Everest Region Trekking
Mount Everest – known as Sagarmatha or (“head of the sky” or “heaven head”) in Nepal – is the highest mountain in the world; it is no wonder why large numbers of mountaineers and trekkers are drawn to the Everest region, better known as the ‘Khumbu’. Hiking through the Everest region takes one into the Sagarmatha National Park and on to some of the most magnificent mountain views in the world.
The trek goes through the valley of the Dudh Koshi {river of milk}, and passes through spectacular forests of blooming rhododendron, blue pine and fir. This region possesses within its realms some of the most hiked trails in the world with landscapes of unparallel beauty. The highlights of this region include Namche Bazaar, a little mountain town with some of the most developed tourism facilities in the world; & The famous monastery at Tyangboche and Kalapatthar on the way to the Everest Base Camp are some of the other known features of the Mt. Everest region. This area is also abundant with high-Alpine wildlife, which includes the Himalayan tahr, musk deer and the pikka (mouse hare). Some of the spectacular birds include the snow crow, the snow pigeon and the Impean pheasant.
Trekking in the Everest Region…the zenith in the world of adventure…
For many backpackers, the journey to Nepal would not be complete without a glimpse of the highest mountain on Earth. For some, viewing Mt. Everest from some hillock around the Kathmandu valley on a clear day would be enough; it is also possible to sit in the comforts of a plane seat for this awesome experience. But there are those however who would settle only for a more intimate meeting with the last earthly rungs on the stairway to the heavens. For the brave & the bold who would go the length & breadth to summit on the highest peak in the world. The Everest area is the most popular trekking region in Nepal…& the world at large.
The Everest Region is within the Sagarmatha National Park which was established in 1976. It stands some 120 km North East of Kathmandu and covers an area of 1,148 sq. km 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 Monjo 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, Ama Dablam, 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 which include the Himalayan thar, musk deer, the Himalayan red panda and the Himalayan black bear are all native to the park which is their permanent home. The famed Sherpa people, whose lives are deeply involved with the teachings of Buddhism, live in this region. The renowned Tengboche and other monasteries are common gathering places to celebrate religious festivals such as Dumje and Mane Rimdu. In addition to Tengboche, Thame, Khumjung and Pangboche are some other famous monasteries well known in this region.
The trek from Namche to Kalapatthar is very popular. The Gokyo Lake and Chukung valleys also provide spectacular views that become fireside stories for ages. The Thame Valley is popular for Sherpa culture while Phortse is famous for wildlife viewing. There are also some high passes worth crossing over. However, trekkers must have a guide and proper equipment for trekking in this tough but otherwise beautiful part of the country. Do a trip with the ‘Himalayan Safe Travel’ & enter the realms of a stunningly different world you’ve never known before…it’s truly a world for those BORN FREE & wishing to spend some of the most valuable time in some of the greatest wilderness on planet earth…
