Day 1 : Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 : Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu .
Day 3 : A long drive from Kathmandu to Jiri through beautiful mountains, terraced fields and the crystalline beauty of the Sun Koshi ( River of Gold ).
Days 4-5 : For the first days the route is through rolling hills and rhododendron forests interspersed with small streams and rivers. Villages are frequent and you will notice, with the increasing altitude, the change from Hindu to Buddhist. There are frequent Mani walls (remember always pass to the left) and Thuptencholing is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal .
Days 6-8 : Through coniferous forest and open sheep pasture climb to cross Lamjura Pass (3500m), first view point of Everest as well a providing an impressive panorama of the Nepal Himalaya. Reaching Junbesi there are good views of Mt Gaurishankar, Numbur Himal and Dudh Kunda. Numbur, also known by the Sherpa name of Shorong Yul La is the abode of the protector god of the Solu region. Follow the porters up to the Takshindo Pass (3071m), learning to walk to their rhythm will make the hills seem far less arduous. Cross the Dudh Koshi ( River of Milk ) so named from the color of its glacial waters and ascend through Sherpa villages, terraced fields and forests to Khari Khola.
Days 9-13 : The route follows one of the old Sherpa trails, leaving the villages behind as it enters the remote Hinku Valley . From the lichen-hung rhododendron forests the trail emerges into a region of incredibly steep alpine meadows and pastures. Here alpine scrub-zone plants decorate the area, including the unusual ‘snowball flower' which endures extremes of temperature by mummifying itself.
Day 14 : Today the trail reaches Khare, the base camp for Mera Peak , where we will prepare for our ascent of the Peak.
Day 15 : The ascent to Mera La (5415m) across the glacier. From here wide snow slopes lead south and southwest and there are glorious views of Kanchenjunga , Chamlang, Makalu and Baruntse.
Day 16 : Continue up the Mera Glacier to establish a high camp at 5800m on a rock outcrop that marks the divide between the Mera and Naulekh Glaciers. The views are phenomenal, one of the best in Nepal - sit on the rocky outcrop listening to the wind and marvel!
Day 17 : An early start heading for one of the 3 summits, North, Central and South, all of which are accessible and the decision will be made by the guide based on current conditions.
Days 18-21 : Return via Tangnang and Chhatre before turning north to Lukla.
Day 22 : Return flight to Kathmandu
Day 23 : Depart Kathmandu . Airport transfer provided.
