Ultimate Guide to
Walk beneath the highest mountains on earth, sleep in Sherpa villages, and earn the Kala Patthar dawn
The Everest region - the Khumbu - holds the world's highest mountain and the most famous trails in trekking: the Everest Base Camp route, the Gokyo Lakes, and the Three Passes loop. The mountains are only half of it. This is Sherpa homeland, with working Buddhist monasteries, mani walls along every trail, and a mountaineering history written in the teahouses' photographs. The journey starts with the short, white-knuckle flight to Lukla, then climbs through stone-built villages and across long suspension bridges to viewpoints that put you face to face with Everest and its 8,000-meter neighbours.
March to May & September to November · Spring & Autumn
The best trekking seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Spring offers warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons, while autumn provides crystal-clear views and stable weather. Winter is extremely cold, and summer monsoon brings rain and clouds obscuring mountain views.
The adventure to Everest region starts with a flight to Lukla, the gateway to the Khumbu.
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) - a thrilling 30-35 minute flight to one of the world's most dangerous airports at 2,860m. During peak season, flights may operate from Ramechhap (4-5 hours drive from Kathmandu).
The traditional route takes 7-8 days walking from Jiri to Lukla, adding significant time but offering a less crowded, more authentic experience.
Discover the best experiences, attractions, accommodations, dining, and essential tips for your perfect journey
10 amazing experiences
Discover the most exciting activities and experiences that make Everest Region unforgettable
6 iconic landmarks
Explore the most iconic landmarks and cultural sites that define Everest Region
10 handpicked accommodations
Find the perfect accommodation from budget-friendly to luxury stays in Everest Region
10 culinary destinations
Savor the best restaurants and local eateries offering authentic flavors in Everest Region
13 practical tips
Essential advice and insider tips to make your visit to Everest Region smooth and memorable
Acclimatize properly - follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle, build in the standard rest days at Namche (3,440 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m), and never ascend with worsening symptoms - descending a few hundred metres fixes what pushing on makes dangerous
Learn the AMS warning signs before you fly in: persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, and unusual fatigue mean stop; confusion or breathlessness at rest mean descend immediately, day or night
Buy travel insurance that explicitly covers trekking above 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation - read the altitude clause, as many standard policies stop at 3,000-4,000 m
For Everest, get the Sagarmatha National Park fee plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee (paid in Lukla/Monjo) - TIMS is not required here; verify current fees
Plan around the Lukla flight: weather delays of a day or two are routine, so leave at least two buffer days before your international flight home, and know that many Lukla flights now leave from Ramechhap (a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu) in peak season - verify current arrangements
Pack layers - temperatures vary dramatically from day to night; expect t-shirt sun at midday and -10°C or colder nights above Dingboche
In-depth guides and tips to help you plan your Everest Region trip.
