Day 04: Paiya to Panggom (2,846m/9,337ft): 5-6 hours
We descend for a while and reach a small bridge. From here the trail is slippery until we cross the Kari La pass. We walk through rhododendron and bamboo forests on a narrow mountain trail. On today’s trip we also get to be in awe of the Dudhkoshi Valley. We continue our trek to Panggom Village whose settlers are dependent on farming and trading.
Overnight in Panggom.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Panggom to Ningsow (2,863m/9,393ft): 4-5 hours
We begin our trek after breakfast. After trekking out of Panggom, we cross the Panggom La pass. Then we ascend, walk on a steady path and turn north. We cross Peseng Kharka Khola first then after walking for sometime, reach Peeng Kharka Danda. We cross Ningsow Khola (stream) before reaching the Ningsow Village.
Overnight in Ningsow.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Ningsow to Chhatra Khola (2,800m/9,186ft): 7-8 hours
From Ningsow, we climb first then descend for a while and climb some more to reach Ramailo Danda. From here we get extraordinary views of Mera Peak and Salpa. After ascending and descending on our trail, we enter the Makalu Barun National Park. Our trail from here to Chhatra Khola is called Pasang Lhamu trail. On the way, if we are lucky, we might even come across the elusive Red Panda.
Overnight in Chhatra Khola.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Chhatra Khola to Kothe (3,691m/12,109ft): 6-7 hours
We walk towards the north on the main trail to Mera Peak. After walking on a trail next to the the Majang Khola, we merge with another trail which moves alongside the Hinku Khola. Our trail moves straight ahead towards Tashing Ongma which has seasonal tea shops. We continue our trek and cross the bridge over the Sanu Khola before reaching Kothe.
Overnight in Kothe.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Kothe to Thaknak (4,358m/14,297ft): 3-4 hours
We trek along the ridge of the Hinku Khola in the shadow of Mera Peak. We take lunch at Gondishung, the summer herders’ settlement in the west bank of the Hinku Drangka. Beyond Gondishung, we pass a 200-year-old Lungsumgba Gompa where we can find Mera Peak scripted in rock along with its route to reach Mera. A short walk takes us to Thaknak, which is a summer grazing area with primitive lodges and shops.
Overnight in Thaknak.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Thaknak to Khare (5,045m/16,486ft): 2-3 hours
Leaving Thaknak, we follow the lateral moraine of Dig Glacier to Dig Kharka, which offers spectacular views of Charpate Himal. The trail climbs through moraines to the snout of the Hinku Nup and Shar glaciers, and then climbs more steeply to Khare. From here, we can see the northern face of Mera Peak which will be an amazing experience. After lunch we can hike in and around Khare.
Overnight at Khare.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner