Incredible Places to Visit Around Everest Region
High Route Adventure “Incredible Places to visit Around Everest Region”, the information will certainly help to plan all wide-world travelers. For those who have great interest to visit Nepal, for various adventure destinations around the Everest region.
Everest Region a unique place on earth, that nearly resembles the arctic zone of the North and South Pole. But with a difference where you can enjoy walking into enchanting alpine forest lined with tall rhododendron and pine trees.
The higher area of Everest region above 4, 000 meters reaches you within absolute mountain wilderness. Where you will be amidst towering giant peaks close to notorious Ice Fall and glaciers of rugged landscapes. Yet, beautiful with its magnificent scenery of jagged mountain range and rolling green hills.
Mt. Everest is also known as the Third Pole, straddles between the border of Nepal and Tibet / China. The southern side of Mt. Everest is more popular than the northern side, for trekkers, adventurers, and mountaineers.
As the region around high Khumbu of Everest, offers great various incredible adventurous places to enjoy. From few days to more of a week in the harmony of the lovely local culture of highlanders the Sherpa tribe.
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Starts from the Famous and Unique Lukla Tenzing & Hillary Airport
Trek to Everest Region with various options, the most popular and shortest route is flying to Lukla. The airport in Lukla named ‘Tenzing and Hillary’ tribute to the first legendary mountaineers to set foot on top of Mt. Everest.
A unique and short airstrip built-in 1964 with support and funded by the late Sir Edmund Hillary. The Luka airport, reputed as an extreme airport where only STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft can make it.
A maximum of 15 to 18 passengers can get seated, besides captain and co-pilot with a flight attendant or air hostess.
Incredible Views on Flight to Lukla
The flight of 30 to 35 minutes, during airborne taking off from Kathmandu domestic airport. One can enjoy a sweeping panorama of a Himalayan mountain range from Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal range. Includes Mt. Gaurishankar (where GMT a time meridian enters Nepal) with views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu. Besides the vast range of snow peak range, the country’s landscapes of rolling green hills and valleys are equally captivating.
As the small airplane makes a dramatic landing on Lukla airstrip short runway of 527 m and 1, 729 feet long. Which extends towards its parking space, near the airport terminal that can accommodate only 3-4 aircraft at a time.
Tenzing and Hillary Airport in Lukla at 2,895 m / 9, 500 feet, considered one of the highest airports in the world. Truly an amazing place Lukla, the starting and ending point of various treks in and around the high Khumbu and Everest region.
Starts from Lukla to Various Incredible Destinations
The walk starts from the busy town of Lukla, populated mostly by native Sherpa with few Tamang and Rai hill tribes. A pleasant day walks with not much climb on the first day heading past several farm villages. Then reach your overnight stops in Phakding or Monjo village, after crossing few exciting bridges over the glacial Dudh Kosi River.
Enter the Sagarmatha National Park
Enter the Sagarmatha National Park, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979 enriched with exotic flora and fauna. The word Sagarmatha for Mt. Everest in Nepal, the native Sherpa call Chomolungma which means Great Mother in both languages.
Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. The park boasts the world’s highest peaks, namely Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu with other famous mountains Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thermasarkhu, Kwangde with Khangtiaga, and Gyachung Kang the world highest above 7, 000 m peaks.
Within the park found various species of vegetation, with pine and hemlock forests, includes silver fir, juniper, birch, and rhododendron trees to the height of above 3, 600 m high. Then gives away to smaller scrub and alpine plant species, within the dry country of bare rock and snow.
To witness the famed bloom of rhododendrons of various species, which occurs during spring (April and May). Although other flora is more colorful during the monsoon season from June to August.
The park is also famous for wild-life, trekkers likely to spot sometimes if lucky are the Himalayan Thar, ghoral, serow, and musk deer. The elusive and rare snow leopard and Himalayan black bear exist but are hardly sighted. Includes mammals that are rarely seen are the weasel, marten, Himalayan mouse hare (pika).
Sagarmatha National Park in Khumbu is home to more than 3,000 of the famed Sherpa tribe, their daily lives are interwoven with Buddhism religion.
The major villages are Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame, Thyangboche, Pangboche, and Phortse. The main traditional way of economy of the Khumbu Sherpa community has been heavily based on farming and livestock herding.
But with the flow of mountaineering expeditions since 1950 and the influx of foreign trekkers. The Sherpa economy has changed dramatically since then till present becoming increasingly dependent on tourism.
From the park after purchasing the entrance fee sum of NRS 3,000. Inclusive tax like VAT, then head towards famous Namche Bazaar.
Towards Famous Namche Bazaar the Gateway to Various Incredible Places
Walk follows crossing a bridge to Jorsalle, the last settlement before Namche Bazaar, the right spot for lunch heading uphill. From Jorsalle trail leads on the river bank within a cool shade of alpine woods to reach the last high bridge.
Above the confluence of Imjatse and Bhote Kosi that joins the Dudh Kosi River, from the bridge, climb for few hours. On winding up through pine and rhododendron forest with occasional glimpse of snow peaks, high above a resting spot. Called Tooup Danda offers views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Taboche peaks on a clear fine day. From here onwards of less than an hour climb to reach the main entrance of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers will be surprised to see well-built houses of Tibetan or Sherpa-style architecture. Where nearly all fine buildings serve as a guest houses, lodges, hotels, and resorts.
The hub and capital of Khumbu villagers, as well for travelers where one can find various facilities. Besides many good places to stay with many shops and well-stocked stores including banks, as well post-office and ATM.
Located on an amphitheater or U-shaped basin surrounded by towering peaks of Kwangde range with views of Thermasarkhu.
An ideal and perfect place to enjoy rest days in Namche Bazaar at the height of 3, 440 m and above.
Things to do while in Namche, on a rest day for acclimatization before heading higher altitude areas. Easy and short hike to the top of Namche Bazaar view-point, half-hour climb to reach the scenic spot. Where Sagarmatha National Park headquarters is located with an interesting museum where you can get all types of information about the Khumbu region. From local Sherpa culture, festivals, and religions with flora/fauna including Mountaineering Expedition history from early days till present.
The top of Namche near the park museum offers a grand panorama of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Taboche, Thermasarkhu, Kwangde, and Kusum Khanguru. With birds-eye view of Namche Bazaar down below as well as surrounding beautiful landscapes.
Another place of interest is to climb above Namche Bazaar for few hours to reach Syangboche. Located on a high ridge with an old short airstrip, which is hardly used nowadays. Built for STOL (Short Takeoff Landing) aircraft and helicopters to ferry Everest View Hotel customers. Walk on gradually up to reach Everest View Hotel and enjoy a warm cup of coffee/tea with glorious views of Everest and Ama Dablam peaks.
At Namche Bazaar one can take a day hike to Khunde and Khumjung villages situated above Namche on a glacial valley. Two-hour walk up to Syangboche ridge, a place with few lodges, and then on easy trail to reach Khunde village.
Which is at the height of 3, 880 m high almost the same height as Everest View Hotel, at Khunde. Visit the local small hospital built by Edmund Hillary and run by Himalayan Trust. The doctor in charge will brief with information on how it is managed and operated. Next, a tour of Khumjung village a short walk downhill from Khunde visit the monastery of more than 500 years old. The only place that treasures a scalp believed to be of Yeti the Abominable Snowman, also called Meh-The by the locals. An interesting monastery with great idols of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha, Saint Padamasamba, or Guru Rinpoche with intricate religious paintings.
Khunde and Khumjung are quite different from Namche Bazaar, where you can explore and observe the traditional farm life of the Sherpa. Also famously known as the highlanders of Everest and Far Eastern Himalayas.
The Sherpa was the first trekking and mountaineering guide of the Himalayas region and in the adventure history of Nepal.
From Namche Various Incredible Adventure Destinations to Choose
On Route to Everest Base Camp and High Scenic Kalapathar Hill
The most common and popular is the trek to Everest base camp. Includes climb of high Kalapathar rocky hilltop, one of the best spots for excellent close views of Mt. Everest. As well as a sweeping panorama of other surrounding giant peaks at the height of 5,643 m / 18,514 feet.
The present new height of Kalapathar has been changed from 5, 545 m, after much research by expert international geologists.
The near bottom and base of Kalapathar Hill is also a popular landing spot for helicopters. Where visitors with limited time enjoy the joy ride on Heli to catch close views of Mt. Everest. This was also the world’s highest place for World Environment Cabinet meeting by Nepalese top politicians at an altitude of 5, 250 m / 17, 192 feet on December 4th, 2009.
However, trek to Everest base camp is much popular although one can see much of Mt. Everest. But to fulfill the dreams to stand on the foot of the world’s number one mountain. A high altitude walk of 3-4 days from Namche Bazaar to reach base camp.
On route to Everest base camp staying overnights at scenic Thyangboche Monastery area, with good lodges and foods to enjoy. Along with the grand views of snow peaks in the harmony of the lush green forest that surrounds this scenic spot. At Thyangboche which is at the height of 3, 867 m high with a famous monastery where one can visit. Observe the young monks on religious activities while the high priest in deep prayers. A great Mani Rimdu festival is held every year in October as per Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
Thyangboche Monastery one of the most important religious hubs of Khumbu villagers, established by great Guru Choling of Rongbuk monastery. Way back in 350 years, and was re-built by Lama Sangwa Dorje in 1923.
At present the largest religious monastery or Gomba of Khumbu and Everest region, a fire destroyed the old monastery in 1991. Then it was again built to its present shape, where visitors can delight with a short tour of the monastery.
The monastery, where most climbers and mountaineers get blessed by the high priest for a safe and successful climb. To the summit of Mt. Everest as well as other major high peaks. The adventure takes you from the green vegetation and tree lines towards harsh and barren Mountain wilderness. Heading towards the last village Pangboche, the upper village located above the main trail stands one of the oldest monasteries. With time here one can enjoy a tour of the Gompa treasures old relics and tall statues of important gurus and the great Sakyamuni Buddha.
After an interesting visit of the old monastery on the scenic trail to Dingboche for another exciting overnight stop. Where next day reach you at Lobuche and then at Everest base camp.
The base camp in high times of mountaineering expedition will be flooded with many tented camps and movement of climbers. Which is from April to May the busy season of the year with October and November as well.
Trek to Magnificent Gokyo Valley and the Glacial Lakes
Another incredible adventure destination from Namche Bazaar is a trek to Gokyo valley and the glacial lakes. Where route splits after few hours walk from Namche Bazaar at a place called Shanasa, a small settlement.
On the diverse point with a signboard showing direction to Khumjung, Everest base camp, and a way to Gokyo. From this spot leaving the main busy trail behind head towards Dudh Kosi River gorge with a climb to Mong Hill.
As the walk leads past Phortse with more uphill to Dole for an overnight stop, the adventure continues within an open exposed country. Reaching Machhermo and then at Gokyo valley with its emerald-colored glacial lakes, a scenic place to enjoy few days. Take an early morning hike to the top of Gokyo-Ri hill at 5,357 m / 17, 575 feet high. The ridge top offers grand views of the world’s four tallest peaks Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Mt. Makalu. Includes panorama of snow-mountain range with views of Gokyo valley and the lake down below with Ngozumpa the longest glaciers of Nepal Himalaya.
Various Options for Adventure Towards Incredible Places from Gokyo Valley
From Gokyo valley with many options to enjoy more of Khumbu beautiful high country, depending upon your duration of the holiday. The route from Gokyo valley to Everest base camp via high Cho-La Pass, the other route to Thame village via high Renjo-La. For a short and easy way to Lukla on the same route or taking a quiet trail past Phortse village. Continue the walk to reach upper Pangboche and towards Thyangboche, and then reach Namche on the way down to Lukla.
Challenging and Incredible High Altitude Destinations for Hard-core Trekkers:
The above mentioned are famous and incredible adventure destinations around the high Everest region of Khumbu valley. For adrenaline and adventurous trekkers, there are some challenging, demanding places as well like crossing high Tashi Labtsa Pass. Which is at 5, 755 m high a traverse from west of Khumbu near Thame village to Rolwaling valley. The other incredible adventure towards Hongu valley crossing high Mera-La and Amphu-Labtsa Pass at 5, 8 45 m and 19, 177 feet. Amphu-Labtsa, a glaciated high pass to traverse from Imjatse valley to Honku valley or vice-versa from Lukla to reach Imjatse valley.
Besides incredible and scenic trekking destinations around the Everest region, where one can climb on trekking peaks. The Khumbu and Everest region famous for lesser mountains, where beginners and expert mountaineers can enjoy the challenge.
Everest region and high Khumbu also offers exciting climb on trekking peaks, where beginners and veteran climbers can enjoy. Most popular peaks for trekkers and all adventurer is Island Peak, Lobuche East Peak and Mera Peak.
Incredible Places to visit Around Everest Region a perfect delightful adventure holiday destinations for all age group. Where one choose from short walks to longer adventurous treks or climb to some of its stunning peaks.
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