Everest Region represents a massive number of tourists and trekking follower. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. Its elevation of 29,035 feet (8,850 meters) was determined using GPS satellite equipment on May 5, 1999. It was previously believed to be slightly lower (29,028 feet /8,848 meters), as determined in 1954 by averaging measurements from various sites around the mountain. The new elevation has been confirmed by the National Geographic Society. The first seven attempts on Everest, starting with a investigation in 1921, approached the mountain from Tibet, where a route to the summit via the North Col and North Ridge seemed possible. All were unsuccessful. George Mallory, who spearheaded the first three expeditions, lost his life with Andrew Irvine during a failed ascent in 1924. Unsuccessful attempts continued through 1938, then halted during World War II.

Early 1951, expeditions from Nepal grew closer and closer to the summit via the Khumbu Icefall over the Geneva Spur to the South Col, and up the Southeast Ridge. In 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit. Since the first successful ascent, many other individuals have sought to be the first at various other accomplishments on Everest, including many alternative routes on both the north and south sides. Italy's Reinhold Messner has climbed Everest twice without oxygen, once in four days. He is also the first to solo climb Everest, which he did in 1980. Ten years earlier, Yuichiro Miura of Japan had been the first person to descend the mountain on skis. In 1975, Junko Tabei, also of Japan, was the first woman to climb Everest.

The first disabled person to attempt Everest was American Tom Whittaker who climbed with a prosthetic leg to 24,000 feet in 1989, 28,000 feet in 1995, and finally reached the summit in 1998. The first blind man to reach the summit was Erik Weihenmayer in 2001. The record for most ascents belongs to Sherpa Ang Rita, who has reached the summit ten times. Overall more than 600 climbers from 20 countries have climbed to the summit by various routes from both north and south. Climbers' ages have ranged from nineteen years to sixty. At least 100 people have perished, most commonly by avalanches, falls in crevasses, cold, or the effects of thin air.

Everest region offers multiplicity of trekking trails like- Everest Base Camp Trek, Kala Pattar Trek, Gokyo-Ri Trek, Gokyo Cho- La Pass Trek, Renjo La Pass Trek, Everest High Pass Trek, Everest View Trek, Everest Panorama Trek, Everest Comfort Trek, etc. Along the trail, the travelers would experience the typical Sherpa culture in the alpine settlements such as Lukla, Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Thame, Tangboche, etc. Being situated at higher altitude, the region has high risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) if due emphasis is not given for acclimatization. If symptoms like headache, loss appetite and vomiting are seen, one has to immediately inform to the guide so that he would facilitate to take first aid treatment or take you to the nearby health post or he will take you down to the lower altitude.

The Everest region has gained its popularity for trekking, mountaineering, peak climbing and expedition. Among the major destinations of trekking in Nepal, Everest region stood second despite poor accessibility. It is more expensive and difficult to get Solu Khumbu than to the Annapurna region. One must either walk for a week or fly to Lukla to get near Everest. The number of trekkers to Everest has increased dramatically because of the publicity the mountain has received from several sources. Solu Khumbu is famous not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain, Mt.Everest (8848m.), but also for its Sherpa villages and age-old monasteries. The primary goal of trekking in Everest region is stepping at least the Everest Base Camp (5340m.).

Getting There

Everest region is Access by air or on foot as the road head stops at Jiri which is 8 - 10 hours by bus from Kathmandu. An alternate route is a trek via the Arun valley where the road head is at Basantapur. These are no tourist buses to these destinations hence taking the local bus is the only option. Buses to Jiri leave from the old bus park in central Kathmandu. For the alternative route, buses leave from the Gongabu Bus Park for Hile, from where there are local buses to Basantapur. By air, the most popular destination is Lukla which has daily flights leaving from Kathmandu. The other option is to fly up to Phaplu air which is also served by daily flights from the capital city. This is ideal for treks in the southern parts of the region or for Everest trekkers who wish for their time acclimatizing

How and When to Visit Everest Region

Trekking in the Everest region depends entirely on the route that you have chosen. On the main trekking trails to Everest Base Camp or the route to the pristine Gokyo valley a teahouse trek is perfectly possible and the easier choice. The trail in from Jiri is also endowed with many conveniently located teahouses although generally not of such high standards as those to the north. Other trekking routes will however, almost certainly require camping gear which means organizing trekking staff and equipment.

The best time to trek in this region is from October to November and from March to May which are peak season time. At these times, the weather is mild and generally dry, making walking conditions ideal. The spring season brings out the wild flowers, particularly the rhododendrons, while the autumn season is generally good for clear mountain views, as the air at this time is crystal clear.Winter treks are possible but risky particularly in late winter as chances of snow are high and passes may be closed at short notice as snowfall cannot be accurately predicted. Teahouses also may be closed for the winter. The summer/monsoon period is generally unsuitable for trekking as the trails are slippery, leeches abundant and mountain views are unpredictable. However, it can be a rewarding time if these drawbacks can be tolerated, as the wild flowers are at their best around this time and the fact that there are fewer tourists encountered on the trails is an added advantage.

People and Culture

The heart and soul of the Everest region are the Sherpas. This is their heartland and their cultural influence is seen everywhere; in their traditional costumes to their distinctive houses and village monasteries. There are also minorities of various other groups, notably Rais, Limbus and Tamangs in the lower hills and the Brahmin and Chhetri farmers of the valleys.

Flora and Fauna

Everest region ranges in altitude from less than 2000m above sea level at Jiri to the high peaks of the Himalaya at over 8000m. Hence the flora and fauna is diverse with dense forest of pine, oak and the flowering rhododendrons up to 4000m. The latter are one reason to make a trip to Nepal in the spring when the hills between 2000 and 3500 m are a riot of colors. Crops under cultivation depend on the season that you visit but expect to see wheat, barley, corn and potatoes at some stage. Villagers here keep cattle, buffalo, goats and pigs and the all-purpose beast of mountains, the Yak. Wildlife here is mostly seen in the form of birds including the national bird of Nepal- the Impeyan Pheasant, (Danfe in Nepali), which is quite commonly found around Namche Bazaar. Other notable birds include the ravens and crows of the middle hills and the coughs which soar to seemingly impossible heights in the mountains. Look out for flocks of snow pigeons wheeling about the hillsides. Land animals in these regions are elusive, so keep an eye out for mountain goats (most common are the Himalayan Tahr) and if lucky, you may chance upon the rare musk deer or the common barking deer in the forest.

Hiring Staffs

Given the hardship of finding a guide at Lukla, you can hire one in our office in Kathmandu before departure. The extra cost of his airfare will outweigh the possibility of not finding a good guide at Lukla, especially during the peak season when it is practically impossible so contact us to have us team up the staff for you. Porters are always available at Lukla, and our staff will see to it that your trek is as hassle free as possible.

Jiri to Lukla:

Our staffs will take you through the Everest trek from Jiri if you wish to follow the footsteps of Tenzing and Hillary. This is a much longer trek compared to the one that starts from Lukla. Jiri, an idyllic hill station east of Kathmandu can be reached by local bus from the capital in 8-10 hours.The trek from Jiri to Lukla takes an average of seven days and is a good means of preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek. The highest elevation reached before Lukla is Lamjura pass (3,530 m). The trek passes through parts of Solukhumbu district that enables trekkers to observe the traditions and customs of the Himalayan region. The trail is well served with good teahouses and campsites. The stopovers along the trail are likely to be at the villages of Deurali, Kenja, Sete, Lamjura, Junbesi, Tragsindho, Khari Khola and Surkhe.