The Everest region is located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited part of this region is Solokhumbu district, home of the legendary Sherpas and the highest peak of the world, the Mt, Everest at 8,848 meters. To the north of Solokhumbu is Everest National park, while to the east is the Makalu Barun National Park .The major ethnic groups that live in the Everest region are Sherpas, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmans and Chhettris.
Diverse range of wildlife and vegetation are seen in the region. Animals to be sighted are mountain goat, musk deer and barking deer in the forests. Birds include Impeyan Pheasant (Danfe), ravens, crows, choughs and snow pigeons. The best time to visit is springs and autumn . Popular trekking areas are Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, Lukla , Pike Danda, Dudh kunda, Salleri, Chiwong Circuit, Hinkhu, Hongu Valleys and Everest to Arun Valley . Interesting landmarks near Syangboche are Khumjung school built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 and Khunde Hospital north of Namche Bazaar established in 1968. How to trek in Everest region depends on the route chosen. Tea house trekking is possible on the main trail to Everest Base Camp or the route up Gokyo Valley . The trail from Jiri to Lukla also has tea house on the way.
Entry Point:
Everest region can be reached by air or on foot, buses to Jiri leave from the new bus park in Kathmandu. Jiri is a ten- hour drive from Kathmandu. By air, there are three options . The most convenient for Everest trek is Lukla, which is serviced by many airlines with daily flights from Kathmandu . Another option is the airstrip at Phaplu , near the district headquarter which is serviced by daily flights from the capital. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangboche which is located above Namche Bazaar. Despite being an option, altitude makes it an impractical and unwise choice as an arrival destination for acclimatization reasons.
The Everest or Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all trekking and mountain regions. Populated by Sherpas, the attractions of this area are the majestic mountains, the high mountain villages, the isolated monasteries, and the local peoples. This area includes the highest mountain in the world, Everest at 8848m, and many of the world's 8000m peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. First climbed in 1953, Everest still holds a fascination for many, however the Everest region boasts many more spectacular and beautiful mountains, as well as some of the most rewarding trekking anywhere in the world. |
