Month: February 2023

About Mera Peak

Mera Peak Climbing is one of the highest trekking peaks in Nepal located inside the Everest and Khumbu region and its summit panorama takes in five of the world’s 8000-meter peaks. The highest and technical peak in Nepal offers very close and natural views of Mt. Everest [8,848 m], Lhotse [8,516 m], Cho-Oyu [8,201 m], Makalu [8,463 m], Kanchenjunga [8,586 m] Nuptse [7,855 m], Chamlang [7319 m], Baruntse [7000 m] and much other snow-capped peaks. This peak is suitable for all fit trekkers who dare to dream of standing on the Himalayan summit. Trekking through the famous walking trail of Khumbu valley offers cultural touch with various communities of people of Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, and Rai, mostly Nepalese indigenous caste peoples.

Our adventurous trek starts with a short and scenic mountain flight to Lukla from the Capital city of Kathmandu. On the way, we cross various charming villages – Honku valley, Khare, Tangnag; dense forests, wild animals, glaciers, stunning mountain views, and several mountain streams until reaching Mera Peak Base Camp.

Island Peak

Island Peak Climbing is an isolated place which is located inside the Sagarmatha National Park which also includes Everest Base Camp [5,357m], Gokyo Ri [5,350m], and Chola pass [5,420m]. The nickname of Island Peak Climbing is Imja Tse which is located between Mount Lhotse and Imja glacier.

Our trek includes Everest and Chola pass trek perfectly with a day-to-day well-programmed itinerary with safe acclimatization. And also designed by our experienced mountain guide to reduce possible technical problems; make your memorable experience for further life. The route is special for those adventure seekers who are with sufficient physical strength; want to put their foot on the popular Everest region trek along with Island Peak climbing and this will be your best entry into Mountain climbing.

Comparison Between Mera & Island Peak

Both Mera and Island peaks are the best trekking peaks in Nepal. They are fairly close to each other. Both of these peaks are located in a remote valley. These two peaks are separated by a mountain chain that divides Hongu and Khumbu Valley. You will have a fascinating mountain view from the summit of these mountain peaks. Amphu Labtsa Pass which stands at an elevation of 5,780m is the highlight of these trekkings. However, there are some significant differences between these two peaks.

Mera Peak is slightly higher than Island Peak. Though Mera is the highest trekking peak, it is straightforward. Island Peak is more technical as it includes more steep ice climbs. Both of these mountains are suitable for climbers. However, Mera is climbable without proper mountaineering skills. Island Peak demands and needs basic mountaineering as well as some technical knowledge.

Mera Peak is high but it has very few challenges like crevasses whereas Island peak has numerous challenging sections so need proper knowledge about Island Peak Climbing. The headwall, the narrow ridge to the top, and the icefalls make it rather difficult. Both of these peaks befit energetically and physically fit trekkers with little or no experience.

Which season is best for Trekking?

Spring and autumn are considered the best time to visit Nepal. And the most suitable time to visit the Everest region is between September and   May. During this period, the temperature is pleasant and most days are dry and sunny. Most importantly, during this period the strong wind and monsoon will not hurdle you. The weather will be calm enough for your ideal climbing.

Most people prefer to visit the Everest region in spring. Monsoon and winter are the offseason for trekking in Nepal. During Monsoons, the trails are slippery, and muddy and thick fog obstructs the views.  Winter brings a lot of snowfall. It is usually very cold and precipitation takes place in the form of snow. Trekking in Nepal is a  post-monsoon activity.

Process for the Permit

Mera and Island both are peak climbing trekking peaks in eastern Nepal.  Both trekking peaks require a permit for climbing. Basically, you need to have Local Area Permit and Mountain Climbing Permit is given by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The cost for these permits differs from season to season. You can easily acquire them in Kathmandu. These permits must be shown to the authorities upon demand at the check-posts there about.

Climbing Success Rate

Island Peak is a little more technical and difficult than Mera Peak. Island Peak has some short, steep snow-climbing sections. Both of the mountains are known as the best even for beginners. The success rate of both mountains goes above 95%. However, the completion ratio of Mera is higher than Island Peak because of the easy route. 

Nepal is not just home to the highest mountains but also boasts beautiful and picturesque lakes in the Himalayan landscape. You may not know, but Nepal is the second richest country. The elegance of lakes in the mountains and mid-hill attract travelers from around the world. Also, over the years, local enthusiast travelers have shown a deep interest in exploring and visiting the beautiful and amazing lakes in Nepal.

The lakes in Nepal at higher altitudes have a religious significance, calling pilgrims from around the world. While some lakes, with their beauty, are among the favorite of their altitude. Other lakes are known for their unique features and spectacular exquisiteness. Needless to say, some lakes in Nepal are well known for their unmatched and notable traits, signing in the world record. The famous five lakes of Nepal are below:

Tilicho Lake

Name Of Lake: Tilicho Lake

Location: Manang

Altitude: 4919m

Area: 4.8 Km Square

Tilicho lake is 55km away from Pokhara, a couple of days of trekking from Pokhara and Kathmandu. The trek starts from Chame, the headquarters of Manang District. The trekking route starts through famous stopping points in the Annapurna region like Chame, Upper Pisang, Manang, Siri Kharka, and Tilicho Base Camp. The trail features meadows, alpine valleys, terraced farmlands, verdant hills, Buddhist shrines, and beautiful mountain villages. You can complete the trek to Tilicho lake in about 10-12 days. The flat-roofed houses and Tibetan-influenced culture are the two distinct rewards this trek has to offer you.

Tilicho Lake lies in the Manang district of Nepal and is the highest lake in the world. It is situated at an altitude of 4,919m and is a prominent landmark in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This fresh Himalayan water lake also serves as the most popular side hike of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Trekkers attempting the classic Annapurna Circuit route take time to Tilicho Lake to embrace its beauty and experience its tranquility. Every year, thousands of trekkers embark on a journey to Tilicho lake.

The best time to explore Tilicho lake is in spring and autumn. It is moderate to difficult trek, ideal for physically fit trekkers. However, novices, as well as experienced trekkers, can do this trek. Your journey to Tilicho lake bestows awe-inspiring views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Explore pristine Tilicho lake and soak in its beauty, and earn bragging right; yes, you have explored one of the highest lakes in the world. 

Rara Lake

Name of Lake: Rara Lake

Location: Mugu & Jumla

Altitude: 2990m

Area: 9.8 km square

Rara, the deepest lake in the Nepal Himalayas, lies at an altitude of 2990 meters located in the Jumla and Mugu districts, it drains into the Mugu Karnali River via the Nijar River. The water of Rara is characterized by high PH and the freshwater is expanded about 5 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers in width. Situated at a high altitude, surrounded by Rara National Park with pine, spruce, and juniper forest, it was enlisted in a Ramsar site in 2007.

Furthermore, it has extraordinary floral and faunal significance with rare species. The lake holds three endemic fish species and one endemic frog. Winter visitor water birds reside and rest at this lake. More basically, the color of Rara lake changes three times a day. Sometimes, it seems to be blue, and sometimes brown and sometimes it seems to be purple and crimson. The scene of Rara becomes enchanting when it mingles with the shadow of the Sinje and Kanjirowa mountains on its water surface.

A place to contemplate and to have tranquillity, Rara is becoming the next target for all visitors all over the world. The number of tourists visiting the Rara lake in western Nepal has increased tremendously. Boating in clear waters, hiking to nearby hills with peculiar views of magnificent mountains and the breathtaking scenes around the lake make every traveler contemplate.  The views of the Himalayan peaks intensify the captivation of every trekker.

The perfect time to visit the lake is September/October and April to May. For trekkers, it has been a very renowned destination with a very tough route in Western Nepal. As air is the only mode of transportation for the tourists visiting the lake, the journey begins with a flight from Nepalgunj to Jufal from where it takes nearly 2 to 3 hours to reach Rara on foot.

Gosaikunda Lake

Name Of Lake: Gosaikunda lake

Location: Rasuwa

Altitude: 4380m

Area: 1.5km Square

Gosaikunda lake is a freshwater lake situated in the Langtang National Park of Rasuwa District at an elevation of 4380m(14,370ft) above sea level which comprises about 10,30ha (2500 acres) of total land surface including all the associated lakes. It was also enlisted as a Ramsar site, Wetlands of International Importance on the 29th of September,2007. There are about 108 lakes in that area. The lake remains frozen for about six months from October to June then melts to form the Trisuli river.

Bearing some of the most prime religious values, Gosaikunda is an attraction for thousands of Hindu devote & pilgrims following the Hindu religion in Nepal and India during a few famous occasions like Janai Purnima and Gangadashara. Ancient stories like Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata precisely refer to Samundra Manthan which is directly associated with the origin of the holy Gosaikunda Lake. Intending to reach Gosaikunda, one needs to take a drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead of Gosainkunda, Dhunche(102km) with an estimated time of 5-7 hours via bus and stay a night there to continue the next day.

Phoksundo Lake

Name of the lake: Phoksundo Lake

Location: Dolpo

Altitude: 3615m

Phoksundo lake is the deepest lake in Nepal which is situated in the Dolpo district and is elevated at 3615m. This lake can be visited while you are trekking in the Dolpo region. You can experience the insightful lifestyle of people around this region while you are trekking in the Dolpo region.

There’s a village on the southern end of the lake of Ringmo sitting on the 30,000-year-old landslide dam which formed the lake. There are stupas around the southern part of the lake. The lake is considered a sacred site due to which swimming in the lake is prohibited. While trekking to this Lake you can experience the traditional Tibetan culture, Buddhist monasteries, waterfalls, and rare Himalayan flora and fauna.

Gokyo Lake

Name Of Lake: Gokyo Lake

Location: Solukhumbu

Altitude: 4700-5000m

Gokyo lakes are located at an altitude of 4,700–5,000 m above sea level. Lakes are named after Gokyo Ri peak. These lakes are the world’s highest freshwater lake system comprising six main lakes, of which is the largest. In September 2007, Gokyo and associated wetlands have been designated a Ramsar site.

Gokyo Cho, also called Dudh Pokhari, is the main lake with an area of 106 acres, and the village of Gokyo lies on its eastern shore. The Gokyo lake system is naturally vulnerable, as it is lying in an ecologically fragile and unstable zone. The outburst of the Ngozumpa glacier is always a threat to the existence of the lakes.

The Gokyo Lakes are considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. About 500 Hindus take a holy bath in the lakes during the Janai Purnima Festival which usually occurs in the month of August. On average 7,000 tourists annually visit the Gokyo Lakes. The site is worshipped as the residing place of ‘Nag Devata’ (Snake God); a temple of the Hindu deities Lords Vishnu and shivas situated at the western corner of the lake. The belief that birds and wildlife in the area should not be harmed has traditionally protected fauna and flora.