Destination: Everest Region

Everest Region, locally known as the Khumbu region, sits inside the famous Sagarmatha National Park.
In the Everest region, you can find a combination of high valleys, snowy glaciers, and Sherpa villages. In fact, it even hosts the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848.86m).
This whole region is more than the trails to Base Camp; rather, it’s a living cultural museum shaped by the hands of local Sherpa.
Furthermore, its local Buddhist culture and stories of mountain livelihood have their own charm.

What makes the Everest Region so special?

One of the special things about this region is its network of valleys. It starts rising from Lukla, then towards Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep.
Additionally, the side valleys also stretch to Gokyo, Thame, and Chukhung.
While passing these valleys, you can see chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags. All of these show how important culture is for the local people of this valley.
Besides that, there is also the beautiful Gokyo Lake. This lake system is so special that it was recognized under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance in 2007. At times, it offers an alternative to the main trail.

Different Routes To Everest Base Camp

In total, there are 8 routes to EBC. Here is the list of all those 8 routes:

• Classic EBC route via Namche
• From Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass to EBC
• Complete the Three Passes Circuit by crossing Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La to link Gokyo, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, and Chukhung
• From Chukhung and Kongma La to EBC
• Drive to Salleri or Phaplu, then trek to Lukla and reach EBC
• Drive to Jiri or Shivalaya, then trek to Kharikhola and Lukla and reach EBC
• From Arun Valley and Salpa Pass to EBC
• From Pikey Peak and Solu to EBC
  

List of mountains you can see in Everest Base Camp

One of the main reasons people trek is to see some of the tallest mountains in the world. During the trek to Everest Base Camp, you can see the following peaks clearly:

8000m Peaks in Everest Region

• Mount Everest (8,848m)
• Lhotse (8,516m)
• Makalu (8,485m)
• Cho Oyu (8,188m)
  

7000m Peaks in Everest Region

• Gyachung Kang (7,952m)
• Nuptse (7,861m)
• Pumori (7,161m)
  

6000m Peaks in Everest Region

• Ama Dablam (6,812m)
  
• Kangtega (6,782m)
• Lingtren (6,749m)
• Khumbutse (6,665m)
• Thamserku (6,623m)
• Taboche (6,542m)
• Cholatse (6,440m)
• Kusum Kanguru (6,367m)
• Island Peak / Imja Tse (6,189m)
• Kongde Ri (6,187m)
• Lobuche West (6,145m)
• Lobuche East (6,119m)
  

5000m Peaks in Everest Region

• Pokalde (5,806m)
  

How to experience the culture of Everest Region?

The main locals of the Everest region have always been the Sherpa. For generations, the Sherpa community has maintained local monasteries and bridge-building traditions.
So, to experience the culture, you have to make time to visit the local monasteries in Namche and Khumjung.
To fully immerse yourself in the culture of Everest, you can plan your trek during festivals like Mani Rimdu or Dumji.
Mani Rimdu usually falls in either October or November. On the other hand, Dumji is celebrated in the months of April or May.
During these festivals, you can expect masked dances, chanting, and community gatherings.

Simple etiquette to show your respect for culture:

• Walking clockwise around prayer wheels
• Removing hats while visiting gompas
• Asking for permission before clicking photos of ceremonies
  

How to do eco-conscious trekking on the EBC trail?

Travelling to Everest leaves a footprint quickly. Here on Everest, even your smallest choices matter. So here are some things you can do to ensure eco-conscious trekking:

• Get yourself a “Carry Me Back” bag in Namche at Sagarmatha Next. Carry about 1 kg of trash down and drop it in Lukla.
• Charge fully in Namche where power is cleaner. Locals have to use generators to charge your device higher up.
• Buy an Everest Link Wi-Fi card in Namche. Download maps and messages early on and keep your device on Airplane mode.
• Follow local waste rules. Use bins in villages. Consider donating whenever you see Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) boxes.
• Keep streams clean at Lobuche and Gorak Shep. Don’t wash your gear there. Use the lodge wash areas.
• Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association clinic in Pheriche for the afternoon altitude talk. Learn warning signs and walk slowly.
  

At Eco Nepal Trekkers, we try to make itineraries that give you enough time to explore monasteries and village walks. We also help you in talking to local people. Furthermore, we try to make your trek as environmentally friendly as possible.