Nepal Duo(Mera and Island Peak Climbing)

Trip Facts
    Highlights

    Highlights

    • Explore the rich flora and fauna of Makalu Barun National Park and Sagarmatha National Park
    • Climb two famous trekking peaks- Mera and Island peak
    • Cross Amphu Lapcha and Kongma La passes (both above 5,000 meters)
    • Enjoy offbeat trekking through dense forests and steep hillsides, crossing numerous suspension bridges
    • Spend nights in beautiful mountain villages resided by communities like Sherpas, Rais, Lumbus, Lamas, etc
    • Visit ancient monasteries on the way and get to know the locals closely
    • Explore high alpine lakes such as Seto Pokhari and Panch Pokhari
    • Witness stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountain panoramas
    • Pre climbing training at the base camp

    Overview

    "Join us on the adventure of a lifetime in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal and conquer two peaks- Mera and Island peak while exploring the rarely visited Hinku and Honku valleys. Come across the true wilderness of the Khumbu region."

    Mera and Island peak climbing via Amphu Lapcha pass is the ultimate venture in the Khumbu region. This is a 22 days long adventure package that involves trekking and climbing in the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal, home of Mt. Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft). You will be climbing the two most popular trekking peaks while crossing a challenging & isolated mountain pass. The journey is full of adventure, learning, and discoveries.

    If you are looking to climb two peaks at once in Nepal, then this is the package for you. The itinerary is designed to let you explore some of the untouched and rarely visited parts of the Khumbu region. The trail winds through Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu Barun National Park. You will come across a wide species of plants, animals, and flowers while trekking. And not to mention, the overnight stay in the picturesque villages will let you experience an authentic mountain lifestyle.

    Mera peak (6,461 m/21,192 ft) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. It is not technically demanding, however climbers have to be physically and mentally strong to undergo all the external challenges. Likewise, Island peak (6,189 m/20,305 ft) is also one of the most famous trekking peaks in Nepal. It is also not technically advanced but a bit more challenging than the Mera peak. Both Mera and Island peak are the best for beginner climbers.

    Mera and Island Peak Climbing via Amphu Lapcha Pass route

    Mera peak is located in the Makalu Barun National Park, whereas Island peak is located in the Sagarmatha National Park. And Amphu Lapcha pass connects these two parks. Following an offbeat route from Lukla, you will trek through dense rhododendron forests and steep hillsides to Khare, the last settlement before the Mera peak base camp. The trail explores the rarely visited Honku and Hinku valleys.

    On the way to Amphu Lapcha pass (5,845 m/19,177 ft), you will trek in the isolated Honggu valley, where the wilderness is at its peak with no trace of humans. And you are unlikely to meet any other trekker on this part of the trail. The valley is high and open, with huge moraines and sharp peaks. The trail further passes by stunning glacial lakes, including the Seto Pokhari (4,825 m/15,826 ft) and Panch Pokhari (4,100 m/13,451).

    The views of Mt. Chamlang (7,319 m/24,012 ft) and Mt. Baruntse (7,129 m/23,389 ft) are spectacular on this part of the trail. Unlike the famous Thorong La and Cho La passes, the Amphu Lapcha pass requires fixed ropes while crossing it. Crossing the precipitous crest and icefall with the help of fixed ropes, the trail enters Imja Khola valley.

    From here onwards, we will begin Island peak climbing while enjoying dramatic views of mountains like Everest (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Makalu (8,481 m/27,825 ft), Cho Oyu ( 8,188 m/26,864 ft), etc. As you cross the Amphu Lapcha pass and enter the Sagarmatha National Park, the terrain, landscapes, and tourist infrastructure change drastically.

    Our Mera peak and Island peak climbing via Amphu Lapcha pass itinerary do not involve a hike to Everest base camp, but if you wish to extend the trip, we can do so for you. If not, we will follow the mainstream trail from Chukhung (4,730 m/15,520 ft) and descend to Lobuche village (4,940 m/16,210 ft), crossing Kongma La pass (5,540 m/18,176 ft).

    From Lobuche village, we will drop down to Dughla pass (4,620 m/15,160 ft) and navigate through Khumbu glacier moraine and a glacier field to Dingboche village (4,410 m/14,470 ft). The trail then descends through lush rhododendron and magnolia forests to Pangboche village (3,985 m/13,074 ft).

    From here, ascend to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,660 ft) and trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft). Further, follow a steep downhill route and walk through small settlements and lush forests, crossing numerous suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi river to Lukla (2,860 m/9,383 ft).

    Nepal Duo(Mera and Island Peak Climbing) Itinerary

    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Meals: Welcome dinner

    Our team will be at the Tribhuvan International Airport, as per your landing time to welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. They will help you with the luggage and check-in. Take a rest for some time and later meet us in our office. We will discuss the trek program and introduce you to your mountain guide. After final packing, we will go for a delicious welcome dinner and end the day strolling on the bustling streets of Thamel.

    • Altitude: 3,020 m/9,905 ft
    • Duration: 35 minutes flight & 4-5 hours trek
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    Our journey in the Khumbu region begins with a thrilling Lukla flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap airport. The flight will be short, and presents a stunning aerial panorama of the Himalayas. Upon landing at Lukla, we will meet with porters who will be assisting us throughout the expedition and begin trekking to Chutanga. The trail heads east through ridges and lush forests of rhododendron, pines, and oaks. Following a rough hillside, we will walk to Chutanga for a night stay.

     

    • Altitude: 4,600 m/15,088 ft
    • Duration: 6-7 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    From Chutanga, the trail steeply ascends and crosses the Kalo Himal ridge. We will leave Khumbu valley here and enter Hinku valley, a very remote part of the Himalayas. The trail further ascends to Zatrwa La pass. We'll walk past the chortens. The mountain views from the top of the pass are breathtaking. From here, the trail descends and continues via the foothills of the Hinku river valley to Thuli Kharka.

    • Altitude: 4,182 m/13,716 ft
    • Duration: 5-6 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    The trail from Thuli Kharka to Kothe is packed with rhododendron forests, the national flower of Nepal. Following a downhill trail, we will traverse the ridge above the Hinky valley, relishing striking mountain views. Trekking through lush forest along the Hinke river, we will reach Kothe for a night stay.

    • Altitude: 4,326 m/14,189 ft
    • Duration: 4-5 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    The trail opens up today, and the mountains are much more prominent. Trekking along a ridge, we will gradually ascend to Thagnak. On the way, we can see beautiful views of Kusum Kanguru, Mera Peak, Kyashar Peak, etc. The trail follows a riverside and ascends to yak pastures. We will pass by Gondishung monastery & a summer settlement of herders called Hinku Drangka.

    • Altitude: 5,000 m/16,404 ft
    • Duration: 5-6 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    Today, we will spend the day acclimatizing. In the morning, hike to Thangnak Ri. It is a viewpoint from where we will get to see a gorgeous sunrise along with outstanding mountain views. After the hike, we will return to Thangnak. We will explore the surrounding area and rest.

    • Altitude: 5,000 m/16,400 ft
    • Duration: 4-5 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    The trail from Thangnak goes east and gradually ascends to Khare, the last settlement before the Mera peak base camp. We will be trekking along the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier and ascend to Dig Kharka, from where the mountain views are sensational. Further, we will follow a steep uphill route via a moraine to the snout of Hinku Nup and Shar Glaciers. Crossing a stream, we will trek on a boulder-filled hillside and ascend to Khare.

    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    We have one more rest day in Khare before we continue towards the base camp of Mera peak, and begin our climbing journey. On this day, the mountain guide will provide you pre pre-climbing training and teach you to properly use climbing gears like ice axe, crampons, and ropes. In the morning, we will also go on a hike to Mera La to acclimatize.

    • Altitude: 5,300 m/17,384 ft
    • Duration: 7 hours
    • Accommodation: Camp
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    Following a boulder-strewn route, the trail ascends to a glacier that further leads to the Mera La. After the snout of the glacier, we will gear up with crampons, climbing boots, harness, etc. Crossing the pass, we will ascend to Mera peak base camp to spend the night. Our supporting crew will set up all the tents and prepare a warm delicious meal for us.

    • Altitude: 5,700 m/18,696 ft
    • Duration: 3-4 hours
    • Accommodation: Camp
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    On this day, we will be climbing to Mera high camp from the Mera peak base camp. The trail follows snow slopes and crosses crevasses. The high altitude and exposure to sun, wind, and cold will make climbing difficult. As we climb, the route gets steeper. Further, walking on open snow slopes, we will reach Mera high camp. We can see stunning views of Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest from here. The support crew will set up the tents and prepare the meals for us.

    • Altitude: 6,461 m/21,192 ft
    • Duration: 8-9 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    Today, we will be conquering the Mera peak. From the high camp, the route to the summit is straightforward. We will climb up the Mera glacier and continue towards the summit. To reach the summit on time, we will leave the high camp at dawn. From the top of Mera peak, we will get to see a breathtaking panorama of mountains. After spending some time at the summit, we will descend back to base camp to spend the night.

    • Altitude: 4,825 m/15,826 ft
    • Duration: 6 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    We have completed the first phase of our expedition in the Everest region. Now, we will gradually move towards Island peak. From the Mera peak base camp, descend to Khare and follow a remote upper valley to Kongma Dingma. The trail then continues to Seto Pokhari, where we will spend the night. The views of Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Everest are fantastic along the way.

    Altitude: 5,650 m/18,532 ft

    Duration: 6-7 hours

    Accommodation: Lodge

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    Following an off-the-beaten trail, we will ascend to Amphu Lapcha Phedi. We may not see any trekkers on this part of the trail as it is rarely visited. The trail steeply ascends beyond the Seto Pokhari and passes by a series of alpine lakes in the upper Honku Basin. We can see a striking view of Mt. Chamlang on the way to Panch Pokhari.

    • Altitude: 5,845 m/19,177 ft
    • Duration: 7-8 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    The trail descends along the moraine that connects Amphu Lapcha pass to Chukhung. Further, the trail gradually ascends toward the top of the pass and descends to Chukhung, where we will be spending the night. The trail reenters the Khumbu valley and goes along the Dudh Koshi river. The landscape changes as we trek further.

    • Altitude: 5,200 m/17,060 ft
    • Duration: 3-4 hours
    • Accommodation: Camp
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    From Chukhung, the trail ascends to the Island peak base camp. We will trek along a glacial path and descend to Imja glacier. After a few hours of downhill steep walk, we will follow an uphill route that leads to Imja Tsho Lake. From here, the trail descends along the rocky moraine to the Island peak base camp. The team will set up the tents and cook delicious snacks and dinner for us.

    • Altitude: 6,189 m/20,305 ft
    • Duration: 9-10 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    On this day, we will reach the summit of Island peak. Like before, we will leave base camp around 2:00 AM and follow the footsteps of our mountain guide. The climbing crew will carry the necessary climbing gear and fix the route with ropes for additional safety. Crossing a few crevasses, we will climb by a glacier gully and steeply ascend to a ridge.

    From here, we will climb following a steep ridgeline and use fixed ropes to navigate the final vertical section before reaching the summit. The views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Everest, Pumori, etc are phenomenal from the summit. Later, we will descend back to the base camp, clean it, and continue the trek to Chukhung for a night stay.

    • Altitude: 5,540 m/18,176 ft
    • Duration: 7-8 hours
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    We have the last major ascend of this trip today. From Chukhung, we will trek to Kongma La pass. The trail is steep and rugged. The mountain landscapes from the top of the pass are stunning. From the pass, the trail descends to Lobuche village.

    • Altitude: 2,860 m/9,383 ft
    • Duration: 6 hours each day
    • Accommodation: Lodge
    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

    For the next three days, we will spend trekking to Lukla from Lobuche village. The trail goes along the lateral moraine of Khumbu glacier to Dughla. We will trek past a glacier field and ascend to Dingboche village. From here, the trail descends to Pangboche village via lush rhododendron forests.

    We will gradually climb uphill to Tengboche village and follow a long downhill route to Phunki Tenga. Further, ascend to Namche Bazaar and steeply descend through dense forests to Phakding. The trail then ascends to Lukla via Ghat village. In between Namche Bazaar and Lukla, we will cross numerous suspension bridges.

     

    • Duration:  35 minutes flight
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Meals: Breakfast & farewell dinner

    Early in the morning, we will fly back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free to rest and shop. We will meet you in the late evening for a farewell dinner.

    Today, you will fly back to your home. Our airport team will drop you at the international airport and bid you our last goodbye.

    What's Included
    • Transfers: airport / hotel / airport
    • All necessary for transportation from Kathmandu and back.
    • Full board trekking during trekking, accommodation is in a 'twin' room or in shared lodges. (Except drinks, mineral water, coke, beer, etc.) will be in tent during the Ascension period)
    • The Trek will lead by English-speaking mountain guide, NMA graduate, if the group has more than 3 participants, the presence of one or two altitude sherpas is necessary.
    • French speaking guide (80 Euros per day for the group).
    • Royalties for the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Summit
    • High altitude tents,
    • National Park Fees
    • Porters depend of Groups size
    • Assistant guides (depending on the size of the group
    • Satellite phone for the guide
    • 4 night Hotel  in Kathmandu  room for two participants  with breakfast
    • Insurance for the Nepalese team (medical / repatriation)
    • Gas in altitude lodges
    • Equipment in fixed ropes, snow piles, etc.
    • Provide Hyperbar (Cassoin) 
    What's Excluded
    • The meals in Kathmandu
    • Extra charge for single room in hotels (Kathmandu)
    • Additional baggage charge for the flight if there is domestic flight and if you exceed 15kg / person (75 Rupees / kg)
    • International flight
    • Personal equipment (down, sticks, water bottle, backpack, glasses, sunscreen, etc ...)
    • Personal insurance: Make sure your insurance covers all medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
    • The drinks.
    • Tips
    • Entry visa to Nepal (check that your passport is valid for another 6 months after your return date)
    • Transport and visits to Kathmandu
    • Entrance fees in certain areas of the city (museum, monument, monastery)
    • Any trip interrupted or abbreviated, any change of program at the request of participants (accident, illness, mountain sickness, early return abbreviated trek etc ...) will not give rise to any refund
    • Costs caused by exceptional events (road cut, landslide, bad weather conditions, snow .....) that can not be foreseen and associated expenses.
    Essential Info & Equipments

    Safety

    You will trek with a professional team of mountain guides and porters during the Mera and Island peak climbing via Amphu Lapcha pass. Our expert on-field team will assure your safety in the mountains. They will help you navigate all the challenging areas and also provide per-climbing training to boost your confidence before climbing either peak. Likewise, our itinerary is designed to let you acclimatize as you trek and avoid altitude sickness.

    Gear and equipment

    We will provide you with an extensive packing checklist that you can follow to buy trekking clothes and climbing gear. Most of the clothes and gear are available to rent or buy in Thamel, Kathmandu, at the best price, so you do not have to carry everything with you from your home. At the base camps and high camps, we will provide full support. You do not have to invest in duffel bags, sleeping bags, tents, crampons, etc, as we will provide you for temporary use.

    Accommodation & Meals

    While trekking, we will spend nights in lodges and tea houses along the route. The rooms are mostly twin shared with a private/common washroom. At the base camps and high camps, we will use high-quality alpine tents for a night stay. The support crew will set up the tents for us.

    Melas during the trek are given as per the menu of the lodges/teahouses. You will get a wide variety of items like dal bhat, momo, noodles, thukpa, porridge, soups, curries, chapati, burgers, pasta, toast, eggs, oats, etc. While climbing, our kitchen staff will prepare delicious meals for you.

     

    Nepal Duo(Mera and Island Peak Climbing) FAQs

    • Yes, beginner climbers can join our Mera and Island peak climbing via Amphu Lapcha pass. Even though we do not require previous climbing experience, you have to be physically and mentally strong to join this expedition.

    • You will cross Amphu Lapcha, Kongma La, and DughLa passes on this venture.

    • Yes, you can easily extend Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing via Amphu Lapcha itinerary to the Everest base camp or other places in the Khumbu region, like Gokyo Lakes.

    • To join us on Mera and Island peak climbing via Amphu Lapcha pass, send us your booking inquiry via our package page or contact us. You have to send your general information and advance payment for trip confirmation. You can clear the remaining due upon reaching Kathmandu before the trip begins.

    • Yes, we have a very flexible cancellation and refund policy that allows our guests to claim a refund if they cancel the trip. Please check our cancellation policy for detailed information.

    • Yes, you can add a helicopter flight from anywhere on the trail as per your wish. You can book a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu or Chukhung village to Lukla. The options are limitless.

    • Get a tourist sim and a solar charger for this trip. The connection may not be stable all the time. Paid WiFi is available in villages at lower altitudes. Likewise, you can charge your device in the lodges by paying USD 2 to 3.

    • The best time to climb Mera peak and Island peak are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

    • Your travel insurance has to cover emergency air evacuation up to 6,000 meters and medical bills.

    Contact Us on WhatsApp+977 9841340915 (Dhane)

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