Khongma Tse with Everest Base Camp

EVEREST REGION – KHUMBU REGION

The Everest or Khumbu region lies in the eastern part of Nepal. Inhabited by the mountain people who have lived in harmony with their surroundings for hundreds of years, the Khumbu region has still retained its age-old practices. The region has some of the world’s tallest peaks including Everest (8,848.86 m/29,031.69 ft). This region, along with Annapurna region, is ranked as one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. The villages and places lying in this region are situated above 2000 m/6562 ft. Solu region at the south includes villages like Junbesi, Phaplu and Chiwong. Pharak is situated between Solu and Khumbu. Khumbu includes villages named Namche, Thame, Khumjung, Lobuche, Pangboche, Tengboche, etc. The major mountains are Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khantega, Mera Peak, Imja Tse (Island Peak), Lintren, Cholatse, Lobuche, etc.

SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK

Sagarmatha National Park is the highest national park in the world. It was formally opened to public in July 19, 1976. The park covers an area of 1,148 sq km. It rises from its lowest point of 2,845 meters (9,335 feet) at Jorsale to 8,848.86 meters (29,031.69 feet) up to the summit of Everest. The park’s area is very rugged and steep, with its terrain cut by deep rivers and glaciers. It includes three peaks higher than 8000 m – Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m/29,031.69 ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m/26,906 ft). In 1979 the park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park’s visitor centre is located at a hill in Namche Bazar, the fabled town of Everest trekking. The park’s southern entrance is a few hundred metres north of Monjo at 2835 m/9301 ft. Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), funded by the World Wildlife Fund and the Himalayan Trust, was established in 1991 to help preserve Everest’s environment. More than 118 species of birds such as the Impeyan pheasant and snow cock and more than twenty species of butterflies have made this park their home. Musk deer, wild yak, red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan thars, deer, langur monkeys, hares, mountain foxes, martens, and Himalayan wolves are found in the park.

CLIMATE, FLORA AND FAUNA

The climate you experience during the Everest Base Camp Trek can be divided into four climate zones owing to the gradual rise in altitude. The climatic zones include a forested lower zone, a zone of alpine scrub, the upper alpine zone which includes upper limit of vegetation growth, and the Arctic zone where no plants can grow. The types of plants and animals that are found depend on the altitude. In the lower forested zone, birch, juniper, blue pines, firs, bamboo and rhododendron are found. All vegetation that is found above this zone is shrubs. As the altitude increases, plant life is restricted to lichens and mosses. At an elevation of 5,750m begins the permanent snow line in the Himalayas. From this point there is no sign of greenery or vegetation. A common animal sighted in the higher reaches is the hairy animal yak. Dzopkyo (Jopkyo) a sterile male crossbreed between a yak and a cow is used to transport goods along the trail. Red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, wild yak, and Himalayan black bear are some of the exotic animals that are found in this region. A variety of birds can be sighted in the lower regions.

PEAKS

Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha)

Rising to the height of 8,848.86 meters (29031.69 feet), the world’s highest mountain that was named in 1865 after Sir George Everest. The mountain got its Nepali name Sagarmatha during 1960s, when the Government of Nepal gave the mountain the official Nepali name. In Sanskrit Sagarmatha means “Head of the Sky”. The Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolungma or Qomolangma, which means “Goddess Mother of the Snows”. Climbers wishing to scale the peak have to obtain an expensive permit from the Nepal Government. More information on royalty can be found at https://www.tourismdepartment.gov.np/mountaineering-royalty.  Everest Base Camp, which serves as a resting area and base of operations for climbers organizing their attempts for the summit, is located at the Khumbu glacier at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). It receives an average of 450 mm (18 in) of precipitation a year. The climate of Mount Everest is extreme. In July, the warmest month, the average summit temperature is -19 °C (-2 °F).

George Mallory, a famous British adventurer, was one of the first climbers to attempt Everest. When he was asked why he wanted to climb Everest, he replied “Because it is there” – the line has become immortal in the history of Everest expedition. After two unsuccessful attempts, in 1924 he again tried to climb the peak with Andrew Irvine. They started on June 8, 1924 to scale the summit via the North Col route and never returned. The Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition later discovered their bodies near the old Chinese Camp in 1999. Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal were the first two climbers to set foot on the summit of Mt. Everest. They reached the summit at 11:30 a.m. on May 29, 1953 by climbing through the South Col Route. More than 7500 climbers have scaled the highest mountain since then. Also there have been more than 300 deaths on the mountain where conditions are so difficult that most corpses have been left where they fell. Some of them are visible from the standard climbing routes. 

Lhotse

Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft) is the fourth highest mountain in the world. It lies south of Mt. Everest. Two Swiss climbers F. Luchsinger and E. Reiss first climbed it in 1956 from the West face. Czech expedition led by Ivan Galfy scaled it via the South face in 1984. An impressive ring of three peaks makes up the Lhotse massif: Lhotse East or Middle, Lhotse and Lhotse Shar. The South Face of Lhotse is one of the largest mountain faces in the world. 

Cho Oyu

Cho Oyu (8,201 m/26,906 ft) the sixth highest mountain in the world, has gained popularity among climbers just recently. The mountain sits on both sides of the border of Nepal and Tibet, about 30 km. west of Mount Everest. Cho Oyu in Tibetan means “the turquoise goddess.” The south face of Cho Oyu, facing Nepal, is quite steep and difficult, and is rarely climbed. The north side, accessed from Tibet, is more moderate, and there is a relatively safe route to the summit. In the autumn of 1954, an Austrian team made the first ascent via this route. 

Nuptse

Nuptse (7,855 m/25,771 ft) lies southwest of Mt. Everest. It is situated in the Khumbu Himal. From the Tengboche Monastery, one of the iconic monasteries in Everest trek, Nuptse appears as a massive wall guarding the approach to Everest. The name Nup-tse in Tibetan means west peak. The main ridge, which is separated from Lhotse by a 7,556 m (24,790 ft) high saddle, is crowned by seven peaks and goes west-northwest until its steep west-face drops down more than 2,300 m to the Khumbu-glacier. Nuptse was first climbed on May 16, 1961, by Dennis Davis and Tashi Sherpa via the North Ridge during a British expedition led by Joe Walmsley.

Pumori

Pumori (7,161 m/23,494 ft) is just 8 km away from the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest. The magnificent view of the peak dominates the trail as you near Everest Base Camp. The ascent to this peak is described as a classic climb in the 7,000 meters (22966 feet) peak category. In Tibetan, ‘Pumo’ means girl and ‘Ri’, mountain. George Mallory, the famous English climber who lost his life trying to ascend Everest in 1924, named the peak. The German climber Gerhard Lenser was the first to reach the summit of Pumori in May 17, 1962. Pumori is a popular climbing peak. 

Ama Dablam

Ama Dablam (6,814 m/22,356 ft) which means ‘mother’s necklace’, in Sherpa language is considered to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It looks like a woman with outstretched arms or a woman wearing a long necklace. The mountain dominates the whole Everest Base Camp trek. Ama Dablam lies alongside Everest in the heart of the Khumbu Valley. Mt Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest can be seen at close quarters from Ama Dablam. Ama Dablam is considered to be a technical mountain to climb. Due to its towering ridges and steep faces, Ama Dablam is often called the “Matterhorn of the Himalayas.” Ama Dablam was first summited on March 13, 1961, by Mike Gill (New Zealand), Barry Bishop (USA), Mike Ward (UK), and Wally Romanes (New Zealand), who reached the peak via the Southwest Ridge.

Mera Peak

Mera Peak (6,470 m/21,227 ft) is the highest of Nepal’s trekking peaks. By its standard route, it is also the highest peak in Nepal that can be climbed without prior mountaineering experience. J.O.M. Roberts and Sen Tenzing first climbed it on 20 May 1953, from the standard route at Mera La. The mountain lies to the south of Everest, dominating the watershed between the wild and beautiful valleys of the Hinku and Hongu. 

Imja Tse (Island Peak)

Imja Tse (6,165 m/20,226 ft) also known as Island Peak is another notable peak in Khumbu region. The peak was named Island Peak in 1953 by members of the British Mount Everest expedition because it appears as an island in a sea of ice when viewed from Dingboche. In 1983, the peak was officially renamed Imja Tse, but Island Peak remains the more popular name. It is actually an extension of the ridge descending from the southern end of Lhotse Shar (8,400 m/27,559 ft). The main land forms a semicircle of cliffs that rise to the north of the summits of Nuptse, Lhotse, Middle Peak and Lhotse Shar. Cho Oyu and Makalu lie to the east of the Island Peak. Baruntse, Amphu and Ama Dablam lie to the south. A British group as preparation for climbing Mt. Everest first climbed the peak in 1953. 

Lobuje

Lobuje (also spelled Lobuche) is a known as Lhauche among the locals. Lobuche, is a mountain in Nepal located near the Khumbu Glacier and the settlement of Lobuche. It has two main peaks: Lobuche East (6,090 m/19,980 ft) and Lobuche West (6,135 m/20,128 ft). Lobuche East is classified as a “trekking peak” and Lobuche West as an “expedition peak.” As the easier of the two, Lobuche East is climbed more frequently. A long, deeply notched ridge separates the two peaks, and the challenging terrain makes it impossible to approach Lobuche West from the East peak. The first recorded ascent of Lobuche East was made by Laurence Nielson and Ang Gyalzen Sherpa on April 25, 1984, while Lobuche West was first climbed in 1955 via the South Shoulder.

PLACES

Lukla

Lukla, a popular town in Khumbu, boasts of the region’s sole commercial airport. Lying at a height of 2,840 m (9,318 ft), the town is known as the gateway of Everest treks as most trekkers usually begin and end their Everest adventure in Lukla. The airport was built in 1964 by Sir Edmund Hillary as part of his project in Khumbu region during the early 60s to transport the supplies for the Himalayan Trust projects in the Khumbu region. Today, somewhere between 90-95% of the foreign nationals who reach Lukla, arrive by a half hour flight from Kathmandu. 

Namche Bazar

Namche Bazar is known as the Sherpa capital. It is a famous center for everyone doing Everest trekking. Namche is actually a town lying at the junction of the Dudh Koshi and a valley that leads to the frontier pass of Nangpa La. It is tucked away in a niche at a height of 3,440 meters (11,286 feet). W. H. Tilman and C. Houston were the first westerners to enter it in 1950 and many more have come since then. Facilities like a bank, a post office, hotels and shops where one can purchase climbing equipment as well as canned food have sprung up over the years. Namche Bazar is the major regional trading center. Its Saturday market or Haat is the place where most of the trading takes place. The headquarters of the Sagarmatha National Park is located in Namche Bazar. 

Tengboche

Tengboche (3,860m/12,664 ft) is famous for Tengboche Gumba (monastery). It is one of the most important centers of Buddhism in the region. The gumba is the largest one you see during your Everest Base Camp trek. It was first built in 1923. Destroyed by a fire in 1989, it was rebuilt later on partly with foreign aid. From Tengboche, one gets a panoramic view of Kwangde, Tawoche, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Amadablam, Khangtega, and Thamserku. 

Pangboche

Buddhism is believed to have been introduced in the Khumbu region towards the end of the 17th century by Lama Sange Dorjee. According to the legend, he flew over the Himalayas and landed on a rock at Pangboche and Tengboche, leaving his footprints embedded on the stone. He is believed to have been responsible for the founding of the first gumbas in the Khumbu region, at Pangboche and Thame. Pangboche (3,930 m/12,894 ft) is the highest year-round settlement in the valley. The Imja Khola, coming from the right, joins the Dudh Koshi River a little above the village. The gumba (monastery) in Pangboche is consideredto be one of the oldest in the Khumbu region. 

Khumjung

Khumjung (3,780 m/12,402 ft), a village lying west of Tengboche, is famous for the gumba where the skull of a supposed Yeti, the Abominable Snowman, is preserved under the supervision of the head Lama. The skull seems more like the outer skin of Himalayan Brown Bear, and this is proved by the report of a scientific exploratory expedition conducted by Sir Edmund Hillary, a copy of which is kept in the gumba.

Pheriche

Pheriche is located at an altitude of 4,240 m (13,911 ft). It lies on a level patch. Apart from the basic facilities available here, there is a medical-aid post maintained by the Himalayan Rescue Association of the Tokyo Medical College with Japanese doctors in attendance. Among other facilities, there is an air compression chamber installed for assisting victims of high altitude sickness. 

Kala Patthar

Kala Patthar (5,550 m/18,209 ft), meaning ‘black rock’, is a notable feature on the south ridge of Pumori in the Khumbu region, situated above Gorak Shep. Although it is not a true mountain, with a prominence of just 10 m (33 ft), it is a popular trekking destination because it provides the closest and most accessible views of Mount Everest. From Kala Patthar, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, and Changtse, as well as partial views of Lhotse’s northern face and summit. Other 6000-meter peaks visible from Kala Patthar include Ama Dablam, Chumbu, Thamserku, Kangtega, and Lobuche. Kala Patthar is the highest altitude most trekkers will reach during Everest Base Camp trek.

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the iconic starting point for those venturing to the summit of Mt. Everest. It is also a thrilling destination in its own right. Situated at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in Khumbu region, EBC offers an unparalleled experience of the Himalayas, attracting trekkers from around the globe eager to witness the grandeur of the world’s highest mountain up close. Everest Base Camp is not a traditional base camp with luxurious amenities but rather a vibrant collection of tents and temporary lodges that accommodate climbers. The site itself offers a dramatic view of the Khumbu Icefall and the towering peaks surrounding Everest. The surrounding peaks and the sprawling Khumbu Glacier create a breathtaking and otherworldly landscape.

PEOPLE

Sherpas live in the upper regions of Solu Khumbu, the area that largely fall in Everest trekking trail. They emigrated from Tibet about 600 years ago. In the past they were traders and porters, carrying butter, meat, rice, sugar, and dye from India; and wool, jewelry, salt, Chinese silk and porcelain from Tibet and beyond. The closure of the border between India and China undermined their economy. Fortunately, with the mountaineering expeditions and trekkers, the Sherpa’s found their load carrying skills, both on normal treks and high altitudes in great demand. Now, these able bodied, hardy and fearless Sherpa are world class climbers known for their amazing climbing prowess. They are such an inseparable part of mountaineering and trekking in Nepal that any climbers and trekkers can rarely imagine doing a Himalayan adventure without their support.

At the lower elevations lives the Kiranti Rai. The villages of Jubing, Kharikhola, Okhaldhunga, are inhabited by the Rais. Of mongoloid stock, they speak their own dialect. Reference of their fighting spirit is made in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The people from this group have supplied recruits to Gurkha regiments both in the British as well as Indian armies. The Rais follow a religion that is partly animistic with some Hindu influence. They revere their ancestors by observing Kul or Pitri puja every year. The Jirels live in the area around Jiri. They are mongoloid and follow Buddhism.

FESTIVALS

Loshar

Lhosar is celebrated in the month of February by the Sherpas. ‘Lhosar’ means New Year in Tibetan language. Apart from the Sherpas and Tibetans, the Gurungs and Tamangs also celebrate Lhosar. Buddhist monks offer prayers for good health and prosperity at monasteries. People exchange various goods and gifts among them. Families organize feasts and perform dances.

Dumje

Dumje is celebrated to mark the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). The celebration takes place in June and lasts for six days. It is celebrated in a grand way in the villages of Namche, Thame and Khumjung, all important stopovers during Everest trekking. 

Mani Rimdu

Mani Rimdu is a festival that celebrates the victory of Buddhism over the ancient animistic religion of Bon. This festival is celebrated in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwang and Thame. At Tengboche, the most iconic monastery of the Everest trek, the celebration takes place during full moon of November – December. At Thame, Mani Rimdu is celebrated during full moon in May. Chiwang Gompa generally celebrates this festival during autumn. The Lamas wear elaborate brocade gowns and masks while performing. Through the dances, symbolic demons are conquered, dispelled, or converted to Dharma Protectors as positive forces clash with those of chaos. The dances convey Buddhist teaching on many levels from the simplest to the most profound, for those who do not have the opportunity to study and meditate extensively. It gives an opportunity to the Sherpas to gather and celebrate together with the monks. 

Sakela (Chandi Dance)

Sakela (Chandi Dance) is a harvest festival celebrated by the Rai community. The harvest ceremony involves the worship of mother earth, called ‘Bhumi-Puja’. The festival is celebrated twice a year, once in spring before planting begins and once during autumn before harvesting.  Ubhauli is celebrated during the spring season on Baishakh Purnima (full moon). In the autumn season on Mangsir Purnima, Udhauli is celebrated. The spring worship is done to propitiate mother earth for a good harvest and the rain god to bless the earth with enough rain. The festival is celebrated with more fervor in the remote hills. The Rai villagers celebrate it with priests (dhami) who perform rituals to worship their ancestors. The elders of the community begin the dance with a puja. Later on everybody participate in the dance forming a circle by holding each other’s hands. With drumbeats, they begin dancing at a slow pace but moves faster later with the drumbeats. The dance steps and hand gestures imitate the sowing and harvesting of crops. The festival also provides an opportunity for the Rai people to socialize.