The 7 Best Treks in Everest, Nepal

The 7 Best Treks in Everest, Nepal

The Ultimate Guide to help you decide which trek is best for you

Nepal is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and world-class trekking trails. The country is home to 8 out of 14 mountains above 8000m the tallest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth. With so many incredible treks to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one to tackle. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the 5 best treks in the Everest region of Nepal, to help you choose the perfect adventure for you.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and for good reason. This classic trek takes you to the heart of the Khumbu region, the home of the Sherpa people and the world’s highest peaks. The trek takes you to the base camp of Mount Everest, offering stunning views of the world’s highest mountain and the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you’ll cross high mountain passes, visit traditional Sherpa villages, and experience the rich culture and hospitality of the local people.

The trek to base camp typically takes 10-16 days, depending on your pace and acclimatization schedule. The trail starts in Lukla, a small town that serves as the gateway to the Khumbu region. From here, you’ll make your way up the valley, following the Dudh Kosi River and passing through several Sherpa villages along the way. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more rugged and barren, and the views of the surrounding peaks become more and more breathtaking. The final push to base camp is a challenging climb over rough terrain, but the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you reach your goal is unmatched.

2. Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a less-traveled alternative to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek takes you to the beautiful Gokyo Valley, where you’ll find a series of turquoise-blue glacial lakes and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you’ll visit traditional Sherpa villages, cross high mountain passes, and experience the rich culture and hospitality of the local people.

The trek to Gokyo Lakes typically takes 12-16 days, and is slightly more challenging than the classic base camp trek. The trail starts in Lukla, and follows the same route as the classic base camp trek for the first few days. As you approach the Gokyo Valley, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, but the views of the surrounding peaks and the turquoise-blue lakes are well worth the effort. The trek finishes with a climb to the top of Gokyo Ri, a small peak that offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the Gokyo Lakes below.

3. Thame Legendary Trek (Yeti Trail)

The Thame trek is a hidden gem in the Everest region of Nepal, offering a unique and rewarding experience for trekkers. This relatively less-traveled trek takes you through the remote and beautiful Thame Valley, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and local culture of the area. According to the Himalayan myth, villagers believed that the Yeti – “the abominable snowman” used to roam around Thame region.

The Thame trek begins in the town of Namche Bazaar and follows the Bhote Koshi River to the remote Thame Valley. As you trek through the valley, you’ll have the chance to see traditional Sherpa villages, beautiful rhododendron forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit several historic Buddhist monasteries and learn about the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.

4. Mani Rimdu Festival Trek

The Mani Rimdu Festival Trek begins in the town of Lukla and follows a picturesque route through traditional Sherpa villages and beautiful mountain scenery to the Tengboche Monastery. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local culture, meet friendly Sherpa villagers, and see first-hand the incredible beauty of the region.

At the Tengboche Monastery, you’ll have the chance to witness the Mani Rimdu Festival, a series of rituals, dances, and offerings that are designed to purify the minds and bodies of the participants. The highlight of the festival is the masked dance performances, which depict important figures from Tibetan Buddhist mythology and are accompanied by music and chanting. Whether you’re a trekker, a traveler, or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, the Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is an experience that you won’t want to miss.

5. Everest View Trek

The Everest View Trek is a popular and scenic trek in the Everest region of Nepal that offers breathtaking views of the world’s highest mountain. This relatively easy trek is perfect for those looking for a shorter, less strenuous trekking experience, while still getting a chance to see the mighty Mount Everest. The highlight of the Everest View Trek is the final destination of Namche Bazaar, where you’ll have the chance to see Mount Everest up close and personal. From here, you can take in the incredible vista of the Himalayas, including the peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.

The Everest View Trek begins in the town of Lukla and takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, past traditional Sherpa villages, and through lush forests of rhododendron and other Himalayan flora. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the rich culture and hospitality of the local Sherpa people, while also taking in the stunning mountain views.  The Everest View Trek is a perfect choice for those looking for a scenic and enjoyable trekking experience in the heart of the Himalayas. With its breathtaking mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and friendly local people, the Everest View Trek is an adventure that you’ll never forget.

6. Pikey Peak Trek

This relatively easy trek is perfect for those looking for a shorter and less strenuous trekking experience, with the chance to take in the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains. The trek is also a great opportunity to challenge yourself and push your limits. The journey up the mountain can be strenuous, but the views and the cultural experiences along the way make it worth every step. You will return home with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Himalayas.

7. Three Passes Trek

The Three Passes Trek typically takes 15-20 days, and is best suited to experienced trekkers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure. The trail starts in Lukla, and follows the same route as the classic base camp trek for the first few days. As you make your way up the valley, you’ll cross the first of the three passes, Kongma La. From here, you’ll continue on to the next two passes, Cho La and Renjo

8 Highlights that you can expect on an Everest trek

• 1. Stunning Himalayan scenery: From glaciers and snow-capped peaks to rolling hills and terraced fields, the Everest region offers a breathtaking landscape that will take your breath away.
  2. Cultural immersion: Trek through the Solu-Khumbu region and experience the unique culture of the Sherpa people. Learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life as you interact with locals along the trail.
  3. Challenges of high altitude trekking: The Everest trek takes you to altitudes over 5,000 meters, offering a physical and mental challenge that is both rewarding and unforgettable.
  4. Magnificent views of Mount Everest: The main attraction of the trek, of course, is the chance to see the world’s highest mountain up close. You’ll have the opportunity to see Mount Everest from various viewpoints along the trail, including the famous Base Camp.
  5. Gokyo Lakes: A highlight of the trek is visiting the stunning Gokyo Lakes, which offer some of the best views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
  6. Kalapatthar: This viewpoint offers one of the most dramatic views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan range, making it a must-visit for trekkers.
  7. Tengboche Monastery: One of the largest and most famous monasteries in the region, Tengboche offers a chance to learn about Buddhist culture and spirituality, as well as stunning views of the Himalayas.
  8. Local hospitality: Throughout your trek, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the friendly and hospitable local people, who will make your journey through the region an unforgettable experience.

These highlights are just a few of the many amazing experiences that you can expect on an Everest trek. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a chance to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, the Everest trek is a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Getting to the Trailhead of an Everest trek

Getting to the trailhead of an Everest trek typically involves a combination of air and ground transportation. The most common starting point for Everest treks is Lukla, a small town located in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal.

Here’s a general outline of the journey to Lukla:

1. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla: The quickest and most convenient way to get to Lukla is by taking a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight takes about 35-40 minutes and offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.
2. Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu/Salleri: If you prefer to avoid flying, you can also reach Lukla by taking a ground transportation from Kathmandu to Phaplu/Salleri then hiking to Lukla. This route is considered to be the traditional approach to Everest and offers a more immersive cultural experience.
3. Trek from Phaplu/Salleri to Lukla: From Phaplu/Salleri, you’ll need to hike to Lukla, which takes about 3-4 days. The trail winds through rural villages and lush forests, and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.

Once you arrive in Lukla, you’ll be ready to start your Everest trek. Whether you choose to fly or hike to Lukla, you’re sure to have a memorable and exciting adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

Map of Everest Trekking