The Everest Region Nepal is more than just trekking, it is a milestone in anyone’s life; and some have even described the experience as a journey close to Nirvana. Located in the northeast province of Nepal, this is a colony to dramatic glaciers, deep settlements, several majestic mountains. Trekking to the Everest also provides us an opportunity to embark on an epic journey that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off to in 1953
Khumbu Valley trekking (also known as the Everest Region) is a region of north eastern Nepal on the side of Mount Everest in Nepal. Khumbu valley is part of the Solukhumbu District, which in turn is part of the Sagarmatha Zone. Reach the highest point on earth or choose to live out your dream by standing at the foot of Mt. Everest (8,848 m). Everest Region is a famous adventure activity done by thousands of trekkers and travelers every year.
Solu Khumbu is justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain (8848 metres), but also for its Sherpa villages and monasteries. The primary goal of an Everest trek is the Everest base camp at an elevation of about 5340 metres. But you cannot see Everest from the base camp, so most trekkers climb Kala Pattar, an unassuming 5545-metre bump on the southern flank of Pumori (7145 metres).
Things to See in Everest Region
- The Sagarmatha National Park:
the country’s first national park inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site. Trekking in Everest region generally includes trekking through the national park’s forests and enjoying its natural perseverance and protection of the region’s floral and faunal life. The Sagarmatha National Park has an exceptional area within its parameters and it covers most of the dramatic mountains of the region, glaciers and deep valleys. Dominated by Mount Everest, the Sagarmatha National Park is a home to several rare species of animals like the Snow Leopard and the Red Panda. The area of the national park represents a major stage of the Earth’s evolutionary history and is one of the most geologically interesting regions in the world with high, young mountains and glaciers creating awe-inspiring landscapes and dominated by the high peaks and coruscating deep-incised valleys. The park contains the world’s highest feature of biodiversity intricately blended with the region’s rich Sherpa culture. - Lukla Tenzing Hillary Airport
Lukla Airport, which was renamed the Tenzing Hillary Airport in 2008, is both extremely small and extremely busy. With its short runaway, steep incline, and quickly changing weather, Lukla has one of the most challenging runways in the world. In fact, for the past 20 years it has been named the most dangerous airport in the world. High winds, low lying clouds and sudden changes in visibility are some of the reasons behind this title. Bad weather is also a huge factor in the frequent cancellation of flights. Lukla is a gateway for Everest region trek. - Explore the Namche Bazaar:
Namche Bazaar is a town and in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu District of Province No. 1 of north-eastern Nepal. It is located within the Khumbu area at 3,440 metres at its low point, populating the sides of a hill. Most Sherpa who are in the tourism business are from the Namche area. Every Saturday morning, Namche Bazaar lights up with its weekly market gusto. The market is a spotlight in the middle of the town, and traders from Tibet and other villages come with the pieces of arts and goods to attract the hearts of their potential customers. - Visit Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of Nepal, probably because of its unrivalled backdrop of Mount Ama Dablam. Tengboche Monastery is the leading Buddhist centre in the Khumbu with a residing Rinpoche who blesses pilgrims and travelers to the area. Every October / November, Tengboche Monastery hosts the colorful Mani Rimdu festival, which is a culmination of Buddhist celebrations with religious gathering, songs, dances, enactments of legends. Visitors are also welcomed to partake in the festivities. Tours of the monastery are conducted every afternoon. - Experiencing Sherpa Culture
The trek to Everest Base Camp provides trekkers with the opportunity to observe, participate and experience the culture of Sherpa who are the tribe of Tibetan origin living in the lap of Himalaya. They are well known for their skills in mountaineering and thus regarded as expert mountaineers in their local terrain. You can go to different places such as Dudh Koshi, Lukla, and Namche Bazar during the trek. These places depict the lifestyle of Sherpas and help to make ones trip a memorable one.
Best Time to Travel in Khumbu Region:
There are two distinct trekking seasons. The best months to trek to Everest base camp are pre-monsoon (February, March, April and May) and post monsoon (late September, October, November and December) It is possible to make the journey in February and early September but we prefer the above for our treks into Everest base camp. My personal favorites are March, late October and November.
Suggested Trek for Everest:
Mani Rimdu Festival Trek
Everest Luxury Trek
Everest Panorama Trek
Gokyo Lakes Trek
14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Everest Base Camp Heli Down Trek
Everest Mountain Flight
Permits and Fees in the Everest Region:
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR + 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (Approx. US $34)
- Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 1,500 NPR
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Solukhumbu district has started levying entrance fee of Rs 2,000 (approximately $20) on every foreigner entering the rural municipality from October 1, 2018 replacing the TIMS permit: 1,000 NPR (Approx. US $10)
