Trekking Routes in the Everest Region
Multi-day treks in the Khumbu
The Khumbu is trekking country, and multi-day teahouse treks are what most visitors come for. No road enters Sagarmatha National Park, so each route is walked from Lukla, with porters and yaks moving the baggage. Three routes cover most plans, and peak climbs are an add-on for experienced people. All treks cross 3,000 m, so altitude rules shape every itinerary.
Everest Base Camp trek
This is the headline route and commonly takes 12 to 14 days from Lukla (about 2,840 m). The trail passes Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m), Tengboche, Dingboche (about 4,410 m), Lobuche (about 4,940 m) and Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m). Everest Base Camp is at about 5,364 m, and many trekkers also climb Kala Patthar (about 5,644 m) for sunrise over Everest. Neither Base Camp nor Kala Patthar can be done in a day from Lukla.
Gokyo Lakes trek
The Gokyo route commonly takes 11 to 13 days. Gokyo sits at about 4,750 m beside a chain of lakes that form a protected Ramsar wetland, listed in 2007 and sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims bathe there during the Janai Purnima festival, and visitors should respect that. The viewpoint is Gokyo Ri (about 5,357 m), from which four 8,000 m peaks can be seen: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. The water is close to freezing, and there is no boating, kayaking or rafting. The Ramsar site record gives the wetland’s status.
Three Passes trek
The Three Passes route links Renjo La (about 5,360 m), Cho La (about 5,420 m) and Kongma La (about 5,535 m) and takes roughly 18 to 21 days. It is for experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers travelling with a licensed guide. It is not a first trek.
Peak climbs
Island Peak (6,189 m) and Mera Peak (6,476 m) are sometimes added to a trek. Each needs a permit and a guide, and Island Peak is a technical glaciated climb, not a beginner outing. Ask an agency for the current permit fees before you plan.
Staying healthy
Acute mountain sickness, pulmonary oedema and cerebral oedema occur on all three routes. Ascend slowly, rest at Namche and Dingboche, and limit the gain in sleeping height above 3,000 m to roughly 300 to 500 m a day. Go down if symptoms worsen, and do not trek alone. Choose a reputable agency. Reports from the UK government warn of guides who rush trekkers upward and then call a costly evacuation, so do not accept a helicopter without a medical reason.
Flights, permits and cover
Lukla flights are often delayed by weather, so add 2 or 3 spare days. In peak months many leave from Manthali, after a road transfer of roughly 4 to 5 hours. Two fees apply: about NPR 3,000 for the municipal permit and roughly NPR 3,000 to 3,400 for park entry. Take insurance that covers your top altitude and helicopter rescue. The UK advice is on its Nepal travel page , and US and UK advice should be checked before you book.
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Read more: Activities in the Khumbu and Day trips .