Everest Trekking

Under the shadow of Mount Everest (8848.5 m), the tallest mountain peak on the planet, the Khumbu region offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for trekkers. The Everest region is not only a national park, but due to its outstanding universal value, it is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides Mt. Everest, it is home to some of the world’s other highest mountain peaks, glaciers, and the legendary Sherpas.

From the well-developed trail to Everest Base Camp to trekking routes through remote wilderness, this region offers a wide range of trekking experiences. The BBC has rated Everest Base Camp as one of the “must-see” places in the world before you die. Although Everest Base Camp is the “must-visit” destination, Kalapathar provides the best view of Everest and its surrounding peaks like Lhotse and Nuptse. Generally, the trek to Everest Base Camp starts from Lukla, which has a small airport that provides air access between Kathmandu and the Everest region.

The views of high Himalayan peaks can be seen only after passing through Namche Bazar, the Sherpa capital of Khumbu and a well-known trade center and stopover for tourists. For acclimatization, it is advised to spend a couple of days in or around Namche. Some options for acclimatization day hikes include visiting Syangboche or other Sherpa villages such as Thame, Khumjung, and Khunde, which are just a few hours’ walk from Namche. The monastery at Pengboche is well known all over the world. Khumjung, which has recently been transformed into a green valley, has a school and hospital supported by Sir Edmund Hillary.

Considered one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp trek is most commonly done as a two-week round trip starting and ending at Lukla. The trek begins from Lukla, followed by a gentle two-day walk up the Dudh Koshi valley to Namche Bazar. Phakding and Monjo are popular stopovers for the first day. Just beyond Monjo, trekkers enter Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park at the Jorsale checkpoint.

From Namche Bazar, the trail follows the valley of the Imja Khola, offering views of the spectacular Thamserku, Kangtega, and Ama Dablam mountains, with Lhotse and Mount Everest dominating the skyline ahead. The most common overnight stop after Namche is at the top of a steep climb from the Imja Khola at Thyangboche. This is where one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries is located. Tours of the monastery are conducted every afternoon.

Following the Imja Khola from Thyangboche, the trail ascends through Pangboche to the next day’s stopover, either Pheriche or Dingboche. Another acclimatization day should be taken here, with a fascinating trip to Chhukung, about three hours’ walk from Dingboche.

From Dingboche or Pheriche, it takes another six hours to reach Lobuche, situated on the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier. About three hours from Lobuche is the last settlement on the trail, known as Gorak Shep. The few tea houses in this area provide shelter for the night before undertaking the final leg of the glacier trek to Everest Base Camp. Above Gorak Shep rises the well-known landmark of Kalapathar, where trekkers are enthralled by the spectacular view of the top of the world.