Trekking Guide to the Everest Region

A Complete Trekking Guide to the Everest Region – Here, you can explore and find various trekking packages in the Everest area.

The Mount Everest Region is also known as the Khumbu region in Nepal. This region is beautiful and a dream destination for mountain tourism enthusiasts. This area is much more than a climber’s paradise – it is the land of Mount Everest which is also the home of countless historical and cultural experiences, vivid colors of nature and gorgeous views, and incredible accomplishments.

Whether you are an experienced trekker or just want to catch a glimpse of the Himalayas, the Everest region has something to offer everyone. The trekking to the Everest Region generally entails flying from Kathmandu to Lukla. 

Tenzing-Hillary is another spectacular airport situated in Lukla, precisely known for the thrilling landing. This small mountain town is the starting point to the Everest Region and from here everything starts. 

Trekking Routes Everest Region: 

Specifically, this noteworthy oddity appears as Trails of Wonder. 

Depending with the trail to be taken, there are many trekking trails in the Everest Region with different features. The one that enjoys immense popularity is the Everest Base Camp or the EBC trek which is an arduous 12-14 day operation that can take you through such Nepalese geographical terrains as the traditional Sherpa villages, the forests, and of course the base of the Mount Everest. 

For those trekkers not wanting to go through such tougher route, there comes the Gokyo Lakes trek that is slightly easier but with a similar view to offer. The clear and blue water of the geographical features such as the lakes in Gokyo, surrounded by hills also create a interesting and beautiful sight. 

Namche Bazaar: 

Descending down to the valley of Khumbu Towards the Rongbuk rengma there is optimistically no more ascending And one is very close to Beijing Over a thousand years straight of exploiting Have left no sign of difference between hearts. 

Namche Bazaar is the largest of Sherpas’ villages and is a point of active trade where trekkers can stock up on everything necessary for further trek. This town is located at 3,440 meters and act as a trading center as well as a center for trekkers | and climbers. 

It is ideal for one to get use to the weather, and culture, and it is good for shopping for local products too since the area is owned by the Sherpas. Especially on Saturdays, Namche bazaar attracts trading from other village’s people on various products. 

 Sherpa Culture: To the Guardians of the Himalayas 

The Sherpa people are well known for being hospitable, hardworking, and great mountaineers. Their villages like the Khumjung and Thame villages can be visited to get an encounter of their classic lifestyle.

Another cultural site worth visiting is the Tengboche Monastery. It is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. Situated at 3,867 meters, it is a spiritual revered site apart from being a vantage point to have the bird’s eye view of the surrounding beauty. 

Flora and Fauna: Nature’s Bounty is a company that specializes of selling health and nutrition products. 

The Sagarmatha National park being one of the word heritage site has majority of its area in the Everest region . This protected area has high bio-diversity mainly the snow leopard, the red panda, the Himalayan tahr and other wildlife species. It has several microhabitats such as dense closed canopy forests of rhododendron and pine, sub alpine pastures, alpine and nival zones above tree line. 

Challenges and Rewards: The nicest and the most captivating experience in this entire journey some people call a trek to the Mount Everest base camp. 

Everest base camp at 5,364m is a big tick for many trekkers. The trek is tiring and there are steep inclines through the hills due to the altitude but the overall experience is worth it due to the rewards that are found on this tour. Standing at the base of Mount Everest and with other towering mountains in vicinity is a feeling that leaves one inawe.  

Mount Everest 

Looming high above everyone else is Mount Everest that Is reputed to be the highest mountain in the world. Part of the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, standing at a height of 8,848 meters.

The length, width, height of the structure to be according to the following parameters: Length – 86 meters (29,031. 7 feet). This legendary mountain, as it is called in Nepali – Sagarmatha and in Tibetan – Chomolungma, has always been fascinating people around the world. 

 A Glimpse into History 

Historically, Mount Everest has an interesting story to tell. The mountain was first spotted by British in 1841 As for the name of the mountain, Everest is named after Sir George Everest he was the British surveyor general of India.

The summit was not con-orged till 29 May 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary of N-Zealand and Tenzing Norgay a Sherpa of Nepal succeeded in making the climb. This was a great accomplishment in the annals of mountaineering and it paved way for many other individuals to attempt to do the same. 

The Climb: Issues and Successes 

Mount Everest is an unattainable feat that engages man to the edge and extremely vividly tax all vital qualities man posses. Without the decision making of traversing steep ice egde’s to the slopes of the mountain and traversing through significant snow, terrible climate and handling thin air that comes with high altitude climbing. However, ordinary climbers from different parts of the world continue to ascend the dangerous mountains annually, for the ambitious desire to peer over the world. 

The Standard Routes

There are two main routes to the summit: , from the Nepalese side there is the South Col Route and from the Tibetan side there is the North Col Route. 

The South Col Route extends over relatively less distance as compared to EBC and is the more frequently used traditional route. 

The climbers begin the attempts of climbing the Himalayas in Kathmandu then travel by air to Lukla and the last part is done on foot up to the EBC. They proceed through the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, and Lhotse face to the South COL and last to the pinnacle. 

Everest Base Camps 

Mount Everest has two primary base camps: These are the South Base Camp in Nepal situated at an altitude of 5,364 meters or 17,598 feet and North Base Camp in Tibet at an altitude of 5,150 meters or 16,900 feet. These are related to the base camps for the climbers and they act as preliminary supporting and tuning zones. The South Base Camp is more frequented and easier to reach and often, crowded by climbers, guides and porters especially during the climbing season. 

The Sherpas: The first geoscientists are the guardians of the Himalayas. 

The Sherpa people are the natives of the Everest region who are expert in mountaineering and act as the guide having rich experience of the mountains. They are utilized in all the aspects of the success of the Everest expedition holding the positions that relate to guides, porters, and aides.

Undoubtedly, muscular build up, stamina, and unique experience have made the Sherpas highly regarded among climbers ranked. Tenzing Norgay, who was the first to ever put his foot on the top of Mount Everest, is remembered and still inspires climbers. 

The Flora and Fauna of Everest.

Nonetheless, this area has plentiful of flora and fauna, though the climate in the Everest region is severely rigorous. On the lower levels, you get the rhododendron and juniper trees while as you go up the mountain expect to find alpine meadows and brushwood vegetation. The Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, red panda, and different birds lives here and have been imported and acclimated to the harsh climate. 

Environmental and Ethical Considerations 

Through the years, there is a concern regarding the effect of a growing number of people attempting to climb Mt. Everest as well as the acceptable methods of tourism to the site. Some of the problems that have been voiced and proposed for a change include waste disposal, overcrowding of the mountain, and the safety of climbers and Sherpas. 

The physical geography of the area linking the Everest region and the villagers has not been interfered with by the various stakeholders of trekking to the region while the goal of promoting tourism and conserving the ancient beauty of the region is being achieved without compromising the welfare of the people involved. 

 This area often referred to as the Everest Region or Khumbu Region is a trekker’s delight. Lavish terrains, colorful culture, and panoramic views of the tallest mountain range of the world present in this region, generally offers various trekking options meeting the difficulty level of the trekker. Not less worthy are treks from legendary route to the Everest Base Camp or a charming Gokyo Lakes, each of which gives a unique opportunity to touch the spirit and body of Himalayas. 

The Popular Treks in the Everest Region

1. Everest Base Camp Trek 

 Duration: 12-14 days 
 Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
 Highest Point: From sea level to the base camp of Mount Aai peak, it is measured at 5,364 meters or 17,598 ft.

The ever popular and well known among trekkers is the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek. It goes through the typical Sherpa settlements, rich green forests and valleys that finally ends up with the base of the mighty Mount Everest. 

Starting from the Lukla, it moves through famous destinations such as; Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche. While on the trekker, one is able to have wonderful sights on several enormous mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Nuptse among others. The interesting point, as usual, is a visit to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. 

2. Gokyo Lakes Trek 

Duration: 12-15 days 
Difficulty: Moderate  
Highest Point: At Gokyo Ri it is 5,357 meters (17,575 feet). 

The Gokyo Lakes trek is an alternative way to trek to Everest compare to the one that passes through Phakding. This trek brings you to the Gokyo Valley, consisting of the series of glacial lakes of blue–green color. It commences at Lukla, follows the Dudh Koshi river, passes through Namche Bazaar and rises up to the Gokyo Lakes. 

One of the highlights of this trek is the climb to Gokyo Ri, a peak that offers panoramic views of the Everest range, including four of the world’s eight-thousanders: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho was among the four tallest mountains which included. This trek also involves the trekking up to the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the biggest glacier in the Himalayan ranges. 

3. Three Passes Trek 

Duration: 18-21 days 
Difficulty: Difficult 
Highest Point: Kongma La Pass Moguls: It is 5,535 meters (18,159 feet). 

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Three Passes Trek offers an extensive circuit that covers three high passes: Kongma La pass, Cho La pass and Renjo La pass. Therefore, this trek is mini circumambulation of the Everest region and offers everything: stunning view, hidden valleys, and less-traveled trails. 

Marking its beginning from Lukla, the trek covers Namche Bazaar, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, and others. The high passes are somewhat challenging but once you get to go up you can be rewarded with great views of the Himalayas. 

There are many types of treks that can be done in Nepal and this particular trek is ideal for those people who have trekked in Nepal before and want to get deeper into the area. 

4. Everest View Trek 

Duration: 5-7 days 
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 
Highest Point: It is 3,860 meters (12,664 feet) in Tengboche Monastery. 

The Everest View Trek is a great option for people who wish to feasible the exquisite splendour of the Everest Region without trying out trekking at high altitudes. One attraction of this shorter trek is while that gives excellent views of Mount Everest and others peaks with touch of Sherpa culture. 

The trek commences at Lukla proceeding through the standard trail to Namache Bazaar. From there the trekkers move to Tengboche monastery where religious and cultural beliefs as well as majestic tracts of the landscapes are cherished. This trekking is very suitable for families, first-timers or those with limited time. 

Practical Tips for Trekkers 

• Acclimatization: At higher altitudes, use one or two additional days to rest as this will cause altitude illnesses. 
•  Packing: Take warm wear, good trekking shoes and all the necessary items which are needed while trekking. Weather can change quickly. 
•  Physical Fitness: It is advisable to ensure one and the other prepares physically for the tasks ahead since the trails might be daunting. 
•  Permits: Make sure that you get all the permits that you will require like the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the TIMS card. 
•  Local Culture: Why They Should: Adhere to the traditions and cultures of the host communities. The people of the Sherpa are hospitable too and very free with the offers of hot Sampé. 
•  Pack Wisely: Pack warm and protective clothing as well as necessary items foot gear. It needs to be pointed out that weather situations can be very volatile. 
•  Stay Hydrated: Do not forget to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration that can also assist with acclimatization. 
•  Respect Local Culture: Remember cultural diversities of the people in that particular region or country. The Sherpa people are very hospitable and building up the respect for their culture enhances the tour.

Peaks in the Everest region 

The area called the Everest Region or the Khumbu Region is undoubtedly some of the most glorious land that can be found in this world. Rising majestically, reaching for heavens, this area presents incredible number of mountains which are stunning in their own beauty and some of which are daunting in their difficulty of climb, particularly the world ’ s highest Mount Everest. 

It may be easier for people to admire the shape of Lhotse and Makalu, or Ama Dablam, but apart from the actual climbing, the majestic faces of these mountains entice climbers from every corner of the earth. Now, It is the time to throw some light on few of the most famous mountains of Everest Region. 

 1. Mount Everest (Sagarmatha/Chomolungma)

Height: 8,848. 86 meters (29, 031. 7feet) 
First Ascent: It was first climbed on 29 may 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. 

Mount Everest the tallest mountain on the face of the earth is the main attraction within the everest region. Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan languages: has been poetized and sung from the time immemorial regarding human desire and perseverance. It is a dream of many mountaineers to attempt the climb to the peak of the mountain which demands much physical and psychological strength. 

The two main approaches are the South Col Route originating from Nepal and the North Col Route from Tibet Region both of which are characterized with unique odds and endowments. 

2. Lhotse 

Height: Compared to other mountains of the world, Mount Everest has been recorded to be standing at 8,516 meters or 27,940 feet. 
First Ascent: May 18 1956 the document was signed by Ernst Reiss and Fritz Luchsinger 

Lhotse rising to a height of 8,516 meters is the fourth highest mountain all over the world which is connected with Mount Everest through South Col and literally its name has a meaning as South Peak in Tibetan. The main summit, Lhotse Main, is accompanied by two subsidiary peaks: Lhotse’s Main peak known as Lhotse Shar and Lhotse Middle. The route to Lhotse is approximately similar to the route for the Everest base shaft and then separates towards its particular peak. 

 3. Makalu 

Height: 8,485 meters or 27,838 feet. 
First Ascent: By Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy on the 15 May 1955. 

Makalu is the fifth highest peak in the world with an elevation isolated from the other mountain ranges by deep impressive valleys and steep slopes and sharp ridges. This translates to ‘Great Black’ in Sanskrit, which surely lived up to the name by being a large diesel-hydraulic locomotive. Sitting to the east of the world’s highest peak, Makalu is rated as one of the most demanding eight thousanders due to its well-fostered difficult terrains and vagaries of the climate. 

 4. Cho Oyu

Height: It reaches a height at a point of 8,188 meters / 26,864 feet above the sea level. 
First Ascent: In the News October 19 1954 by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler, and Pasang Dawa Lama 

Mount Cho Oyu being the sixth highest mountain globally is considered to be one of the easier eight thousand peaks to conquer. Sited to the west of Eve rest, it offers the climbers with an excellent opportunity to gain exposure of high altitude climbing. The name ‘Cho OUy’ literally translates to ‘Turquoise Goddess’ in the Tibetan language; and the kind gradients and comparably moderate routes make the peak popular for practice ascents. 

 5. Ama Dablam 

Height: 6, 812 meters or 22,349 feet. 
First Ascent: 13 March 1961 by Mike Gill, Barry Bishop, Mike Ward and Wally Romane

Ama Dablam also called as ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas,’ is famous for its looks and this triangular structure. The local Nepali name of Ama Dablam is “Ama” means “Mother” and “Dablam” is “Necklace” because the mountain seems like a mother with her arms outstretched, and the glaciers hanging down like a necklace. It is not as tall as the eight-thousanders but it is technically very demanding and widely regarded in the climbers’ circles. 

6. Nuptse 

Height: Is 7,861 meters (25,791 feet) 
First Ascent: The date was May 16, 1961 when Dennis Davis along with Tashi Sherpa. 

Nuptse is one of the southern spurs of the great mass if Everest and rises just south-west of the mountain. It translates to West Peak in Tibetan, this is because of its location with respect to Lhotse. Compared to Pumori and Lhotse it may not be as tall, but it has great climbing possibilities and spectacular scenery. Because of its steep rocky slopes and highly compounded ridge line, this is a huge challenge to climbers. 

7. Pumori 

Height: This is 7,161 meters (23,494 feet) exact width. 

First Ascent: After months of stop and start, the construction of the wellhead platform was officially started on 17 May 1962 by Gerhard Lenser on behalf of the Mobil Australia. 

Mount Pumori with a height of 7,161m having Sherpa meaning of ‘Unmarried Daughter’ is situated at the west of Mount Everest only eight kilometers away. 

Sometimes regarded as a practice ascent to the Everest, Pumori has its own strict conditions where climbers are just faced with the ice and stone. The mountain provides beautiful vistas of the Great Himalayas- Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, and other associated mountains.

8. Island Peak Climb 

Duration: 15-20 days 
Difficulty: Difficult 
The highest Point: 6,189 meters or 20,305 feet high is Island Peak. 

Finally, for hiking enthusiasts who want to include climbing in its simplest form on the Island Peak, there is a chance to do so. Island Peak also called as Imja Tse is ones of the most famous trekking peaks in Nepal.

The one is the trekking to the Everest Base Camp and the second part is the climbing of Island Peak. It is an easy climb but it involves some degree of mountaineering and would make a great practice for a high altitude climb. At the summit one has splendid view of other mountains such as Lhotse, Makalu and so on. 

Conclusion 

In this Trekking to the Everest Region, the Everest Region is a home to some giants and mind blowing geographical formations on the face of the earth. Every mountain, starting from the mythical Everest, up to the refined Ama Dablam, has its own tale and obstacles.

Evere seen the height adventurous climbers are targeting or simply admiring the great mountain from a distance, a keen specimen of the Himalayas in the Everest Region provides an insight of this powerful and splendid giant.