Mera La and Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek

Mera La and Amphu Lapcha Pass trek is one of Nepal’s challenging off-the beaten-path trails that offers extraordinary Himalayan scenery. The trek starts and concludes at the popular mountain airstrip of Lukla, in the Everest region of Nepal.

The trail goes along the remote and wilderness mountain area, dramatic passes of Mera La (5,415m/17,766ft) and Amphu Lapcha (5,845m/19,177ft) or Amphu Labtsa making a circular loop back through the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek then connects with the Khumbu region at Chhukung.

The trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp and Kalapatthar is tremendous and visit of the pristine Sherpa villages and monasteries makes the trip memorable over a lifetime. This trip requires a well-supported crew and great stamina because of the high altitude and its remoteness.

After crossing the Mera La pass, we proceed further towards Amphu Lapcha pass dropping down into the uninhabited Hinku valley situated to the east. The upper Hinku (Honku) section is truly a wild valley where it is very unlikely to meet other trekkers.

The valley is high and open, fringed with broad moraines and sharp white peaks and a wonderful place to camp. The glacial lakes and views of Chamlang (7,319m/24,013ft) and Baruntse (7,129m/23,390ft) are significantly attractive here.

The crossing of Amphu Lapcha pass is technically more demanding and offers breathtaking views to the adventurous trekkers and climbers. The Amphu Lapcha pass is ascended with the protection of fixed ropes over straightforward ice-fall and the descent requires a short abseil to a broad snow terrace. The pass is tricky owing to steepness although it is at lower altitude than Mera (6,654m/21,831ft) and Island Peak (6,160m/20,211ft).

Extension of Mera La and Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek

There is a possibility of combining Mera or Island Peak climbing with this trek.

Season for Mera La and Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek

The best seasons for Mera La and Amphu Lapcha Pass trekking are from the beginning of April to end of May and from the beginning of September to mid November. The high passes remain closed in winter till the beginning of spring. The weather must be favourable in order to complete this expedition.

Participation Statement

It is important that trekkers should be fully aware of and accept the risks and be responsible for their own acts and involvement that ice/rope climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are the activities with a danger of personal injury.

High Altitude Warning

Trekkers may feel altitude sickness on the Mera La and Amphu Lapcha Pass trip that can affect even fit and healthy people. The only medicine to high altitude sickness is to descend for few hundred meters. Headache is the most common symptom and there are other signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) for different people; but includes fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in walking and rattling breath.

Your safety is our major concern and the guides are aware of such situations how they should move forward. We recommend following the instructions of your leader and having patience until further necessary actions to be taken. They will be in touch with our Office in Kathmandu in the event of immediate rescue operation if needed.

Experience Required

We have classified Mera La and Amphu Lapcha Pass trek as hard trek and are suitable for passionate trekkers who have courage to walk at least 5-7 hours each day. You might even need to walk 8 to 9 hours or more on some days. However, if you have passions, good health with average physical fitness and self confidence, this trek can be completed without any difficulty.

If you have previous rope climbing experience, that would be an additional asset. It is important that you consult with your doctor before making decision for this expedition if you have any medical problems in the history. Trekkers with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lungs or any other serious disease should inform Trekking Encounters before booking this trek.