Everest Region, also known as the Land of Sherpa and Khumbu, is one of the finest places that centers on the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest. Not only that, the region has other three peaks that are higher than 8,000 meters. The Everest base camp journey gives a natural thrill as it takes you through a magnificent high-altitude landscape, traditional Sherpa culture, high-altitude flora and fauna, Buddhist monasteries, and snow-capped peaks.
You can reach there by trekking or touring. It means the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour.
Here is a list of great reasons to vacation in Everest Base Camp, Nepal.
Lukla
Lukla is a small town located in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) in the Himalayas. Lukla is the first and foremost destination of the EBC trek. The town has one of the most dangerous airports in the world, as it has short takeoff-and-landing flights. The place is a famous destination for travelers to the Himalayas near Mount Everest situated at 2,860 meters. Each year thousands of trekkers, vacationers, and mountaineers visit there. Lukla offers a variety of shops, and lodges that provide western style meals and trail supplies. Even though having the scariest airport nobody can deny the fact that the flight has provided access to the Everest region within 30 minutes from Kathmandu for thousands of people.
Hike to Everest base camp and go beyond
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then you should add getting to the Everest Base Camp to your list. This is truly a magical place that will leave you speechless with its awe-inspiring sights of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. The trail to the base camp of Everest rewards with the splendid sights of the Himalayas, stunning scenery, the striking valley, the distinctive lifestyle of people living in Himalayas areas and their unique culture, traditional and ancient temples, and monasteries so, this trek won’t be just limited to trek. If you are looking for an adventure that will take your breath away and fill you with a sense of achievement, then an Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most outstanding experiences life has to present.
Kala Patthar
None of the places you visit on your Everest Base Camp trek will stick with you as much as Kala Patthar. Your Everest Base Camp trek may feel incomplete without your short hike to Kalapatthar. So why do you think is Kalapatthar a must-visit place?
Kala Patthar (meaning: Black Rock) is a major attraction of the Everest Base Camp trek, which is located at an elevation of 5545m. Kala Patthar is not a proper mountain but its ascent is very popular among trekkers. Once you hike up to the top of the Kala Patthar, you will find yourself surrounded by breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the Himalayas. Whether you take a stroll or an adrenaline-filled climb, you’ll take in the sights of Everest, Nuptse, Changtse, Lingtren, Ama Dablam, and Cho Polu.
Besides that, it is also famous for being one of the most photogenic spots on the Everest Base Camp Trek. So remember your camera! It will be difficult not to snap away at such an incredible sight!
Khumjung Valley
Just like other places in Khumbu, this beautiful Khumjung valley is one of the major highlights of the Everest base camp. It is located right at the bottom of the sacred peak Khumbila (5,761 m), also famous as the God of the Khumbu. It is one of the biggest Sherpa settlements in the whole Khumbu region from where you can see the clear sights of Lhotse Peak (8414m) and Ama Dablam (6856m) and on a clear day even Everest and many other surrounding peaks. Besides that, the major attraction of the village is Hillary school established in 1961 and Kunde Hospital established in 1966 by the greatest mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. Khumjung, a green hidden valley in the Himalayas, lures thousands of tourists each year with its scenic beauty and ethnic Sherpa culture.
Dingboche-a beautiful Sherpa Village
Dingboche, a Sherpa village in the Khumbu region, is another great region for vacation. This place has become a mandatory point for the trekkers for the final acclimatization and rests day before marching further in the Everest base camp trek route. The Imja River directly runs right through the town to the east. Besides that, the kilometers of Mani walls created with stones of various sizes that cover the entire Valley of Imja are one of Dingboche’s distinguishing features. These stones are removed to plow the soil, then heaped one on top of the other to form kilometers of walls. Dingboche is home to a satellite-based Internet cafe and also one of the world’s tallest billiard parlors.
Khumbu glacier
A place you definitely will want to take advantage of is the beautiful Khumbu glacier. It is an iconic landmark of the Everest base camp trek and is a breathtaking sight in the village of Gorakshep. The glacier is said to be home to yeti and many trekkers visit here to find clues about the elusive creature’s existence. While you’re here, take time to soak in the gorgeous glacier and the spiritual vibes that emanate from it.
Explore Tengboche
Nestled on the lap of ancient Khumbila and across the gorgeous Ama Dablam, Tengboche is one of the sensational stops on the trail to the Everest region of Nepal, hidden in the Khumbu valley. The village is surrounded by several Himalayas. Thus, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful Himalayan Mountains, which include Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Tawache. Besides the mountain, the village has the largest Gompa, Tengboche monastery, which attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Moreover, the monastery holds the vibrant Mani Rimdu festival every October, which accounts for Buddhist celebrations with religious gatherings, singing, ritual dances, and reenactments of famous people’s lives.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a gateway to the Everest Base Camp and is the first hub in the Khumbu region. The region has numerous lodges, ATMs, internet cafes, and a special Tibetan market. The region has the world’s highest national park named Sagarmatha National Park. This is home to various wild species, flora, and fauna. For the trekkers, Namche is the popular trekking route on the EBC trek, especially for acclimatization and relaxation before commencing an uphill trial on Everest. Far from any influence of the city, you will see their unique tradition and lifestyle of them. You will see the stunning glacial valley and beautiful peaks like Lhotse, Everest, Thamserku, Kangtega, etc. from Namche Bazar.
Chukkung Valley
Nestled on the eastern side of the Everest region, Chukkung valley is another Sherpa settlement. Most of the people who live here have already done the Three Passes Trek. During the climbing season, the village is filled with climbers waiting to climb Island Peak (6,189m). In the valley, there is a village named Chukkung, which connects Everest National Park and Makalu Barun National Park. The valley is a good acclimatization side trip for Everest Base Camp trekkers, numerous lodges have been built there.
When you get to the end of the valley, be sure to enjoy a moment of peace. Here’s your chance to admire Nangkartshang Peak and Makalu from afar – two 8,000-meter monsters that have inspired innumerable adventurers. It’s an experience that’s genuinely worth savoring!
Gokyo RI
During the trek, Gokyo RI is one of the major highlights that the Everest base camp offers. Gokyo RI is a 5,360m high mountain that is bounded by all the other enormous peaks in the region, including Everest. Right below the peak, you will witness Gokyo Lake. As you climb the peak you will see yourself surrounded by the spectacular mountains and the clear sight of Khumbu valley. From the peak, you can get to marvel at Ngozumpa glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal. On the base of the Gokyo peak, there is a small human settlement at the highest altitude.
Chola Pass
Chola pass is one of the major adventurous treks into the Everest/ Khumbu region which unites the Everest base camp with the Gokyo valley and the high Chola pass at an altitude of 5420m. During the trail, you will witness the eye-catching sights of numerous Himalayan giants like Mt. Everest (8848m.), Amadablam, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, and many more. While crossing the pass you will witness ordinary beauty, rich culture, the unique language of the Sherpa, lush forest, and walking over the snow, crossing the high pass provides heavenly pleasure to the visitors which will be a lifetime memory.
