Nepal is blessed with many beautiful trekking destinations out of which Everest Region is considered as abode for the climbing enthusiasts. Located at the Solukhumbu district of northeastern Nepal, the region has two protected conservation areas  1."Sagarmatha National Park" and 2."Makalu-Barun National Park". The altitude here ranges from 3300 meters to 8848 meters (top of the world). It is a colony to dramatic glaciers, deep settlements, numerous monasteries, and majestic mountain ranges. The region is far famed amongst the travellers as it is home to the world's highest mountain peak "Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest)" and many other beautiful mountain ranges.

A direct flight from the capital (Kathmandu) to Lukla can be taken; from there the journey to Everest begins. Taking a flight is time-saving however, for die-hard trekking lovers a switchback starting from Jiri through the Mid-hills of Solu is also possible (it will roughly take 10-12 days to reach Namche 3500m). The trek provides you the  opportunity to visit the deepest Sherpa settlements (villages) and gives you the glimpse of culture and hospitality of Sherpa people (the major ethnicity held by people living in this region). As mentioned above the region hosts many spectacular mountain ranges (4 of the World's tallest) some of them are Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Island Peak etc. The journey may also include visit to Buddhist monasteries and gumbas like Tengbonche and Rinpoche. Talking about biodiversity the Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site) and Makalu-Barun National park is home to many exotic species of wild animals and birds like Snow Leopard, Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, Ghoral, Red-billed chough, which is another main source of attraction for the tourists. Overlooking the vegetation in lower forest zone of the region Birch, Juniper, Blue Pines, Fir and Rhododendron are found but as we move up we will witness dwarf- sized shrubs only. Everest base camp, Gokyo lake, and three passes trek are the few famous expeditions in this region. Other than climbing and trekking sky diving has been the recent fountainhead for travelers as its gives the most unique experience of 360 degree view of Himalayas.

New infrastructures have been developed, yet the journey is still tough and challenging as the terrain is very rough and slippery. The climatic condition is highly changeable so, the best time to visit is during pre-monsoon (February, March, April and May) and post-monsoon (late September, October, November, and December). Trek to the Base camp is possible even during January and February but the temperature will be very low making the rugged terrain even harder, challenging and almost impossible to concur.

Credit @ Nischal Joshi

Email: nischaljoshi77@gmail.com