The Everest Region (original) (raw)

Summit of EverestThe Khumbu or Everest region is the most popular trekking area in Nepal. It would probably be the most popular destination, but it is more difficult to get to Solu Khumbu than to the Annapurna area. To get near Everest, you must either walk for 10 days or fly to Lukla, a remote mountain airstrip where flights are notoriously unreliable.

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).

Other than the problem of access, the other major complication to an Everest trek is the high likelihood of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This potentially deadly disease, commonly known as altitude sickness, is caused by climbing too quickly to a high elevation. Be sure to read the section on mountain sickness in the Health & First Aid chapter if you are planning an Everest trek. If you suffer symptoms of altitude sickness and cannot go to base camp, you can still make a worthwhile trek to less ambitious destinations such as Namche Bazaar, the administrative headquarters of the Khumbu region; Khumjung or Thami, more typical Sherpa villages; or Tengpoche Monastery. From Tengpoche you will have an excellent view of Everest and its more spectacular neighbour Ama Dablam (6856 metres).

More Photos of Everest

Everest Expedition Route

22 Days of trekking Trek to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar maximum elevation 5545 metres (18,250 feet)

This is the best way to do an Everest trek. It follows much of the old approach route followed by Everest expeditions from the 1950's through the 70's. It provides a good opportunity to see the densly populated middle hills and the high altitude splendour of the Khumbu, or Everest, region. The portion of the trek from Jiri to Lukla is often uncrowded, and therefore much better trekking country. From Namche the trek follows the Lukla to Everest base camp route and then flies out from Lukla.

Instant Everest

8 days of trekking to Dingboche Maximum Elevation 4410 metres (14,500 feet)

If your time is limited, you can fly in to the remote mountain airstrip at Lukla and trek to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, the monastery at Tengpoche and the high yak pasture of Dingboche. This trek provides an overview of Sherpa culture and excellent views of the high Himalaya.

The Khumbu Traverse

20 Days of High Altitude Trekking Gokyo Ri and Kala Patar Maximum Elevation 5545 metres (18,250 feet)

This trek offers an alternative to the traditional trek to Everest base camp. Climb past the Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar and Khumjung to the Gokyo Valley and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest in the Nepal Himalaya. From Gokyo Ri four 8000-metre peaks (Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu) are visible at once. Descend to Phortse, make a high traverse to the village of Pangboche and climb on towards Everest Base Camp. The return route leads through Dingboche and the monastery of Tengpoche before descending the Khumbu Valley to Lukla.

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