Taking the name from the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848m / 29,029 ft), the Everest region is considered to be one of the very best trekking regions for trekkers. The Everest Region is always at the top of lists for trekkers for the best trekking places not only in Nepal but in the whole world.
Trekkers who dream of summiting the mighty Mt. Everest come from all parts of the world. The trekkers are truly blessed with the natural beauty and the magic this famous region offers. This region is renowned all over the world and rightfully so. The main attraction of this region is the Mt. Everest, also known as Sagarmatha ( Sagar – highest, matha – head) in Nepali.
Not only the Mt. Everest but the Everest region consists of three more of the world’s highest peaks ( Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu). In 1953, a Nepali Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay and a New Zealander, Edmund Hillary summited Mt. Everest for the very first time. And, since then, the Everest region has attracted trekkers of different enthusiasm and experiences.
The ultimate goal of trekkers in this region is to reach the Everest Base Camp ( 5380m / 17,600 ft) and experience the awesome sceneries of the mountain range and Khumbu Glacier. The view during the trek is really beautiful. You can enjoy the beautiful Himalayan landscapes, red Rhododendron forests, and shiny lakes as well as other various flora and fauna.
The main inhabitants of this region are the Sherpas. The Sherpa people are famous for mountaineering in the world. While trekking to Everest Region, you get to experience to have a close look at the incredible lifestyle, culture, tradition, and religion to the ethnic Sherpa community which remains intact for centuries.
You get the chance to experience and observe the Mani Rimdu dance which is performed at major monasteries. If you visit in May, you can also have experience at the Dumje festival. You get to interact with the Buddhist monks.
There are different trekking routes you can experience. The major trekking paths of the Everest Region are:
Everest base camp trek
Gokyo lakes and Gokyo Ri trek
Everest three passes trek with Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek:
Major highlights:
● Earn some serious bragging rights for reaching the Everest Base Camp
● See Mt. Everest up close from the iconic viewpoint of Kalapatthar
● Walk among some truly lofty peaks throughout your trek
● The wildlife of Everest is amazingly tame. See Himalaya Monal, Tibetan Snowcocks, Musk Deer, and Himalayan Tahr up close.
● Understand how Sherpas have sculpted the landscape with their compassion and industry. Also, experience their world-class hospitality
Everest Base Camp Trek is the most famous trek in the Everest Region. The trek commences from Lukla after the 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu. During the flight, you get to see the majestic view of the long Himalayan range and the landscape. From Lukla, the trek starts via Namche Bazar and head towards the Everest Base Camp.
Travelling through the river valley, rhododendron forests, Sagarmatha National Park and the Sherpa villages, your mind will capture a truly amazing experience that will be hard to forget. You get to see the true natural and cultural beauty of the Everest Region.
The panoramic view of the world’s highest mountain and the cold breeze of air hitting your body will be one of a lifetime experience.
Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek:
Major Highlights:
● Walk next to the longest glacier of the Himalayan, Ngozumpa, and six turquoise glacial lakes at Gokyo
● Trek to Gokyo Ri which brings Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, Gokyo Lakes, and the Ngozumpa Glacier in one single frame
● Experience amazing wildlife including the musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Monal and maybe even the snow leopard.
Gokyo Lake Trek is the alternative to the traditional route to the Everest Base Camp Trek. The route begins from Kathmandu from which you will get on a plane and look at the beautiful landscapes up to Lukla. The flight is around 30-35 minutes.
After Lukla, the route follows the Dudh Koshi Valley which leads to Gokyo Lakes. The trekking route is well marked and maintained regularly. But this does not mean you can rest easy while trekking. You must be very careful if you are crossing the Ngozumpa glacier for the Cho La pass.
Gokyo Lake Trek is challenging not only mentally but physically as well. The risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is always present in this trek as the altitude passes over 5000 meters. The rest at Machhermo is not recommended. If possible, you can ask the locals before attempting to trek through Cho La and Renjo La passes.
The best time for the Gokyo Lake trek will be anytime except for July-August.
Everest three passes trek with Everest Base Camp:
Major Highlights:
● Cross the Kongma La (5,545m), Cho La (5,430m) and Renjo La (5,360m) in one go.
● Pass through the amazing Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri in one single route.
● Experience the quieter and less touristy side of the Everest Region.
● View the majestic Himalayan Range and awesome landscapes which will obviously bless your eye.
The trail of Everest Three Passes Trek is mostly well defined except during the glacier crossings. While trekking, if it snows, the navigation might be difficult as there are only a few people along this route.
This trek is considered to be physically challenging due to the altitude of above 5,000 meters and the risk of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). Thus, to prevent AMS, you must take a gradual climb in a navigated trail. It is recommended to take a rest for a day at Namche, Dingboche, and Gokyo for further acclimatization.
The best time to go for this trek is October-December and April-May.
Everest at Glance:
At Glance, the Everest region is one of the most challenging and well-acknowledged regions in the world. The trek in this region varies from the trekker’s physical condition and the duration. Along the trails, trekkers can enjoy the vibrant cultures of Sherpa people along with their warm hospitality and beautiful smile. Along the Sherpas, trekkers can see the various flora and fauna found within the region.