Best Adventerous Hikes In The Everest Region

The Everest region in Nepal boasts some of the best hiking routes in Nepal, including the Everest Base Camp.

On average, more than forty thousand adventurers and explorers visit the Everest region each year for Hiking, Trekking, and the best panoramic views. The Everest region, also known as the Khumbu region, is considered a major tourist destination in Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

From thrilling and adventurous trails to sightseeing of unique culture, traditions, flora, and fauna, this region offers the best experience to everyone. Located in the district of Solukhumbu, the Everest region has an altitude range from 3,300m/ 11,000 ft to 8,848.86m/ 29,032 ft. The 65 million-year-old Himalayan range, with unique geographical features born out of the Indian and Eurasian plates, has the best hiking and trekking spots for beginner-level hikers to experts. 

In this blog, we will discuss the best Hikes in the Everest region, an essential packing list for hiking to Everest, and how you can reach these places. 

Best Hiking Destinations Within The Everest Region: 

Depending on individual interest, one may hike through the Everest Region for adventure, research and studies, and cultural experience. The Mahalangur Himalayan Range in this particular region offers spectacular views of the highest of mountains like Lhotse, Pumori, Lobuche, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The majestic snow-covered mountainous region often has magnificent blue sky during the Spring (March to May) and Autumn season (mid-September to mid-November). Based on the experiences of thousands of people who hiked in the Everest Region, the following are considered to be the best hiking destinations there: 

Everest Base Camp Hiking

• Duration of the hike: 11-16 Days             
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Situated at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), the Everest Base Camp is a Southern Base Camp of the highest peak of the world, located in Nepal. This base camp offers thrilling and unique views from the highest region of the world. Moreover, compared to the Northern Base Camp, this region offers a more stable route even for amateur and beginner-level hikers. 

On average, people take 14 to 16 days to complete their journey from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and return to the capital. Experienced hikers, however, can complete the hike sometimes within 10 days. 

As the base camp region is located in the Sagarmatha National Park, the journey there can be very interesting and out of this world. This region offers the sight of most exotic species of flora and fauna, some of which are listed as endemic and endangered species of plants and animals. Some of the rare, endangered, and endemic species of animals of this region are musk deer, red panda, marten, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, and snow leopard. Similarly, in the lower altitude region, vegetation like pine, white fir, juniper, birch, and rhododendron can be seen. The region is also home to more than 118 unique species of bird like Impeyan pheasant, Himalayan snow cock, red billed chough, blood pheasant, etc.

14-Day Everest Base Camp Hike Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593 ft)
• Day 2: Kathmandu – Trek Preparation & Sightseeing
• Day 3: Fly to Lukla (2,860m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m) – 3-4 hrs
• Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 5-6 hrs
• Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
• Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5-6 hrs
• Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m) – 5-6 hrs
• Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
• Day 9: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m) – 4-5 hrs
• Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), Return to Gorakshep (5,164m) – 7-8 hrs
• Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), Trek to Pheriche (4,240m) – 6-7 hrs
• Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar – 6-7 hrs
• Day 13: Trek to Lukla – 6-7 hrs
• Day 14: Fly Back to Kathmandu & Departure

 

Gokyo Lakes Hike 

• Duration of the hike: 9-12 Days           
• Difficulty Level: Difficult

Gokyo Lake is an oligotrophic deep blue colored lake (a lake with a deficiency of plant nutrients and oxygen) based in Sagarmatha National Park, Solukhumbu. It is situated at an altitude range of 4,700 - 5,000 meters (15,000 - 16,000 ft.). There are altogether 19 bigger lakes, ponds, and miniatures in the Gokyo region. The lake system of this particular region consists of six major glacial lakes, like Gokyo Cho and Thonak Tsho. 

Gokyo Lakes hiking provides the most scenic and extraordinary mountains seen from Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters/ 17,575 ft.) are Cho-Oyu (8,188m / 26,864 ft.), Makalu (8,485 meters/ 27,838 ft.), Lhotse (8,516 meters/ 27,940 ft), and Everest (8848.86 meters/ 29,031.7 ft). Like the base camp, to reach here, it takes on average 10 - 16 days. 

If you want to immerse yourself in the Nepali Buddhist culture of the Himalayan region, an additional two-day walk to Tengboche Monastery from Gokyo Lake can be a refreshing experience. 

Check our: Gokyo Lake with Renjo La Pass Trek

12-Day Gokyo Lakes Hike Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
• Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) & Trek to Phakding (2,610m) – 3 to 4 hours
• Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 5 to 6 hours
• Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
• Day 5: Trek from Namche to Dole (4,200m) – 5 to 6 hours
• Day 6: Trek from Dole to Machhermo (4,470m) – 3 to 4 hours
• Day 7: Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790m) – 4 to 5 hours
• Day 8: Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m) & Explore Fifth Lake – 6 to 7 hours
• Day 9: Trek back to Dole – 5 to 6 hours
• Day 10: Trek from Dole to Namche Bazaar – 4 to 5 hours
• Day 11: Trek to Lukla – 6 to 7 hours
• Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu

Everest Three Passes Hiking

• Duration of the hike: 18-22 Days         
• Difficulty Level: Extremely difficult

The Everest Three Passes Hike consists of major passes in the Everest region, like Kongma La (5,550 meters/ 18,209 ft), Cho La (5,420 meters/ 17782 ft), and Renjo La (5,360 meters/ 17,560 ft). This hike is considered to be one of the most challenging hiking and trekking spots.

This trek requires one to walk in tough terrain and even cross a glacier. The weather in this region remains unpredictable most often, and it is highly advised to trek/ hike with an experienced guide. This hike offers you an opportunity to reach the popular Everest Base Camp along with hiking through the three major high passes.

From Lukla, an average person takes 8-10 hours to reach Namche Bazaar. After resting, through Thame, Lobuche, and three passes, the hike can be completed in 18-22 days.  

Everest Three Passes Hike Itinerary (20 Days)

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
• Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
• Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
• Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
• Day 5: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
• Day 6: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
• Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
• Day 8: Trek to Chhukung (4,730m)
• Day 9: Cross Kongma La Pass (5,535m) to Lobuche (4,910m)
• Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
• Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) and Trek to Dzongla (4,830m)
• Day 12: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m) to Thangnak (4,700m)
• Day 13: Trek to Gokyo (4,790m)
• Day 14: Acclimatization Day in Gokyo
• Day 15: Cross Renjo La Pass (5,360m) to Marlung (4,210m)
• Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazaar
• Day 17: Trek to Lukla
• Day 18: Fly back to Kathmandu
• Day 19: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
• Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

Pikey Peak Hike

• Duration of the hike: 6-12 Days             
• Difficulty Level: Moderately difficult

Pikey Peak Hiking is one of the most trending and best hiking route in the Everest region. This spot is infamous for its extraordinary landscapes and serene environment. This region has an elevation of 4,065 meters/ 13,336 feet. 

In the low-elevation region of the Khumbu, Pikey Peak is known for out-of-the world sunrise and sunsets. En route to Pikey Peak, travellers can explore Sherpa culture, subtropical, and alpine ecosystem. Sishapangma, Mera Peak, Number, and Thamserku are other infamous mountains of this region. 

From Lukla by flight, you can rest in Namche Bazaar or reach Dhap by bus/jeep. A 6-8 hour hike from Dhap to Jhapre and another 7-8 hour hike from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp can be completed by resting in lodges and hotels in between. 

8-Day Pikey Peak Hike Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
• Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap (2,900m) – 7 to 8 hours
• Day 3: Trek from Dhap to Jhapre (2,920m) – 4 to 5 hours
• Day 4: Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Base Camp (3,640m) – 5 to 6 hours
• Day 5: Hike to Pikey Peak (4,065m) & Trek to Loding (2,515m) – 6 to 7 hours
• Day 6: Trek from Loding to Junbesi (2,675m) – 4 to 5 hours
• Day 7: Trek to Phaplu (2,470m) – 4 to 5 hours
• Day 8: Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu – 9 hours (drive) or 35 minutes (flight)

Everest View Hike

• Duration of the hike: 6-10 Days            
• Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate

Everest View Hike is one of the easiest hikes in the Everest region, which offers best views within a short period of time. It is ideal for trekkers who want to see Everest still remaining at the lower elevations.

Due to changing weather conditions and challenging topographical features, Mt.Everest is often not visible from just any other place in the Everest region. Some of the best-known spots in this hike to view the majestic peaks of the Himalayan range are the Sherpa Museum, Army Camp, Top Danda, and Hotel Everest View. 

Situated at 3,880 meters (12,729.66 feet), Hotel Everest View offers one of the best spots for the best outlook and sightseeing. Moreover, compared to other hikes in the Everest region, the trek/ hike for Everest View is comparatively easier for most people. Besides Mt. Everest/ Sagarmatha (8849 meters/ 27,031.7 feet) of the Mahalangur Range, the following are the other major mountains that can be sighted from this particular hike: 

• Mt. Nuptse (7,861 meters/ 25,791 feet), 
• Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812 meters/ 22,349 feet),
• Mt. Taboche (6,495 meters/ 21,309 feet)
• Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters/ 27,940 feet), 
• Mt. Kong De (6,187 meters/ 20,298.56 feet),
• Mt.Thamserku (6,608 meters/ 21,679.79 feet), 
• Mt. Kusum Kanguru (6,367 meters/ 20,889 feet) 

7-Day Everest View Hike Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m) – 3 to 4 hours
• Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) – 6 to 7 hours
• Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m)
• Day 4: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,860m) – 5 to 6 hours
• Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Namche Bazaar – 4 to 5 hours
• Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 6 to 7 hours
• Day 7: Fly back to Kathmandu

Route To Lukla: 

There are many alternative routes to Everest Base Camp, and depending on seasons and availability of transportation modes, they are as follows: 

By Flight from TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) to Lukla: 

This is the most common route for reaching the Everest region. After getting breakfast, we then take a (30-40 minutes) flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lukla. However, during peak season, the flights are often booked fully, and it becomes difficult to stick to this route. In such cases, alternative routes are used to reach the destination. 

After landing at Lukla/ Tenzing-Hillary Airport (World’s Most Dangerous Airport), we head towards Phakding on foot for an hour or two. 

Drive and Flight from Kathmandu to Ramechhap to Lukla:

When flights directly from Kathmandu to Lukla become inaccessible, we take a 7-9 hour drive from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport (Ramechhap) and take a 20-30 minute flight to Lukla.

This is another common route for reaching the Everest region during peak season due to the unavailability of a direct flight. A 4-5 hour jeep ride from Kathmandu via BP Highway concludes at Manthali, Ramechhap. 

Drive from Kathmandu to Salleri to Surke:

While this is not a common route because of the long duration, many travellers still choose this to fully experience Nepal and Nepali culture. It usually takes 9-10 hours from Kathmandu to reach Salleri via Bus/Jeep. From Salleri, one can take a jeep ride to Surke (South to Lukla) and head towards Phakding.  

After resting for a while, we head towards the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar, which is also known as the Gateway to Everest and/ Capital of the Sherpa by foot for roughly 2-4 hours. After walking alongside the banks of the major river Dudh Koshi, we reach one of the most popular and challenging bridges, also known as Hillary Suspension. From there, we pass through the Lacche Dovan and reach Namche Bazaar.  

From there, we explore different unique hiking spots like the monasteries, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, 3 Passes, Pikey Peak, Sagarmatha National Park, Everest View, and many more. The hike destination and route differ from different packages and the weather conditions. 

In Sum Up,

The Everest region is home to some of the best hikes in the Himalayas and has something for everyone. Whether you are a beginner in Hiking and trekking, or looking to trek for a week or a month. The Everest region has a plethora of options waiting for you.

Plan your next Everest Hike accordingly, and feel free to reach out to us if you require any further info regarding it.