The Khumbu is the upper valley of the Dudh Koshi and its tributaries, the Imja, Bhote Koshi and Ngozumpa, running north from Lukla to the Tibet border. Everest at 8,849 m, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu all rise from its rim, and almost all of it lies inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. There are no roads. Everything moves on foot, by yak or zopkyo, or by helicopter, and the trails link Sherpa villages that have farmed potatoes and traded salt over the Nangpa La for centuries.
Most people come for Everest Base Camp. The standard trek takes 12–14 days from Kathmandu: a 35-minute flight to Lukla, two days to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 m, then Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche, with two rest days for acclimatisation, before reaching base camp at 5,364 m and Kala Patthar at 5,644 m for the clearest view of Everest's summit. Walking days run 5–8 hours on good but rocky trails.
Other routes suit other travellers. The 7-day Everest View trek turns round at Namche and Hotel Everest View, staying below 4,000 m. The Gokyo valley holds turquoise lakes and Gokyo Ri at 5,357 m. Strong trekkers link everything over the Cho La, Kongma La and Renjo La on the Three Passes route, and climbers use the trails to reach Island Peak, Lobuche East and Mera Peak. For those who cannot walk, a helicopter tour reaches the Kala Patthar ridge from Kathmandu and returns the same morning.
Accommodation is in teahouse lodges run by Sherpa families, from simple twin rooms with shared toilets at Gorak Shep to heated rooms with attached bathrooms in Namche and Lukla, plus a handful of comfort lodges such as Yeti Mountain Home and Hotel Everest View. Food is dal bhat, Sherpa stew, noodles, potatoes and bakery cakes in Namche. Our packages include Lukla flights, permits, licensed guides, porters and trail meals, priced in INR and USD.
