The Everest or Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all trekking and mountain regions. Populated by Sherpas, the attractions of this area are the majestic mountains, the high mountain villages, the isolated monasteries, and the local peoples. This area includes the highest mountain in the world, Everest at 8,848m, and many of the world's 8,000m peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. First climbed in 1953, Everest still holds a fascination for many, however the Everest region boasts many more spectacular and beautiful mountains, as well as some of the most rewarding trekking anywhere in the world.
The Everest Base Camp trek is a classic trek which follows in the footsteps of Hillary & Tenzing and ends with an ascent of Kala Pattar for superb views of Everest.
This trek starts with an exhilarating 45 minute mountain flight into the airstrip at Lukla. From here we trek slowly upwards to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It is not long before we glimpse our first view of Everest as it peeks above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge. At this point it is still many days walk away, but with careful acclimatization it is not long before we find ourselves high up in the heart of the Khumbu region.
We visit Tengboche monastery en route before continuing on to our goal, an ascent of Kala Pattar, a rocky outcrop to the west of Everest. This vantage point gives fantastic views of the Ice Fall and South Col as well as the immense south-west face of Everest which was first climbed in 1975 by Chris Bonington's team. This is truly a classic trek, which undoubtedly gives one of the best mountain views in the world. Accommodation and food is provided in the local lodges