Everest Panorama Trek

Highlights

• Embark on an unforgettable journey following the age-old stone steps that wind their way upwards, passing through the enchanting and culturally rich Sherpa villages, offering a glimpse into their unique way of life.
• Prepare to be mesmerized as you catch a breathtaking glimpse of the majestic Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, and the equally picturesque and iconic peak of Ama Dablam, a stunning sight that will forever be etched in your memory.
• Delve into the wonders of the Himalayas by exploring the great day hikes that originate from Namche Bazaar, a vibrant village perched high in the heart of the Himalaya, serving as a perfect base for your adventures.
• Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Tengboche, a revered destination that is home to one of the region’s most famous and significant monasteries, a place of peace and tranquility.
• Feeling extravagant? Indulge in a truly unforgettable experience by touring the Everest region by helicopter, a luxurious and breathtaking way to witness the unparalleled beauty of the landscape from above.

Planning Your Trek

For all the incredible trekking routes that are listed below, your adventure will invariably commence with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla serves as the essential gateway village to the remarkable Everest region, marking the beginning of your Himalayan journey. The majority of treks within the Everest region strategically begin with this flight, a decision made to maximize the precious time you have to spend higher up in the stunning valley, allowing for better acclimatization and exploration.

From the bustling airstrip of Lukla, the classic five-day trek will lead you to the vibrant and energetic Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar stands as the bustling heartland of Sherpa culture, a place where you can immerse yourself in the traditions and hospitality of the local people. With Namche as your conveniently located base, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a memorable day hike to the beautiful and serene village of Thame. In Thame, you will find a picturesque monastery, gracefully perched high atop the towering cliffs, offering stunning panoramic views. Thame possesses a unique charm as it sits off the main Everest Base Camp route, a factor that contributes to it receiving relatively few visitors, allowing for a more peaceful and authentic experience. Adding to its historical significance, the house of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the legendary Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary on their groundbreaking first successful ascent of Everest back in 1953, is located in Thame, a testament to the region’s rich mountaineering history.

Should you choose to extend your adventure by adding on just two more days, bringing the total duration to seven days, you can continue your trek onwards as far as the revered Tengboche. Here, in Tengboche, you will have the invaluable opportunity to visit the famous monastery, a spiritual sanctuary where climbers and trekkers alike traditionally seek the blessings of the Head Lama, hoping for a successful and safe journey. Tengboche also rewards visitors with extraordinary and incredibly close-up views of the majestic Ama Dablam, a mountain so stunning that it is a truly deserving candidate for the title of the world’s most beautiful mountain.

If you find yourself fortunate enough to have ten days at your disposal, then you should seriously consider embarking on the rewarding Kongde Loop. This incredible loop includes captivating stops in the iconic Namche Bazaar, the serene Thame, and the picturesque Kongde, which lies nestled at the very foot of the imposing Kongde Ri peak. One of the many unforgettable highlights of this route is the experience of waking up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Kongde Ri, a truly magical moment that will stay with you long after your trek is complete.

However, if you are in a situation where your time is limited but financial constraints are not a major concern, then it’s definitely worth considering incorporating a helicopter ride into one of these carefully crafted itineraries. Not only will this dramatically shorten the overall duration of the trip, but you will also be rewarded with unparalleled and unforgettable views that simply cannot be experienced in any other way, offering a unique perspective on the grandeur of the Everest region.

#1 Namche Bazaar & Thame – 5 Days

#2 Tengboche Monastery – 7 Days

#3 The Kongde Loop – 10 Days

Please note: The challenging walk from Thame to Khongde is an adventure that can only be undertaken at certain times of the year, specifically when environmental conditions are favorable and deemed safe. It is also crucial that this trek is only attempted by individuals possessing the necessary rope skills and equipped with the appropriate gear for such a demanding undertaking. Attempting this trek at the wrong time of year, or with inexperienced individuals lacking the requisite skills and equipment, would be exceedingly dangerous and should be strictly avoided. However, when undertaken responsibly and under the right conditions, it is undeniably one of the most amazing walks, if not the very best, in all of Khumbu, offering unparalleled scenery and a truly unforgettable experience. Due to the potential hazards involved, it is absolutely essential that you consult with a seasoned trekking expert and a qualified guide before embarking on this particular trek, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the journey.

#4 Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak is a prominent peak and ridgeline that gracefully cuts across the lower Everest Region, specifically located southwest of the bustling town of Lukla. This trek is an excellent choice for those who are seeking to immerse themselves in the authentic rural landscapes of Nepal, providing a unique glimpse into the country’s traditional way of life. Moreover, the Pikey Peak trek offers absolutely stunning and panoramic views of the iconic Everest, allowing you to witness its grandeur from a less crowded and more serene perspective. From Kathmandu, you have the convenient options of either driving or flying to access the starting point of the trek. The routes themselves are highly customizable, ranging from three to seven days, depending on your individual preferences and the amount of time you have available for this incredible adventure. We highly recommend undertaking the Pikey Peak trek over a period of seven days, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the region and acclimatize gradually to the altitude.

Everest by Helicopter

If you harbor a strong interest in the possibility of hiring a helicopter for an unparalleled experience, then touring the Everest region by helicopter is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring adventures that you can possibly undertake in Nepal – or even in the entire world. This luxurious and breathtaking experience offers a perspective on the region’s majestic landscapes that is simply unmatched, allowing you to witness its grandeur from a unique vantage point.

It’s also worth noting that you can seamlessly combine the thrill of trekking with the convenience and luxury of a helicopter pick-up. There are a variety of strategically located places within the region that are suitable for helicopter pick-ups, with Namche Bazaar/Syangboche and Lukla being the most commonly used and convenient options, providing flexibility and ease of access for your adventure.

Best Season

As with the vast majority of other treks that are available in Nepal, the most optimal times to embark on your Everest adventure are during the spring months (March through May) and the autumn months (September through November). During these specific months, the weather conditions are typically most favorable, with a higher likelihood of clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures. However, it’s important to bear in mind that the Khumbu region is known for its particularly cold and dry climate. As a result, many trekkers who visit this region often develop the infamous ‘Khumbu cough,’ a common ailment caused by the prevalence of dry dust in the air.

While it is generally possible to trek during both the summer/monsoon season and the winter season, it is absolutely crucial to undertake greater preparation and be fully equipped for the more challenging and potentially hazardous conditions that may arise. During the monsoon season, for example, you may experience limited visibility and a reduced chance of enjoying clear and unobstructed views of the stunning landscapes.

Getting there & away

All treks that venture into the remarkable Khumbu region invariably require a flight from Kathmandu to the small but essential airport located in Lukla. This is the standard mode of transport, unless you opt for the significantly longer and more arduous overland route that passes through Jiri. However, the flight itself is a truly stunning and unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking aerial views of the majestic Himalayas. Numerous flights are scheduled daily from Kathmandu, typically utilizing small fixed-wing airplanes, with the flight duration being approximately 30 minutes. However, it’s important to be aware that adverse weather conditions frequently lead to the closure of the airport, so it is prudent to prepare for potential delays if you are planning to fly to Lukla. As a precautionary measure, it is also advisable to allocate a day or two as buffer days in your itinerary to account for any unforeseen disruptions.

Permits & regulations

The Sagarmatha National Park, through which your trek will take you, holds the esteemed designation of being a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to its outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance. As is the standard procedure for all treks that are conducted within this protected park, you will be required to obtain both a TIMS card (costing US$10) and a Sagarmatha National Park permit (costing US$30).

If you are undertaking your trek with the assistance of a reputable trekking agency, they will typically handle all the necessary arrangements for obtaining these permits on your behalf, ensuring a hassle-free experience. However, if you are independently arranging your trek, it will be your responsibility to acquire your TIMS permit in Kathmandu before heading to the region. The Sagarmatha National Park permit, on the other hand, can be obtained in Monjo, a strategically located village en route to the park.

What to bring

As with all other treks that you might undertake in Nepal, it is absolutely essential to ensure that you have sturdy and reliable hiking boots to provide adequate support and protection for your feet. Additionally, a waterproof outer layer is crucial to shield you from potential rainfall or snow. Furthermore, it is advisable to bring a selection of other clothing items that can be easily layered, allowing you to adapt to the fluctuating weather conditions and put on or take off layers as needed. The lodges along the trekking routes are generally equipped with blankets to provide warmth and comfort during the colder evenings and nights.

Difficulty

The meticulously curated itineraries that are listed here predominantly stay below an altitude of 4000 meters. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that altitude-related problems can potentially arise after ascending above 2500 meters, so it is advisable to be mindful of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take appropriate precautions.

The most physically challenging day on the shorter itineraries that are suggested here is typically the 6-7 hour trek between the villages of Phakding and Namche Bazaar. The trail for this section is predominantly uphill for the entire duration, requiring a sustained level of exertion. However, your efforts will be richly rewarded, as you will have the opportunity to catch your very first breathtaking glimpse of the majestic Everest on this very day. Moreover, you will also have the chance to cross the highest suspension bridge in Nepal, an exhilarating experience that will undoubtedly make this a truly memorable and unforgettable day.

If you opt to take a helicopter ride to or near the iconic Everest Base Camp, it is important to be aware that you will be reaching very high altitudes of above 5000 meters. At these extreme altitudes, you may experience an increased shortness of breath due to the reduced oxygen levels. However, it is worth noting that you will not be staying at these high altitudes for an extended period of time, minimizing the potential for any significant adverse effects.

Accommodation & meals

The lodges that are found in the Khumbu region are generally well-developed and offer a relatively comfortable level of accommodation. There is a diverse range of options available, spanning from ultra-budget-friendly lodges to hotels that boast a quality comparable to what you might find in Nepal’s major cities. These higher-end establishments often offer amenities such as hot showers and electric blankets on the beds, providing a touch of luxury amidst the rugged mountain environment. However, it is important to note that not all grades of accommodation may be available in all settlements, particularly in the smaller and more remote villages.

The food that you will encounter during your trek is generally of good quality, with menus typically featuring items such as rice and curry, noodles, momos (delicious steamed dumplings), soup, and Tibetan-style bread. A staple food in the Khumbu region is potatoes, and these tend to feature more prominently on the menus of trekking lodges here than in other parts of Nepal, with fewer fresh vegetables being available. As you ascend higher into the mountains, the availability of fresh food will gradually decline, and the costs of meals will also tend to increase due to the logistical challenges of transporting supplies to these remote locations.

Costs

Trekking in the Everest region is generally considered to be relatively costly, primarily due to the unavoidable expense of the necessary airfare between Lukla and Kathmandu. This flight is an essential part of most itineraries, and it significantly contributes to the overall cost. (Adding a helicopter ride into these itineraries would further escalate the cost considerably, but it is undoubtedly a fantastic way to get up close and personal with the magnificent mountains if your budget allows for it.) Otherwise, both budget-friendly and more luxurious accommodation and food options are generally available, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets.