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Mera Peak Climbing Vs Island Peak Climbing in The Himalayas

Summary: 1) Mera and Island peak climbing challenges. 2) Mera peak and Island Peak Route, Best time, Required Fitness. 3) Accommodations and permits required.

By Ashmita GurungPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
Climbers on the way to Mera peak

Mera and Island Peaks are the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal's Himalayas. Mera Peak vs. Island Peak is a hotly contested matter among climbers (especially beginners) who are eager to embark on mountain trips. Choosing between Mera Peak and Island Peak may be difficult for novice climbers. The location of these two peaks is in a remote valley. There isn't much distance between them. These two summits are separated by a mountain range that runs between the Hongu and Khumbu Valleys. You will have a breathtaking mountain view from the summits of these two mountain tops. On this incredible high-altitude excursion, which is full of mountains and wilderness, valleys, woods, and meadows, you will experience a real mountaineering adventure.

How difficult is it to climb Island Peak and Mera Peak?

Despite being the tallest trekking mountain in Nepal, Mera Peak doesn't require highly technical climbing abilities. However, to reach the top, a climber must be mentally and physically equipped to deal with challenging circumstances at a high elevation. Island Peak, on the other hand, necessitates prior mountaineering expertise. Equipment like mountaineering boots, crampons, abseiling, glacier hiking, crossing ladders, ice axes, and climbing fixed ropes are required to reach Island Peak. Mera Peak is simpler to get to than Island Peak despite being higher. Mera Peak is less challenging than Island Peak in comparison. Even individuals who have little to no previous climbing experience can reach these two summits. However, when attempting the Island Peak Climb, climbers must be ready for a difficult ascent to the summit top using a fixed cable over crevasse and glacier slopes.

Which season is ideal for climbing Island Peak and Mera Peak?

The best seasons to climb Mera Peak and Island Peak are thought to be spring and fall. During this season, which in Nepal starts in March and lasts until May, the trekking path offers stunning vistas of mountains, dense forests, vibrant meadows, and flowering rhododendrons. The weather is comfortable and wonderful with such a magnificent view of the Mountains and a gorgeous blue sky, but when you are beyond 4000 meters, the evenings may be cool as well as the temperature can fall below zero.

Mera Peak and the Island Peak Route

The combined three-week journeys Mera and Island take in the Himalayas. Both directions are equally popular. Either take the route from Lukla to Namche and continue across Tengboche, Pangboche, and Dingboche to reach Island Peak first, or take the route from Lukla to Namche and continue through Tengboche, Pangboche, and Dingboche.

The amazing Island Peak climbing experience starts in Lukla, the entrance to the Everest region, after a thirty-minute initial mountain flight from Kathmandu. In the stunning Khumbu valley in the Everest region, we will travel via Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung, Island peak base camp, and eventually to Island Peak.

A week is needed to complete the hike to Mera Peak High Camp, which is 5,780 meters above sea level and on the ascending route for Mera Peak. On the path to Hinku Valley, lengthy trekking routes pass through rural valleys and thick jungles. After reaching Lukla, the trek continues to Hinku Valley. Before Mera High Camp, the major rest areas are Paiya, Kothe, Panggom, Thankak, and Khare.

Physical condition and expertise

You need to have a lot of outdoor adventure expertise as well as great trekking and hiking skills. If not, two to three weeks before the trek, you can participate in a mountaineering exercise in Nepal. For this climb, having some prior climbing expertise is beneficial. However, the majority of trekking firms provide the necessary fundamental training and exercises at base camps or in Kathmandu to complete this journey. To prepare for an ascent of Island Peak or Mera Peak, choose the best acclimatization plan. You must get the necessary training to successfully and safely operate the equipment.

Mera peak:

There is no specific technical training needed to climb Mera Peak. However, fundamental training is advised. Because this mountain isn't as difficult as Island peak, prior climbing expertise isn't necessary, although it is undoubtedly advantageous. You will be traveling more gradually over time because the route is a little longer than Island Peak.

Island peak:

Island Peak requires technical expertise to climb. Climbing becomes significantly more challenging due to the path's steepness. As a result, you need to get training. You also need to have previous mountain climbing expertise.

Accommodations while climbing Island peak and Mera summit

When climbing Mera Peak, you can locate teahouses up to the town of Khare. Resting nights will indeed be held throughout two or three nights for the peak attempt. Most of the teahouses all along the trekking trail offer clean rooms, a shared bathroom, hot water, warm comforters, and meals despite having just basic amenities. You could also have to share facilities and toilets in higher elevations. Mera Peak climbing has fewer hotel alternatives than Island Peak climbing. Up till Chukhung village, teahouse lodging will be available to you. The next two nights will be spent inside the tent camps above here. Meal selections on this trail will be the same as the ones on the Mera Peak walking path. Most of the teahouses compose their dinner menus of their own.

Permits for climbing both Mera Peak and the island Peak

Mera and Island are two of the challenging mountains in eastern Nepal. Both of the peaks can only be climbed with permission. In essence, local area permission is needed in addition to a climbing permit for Mera and Island Peak. These permits have varied costs depending on the season. They are easily accessible in Kathmandu. The authorities should be able to obtain these permits at the surrounding checkpoints upon request.

Conclusion

At altitudes greater than 6000 meters, Mera and Island Peak both provide a superb Himalayan summit journey. Excellent starting places for elevated summit climbs are these mountains. Climbing these summits is a fascinating and thrilling experience. Beginner mountaineers frequently second-guess whether to ascend Mera Peak or Island Peak. Mera Peak is easier to climb, to put it briefly and clearly. If you can't decide between Mera Peak and Island Peak, I suggest Mera Peak Climbing.

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About the Creator

Ashmita Gurung

Ashmita is a travel content writer belonging from Gorkha, the Land of Himalayas. She is keenly interested in trekking and adventure activities. She also writes different package content like Everest base camp trek, Annapurna, Manaslu etc.

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