Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, as well as hundreds of climbing peaks. Along with them, Nepal has officially opened 415 mountains for mountaineering expeditions (including hiking and climbing peaks). The Nepal Mountaineering Association has classified thirty-three of them as hiking peaks. Mera Peak and Island Peak are two of the most climbed summits in the area, and climbers’ favorites.
Mera and Island Peaks are two of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations. However, the debate over Mera Peak vs. Island Peak is a hot topic among climbers (especially novices) who are eager to embark on mountain trips. For beginners, deciding between Mera and Island Peak can be difficult. We’ve written a blog detailing the similarities and differences between these two peaks to address any potential concerns or dilemmas.
Climbing Mera Peak vs. Island Peak: Climbing Highlights
Mera Peak Climbing:
- View: Panoramic views of Mount Everest (8,848m-1st), Kangchenjunga (8,586m-3rd), Lhotse (8,516m-4th), Makalu (8,485m-5th), and Cho Oyu (8,201m6-6th), as well as several other peaks in the Khumbu region.
- Follow: with the right direction of our professional Sherpa guides, this is a basic ascent that requires no special climbing maneuvers.
- Flying to and from Lukla is an amazing experience.
- Explore rhododendron, magnolia, birch, and pine forests, as well as rare Himalayan species, Sherpa culture, customs, and traditional rituals.
- Ramble: Through monasteries, chortens, gompas, mane walls, prayer wheels, and airy prayer flags, as well as other holy Buddhist temples.
Island Peak Climbing:
- View: The gigantic peaks of Nuptse (7,879m), Lhotse (8,501m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8,410m), and Lhotse Shar (8,383m) form a semi-circle to the north from Island Peak summit, with Makalu (8,475m) in the east, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam in the south. Even though Everest is only 10 kilometers away, the view will be obstructed by Mt. Lhotse’s massive wall rising over the peak.
- Follow this route to cross Kongma La, a high mountain pass, then traverse the Lhotse glacier.
- A picturesque alpine flight to and from the Lukla airfield is an unforgettable experience.
- Explore: Sherpa ethnic settlements, some of the Himalaya’s rarest wildlife, and lush Himalayan green woods with rhododendron, magnolia, birch, and pine.
- Ramble: Through the Khumbu valley’s holy religious sites, including as Tengboche Monastery, Khumbu Monastery, and numerous chortens, lanes, and prayer wheels.
Resemblance between Mera and Island Peak
Mera peak is located in Nepal’s Mahalangur Himalayan series’ Barun subsection, whereas Island peak is located in Nepal’s Everest region. Both mountains are nearly the same height; the island stands at 6189 meters, while the Mera stands at 6461 meters. Furthermore, the two summits are quite close to one another.
These mountains are trekking peaks, although the island peak requires technical climbing abilities, whereas the mera peak does not. Despite their similarities, the island peak and the mera peak both offer a distinct trip to its visitors.
Mera Peak vs. Island Peak Climbing: Best Season
Climbing Mera Peak is best done in the spring and autumn seasons. These are times when there are long stretches of consistent weather. Whatever time you choose for the ascension, the severe temperature remains cool and manageable. You should be aware that the environment at higher elevations can be dangerous. The entire climate could deteriorate, and the temperature could become bitterly cold. For the summit push, you must wait for quiet and suitable weather conditions.
Island Peak is accessible throughout the year, except during the monsoon season (mid-June-end of August). Spring (March to early June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to climb Island Peak since the weather is more consistent and the temperatures are more acceptable. The skies are clear, and there are no obstructions to the vistas. Climbers like February because it has fewer chances of precipitation and snowfall than any other month.
Climbing Mera Peak vs. Island Peak: Trekking/Climbing Duration
Mera Mountain Climbing, rated as a Peu Difficult (PD), is Nepal’s most northerly trekking peak, reaching 6461m above sea level and taking 18+ days to finish. Nonetheless, for a successful climb below 6500m, a brief acclimatization period is required. The Mera Peak ascent is sufficient for acclimatization, and you will be preparing for the summit climb as soon as you arrive at Base Camp.
Island Peak is classified as Peu Difficult + (PD+), as it rises to a height of 6165 meters above sea level and takes roughly 15 days to finish, with no compelling reason to spend additional days acclimating to the altitude. Island Peak Base Camp is accessible through Chukung Valley, which is completely separate from the Everest Base Camp Trek route. The climbing phase begins in the Chhukung valley and takes over two nights/three days to complete.
Mera Peak vs. Island Peak Climbing: Required Permits
The trekking peaks of Mera and Island are both located in eastern Nepal. Climbing permits are required for both trekking peaks. Basically, you’ll need a Local Area Permit as well as climbing permits for Mera and Island Peak. The cost of these permits varies depending on the season. They are easily available in Kathmandu. These permissions must be presented to authorities upon request at the checkpoints in the area.
Climbing Mera Peak vs. Island Peak: A Comparison of Safety, Security, and Success
Both Mera Peak and Island Peak climbing success rates are heavily determined by proper preparation, weather conditions, mental determination, physical fitness, gear and equipment selection, and climbing aptitudes. Mera Peak is taller than Island Peak in terms of elevation. Island Peak, on the other hand, is more technical than Mera Peak. As a result, climbing them both demands nearly the same amount of stamina, energy, and effort.
Despite the fact that it is easier to climb, you must first complete some basic training and preparations. Mountain training sessions prior to the real summit effort are the greatest way to ensure success. For both peaks, this preparation will be far more fruitful. The higher your ability to handle climbing gear and equipment, the higher your success rate and the safer you will be.
Physical Fitness and Previous Experience: Mera Peak vs. Island Peak Climbing
Both peak climbing does not necessitate any exceptional technical skills. To attempt them, however, you’ll need some basic training. Mera Peak is not as steep as Island Peak, and the climb to the top is much easier. If you are an experienced hiker, you should be able to climb Mera Peak without problem.
Because the trail is quite inclined, which makes climbing all the more challenging, you’ll need a little more technical skill than you’ll need for Mera Peak. You’ll need some technical abilities in addition to previous hiking expertise.
Conclusion:
Mera and Island Peak both offer a typical Nepalese Himalayan experience. The trek is incredible, with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. Either one is feasible. Island Peak, on the other hand, is tricky and messy, necessitating technical climbing skills. It also necessitates advanced mountain climbing experience due to the increased difficulty. Mera Peak, on the other hand, is neither sloppy nor technical. You don’t even need any particular or technical training. It can be done with just a little basic instruction. As a result, Mera is superior to Island.
Mera Peak Vs Island Peak Climbing FAQs:
Mera Peak is the highest point in the area. The trek to Mera Peak is more difficult than the trek to Island Peak since there is more elevation gain up and down the trail. The lodges and facilities are less luxurious than those found in the Everest region.
Climbing Mera Peak is not particularly complex and does not include a steep technical climb, but the high altitude, which reaches 6461 meters at the top, makes it a difficult climb. The ascent to Mera mountain, unlike other trekking peaks in Nepal, is rather easy.
At an extreme altitude, Island Peak is a challenging climb. The most difficult point of the climb is at the base of the headwall. The ascent is quite difficult, and the air is at its thinnest. The ascending route, however, is safe due to fixed lines.
The cost of Island Peak Climbing with Makalu Adventure for an 18-20-day program is about US$2400 per person. Climbing Island Peak is a difficult climb that requires you to go with a government-licensed trekking company.
The cost to climb Mera Peak is about US$2100 per person for 12-15 days of trek.