It’s been a few days since I returned to Kathmandu, and honestly, I still don’t know where to begin. The past two weeks have been a lot – in the best (and wettest) way possible.
Mera Peak, standing tall at 6,474m, is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking peaks. It’s often billed as a “non-technical†6000er – perfect for first-timers. That “entry-level†label may have lured me in… and boy, did I find out that “non-technical†doesn’t mean “easyâ€!
I booked my trip with Thamserku, one of Nepal’s top adventure travel companies with 37 years of experience. Their 14-day Mera Peak itinerary truly tests your limits – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually (and maybe even fashionably, considering how much I wore my rain jacket).
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Pangom village
- Thangnak village
- Mera Refuge Lodge in Khare (make sure this accommodation is in your itinerary!)
- Mera High Camp – this is an unreal location!
- The Summit Push – stunning views all around! Try to take as much photos!
The trek starts gently enough, walking through lush green forests towards Ramailo Danda and Chhatra Khola. But those “green forests†quickly turned into green torture devices – endless uphills and downhills that made me question my life choices. Nepalis have a phrase for it: “nakh thokinney ukalo†– literally “nose-piercing uphill.†It fits perfectly.
And here’s the thing: no vlog, no Instagram post, no drone shot ever prepares you for those climbs. When I saw the trails, I was too stunned to even take my phone out. It was “let’s get it done†mode, not content mode.
From Day 2, the rain joined our journey and refused to leave. Everything was wet, cold, and slippery. Yet, the tea houses along the way were like little havens of warmth and humanity. Families who live months in isolation welcomed us with big smiles, hot meals, and curious questions about life beyond the valley.
My team, Pasang Phura, my incredible guide, and Pemba dai, the powerhouse carrying my bag were true heroes! Their patience and strength kept me moving when I wanted to simply just pause and stop.
Once we reached Kothe (3600m), the trail finally evened out, leading to Thangnag (4300m) – a small but beautiful village surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We stayed at Oxygen Lodge, which lived up to its name by literally helping me breathe again. The views were stunning, and the dining room? Pure comfort. A warm, lively dining room is essential – that’s where stories are shared and endless cups of tea consumed.
But then came the Thangnag to Khare stretch – and the weather went from bad to ridiculous. Rain, snow, slips, and a surprise dip in the river (yes, face first — 10/10 would not recommend). Still, we made it to Khare in one piece and decided to rest an extra day as a rescue mission unfolded nearby.
You can catch all the daily drama in my vlog, but the real highlight came next:
On Tuesday, October 7th, we set off for Mera High Camp.
On Wednesday, October 8th at 6:21am, I stood on top of Mera Peak.
The trek from Khare to High Camp was breathtaking – literally and figuratively. Snowy trails, towering peaks, and a sense of “I can’t believe I’m doing this.†The Mera Refuge Lodge crew made the coldest night bearable, serving dal bhat straight to our tents. Michelin-star service, Himalayan edition.
I woke up at 1am, fueled by tea and porridge, and began the summit push by 2am. The climb was slow, steady, and utterly exhausting. The snow was soft, the air thin, and my energy – well, somewhere back in Thangnag. But step by step, with Mingma Chirri’s guidance, we reached the summit.
The top was wild – windy, cold, and unreal. My cheeks froze, my hands went numb, and my brain? Empty. My speech – slurry! You can hear it in the video. No grand moment of reflection, no emotional tears. Just “Wow, this is windy. Let’s take a photo before I lose my fingers.â€
After a few quick snaps, we descended fast — back to High Camp in just over an hour. I refueled, packed up, and by 9am, we were heading back to Khare, Mera Refuge. That last leg drained every ounce of energy I had. By the time we reached Khare at 12:30pm, it felt like I’d walked for days. Thank goodness we were back at Mera Refuge – the place really did become a hub and home. Their wifi, sun-room, climbing shop and bakery felt like a small world within Khare.
While my itinerary had me trekking all the way back to Lukla, my legs said “absolutely not.†I arranged a helicopter flight with Thamserku, and on Thursday morning, we were whisked away at 7:30am – reaching Lukla in just 9 minutes! From two days of walking to nine minutes of flying – modern magic. It was Pemba dai’s first helicopter ride, and seeing his excitement made it all worth it.
We spent the rest of the day exploring Lukla — visiting the Haat Bazaar, Pasang Lhamu Memorial Gallery, and Everest Coffee House for some much-needed caffeine. The evening wrapped up perfectly with dinner at Mountain Lodges of Nepal – Lukla and a celebratory drink at The Waves Pub — Lukla’s very own slice of Thamel nightlife.
Finally, on Friday, October 10th, I boarded a Tara Air flight back to Kathmandu. And just like that, my Mera Peak adventure came to an end.
It was wet, cold, beautiful, exhausting, hilarious, and unforgettable.
I’m still processing everything – but for now, I’m just grateful to have made it up and down safely. Time for a long shower, a soft bed, and maybe a year-long nap.
Climb Mera Peak with Thamserku
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