Top Treks in Everest Region 2020

The Everest region is the most well-known of all the trekking routes all around the world. This region is one of the best trekking for adventure devotees with full of ultimate natural splendor. The region encompasses Sagarmatha National Park, home of the tallest mountains like Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam, Cho Oyu and other several mountains.

Besides the captivating scenery, one has the opportunity to witness the local Sherpa culture, a people recognized for their friendliness, faithfulness, and incredible strengths and endurance in the high mountains of Nepal. Trek to Everest region gets to experience extensive ranges of flora and fauna in Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site. The trails wind through secluded valleys, through small picturesque villages across high mountain passes and past isolated monasteries.

Nepalese states massive peak as Sagarmatha which means the goddess of sky likewise, Tibetan people say Chomolungma which denotes the goddess of the universe. The Everest Region, also recognized as the Solukhumbu region, featured with sweeping glaciers, magnificent snow-clad mountain, fragrant forest trails, and world well-known monasteries. 

The Everest Region sited between 86˚31′ – 86˚58′ East longitude and 27˚47′ – 28˚71′ North Latitude. Lies about 90 km northeast from Kathmandu. It encompasses three sub-region – Khumbu (Namche and Khumjung Village Development Committees) in the north, Pharak (Charikharka) in the middle and Solu in the south.

Nowhere in the globe is more remarkable than in the Everest region. The Everest region offers several treks that is suitable for family with children, school groups and solo. Here is the list of the best trekking  in the Everest region that must not be missed in 2020:

1.      Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp trek lets you soar from 2,800 meters to 5,300 meters. Annually, thousands of trekkers visit to catch a sight of one of the globe’s most renowned mountain Mount Everest Base camp- the foothills of the tallest mountain on the globe- Mount Everest.

 Getting a glimpse of the notorious Khumbu Icefall and viewing expeditions getting ready for their bid to the highest summit on earth from base camp is another attraction of this trek. Also, jaw-dropping sceneries of Pumori (7,145m), Lingtren (6,697m), Khumbutse (6,623m), etc will greet as trekkers trek to Kalapathar nestled at the elevation of 5,550m from the base camp.

Further trekking on the Everest base camp route is like working your system through a spiritual art piece combined with the most inspiring soaring peaks you have ever imagined of. The trekkers get energized with the prayers wheels, fluttering prayer flags and enormous hand-carved prayer stones dotted along the trail.

The route also weaves through awe-inspiring high suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, milky river (Dudh Koshi), stunning alpine landscapes, quaint Sherpa settlement and enjoy a delicious meal in cozy tea houses. Even trekkers get a chance to encounter rainbow-colored vibrant Himalayan monal pheasant, snow cock, magnificent eagles and many wildlife along the trail.

Moreover, trekkers get to retrace the footsteps of world-famous mountaineers, comprising Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay who made their historic Everest expedition in 1953. The ideal period to trek the Everest Base Camp is during April – May (spring) or October – November (autumn) which are regarded to be pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period respectively. There are less likely of rain and the colors of the season are in full swing at these times.

2. Everest High Passes Trek

Everest High Passes trek integrates all of the places of interest of the other treks in the Everest region into one single challenging journey.

Numerous trekkers make it their mission to traverse the notorious ‘high passes’ in addition to getting Everest Base Camp. Stunning and unparalleled mountain views, including the almighty Everest, Ama Dablam, and Lhotse can catch sight in a mere distance. The passes are challenging, and present an opportunity to acclimatize before reaching Base Camp and Kalapathar.

The route leads trekkers on a complete ring of the Sagarmatha National Park, passing through all the countless viewpoints and picturesque villages. The trail takes less trodden trails into the more isolated valleys adjacent to the main Everest Base Camp trail. Get ready for some solemn hiking and high-altitude mountain passes, as trekkers will be traversing over three passes, beyond 5000m: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. The trekkers have an option to take either two high passes trek or three passes trek.

3. Everest Base Camp Comfort Trek

Embarking into the base of the world’s highest peak is in almost everybody’s bucket list! Almost all of us have imagined of hiking through the beautiful lush landscapes and blooming flora with the mountains glittering in the backdrop for an experience of a lifetime!

Everest Base Camp Comfort Trek reaches the base camp of the highest peak whilst staying in the comfort lodges of the Everest region. This trek incorporates the trekking to the famous Everest Base camp trek but with added comfort. The Itinerary has been designed for those who prefer to undertake the trek to the base of Mount Everest with comfort.

The trek further provides a huge opportunity to explore around the world heritage site of the Sagarmatha National Park which hosts a diverse range of wildlife, vegetation. Many well-known flowing rivers, deep lakes, sunset and sunrise over the Himalayas are also the highlight of this trek. Morning sunrise view from height and traversing Dudh Koshi River (milky river) across through several short and long suspension bridges make the trek more thrilling. In addition, trekkers can gather overwhelming experience of walking through stone steeped hamlets and glacial valleys. Moreover, trekkers can indulge themselves in the jaw-dropping mountain backdrop with four of the world’s six tallest peaks of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho Oyu soaring above everything in view. 

4. Everest Comfort Lodge Trek

Everest Comfort Trek itinerary has been designed to accommodate trekkers who wish a relaxed stay while trekking on the classical route to Everest. The trek allows trekkers to soak the beauty of the Everest region in comfort while being able to experience the local culture of the nearby villages.

The trek commence from Lukla and takes into the core of the Khumbu region with an opportunity to stay in the comfort mountain lodges. Along the trails, you can have a close insight into the different landscapes and the traditional Himalayan lifestyle.

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5.  Gokyo Lakes Trek- The Himalayan gems

Gokyo Lakes trek is the popular trek in the Everest a region that takes you up a corresponding valley to the small lakeside settlement of Gokyo and then onto a series of isolated lakes even farther up the valley.

Any trekkers would be captivated by the turquoise waters of Gokyo lakes, glaciers draped on the Himalayas. Furthermore, the trekkers can soak the panoramic views of the 360-degree mountain ranges beyond 8,000m.

Gokyo Lake is the fresh alpine lake, comprising six main lakes which are believed to be the highest collection of freshwater lakes in the globe. Those who love the trekking in the Himalaya glacier, this is the best site to visit.

The first portion of the trek to reach Gokyo Lakes follows a similar trail for Everest Base Camp, so trekkers can include a visit to Gokyo Lakes to the approach to Everest Base Camp, or their return.

After reaching these Himalayan gems, trekkers have the option to ascend Gokyo Peak, which nestled 5,357 above sea level.  The peak offers commanding views of four of the six highest mountains in the world: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

6. Pikey PeakTrek to Lower Everest Region

Situated at the altitude of 4,065m/ 13,335ft, Pike peak comprises some of the world’s best mountain vistas, which are not to be missed. Trekkers can witness Kanchenjunga in eastern Nepal right across to Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu and all the way to the Annapurna range west of Kathmandu. Legend has it that Sir Edmund Hillary himself stated the peak to be the best place from which to gaze upon Mount Everest. The name Pikey originates from the name of a Sherpa Clan god and the locals observe to worship their clan god.

Trekking to Pikey itself is a delight as trekkers hike through woodlands of birch and rhododendron. If trekkers visit in spring (March-May) then entire forests adorn with colorful rhododendron flowers. From May-October one can witness cattle grazing to meadow all over the area, reminding trekkers of why the newly opened trails from Shivalaya are called the ‘cheese trail’.

This trek is an ideal choice for those seeking to experience rural Nepal and provide jaw-dropping vistas of Everest on a full scale. From Kathmandu, trekkers have opted to drive or fly in to access the trek.

7. Everest by Helicopter

Everest by Helicopter Tour is ideal for those who have a limited amount of time but still want to savor the sight of Everest from the close proximity. This tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can do in Nepal.

Everest Heli Tour will give you electrifying views of the globe’s tallest mountain “Mt. Everest”. Besides, one can witness several neighboring peaks such as Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and an additional 27 mountains in the Everest area. You will get an opportunity to have hearty breakfast at the hotel (Kongde or Syangboche) of the highest elevation while drenching the view of the Mt. Everest at a close distance.

Even one can combine trekking with a thrilling helicopter tour by choosing Everest Helicopter Trek. Trekkers can start the trek from Lukla passing many villages all the way to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar’s viewpoint. Then trekkers can descend to Gorakshep for the Helicopter ride back to Kathmandu. During the helicopter ride, you can enjoy aerial vistas of massive Mount Everest, Sherpa settlements and glacial valley.

Indeed, the Everest Helicopter trek and tour filled your life with more enthusiasm and delight once you step your foot to the Kalapathar vantage point that grasps surreal vistas over the whole Everest range. 

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8. Amadablam Base Camp Trek- Trek to the world’s beautiful mountain

Amadablam recognized widely as ‘Matterhorn’ among westerners due to its high ridges and steep faces. The title of the peak ‘Ama Dablam has a distinct meaning.  Mount Ama Dablam (6,812 m) derived from the traditional language. The long glacial deposit on each side of the peak is formed resemble the arms of a mother “Ama” protecting her child. The glacier represents a necklace “Dablam”, the traditional pendant with pictures of god worn by Sherpa women.

Ama Dablam attracts any person who sets eyes on her.  Ama Dablam Basecamp provides the marvelous backdrops of the Himalayan range of Everest the region with the world’s tallest Mt. Everest (8848 Meter), Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse Shar and numerous adjacent peaks.

This splendid Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek commences from Lukla following classic and renowned Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek designed for those who would like to see Everest, but do not have an adequate period to trek all the way to Everest base camp. Even the trekkers planning to embark on Everest base Camp can add Amadablam Base Camp as a side trek for acclimatization.

FAQ about Everest Region

How long does it take to walk to Mt Everest Base Camp?

Usually, the trek to Everest Base Camp consumes 14 days to complete on a 130km round-trip. It takes eight days to get to Base Camp and four days to get back down. Generally, the trek involves 9-day long trekking and 3-day acclimatization days.

Can you take a helicopter to Everest Base Camp?

The helicopter ride takes you to the base of Kalapathar picturesque hill for a magnificent backdrop of Mt. Everest. This tour can be done within a short span of time without exertion. Even you can combine Helicopter tour with EBC treks. For more information contact us.

What is the difficulty level of Everest Base Camp trek?

Everest base camp trek does not require professional trekking experiences.  However, one should be physically fit and sound mental determination. It is advisable to involve in hiking, cycling, uphill climbing prior to the trek. 

 What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health result of high elevation. It occurred by speedy exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. To know more about Altitude sickness link  the article: Altitude Mountain Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Can I apply for a visa online?

You can get visa online – filling the form and following the step by step procedure at http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa

Do I need to get a visa to travel to Nepal? What are the documents required to visit Nepal?

All nationals must hold a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. An entry visa for all except Indians for Nepal is required. You need to arrange these prior to departure with the relevant embassy/consulate or you even get a visa on arrival. Learn more:  Visa and Documents requirement

Do I need to take permits to trek in the Everest region?

The trekkers who wish to trek the Everest region need a TIMS card, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and  Sagarmatha National Park permit.  If you are trekking Pike Peak at Lower Everest region then, the trekkers require to obtain TIMS and Gauri Shankar National Park Permit. Nepal Sanctuary Treks is here to arrange all the permits and organize the customize treks for you.

 

Mani Rimdu Festival: The sacred festival of the Everest region

Nepal is not only home to the almighty Himalayas and lush hills, but it is also a destination that drenched in charming culture. These cultures and traditions are deeply influenced by spirituality and religion.

Nepal celebrates many festivals depending on religious, ethnicity and castes. Not only has our ethnicity decided the festivals we celebrate, but the region where we belong too.

Offering fascinating insights into the religious beliefs and ancient customs, these celebrations also let travelers enjoy significantly and enriching interactions with the locals.

Overflowing with vibrant colors, sacred customs and primeval rituals, these festivals, and cultural celebrations are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for travelers and will make any trip to Nepal unforgettable.

The festivals offer a glimpse into Nepal’s ancient history, culture, and rich heritage; and while the majority of Nepal’s festivals are cultural ceremonies, there are also certain celebrations that are specific to certain cities or regions.

Amongst numerous festivals, Mani Rimdu Festival is the most iconic and interesting high Himalayan cultural festival observed annually in the Everest region. This Himalayan festival has delighted several trekkers throughout the year, who still wanted to observe it.

In addition, the festival happens right in the autumn season, which is one of the most popular trekking time of the year. If you are planning to undertake trekking to the Everest region then grab the opportunity to witness this festival. It is a very interesting and perfect festival to combine with a trekking expedition in the Everest region.

Are you interested to participate Mani Rimdu Festival in November?  If so, you can choose to venture one of the following treks:

Everest Base Camp

Everest High Passes

Gokyo Lake Trek

Everest Base Camp trek with comfort

Pikey Peak Trek

Alternatively, if you are pondering to trek in lower Everest then Pikey peak trek is the ideal one. One can join Mani Rimdu Festival Trek in Chiwong Monastery.

What is the Mani Rimdu Festival?

Mani Rimdu is a traditional festival passed on from the mother monastery of Tengboche monastery, the Rongbuk. The festival is a re-creation of legendary events; the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet by the great saint, Guru Rimpoche/Padmasambhava. 

Mani Rimdu is the worship of Phakpa Chenrezig, the god of Compassion and the locals believe that his blessings bring peace and good luck to the region. One of the rituals invokes the blessings of the God of Compassion on the rilbu, the long-life pills.  “Mani Rimdu” comprises two words, ‘Mani’ means “part of the chant of Chenrezig” (A Bodhisattva who symbolizes all the compassion of Buddha) and ‘Rilbu’ or ‘Rimdu’ means small red pills that are blessed during the festival. The red pills are purified repeatedly during the festival and then distributed among attendants of the festival.

These sacred ceremonies are a series of events of empowerment. It is a sequence of 19 days festivities, which culminate with the last three days allotted as a public display of the festival. 

When and where Mani Rimdu Festival does take place?

As per the Tibetan lunar calendar, the Mani Rimdu festival observed from the first day of the tenth month which takes place between October –November. The chief lama of the Tengboche monastery announces the dates of the festival. This year the festival celebrated on 12th, 13th and 14th November 2019.

The festival is widely celebrated in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame of the Everest region

The main site for the Mani Rimdu festival is at Tengboche Monastery (3867 m). Perched in Tengboche village, it is the biggest monastery in the Everest region.  In 1916,  Lama Gulu constructed the monastery with strong connections to its mother monastery called the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet.

Furthermore, the remarkable aspect of Tengboche Monastery is that it is situated in the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded with a breathtaking backdrop of majestic renowned snow-clad peaks comprising Everest, Nuptse, Nuptse, Tawache, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.

What happens during the Mani Rimdu festival?

Mani Rimdu festival is a time where Sherpa and Tibetans get the opportunity to gather and rejoice together with the monastic community. People of the surrounding region gather around in a monastery for 5 days (for the welfare of the world) to celebrate the festival.

The main first day of the festival comprises prayers, second day for an interesting monk dance performance. The final day involves some hilarious dances and chanting prayers. When the festival concludes, and all prayers make their leave, the monks carry out a fire rite to disperse all troubles and evil of the world. The ceremony encompasses prayer, 16 ritual dance with interludes of comical effect, fire rituals and feasts.

Before exhibiting the ritual dance, the monk take oaths at an empowerment ceremony with Truslshig Rinpoche. They have to go through the preparation of festivals such as Sand Mandala, the Empowerment, and the Fire worship.

Main Preparation of Mani Rimdu Festival

During the 19 days, monks carry out several sacred ceremonies and rituals purifying the unique Mandala called Mani Rilwu (the sacred red pills).

The Sand Mandala

The festival initiates with a decorative portrayal of the Mandala drawing made with color sand collected from the sacred hills.  The colored sand used to prepare mandala and create a  fine-looking design that is highly emblematic in nature.

It signifies the palace of Garwang Thoze Chenpo (Lord of the Dance). The protective defensive blade signifying deities kept around the mandala while sacred Mani Riluwa pills bowl placed above the center.

Monks chant the ceremonial mantras constantly during the weeks of the ceremony before the public festival. During meditation, they visualize compassion flowing in the form of the mantra, into the Mandala and the Mani Rilwu pills and empowering them with kindness.

It usually takes four days to construct mandala and covered. This mandala is significant for the religious festival that continues for the next 10 days.

Wong (The Empowerment)

The Wong is the opening public ceremony carried out on the full moon day, of the tenth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar.  The holy and sanctified Mani Rilwu (sacred or blessed pills) and Tshereel (pills for long life), then distributed to spectators and attendees by Trulshig Rinpoche.

Ritual Dances

1.  Chham (The Dances)

The Chham (dances) exhibits on the second day of Mani Rimdu. The monks dressed up in brocade gown and wonderfully decorated masks. The elaborate mask symbolizes the old ghosts.

Then sequence ceremonial Lama Dances depicts the victory over demons, dispersed, to Dharma Protectors, as positive forces clash with those of chaos. The dances express Buddhist teaching on numerous levels from the simplest to the most philosophical.

During the dance, the monks are thought to turn out to be a divine being. The dances performed during Mani Rimdu regarded to be holy, and not for ordinary amusement. 

2.  Ser-Kyem

Ser-Kyem is two pieces of the larger raised dish-shaped bowl and a smaller raised offering bowl used to make tea offerings to Dharma protectors such as Mahakala

The smaller positioned in a standing position in the larger dish when the offering is being made. The smaller offering bowl placed upside down in the larger bowl when not in use. The food offerings can also, be sited in the larger dish when in use.

The six dancers exhibited the dance portraying a tantric magician known as Ngag-pa. Throughout the performance, they offer tormas and alcohol from silver vessels to numerous deities such as Yidam (personal deity) and Khandro (wisdom dakini), as well as to Shi-Dak (Earth deities) and the Lama (spiritual guide).

A crucial theme in Tibetan Buddhist practice is to make offerings to these beings so that they will support the righteous actions which lead to Buddhahood.

3.  Chhingpa

The next dance depicts the Four Protecting Ghings, who are defenders of the Buddhist religion. Among four, two of the Ghings are women who carry drums whereas the other two are males carrying cymbals.

The males signify skillful means and the female denote wisdom; these two aspects are made-up to help in achieving enlightenment.

 Each dancer wears magnificent vibrant paper masks exhibiting a continuous smiling expression.  Their dances are musically escorted by the beating of cymbals.

The priests performed the Dakini dance pleasantly. They executed dance in a gentle motion dance steps, keeping perfect time with the soft jingle and relaxed beat of bells and drums in their hands.

The dancers without masks represent female spiritual figures; consorts of Padmasambhava. There is a belief that they originate from his pure land of Shangdok Palri where they reside in his mandala. They symbolize the forthcoming arrival of Guru Rinpoche at the Mani Rimdu.

The Fire Puja (Jinsak)

The fire rite carried out in the yard once the three-day public festival concluded, and the viewers returned to their home.

The fire ceremony is an offering to Agni (the god of fire), and to the Gods of the mandala. The harm imagined as liquefying into the grain and burned the butter. Subsequently, the sand mandala dismantled and give as an offering to the serpent gods (Nagas). Thus, the 19-day Mani Rimdu completed partaking bestowed numerous with pills and blessings for long life, bliss, and success in the future.

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