The Everest Region is the second most popular trekking region in Nepal located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited part of this region is Solukhumbu district, home of the legendary Sherpas as well as the highest peak of the world, the Everest at 8848 meters. To the north of Solukhumbu is Everest National Park; while to the east is the Makalu Barun National Park. Everest Region is recommended as an introduction to the hills of Nepal and their inhabitabts.
The major ethnic groups that live in the Everest region are Sherpa, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhettris. Diverse range of wildlife and vegetation are seen in the region. Animals to be observed are mountain goat, musk deer and barking deer in the forests. Birds include Impeyan Pheasant [Danfe], ravens, crows, choughs and snow pigeons. The best time to visit is spring and autumn. The national bird, danfe (a kind of pheasant), and mountain goats are common in the Khumbu area, and because the Sherpas do not kill animals or birds, people can have a closer proximity with these animals and birds. Musk deer and snow leopards are also natives of the Khumbu Mountains.
Getting There:
You can either fly or walk to the Everest Region. Buses to Jiri leave from the old bus park [Ratna Park] in Kathmandu. Jiri is a ten hours drive from Kathmandu. By air, there are three options. The most convenient for Everest trek is Lukla, which is serviced by many airlines with daily flights from Kathmandu. Another option is the airstrip at Phaplu, near the district headquarter which is serviced by daily flights from the capital, Kathmandu. From Phaphlu, it is three days walk to Lukla or four days to Namche Bazzar. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangaboche, which is located above Namche bazaar at 3730 m.
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