3 Peaks Climbing Challenge (Island, Lobuche and Mera Peak)
Overview Embark on the ultimate adventure with the 3 Peaks Climbing Challenge - an exhilarating expedition that combines the thrill of conquering three of Nepal's most iconic peaks: Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Mera Peak. This epic journey promises an unforgettable experience for seasoned mountaineers seeking new heights and breathtaking vistas. The expedition kicks off in the picturesque Khumbu region, where the trek to Island Peak Base Camp begins. The trail takes you through pristine landscapes, Sherpa villages, and lush valleys, offering a glimpse into the rich local culture. Island Peak, standing at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet), is the first…
Overview
Embark on the ultimate adventure with the 3 Peaks Climbing Challenge – an exhilarating expedition that combines the thrill of conquering three of Nepal’s most iconic peaks: Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Mera Peak. This epic journey promises an unforgettable experience for seasoned mountaineers seeking new heights and breathtaking vistas.
The expedition kicks off in the picturesque Khumbu region, where the trek to Island Peak Base Camp begins. The trail takes you through pristine landscapes, Sherpa villages, and lush valleys, offering a glimpse into the rich local culture. Island Peak, standing at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet), is the first challenge. Though technically demanding, the sense of achievement as you reach the summit and gaze upon the Himalayan giants, including Everest and Lhotse, is immeasurable.
From Island Peak, the adventure continues towards Lobuche Peak, where you’ll face an exhilarating ascent to its 6,119 meters (20,075 feet) summit. The route requires both technical expertise and physical endurance, rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
After conquering Lobuche, the expedition ventures off the beaten path to the remote and less frequented Mera Peak, towering at 6,476 meters (21,247 feet). This part of the journey allows you to immerse in pristine alpine wilderness, traversing through snow-clad landscapes and awe-inspiring ice formations. The Mera Peak climb is physically demanding, but the sense of solitude and serenity amid the towering peaks is truly magical.
Throughout the journey, experienced guides and Sherpa support ensure safety and offer valuable insights into the mountains’ secrets. Proper acclimatization is essential, as the altitudes pose challenges that require careful consideration. The feeling of camaraderie among fellow climbers fosters a supportive and encouraging environment, making the expedition not only physically rewarding but emotionally enriching as well.
Conclusion and Summary
The 3 Peaks Climbing Challenge demand a high level of mountaineering skill, mental toughness, and determination. Each peak presents unique hurdles, but the satisfaction of summiting all three is unparalleled. This unforgettable adventure grants intrepid climbers an opportunity to create lasting memories and forge an unbreakable bond with the mesmerizing Himalayan range. So, lace up your boots, pack your gear, and get ready for an extraordinary journey that will test your limits and inspire your soul.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic and thrilling 35 min flight to Lukla(Gateway to Everest) from Kathmandu
- Rhododendron and oak forest of Hongu and Hinku Valleys along with barren alpine vegetations
- Local Sherpa culture tradition lifestyles and villages
- Climb three High peaks: Mera Peak(highest trekking peak in the world) along with Island Peak and Lobuche Peak
- Cross through high passes like Amphu Lapcha and Kongma-La
- Frozen waterfalls, lakes and glaciers
- Visit World Highest Base Camp and morning hike to Kalapathar
- Beautiful scenarios of landscapes, himalayan animals and birds with tall snow-capped mountains
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath and many more attractions.
- Himalayan vista from top of Mera, Lobuche and Island peak.
Itinerary
Meal: None
Accommodation: Hotel
Trekking Hours: 0
Meal: (B)
Accommodation: Hotel
Trekking Hours: 0
After packing our gears, we we will leave Lukla and follow the relatively easy trail through the woods of colorful rhododendron and pine to Poiyan for overnight.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 7-8 hrs
Meal: (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
After an early morning tea, we will take about 3-hours of downhill trek through rhododendron forest. We will be taking lunch amid the forest before continuing the trek along Hinku River. It will take couple of hours to reach Kothe where we will stay overnight.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
We will enter Barun National Park on this day. Leaving our camp in Khote early in the morning, we will proceed and enter to Barun National Park. The trail leads us along the edge of Hinku River about 4-5 hours to lead us to Thagnag which will greet us with awe-inspiring views of Thamserku, Kusum Kangru and Kangteka peaks.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
We will take necessary second break from our trek on this day. Since an activity helps us in proper acclimatization, we will be taking side trip to Charpate Himal Glacier. It will take 3hrs to reach Charpate Himal Glacier. This glacier holds a great religious significance among native Sherpas. The glacier allows an unobstructed view of Mera North. Later, we will return to our camp in Thangnang for overnight stay.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
After an early morning breakfast, we will leave Thaknag and move through the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to reach Dig Kharka. We will be greeted with pleasant view of Charpate Himal from Dig Kharka. We will follow the ascending path through moraines to the snout of Hinku Nup. Proceeding further, we will cross Shar Glacier and follow the steep path uphill to Khare where we will camp overnight. The camp site in Khare allows exquisite view of North face of Mera Peak.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
You will receive a pre climb training from our climbing guide on this day. You will get instructions on peak climbing techniques. You will also be taught how to use the climbing gears like ice axe, crampons, harness and ascender properly. You will learn how to use ropes while you move up and down. So, even an amateur with no prior experience of peak climb can also participate in Mera Peak Climbing. We will head to the top of Mera Glacier and practice using our climbing gears. Later, in the evening we will return to Khare for overnight stay.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
Journey continues along glacier for most of the day. The trail takes us close to the northern section where there are no crevasses. Mera La stretches south to meet the lofty sweep of Mera glacier which drops down from Mera Peak. We will stay overnight in MeraLa Pass.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs
We will need to use climbing gears like Crampons and axe to take the steep ascend to High Camp of Mera Peak. From Mera La, we will ascend the glaciated path. At around 5800m elevation, we will find a rocky section among glacier to set up our high camp. Existing at the edge of mountain, the area offers striking view of Kanchenjunga that rises to the east above the ridge of Chamlang. We will also get exquisite views of Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, the southern section of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar Mountains. Stay overnight in High Camp.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
We will wake up much early on this day. After tea, we will take slow climb towards the summit. Temperature remains on an average 10 degree Celsius below Zero on this region. We will climb the glacier and proceed to snow hump-back ridge. We will follow the non-technical and classic route through the south-east ridge. Climbing further through the snout of glacier, we will climb over the south summit to the summit ridge. Finally, the moment comes for which all of us were eagerly waiting. We will get the 360 degree views of many eight thousand meter peaks including views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and other peaks and mountains. We will spend some time on summit witnessing the views before we descend to the foot hill of Mera and reach Mera La from where we will continue our walk till we reach Khongma Ding
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Trekking Hours: 9-10 hrs
After a long and tiring climb of Mera, we will pursue the easy trail to Seto Pokhari. Moving through the Hongu Valley, we will follow the scenic path with views of Chamlang (7319 m) and Baruntse (7129 m) from most of the point. The trail is mostly flat with occasional ups and downs. Finally, we will arrive at Seto Pokhari, the white Lake where we will stay overnight.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
There are no inhabitants in this area as this is a very high and remote valley. We will follow the least crowded path to Chamlang Base Camp. Walking along the west face of Chamlang, we will reach Hongu River. Moving further through the Hongu glacier, we will reach Panch Pokhari, the Holy Five Lakes of Nepal. After spending some time to soak in the beauty of these five lakes, we will proceed to Amphu Lapcha High Camp where we will stay overnight.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Crossing Amphu Lapcha Pass requires technical skills. We need to cross the steep section of ice and rock. So, we need to be cautious not to stumble and fall. After climbing the difficult Amphu Lapcha Pass, we will lower down to the other end of the Pass at Imja Valley. We will continue walking to Island Peak Base Camp where we will stay overnight.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
This contingency day has been kept to make sure that our schedule will go on smoothly without interruption even if there occur complications while climbing the peak.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Since heavy wind blows during afternoon at the summit, our target will be to reach the summit before noon. We will take moderate climb for the first part of the climb before reaching the steep hillside. The terrain frequently changes to boulder. We will follow the tapered path through a steep rock channel to emerge to the gully. Walking through a ridgeline, we conquer challenges proposed by seracs and crevasses. We will proceed through the snout of the summit glacier with the help of ropes and move through 40- degree snow slopes to reach the summit. The challenge of the climb is rewarded with the gratifying views of Lhotse Mountain, Nuptse Mountain, Makalu, Baruntse and Amadablam Mountains. We will capture the memories in camera and then prepare ourselves for long descend to the Base Camp and then we will continue moving to Chukhung.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 10-12 hrs
Chukhung to Dingboche is a short trek that will take only couple hours to conclude. Agriculture is the chief occupation of locals in Dingboche. We can see fields enclosed by stonewall in Dingboche. Buckwheat, potatoes and barley are the major crops. We will stay overnight in Dingboche.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
From Dingboche, we will retrace our route and begin a moderate walk to Dugla. After following the straight path for couple of hours, we need to follow the steep rocky trail towards Lobuche Glacier. The path offers spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Thamserku, Kantega, Pokalde and other peaks.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Leaving Lobuche Base Camp, we will move along rocky moraine path towards Lobuche High Camp. We will move through Lobuche glacier. We will climb through the rocky terrain to Lobuche High Camp. Once we reach High Camp, we will take lunch and rest. Stay overnight in Lobuche High Camp.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
We will wake up quite early this day as we aim to reach summit before noon and thus we head out to summit during predawn. We need to cross ice slopes for which crampons and ice axe proves really useful. We may need to pass crevasses before climbing to the summit. The summit allows enticing views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Pumori and other mountains in Everest region. After spending some quality time in summit, we will lower down to Lobuche Base Camp and continue walking to Pheriche where we will stay overnight.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 10-12 hrs
Contingency day for any delays
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Leaving Pheriche, we will lower down to Khumbu River. We will cross Khumbu River and follow the popular EBC trail through the scenic valley. Enroute, we will cross dispersed villages of Orsho and Shomare and reach Pangboche that is located at the base of Ama Dablam. Crossing the bridge over Imja River, we will walk through pretty Deboche village and arrive at Tengboche. We will visit Khumbu’s largest Tengboche Monastery and pass through rhododendron forest to Dudh Koshi River. We will cross Dudhkoshi River and reach Phunki Tenga. Walking through Sansa village, we will reach Kyangjuma. The campsite in Kyangjuma allows views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku and other mountains.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Our last day of trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains that have probably helped us re-discover ourselves in ways least expected. This is our final day on these fantastic mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of trek & climb with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.
Meal: (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Fully tented camping
Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Take an early morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. We will be transferred to hotel in a private vehicle in Kathmandu. Take leisure and soothe your aching limbs from long and tiring peak climb.
Meal: (B)
Accommodation: Hotel
Trekking Hours: 0
Enjoy a leisure day. You are on your own. Participating in a day tour in Kathmandu is a pleasant plan. You can also go for shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub where you can buy souvenir items like handicrafts and arts to your family. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate our successful climb. While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.
Meal: (B, D)
Accommodation: Hotel
Trekking Hours: 0
Finally, the undeniable day of departure arrives. Thank you for joining us on this climb and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. You will be assisted in your last minute preparation. Our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.
Note:
Please note that often the Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flight gets delayed by a few hours or may even be canceled for one, two, or more days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Such conditions may arise even in the best seasons. Hence, in such cases, you must be prepared for long waits both at Kathmandu or Lukla airports, as this can happen either at the start or end of the trek or even both! We do our utmost to avoid such delays, and fix you on next flight. Still, we suggest
You to be prepared for possible delays/cancellation, and if possible to come with some extra buffer days (1-2 days) at the end of the trip to accommodate such delays. We also organize heli rescue in such conditions, if it’s available and upon request by our clients.
The helicopter charges around USD 4500 and it can lift 4-5 persons per flight. If everything runs smoothly and if interested, you can also enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, wildlife activities, shopping, etc during your buffer days.
In case, the flight delay/cancellation happens at the start of trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip: such a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang, or any other regions. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for the trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a flight to Lukla.
However, please note that there will be no refund, if you lose your time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and lunch in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancelation after finishing of the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc) included in the package that you would not use later.
What's Included
- Fully guided climb with experienced climbing guides on 1:3 ratio (Guide to client ratio)
- Meals and Accommodation at Tea Houses/Lodges during trekking period
- Meals and High-quality mountain tents during climbing period
- Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
- All peaks permits with garbage deposits.
- National Park Fees
- KTM-LUKLA-KTM Airfare
- Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
- Comprehensive first aid kit with supplementary oxygen system
- Personal/Group climbing gears
- Porterage of equipment required during trekking and climbing
- Waterproof Duffel bag, Sleeping bag and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
- Peak climbing certificate issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association
- Staff summit bonus, insurances and allowances
What's Excluded
- International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
- Personal expenses and Tips for the staffs.
Trip Information
The 3 Peaks Climbing Challenge with Mera Peak is another popular trekking and climbing expedition in the Khumbu region of Nepal. The challenge involves summiting three peaks: Island Peak (6189m/20,305ft), Lobuche Peak (6119m/20,075ft), and Mera Peak (6476m/21,246ft) within a span of approximately 20-25 days. Here is some information about each of these peaks and the trekking route:
- Island Peak: Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is a popular peak in the Everest region of Nepal. The climb to the summit is considered a challenging but achievable objective for experienced trekkers and mountaineers. The ascent involves steep climbs on ice and snow and involves the use of technical climbing equipment like ice axes, crampons, and ropes. The trek to Island Peak base camp passes through the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
- Lobuche Peak: Lobuche Peak is another popular peak in the Everest region of Nepal. The peak has two summits: Lobuche East (6119m/20,075ft) and Lobuche West (6145m/20,161ft), with the former being the more popular objective. The climb to the summit of Lobuche East is considered more challenging than Island Peak, with steeper sections and more technical climbing involved. The trek to Lobuche Peak base camp follows the same route as the Everest Base Camp trek until Gorak Shep, from where trekkers head towards Lobuche village and the peak’s base camp.
- Mera Peak: Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal and is situated in the remote Hinku Valley of the Everest region. The climb to the summit of Mera Peak involves a steep and straightforward climb on snow and ice with some sections of crevasses. The summit of Mera Peak offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. The trek to Mera Peak base camp follows a less-traveled route through remote villages and forests before reaching the peak’s base camp.
The trekking route for the 3 Peaks Climbing Challenge with Mera Peak typically starts from Lukla, and follows the popular Everest Base Camp trek route until Dingboche, from where trekkers head towards the base camps of Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Mera Peak. The trek involves crossing high mountain passes like Cho La and Kongma La, and spending several days acclimatizing to the altitude before attempting the peak climbs.
The best time to attempt the 3 Peaks Climbing Challenge with Mera Peak is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when the weather is dry and clear, and the visibility is good. The trek and peak climbs require a good level of physical fitness and some previous mountaineering experience. It is recommended to undertake this challenge with a reputable trekking and climbing company that provides experienced guides and support staff.
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