Nepal is a landlocked nation wedged between India and China. Everest has a magical siren song that calls out to mountaineers across the globe. The majestic alpine landscapes and white-capped peaks that promises larger-than-life adventures. Likewise, trekking to Everest Base Camp is an impressive way to explore Himalayan villages and Sherpa culture.

Must Sees | Bonus | Food | Adventures

MUST SEES

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is hot, dusty, and chaotic. At busy intersections, you may see a clump of black cables. If you follow some corridors, you can find nice, secluded family courtyards where kids are bouncing balls.

Ramecchap

During the trekking season, planes fly Lukla to Ramecchap instead of Kathmandu. The bus ride from Kathmandu passes hills, farms, villages, and the Sunkoshi and Tamakoshi Rivers.

Phakding

Phakding is a small Sherpa village with teahouses and restaurants. This spot in the valley by the Dudh Kosi River is in a pine and cedar forest. You pass prayer wheels, stupas, and mani stones in a clockwise direction. There are also porters, donkeys, and yaks carrying insane loads on their backs.

Suspension Bridges

There are about five suspension bridges on the way to Namche. The long, skinny metal bands sway and bounce with every step above the Dudh Kosi River. It goes without saying that the donkeys and yaks have the right of way.

Namche Bazaar

Namche’s buildings are on terraces in a natural amphitheater. At the entrance, there is a big stupa and a stream with spinning prayer wheels. Namche is a popular spot for acclimating to the altitude. On your layover, visit the many gear shops (even a North Face store), restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Tenzing Norgay Memorial

In the hills above Namche, check out Tenzing Norgay’s pink statue. Norgay and Edmund Hillary were the first two people to summit Everest in 1953. Sherpa porters and guides are vital to trekking in the Himalayas.

Tengboche

Tengboche is a hill station above Khumbu Valley and below Ama Dablam. The Tengboche Monastery has a giant rock with the Magic Buddha’s footprint and a Magic Buddha statue. The monastery walls have bright colorful murals depicting Buddhist scripture.

Dingboche

As the highest Sherpa village in the Khumbu region, this is another popular spot for acclimation. It is much needed after the steep ups and downs in the rhododendron and juniper forests. The village’s main path has white-washed walls, snack shops, snooker halls, and yak dung patties on a large rock.

Lobuche

Before the settlement of Lobuche, at Thokla Pass, there is a memorial to those who passed away on the mountain. There are only about a couple dozen homes, with shiny solar water heaters. It is right before the last push to EBC.

Gorak Shep

Gorak Shep is an outpost at the edge of a frozen lakebed and is only open during the trekking season. Stop here for lunch on the way to EBC. After reaching EBC, return to Gorak Shep and go to sleep early.

Everest Base Camp

From Gorak Shep, walk next to the massive Khumbu Glacier, which is mostly covered by dirt. After a boulder field, you reach the iconic Everest Base Camp. Everest climbers start their ascent in the Khumbu Ice Fall with its treacherous crevasses.

Kala Patthar

After an alpine start at 3 am, it is a slow and steady climb to this spectacular mountain viewpoint. To your right, you can see the length of the Khumbu Glacier surrounded by legendary 8,000-meter peaks. Straight ahead, you have an unrivaled view of Everest – it is the black diamond behind the mist.

Pheriche

Pheriche is in a wide flat valley at a relatively low altitude. Its valley forms a wishbone with Dingboche’s valley (a mile to the east). The air is thick and warm again. There is a dark and smoky bar where locals congregate. Sherpas in heavy jackets sit closely huddled on benches next to the walls.

Everest

Sagarmatha is the tallest mountain in the world. Under 7,000 people have summitted with 800 attempts per year. For mere mortals, Everest Base Camp is the closest they will get to the peak. For two weeks of trekking, the rewards of seeing Everest is more than worth the effort.

BONUS

Tea House

Tea houses provide refreshments and nourishment during meals. The communal dining area has a yak dung powered stove and cushioned bench seating along the walls. During the trek, stop at tea houses for tea (ginger lemon, milk, masala) or coffee.

Trail Farms

The trail goes right through the center of some farms. The trail is walled off on both sides by tall rock walls. On either side of the walls are green leafy farm plots.

Porters

Porters haul supplies from Lukla to Namche in 1.5 days and carry up to 135 kg on their backs. The loads have cloth straps that are attached to the tops of their heads for balance. When they rest, they lean the burden on a specially fashioned walking stick/kickstand.

Prayer Wheels

Along the trails, you will pass prayer wheels, stupas, and mani stones in a clockwise direction. Spin the prayer wheels clockwise to release prayers and mantras. Prayer wheels generate good karma and wisdom.

Mani Stones

There are large boulders with Tibetan engravings or paintings. The stones reveal the Buddhist mantra, “om mani padme hum.”

FOOD

Momo

The momos are golden brown with a thick and chewy bread-like dough. The yak meat is tender and juicy with shallots. There is a red chili dipping sauce with fiery heat.

Dal Bhat Power 24-Hour

Dal Bhat is a cup of dal (lentils) with spinach and curried seasonal vegetables. It also comes with pickles, a mound of rice, and crispy papadam. The best thing about dal bhat is the unlimited refills!

Thukpa

The Thukpa noodle soup is nourishing goodness in a bowl. The noodles are thick and smooth. The broth is extremely hot, a perfect fit for cold Himalayan nights. There is a solid mix of vegetables: cabbage, carrots, and spinach.

ADVENTURES

Trek to Everest Base Camp

The path to Everest Base Camp is a rollercoaster through supreme Himalayan mountain ridges and remote Nepali villages

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