Mera Peak Climbing Permits
The following is the list of several permits required while practicing Mera Peak Climbing. They are needed for a safe and legal trip. Let's look at each permit and its specifics:
NMA Mera Peak Climbing Permit
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) releases this permit. There are also some restrictions, such as the price of this permit varying depending on the period that you want to enter the park. The permit cost is about USD 250 in spring, which is considered the high season. It is cheaper, costing nearly USD 125, in the autumn peak season.
However, if you want to do the climbing during winter and monsoon, which is considered off-season, you can secure the permit for USD 70.
Local Area Permit
Hence this permit is essential while visiting the territory, which includes Mera Peak. This permit you can obtain upon your arrival to Lukla, or the organizers can arrange it in advance. The local area permit is about USD 20 on average.
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit
Makalu Barun National Park is situated in the eastern part of the country, and an officially recognized entry permit is required to visit this park.
This permit is needed since we are going to climb Mera Peak, which is located within Makalu Barun National Park. For the city's residents, obtaining the permit is free.
On the other hand, one has to part with some amount of money for the purpose depending on the following foreign nationalities. SAARC country nationals have to pay around USD 15 while other nationals have to pay around USD 30.
Note: However, to obtain the permit, one has to pay some fees, which, as of the date of this writing, is rather fluid, and, therefore, it is recommended to conduct research for the latest price before engaging in the Mera Peak Climbing adventure. Acquisition of these permits ensures that one is legally allowed in the area, as well as supporting the conservation of national parks.
Accommodation and Meals During Mera Peak Climbing
Food and shelter are necessary aspects everywhere throughout the Mera Peak Climbing package. In populated areas along the way, there are tea houses that are quite convenient as a stopover point. However, as you move up in altitude, and in this case to the higher parts of the plains, then it is necessary to use tent facilities. Under such conditions, to make sure that people have a decent night's rest, foam mattresses are provided.
But if you feel maximum forces are over the riding, you can take a rest in one of the tea houses on the way. They also offer hot and delicious lunches to enable one to carry on with his or her day’s activities. The meals are prepared with hygiene in mind so that the trekkers take balanced and healthy food.
Our qualitative chef cooks meals for higher altitudes when ten camps are necessary. Despite the conditions that they endure, they ensure that the meals are prepared in hygienic ways. This is because one can think of enjoying hot meals in the middle of the night with snowfall around you, and this, in my opinion, is an explosive lesson in dining.
Although tea houses are a good place to relax and have meals, tent camping gives a better feel to the environment. It helps to have the teahouse accommodations and the tent camping makes the trek up Mera Peak rather fun.
Mera Peak Climbing Difficulty
Some of the challenging activities involved in Mera Peak Climbing make it a physically demanding trip. Here's a rundown of the challenges that you might face:
Distance
The total distance of the whole trek is estimated to be about 125 km. They may be rocky, and steep, and soon transform into difficult terrains that may be a bit of tough competition to beginners.
Route
Mera Peak has three approaches, and the difficulty of the trek varies in each of the approaches. There are two ways, though the toughest and shortest route is going through Lukla, Zatra La Pass, Tagnag, Mera Base Camp, High Camp, and then to the actual summit. The second and relatively trouble-free route goes through Lukla, Paiya, Thongnak, Khare, Base Camp, High Camp, and the top.
Altitude Sickness
The elevation increases up to 6,476 meters in Mera Peak. We also recorded considerable altitude variations, and this can lead to altitude sickness. It is important to allow enough time for acclimatization, ascend slowly, and know the signs of altitude illness.
Temperature and weather
It is important to know that sometimes the weather can also be unpredictable in the area of Mera Peak. General weather conditions include blowing sand, sleet, snow, and low temperatures. Therefore, a person should always be ready by wearing appropriate clothing and equipment when such extreme weather conditions are around.
Physical Challenges
Mera Peak Climbing has considerable physical challenges, and that’s why one must have robust physical energy. It involves stamina, doing it for long hours, many uphill and downhill slopes, and rough terrain. Before the climb, it is recommended that one engage in activities such as jogging, running, swimming, and other rigorous forms of exercise to increase cardiovascular endurance, strength, and stamina.
Mera peak, therefore, requires preparation, acclimatization, and direction insistence from a competent guide to attempt the peak. If you approach the challenges correctly mentally and physically, you can triumph over difficulties as well as have a thrilling experience of climbing Mera Peak.
Best Seasons To Trek Mera Peak
Thus, it can be said that the best time for Mera peak climbing is from February to May and September to November.
Unlike other mountain climbing activities, Mera Peak Climbing is more appropriate in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These are the best months for the weather, and conditions for climbing are favorable in this period. This is why:
Spring Season (September to November)
This is one of the best times to climb this peak since the traffic rate is high. Conditions are fine, with clear or partly cloudy skies most of the time and relatively high temperatures.
The snow is fairly well preserved and provides good contact in the form of firm support as well as safer vertical ascension. More attractiveness to the journey includes the ability to view surrounding peaks as well as the rhododendrons in bloom.
Autumn (September to November)
The other season that is considered appropriate for Mera Peak Climbing is the fall season, which has clear weather, mild temperatures, and low winds. Sometimes the trails are dry, which makes trekking easier.
It is popular with climbers owing to scenic views, wonderful hues of foliage, and good climber’s weather.
There is fairly good light during these seasons to enable one to have clear visions of the wonderful Himalayan scenery. This is because the weather, particularly in the northern region, is quite steady, and it is very rare to experience unexpected downpours or very massive snowfall.
Also, these seasons bring many climbers, so the atmosphere is much more active and can make contact with other climbers.
Winter and Monsoon Seasons
The third thing that maybe should be said is that even though Mera Peak is part of the Himalayas, it can be climbed not only in the spring and summer but in the winter and monsoon periods as well. Those that are quiet are during winter, with December, January, and February being the coldest, but it also comes with bad snow.
The monsoon climate that kicks from June to August gives a lot of rain, which makes the trail a little slippery and visibility poor, hence no nice weather for climbing.
To make the Mera Peak Climbing enjoyable and successful, get your climb during spring and autumn since this will help you consider the weather, the state of the trail, and preferences, among other factors.
