Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing via Ama Lapcha Pass

Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing via Ama Lapcha Pass Highlights

Summit two popular climbing peaks in the Himalayas
Cross the spectacular and challenging Ama Lapcha Pass, part of Great Himalaya Trail High Route
View Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from the summit of Mera Peak
View of Imja Lake (frozen glacier lake)
Optional hike to Base Camp of Mount Everest
Camping experience in the Himalayas

This amazing climbing adventure combines two popular climbing peaks in Nepal in one trip. The Ama Lapcha Pass which connects Makalu and Everest Regions is part of the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) which spans the width of the country at high elevation.

Crossing this Pass is technically challenging so this, as well as climbing two peaks in one trip makes this a climbing trip for those with previous high altitude climbing experience.

Start your adventure by heading south of Lukla airport, leaving the main, and busy, Everest Base Camp trail behind. With Mera Peak being considered the easier peak, we climb that one first, giving you time to acclimatize and gain confidence in your climbing skills before attempting the more difficult of the two.

Before Mera Peak, the teahouses offer only basic accommodation as this route sees less tourists. But the stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu from the summit of Mera Peak make up for this slight discomfort. Base Camp at Mera Peak is situated at 5,300 m with High Camp at 5,800 m.

After climbing Mera Peak, and crossing the Ama Lapcha Pass, we enter the Everest Region via Chukung. From here we reach Island Peak.

After climbing Island Peak there is the option to either descend down to Lukla for the flight back to Kathmandu or add 3-4 days on to your trip to go to Everest Base Camp and follow the classic EBC route back to Lukla via Kalapatthar, Tengboche, and Namche Bazaar. Please confirm this at the time of booking.

Magical Nepal works with experienced, professional Sherpa guides for the whole trip. We provide one main climbing guide for 3-4 climbers. We recommend clients to have had previous high altitude climbing experience.

This trip is best done in April and May, or in October and November.

Mera Peak and Island Peak Climbing via Ama Lapcha Pass Highlights

DAYS	ITINERARY	ALTITUDE	TIME
Day 01	Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02	Kathmandu to Lukla Flight and Trek to Paiya	2730 m / 8956 ft	5 - 6 hr
Day 03	Paiya to Panggom	2846 m / 9337 ft	5 - 6 hr
Day 04	Panggom to Ningsow	2863 m / 9393 ft	4 - 5 hr
Day 05	Ningsow to Chhatra Khola	2800 m / 9186 ft	6 - 7 hr
Day 06	Chaatra Khola to Kothe	3691 m / 12109 ft	6 - 7 hr
Day 07	Kothe to Thaknak	4358 m / 14297 ft	4 - 5 hr
Day 08	Thaknak to Khare	5045 m / 18958 ft	3 hr
Day 09	Acclimatization Day	5045 m / 16486ft
Day 10	Khare to Mera High Camp	5780 m / 18958 ft	6 hr
Day 11	Mera High Camp to Summit and Trek to Khongma Dingma	4850 m / 15912 ft	10 hr
Day 13	Khongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari	5035 m / 16519 ft	6 hr
Day 14	Seto Pokhara to Ama Lapcha Base Camp	5650 m / 18536 ft	6 hr
Day 15	Ama Lapcha Base Camp to Chukung	4750 m / 15580 ft	10 hr
Day 16	Chukung to Island Peak Base Camp	5,087 m/ 16,690 ft	3 - 4 hr
Day 17	Island Peak Base Camp to Summit and Down to Island Peak Base Camp	5,087 m/ 16,690 ft	10 hr
Day 18	Island Peak Base Camp to Pangboche	3,985 m/ 13,074 ft	7 hr
Day 19	Pangboche to Namche	3440 m / 11286 ft	6 hr
Day 20	Namche to Lukla	2860 m / 9383 ft	7 hr
Day 21	Lukla to Kathmandu Flight	1400 m / 4593 ft	30 min
Day 22	Departure

INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

Faqs

Included

Local transfers for your international flight x 2 (arrival/ departure)
Local transfers for your domestic flights x 2
Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights
Guide for 20 days
Porter for 19 days
2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Dream Nepal or similar)
19 nights’ accommodation in mountain teahouses and tented accommodation
19 x set breakfasts, 19 x set lunches and 19 x set dinners while on the trek
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
Mera Peak and Island Peak climbing permits
Makalu Barun National Park and Sagarmatha National Park Entry permits
Local Entry Permit for Everest Region
Climbing guide Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Packed lunch for summit trips
Group climbing gears

Excluded

International flight ticket and Nepal entry visa
Personal travel insurance (which should include coverage for trekking)
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner
Any personal expenses (i.e. soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks etc.)
Personal climbing gear (can be rented in Kathmandu)

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FAQ

Is this trip for me?

The Ama Lapcha Pass is considered fairly difficult, when compared to Mera Peak and Island Peak. So we highly recommend clients have some previous climbing experience for this trip.

Is camping required for this trip?

Yes, there are no teahouses in between Mera Peak and Chukung (near Island Peak Base Camp) so camping is compulsory for this trip.

Do we go to EBC on this trip?

You can choose to go to EBC by adding an additional 3-4 days to the trip. Please ask us about this when booking.

How many climbing guides will be used?

One climbing guide for every 3-4 climbers. Climbing guides will lead the whole trip from Lukla to Lukla.

Will we be using fixed ropes?

Yes, you will be using fixed ropes for the Ama Lapcha Pass and Island Peak climb

What if I cannot climb both peaks?

Mera Peak is considered fairly easy, so you will be properly acclimatize and experienced through this climb before attempting the Ama Lapcha Pass and Island Peak. In case someone cannot climb then he/she can wait at base camp for others to climb and continue on the trekking part together.

Is it safe to drink the water in this area?

No. You cannot drink the water from the tap or streams in Everest or Makalu Regions. Mineral water is available on the trail. It is expensive to buy (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can use a water purifier or SteriPen.

Am I likely to get altitude sickness on this trip?

As the possibilities of getting altitude sickness generally start at elevations over 3,000 m, you should be aware. But in order to avoid this as much as possible, we have designed the itinerary in such a way that it will give you enough time to acclimatize.

Am I at risk and how can I avoid altitude sickness?

There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).

What happens if there is need for emergency evacuation while I am on this trip?

We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek so that in case of an emergency we can coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.

What about simple medical treatment on this trek?

On every trek or climb we will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Here is a checklist recommended by Karen Anderson of things you should bring. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal but to be on the safe side we recommend you comply, where possible, with this list provided by again by Karen Anderson (medical doctor in New Zealand and friend and client of Magical Nepal).

Do I need to buy travel insurance before I come to Nepal?

Yes. Magical Nepal only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance should cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do). We recommend World Nomads.

Where can I leave my belongings in Kathmandu when I am trekking?

Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.

Are your staff insured in case of accidents etc?

Yes. At Magical Nepal we make sure all our staff are well insured.