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Mera Peak vs Island Peak
Mera Peak or Island Peak for a Nepal trekking peak?
Mera Peak and Island Peak (Imja Tse) are the two Khumbu trekking peaks most first-timers compare. Mera is higher (6,476 m) with a more walk-up glacier summit after a longer approach via Khare. Island Peak is lower but steeper, with a headwall and fixed-rope culture closer to Everest Base Camp. Both need NMA trekking-peak permits.
As of 2026-07-31 · Figures come from the PeakAtlas3D catalog: surveyed elevations and prominence, curated difficulty tiers, best-season windows, permit notes, staging-town distances, trail lists, and OpenStreetMap lodging near each summit. Not live weather, quotas, or prices.
How do the catalog numbers compare?
| Metric | Mera Peak | Island Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 21,247 ft | 20,285 ft |
| Prominence | 3,488 ft | 1,565 ft |
| Difficulty tier | Expedition | Expedition |
| Best season | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | Apr–May or Oct–Nov |
| Permits | Permit required | Permit required |
| Staging | Lukla · 9.0 mi | Chukhung · 4.0 mi |
| Mapped lodging | 3 OSM places | 3 OSM places |
| Listed trails | — | 2 |
When should you pick each peak?
Choose Mera Peak
Pick Mera Peak for more altitude on a less technical glacier, and Nepal’s busiest trekking-peak circuit.
Choose Island Peak
Pick Island Peak for a shorter Khumbu trip with more rope work and a closer view of the Everest group.
What’s the short verdict?
Mera is the higher glacier tick; Island Peak is the steeper, more alpine-feeling introduction.