The Everest region is the prime highlight of trekking in Nepal since the region has several of the world’s highest mountains including Mount Everest, the world’s highest, located at it’s parameter. Trekking in the Everest region is a dream of adventure enthusiasts and trekkers around the world.
The region of Everest is protected under Sagarmatha National Park (Everest National Park) which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to varied flora and fauna and also the world-famous mountain community of Sherpas. Trekking in the Everest region gives a full insight into Sherpa culture and traditions including the majestic Himalayan panorama which is always there to greet anyone up for any trek in the Everest or Khumbu region as the locals call the region.
Some of the most popular and exclusive trekking trails are in the Everest region such as Everest Base Camp trek, Everest Three Passes trek, Gokyo Lake trek etc. In recent times, one can even go for a luxury trek in Everest since several luxury lodges have sprung up on the EBC trail, not up to the base camp but halfway to the base camp at places like Lukla, Phakding, Namche.
Trekking in the Everest region is on the bucket list of almost all adventure trekkers due to its legendary status as one of the most iconic and demanding trekking destinations in the world.
Trekking in the Everest region
Everest Region is considered one of the most iconic trekking destinations on the planet with stunning landscapes and majestic mountain views in addition to experiencing the vibrant culture and gratifying hospitality of the Sherpa’s in the Khumbu Valley in Nepal.
Where is it?
It’s located in northeastern Nepal sharing it’s border with Tibet-China. Also popularly known as the Khumbu region, Namche Bazaar is the district headquarters and important town in Everest. Namche located at 3,440 meters is the gateway to Everest treks and mountain expeditions, and also the stopover point for rest/acclimatization during treks in Everest.
How to get there?
Typically, all treks in Everest proceeds with a scenic trans-Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla is a small mountain town in Khumbu with tiny airstrip better known as ‘Tenzing-Hillary Airport’. The approximately 35 minutes flight offers good views of the beautiful landscapes and towering peaks.
When to go?
The ideal season to go on Everest treks are spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) with clear skies and un-obscured mountain views. During monsoon (Jun to Aug), rain will be the major hurdle with flight cancelations. It’s possible to trek during winter (Nov to Feb) too but be prepared for some freezing weather and snowbound trails. But the trails will be less crowded and lodges almost unoccupied.
Everest Trek Permit
Essentially, you will require two permits for trekking and entering Everest region. First comes the park entrance fee for Sagarmatha National Park or the Sagarmatha National Park Permit. The cost of this permit is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) for foreigners. Secondly, it’s the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit for entering the Khumbu region. The cost of this permit is NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20).
Altitude Sickness
Lukla the starting point of the trek altitude alone is 2,860 meters with more altitude gains going over 5,000 meters like up to the Everest Base Camp. Due to high altitude the oxygen levels goes down resulting in altitude sickness. Treks in Everest are subject to altitude sickness but that also doesn’t mean everyone will be affected and it largely depends on individuals too. To avoid altitude sickness, it requires proper acclimatization, nutritious food intake, staying hydrated and ascending slowly.
Everest region has basic medical facilities with small health clinics in larger villages but for immediate attention and upscale treatment the only option is Kathmandu. For serious cases of altitude sickness or injuries, helicopter rescues are available but expensive, which can be covered by the client's insurance.
Accommodations
The region of Everest boasts plenty of accommodation facilities with well maintained mountain lodges popularly known as tea houses. Most of the tea houses are family run business supporting the local economy. These are cozy little lodges with basic facilities like comfortable rooms, warm beds, common or attached rest room and with hygienic food. Usually, dining will be at the center of the lodge with a wood-fueled heating system at the center of dining, where trekkers gather for dinner and a little chitchat. This is the place where you share your trek stories and meet people from around the globe during the high trek season.
If anyone is looking for Luxury accommodations in the Everest region then it do exists, not all the locations, but at lower elevations like Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Monjo, Thame, Kongde, Deboche, Mende, Tashinga. That means luxury lodges aren’t available up till the Everest Base Camp or towards the Gokyo region. Luxury trek in Everest is a different and elevated experience compared to a standard trek.