Baruntse with Mera Peak Expedition - 32 Days

Highlights of the Day

• Full expedition briefing by the climbing leader
• Gear check and final equipment preparation
• Permit verification and documentation
• Optional last-minute shopping

Today is dedicated to final preparation for the expedition. You attend a comprehensive briefing led by the expedition leader. The guide will explain about itinerary, climbing strategy, safety procedures, and emergency plans. Our guides conduct a detailed gear check to ensure all equipment meets high-altitude and technical climbing requirements. Any missing or unsuitable gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu. Necessary permits and official documentation are verified by the team. This rest day also gives your body extra time to recover before heading into the mountains.

Highlights of the Day

• Scenic mountain flight to Lukla
• Entry into the remote Hinku Valley
• First trekking day in alpine terrain
• Quiet camping area at Chutanga

Our guide from Overland Trek Nepal will take you to the domestic airport for the flight to Lukla. The flight offers stunning views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. After landing in Lukla, the trek begins toward Chutanga, following a less-crowded trail that leads into the remote Hinku Valley. The route passes through forests and gentle uphill terrain, making it a comfortable first trekking day. Chutanga is a quiet campsite surrounded by alpine vegetation. This short trek helps your body begin adapting to altitude while easing into the rhythm of the expedition.

Highlights of the Day

• Crossing the high Zatrawa La Pass
• Panoramic Himalayan views
• Entering the Hinku Valley region
• Steady altitude gain for acclimatisation

Today is one of the first challenging days of the trek as you cross the Zatrawa La Pass at 4,610 meters. The ascent is gradual but long, requiring steady pacing and controlled breathing. From the pass, you enjoy wide views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys. After reaching the top, the trail descends toward Tuli Kharka. Reaching Tuli Kharka marks your full entry into the remote Hinku Valley region.

Highlights of the Day

• Descend into dense forests
• Walk along the Hinku River
• Warmer temperatures at lower elevations

The trail descends steadily from Tuli Kharka toward Kothe. You walk through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests while following the Hinku River downstream. The change in scenery and slightly warmer temperatures make this a comfortable trekking day. Kothe is a small settlement with simple lodges and basic facilities. Staying at a lower elevation helps balance acclimatisation and improves recovery.

Highlights of the Day

• Views of the Mera Glacier
• Open alpine landscapes
• Gradual altitude gain
• Peaceful trekking route

After breakfast, from Kothe, the trail gradually climbs along the Hinku River valley. Forests slowly give way to open alpine terrain as the altitude increases. You pass yak pastures and glacial streams while enjoying clear views of the surrounding mountains. The walk is steady and manageable, making it ideal for continued acclimatisation. Thangnak sits below the Mera Glacier and serves as an important stop before reaching higher elevations. Overnight stay at Thagnak.

Highlights of the Day

• First clear views of Mera Peak
• Entry into the high-altitude zone
• Glacier and moraine crossings
• Important acclimatisation day

Leave Thangnak after breakfast towards Khare. Today’s trek takes you higher into the alpine zone as you move toward Khare. The trail crosses glacial moraines and rocky terrain, offering your first clear views of Mera Peak. Khare is the main acclimatisation and training base for Mera Peak. Overnight stay at Khare.

Highlights of the Day

• Rest and altitude adaptation
• Ice-axe and crampon training
• Short acclimatisation hikes
• Health and oxygen monitoring

This acclimatisation day is vital for safe progression. You remain in Khare to allow your body to adapt to the altitude. Short hikes to nearby viewpoints help stimulate acclimatisation. The climbing guides provide practical training on ice-axe use, crampon techniques, and rope travel on snow and ice. Health checks are conducted to monitor oxygen levels and overall condition. This day builds confidence and technical skills while reducing the risk of altitude sickness before moving to high camp.

Highlights of the Day

• Glacier travel experience
• Fixed rope sections
• High-altitude camping
• Summit push preparation

Leaving Khare after breakfast, you step onto the Mera Glacier and begin the ascent to High Camp. The route involves snow, ice, and gentle slopes, with sections protected by fixed ropes. The climb is steady and requires focus and careful foot placement. High Camp sits on an exposed ridge and offers dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. After reaching camp, you rest early and prepare gear for the summit attempt. Proper hydration and rest are critical tonight due to the high altitude and early start planned for the next day.

Highlights of the Day

• Early-morning summit attempt
• Views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu
• First 6,000-meter summit
• Descent to a safer altitude

You have to wake up early, around 2-3 am, for the Mera Peak climbing. You begin the summit push well before sunrise, using headlamps to navigate the glacier. The climb is long but non-technical, requiring endurance rather than advanced climbing skills. From the summit, you enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and surrounding Himalayan giants. After the photos and the celebration, you carefully descend back down the glacier. The route continues to Khongma Dingma, where you rest at a safer altitude. Successfully summiting Mera Peak provides crucial acclimatisation and confidence for Baruntse.

Highlights of the Day

• Remote high-altitude landscapes
• Crossing rugged terrain
• Glacial lakes scenery
• Transition toward Baruntse

Leaving Kongma Dingma after breakfast, you will climb to Seto Pokhari. Today’s trek moves away from Mera Peak toward the Baruntse region. The terrain becomes more rugged and remote, with fewer signs of human settlement. You cross rocky paths, glaciers, and moraines while gradually gaining altitude. Seto Pokhari, meaning “White Lake,” is a stunning high-altitude campsite surrounded by ice and snow. This day marks a clear transition from trekking peak terrain to true expedition climbing territory. Overnight stay at Seto Pokhari.

Highlights of the Day

• Arrival at Baruntse Base Camp
• Expedition camp setup
• Close views of Baruntse Peak
• Beginning of the technical phase

The trek to Baruntse Base Camp is challenging but rewarding. You traverse glacial terrain and rocky slopes while gradually gaining altitude. Upon arrival, the team establishes the base camp, which will serve as your home during the Baruntse climbing phase. Baruntse Peak towers above the camp, offering a clear view of the route ahead. The rest of the day is spent organising equipment, resting, and preparing for acclimatisation rotations. This marks the official start of the Baruntse expedition phase.

Highlights of the Day

• Progressive load carries to higher camps
• Fixed rope installation on technical sections
• Ice and snow climbing practice
• Critical altitude adaptation and recovery

These days are dedicated to structured acclimatisation rotations on Baruntse Peak. The team moves gradually between Base Camp, Camp I, and Camp II to allow the body to adapt safely to extreme altitude. During rotations, climbers carry equipment, establish higher camps, and practice movement on steep snow and ice slopes. Fixed ropes are installed on technical sections to ensure safety during the summit push. After spending time at higher camps, the team returns to Base Camp for rest and recovery. This climb-high, sleep-low strategy is essential for reducing altitude-related risks. Proper acclimatisation during this phase significantly improves strength, confidence, and summit success while minimising exhaustion and health issues.

Highlights of the Climbing

• Final ascent to Baruntse summit
• Steep snow and ice climbing
• High-altitude endurance challenge
• Safe descent back to Base Camp

The summit push begins when weather and conditions align. The team ascends from Base Camp to higher camps, following a carefully timed schedule to maximise safety. Summit day starts very early, often before midnight, to take advantage of stable morning conditions. Climbers navigate steep snow slopes, ice walls, and exposed ridges using fixed ropes and technical equipment. The final climb demands strong endurance, focus, and mental resilience. Upon reaching the summit of Baruntse Peak at 7,129 meters, climbers are rewarded with vast Himalayan views. After a short summit stay, the team descends carefully to lower camps and eventually back to Base Camp. A safe return is the highest priority.

Highlights of the Day

• Departure from Baruntse Base Camp
• Entering highly technical alpine terrain
• Steep glacier and ice sections
• Preparation for the Amphu Lapcha Pass crossing

Today marks the transition from the Baruntse expedition phase toward the Amphu Lapcha Pass. After dismantling Base Camp, the team moves slowly across glacial terrain toward Amphu Lapcha High Camp. The route involves navigating ice, snow, and rocky sections, requiring careful movement and rope support in places. This is a physically demanding day, but the pace remains controlled to conserve energy. High Camp is set below the pass in an exposed alpine environment. Once camp is established, climbers rest and prepare equipment for the following day’s pass crossing. Early dinner and proper hydration are essential, as the next day involves one of the most technical trekking passes in Nepal. Overnight stay at Amphu Laptcha Base Camp.

Highlights of the Day

• Crossing Amphu Lapcha Pass
• Fixed ropes and abseiling sections
• Dramatic views of the Everest region
• Entry into the Khumbu Valley

This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the entire expedition. The crossing of the Amphu Lapcha Pass involves steep snow slopes, ice walls, and sections requiring fixed ropes and controlled abseiling. The climb begins early to ensure stable conditions. From the top of the pass, climbers enjoy stunning views of peaks in the Everest region. After the technical descent, the trail gradually eases as you approach Chhukung. Reaching Chhukung marks your full transition into the Khumbu Valley. Despite the long and demanding day, the sense of achievement is immense.

Highlights of the Day

• Views of Ama Dablam
• Descend into the Khumbu Valley
• Walk through Sherpa villages
• Visit the Tengboche monastery area

From Chhukung, the trail descends steadily through the Khumbu Valley. The landscape changes quickly, with warmer air and more vegetation. You pass traditional Sherpa villages and enjoy close views of Ama Dablam and the surrounding peaks. The trek continues toward Tengboche, one of the most culturally significant locations in the Everest region. Upon arrival, you can visit the famous Tengboche Monastery. After weeks in remote high-altitude terrain, the comfort of a lodge feels refreshing. Overnight stay at Tengboche.

Highlights of the Day

• Scenic forest trails
• Suspension bridge crossings
• Entry into Namche Bazaar
• Comfortable facilities and amenities

Leaving Tengboche after breakfast, the trek follows a well-established trail through rhododendron forests and across suspension bridges over deep valleys. The route offers occasional views of Everest and surrounding peaks. The descent is gradual and comfortable. As you approach Namche Bazaar, the largest town in the Khumbu region, you notice a lively atmosphere, bakeries, and shops. Namche provides excellent accommodation, hot showers, and a chance to enjoy fresh meals. This is a welcome contrast after extended days in expedition camps. The afternoon can be spent relaxing or exploring the town.

Highlights of the Day

• Final trekking day
• Retracing the Dudh Koshi trail
• Celebration dinner in Lukla
• Completion of the expedition trek

The final trekking day begins with a descent from Namche Bazaar, crossing suspension bridges and following the Dudh Koshi River. The trail involves short ascents and descents but remains manageable. As you approach Lukla, there is a strong sense of accomplishment. In Lukla, the team gathers for a final celebration dinner to reflect on the journey and the successful completion of the expedition. Overnight in a lodge.

Have your last breakfast in the mountains and be ready to fly back to Kathmandu. Your guide will help you get the flight. As you arrive in the Domestic Terminal of Kathmandu, a private vehicle will be waiting for you. Next, the vehicle will take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day, you can relax and rest. Later in the evening, you will have dinner with the Overland Trek Nepal Team.

This day is an extra day separated due to the weather delays or even flight cancellations from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu. In the Himalayas, we never know about the weather. Sudden weather change can fluctuate the itinerary, or even the climber can get sick along the trip. Hence, an extra day can be helpful for the travellers to manage their plan.

At last, we are grateful that you chose Overland Trek Nepal for this adventurous journey to Mera Peak and Baruntse. With a lot of memories, we bid you farewell on this day. Our staff will drop you off at the Tribhuwan International Airport in a private car. Till the next time we bid farewell.