Everest region Trekking is one of the major activities to do in Nepal. The Everest region is also called the Khumbu region. It is situated on the northern side of Nepal on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest. The Khumbu is one of the most famous trekking regions in the country. It is a prime Sherpa community of Nepal. As the Everest Region is situated in the northern terrains, the landscape is mostly comprised of Himalayan topography. Moreover, as the Everest region is composed majorly of Sherpa people, the region presents unique culture and traditions as well. Everest region Trekking draws in large number of people from all parts of the world. Not only is the Everest region a major Sherpa settlement, it is also home of Mount Everest- the world’s tallest mountain peak. Consequently, the region gets its name from the mountain peak. The Trans-Himalayan landscape of the region is home to its own unique biodiversity as well. Among the many trekking destinations of Nepal, the Everest region is the most famous. Here are some of the major highlights and features of the Everest region trekking that you should not miss-
Everest Region Trekking Highlights
Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp is a major highlight of Everest region trekking. It is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters. Many trekkers from across the globe visit Nepal to trek to the base camp of Mount Everest. Furthermore, it is also a part of the Everest expedition. Majority of trekkers visit the base camp of Everest as their final trekking destination in the region. It is the focal point of the famous Everest Base Camp Trek as well.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a famous hub of Everest region trekking. It is one of the major Sherpa towns of Everest. Namche notably displays a beautiful Sherpa culture of the Himalayas. It is a town situated on a hill-side at an altitude of 3,440 meters. Owning to its strategic location, Namche is also referred as “the gateway to the Himalayas”. Identically, it is also a great place for trekkers to acclimatize. The views of Mount Everest, the Kongdi RI and the Thamserku among others are very beautiful from Namche.
Kalapatthar
Kalapatthar is a major vantage point of Everest region trekking. It is located at an altitude of 5,545 meters. Kalapatthar is popular for its panoramic views of the entire Mount Everest massif. Trekkers usually hike to Kalapatthar early in the morning. The view of the sunrise over the Everest Himalayas from Kalapatthar is quite breath-taking! This vantage point provides views of Everest that are not even seen from the base camp itself.
The Gokyo Lake
The Gokyo Lake is a series of many Himalayan lakes that are scattered around the terrains of Everest. Among the many Himalayan lakes, the Dudh-Pokhari is the main. In other words, the main lake itself is famously referred as the “Gokyo Lake”. Additionally, it is a revered religious site to the Hindu people. Many pilgrims visit the lake every year during the festival of Janai Purnima. The Gokyo Lake is surrounded by Himalayas and has clear turquoise waters. Its peaceful surrounding and tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal site to visit during Everest region trekking or you just can pick a Gokyo Lake Trek.
The Gokyo RI
The Gokyo RI is another natural vantage point of the Everest region besides Kalapatthar. It is located a few meters away from the Gokyo Lake. In the same fashion as Kalapatthar, the Gokyo RI also provides amazing panoramic views of the Everest Himalayas. Views of mountain peaks like the Ama Dablam, Mount Tawache and Nuptse among many others are beautiful from this vantage point.
Tengboche Monastery
The Tengboche Monastery is perhaps one of the major cultural highlights of Everest region trekking. The monastery is located at the Tengboche village. It is the largest monastery of the region. Being that, many trekkers visit the monastery while doing trekking journeys in Everest. The monastery gate is decorated quite intricately with Buddhist art. It is painted with pastel colors and depicts sculptures and statues of Buddhist legends.
The Tengboche Village
The Tengboche Village is the oldest Sherpa village of Khumbu. In particular, Tengboche Village is referred as “the spiritual hub” of the region. The village is also considered as a natural point for viewing the Everest Himalayas. Owing to its location, the views of the Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Everest and Lhotse among others are spectacular from Tengboche. Moreover, the village is surrounded by ridges covered in rhododendron trees. Rhododendron flowers bloom marvelously during the spring and give Tengboche village a lively atmosphere. Furthermore, the woods surrounding the village are home to Danphe Birds as well- Nepal’s national bird.
Sagarmatha National Park
The Sagarmatha National Park is a large national park that covers majority of the areas of Khumbu. As a matter of fact, the park is inscribed in the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site List. The park protects and conserves the Khumbu’s unique and fragile biodiversity. Animals like Snow-leopards, martens and Himalayan Thars are protected under the national park. Likewise, many villages and settlements of the Khumbu also fall under the national park’s parameters. The entrance to the national park lies at Monjo. Trekkers are required to pay a fee to enter the park. There are many more highlights of Everest region trekking. Many Mountain Passes, old Sherpa settlements and river valleys also fall under the highlights. The Everest is a great place to have a wonderful trekking adventure. If you haven’t yet visited Nepal, then it is time that you do because there are so many beautiful and amazing sites to see!
