Nepal’s Everest region is an area of breath-taking beauty and home to the world’s highest peak, approximately 8,845m high. It is no longer necessary to follow in the exact footsteps of Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay as visitors can now fly into Lukla avoiding the arduous nine-day trek into the region from Jiri. Walking in this area is often challenging, but the incredible mountain views, ancient Buddhist monasteries and friendly locals make it well worth the effort.
Our sample tours which include an Everest trek
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Highlights
Lukla is the primary point of entry for visitors wishing to explore the Everest region. The village’s small airport has made Everest easily accessible to all, not just mountaineers. The trail from Lukla to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and on to base camp is one of the classic trekking routes and although trekking in this area is hard work, with steep paths and high altitudes, the mountain scenery is truly outstanding. The teashops always seem to be positioned in the perfect spot for a break and they’re normally run by the local Sherpa community; justly famous for their hospitality.
Sagarmatha National Park
Containing the southern part of Mount Everest and encompassing an area of 1,148 km2, this vast national park was appointed a Natural World Heritage Site in 1979. The terrain is rugged and characterised by deep rivers and glaciers, and a remarkable array of fauna due to the extreme topography. The park is home to around 118 species of bird and a number of rare mammals, including snow leopards, musk deer, red pandas and Himalayan black bears. The park’s visitor centre is found in the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar.
Pangboche
Formerly the highest year-round settlement in the Khumbu or Everest Region until tourism called for more lodges further up the valley towards Base Camp. At 3,985m, the village has superb mountain views and a beautiful gompa thought to be one of the oldest in the Khumbu.
Tengboche
The village of Tengboche (3,867m) is encircled by the Tengboche Monastery complex, widely considered the oldest Sherpa celibate monastery. In late October, at the height of the Autumnal trekking season, the nine-day festival of Mani Rimdu takes place culminating in the famous ‘Mask Dances’ performed by the local monks.
