Complete Guide to Trekking in the Everest Region

Overview

The Everest Region (Khumbu) is the world's most famous trekking destination. Home to Mount Everest (8,848.86m), it offers routes for every level — from the classic Everest Base Camp trek to the challenging Three Passes and technical peak climbing.

Popular Routes

Everest Base Camp (12-14 Days)

The classic route: Lukla → Phakding → Namche → Tengboche → Dingboche → Lobuche → Gorak Shep → EBC → Kala Patthar. Best for first-time Himalayan trekkers.

Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri (12-14 Days)

Diverges from EBC route at Namche. Visits turquoise Gokyo Lakes, crosses Cho La Pass (optional), summits Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for arguably the best Everest panorama.

Three Passes Trek (18-21 Days)

The ultimate Khumbu traverse: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,360m). Requires excellent fitness and prior high-altitude experience.

Everest View Trek (7-9 Days)

Shorter option reaching Tengboche (3,860m) and Everest View Hotel (3,880m). Ideal for those with limited time or altitude concerns.

Permits Required

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 (foreigners)
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: NPR 2,000
• TIMS Card: No longer required for Khumbu (replaced by local permit)

Getting There

Flight: 35 min Kathmandu → Lukla (weather dependent, delays common). Book early morning flights.

Drive + Trek: 10-12 hrs Kathmandu → Phaplu (or Salleri), then 5-6 days trek to Namche. Good backup if flights cancelled.

Acclimatization Strategy

Our non-negotiable acclimatization days:

• Day 3-4: Namche Bazaar (3,440m) — hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m)
• Day 6-7: Dingboche (4,410m) — hike to Nangkartshang (5,100m)

Additional day at Chhukung (4,730m) recommended for Three Passes and peak climbing.

Teahouse Standards

Lower elevations (up to Namche): Private rooms, attached bathrooms, hot showers, WiFi, varied menus.

Higher elevations (Dingboche+): Basic rooms (often shared), common squat toilets, bucket showers (extra), limited WiFi, simpler menus.

Insider Tips from Our Guides

1. Carry cash (NPR): No ATMs above Namche. Card machines rare.
2. Water: Bring purification (tablets/filter). Bottled water expensive and creates plastic waste.
3. Charging: Solar chargers unreliable. Bring 2-3 power banks (20,000mAh+). Pay for charging at teahouses.
4. Lukla flights: Build 2 buffer days before international departure. Helicopter option exists (USD 500-600/person shared).
5. Diamox: Consult your doctor. Our guides carry it for emergency use only.

When to Go

Peak Seasons: Oct-Nov (clear, busy), Mar-May (rhododendrons, warmer).

Shoulder: Dec-Feb (cold, clear, quiet), Aug-Sep (monsoon tail, fewer crowds, flights more reliable).

Why Choose Winterfell

We don't do fixed departures. Every EBC trek is custom-designed around your dates, fitness, interests, and budget. Small groups (max 8), IFMGA-trained leaders, porter welfare guaranteed, satellite comms on every trip.