Everest: A Trekker's Guide

Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri. Trekking routes in Nepal and Tibet

RADEK KUCHARSKI

CICERONE 2023

Everest has an eternal appeal for mountain lovers and the classic trek to Everest Base Camp is high on the bucket-list of many trekkers. This guidebook covers the most popular route in the Khumbu Valley, from Lukla via Namche Bazaar and Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Everest. It also describes the classic route from Jiri to Lukla taken by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, as well as a trek north to Gokyo with its spectacular lakes and the peak of Gokyo Ri. Finally, the Three Passes Trek, also starting in Namche, links the region's major passes and valleys.

The guidebook includes suggestions for side trips and time spent in Namche Bazaar, Pangboche, Dingboche and Gokyo, as well as one trek approaching Everest from Tibet – from Kharta to the Kangshung Face.

It is packed with essential advice on trekking in the Himalayas, including planning and preparation, trekking formalities, health and acclimatisation, as well as notes on culture and the fascinating history of the region, making this a complete guide to exploring the area.

CONTENTS

Regional overview map

Location of treks

Everest routes from Tibet (China)

Map key

Preface

Introduction

Visa arrangements

Getting there and travelling around

Kathmandu Valley

The Everest Region (Solukhumbu)

Trekking routes in Nepal

Accommodation and food

Drinking water

Trekking styles

Seasons and weather

Fitness, health and emergencies

Respect others on the trail

Hazards en route

Equipment

Trekking formalities

Communication

Budget

Minimum impact trekking

Cultural interaction

Using this guide

Trek 1

Trek 1 Jiri or Salleri/Phaplu to Chheplung and Lukla

Prologue Kathmandu to Jiri

Section 1 Jiri to Shivalaya

Section 2 Shivalaya to Junbesi

Section 3 Junbesi to Ringmu

Alternative start Salleri or Phaplu to Ringmu

Section 4 Ringmu to Surke

Section 5A Surke to Chheplung (for Namche Bazaar)

Section 5B Surke to Lukla

Trek 2

Trek 2 Lukla to Namche Bazaar

Prologue Getting to Lukla

Section 1 Lukla to Phakding

Section 2 Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Trek 3

Trek 3 Namche Bazaar to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Kala Patthar

Section 1A Namche to Sanasa via Tenzing Norgay Chorten and Khyangjuma

Section 1B Namche to Sanasa via Khumjung

Section 2A Sanasa to Pangboche via Tengboche and Deboche

Section 2B Sanasa to Pangboche via Mong La and Phortse

Section 3 Pangboche to Dingboche (or Pheriche)

Section 4 Dingboche (or Pheriche) to Lobuche

Section 5 Lobuche to Gorakshep

Section 6A Ascent of Kala Patthar (5645m/18,520ft)

Section 6B Hike to Everest Base Camp (5275m/17,306ft)

Trek 4

Trek 4 Namche Bazaar to Gokyo

Section 1A Namche to Sanasa via Tenzing Norgay Chorten and Khyangjuma

Section 1B Namche to Sanasa via Khumjung

Section 2 Sanasa to Phortse Thanga

Section 3 Phortse Thanga to Machhermo

Section 4 Machhermo to Gokyo

Trek 5

Trek 5 Three Passes Trek

Section 1 Namche to Sanasa

Section 2 Sanasa to Pangboche

Section 3 Pangboche to Dingboche

Section 4 Dingboche to Chukhung

Section 5 Chukhung to Lobuche via Kongma La

Section 6 Lobuche to Dzongla

Section 7 Dzongla to Gokyo via Cho La

Section 8 Gokyo to Namche Bazaar via Renjo La and Thame

Everest from Tibet

Introduction

Trek 6 Kharta to the Kangshung Face

Appendix A Summary of treks

Appendix B Selected trekking peaks in the Everest Region

Appendix C Useful websites

Appendix D Selected lodges in the Everest Region

Appendix E Glossary

Appendix F Mountain panoramas