Trek to Everest

Tales from Sir Edmund Hilary’s and Tenzig Norgay’s historic first summit of Mount Everest (8,848m) have taunted the imaginations of ambitious (if not slightly unhinged) trekkers, mountaineers and outright rogues.

The Solukumbu region in northeastern Nepal is not only home to Mount Everest, but the neighbouring, cloud-slicing peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Ama Dablam, not to mention the UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park.

As most Sherpa income is from tourism, the region’s hiking infrastructure is unrivalled. Access to the Solukumbu region requires a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to the precarious Lukla runway. Solukumbo’s short hiking window is from March to April and September to October.

Craft your own trek through the highest region in the world with our handcrafted itineraries through the best local guides.

Everest Base Camp

The world’s most classic hiking trail is second in popularity only to the Annapurna circuit. Everest Base Camp is the best vantage point to gaze up at the infamous mountain and meet the brave individuals for whom the camp is only the beginning.

The route will take you past Ama Dablam, (often named the beautiful mountain in the world), the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar and the UNESCO-listed Sagaramatha National Park.

The route itself is an up-and-down affair, meaning that you will have to retrace your steps. The popularity of the trek and the short seasonal window means that you’ll rarely have the route to yourself.

The hike can be done in 12 days, but it normally takes 15 to 16 days to allow for acclimatisation.

Everest Circuit Trek

This trek breaks off from the Base Camp trail and heads towards the Gokyo Lakes. The six turquoise lakes are the highest source of freshwater in the world (4,700m to 5,000m). From the vantage point of Gokyo Ri, you can catch a glimpse of the spiked white peaks of Cho Oyu, Everest and Lhotse, all over 8,000m. You can get to Gokyo in two days if you go via the demanding Cho La Pass, (5420m).

The benefit of the route is that you avoid going back on yourself meaning you’ll be exposed to more varied, stunning scenery than on the classic Everest Base Camp trek. This trek can be done over 14 days and is only suitable for fit and ambitious individuals.

Mera Peak

At 6,476 metres, Mera Peak is classified as a ‘trekking’ peak by Nepalese authorities, meaning you don’t need expensive expedition permits. Saying that, basic use of ice axes and crampons is required.

Separated from the Khumbu valley by 6,000-metre beasts, the Hinku valley has not suffered from the same level of tourism, keeping its Nepalese charm intact and trail congestion at bay. It also isn’t necessary to actually summit Mera peak, making this a great hike for a group of mixed abilities.

Although if you do choose to summit Mera, the mesmerising 360-degree panoramic view expands across the intimidating peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu, all over 8,000 metres.

You’ll stay in tents on this trek, and people usually allow for 20 days to complete it.