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The Everest Region, also locally known as the Khumbu region, is a sub-region in Solu Khumbu located on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest.
You will trek through the hinterland to the Himalayan range’s highland. At the same time, you will not only enjoy the view of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest, at 8848, but you will also witness many other mountains above 7000 metres, such as Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and more.
A trek in the Everest Region, also known as the Khumbu region, may be tough for some travellers, but it’s an inspirational introduction to Nepal’s magnificent mountain scenery. It’s known as the ‘Roof of the World’.
Arriving at the Everest base camp is to achieve one of the most memorable trekking experiences the world offers. It’s an exclusive adventure experience on the wilderness trip. However, it’s not mandatory to reach the Everest Base camp to experience the unique lifestyle of the local people.
In a short period, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of the highland of the Himalayan range. For example, you can visit Namche Bazar, Khumjung village or trek up to Tyangboche Monastery within a week. These places offer mind-blowing views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest and many other Himalayan ranges.
Similarly, alternative trek options are available today, such as hiking to EBC and returning on a Helicopter to Lukla or even a direct heli flight to Kathmandu. So there are plenty of possibilities for visiting the Khumbu or Everest regions. However, most trekkers follow the normal itinerary of flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and trekking along the way to Namche Bazar, Tengboche Monastery, Dingboche, Pheriche, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp and returning the same way to Lukla. This itinerary will take roughly 10-11 days.
Furthermore, those trekkers looking for a more advanced trek can combine the Everest Base camp trek with a visit to Gokyo Lake, Chola Pass, and Renjo La Pass.
Along the trail en route, plenty of guesthouses or lodges are available. If you plan a trek in peak seasons such as October – November, March, April or May, it’s advisable to make pre-book. They will look after your logistic arrangement if you book a trek with a local trek agency. In major places of the Khumbu region, such as Lukla, Parking, and Namche Bazar, there are varieties of choices of guest houses. You can book from a standard budget hotel to a luxurious hotel. For example, Everest View Hotel is a luxury hotel in Syangboche, just above Syanboche Airport.
It’s possible to trek all year round in the Khumbu region. However, it is the best time from the beginning of March till the end of May. Similarly, another best time is from the beginning of September till the end of November. Besides that, you can also trek in winter, not going to Everest Base Camp. Instead, you can trek up to Tengboche Monastery.
Most guesthouses or lodges offer similar menus of Spaghetti, Fried rice, Apple Pie, Oatmeal, Hash Browns, omelettes, Dal Bhat, etc. However, in the major rural towns of Lukla, Phakding and Namche Bazar, you can choose a wider selection from a menu such as Pizza, German Bread, Pastries, etc.
Respect the Local Culture
While walking on the trek route, you will encounter many religious objectives, such as Mani Wall or Stone. As a custom of respect for the local culture, people always pass the Wall or Stone, keeping them on their right-hand side and turning the prayer wheels in the clock’s wish direction.
There is a saying in sustainable tourism practice, “Just take a photo and leave your footprint.” Trekkers need to be as sensitive as possible towards the environment. Due to the extreme amount of trekkers passing through the Khumbu region, the ecosystem is under extreme pressure. Therefore, trekkers need to ensure that they won’t disturb any flora and fauna while trekking there.
As a responsible traveller, buy boiled water from guesthouses, not bottled water. And as far as possible, it’s advisable to order local meals and the same meal from all staying guests from the guest house. By doing so, you are practising sustainable tourism. Ultimately, you support our future generation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Thus, as a responsible traveller, act locally and think globally!
Be a responsible traveller as far as possible to save our future generation.
