Nepal is considered a paradise place when it comes to majestic mountains, stunning landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. The country is nestled with 1,310 peaks that are over 6,000 meters tall. The country is not only limited to mountain vistas but equally significant for cultural richness, spiritual importance, and adventure opportunities.
In this topic, we’ll discuss Island Peak vs. Mera Peak: Which Trekking Peak is right for you to visit in 2025? Both are considered trekking peaks in Nepal. Mera is significantly higher in altitude, whereas Island Peak is a bit tougher due to steeper abrupt ice ascents and a narrow rocky ridge to reach the summit.
In 2025, both will be favourites among mountaineers and trekkers. If you are an adventure lover and passionate about trekking but in dilemma which one to choose? Stay with us to know everything about Mera Peak and Island Peak.
Introduction to Mera Peak and Island Peak
Mera Peak
Mera Peak has a standing height of 6,476 meters which is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas within Nepal’s Everest Range. It is popular among the trekkers for the distinct of being the highest trekking peak in Nepal. Mera Peak comprises three principal summits: Mera South (6,065m), Mera Central (6,461m), and Mera North (6,476m).
Mera Peak is considered a premier summit among trekkers.You do not need technical skills to reach the summit of this peak. In addition, it also provides you with 360-degree views of the popular Himalayas of Nepal like Mount Everest, Mt. Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and Cho Oyu.
It is regarded as premier summit among trekkers. J.O.M. Roberts and Sen Tenzing were the first climbers to summit this mountain on May 20, 1953. Later this mountain has been climbed by popular mountaineers like Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay and Several others.
Highlights and Facts of the Mera Peak
• Panoramic views of mountains like Mount Everest, Mt. Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and Cho Oyu
• It is not as easy as Annapurna Circuit and Madri Himal Trekking.
• Interact and socialize with people of Sherpa, Rai and Limbu communities.
• It is appropriate for those trekkers who have basic trekking skills.
• Offers an authentic trekking experience in the Khumbu Region.
Island Peak
Island Peak aka Imja Tse is most renowned trekking destinations among the trekkers. This place lies in the Solukhumbu region of eastern Nepal. It has an elevation of 6,189 meters. Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, is lies within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sagarmatha National Park. In addition, this place offers you impeccable views of glaciers, landscapes and other mountains.
Island Peak is challenging and bit tough among the trekkers compare to Mera due to high altitude, long days of trekking, challenging paths, rough landscape, severe weather, and parts covered in snow.
The southwest summit of Island Peak was first ascended by a prominent British expedition group in 1953. This ascent constituted an aspect of their training and acclimatization strategy. The courageous and mountaineer climbers were Tenzing Norgay, Charles Wylie, and Charles Evans.
Highlights and Facts of Island Peak
• Know the cultures, customs & traditions of Sherpa’s.
• The trekkers can explore rhododendron forests and varieties of flora & fauna
• Offers stunning views of Everest region
• Able to see wildlife and animals like musk deer, thar, deer and many other inhabitants
• Stunning views of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8848 m).
Best Season for the trekking: Mera Peak vs. Island Peak
The promising time for ascending Mera Peak is autumn and spring. During these times climbers can expect a relatively clear and stable climate, significantly improving the probability of a successful summit.
Depending of your chosen time for the ascent, it is essential to acknowledge that temperatures at higher levels remain chilly, though tolerable
Conditions at elevated elevations can become risky, requiring climbers to maintain attention and consciousness. Sometimes the weather becomes harsh; so, it is advisable to await calm and ideal weather for the summit ascent.
In contrast, Island Peak offers a wide climbing window year-round, except during monsoon months. Ideal times are spring (March-June) and autumn (September-November), with stable weather, clear skies, and lower precipitation. Winter ascents can be challenging, especially for beginners.
The Permits you Required: Mera Peak vs. Island Peak
If you are planning for Mera Peak trekking you need to require several permits which are written below:
Permits from Makalu Barun National Park: The permit is compulsory to enter in the Makalu Barun National Park. It costs around 3000-3500 approx for foreign nationals and 1500 for the SAARC nationals and Nepalese. You may acquire the permissions from Nepal Tourism Board (located at Bhrikutimandap Kathmandu).
Permits and Fees to Mera National Peak: Apart from Makalu Barun; you also need local area permit. The costs are
• $250-300 per person (Summer or Pre-Monsoon)
• $125 for person during autumn (Sep-November)
• $75-100 per person during off seasons.
(Note: the price or costs may vary).
Costs & Permits Visitors needs for Island Peak trekking:
Here are the permissions needed for trekking Island Peak.
Entrance permit at Khumbu Rural Municipality: You need to pay approx 2000-2500 NPR for entry in the Khumbu Rural Municipality. You can take this permit from Kathmandu. You can acquire it from Lukla or Monjo.
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: Apart from Khumbu Municipality, you also need to permit from Jorsalle to enter in the Sagarmatha National Park. It costs around 3000-3500 approx per person. However, the costs also vary depends on which season you wants to travel.
Here are the documents you need to submit regarding Mera Peak and Island Peak trekking
• Details of Passport or Citizenship for Nepalese
• Two Passport sized photos
• Application forms
• Payment of permit in Nepali rupees
• Travel Insurance
Which one is easier to climb? Mera or Island Peak
Mera and Island Peak are the ideal trekking destinations. You do not need special mountaineering skills, experiences, or expertise to climb both mountains. However, compared to Island Peak, Mera Peak is less difficult.
Mera Peak has a slightly higher summit but faces steeper ice climbs, demanding sections, and a formidable headwall. It offers a more straightforward climb with fewer obstacles. Island Peak’s ascent is more challenging due to narrow rocky ridge, glacier traverse, and icefalls. Mera Peak is generally easier to climb, but trekking to its Base Camp presents unique challenges.
Difficulty Level of Mera Peak and Island Peak
Mera Peak Difficulty
Mera Peak, classified as a trekking peak by the Nepalese Mountaineering Association, is an ideal choice for beginners with minimal technical challenges. It is a relatively easy climb that can be successfully attempted by individuals with basic climbing training and good physical endurance.
Previous climbing experience is not required for Mera Peak, considering it less technical than Island Peak. It entails ice trekking and climbing without of the intricacies of crevasses or narrow ridges. The ascent entails various challenges, such as elevated heights, steep inclines, rugged terrain, glacial and icy routes, prolonged hiking days, and isolated situations.
Difficulty Level of Island Peak
Ascending Island Peak demands basic climbing proficiency, as the path requires traversing a combination of rocks, ridges, and glaciers. One need to climb the steep stretch to attain the top, which offers glimpses of Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other adjacent peaks and summits.
The climb of Island Peak is not harder one. It is classified as Alpine PD+. The ascent predominantly involves glacial terrain or 45-degree snow slopes, featuring some steeper segments and a narrow summit ridge in several areas. Fixed lines are employed to safeguard climbers on any steep or exposed areas; yet, ascending the steep segment and tapered summit ridge necessitates superior physical power.
Food & Accommodation: Island Peak vs. Mera Peak
During your Island Peak tour, the route provides additional accommodation options, particularly up to Dingboche valley, with teahouses up to Chukhung village, followed by tented camps for one or two nights. The Island Peak trail offers similar food options as the Mera Peak route, with teahouses typically having their own menus, but may become more limited as you ascend. You can enjoy mouthwatering Nepali cuisine like Daal Bhat, Tarkari and some other dishes like momo dumplings, soups, bread, chapatti, chow mien, and spaghetti. Both climbing adventures offer appropriate lodgings and a varied selection of substantial meals to sustain your journey in the Himalayas.
During a Mera Peak trekking, teahouses for accommodation are accessible until the town of Khare. Nevertheless, for the final 2 to 3 nights preceding the summit attempt, you will be depending on camping tents. In addition, the teahouses along the trekking route provide basic amenities like clean and hygienic rooms, shared bathrooms, hot water facilities, warm blankets, and meals (dinner and breakfast) at the same location where you will stay. In terms of cuisine, you will find a variety of Nepalese meals as well as a few international options. Popular options include Daal Bhat (a dish made with lentils, rice, veggies, and pickles), momo dumplings, and a variety of soups, chapatti, chow mien, spaghetti, and Tibetan bread.
Similarities of Island Peak vs Mera Peak
Mera Peak and Island Peak have numerous significant similarities. Both are situated in the Barun sub-part of the Mahalangur section in the Nepalese Himalayas. Secondly, these summits have close elevations, with Island Peak at 6,189 meters (20,305 feet) and Mera Peak at 6,461 meters (21,190 feet). Furthermore, these two peaks are situated in close district within the same region.
Moreover, both Mera and Island Peaks are classified as trekking peaks, indicating that climbers do not necessitate specialist technical climbing abilities to undertake their ascents. Notwithstanding these similarities, it is essential to recognize that each of these summits presents a unique adventure and experience for travelers, accompanied by specific challenges and picturesque rewards.
Island Peak vs. Mera Peak: Trekking Route
Island Peak’s climbing route, which combines trekking and mountaineering, typically takes around 15 days to complete. The route ascends to High Camp and then the peak by following the traditional route to Everest Base Camp.. Despite being a little shorter than Mera Peak, the ascent of Island Peak is notoriously difficult, including challenging slopes. Climbers have the option to spend an extra four to five days at Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Yet this route is bit harder than Mera Peak. The Island Peak Climbing route starts in Kathmandu and covers Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chukhung Ri, Island Peak Base Camp, Island Peak Summit, Chukhung, Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and eventually back to Kathmandu.
The expedition to Mera Peak commences with a scenic flight to Lukla, succeeded by a hike through lush forests and secluded valleys that concludes in the Hinku Valley, from which the ascent to Mera Peak starts. The climbing itinerary generally extends approx 18 days, incorporating crucial overnight halts in Paiya, Kothe, Panggom, Thankak, and Khare prior to arriving at Mera High Camp at an elevation of 5,780 meters. The ultimate climb to the peak necessitates the utilization of fixed ropes and jumars. Trekkers should anticipate weather-related delays, requiring an additional 2-3 days in the schedule. The Mera Peak climbing itinerary encompasses a journey from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by Chutanga, Zatra La, Thuli Kharka, Kothe, Thangnag, Khare, Mera Peak Base Camp, Mera High Camp, Mera Summit, and then retracing the route back through Mera High Camp, Mera Base Camp, Khare, Kothe, Thuli Kharka, Lukla, and concluding in Kathmandu.
Mera Peak offers a more technical climb, while Island Peak’s route is shorter and more challenging, featuring iconic Everest landmarks, offering incredible trekking and climbing experiences.
Cultural Immersions during trek of Island and Mera Peak
You will have tour to Mera Peak and Island Peak in the remote Himalayan regions. You will experience distinct and unique Sherpa and Tibetan culture. Tibetan Buddhism massively resides in the higher regions. You will experience their culture and friendly hospitality. In addition, you will have the chance to interact with the people and gain a greater understanding of their customs, cultures & traditions.
Tourism supports the region’s local economy. So travelers should hire the local porters and guiders to support them. In addition, trekkers should admire and respect their cultural & traditions. Aside this, sustainable tourism and preserving the region’s cultural heritage and environment are crucial aspects to consider during your tour.
Things you need during Mera Peak Trek
• Climbing Slings
• Waterproof Shell Jacket
• 40 liters day packs
• Trousers, shorts and fleece
• Woolen tops
• Small size towel
• Small Size Pillow
• Toiletries
• Wet Wipes
• Ear Plugs
• Head torch with extra batteries
• Sun Glasses
• Head Gears
• Sleeping bag with compression sack
• Footwear’s and trekking shocks
• Snow Gaiters
• Pee Bottle
• First Aid Kit
• Accessories like Camera, Phone, Ear Pods
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What are the height of Island Peak and Mera Peak?
The height of Island Peak and Mera Peak are 6,189 meters and 6,461 respectively.
Are Island Peak and Mera Peak requires technical mountaineering skills?
Both Mera Peak and Island not regarded as technical mountaineering skills. However, you should have basic trekking skills or previous trek experiences to conquer both.
What is the minimum age needed to summit Island Peak and Mera Peak?
As per rules by Government of Nepal, climbers must be 18 years of his/her age. Therefore people under of 18 ages are not allowed for this trek.
Do I need travel insurance during Mera and Island Peak trek?
A Big Yes!!
Climbers must acquire travel insurance that includes emergency rescue coverage when ascending summits such as Mera Peak and Island Peak. In the event of an emergency, your travel insurance will cover the costs of helicopter rescue or any other medical treatment.
The primary recommendation is to acquire the necessary expertise and climbing skills as directed. Acclimatization is essential. We strongly recommend allocating sufficient time along the trip. Prior to commencing your trekking training at home, it is essential to develop strength and endurance through physical training, gain multi-day hiking experience and we recommend prior trekking experience at altitudes over 4000 meters for Island Peak. Appropriate gears and equipment are essential. We will offer optimal logistics and assistance during your journey; our skilled, knowledgeable, and amiable guides will ensure you have the greatest opportunity to reach the summits of both Mera and Island Peak.
Conclusion of Island Peak vs Mera Peak: Which Trekking Peak is Right for you to visit in 2025?
While both Island Peak and Mera Peak are impeccable for the trekkers. They both are the premier trekking peaks in Nepal which are worth to conquer. Both are providing remarkable and unique experiences to the trekkers.
Why Travel with Nature Explore Treks?
We are committed to delivering exceptional services to our clients. From your booking and first email, we ensure about comfortable and stress free tour. Our travel experts consistently strive for superior standards of excellence for their visitors. Our team is exceptionally qualified to guide you in mountaineering, trekking, hiking, and various other activities.
If you seek an ideal trip and vacation, we are undoubtedly best in this field. Our team is always glad to assist you with your tour activities. You will be satisfied with our tour services at reasonable prices.
