Stand in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain and experience the drama, culture and high-altitude beauty of the Everest region in Nepal and Tibet. The trek to Base Camp on Mount Everest is one of the world’s most iconic walking adventures, with spectacular viewpoints from Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri revealing breathtaking Himalayan panoramas across the Khumbu region.

Covering the full range of trekking routes in Nepal and Tibet, this comprehensive Everest guidebook is the essential companion for exploring the region’s classic and lesser-known routes with confidence. Designed for experienced hikers, the treks range from 19 to 91km (12–56 miles) and can be completed in 2–16 days, combining demanding high-altitude terrain with the need for careful preparation and planning.

• Detailed route descriptions for the classic Everest Base Camp trek from Lukla via Namche Bazaar and Gorak Shep, including an ascent of Kala Patthar for iconic views of Everest
• Coverage of alternative and extended routes, including the trek from Jiri to Lukla taken by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, a trek north to Gokyo and the challenging Three Passes Trek linking the region’s major passes and valleys
• Includes the option to approach Everest from Tibet, from Kharta to the Kangshung Face, offering a different perspective on the mountain and its remote eastern approaches
• Clear mapping and stage-by-stage guidance with distances, ascent, descent and altitude information to support careful acclimatisation
• Practical advice on travel logistics, permits, accommodation and food in the Everest region to simplify planning
• Cultural and historical insight into the Khumbu region, enriching your understanding of the landscape and the Sherpa people

Whether you are planning the classic Everest Base Camp trek, seeking the challenge of the Three Passes, or looking to approach Everest from Tibet, this guidebook provides authoritative support for high-altitude trekking in Nepal. Prepare thoroughly, embrace the challenge and experience the scale, history and achievement of trekking in the shadow of the world’s highest peak.

Everest Region Treks – Quick Facts

Trail name: Everest Base Camp and Everest Region Treks
Location: Khumbu region, Nepal, with routes extending into Tibet
Total distance: 19–91km / 12–56 miles (depending on route)
Typical duration: 2–16 days
Start points: Lukla (classic route) or Jiri (historic approach); Kharta for Tibet approach
Highest viewpoints: Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri
Trail type: High-altitude Himalayan trekking routes
Difficulty: Challenging to strenuous (suited to experienced hikers)
Terrain: Mountain trails, glacial valleys, high passes, moraines and exposed viewpoints
Altitude considerations: Significant altitude gain requiring careful acclimatisation
Best seasons: Pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn)
Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges in Nepal; expedition-style logistics for Tibet routes

Author Highlight

“For many, the highest mountain on Earth is reason enough to visit Nepal. Mount Everest, synonymous with epic adventure and heroism, is every bit as spectacular as might be imagined, and a trek to its base will fulfil many a lifetime ambition. But while it is an obvious attraction, Everest is by no means the only thing a trip to the region will be remembered for. From extraordinary landscapes and wildlife to a rich culture and diverse people – there is much in the region to offer the keen traveller.”

- Radek Kucharski, auhtor of Everest: A Trekker's Guide

Map key 
Location of treks
Everest routes from Tibet (China) 
Preface 
Introduction  
Visa arrangements 
Getting there and travelling around 
21 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 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 Lukla to Namche Bazaar 
Prologue Getting to Lukla 
Section 1 Lukla to Phakding 
Section 2 Phakding to Namche Bazaar  

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 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 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 

Seasons

Spring, preceding the summer monsoon, and autumn are the main trekking seasons, with April enjoying blooming rhododendrons and November blessed with brilliant clear sky. Cold winters and rainy summers are challenging.

Centres

Kathmandu, Jiri, Junbesi, Salleri, Phaplu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Tengboche, Pangboche, Dingboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Chukhung, Gokyo, Thame

Difficulty

A range of possible itineraries – from fairly easy Everest View Trek to Namche or Pangboche, to ambitious Three Passes Trek – ensure trekkers of various abilities and ambitions can find a route for themselves. No technical skills are required; acclimatisation must be carefully planned. Hiking crampons are recommended for some trails.

Must See

Guidebook to the Everest Base Camp and the Kala Patthar peak, the famous trekkers’ attractions in Khumbu. Also covers the route to the magnificent Gokyo, the Three Passes Trek over Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, along with hikes to Ama Dablam and Island Peak base camps and a trek in Tibet.

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