Trek to Everest base camp is one of the most desired walks in the world. Leading the Everest base camp through the ethnic villages of popular Sherpa inhabitants, which receives more than 35,000 trekkers in a year. The route to the mount Everest base camp passes through the Tengboche Monastery. Commencing the journey from Lukla is an adventure per se as it has one of the most scenic flights in the world. The trekkers and mountain enthusiasts congregate here and trail off to ascend higher to Namche bazaar and surrounding villages whose natives are legendary Sherpas. Interacting with them helps you comprehend their culture and the connection they have with the mountains. This trek is both mentally and physically demanding and can be termed as an acid test for any nascent climber. As intimidating it sounds, the vicinity around Sagarmatha National Park with its breathtaking visuals of high mountains , glacial lakes, yaks and Buddhist monasteries is equally rewarding.
During the fall (September-November), many tourists prefer accommodation in the Tengboche village and witness the Mani rimdu festival. Beginning their journey from the small town of Lukla to grant Kala Patthar 5,545 m (18,204 feet), trekkers usually leave in the village of Tengboche to spend a night.
Tengboche Monastery receives almost 600 visitors in a week during the fall season and 15,000 visitors in a year.
Getting In
By Air:
There are several flights flying the Kathmandu – Lukla. Also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla airport is titled as the most challenging runways in the world because of its tiny runway.
However, For most of the time in flight you will feel very calm & enjoy once in a lifetime views of the highest mountains in the world. Flights from Kathmandu take around 25 minutes. Lukla, at 2860 m above sea level is a village in Khumbu home to the main airport of the region caters a number of hotels for travellers. It is the entry and exit point for tourists and trekkers visiting the Everest Region.
On Foot:
Jiri “Gateway to Everest Base Camp” is the nearest destination about 184 km from Kathmandu. From there it is usually a 6-7 days trek to Namche Bazaar.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the high Himalaya is located within the Khumbu area at 3,440 meters. Popular with trekkers, Namche is the main trading centre and a hub for the Khumbu region. Namche, the modern Sherpa capital is said to be the most expensive place in Nepal, almost three times more expensive than Kathmandu. Transportation of goods to such high altitude is difficult and yet Nepal is not fully accessible for transport, so prices are legitimate
The weather of Namche is mainly affected by its altitude and the summer monsoon season, having cool, wet summers and chilly, dry winters.
Everest Region Major Attractions
Everest Region has been a meeting point for many travellers and mountain climbers since Mount Everest first appeared in the telescopes of mountain surveyors. Mt. Everest & Base Camp being an obvious trademark, Everest Region does offer many other sights.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Khumjung in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, located at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft). Built-in 1916 this monastery is the largest gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
Sagarmatha National Park
Located in the northeast region of Nepal, Sagarmatha National Park consists of rich Himalayan terrain. Wielding the dark valleys and ethnic settlements, Everest region, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a multitude of species of flora and fauna and the Sherpa ethnic tribes.
Sagarmatha National Park falls on the road to Everest Base Camp. You can enter the park before or after what it is until the base camp. Trekkers considering making lakes of Gokyo trek or Everest trek base camp through Jiri can also visit the park.
Kala patthar
Kala Patthar, meaning ‘black rock’ in Nepali is a notable landmark located on the south ridge of Pumori in the Nepalese Himalayas. The ascent of Kala Patthar is very popular with trekkers in the region of Mount Everest since it provides the most accessible point to view Mt. Everest from base camp to peak.
The views of Everest, Nuptse Nup II and Changtse are spectacular from Kala Patthar and there are glimpses of the northern flank and summit of Lhotse.
Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp Trek
The months between March to May (spring) and September to December (autumn) are the best months to trek to the Everest Base Camp.
