Nepal houses 8 of the 10 tallest mountains in world. Solukhumbu, Nepal’s Everest Region, contains 5 of them –Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,481), Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Manalsu (8156m). Throw in the other famous 6,000m+ peaks of Everest’s National Park, Sagarmatha – and you are literally in a mountaineer dreamland.
BEST TIME TO TREK EVEREST
SPRING: PRE-MONSOON (MARCH – MAY)
Great time to go as the lower regions are very green and the weather is at it’s best. This is the best time to be on the trails if you want to experience the buzz of the Everest climbers making their way to basecamp. Just be ready for the crowds – especially on the main trails.
SUMMER: MONSOON (JUNE – SEPTEMBER)
There is a reason why the trails are empty this time of year. Most trekkers don’t mind trekking in the rain, but it’s the clouds that tend to cover the peaks that steal the amazing views the region has to offer.
FALL: POST-MONSOON (OCTOBER – NOVEMBER)
Once the monsoons are gone the skies begin to clear up and the days become quite mild again. As with the Pre-Monsoon season, the trails really pick up again as this window opens. This is the busiest trekking season of Nepal.
WINTER: POST MONSOON (NOVEMBER – DECEMBER)
As winter begins to roll into the Everest Region, the days get shorter and fewer trekkers can be found on the trail. This time of year can be really good for trekking as the days are comfortable. Just make sure you have the right gear with you because the nights are well below freezing.
TOP TREKS IN THE EVEREST REGION
EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
The trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the most famous in the world. When it comes to the Everest region, it is also the most popular. The main trail is a well-marked trekking highway. It runs across gorgeous glacier fueled river valleys, through ancient monasteries of the Sherpa villages, and alongside some of the world’s most magnificent mountains. It’s here atop the Khumbu Glacier that expeditioners prepare for and begin their Mt. Everest summit bids.
Distance: Lukla to Everest Base Camp is 62km (38.58 miles)
Highest Elevation: 5,380m (17,600ft); Side trip to popular Everest View Point – Kala Pattar – can get you to 5,644.5m (18,519ft)
EVEREST THREE PASS TREK
The Three Pass Trek is an excellent way to experience the more remote parts of the Everest Region. It’s also quite challenging. As you probably guessed from the name, this route passes through 3 high-altitude mountains passes as it makes its way to and from Everest Base Camp. It is recommended to take the loop clockwise to assist with acclimatization. If you have high altitude trekking experience and know your body, you can go in either direction. Regardless of the direction, climbing up and over the Kongma La (5,528m), Cho La (5,380m) and Renjo La (5,388m) passes is an awesome way to test yourself, truly acclimatize for EBC and offers some of the best scenic look outs that exist in the region.
Distance: Lukla to 3 Pass Loop is about 164km (102 miles)
Highest Elevation: 5,528m (18,136ft); A side trip to popular Everest View Point – Kala Pattar – can get you to 5,644.5m (18,519ft)
GOKYO LAKES TREK
Another challenging and off the beaten path trekking option in the Everest Region is the Gokyo Lakes Trek. From Sherpa village Namche Bazaar, you’ll continue through the valley instead of joining the main EBC trail or 3 Pass Trail. The trek continues up the Gokyo valley to the village of Gokyo, known for its turquoise glacial lakes. The surrounding area has smaller trails that lead to more of these picturesque lakes. Trekkers have the option of crossing over the Cho La Pass to join the main Everest Base Camp Trek or turning back towards Lukla the way they came. I’d recommend experiencing Cho La Pass – one of the three passes in the 3 Pass Trek. This pass will take you out of the Gokyo valley and into the Khumbu valley. You’ll never forget the view of Everest dwarfing the little town of Gokyo from the top of the pass.
Distance: Lukla to Gokyo is about 46km (28.5 miles); Obviously much longer if you cross the Cho La Pass and hit the main EBC trail.
Highest Elevation: 5,357m (17,575ft) if you choose to see the sunrise at Gokyo Ri. Can be higher if you decide to join the main EBC trail.
EVEREST PANORAMA
Want to trek in the Everest Region but short on time? Perhaps you aren’t so keen on strenuous treks or high altitude? The Everest Panorama also known as the Everest View trek may be what you are looking for. Panorama trekkers join the main EBC trail to Namche Bazaar and use it as a base to make scenic side trips. This shorter variation of the trek doesn’t continue to higher altitudes towards Everest base Camp, but does offer great views of Everest and other surrounding peaks such as Lhotse, Thamserku and Ama Dablam. It really is a great opportunity to see the beauty of the region and explore Sherpa villages and ancient monasteries like Tengboche – the highest in the world.
Distance: Lukla to Tengboche is about 28km (17 miles)
Highest Elevation: 3850m (12,631ft)
NOTE THAT AVERAGE DURATION OF THE TREKS COMES DOWN TO MANY FACTORS: DESIRED ROUTE, HOW MUCH TIME YOU HAVE TO EXPLORE THE REGION AND ACCLIMATIZATION DAYS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE ELEVATION OF THESE TREKS AND HOW PACING YOURSELF ENSURES YOU NATURALLY ACCLIMATIZE AND AVOID ALTITUDE SICKNESS (WHICH CAN BE FATAL).
TREKKING PEAKS NEAR EVEREST
Have the urge to summit but not quite ready for Mt. Everest herself? There are also several trekkable peaks in the Everest region – most notably Island Peak, Mera Peak, and Khayu Ri. So if you thought the Everest Base Camp Trek was your only option – I’ve not give you a lot more to think about. No need to stress – planning a trip to the region doesn’t have to be daunting. These trails are very popular and well equipped with a variety of tea houses, places to eat and local guides & sherpas ready to make your experience an excellent one.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON TREKKING EVEREST
When mapping out my Everest Region trekking adventure, I knew I wanted to accomplish three things: 1) visit and overnight at Everest Base Camp, 2) find route less trodden and more challenging (to avoid the crowds) and 3) minimize backtracking to be able to see more of the Everest Region. I enlisted the help of one of my favorite LGBT travel companies – OUT Adventures – to assist in the planning of an itinerary. The result was a combination of the popular Everest Base Camp Trek combined with two of the three passes of the 3-Pass Trek. I got everything I set out to accomplish in one trip and it was one hell of an adventure.
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS: NEPAL
Flights
Nepal is accessible via Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Check out Kayak to find the best deals on flights to Nepal.
Accommodation
As a long-time rewards member, Hotels.com is my first stop when exploring accommodation options. Not only do they have great inventory, but you get a free nights stay after every 10th booking.
Travel Insurance
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. (As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.)
As we mentioned earlier in your blog, trekking to EBC is one of our biggest adventures. We will bookmark this as our useful guide when the time comes to accomplish this dream. Is it possible to purchase a cheaper permit to climb other mountains in the vicinity that are easier (and cheaper) than Everest?
I can’t wait to hear about your adventure when you do go. The permits that you purchase give you access to the parks. These are relatively inexpensive. Where the large permit costs come in, is if you actually want to climb and summit Everest. These permits are astronomical. If you want to climb surrounding peaks the permits are substantially cheaper. It may cost $11,000 for Everest in spring where other peaks can be as low as $250. Worth checking out Nepal Tourism board for up to date pricing when you plan your trip.
Ah, I see. We’re not exactly sure if we want to climb Everest because of the exorbitant fee and the traffic of climbers there. But hiking the Lower Himalayas, camping in EBC, and climbing the surrounding peaks is doable given our budget.
This is a great post! I am sure many people will benefit from the offerings you have. I doubt there are many places out there that have as detailed a guide for all climbers and adventurers that you have. We would probably just go and see some of the very interesting monasteries. Good luck on all your adventures.
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you found the article interesting and informative. If you decide to make it out to Nepal let me know. Happy Travels.
Ive been reading about your trip to the mountains for long time and each post I am very impressed! Love this summary post now too! I probably said that before, but I do believe that its one of those life time trips you will remember forever but I would definitely need so much training before ! Those views are just so amazing! I am so jealous! And wow that Tenzing-Hilary Airport! haha I would not wanna fly there!
Flying in and out of that airport was fun lol. Thanks for the kind words and for following along.
Not everyone can summit the Everestbut its good theres the basecamp and the other peaks to choose from like Island Peak, Mera Peak, and Khayu Ri such a lovely place to hike definitely base camp is on my list.
100% Agree. We are actually talking about going back sometime soon to do some of the trekking peaks that you mentioned. You mentioned that you haven’t been to Base Camp yet – have you been to the region at all?
Hi there!
Great information for trekking! I’ve been hiking more lately and really falling in love with nature! This would be a great place to be! I’ll work my way up to the necessary endurance and stamina and take in account your advice! Thank you for such a great post and ideas!
Dee
Thanks for the kind words Dee. Best of luck in your training. Trekking through the Everest region is just one of the many spectacular places where you can break those hiking boots in. 🙂
First off, thanks for starting with that very cool fact about Nepal – I did not know it was home to 8 of the 10 tallest mountains in the world! That’s a pretty big deal. Second, I’m not nor will I ever be able to undertake a journey such as this one but I absolutely love reading about your adventures! Trekking sounds like such an exhilarating and intense experience and the views always look like they’re worth the effort. But I just know I couldn’t handle it myself, so I’m happy to live vicariously through your stories 🙂
Thanks for the kind words Aisha. Never say never – but if you don’t decide to make it to the region or trek throughout Nepal, you always have my stories. 🙂 The views are deffo worth it. Happy Travels.
Those peaks! One day! One day! The dream is still on for me! Fantastic read. 🙂
Thanks again for the kind words Danik. Cool to see your excitement about potentially taking on this adventure as well. When you do, you’ll have to let me know.
So many people seem to focus only on Everest itself in the Himalayas, but I’ve no doubt that there are so many other stunning peaks!
There are tons of options in the area. We are actually talking now about going back at some point soon to head up some of the surrounding trekking peaks. Higher altitude and summits without technical skills. We shall see how we get on.
This is great! I really would love to visit Everest one year. Unfortunately i can’t afford it currently so i’m visiting mountains in my country. Pictures are amazing and i believe that you really enjoy up there.
Thanks for the kind words. You are right – I really do enjoy it up there. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the captures. I hope you get the opportunity to see it in person for yourself.
This is on my must-do lists between this year and next. I really really want to do this – more for my satisfaction. Your advice and tips are highly appreciated and I am book marking this for my trip…whenever it happens.
Thanks for the kind words. Feel free to give me a shout when you decide to plan your trip. 🙂 It will no doubt be a trip of a lifetime.
Nepal is really the stuff that dreams are made of. That is mainly because of the presence of the majestic Himalayan ranges. The region offers some of the most breathtaking trekking trails in the world. The ultimate must be the one to the Everest Base camp. Loved reading your post about the different trails for trekking.
I agree with you 100%. These mountains are gorgeous and have a spiritual feeling about them. Thanks for checking out DomOnTheGo.
I’d love to visit Nepal, the landscape looks perfect for any travel and landscape photographer. Great guide, I’ve bookmarked it for future reference.
It’s really an explosion to the senses. I can’t wait to go back myself and explore more of it.
I love Nepal, have to plan a trip soon for trekking
Its a great place. Trekking season opens up again once the monsoons are done. 🙂
Wow! You pictures are amazing! I love mountains and I like hiking but this kinda hiking is a whole different story!
I hope I can someday find someone to do this with and train for it because I would love to see this in real life! 🙂
A lot of people do this trip on their own. Every day you meet tons of trekkers on the route sharing the same experience as you. You’ll often be staying at the same ta houses as well – so always an opportunity to make new friends from around the world.