imja Glacier and walk down to Imja Tsho Lake. Overnight in Island Peak Base Camp. (B,L,D)

The most anticipated day of the trek begins early, as you wake up at around 2 a.m.

We’ll have our breakfast and prepare to make the final summit. Carrying the necessary gear and equipment for the climb. In the meantime, your Sherpa crew will prepare the ropes.

The journey begins with a slow climb through snow and a few crevasses.

We follow a steep ridge line towards the exposed traverse. The final push takes you along the vertical section. We’ll use fixed ropes and crampons on such steep parts.

Once at the top, there is a majestic view of the surrounding peaks of Amadablam, Lhotse, and Makalu. (B,L,D)

We descend to Lukla via Pangboche and Namche. This makes a big circuit from Makalu to the Everest region in one go.

We walk along the Imja and Dudh Koshi Khola. We have time to visit Pangboche and Tengboche monasteries.

Retrace your path and continue climbing the Chukung glacier towards Dudh Koshi Valley. A short descent along the glaciated way brings you to the Sherpa village of Dingboche.

From here, you will continue climbing down towards Imja Khola. Then, cross the river and continue climbing uphill towards Pangboche. (B,L,D)

A short descent overlooking the beautiful Ama Dablam peak brings you to Tengboche village via Debuche.

Enjoy some time exploring the century-old Tengboche Monastery. From here, the trail drops downstream along the Dudh Koshi River towards Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to the beautiful view of Kongde Ri Peak as you descend toward Monjo village.

Exit Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and continue to descend to Lukla via Phakding village. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to Lukla as you board the thrilling flight to Kathmandu (with stunning views). Upon arrival, we drive to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)

Fly home, or journey onward. (B)