Trekking in Everest Region

An overview

Everest region is the most popular trekking area in Nepal. It is east from Kathmandu covering eastern half of Nepal, the Everest region offers a many trekking options from the well-developed trail to Everest base camp to treks in remote semi-wilderness areas. Solukhumbu, the home of the legendary Sherpas, in the northern part is encompassed in the Everest National Park, protecting the fragile environment of the alpine region and to the east is the Makalu-Barun National Park, a remote and wild stretch of mountain peaks and deep densely forested valleys. To the west is the Rolwaling valley, a well protected microcosm of cultures and ecology. The southern part Solu is much less traveled by tourist but very rewarding destination. Besides home os Sherpa people and paradise of unparalleled highest mountain splendor, its native people, culture, glacial lakes rhododendron forest, native flora and fauna, traditional villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries make this region a spectacular destination.

Permits and Fees

Trekking permits are no more required to visit this area. An entry fee is charged for access to Everest National Park. For treks to the east of main Everest trail an addition permit is required to enter Makalu-Barun National Park.

Access
Access to the Everest region can be made by air or road. By road, the only practical road ahead at this time is Jiri, about eight hour bus ride from Kathmandu. It is also possible to trek to the Everest region via the Arun valley where roads head is at Hille, a twenty hrs bus ride from the kathmandu. Now are all by local bus as there is no tourist bus service available now. Private cars and taxis could be used and would reduce the traveling time considerably but obviously at extra cost. By air there are three options, the most convenient for Everest treks is Lukla, which is serviced by many daily flights from Kathmandu. Three days walk to south, near the district headquarters, is Phaplu airstrip, which is serviced by daily flights. This is useful for treks in southern parts of the region or for Everest trekkers who want to gain extra acclimatization and see some of less developed part of the district. And flying to Tumlingtar air port at south-east part of the region

People and Culture

The main ethnic group that visitors will encounter in the Everest region is the Sherpas. This is their heartland and their influence is to be seen everywhere from their traditional dress to their distinctive houses and village monasteries. There are also minorities of various other groups, notably Rai/Limbu and Tamang in the lower hills and the ubiquitous Bhramin and Chhetri farmers of the valleys.

Flora and Fauna

The flora and fauna to be seen are quiet diverse since the region ranges in altitude. From cultivation region to riot of colors and dense stands of forest including pine, oak and the spectacular flowering rhododendrons and from domesticated famous animals-the yak to wildlife, mostly birds including the national bird of Nepal-the Impeyan Pheasant, or danfe, the ravens and crows of the middle hills and the coughs which soar to seemingly impossible heights in the mountains, mountain goats, musk deer or barking deer etc.

The trails and facilities

A trek in Everest region depends entirely on the route that you choose. On the main trail to Everest base camp or the route to Gokyo valley then teahouse trekking is perfectly possible. The trail in from Jiri is also endowed with many continently located teahouses although generally not of such a high standard as those to the north. Other trekking routes will almost certainly require the use of camping, necessary trekking staff and equipment.

Season

The peak season for trekking to this region are autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (March-May are obviously the most popular. At these times the weather is mild and generally dry, making the walking conditions good. The spring season is good for wild flowers, particularly the rhododendrons, while the autumn season generally gives the best mountain views, as the air at this time is crystal clear.

Winter is possible but the chances of snow are higher and passes and some teahouses may be closed, particularly during late winter. The summer/monsoon period is generally unsuitable for trekking period, as the trails are slippery, leeches abundant and the mountain views are unpredictable. It can be rewarding time, however, if you are prepared to tolerate these drawbacks, as the wild flowers are at their best at this time and there are fewer tourists on the trails making interaction with the locals easier and close up.