Everest Region

The Everest region is located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited part of this region is Solukhumbu district, home of the legendary Sherpas and the highest peak of the world, the Everest at 8848 meters. To the north of Solukhumbu is Everest National Park; while to the east is the Makalu Barun National Park. The major ethnic groups that live in the Everest region are Sherpa, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhettris. Diverse range of wildlife and vegetation are seen in the region. Animals to be sighted are mountain goat, musk deer and barking deer in the forests. Birds include Impeyan Pheasant [Danfe], ravens, crows, choughs and snow pigeons. The best time to visit is spring and autumn.
Popular trekking areas are Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, Lukla, Pike Danda, Dudh Kunda, Salleri, Chiwong Circuit, Hinkhu, Hongu Valleys and Everest to Arun Valley. Interesting landmarks near Syangaboche are Khumjung School built by sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 and Khunde Hospital north of Namche bazaar established in 1968. How to trek in the Everest region depends on the route chosen. Teahouse trekking is possible on the main trail to Everest Base Camp or the route up Gokyo Valley. The trail from Jiri to Lukla also has teahouse on the way.

Getting There:
Everest region can be reached by air or on foot. Buses to Jiri leave from the old bus park [Ratna Park] in Kathmandu. Jiri is a ten hour drive from Kathmandu. By air, there are three options. The most convenient for Everest trek is Lukla, which is serviced by many airlines with daily flights from Kathmandu. Another options is the airstrip at Phaplu, near the district headquarter which is serviced by daily flights from the capital of Kathmandu. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangaboche, which is located above Namche bazaar. Despite being an option, altitude makes it an impractical and unwise choice as an arrival destination for acclimatization reasons.

Permits and fees:
Special trekking permits are not required to visit this area. Entry fees are charged for access to Everest National Park and Makalu Barun National park. Entry fees can be paid at the National Park desk Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.