Trekking in the Everest Region, or the Khumbu Region is the leading tourism area in Northeastern Nepal. The region hosts Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site, thus making it one of the premier destinations to trek the world's highest mountain, Mt- Everest (8,848.86m) and other giants such as Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. The region is not only for its beauty but also for its cultural overtones, which include monasteries, distant Sherpa villages, and warm Sherpa people. Beginning in Lukla, this region provides a host of treks, including the famous Base Camp Trek, Three Passes Trek, and the tranquil Gokyo Lakes Trek.
Tourism in the region is a worthwhile adventure for spiritual, cultural, and physical enjoyment. The trails are filled with prayer wheels, flying banners and stupas due to the influence of Buddhism. Spectacular tourist towns like Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep offer some views into Sherpa culture and are acclimatization stopping points. Namche Bazaar is a particularly iconic Sherpa village through which trekkers on the path often pass, pausing to have a look at the local markets. Tengboche Monastery is the largest in this area, and the religion takes pride in seeing the colourful events during the Mani Rimdu.
Trekking around the Everest region should be done during spring (March-May) and autumn (September–November) because the weather is good and the plants and trees on the trail have fully developed. The wildlife consists of the Himalayan thar, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and the beautiful Himalayan Monal, the national bird of Nepal. The glacial rivers, lush rhododendron forests, and geographical features such as the world-renowned Kala Patthar are arguably the best vantage points for the entire Everest Massif.
The region especially has good tea houses available on all routes, offering travellers simple but good standards of comfort. These teahouses can serve Nepali cuisine like Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, veggies) or International food like Pancakes, Pasta, and Momo. Tea, coffee and hot lemon are easily found, while energy bars and some snacks can be purchased practically at every possible point of a trek. Sanitary amenities include rudimentary flush or squat latrines, 'bucket showers', and hot water, where portable solar lanterns are available at a premium.
Mt. Everest trekking requires being well prepared and equipped and having the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. Further, everyone visiting beyond Lukla for trekking must also pay the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee. Natural beauty, biodiversity and the desire to climb higher at the foothills of the world's highest peak make it exciting and culturally absorbing for trekkers to explore the Everest Region.
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