Pisang, Yala, Island and Mera are four of the most popular trekking peaks in Nepal. They sit in different regions, and each suits a different traveller. Choosing between them is mostly about time, budget, experience and the scenery you want.
Heights and difficulty
Yala Peak, at about 5,500 m, is the lowest and generally the easiest. Mera Peak, at about 6,476 m, is a high, non-technical glacier walk with a big altitude challenge. Pisang Peak, at about 6,091 m, has steeper upper sections and demands more technical care than Yala or Mera. Island Peak, at about 6,190 m, adds a steep headwall and a glacier crossing, and is often considered the most technical of the four.
Access and travel
Pisang and Yala are reached by road without a flight, which avoids Lukla weather delays. Island and Mera use flights to Lukla or Khumbu approaches and take longer. Pisang combines naturally with the Annapurna Circuit and Thorong La.
Time and cost
Yala usually takes 11 to 14 days, Pisang 15 to 21 days, and Island and Mera 16 to 20 days or more. A shorter trip usually costs less.
Scenery
Pisang offers the Manang valley, Annapurna views and a high-altitude desert landscape. Yala offers the Langtang valley and Tibetan-influenced culture. Island and Mera offer the Khumbu region with views of Everest, Lhotse and Makalu.
Which first
- Choose Yala for the easiest and shortest first summit.
- Choose Pisang if you want a 6,000 m summit with a classic Annapurna approach.
- Choose Mera for a high non-technical glacier climb with big views.
- Choose Island if you want a more technical summit and Everest region scenery.
Tell us your experience and dates, and we can recommend the best match.
