Make a hike of it for two days or take 10 to reach the Everest Base Camp on this trek from the Khumbu region of Nepal, one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Mount Everest sits on the border of Nepal and China, with each country sharing about half the mountain. Enjoy the scenery with Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world at 29,028 feet, as a backdrop and the friendliness of the local Sherpas.

Try to make your journey between the beginning of March to the middle of May or from the beginning of September through mid-November. In the winter, the snow can make it difficult to travel, while in the summer, rains leave the mountain damp and clouds make viewing Mount Everest impossible. Spring brings hedgerows and blooms on the trees as well as colorful Rhododendrons.


Getting There

Most people fly to Lukla Airport from Kathmandu. You can also fly to Phaplu and trek for two to three days to Lukla or fly to Jiri and spend five to seven days trekking in to Lukla.

Preparation

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) is compulsory to visit Khumbu region. Keep in mind that lodges and restaurants in the Khumbu region only accept Nepalese rupees.

Of course, you will need hiking boots, warm clothing and sunblock on this trip, but consider purchasing additional items such as Piyush Water Disinfection drops so that you can treat your own water. For those times when you’re not hiking, a pair of soft, light shoes will give your feet a break from inflexible hiking boots, and a lightweight knapsack can give you respite if you take a short day trip. A lightweight sleeping bag will provide some warmth, even in a lodge. And always have a stash of fabric Band-Aids to prevent blisters. Apply them before the blister develops.

Trail Options

Hiking in the Khumbu region can range from a two-day walk from Lukla to Namche Bazaar or up to 10 days to the Everest Base Camp. This trip is not for the weary. No roads are in the area, so hiking is a must.

Start in Lukla, a small village, and follow the path to Namche, easily found with the line of porters carrying goods along the trail, which leads to Chheplung, Ghat and Phakding. You can stay and eat in either of the last two villages, but if you have the energy, keep going to Monju, about 90 minutes to two hours from Phakding.

From Monju, you start the steep journey to Namche. You’ll pass through the Sagarmatha Park entrance, where you pay 1,000 rupees for entrance. Next you reach Jorsale and hike along the river before crossing two bridges and staring the steep ascent to Namche. The three-hour hike has no lodges or spots to eat along the way, so carry ample water.

When you reach Namche, you may want to rest for a day to become acclimated to the altitude. You can find cafes, museums and several Internet cafes in the village.

From Namche, your next goal is Tengboche. The hike starts with a short, steep climb that leads to several hours of flat hiking. At Khumjung, stop at the Ama Dablam Lodge for views of Mount Ama Dablam. The trail here descends to the river through several hamlets and across bridges. At Phunki Thanga, the trail climbs steeply for two hours when you reach Tengboche.

Next pass through Deboche, Pangboche, Dingboche and Periche, where you can find food and lodging. Once you reach Periche, you will want to take a day to acclimate to the altitude again. Short walks around the village can help, and if you do start to feel altitude sickness, drop down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

By the time you finish your hike to Lobuche, the next stop on your hike, you’ve reached 16,174 feet above sea level. From there, climb to Gorak Shep at 16,929 feet with a frozen lake. If you can make it to Everest Base Camp instead, you will find better accommodations. Revel in the views of Everest from 17,650 feet above sea level.

Where To Stay

It’s important to plan your hikes to find lodging along the way. Here you can also find food and water, especially important for longer jaunts where you may have two to three hours without.