There is a great deal more to the Everest region than the Everest Base Camp Trek, yet the lure of the world's highest mountain attracts thousands of experienced and inexperienced hikers every year. A complete absence of roads means that most people visiting the Everest region fly in and out of the mountain airstrip at Lukla.
Whether it's to glimpse Everest from afar, from a classic viewpoint like Kala Pattar, or to scale a Himalayan peak, there's so much more to this region than Everest itself. This is the land of the Sherpa, a hardy people whose friendly nature and cheerful smiles are the stuff of legend. Sherpa and Everest are inseparable. Their tiny villages, sparsely scattered throughout the Khumbu, just seem to belong naturally in this high mountain landscape. There are iconic peaks such as Ama Dablam and Lhotse to complement Everest, small monasteries, glacial lakes, wildlife, and all the comings and goings that both daily life and tourism bring, adding to the flavour of Everest treks.
While many follow what has become known as the standard trek to Everest, there are alternative routes that deviate from the main trail. There are short Everest treks, and nowadays there are even high-standard luxury trekking lodges in the Everest region.
However, if hiking isn't your thing. Don't worry. You can still see Everest by plane or even by private helicopter. See our Unique Ideas page for more.
The classic route to Everest Often described as 'bog standard', we don't think there's anything standard about trekking to reach the base of the world's highest mountain.
A more challenging and interesting Everest Base Camp trek takes a detour from the main Everest trail to the glittering glacial Gokyo Lakes. Ascend Gokyo Ri and cross the Cho La on this backdoor route to EBC.
For the serious, committed trekker only. A very challenging Everest trek across two high passes (Renjo La and Cho La) to reach EBC. A quieter route by nature of the more strenuous trekking required. Tough, but exceptionally rewarding, and very spectacular. Add the Kongma La too to make it even tougher!
The classic trek to Everest Base Camp can now fit into a two-week trekking vacation. So, if Base Camp has always been your dream but time is not on your side, then here's the answer: You'll follow the classic trail to EBC and then fly to Kathmandu in just a matter of minutes in a private helicopter!
There is no need to 'rough it' in basic teahouses to get views of Everest and trek in the land of the Sherpa. Walk along part of the Everest Base Camp trail, visit Thyangboche Monastery, explore Namche Bazaar, and see Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
A short Everest Trek. Spectacular trekking in the realm of the Sherpa and the Everest region. Visit Namche Bazaar, Thyangboche Monastery, and follow sections of the Everest Base Camp trail. Great views of the summit of Everest, Lhotse, the iconic Ama Dablam, and more.
For active families with teenagers: See the mighty Mount Everest and go deep into the jungles of Chitwan in search of Tigers. This holiday combines a short, moderately paced trek in the Everest region up to the Everest View Hotel for an awesome mountain panorama, time in colourful Kathmandu, and a wildlife safari too!