Overview
We are the only company in the world to include both an expedition leader and doctor on our Baruntse (7,129m) and Mera Peak (6,476m) expedition while keeping group sizes sustainably small. Established in 2007, we offer high altitude trekking and mountaineering in some of the most breath-taking locations around the world.
Trekking Baruntse and Mera Peak
At 7,129m, Baruntse is a striking, rarely climbed peak nestled deep in the glacier systems of the eastern Nepalese Himalayas. Surrounded by the Imja, Barun, and Hunku glacier systems, it offers a truly remote, high-altitude challenge involving sustained snow and ice slopes, requiring fixed rope work, crampons, and ice axe use.
Our 30-day itinerary begins with a flight into Lukla and follows a quieter, more immersive route south into the Hinku Valley, passing through traditional Sherpa villages. Avoiding the Zatrwa La Pass, we gain altitude gradually over 13 days, with two rest days built in to ensure optimal acclimatisation.
To aid our preparation and readiness, we first summit Mera Peak (6,476m) – Nepal’s highest trekking peak. While less technical, Mera is physically demanding and provides invaluable high-altitude experience. From its summit, climbers are rewarded with sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Kangchenjunga.
After summiting Mera, we venture deeper into wild terrain en route to Baruntse Base Camp. Here, climbers put their new altitude conditioning and technical skills to the test on steeper, more exposed ground.
Together, Mera and Baruntse form a powerful two-peak progression, perfect for mountaineers looking to deepen their Himalayan experience and step confidently into the world of 7,000m+ expeditions.
This expedition will be led by Earth’s Edge founder and well-known mountaineer James McManus.
Please note: The itinerary is very much subject to change based on weather conditions and the health and fitness of all expedition members.
This expedition is only suitable for those with a very high level of fitness and previous experience on peaks over 5,000m.
Itinerary
Day 3
Transfer to Ramechhap 5 hrs; Fly Ramechhap to Lukla, 35 minutes; Trek Lukla to Poyan, 3 hrs
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Early morning transfer to Ramechhap. Fly to Lukla and trek to Poyan village.
Day 4
Poyan to Panggom, 8 hrs
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We start the day descending and arrive to Kharte by lunch. In the afternoon we ascend to Panggom. Altitude 2,846m.
Day 5
Panggom to Najingdingma, 8 hrs
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We begin with an hour long ascent to reach the Narkung La pass (3,180m) which offers our first views of Mera Peak, if the weather is clear. We trek along the Hinku Hola river to Najingdingma. Altitude 2,600m.
Day 6
Najingdingma to Chalemkharka, 6 hrs
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We ascend a steep path to reach the tree covered ridge line above the village and follow it all the way to Chalemkharka. The views from the ridge of the surrounding landscape are fantastic. Altitude 3,600m.
Day 7
Chalemkharka to Kholakharka via the Kongke Luchho La pass, 7 hrs
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Most of the day is spent climbing to the Kongke Luchho La pass where we get views of Kangchenjunga (8,586m), Makalu (8,485m) and Cho Oyu (8,188m) the world’s 3rd, 5th & 6th highest mountains before descending to Kholakharka. Altitude 4,200m.
Day 8
Acclimatisation Day in Kholakharka
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After a relaxed start to the day, we set out on an acclimatisation hike, climbing to higher ground near the village. Free afternoon to relax.
Day 9
Kholakharka to Khote, 6 hrs
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From Kholakharka we ascend for almost an hour before descending all the way to the Hinku Khola river and our tea house in Khote. Altitude 3,582m.
Day 11
Acclimatisation Day in Tangnan
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After a relaxed start to the day, we set out on an acclimatisation hike, climbing to higher ground near the village. Free afternoon to relax.
Day 12
Tangnag to Khare, 3hrs
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From Tangnag the trail follows a large lateral moraine before a final sharp ascent to Khare. Altitude 4,900m.
Day 14
Khare to High Camp, 8hrs
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We begin with the short hike to Base Camp then we trek to High Camp, mostly on snow. Overnight camp. Altitude 5,800m.
Day 15
Summit Day! 14-16 hrs
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We climb Mera Peak, the highest trekking peak in Nepal! Altitude 6,476m. Descend to Kongma Dingma.
Day 16
Kongma Dingma to Seto Pokhari, 6 hrs
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A shorter day as we follow the Hongu River, passing a series of glacial lakes en route to Seto Pokhari. Altitude 5,035m.
Day 17
Seto Pokhari to Baruntse Base Camp, 6 hrs
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The trail today rewards us with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks, including Peak 41 (6,649m) and Hunku Peak (6,727m). Altitude 5,400m.
Day 18
Baruntse Base Camp Rest and Acclimatisation Day
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We take part in a traditional Sherpa prayer ceremony - the Puja. Overnight camp. Altitude 5,400m.
Day 19
Rest day at Baruntse Base Camp
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We continue to take it easy, preparing for the challenges of the upper mountain. Overnight camp. Altitude 5,400m.
Day 20
Base Camp to Camp 1, 6 hrs
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From Base Camp, we ascend the Baruntse Glacier through heavily crevassed terrain requiring roped travel and occasional fixed lines. Steep 40°–50° snow and ice slopes lead to the dramatic West Col, where we establish Camp 1, on a compacted snow platform. Altitude 6,100 m.
Day 21
Camp 1 to Camp 2, 6 hrs
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From Camp 1, we climb a steep 50°–60° snow/ice face to the East Col (6,200 m), using fixed ropes and front-point crampon technique. A narrow, corniced ridge leads to a heavily crevassed upper glacier, where we establish Camp 2 below the summit headwall. Altitude 6,550 m.
Day 22
Summit Day! 16 - 18 hrs
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We begin our ascent from Camp 2 just after midnight, climbing 40°–55° snow and ice slopes to reach the narrow, exposed summit ridge. After panoramic summit views of Everest, Makalu, and more, we descend carefully via fixed ropes, resting at Camp 2 before returning to Camp 1 for the night. Altitude 6,126 m.
Day 24
Camp 1 to Base Camp, 5 hrs
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We descend from Camp 1 over the crevassed Baruntse Glacier, using ropes and fixed lines on steeper sections. As the terrain eases into rocky moraine and snow scree, we continue carefully back to Base Camp. Altitude 5,400 m.
Day 25
Trek to Amphu Labtsa Pass Base Camp, 5hrs
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We leave Baruntse Base Camp, ascending through alpine meadows and barren glacial terrain with views of Peak 41 and Hunku Peak. The day ends at Amphu Labtsa Base Camp. Altitude 5,650 m.
Day 26
Amphu Labtsa Pass Base Camp to Dobao via Amphu Labtsa Pass, 12hrs
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We climb steep glaciated terrain to Amphu Labtsa Pass, using mountaineering gear to navigate seracs and crevasses, with stunning views of Lhotse Shar and Island Peak. A technical descent leads into the Imja Valley and onward through alpine meadows and Sherpa villages to Dobato. Altitude 3,750 m.
Day 27
Trek Dobato to Pangboche, 6 hrs
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From Dobato, we traverse alpine shrublands and pine forests with views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse. The trail passes through Upper Dingboche and descends into the Imja Khola Valley, joining the main Everest trekking routes near Pangboche. Altitude 3,930m.
Day 28
Trek Pangboche to Namche Bazaar, 7 hrs
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From Pangboche, we descend through forests and cross the Imja Khola, stopping briefly at Tengboche Monastery. After a steep descent and final climb to Kyangjuma, we follow an easier trail to Namche Bazaar, the heart of the Khumbu. Altitude, 3,440 m.
Day 29
Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla, 8 hrs
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We descend from Namche to the Dudh Kosi River, crossing the iconic Hillary Bridge, then pass through Phakding before the final climb to Lukla. Here we bid farewell to our team and enjoy a final trail dinner. Altitude 2,860 m.
Day 30
Lukla to Ramechhap, transfer to Kathmandu
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We fly to Ramechhap and transfer back to Kathmandu, checking into our hotel. After some free time to rest or explore, we gather for a celebratory dinner. Overnight hotel.
Facts
Baruntse and Mera Peak Expedition Costs & What’s Included
Cost and Payment Schedule
- Secure your place with a €399 deposit
- A part payment of €1,000 is due six months before departure
- The remaining balance is payable by instalments or in full
- All fees are due three months prior to departure
- Total expedition cost is detailed above
Your expedition fees include:
- Internal flights in Nepal
- Experienced expedition leader
- Dedicated expedition doctor
- Pre-departure training day and weekend
- Earth's Edge team of guides, cooks and support team
- All accommodation based on twin sharing in hotels in Kathmandu, tea houses on the trail and camping at higher altitudes.
- All meals and drinking water except in Kathmandu and Ramechhap where accommodation is based on B&B
- A celebratory dinner
- All transport throughout the expedition
- Group gear consisting of a fully stocked med kit including an oxygen tank
Flights
Please consult us before booking your flights to ensure you arrive in time for the expedition briefing on the first day. It is essential you do not miss this meeting.
Want more information on our Baruntse and Mera Peak Expedition?
Contact us on support@earths-edge.com to request your free:
- Barunste and Mera Peak Information Pack (including detailed itinerary)
- Baruntse and Mere Peak Fitness and Training Guide
- Baruntse and Mera Peak Equipment List
Or, book your free 15-minute trip consultation with one of the team to have all of your questions answered - we can help you make sure this expedition is for you!
Certified B-Corp
Earth's Edge is a certified B-Corp. In fact, we are the highest scoring B-Corp in Ireland. We are passionate about sustainable travel, bettering the lives of the people connected with the company and minimising our environmental impact.
Tree Planting
We plant 8 native trees in Nepal for each person that travels with us in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. If you would like to plant more, please contact info@earths-edge.com. Each extra tree costs €0.75 cents. Learn more about our tree planting project here.
