Everest Region
The Everest region is located in the northeast of Nepal. The 10-day walk through the middle hills of Solu to the higher altitudes of Khumbu to the base of Sagarmatha, or Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, is an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily life of the legendary Sherpa people. The prime attraction – the 8,848 m peak of Mt. Everest – lies in Sagarmatha National Park, which is also home to two other eight thousanders – Lhotse and Cho Oyu – besides several other prominent peaks above 6,000 m.
Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979, much of the 1,148 sq. km park lies above 3,000 m. The park is composed of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. The vegetation in the park changes from pine, hemlock, fir, juniper, birch, rhododendron and shrubs to alpine plants and then to bare rock and snow. It is home to the ghoral, tahr, serow and musk deer as well as the impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, red-billed chough and the yellow-billed chough.
The trail to Everest also begins at Lukla, the airport at 2,850 m. The trail climbs up the Dudhkoshi River Valley, and the following day brings you to the legendary Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar in the Khumbu (3,500 m), which is the staging point for expeditions to Everest and other peaks in the area. Above Namche lie the traditional villages of Khunde and Khumjung. Khumjung which is the largest village in the Khumbu lies at the foot of the sacred peak Khumbila. The Khunde Hospital, maintained by Himalayan Trust, and Khumjung School, the original Hillary School set up in 1960, lie here.
Across the canyon from Khunde, perched on a high ridge, is the Tengboche Monastery, the leading Buddhist center in the Khumbu. The monastery rests amid stunning views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Pines, azaleas and colorful mountain rhododendrons ring the attractive monastery. There are rest houses, lodges and camping sites here.
From Tengboche you can continue on to Pheriche, Kala Pattar and the hamlet of Gorakshep. From here, the site of Everest Base Camp is easily accessible, as is the summit of Kala Pattar (5,545 m), from which much of Mt. Everest is clearly visible. However, you must take time to properly acclimatize as the altitude gains are rapid.
Further Tours
THAMO AND THAME (KHUMBU)
Thamo (3,700 m) and Thame (3,900 m) are Sherpa villages, about 2-4 hours northwest of the park headquarters. The two settlements of about 50 households fall on the way to Renjo La Pass, very popular among tourists. A little off the main trekking trail, Thamo and Thame offer untouched Sherpa culture in home-stay accommodation. The jungle near the settlement harbor endangered wildlife species, like musk deer and pheasants.
PHORTSE ECOTOURISM VILLAGE (KHUMBU):
Phortse (3,950 m) is a unique Sherpa settlement of about 80 households in the lap of the mountains offering wonderful views and wildlife experience that include the musk deer, peacocks Himalayan tahr and the rare snow leopard. Lush Phortse is about a 4-hour walk northeast from the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters. One has the option of returning via Phortse while coming down from Everest Base Camp.
CHAURIKHARKA (KHUMBU):
The settlements of Chaurikharka (2,600-3,000 m), that fall en route to Namche from Lukla, provide excellent options for acclimatization. A little off the route to Everest, Rimijung is a charming settlement in Chaurikharka, which is a day hike from Lukla. Rimijung is a quaint little village with the old Pemachholing Gompa (monastery) and nunnery settlements. Tourists can observe the Sherpa lifestyle and culture. Tourists are also interested to visit the local blacksmiths to watch them at work. In addition, cultural programs are performed by the local people on the tourists’ request. Also in plenty are beautiful views of the mountains, including spectacular views of Mt. Everest and other mountain peaks. Wildlife like Himalayan bear, Himalayan Tahr, and non timber forest products are found in Rimijung. The rare snow leopard is also reported to have been spotted by a lucky few sometimes. Camping grounds are available in Rimijung. Another settlement in Chaurikharka worth a visit is Lumding which offers panoramic view of more than 45 mountain peaks. Lumding is 4-day trek from Lukla. Trekkers need to carry camping gear and be self sufficient in terms of food and water when visiting Lumding.
OTHER TREKKING PEAKS:
There are 12 trekking peaks ranging from 5,806 m to 6,476 m in the Sagarmatha National Park. Permits to climb these peaks are processed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in Kathmandu.
Permits and Fees
Park Entry Permit and TIMS Card must be obtained from the Tourist Service Center Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, to enter the Everest region.
Climate
This being a high-altitude region, temperatures are lower. Winters are usually extreme with snowfall in the higher altitude regions, while summers are cool and temperate during days, but cold and chilly at night and during rains. The best time to visit this region is October-November, March-May, December-February. Mountaineering expeditions take place during spring and fall.
Access/Accommodation
Everest region can be reached by air or on foot. Buses leave for Jiri from the Old Bus Park near Ratna Park in Kathmandu – a 10-hour drive – from where it is a two-day walk to Lukla. By air, fly to Lukla – a 30-minute flight – which is served by many airlines from Kathmandu. Resorts, hotels, lodges and tea houses are all available along the trekking trail. Camping sites and options are also available.