TripAdvisor

Amphu Lapcha pass with Island and Mera Peak - 25 Days

  • Duration 25 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals Breakfast in Kathmandu and All Meals During Trip
  • Accommodation Standard Hotel in Kathmandu and Guest House/Tent During Trip
  • Max. Altitude 6476 Meters
  • Activity Peak Climbing
  • Group Size 2 to 10
  • Best Season Spring and Autumn

Mera and Island Peak Climbing via Amphu Lapcha Pass Trekking combines the journey to two beautiful peaks in the Khumbu region - Mera and Island Peak. Both peaks are renowned for magnificent views of mountain chains among which are above 8000 meters. Mera is the highest peak that can be climbed without a permit in Nepal and lies in the south of Everest. Island Peak is mostly preferred by trekkers to the Everest Base Camp.

Our trek starts after an early morning flight to Lukla from where the route slowly gains elevation as we move to the Mera Peak. Crossing the Mera La pass we reach the Mera Peak Base Camp and ascend further to the High Camp (5750m). Mera Peak (6654m) itself is technically an easy climb and the slopes seldom exceed 40 degrees, however, crevasses at places demand alertness. The climb is strenuous at the last 50 meters to the top. Panoramic views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and other peaks are rewarding at the top.

Crossing the Honku valley, Panch Pokhari, and the Amphu Lapcha La Pass, we reach Chhukung valley which houses the beautiful Island Peak. The climb to High Camp is a strenuous one crossing the trail to the top of Island Peak through rock formations and glacial regions. The view from the top is equally rewarding with outstanding views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and other peaks.

Khumbu region is also known for its beautiful valleys, high passes, Sherpa communities, and varied flora and fauna. The trek demands you to be physically fit and adventure-seeking. Walking and climbing through snow onto higher altitudes is challenging, yet the trek is well designed to acclimatize you properly.

Day to Day Itinerary
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Arrival in Kathmandu. Our Airport Representative will meet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport. A drop to the Hotel by private tourist vehicle is arranged. You can either take a rest or meet us at our office and know the detailed arrangement of the Trek. Overnight stay at the hotel.

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel

After breakfast, you will be introduced to the trek leader/guide at the hotel. This pre-trip meeting is for briefings on the trek and other necessary details. Please bring along your passport and three passport-sized photos and a copy of your travel insurance policy. You can use your free time to rest or explore around for some last-minute shopping. 

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel
  • Breakfast

We start the day with an early morning flight to Lukla via the domestic airport. It’s a scenic flight of around 35 minutes in a small airplane. After landing at the Tenzing-Hillary airport, we meet the rest of the team and get briefings on the journey further ahead. The trek to Chutanga marks the beginning of the journey. It’s a 5-6 hours walk through pine and rhododendron forests. Overnight stay in a tented camp. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours

You trek steeply ascending paths to cross Zatrawala Pass. From here you can enjoy the spectacular views of Numbur Himal, Kongdi Ri, Karyolang peak, and many other mountains and peaks. Now you walk along the leveled trail for almost one and a half hours and then the trail turns downhill and you trek through this descent path all the way to Zatrabok. This is a campsite surrounded by hills.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trek to Kothe is mostly downhill leading through rhododendron and juniper forests. Views of Mera, Nauleku, and other massifs keep company during the walk. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Passing Kharkas or grazing fields of Gondishung, we head to the small monastery beneath an overhanging rock formation. Ahead, the valley narrows as we move close to the western peak of Mera. After walking for about five hours, we reach Thangnak where we set camp for the night. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Acclimatization at Thangnak is essential as the gain in altitude demands some time for the body to adjust. We climb to the glacier (5000m) in the morning hours, where rear views of Mera peak are spectacular. After getting back and taking our lunch, we may as well venture to Sabai Tsho, a glacial lake. Overnight stay at Thangnak in a tented camp. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trek to Khare takes about 5-6 hours from Thangnak. The trail gets steep and bends along the valley to pass along the moraine of the Dig glacier to reach Dig Kharka. Spectacular views of Charpati Himal and other peaks including the Peak 35 which has not been scaled yet can be viewed. We ascend along the last section of the trail to reach the base camp at Khare where we stay overnight in a camp. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours

The walk today is a short one, which starts with a gradual ascent to the Mera glacier. It’s steep in the beginning but eases out as you move higher to reach a long flat trail leading to the Mera La (5400m). A short descent leads to the Mera base camp where we camp and rest for the day. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We ascent to the Mera High Camp along flat trails atop the glaciers. Views are outstanding from here. We set our tent and prepare for the next day’s ascent. Overnight stay in a tented camp. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

At around 2 am, we head for the summit, as it's best to return back before the afternoon. It’s an easy climb though the final ascent requires an ice axe, crampons, and ropes. As we climb, magnificent sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, and Makalu can be viewed. The summit is a fantastic viewpoint with Everest, Cho Oyo, Lhotse, Makalu, and many other peaks ready to be photographed. The descent back to the Base Camp is a slow and careful one, and we take a good rest after these 8 - 10 hours of strenuous days. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail passes along yak pastures at great altitudes today. We walk through these remote valleys with incredible views of Chamlang and Baruntse. The Honku valley is our camping site for the night. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

With a backdrop of the towering mountains that keeps a strengthening company, we walk along the less-trodden trail to reach Panch Pokhari (Five Lakes). Panch Pokhari is also known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The trek takes about 5-6 hours. Overnight stay in a tented camp.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 5 to 6 Hours

We take a rest day in the beautiful surrounding of Panch Pokhari. It’s a day set for acclimatization as well, so you are suggested to stay active and can venture around the campsite. Overnight stay in a tented camp.

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The Amphu Lapcha pass is one of the most challenging in the Khumbu region. We climb through the Honku valley along this remote trail and can view the hanging glaciers of Chamlang. After a 6-7 hours trek, we reach the Base camp where we stay overnight. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • 6 to 7 Hours

The Amphu Lapcha pass is situated beneath a huge rock formation that connects Nuptse and Lhotse. Views of Amadablam from here are well known. We further move downhill to reach Chhukung, a small village where we stay overnight. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The steep trail ascents along the south and takes a twist at the Lhotse glacier. An easing walk alongside the riverbed continues till a big rock. The zigzag route then passes Imja to Lhotse Glacier and opens up in a wide valley. Southeast of the Island Peak lies the base camp where we set the tent and stay overnight. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The climb to High Camp is rather short and easy. We move up the Imja valley to come directly facing the southwest front of Island Peak. The walk continues on through glaciers to reach the High Camp where we stay overnight in a camp and prepare for the summit climb the next day. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We start early today, waking at around 2 am and taking our breakfast before heading out. Strong winds blow around the summit towards mid-day, we have to start early. We ascend along plenty of rock culverts along the route. Further on, we walk along the ridgeline that leads to the snout of the glacier. With rope to support, we cross this snow and ice slope. From the top of the slope, the summit is just three rope lengths away. After observing an elevated and outstanding view from the summit we take the route back to the base camp. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Descending down the trail, the pleasant walk is consoling to the lungs. Passing the villages of Orsho and Shomare, we move towards the Monastery in upper Pangboche which is the oldest in the region. A scenic view of the mountain ranges above and the valley below with the Imja Tse River can be seen from here. 

  • Tented Camp
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Descending to Imja River and crossing the forest to Tengboche, we continue along the rhododendron and juniper forests. Crossing the Dudh Koshi, we descend through pine forests rich in wildlife to Sansa. Further ahead, we pass a chorten marking the entrance to Namche Bazaar. Overnight in a lodge. 

  • Hotel or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The last day of the trek continues with the steep downward trail. Trekkers need to walk really slowly very controlled and in a balanced manner on the steep rocky terrain until reaching the suspension bridge over Dudh Koshi, passing through the open plain, and rhododendron forest while enjoying the distant view of snow-covered mountains. Finally, Lukla is reached. 

  • Hotel or Lodge
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This is the day when the Mountain flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is enjoyed once again. On reaching Kathmandu it is time to enjoy shopping and walking around the city. The evening is to celebrate for successful completion of the trip. 

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel
  • Breakfast

It’s a leisure day which you can use to rest after a long journey or stroll around the capital. You may want to take home souvenirs for your loved ones. It is also a good idea to visit the world heritage sites in Kathmandu itself, for which Green Valley Nepal Treks can make arrangements as per your wishes. 

  • 3 Stars Hotel in Thamel
  • Breakfast

Departure from Kathmandu. A drop from the hotel to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of the flight is arranged in a private tourist vehicle. You can also extend your trip by opting for another program. 

    Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

    Cost Includes
    •     Pick up drop by private vehicle
    •    4 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at 4 stars hotel.
    •     Island and Mera Peak climbing permit.
    •     Sagarmatha and Gourishankar National Park permit.
    •     Flight ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu.
    •     All meals during the trek and climbing period at the best available restaurant/camp.
    •     Accommodation during the trekking (Guest house or Tent)
    •     One-experience trekking guide and necessary porters.
    •     One climbing guide with a government license.
    •     Climbing Guide equipment and salary for guide.
    •     Tent for Base Camp.
    •     Food for Camping on Island Peak base camp.
    •     Insurance for Guide and Porters.
    •     Domestic airport Tax.
    •     Related taxes and service charges.
    Cost Excludes
    • Personal equipment for trekking and Climbing
    • Personal insurance for travel, trekking, and Climbing
    • Food in Kathmandu
    • Emergency rescue evacuation cost if encase if needed
    • Trekking, sleeping bags, and down jacket
    • Trekking, and Climbing Shoes
    • Personal expenses, beverages, and tips
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