Khumbu / Everest Region
The roof of the world — trek among the planet's highest peaks through the homeland of the legendary Sherpa people.
Trails
3
Best Season
October-November, March-May
How to Get There
Access via flight from Kathmandu to Lukla's Tenzing-Hillary Airport (25 minutes) or multi-day drive via Salleri/Phaplu. Pikey Peak is accessible by road from Kathmandu to Dhap (8-10 hours).
Permit Information
Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (NPR 3,000), Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee (NPR 2,000), and TIMS card required.
The Khumbu region in Solukhumbu district is the legendary home of the Sherpa people and the gateway to Mount Everest (8,849m). Lying within Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979), the region offers some of the most spectacular high-altitude trekking on Earth.
The classic Everest Base Camp trek is the world's most famous, but the Khumbu offers much more: the Gokyo Lakes trek to sacred turquoise glacial lakes, the demanding Everest Three Passes trek (crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La), and the gentler Pikey Peak trek in the lower Solu region. Four of the world's six highest peaks — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu — are visible from viewpoints in the region.
The Sherpa culture is integral to the trekking experience. Ancient monasteries like Tengboche and Pangboche, mani stone walls, and colorful prayer flags line the trails. Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital at 3,440m, is a vibrant trading town and acclimatization stop.