There are many attractions and things to do in Everest Region and some of the highlights are as below.
Thrilling flight in and from Lukla Airport
The Lukla is the gateway to the Everest region. It is a small village with lodges, cafes, restaurants, ATMs, etc. To reach here, you can take a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu or drive 8-9 hours to Phaplu, Jiri, or Bhandara and trek 2-4 days to reach Lukla or Phakding village. Likewise, there is also a 45-minute helicopter flight service from Kathmandu to Lukla airport.
Lukla is 2,845 meters (9,334 ft) high and is known as one of the most extreme airports in the world because of its location, elevation, and short runway. The official name of Lukla Airport is Tenzing Hillary Airport.
Lukla Airport has a 527-meter-long runway, so only small, fixed-wing, STOL aircraft such as Dornier Do 228, Twin Otter, Pilatus PC-6, etc, can land here. Flying to Lukla airport is an attraction while traveling to the Everest region. This flight offers breathtaking mountain panoramas and gorgeous landscapes. The thrill of landing and taking off from Lukla Airport has made it entirely known among adventure lovers!
The Sagarmatha National Park
The Everest region is protected under the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal, a UNESCO World Natural Site named after Mount Everest, Sagarmatha in Nepali. The park has numerous alpine vegetation, glaciers, peaks, and mountains.
The Sagarmatha National Park begins from Monjo, a small village on the way from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Villages, streams, rivers, waterfalls, lush hills, and other exotic wildlife are scattered around the park. Over 118 species of birds and many exotic wildlife are found in this park, including red pandas, musk deer, snow leopards, and more.
More than 90% of the trekking itineraries in Everset are within the Sagarmatha National Park. To traverse it, you must get a national park permit. The Sagarmatha National Park protects the Everest region's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Namche Bazaar: the tourist hub of the Everest region
If you plan to visit Everest, you might have heard about the Namche Bazaar. Namche is one of the biggest towns in the region and a tourist hub. It is situated 3440 meters (14,206 ft) above sea level.
Many trekkers spend two nights in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize before ascending further. This village has many modern facilities after Lukla, such as cafes, restaurants, luxury lodges, budget-friendly lodges, ATMs, museums, gear shops, souvenir shops, etc. You can do a lot of things here. Explore the Everest Photo Gallery, Sherpa Culture Museum, and bustling local market. Try freshly brewed coffee and delicious bakery goods at this incredible elevation. Enjoy the weekly market if you are in Namche Bazaar on Saturday.
Ancient Monasteries- one of them holds a skull, which is believed to be of Yeti.
The Everest region has a rich cultural heritage. The locals' faiths and beliefs are deeply rooted in the region's mountains, lakes, and creatures. Throughout the trekking routes in the Everest region, stupas, chortens, prayer wheels, monasteries, and prayer flags are spread. The locals mostly follow Buddhism.
Among all the monasteries in the Everest region, below are some of the most famous ones:
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche monastery, also called Dawa Choling Gompa, is the biggest Monastery in the Everest region. It is located at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft) and is surrounded by beautiful views. The Monastery has a 20-foot statue of Buddha and many murals and thangkas. During the Mani Rimdu festival in October/November, the Monastery comes alive with villagers, colors, rituals, and traditional dances.
Khumjung Monastery
Khumjung Monastery is situated at 3,970 meters (13,025 ft). It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Everest region, founded in 1910. This Monastery is famous for holding the scalp of a Yeti. However, scientific analysis has suggested that the scalp belongs to a goat or other non-mysterious animal. Nearby the Monastery is the Sir Edmund Hillary School, which is affiliated with the Khumjung monastery and contributes to the education of the local Sherpa children.
Pangboche Monastery
The Pangboche Monastery's origins date back to the 17th century. It is the oldest Monastery in the region and an important spiritual center for the Sherpa community. The Monastery is located at 3,985 meters (13,074 ft). The Pangboche monastery also held the scalp and purported hand of a Yeti. But the scalp later got stolen, and now the hands are only guarded there.
Thame Monastery
Thame Monastery is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 ft) and is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. A memorial stupa is dedicated to Tenzing Norgay to honor his contributions to mountaineering and the local community. This Monastery also celebrates the Mani Rimdu Festival and attracts devotees and tourists with its vibrant ceremonies and cultural performances.
The beautiful viewpoints
One of the things that makes trekking in the Himalayas incredible is the number of hidden viewpoints and side hikes to these places.
Everest View Hotel (the highest five-star hotel in the world)
Hotel Everest View is located at 3,962 meters (13,000 ft), a famous viewpoint from Namche Bazaar. It is a luxury lodge, and Mount Everest is visible from all its windows. Trekkers hike here to enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Ama Dablam.
Nagarjuna Hill
Nagarjuna Hill is an acclimatization point close to Dingboche village. It is located at 5,050 meters (16,568 ft) from sea level and offers a fantastic mountain panorama. The hiking trail is steep and rugged. Trekkers hike to this viewpoint on the way to Everest Base Camp.
Chukung Ri
Chukung Ri is a viewpoint in Chukung Valley, south of Dingboche village. You will hike to this viewpoint mostly during the three-pass trek. It is 5,546 meters (18,196 ft) and offers panoramic views of mountains like Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Island Peak, etc.
Gokyo Ri
Likewise, Gokyo Ri is a viewpoint in the Gokyo Valley. It is located at 5,357 meters and provides an excellent vantage point to view the Gokyo Lakes and mountains like Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, etc.
Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall
The Khumbu Glacier is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Everest. You will follow the Khumbu glacier while trekking from Dughla to Lobuche village. It is a moving mass of ice and rock debris created by the collection and compression of snow over many years.
The Khumbu glacier is approximately 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) long and extends from the Western Cwm (a glacial valley) at the base of Mount Everest to the Khumbu Icefall. The lateral and medial moraines on the glacier's sides are composed of rocks and debris carried by the moving ice.
Likewise, Khumbu Icefall is one of the most famous attractions of the Everest region. It is located on the western side of the Everest Base Camp. The Khumbu Icefall is a vast and heavily crevassed icefield known for its unstable and shifting ice structures, which create a high risk of avalanches, crevasse falls, and ice collapses.
The Khumbu Icefall is a critical passage for climbers attempting to ascend Mount Everest via the South Col route. It is particularly challenging due to its steep gradient and the constant movement of the glacier.
Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp is the base of Mount Everest, at 5,364 meters (17,598 ft). It serves as the starting point for attempting the Everest summit, provides a temporary settlement, and allows acclimatization to high-altitude conditions before ascending further.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a world-famous and iconic journey that attracts trekkers from around the world. The trek typically begins in Lukla and follows the route through the scenic villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp.
The view of Mt. Everest is not visible from the Everest Base Camp because the Khumbu Icefall and other peaks block it. That's why trekkers hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point during the EBC trek. The Everest Base Camp is a moving glacier marked with a huge stone.
Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar
Gorak Shep is the last settlement area before EBC. It is located near the Khumbu Glacier at 5,164 meters (16,942 ft). Historically, this place served as the base camp of Mt. Everest (during the early ascent of Everest). Gorak Shep has basic tea houses that provide accommodation and meals for trekkers.
Kalapattar view Point
Kala Patthar means Black Rock. It is the highest point during the Everest Base Camp trek. There are two summits on the Kala Patthar. The highest is at 5,643 meters (18,514 ft), but trekkers only climb to 5,455 meters (18,897 ft). This place offers stunning views of Everest and many other mountains.
Kala Patthar is located above Gorak Shep and takes about two hours to reach. Trekkers usually hike to Kala Patthar to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise. The sunrise view from Kalapattar illuminates the snowy peaks, creating a breathtaking and memorable experience.
The Ngozumpa Glacier and Gokyo Lakes
The Ngozumpa glacier is the biggest in Nepal. The glacier stretches over 26 kilometers (16 miles). Crevasses and deep cracks in the ice mark the glacier's surface. Trekkers often encounter this glacier as they trek to Gokyo Lakes. On the way, you have to cross the Ngozumpa glacier moraine, which is steep and slippery.
The Gokyo Lakes are a high-alpine freshwater lake system. There are six leading lakes, ranging from 4,700 meters to 5,000 meters (15,420 ft to 16,404 ft). The third lake, Gokyo Cho (also known as Dudh Pokhari), is the biggest. The Gokyo village is situated near this lake. The Gokyo Lakes are renowned for their mesmerizing turquoise and emerald waters. These lakes also have holy significance to the locals.
The three High trekking passes are Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La.
Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La are the three famous Everest mountain passes connecting different valleys. The Cho La pass is the highest, at 5,420 meters (17,782 ft). It connects Gokyo Valley and the Everest Base Camp. Likewise, Renjo La Pass is 5,360 meters (17,585 ft) from sea level and connects the Gokyo Valley with the Thame Valley.
Lastly, the Kongma La Pass is located 5,535 meters (18,159 ft) from sea level. This pass connects Chhukung Valley with Lobuche village. All three passes are incredibly challenging to cross and are only recommended to experienced trekkers. The top of all the passes presents a breathtaking mountain panorama.
Mt. Ama Dablam Base Camp and Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp
Ama Dablam is one of the Everest region's most iconic and stunning peaks. Recently, the Ama Dablam Base Camp trek has become quite popular among trekkers looking for a new adventure in the Everest region. The trek begins from Lukla and follows the same trail as EBC up to Pangboche village. From here, you will follow a different steep and rocky path to reach the base camp of Mt. Ama Dablam.
Likewise, Mt. Cho Oyu Base Camp is less talked about. You can hike beyond the lakes to the Cho Oyu Base Camp during your Gokyo Lakes trek. The trail is challenging but isolated and packed with striking mountain views.
Get surrounded by an ocean of mountains dominating the skyline.
Traveling in the Everest region means seeing an uncountable number of hills, peaks, and mountains. Whichever trek you do, you will see spectacular mountain views and diverse landscapes. You will also witness many beautiful valleys, lush forests, rocky gorges, glaciers, passes, moraines, streams, rivers, lakes, etc.
From the top five eight-thousander mountains- (8,849 m/29,032 ft), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft), Makalu (8,463 m/27,766 ft), and Cho Oyu (8,188 m/26,864 ft) to many other stunning peaks like Nuptse (7,861 m/25,791 ft), Ama Dablam (6,812 m/22,349 ft), Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft), Island Peak (6,165 m/20,226 ft), Thamserku (6,608 m/21,680 ft), etc, the entire region is dominated by hundreds of giants.
Explore one of the remote and extreme parts of the world!
The Everest region is one of the remotest parts of the world. With no road access, the only way to enter and exit the region is via flights and on foot. Everything in this region is scarce, and costs are high. Apart from some villages, most of the area lacks a stable network and modern facilities.
The weather is challenging and unpredictable, and the terrain is rugged and steep. There are no proper health facilities besides a basic health post in Namche Bazaar, Lukla, and other villages. So, travel insurance with emergency air evacuation is necessary. Despite all these limitations, the surreal mountain views attract hundreds of travelers annually.
Experience the mountain lifestyle and gain a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the locals
Everest region is home to famous Sherpa and other communities like Limbu, Lama, Rai, Bhotiya, etc. The locals mostly practice Buddhism. The trail is dotted with religious posts like monasteries, stupas, prayer wheels, etc. The locals of the Everest region live a simple lifestyle. They are kind-hearted and friendly people.
You will surely get many opportunities to understand the life of the locals and their culture and beliefs. As you spend nights in different villages along the way, you will experience the mountain lifestyle.
Traverse through diverse climatic zones and embrace a wide range of flora and fauna.
If you take the Lukla flight, your journey starts from Lukla village. From here, the trail ascends through alpine forests before going above the treeline. Above the treeline, you will traverse via glacier fields, moraines, and rocky gorges.
Likewise, with the change in elevation, the climate and vegetation also change. The lower part of the Everest region is warmer than the upper part. Daytime is warm and bright, whereas nights and mornings are cold. All this diversity lets you explore a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Push your limits and test your endurance.
Trekking for a week or more than 10 days in the mountains is not easy. Even though the trail may not be technically challenging, you still need to walk at least 6 hours daily, adjust to limited facilities, and deal with varying elevations and climates.
While walking in the Everest region, you will test your limits and set new boundaries. Everest has beginner-friendly trekking packages, which you can start with and dive into challenging trails later.
Enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas- unwind and rejuvenate.
The Everest region is part of the Himalayas, and its serene and peaceful environment will let you unwind and rejuvenate. Everest Journey offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
The crisp mountain air, pine forests, and fresh environment will make your trip in the Everest sooth. In the Everest region, you will immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature. The towering peaks, ancient monasteries, and pristine landscapes create an immersive experience that invites you to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the present moment.
Everest is not just a trekking destination; it's a sanctuary for those seeking a break from the digital noise, a space to recalibrate and recharge!
Challenge yourself and lose 4-5 kg by the end of treks like EBC and Gokyo Lakes.
Travelling in the Everest region means a transformative journey. You will rejuvenate emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Your body adapts and strengthens as you trek through diverse landscapes and lush valleys to high-altitude passes. Combined with the calorie-burning demands of trekking at altitude, this journey becomes a holistic approach to physical fitness.
Thrills beyond Trekking in the Everest Region: Extreme Adventures
Everest region is popular for trekking, but you can do many other adventurous sports activities here. As per your fitness and experience, you can choose the activity you wish to do. Some of the activities you can do in Everest region are Peak Climbing, Mountain expedition, Skydiving, Skiing and Helicopter Tours.
