Everest Region

As Mount Everest - known as Sagarmatha ("head of the sky" or "heaven head") in Nepal - is the highest mountain in the world, it is no surprise that large numbers of mountaineers and trekkers are drawn to the Everest region. The trek to the Everest region takes one into the Sagarmata National Park and some of the most outstanding mountain views in the world.

The trek goes through the valley of the Dudh Koshi, and passes through spectacular forests of blooming rhododendron, blue pine and fir.

The highlights of this trek include Namche Bazaar, the famous monastery at Tengboche and Kala Patthar on the way to the Everest Base Camp. This area is also abundant with high-Alpine wildlife, which includes the Himalayan tahr, musk deer and pikka (mouse hare). Some of the spectacular birds include the snow crow, snow pigeon and the Impean pheasant.

Trekking In Everest Region

For many their journey to Nepal would not be complete without a glimpse of the highest mountain on Earth. For some it will be enough to view Everest from the Kathmandu valley rim on a clear day, it is also possible to sit in the comfort of a plane seat for the experience. Others however settle only for a more intimate meeting with the last earthly rung on the stairway to the heavens. Everest area is the most popular trekking region in Nepal.

The Everest Region is within Sagamartha National Park established in 1976 it lies some 120 kms North East of Kathmandu and covers an area of 1,148 sq. kms of the Himalayan ecological zone U.N.E.S.C.O. listed the Park as a World Heritage Site in 1979. The park includes the upper catchments areas of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi Rivers. The park is largely composed of rugged terrain and deep gorges within an elevation of 2845m at Monju to the top of the world, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) at 8,848m above sea level. Other peaks above 6,000m are Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori.

The vegetation at lower levels is dominated by silver fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees, at around 4500m the forest gives way to Juniper and rhododendron scrub. The park contains a variety of mammals, Himalayan thar, musk deer, the Himalayan red panda and the Himalayan black bear are all native to the park.

The famed Sherpa people, whose lives are interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism, live in the region. The renowned Tengboche and other monasteries are common gathering places to celebrate religious festivals such as Dumje and Mane Rumdu. In addition to Tengboche, Thame, Khumjung and Pangboche are some other famous monasteries.

The trek from Namche to Kala Pathar is very popular. The Gokyo Lake and Chukung valleys also provide spectacular views. The Thame Valley is popular for Sherpa culture while Phortse is famous for wildlife viewing. There are some high passes worth crossing over. However, the trekkers must have a guide and proper equipment for the trek.