Mount Everest Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Mount Everest? This guide has everything you need to know, from must-visit places to cultural customs and safety tips.


Introduction to Mount Everest

Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas in Asia, is the highest mountain in the world with a peak elevation of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters). For many adventurous travelers, Mount Everest is the ultimate destination to check off their bucket list. However, planning a trip to this iconic mountain can seem overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide all the essential information you need to know before embarking on your Mount Everest adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Mount Everest

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Tengboche Monastery - A significant Buddhist monastery with a fascinating history dating back to the 17th century.
  2. Sagarmatha National Park Museum - A modern museum with informative exhibits about the region’s geography, flora, fauna, and Sherpa culture.
  3. Khumbu Glacier - A massive glacier that connects Everest and Lhotse at the base of the Khumbu Valley.

Natural Attractions of Mount Everest: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Everest Base Camp Trek - A must-do trek that takes you through the picturesque Khumbu Valley to the base of the world’s tallest mountain.
  2. Gokyo Lakes Trek - A route that adds Gokyo Lakes to the Everest Base Camp route, offering stunning views and a chance to experience high-altitude trekking.
  3. Kala Patthar - A scenic vantage point that offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Everest massif, including the highest peak in the world.
  4. Cho La Pass - A high-altitude pass that connects the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp treks, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience.
  5. Island Peak - A technical trek with a mountaineering element, providing a chance to experience high-altitude climbing and stunning views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mount Everest

  1. Three Passes Trek - A challenging route that covers three high-altitude passes - Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La - while offering stunning Himalayan views.
  2. Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek - An alternative trek that takes you through the heart of the Solu-Khumbu region and allows for proper acclimatization.
  3. Mountain Biking to Base Camp - A unique way to experience the region, with a combination of off-road biking and hiking to reach the base of the world’s tallest mountain.

Best Things to Do in Mount Everest: Activities and Tours

  1. Everest Heli Tour - A scenic helicopter ride that offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.
  2. High-Altitude Training - A pre-trek training that allows you to acclimatize and prepare for high-altitude trekking.
  3. Sherpa Culture Tour - An insightful cultural tour that takes you through the life of Sherpa people, their culture, traditions, and lifestyle.
  4. Climbing Training - A training course for mountaineers interested in climbing Mount Everest or other peaks in the Himalayas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mount Everest

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2 Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding
Day 3 Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 4 Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 5 Trek to Tengboche
Day 6 Trek to Dingboche
Day 7 Trek to Lobuche
Day 8 Trek to Everest Base Camp, back to Gorak Shep
Day 9 Hike to Kala Patthar, return to Gorak Shep and Lukla
Day 10 Return to Kathmandu

Food and Drink Scene of Mount Everest

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Momos - A type of dumpling with a filling of vegetables or meat, commonly found throughout the Himalayas.
  2. Dal Bhat - A staple Nepalese dish consisting of lentil soup, rice, vegetables, and pickles.
  3. Sherpa Stew - A hearty stew made with meat, lentils, and vegetables, commonly eaten on high-altitude treks.

Local Beverages

  1. Butter Tea - A traditional hot beverage made with tea leaves, yak butter, and salt, served in the teahouses of the Himalayas.
  2. Chang - A homemade beer made from fermented rice or millet, popular in the Solu-Khumbu region.

Where to Stay in Mount Everest: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Teahouses - Small, traditional lodges found along the trekking routes, offering comfortable rooms and local meals.
  2. Luxury Lodges - Higher-end accommodations with modern amenities, such as hot showers and western cuisine, found in Namche Bazaar and other major settlements.
  3. Camping - A popular option for mountaineers and trekkers who want to experience the wilderness and solitude of the Everest region.

What to Buy in Mount Everest: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Prayer Flags - Colorful flags adorned with prayers, offering peace and prosperity to those who display them.
  2. Tibetan Singing Bowls - Traditional bowls used in meditation and healing practices, handmade by artisans in the region.
  3. Yak Wool Shawls and Blankets - Soft, warm, and durable woolen items made from the wool of Himalayan yaks.

Local Culture and Customs of Mount Everest

  1. Sherpa Culture - A distinct culture of the Sherpa people, who form a large community in the Everest region, characterized by their mountaineering skills, Buddhism, and hospitality.
  2. Buddhist Beliefs - A prevalent religion in the region, with a strong emphasis on karma, meditation, and compassion.
  3. Trekking Etiquette - Respect the culture, customs, and beliefs of the locals, and follow responsible travel practices.

Best Time to Visit Mount Everest

The best time to visit Mount Everest is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when the weather is mild and stable, and the visibility is good.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mount Everest

Do:

  1. Respect the culture, customs, and beliefs of the locals.
  2. Follow the leave-no-trace principle and practice responsible travel.
  3. Prepare for high-altitude trekking and acclimatize properly.
  4. Dress in layers and bring appropriate trekking gear.

Don’t:

  1. Ignore the instructions of the guides and locals.
  2. Litter or damage the environment.
  3. Underestimate the altitude sickness and risk factors of high-altitude trekking.
  4. Eat or drink untreated water or food.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mount Everest

  1. Hire a licensed guide and porters, and follow their guidance throughout the trip.
  2. Carry adequate first-aid supplies and medications, and inform your guides about any medical conditions.
  3. Be prepared for weather changes and natural hazards, such as avalanches and rockfalls.
  4. Respect the rules and regulations of the national park authorities and the government authorities.

Health in Mount Everest

  1. Acclimatize properly and avoid fast ascents.
  2. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet to maintain the energy level.
  3. Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene to prevent infections.
  4. Recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and seek medical attention if necessary.

Getting to Mount Everest: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mount Everest

  1. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the nearest international airport to Mount Everest.
  2. Lukla Airport - A small airport located in the Everest region, considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

Bus Stations Near Mount Everest

There are no direct bus services to Mount Everest, but regular bus services are available from Kathmandu to Jiri, which is the starting point of the Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek.

Other Options

Helicopter services and private transfers are available from Kathmandu to Lukla and other destinations in the Everest region.

How to Get Around in Mount Everest

Walking is the primary mode of transportation in the Everest region. Yak, mules, and horses are also used to transport luggage and equipment.

Where to Go Next from Mount Everest: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Annapurna Circuit Trek - A scenic trek that takes you through the Annapurna region and offers stunning mountain views.
  2. Pokhara - A popular destination for adventure sports, such as paragliding and rafting, and a gateway to Annapurna treks.
  3. Chitwan National Park - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endangered animals, such as Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceroses.

Conclusion

A trip to Mount Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires proper planning and preparation. With this comprehensive guide, we hope you have all the information you need to make your Mount Everest adventure safe, enjoyable, and memorable.